Family time on the left coast

It's been a while since this blog has been updated.  Please accept my apologies.  A Stress-Less Transition business has been amazing and I am honored to have helped many families!

In June, we had an opportunity to spend time with my brother and his family in Portland, OR and with Frank's daughters in Monterey, CA.

Here are a few pictures from our adventures:

The fun began as soon as we arrived in Portland!

Uncle Frank getting schooled in chess by two young masters!

A little front yard catch.

We had a family adventure to Mt. St. Helens.

Kathy, Nate, Chris and Daniel at the "short video"

Chris, Daniel, Nate and me at the entrance to one of the visitor centers

Leann & Frank at one of the scenic overlooks-photo opportunities along the drive.

Mt. St. Helens as seen from inside the visitor center

 The next day was dubbed "Spoil The Nephews Day"!  The boys got to choose between the Nickel Arcade or Bowling.

Skeeball!

Even Frank got a little of the action

We had to cut or spoiling a little short because the boys had to get to practice for their post-season Honors Team baseball tournament.  It was fun to see them play on the field with teammates.

Day two of "Fun with Chris and Nate":

No pictures inside the mummy display.  But it was pretty cool.

We made arrangements to meet Frank's nephew, Richard, for lunch downtown.  Imagine the excitement when we had to hang out at life-size chess board!

People stopped left and right to watch Nate and Chris play.  I'm sure most people thought they were just moving the pieces around, but anyone who knows how to play chess saw they were playing for real!  

Uncle Frank with his west-coast nephews!

Our next stop was a surprise and the boys got to ask 10 questions in order to figure out where we were going.  :o)

100% Sugar!  (Isn't that what aunts and uncles are supposed to do??)  :o)

Leann, Nate, Chris and Frank at a yummy Mexican restaurant

After leaving Portland, we headed toward Monterey, CA where we would spend a few days with Allison and Andrea.

Driving on the boardwalk

These huge (noisy and smelly) seals hang out under the boardwalk.

Take a listen for yourself

This big fellow propelled himself out of the water and onto the beam.

Allison, Frank and Andrea

Did you know the artichoke is the California state vegetable??

Another little roadtrip to the Monterey Aquarium.

Amazing jellyfish!

How many seahorses can you find?  Pretty good camouflage! 

Lunch with a view

After the aquarium, we headed down the road to one of the forests with huge redwoods.

Dinner on the deck overlooking Monterey Bay

It wouldn't be a Crazy-Travelers Adventure without a food tour!

Beautiful Carmel!  In the background you can see Pebble Beach Golf Course

The reason for our trip to California was to be a part of Allison's Graduation.  She's worked hard to earn her Masters in Counseling Psychology and is looking forward to the next steps to be a family counselor.

It's official!  Congratulations, Allison

We took a little drive through the Stanford campus.

At the end of our time in Monterey, I returned to Florida and Frank continued on through various parts of California, visiting places he lived back when he was in the service.

It was a great trip, lots of time with family and perfect weather!