Wish they all could be California...

We left early Monday morning. Not the "It's kinda early" departure. It was pretty close to a late departure, that's how early we left. The ungodly hour of departure was well worth it (we will not discuss having to turn around for a wallet that was left in the house. Not really interesting enough to get into.) because the brunch that was awaiting us near Pam Springs was AMAZING!! Not as amazing as the steak dinner that was also prepared by the one and only DANA!!! It was like Thanksgiving, Christmas, and Seven Birthdays all in one day. To say that Isabel was a little spoiled is like saying the Kennedy family likes a little wine with dinner. Thank you Dana and thank you Bobby!! Isabel said you were her "Best Buddy" on the way out of town, Bobby!

We spent the next eight hours driving up to Stockton to visit with Mike and Michelle (Cassidy's college friends). Another incredible meal and Isabel is out cold sleeping! Mike and Michelle have the cutest baby boy that just turned one. I am not saying it like "oh! He is just the cutest thing..." I am serious! I feel confident enough to place a large wager that he is, indeed, the cutest little boy in the world!

Tomorrow we are heading up North to see more friends and then further north to see family in WA. Isabel could not be better on this road trip. She is a real trooper and considering Dana gave her three popsicles and other untold treats for breakfast, she was remarkably well-behaved! Thank you to Dana, Bobby, Michelle, and Mike for all your hospitality! This trip has proven to be essentially stress-free. I don't know how many people can load up a car with luggage, a dog, two cats (one of which may or may not be in a conscious state due to his geriatric condition), a(almost) four year-old and have it virtually stress-free. We are truly blessed!