Always and Never...The California version.

We ALWAYS go to California in the summer.

We've NEVER had fun cousin Mallory hang out with us for most of it. She only added extra work when we had to figure out how to modify our milk-rich diets, for her lactose intolerant one. Oh, and also when Jane and Gabe alternately took turns feeling left out by the "big"kids. She can come anytime.

Jessica ALWAYS drives the 15-17 hour trip with a million little kids in her van.

Ryan NEVER drives both ways with her, so this time was much more enjoyable.

Jessica ALWAYS purchases a bunch of cheap-o toys and doles them out every 200 miles or so.

We ALWAYS include coloring books, glow toys and make-up for mid-trip makeovers.

We've NEVER bought 77cent foam visors and foam stickers to play with...we'll be doing that next time: a) They were silent for 30 minutes while they put them together b)it was hilarious to look in the rear view mirror at all the visor heads.

We ALWAYS swim and swim and swim and swim.

We've NEVER done it in 4 different pools before (Grandma Nut's, Tiffany's, Paige's and Grandpa Sherrill's).

We ALWAYS have to go to places to "see stuff."

We've NEVER done it in King's Canyon National Park before.

We ALWAYS see Paige (and Celia and other blog related buddies) for food-eating and loud-talking and kid-ignoring. (Wasn't someone taking pictures that day? and why haven't you all blogged about it yet, so I can steal your photos?)

We've NEVER driven to Fresno to visit long-lost elementary school and college buddy Tiffany before. (Soooo fun to have ALL day to talk and talk and talk and catch up after 5 years).

We ALWAYS stay with Grandpa Sherrill and Grandma Genie.

But we've NEVER (I don't think) had this much fun before. Our visit included early morning fishing, swimming, a field day organized by Mallory and Emma, miniature golf, baseball, art projects, a million games (Gabe beat Grandpa at Stratego), So You Think You Can Dance, late night talks, go-cart rides and as ALWAYS fabulous meals by Genie. We felt relaxed and spoiled by the end.

We ALWAYS stay with Grandma and Grandpa Nut (Emma shown below in the Best Grandparent Pool Ever)

and that lady NEVER lets me lift a finger to fix a meal or clean it up.

We ALWAYS have to go to some California favorites like Carolina's Taqueria, In N Out (yum!) and Sweet Tomatoes.

We've NEVER enjoyed a kid-free meal at Strings with the Romneys and the Sherrills. Everything was good, though anything without 4 kids hanging on you tastes better.

We're ALWAYS sad to leave

and NEVER enjoy the long drive home (Mr Just-Potty-Trained kept us on a short driving distance leash).

We've NEVER had this long of a blog-break and are ALWAYS grateful for loyal readers!