A couple of months ago we wen to visit my sister Carmen, Amanda and Linda in California. They live in
Irivine. We had such a great time there. We visited different places and enjoyed the cool California
weather. There is so much more to see that we were not able to....
definitely an excuse to go back !!! Here are some of the trip pictures.
The Crystal Cathedral is the home base for the International Crystal Cathedral Ministries, including a congregation of over 10,000 members and the internationally televised "Hour of Power."
We headed to different places, and some took a couple of hours to get there. The car trips were fun and long. The girls were really good.
We visited one of the many wineries in the area. "Blackjack" is located in
Solvang. Since we had the girls, we were not all able to go inside. Aaron was able to go and do a little tasting. He got a bottle that we later enjoyed on our 7
th wedding anniversary. Perfect !!!
Solvang dates back to 1911 when Danish-Americans traversed the plains from Iowa to establish a settlement in California. They purchased 9,000 acres of the former Rancho San Carlos de Jonata and situated their new community adjacent to the historic Old Mission Santa Inés. To preserve and promote Danish culture, the founders constructed a Danish folk school and church; then built Atterdag College, which opened in 1914 and educated through 1970.
We spent a day at the beach. The water was cold, but that did not stop us from going in and having a good time.
We visited one of
Carmen's friend's avocado farm. They are also growing lemons and grapefruit. We were able to go around and pick avocados. It was a first for us. We brought back enough avocados to last us weeks. The view from the top of the groves is breathtaking.
Mami and
Papi took the easy way up to the top of the hill
This is the area were
Benedicta and her husband will be building their house.
Lunch in Old Town, San Diego.
A night at the movies
Santa Monica Pier
Linda's Graduation Party
Ashlyn and Kayla's new friend "Sammy Theodore
Melgarejo"
Today was Kayla's first day of school. This moring Aaron, Ashlyn, Mamita Esperaza, Papi Diomo, Stephanie and I took her to school. She was so exited to go to school, meet new friends and learn new things (Definetly a Hoefen trait). Our little princess keeps on inpressing us every day. When she was picked up, she couln't stop talking (a Melgarejo trait) about her day. She had a note from the teacher saying that she was amazing and a great listener on her first day. Other events that have taken place, is that Kayla and Ashlyn (with Daddy) will be taking gymnastics classes on Saturdays. The class was only meant for Kayla, but when Aaron took Ashlyn along she begged Daddy to let her play. Daddy has a soft side for the girls, so now we have two little ones signed up. More to come on the gymnastics. We are both looking forward to an exciting school year.
