So, I don't have school for a few days, and it is my birthday weekend. Want to come for a visit?

Heck yes, I do.  This little family had moved to California, and I was needing a picture for my mind when I thought about their doings and goings on. So thanks to my travel agent/pilot/oldest son for getting me there and back, and my husband and youngest for holding down the fort, and my seminary teacher friend for teaching my 9th graders, I went for a Grandma trip to sunny, but brisk, Sacramento, CA.

Of course I didn't take a coat to speak of because I like to travel light, and I was traveling from GA to CA so how much cold could I encounter?  I confidently walked out into the February afternoon and realized I needed to have a little more respect for the west coast winter. Luckily, I didn't get stuck in Salt Lake City or Denver and just wore lots of layers.

It was great to be with these people again. I won't be worrying about their living conditions. They live with Alexa's parents in a beautiful place in the country. They are within walking distance from llamas, cows, horses, and 2 adorable donkeys, and are carefully guarded by Ammon, the dog.

When I arrived Thursday afternoon, I joined the group of loving adults that adore little Miss Isla. She read books and took a bath and helped with dinner and walked everywhere with her confident little baby swagger. I went to bed at 8:00, trying to hold onto my Eastern Time Zone biorhythm.

Of course I awoke at 4:00am and waited for morning to come. Luckily, I'm reading "Wizard Heir" by Chima and didn't mind time alone with nothing to do but be quiet. And then we had the best day. It started with delicious crepes made by the Stoker clan.

We drove into "Old Town Sacramento" and walked along the river. We ate birthday lunch at "Joe's Crab Shack"and taste-tested taffy at "Candy Heaven" (I like passion fruit the best.)

 We found DSW and took birthday boy shoe shopping. Apparently he was looking a little too comfortable in his Nike's for his presentations at school.

 Alexa then introduced me to Macarons from Ginger Elizabeth Chocolates. That may have been a mistake. I can't stop thinking about them.

 Next, Jacob took us on a tour of his school.

  Then home, dinner, Dutch Blitz and me in bed again at 8:00.


 Saturday morning I got a little more Isla time and then off I went. Such a great visit. Thanks, Stokers and Rodgersons. I'll be back.