Last getaway of the summer....

We have officially entered into school preparation mode here at the Bakker household. Of course, with that, comes a ritual that most families enjoy: the last official getaway of the summer. Ignoring the impending structure and schedule that comes with kids returning to school, we enjoy a few last idyllic days together. Our favorite RV spot, Paso Robles, is a mere 2 hours away, and that was the destination of choice. My folks, my sister and her family and some old family friends joined us for "5 sleeps!" (as Lily puts it) last week. My parents just bought a new motorhome, so we were happy to accompany them on their maiden voyage. After a few days of good eating, the Ravine Waterpark, and an afternoon of wine tasting, my folks and the daddies took off, leaving Dori and there for 2 days with just the kids. We took advantage of it and let the kids stay up late, didn't cook, and spent an afternoon at Avila Beach.

It took Grace a bit to "warm up" to the beach scene, but once she did, she dove in full force. (Warm up is in quotation marks....the Central Coast is not known for its warm weather, but that day was pretty nice.)

There are tide pools close by, and the boys found many crabs to occupy their insatiable curiousity for all things slimy and creepy crawly.

Lily tried boogie boarding for the first time. The waves at Avila are not threatening, and she really had fun, as you can see by the picture.