A Look Back on Our Father's Day

So, this year we didn't get together with family and friends, instead, we just decided to take off :)

We did go visit family in Santa Cruz, but we decided to spend some time together, at the hotel and the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk...oh what fun!

This post will be mainly pictures, cuz I have a lot lol...so feelf ree just to browse, and see what a great time Santa Cruz can be!

Just after getting to our room, its time for an ice cream break :)

What a Long, Tall Drink of Water!!

Oh To be able to still nap on Gramma!

Here it was time for some fun in the Spa...Levi's first time trying out a spa...He was unsure at first, but "warmed" up quickly...

Gramma and Papa spend some quality time together...smile for the camera!

Someone needs a nap after drying off... 

These were taken in the Merry Go Round, Levi just had a blast!!!

After we left the Boardwalk, we headed home, but not before stopping at Casa De Fruita...its tradition!

These Peacocks roam freely around Casa De Fruita, and everyone gets to see them, up close and personal...

And last, but not least, Levi and Gramma...always  precious!

So all in all, we had a wonderful time, and sometimes, it's just nice to be able to try something different...or...not so different :)

Jammin' Along...

Oh man, so I know it's been a while since I've posted, however, I have been busy, going here and there, a little bit of everywhere haha...

So a few weeks ago, my mom made her "famous" jams, only this year she limited herself to two flavors, I think the two best flavors everyone raves about: Strawberry and Apricot. So I thought I'd just show off how she slaves away at all this, because it does take several days to do, she makes a LOT!!

 This is the first "stage", after all the jars and accessories have been cleaned are drying, ready to be used.  Mom is very meticulous about how she wants things done, and it's great to have it all come together so nicely when your organized :)

  

Here, is where the *magic* happens...
This batch is going to be strawberry, and in the pictures, you can see all the sugar that's going to be used...My, that's a lot of sugar haha
The big blue pot is for sealing the jars after the jam's been put inside, and then she takes it out for cooling...

And here is the 3rd and last stage where they are sitting and cooling, and every time we hear a *POP* we know that another has set, and will work out for giving away as a gift for the holidays :)
My mom does this every year, and I just love it, the whole house smells like strawberries, or what ever kind she happens to be making at that time, and man, its so awesome :)
I told her she's in the wrong business hehe