Auntie Lolo's House

Our summer vacation this year was hosted by my sister, Laurel, who lives in lovely Pleasanton. We went for a little less than a week, and benefited from: proximity to downtown Pleasanton (very pleasant), swimming pools, Shadow Cliffs mini-lake, awesome public playgrounds, yummy restaurants, the Alameda County Fair, and the added bonus of an obliging babysitter, my own dear sis. The girls loved it, thanks to fun times with their beloved aunt, loads of cartoons and Laurel's super patient cat, Joey. It was nice and warm (okay, it was stinking hot), peaceful and easy and very, very relaxing. Thank you, Laurel (and Brittany, her roommate who was housesitting somewhere else and gave up her room!)


Swimming (just to state the obvious).


Shadow Cliffs' beachfront. Shortly after this picture was taken, I hurt Eliana's arm while swing/dragging her through the water. Bummer. While X-rays and casts danced through our heads, we took her to the doctor and her dislocated elbow was popped back in to place. Thank goodness!!


A super cool, public, neighborhood park.



Pony Rides at the Fair. Adessa was enamored and could have pony-rode all day.

Eliana lasted about 45 seconds.


Adding to our magical time at the fair was this: A 4-H teen was looking for a kid to help her feed the baby goats.


Taking a little break.


Sharing some refreshment.


A more successful pony ride.



Snuggling with Joey and Auntie Lolo.


What a great trip! The girls are asking to go back.