As mentioned in my previous post, Tyler and I headed to California at the beginning of Aug. for his cousin's wedding. Almost the entire Yahnke clan made the trip from MN, SD, IL, and NC. My father-in-law, Doug, rented a house with his siblings for all of us to stay in (and some stayed at the hotel down the hill). It was a tight fit - 16 of us in a 4 bedroom, 3 bath house - but it was so much fun and so great to spend so much quality family time with everyone. The house had a huge deck that overlooked Dana Point. Most people made the trip out to California the Thursday/Friday before the wedding and although some had to leave Sunday/Monday after the wedding, most of us could stay for a full week to make it a mini-vacation.
View from the house deck. I could get used to this!
Tyler and I flew in late Thursday night and his brothers picked us up from LAX. First on the agenda for Friday was to hit the beach to try our luck in surfing.
We all were able to "get up" on the board but nobody stayed up very long. This beginner beach was very rocky and very crowded. The pacific water is also FREEZING!
Best friends and brothers :) I love this picture
Now with cousins, Katie and Nathan
After the beach, we went back to the house and freshened up before going to check out the San Clemente pier.
Micheal, cousin Matt, Chris, Tyler & myself
Doug & Suzanne
Love this guy
Father and sons on the pier
A stop for "girly" drinks
Friday night was the groom's dinner.
Tyler and baby Tate :) Tate was just over 2 months and made the trip to CA
Tate, Tyler & Zach
Such a happy baby. I miss this little guy!
Cousin Erin and her daughter Brooklyn. Zach was making her laugh.
Saturday morning, Tyler, Chris, Michael, and I went to check out Laguna beach and the shops.
Laguna beach
Tyler and Michael enjoying their bloody marys
Christopher
Saturday afternoon and evening was the amazing wedding that I previously blogged about. It was a late night back at the house so Sunday morning everyone slept in! After gift opening, Ashley and Paul joined us at the beach and brought their wet suits! The boys all tried surfing again with more success!
Ashley and Tyler
Sunday night, Ashley and Paul took us to one of their favorite spots for some beers, man fries, and nachos. Afterwards we headed back to the house for some games with the whole crew.
A little bit of heaven
Unfortunately, Tyler had to head home Monday morning to get back to work. We missed him the rest of the trip but that didn't stop us from having more fun! While most of the gang went to explore Laguna for the day, Michael, Chris, Erin, and I went to San Clemente and rented bikes to ride down the beach path. So much fun!
Us with our beach cruisers
After the path ended, we continued biking and found a campground with the best views! We decided to ignore the signs and did a little hiking around the cliffs.
My little BIG brothers
Chris is the king of CA
Loved this view
On the ride back we stopped for drinks on the San Clemente pier
On Tuesday, all the little kiddies went to Disneyland and Doug, Suzanne, the boys, and I went to San Diego. We started by driving out to a state park to see the great views of the city.
San Diego
Next we hit the beach.
Tourist
After relaxing for awhile, Doug rented jet skis and stand up paddle boards for all of us
Chris and I were the only ones that didn't fall in the water ;)
That night, Suzanne treated us to delicious seafood on the oceanfront.
San Diego sunset
Wednesday was our last full day in CA. Some more family flew home Wed. afternoon so we spent the morning with them at the house before going back to Laguna beach.
Doug, Suzanne, and Dawn
Aunt Wendy in a wet suit
For our final night in CA, we went down to the Marina for dinner. This was such an amazing trip with our amazing family. I feel very fortunate to have married into the Yahnke family. Thanks to everyone for making this trip so special.
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