Dave and Jan’s camping experience at Moab in southeastern Utah and Airbnb experience at Duck Creek Village in southwestern Utah – with daughter Alissa and her family (Andrew, Levi-8, Elijah-6, Silas-4, and Ephraim-2) – was an enjoyable exposure to the red-rock country and mountain heights of the state of Utah.  It was followed by the drive west to Brea, California and a family reunion with son Stephen and his family (Meagan, Ryan-5, and Erin-2).  For the Crandall family, from South Dakota, a trip to the beach is always a highlight – so the family headed for the “Baby Beach” at Dana Point.

Erin, a California native, took quickly to exploring the surf with Daddy.

Stephen and Meagan were the ones who suggested the “Baby Beach” which they discovered while living at Foothill Ranch in South Orange County.

Andrew (with Elijah) joined Stephen in a game of catch with the Frisbee.

Cousins Elijah and Ryan appear to be consulting together in some of the finer points of sand castle construction – a favorite boyhood pastime at any beach.

Nearby an experienced sand craftsman created a Memorial Day tribute.

Grandpa Dave did a grandfatherly picture tour of the Dana Point Harbor.

The family headed, the next day, to the Discovery Cube in Santa Ana – a museum of discovery options specifically intended for children.  Dave didn’t get any pictures because he opted for a bike ride to the Discovery Cube for a picnic lunch which the rest of the family – which didn’t take place because it was decided to get lunch for the family in the center itself (but Dave enjoyed the bike ride, and the family enjoyed the Discovery Cube).  The family did enjoy dinner together in the evening – filling the dining room with the senior Balsleys, Stephen & Meagan’s family, Andrew and Alissa’s family, and Caroleen Suzuki – the university student who lives with the Balsleys and who flew to Japan on the same day the Crandalls headed back to South Dakota.

It was an eventful week-end in California to top off a very nice vacation experience for the Balsley and Crandall families – with thanks to the Lord for family blessings, for safety in many miles of travel, and for His creative handiwork all along the way!