Easter with the Grunigs

April 2010 (Yes, that says April, not August)

This is my 3rd attempt at posting this event. My two prior attempts disappeared at the click of some mysterious button I must have pushed as I was trying to arrange the pictures as I wanted them. If it doesn’t work this time, our spring break with the Grunig family will be forgotten forever. Wish me luck….our posterity and the world need to know.

Disclaimer: My first post was super witty and full of cute anecdotes along with the facts. The second attempt was still cute, not so witty, but still have the facts. This attempt has the facts and only the facts. Some of the facts are a little hazy as this was in April.

The Grunigs came to visit in April. We were beyond excited to have them come and counted down the days to their arrival.

The day after they pulled in to town was Easter as well as General Conference for our church. We spent the day hanging out and trying to keep the kids entertained while we watched conference on TV. We were happy to have our friend/babysitter, Caitlin, spend the day with us, too.

We had a little egg hunt in the back yard that evening.

The hunt begins!

Cute Abby and her loot.

Grambo, mid-hunt

Cute kiddos, post hunt


The next day was a little chilly, so we took the group to The Clubhouse in Ventura. The kids played their hearts out. The only picture I got was of Lucy hula hooping. We had a great time. I really enjoyed visiting with Tanna and Jed while the kids played.

We made our way to the beach later in the week. The highlight of the day was when this little seal showed itself so close to where we were set-up. Jed was in the rocks with the kids looking for crabs and Lucy turned around and saw his heading bobbing up and down as he made his way to the beach. We were worried about him, but we were assured by the beach patrol that he’d be return to the water soon if he didn’t go himself…..or herself…..who knows.

We went over to the Seabridge community a couple times while they were here. The kids played at the little park and we walked around the harbor. The kids got crazy and started dancing around all goofy-like.
I love how hard Lucy is laughing in this one.

The kids came up with this pose on their own. Check out the face Graham is making.

The better part of another day was spent on a little hike/walk in Carpenteria. It’s right on the coast on the way to Santa Barbara. There are cliffs you can look over and see all of the seals lounging in the sun. We ventured down into the tide pools for a while, too.




That evening we went to our favorite restaurant, The Beach Grill at Padaro. We love this place! It’s right near the beach. All of the seating is outside and there’s a giant sand area for the kids to play in. The kids made a big sand pile and jumped in it over and over. I wish I would have gotten more pictures!

Here’s Ben enjoying some orange stuff.

The last day Graham developed a fever and slept most of the day. Peter, Lucy, and Abby made him get well card and pictures to cheer him up.

I love this one with the cards on top of him as he sleeps.

He woke up surrounded by their artwork and the artists were ready to explain their masterpieces.

The last two pictures of Ben-O were the only ones I got of our last day at the beach. I think he looks adorable in his little Hawaiian outfit.

After journaling that three different times, I have gained an even greater appreciation for how much fun it was!! We can't wait until they come again! Maybe next time it won’t take me 4 months to get it all down. If you’re reading this….it worked!!!!!!