Northern California!

This past weekend our little family got to take a trip back to California for Robert's brother Mark's wedding. We were so excited for an excuse to go back to California, and it was also Avery's first trip to Grandma and Grandpa Thompson's house.

We were so nervous about traveling with Avery because she has become such a busy body since learning how to move, so we drugged her with Baby Einstein films and thankfully we made it. She did amazing!

Drinking a little sasparilla we picked up in one of the old mining towns we stopped in.

Mark and Megan's wedding was absolutely beautiful in the Sacramento Temple. I didn't get many pictures because everyone else was, however, I did capture a couple of pictures of my two favorite people.

Avery loved getting to know her great grandparents a little more on the trip as well, and they of course loved her!

We had the chance to visit Robert's family's almond orchards. I feel like I'm in a Jane Austin movie every time we stroll through these beautiful trees.

Robert's good friend from back home has the hobby to grow GIANT pumpkins, and we were fortunate enough to visit his pumpkin patch. Tammy my wonderful sister-in-law crocheted this adorable hat for her cute baby penny.

Avery also made a new friend with Robert's friend's daughter who was great at sharing her toys.

Avery picked out her pumpkin, and we were able to take it home with us, sooooo cool!!

It was bigger than James.

Since we probably wouldn't see Robert's family again before Christmas we brought everyone's Christmas presents, which were framed prints of a beautiful painting of Mary done by my brother Kevin. I think it turned out beautifully.

On our way through California we stopped at this adorable old mining town Auburn, which I have always loved and had thoughts of living in someday.

They had several cool old pieces of mining equipment.

There was this HUGE sculpture of a miner that was awesome.

Robert helped him pan some gold.

Once at Grandma and Grandpa's Avery had fun getting to know her cousins.

A couple nights before the wedding the girls went our for a girl's night and had mani-pedis and then went out to eat. It was a blast to bond as Thompson women!

We also made time for a trip up to Yosemite National Park which I have wanted to visit since I married a California boy. We stopped at an old mining town called Couterville because a few of our members were getting car-sick along the winding roads.

We took the opportunity to explore, and it was really cool.

Avery especially enjoyed this cool old mining train.

Old cowboys roaming the town.

This was the town hotel that you could really stay in, which I thought was pretty awesome.

Entering YOSEMITE!!

It was absolutely breathtaking!

Avery loves her Grandpa Thompson!

Basking in the beauty.

Robert strolling with our nephew James.

Tammy with Penny strapped to her.

Cute Sadie girl.

Great Grandmother and Grandpa Bob.

Andrew striking a pose.

The boys.

Cousins!

Yosemite Falls.

Avery already loves hiking.

It was a really enjoyable trip, and it was so nice not to be rushed, and we can't wait to visit again!