California!!!

What a trip! We had so much fun with the Wiers clan out in California-- it's hard to believe that it's over and tomorrow we head back to work already. I always hate the sadness of leaving my family and ending a wonderful vacation. I am not a huge fan of reality and would much prefer to be on a permanent vacation! Oh well... somebody has to pay the bills, right? So before the work week starts I'll reminisce about the great week we just had (probably in 2 parts, because I have lots of pictures!).

When we left off, we had just enjoyed a wonderful Christmas Day full of presents, brunch, Wii, and playing in the park! On Sunday, we went to Matt and Cheryl's church in the morning and then hit Cuca's for lunch. GOOD Mexican food! Of course, we also hung out at Matt and Cheryl's house, enjoyed the nice day, and played Wii. Jeremiah took a ride in cousin Josie's swing!


Oooops. He also got into Josie's new purse-- he's got his lipstick and car keys ready (don't tell daddy)!


On Monday, Cheryl had to work, so Matt took the rest of us on a little walking tour of downtown Redlands. He is full of historical information!

Jeremiah enjoyed the fountain outside the Lincoln Shrine (it's the only Lincoln memorial west of the Mississippi FYI)! The Memorial Shrine was closed that day, though, so we couldn't go inside.


We also walked around the Smiley Public Library and the Redlands Bowl. Both Jeremiah and Josie were excited to be on stage at the Redlands Bowl!



Of course we had to make an ice cream stop at Baskin Robbins on the walk back home!


We ended the day with dinner at In 'n' Out (can't believe I forgot my camera!) and another tour of some Christmas lights.

On Tuesday, we drove down to the wonderful city of Escondido (where I was born, grew up, and lived until college!). We stopped at my most favorite place in the entire city-- Wedeking's Bakery! I have loved the cookies at this bakery for my entire life-- ever since my mom started taking me there as a reward after eye doctor appointments.

Love this place!


Jeremiah is now a lover of Wedeking's cookies!


Oh my. LOVE these cookies (probably a good thing I don't live near this bakery)!


After Wedekings and a drive down Paradise St. and Casa Real Ln. (our old houses!), we headed down to San Diego to hit the San Diego Zoo! It was SUPER busy, but we managed to find places to park and enjoyed the afternoon there. The first stop-- lunch!


Next stop-- the children's petting zoo. Jeremiah LOVED this and couldn't get enough of the goats!



Checking out the fish with Auntie Abby...


And the hippos with Uncle Ben (seconds before the hippo pooped)!


We finally had to put Jeremiah in the stroller and block his view of everything so that he would take a nap!


Me and Abby by "The Big Bridge" as we called it when we were little.


Polar Bears that live at the San Diego Zoo have a good life!


We ended the day with a stop for dinner in La Jolla. We stopped to see some of my extended family (the Diekemas), who gathered for Christmas in SoCal. It was great to see everyone!

Jeremiah with my cousin Maria...


gathering in the kitchen...


Adam was happy to see that they had the Hawkeye game on!


Well, that's the first half of the week. Stay tuned for part 2!