After a long, gloomy Northern European winter, spring burst into existence for me the second we touched down at LAX on March 8th. The first view of California poppies on the airport greenbelts actually brought tears to my eyes. It had been a long time since a proper, dig-your-heels-in visit to Cali, and I was READY! No more clouds, no more rain, definitely no more snow, and very easy on the jackets and socks….

While the weather was far from sweltering, within minutes of arriving at my folks we headed out to my parent’s front lawn for an hour of sun soaking. Yes, we did garner a few weird looks from passing drivers who wondered why anyone would sunbathe at 60F!

Week one was spent savoring every delicious moment with my family. Well actually, I think they savored every moment with SOPHIE, while Soenke and I were just side dishes .

Our pictoral collection below captures some of the highlights of this week…

Photos:
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Our beloved Craig Park provides plenty of interested and hungry ducks (and that’s my dad standing there):

Sophie shows us where the ducks are:

Soenke teaches her the tricks of the trade:

I get recruited for the heavy equipment:

Off at my brother’s family’s house, Sophie & her cousins gather for a scenic family photo:

My mom supervises the youngest cousin, Levi:

While the menfolk cook MEAT:

A post-meal stroll to walk off the calories..

Sophie’s little legs get tired:

Now we’re all ready for birthday cake! (Soenke’s b-day)…

Cousin Channing helps Soenke open his gifts:

Which include this cool BBQ apron (he’s training to be a Master Of The Grill):

My bro does his best Max von Sydow impression:

China the puppy joins the fun:

China’s mommy Gloria on left (my sis-in-law’s mom), my mom on right:

China’s poppy Russ, now a retired real estate mogul (my sis-in-law’s dad):

And what would a California birthday party be without a pinata??!

Channing shows us all how to effectively whale on a pinata:

Remnants of the pinata end up as hats…