Go here for the full set on Flickr (note, you have to friend me, or whatever, to see the pics.)

We’re busy catching up after our week-long trek to California, in particular Pescadero and Butano State Park.  In the midst of all this catching up with work and other things, we’re also getting ready for Gavin to start kindergarten next week! Nevertheless, we took lots of pics on our trip and thought we should post them here before we’re completely overwhelmed.

Pictures are uploading to Flickr as I type this The rest of the pictures are on Flickr, so be sure to check my Flickr photostream to see all the pics we took on the trip.  Here’s the link straight to the pics from our trip.  And if you’re family or friends and can’t see pics of the kids, make sure you log in with your Yahoo account and add me as a contact.

There was Gavin’s birthday, there was lots of fun with family, there was the kids’ first camping overnight (aside from sleeping in Gma and Gpa McC’s backyard once), there was fun at the beach, a trip to the Exploratorium.  Most of it is undocumented, except in our memories, but we did capture a few moments from our trip.

Here Gavin and Mama are looking at a new book at Gavin’s birthday party.  Gavin was very excited about seeing Button dog, blowing out candles and helping Daddy put together some really fun toys!  He had such a fun time seeing his Grandma and Grandpa Reynolds!

Lilah is celebrating her brother’s birthday.  She enjoyed watching her brother and eating lots of whole strawberries!

Here is a picture of elephant seals we had good close looks at near San Simeon.  They were absolutely huge, made noise of the loudest, strangest kind and very fascinating.

We spent more time at the beach this year, enough for Gavin to fall in love with playing in the water, Lilah to knock over many many sand towers, Chris and I to take a swim… and we all loved it.

Gavin and his Daddy spent quite a bit of time throwing, kicking and chasing the ball into the water and out.

They had so much fun!

Lilah spent most of her time watching and digging in the sand.

Lilah and Grandma looking at the water together.

Gavin enjoying the water with Grandpa.

Gavin is getting a warm-up hug from Grandpa.

Here comes the water! Wheeeeeee!

Gavin digging in the sand on our way back to the trail up.  He really didn’t want to leave the water.

What enthusiasm!

Tired but happy beach pals: Gavin and Grandpa.

here are a few favorite pictures from the short but sweet time at the beach in California

Erin, Lilah & Gpa McC

Chris and Lilah

Gavin and Gpa McClenahan brave the wavelets

Packing the sand for a sandcastle tower

Getting ready to tip it upside down... (Gavin's excited!)

Who's in charge and who's helping here?

Lilah & Erin down the beach

Lilah is enjoying herself almost as much as Erin

More Erin & Lilah

Gavin had more than one party for his third birthday.  He’s a lucky boy.  Here are a few highlights:

Hey, this looks pretty good!

Meara, do you really think we should open this?

It’s so pretty wrapped up!

Playing with new alphabet and number stickers

Gavin named all of them and started on a second round before we distracted him with cookies shaped like stars.

What Lilah did at Gavin's party...

She’s wondering if she can make it to any wrapping paper bits before Gavin takes them all away.

Lilah and Grandpa McClenahan

Playing catch with Meara

Gavin and Grandma Reynolds looking at a special card

It has cars that move! Big hit with Gavin!

A group shot of most of the Reynolds

Gavin is reaching for the wheelchair handles here. Great Gma and Gpa R. got some wild rides from Gavin.  Everyone involved enjoyed it quite a bit.  Lilah is watching in hopes she can participate in the wheelchair race events next time.

Gavin with Grandma & Grandpa Johnston

Gavin hopped right up to sit with them on the bench here.

Some Johnstons on the way to the beach

Some of the Johnstons at La Selva on the way down to the beach and some Reynolds on their way up met in the middle.

Pictures of us enjoying the beach will be coming next.