California Part 1 - The Fourth

We returned from a fabulous trip to see my family in Orange County a few days ago. Luke really became attached to all of them. He still calls my mom "Nana", my dad "Bapa", and he knows Aunt Andrea, Uncle Jason and Uncle Billy's names. We're still practicing saying those names though. :) While I am so grateful that my family will be close to him no matter what the distance, it is still hard, especially the older Luke gets. For the past few days, he will occasionally start looking around and randomly say, "Bapa?!" or "Nana!". Then, he'll look at the door expecting them to walk in...heartbreaking!!! We are so blessed to get to see them at least every few months though.

I am going to have to break this trip up into different posts because SO MANY pictures were taken. I'll start with the 4th of July.

My sister, Andrea, is an event coordinator for Ladera Ranch, a huge community in Orange County. She planned a big Independence Day event, that we went to last year as well. It is so family-friendly and FUN! Here are a few pictures to show how much fun Luke had:

Luke dancing to the band. He was so stinkin cute...he knows how to "raise the roof". :)

One of our new favorite pictures:
Luke and his Bapa: He clapped for himself...he was definitely entertaining!
Another one of our favorites. His such a little boy now!
Riding the train with Daddy. He loved this.
Even though Aunt Andrea was busy, she made time to play with the Luker, and she even let him take her earring off.
Mmmmmm...corn on the cob!
Uncle Jason & KyanUncle Jason even shared his smoothie! A beautiful California sunset: And, an amazing fireworks show. Luke stayed in Bapa's lap the entire time. He was in absolute awe.
Look for a couple of videos of this day to come later!