Northern California Trip

I am a little late in posting this, but I wanted to share a few moments with you from our trip to Northern California. We pretty much drove the furthest distance you can in California, from San Diego to Redding. The trip took about nine hours, but we got to enjoy the company of Jen, who drove up with us. The big occasion was meeting Matt's soon-to-be-bride Karina. They are such a dynamic, incredible couple and we loved getting to see their lives, work, ministries and friends. They were so generous to host us in the midst of preparing for a wedding just weeks away. We were able to spend some fun times together a you can see. . .

Turtle Bay Exploration Center in Redding- so much fun for kids

Uncle Matt is a kid at heart!!!

Auntie Karina made crowns with the kids. Josiah said "I'm so 'ehsited' to have my new Auntie Karina!"

The three daughter- in- laws with Mama Paine. Gerry flew up for the weekend.

We had a bridal shower/ bachlorette party for Karina and things got a little

wild at the Spice Lounge (:

We drove up to Mt. Shasta for a fun snow play day. It was the first time the kids had ever experienced snow! Josiah immediately began throwing snowballs, while Annette just stood frozen in one spot. Being the sub- tropical people that we are, we were seriously lacking in the snow gear department. We improvised with plastic bags on their hands and feet. It worked great and we all had a blast.

We went a little out of our way on our way back to San Diego to explore San Francisco and Santa Cruz. Of course the boys got a little crazy!

Rowing our boat at Golden Gate Park

The Coastal Redwoods in Santa Cruz. Don't you just love little people next to big trees?