Northern California: The Last

I know, I know ... I took a lot of pictures in NorCal.

The crazy thing is, I didn't even take as many as I would've liked!

I guess we really enjoy ourselves when we're "back in, back in, Cali, Cali ..." ;)
See the rest of our photos here and here.

The beautiful Buttes, in motion -- one of the shortest mountain ranges on Earth.

These two. They're related. (Mr. M's Uncle Donny, and a second cousin.)

Maile's "Grandma and Grandpa" Jean and Gary -- family friends -- live almost entirely off the grid, in the Sierra Mountains. Jean has let this gorgeous grapevine just go, in front of their home; I love the wild of it.

Sweaty Baby made a habit of drinking milkshakes on retro black-and-white floors of questionable cleanliness ... and we let her. It. was. so. hot.

Maile's friend Brody. Toddlers are always in motion (and therefore, blurry)!

You have to eat a Jake Burger quickly ... or it will eat you.

Stuffing her face full of fries. Wearing Lilly. We Mitchells keep it classy.

Hope to see you again soon, California!

Northern California: Part II

Private plane of some family friends. Maile's mind was absolutely blown, seeing this baby take off!

Jamie, the bride, with groomsmen, left to right: Morris, Keith, Ryan, Evan, Kurt, and Mr. M. The "umpire", Tyler, in the back, officiated the wedding!

The above 3 photos are the property of Kevin Youngblood, and are being used with written permission.

It was 104 degrees, mid-afternoon, and sunny, which is why my child looks like she is melting -- and, by this point, lost her shoes and bow. Not to worry! She stayed well-hydrated with water, ice chips, approximately half a watermelon, and Mama's milk. And yes, that is my swimsuit underneath my outfit. It was that kind of wedding ... Gotta admit, I dug it. Thanks to our friend Carrie for the family snapshot!

Bride Jamie made the budget, and eco-friendly choice to use faux blooms ... I was fooled, until I snuck up to the head table for this picture! Gorgeous!

The wedding cakes were made by the mother of our friend Kurt. Yes, it did taste as good as it looks. 

Going through these pictures makes me want to go back. Not for good, but I miss our family and friends.

Traveling for a week, halfway across the country, with a toddler, was absolutely exhausting ... But I'd do it all the time, if we could. We rarely left someplace without leaving a mess behind us (though we tried to clean up as much as we could). It's a bit hard to deal with a little one who's used to a very specific bedtime routine, when you aren't at home. And mostly, we had to carry Maile everywhere, because she just isn't used to being around so many people. 

But I love that we are constantly making memories, as a family. Trying not to be held back by Little Miss' age (or demands). 

Northern California: Part I

Every time we go back to NorCal to visit family and friends, I talk about moving back. I think I worry Mr. M; I mention it every. single. time. You won't ever hear me say that the weather is better than here in Colorado (107? no thanks), buuut ... The diners, drive-ins, and dives (like Cafe Iron Village, and Ron's Drive-In) the stucco homes on golden hills, tomatoes right off the vine from Tutu's mountaintop garden, and so, so many friends. It's tempting. 

I have even more photos to share; I hope you're ready. Have a wonderful day!