California - Day Seven

One of the things I wanted to do while we were in California was take the kids to the Oakland Temple. This is the temple that Chad and I grew up by. As a youth I loved going to the temple. I can remember getting off the freeway exit and seeing the temple appear before my eyes, I loved that! Chad and I were married in this temple, so it has special meaning to us.

Sunday was the perfect day to go see the temple. We had to wake up a little early in order to get there and back in time for church, but it was worth it! It was a beautiful morning. We had a really nice time walking around the temple grounds. It was the perfect start to our Sunday morning!

Later in the day, after we got back from church we took a family picture in Mom and Dad's back yard. It was a beautiful setting. Shannon took the picture with her camera. Everyone was tired, but we got a great shot! It's wonderful to have an updated family picture!

Shannon Ashton Photography

Right after the photo shoot, we quickly changed our clothes and headed to Aunt Bev and Uncle Dave's house for root beer floats.  We had a great time sitting outside on the deck sharing stories and sipping our floats.

The kids raided Aunt Bev's game stash and had a blast!

A blanket and some toys were brought out for Ashlyn to play with.  Several of us enjoyed laying on the blanket watching Ashlyn knock over towers that her cousin Madeleine and her Uncle Scott built for her!

We wanted to stay, but we had to go home and get ready for part two of our summer trip, so we gave hugs and said goodbye.  We are so glad we were able to come to California this summer and spend
time with our family.  What a great blessing families are!