california is always a good idea

Just before our summer came to an end (school starts early for Madden out here...like end of July early!) we made a trip out to California to visit my parents.

Every time I go back to visit the bay area, I am reminded of how perfect their weather is year-round...if only we could EVER afford to live there... sigh...

Trips back home always include...

Fentons:

(and lots of other treats in between)

Visits with fun Cali friends:

And cousin time with Wynn:

After a few days in the bay area, we headed up north and made the short road trip up to Oregon to see my sister Summer and her family and their new place up there.

Oregon was just how I imagined it would be...really green and really pretty!

Jeff Bridges Concert

Lithia Park

And then after a few days in Oregon we headed BACK down to the bay area, with my sister and her 3 kids in tow, for a few more fun-filled days with Grandma and Grandpa.

Happy Hollow Park & Zoo:

Paddle Boats at Stow Lake in San Francisco:

Visit with Great Grandma and Grandpa Graham:

Backyard movies:

And then back home to triple digit temps in AZ.

Where Madden has been attached to his daddy's hip ever since because he missed him so much :)