Growing Up on Christmas Eve: 2016 Edition

This year, instead of posting pictures from Christmas Eve in a new update and then linking to the 2-3 related updates, I've decided to update the original post with all 9+ years of pictures. Going forward, I'll simply have a short entry like this with a link to the original. You can then go there and scroll to the bottom to see the new pictures. So here's your link. Enjoy!

California 2016: Day 8 (Going Home)

Our final day in California was very low key. We visited with my dad and brother one last time, and then took a bunch of pictures together in the parking lot. After that, it was off to LAX and the flight home. All in all, a fantastic trip, While I wouldn't want to live in California again (I never expected to say that!) thanks to the traffic, it's a fun place to visit, and I hope we get back there in another few years.

California 2016: Day 7 (Santa Monica)

On our last full day in California, we initially thought about driving up to Hollywood/Beverly Hills and doing the tourist thing. But traffic was, as usual, horrendous, so we made it a little more relaxing and just visited the pier and beach in Santa Monica. For those of you unaware, not only is Santa Monica a huge draw for tourists, but it also happens to be my birthplace, way back in 1971.

We had lunch at Bubba Gump's on the pier, which was wildly overpriced for so-so food, but at least we've now marked that restaurant off our "to do" list. Afterwards, we took some pictures on or around the pier.

Despite all the other fun things we did on the trip, spending an hour or so playing in the water and crashing through waves was probably one of my favorite parts of the trip. It kind of makes me wish we lived closer to a real beach.

As for Marilu, she relaxed while we frolicked.

One more day--which basically consists of pictures with my dad and brother--and California is finally done! Only 6 months after the fact. :)