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Melody, Thoma, and I flew to California for a week. Marc didn't come because he had to work, and Bryan had chosen to attend summer school. He also had a test scheduled to challenge a class at school. So both of those things kept him from going with us, although he would have enjoyed seeing family also. Anyway, we flew to Sacramento, where we got to spend a night with Debbie and her family.

Pam took us to the train station the next morning and we took the train to Fresno.The train was a new experience for all of us. We liked it a lot. There was more room and we could eat, ply cards, and get up to move around when we wanted.

Since temperatures in Fresno were over 100, we worked hard to stay cool. We went to the Forestiere Underground Gardens,

We swam,

Then we went to Pismo and Avila beaches. We spent a beautiful day relaxing while the kids dug in the sand. For dinner we went out for seafood. Thomas made us order a sampler plate so he could try squid and clams. He is about to eat squid in the last picture. He just wanted to say he'd done it.

I went backpacking with Wayne while Melody and Thomas celebrated pioneer day and had fun with Grandma. He outfitted me and took me to the Mineral King Wilderness area in Sequoia/Kings Canyon. The drive was scary and long, but the trip was fantastic.

We fit so much into our week. We got to visit with Katie and Lara. We swam with them and ate strawberry shortcake.

We builded and bowled, created and crafted.

And finished with another train ride and visit with Marilyn, Debbie, and Pam, and their families. The kids enjoyed playing with cousins and we all enjoyed visiting and eating ice cream.

What a fun week! In spite of it all, we were happy to arrive home safely and see Marc and Bryan, who had tiled our entryway while we were gone. It was also nice to sleep in our own beds. It always is. Thanks to everyone we visited for a  great time.