Fresno Family Fun

April 1-3, 2017
Fresno - Santa Clarita, California

We take our time getting ready Saturday morning. It's strange to leave our home behind, knowing we won't return until the following evening. It's another first for us.

The drive north over the Grapevine, and up Highway 99 is a familiar one. Still, it is a unique experience with all the vibrant poppies covering the mountain before and following the summit at Fort Tejon.

Just south of Tulare we pull over at the rest stop. Where we find another wonderful surprise. The Phillipe S. Raine Safety Stop is more than restrooms and a couple picnic tables. Colorful panels tell the story of California's Central Valley with history, culture, environment, people and icons. Solar panels make an attractive pergola-type roof, all designed like an intricate basket weave. I tend to be less than generous in my descriptions of this part of our beautiful state, but this stop reminded me of how important it is. Good job CalTrans!

Wonderful design.

The information panels are very well done. 

March 31 was Cesar Chavez' birthday so it was fun to see him included on the panel of important people.

The "fronts" of the panels have colorful paintings of valley life.

Icons tell a story

Several miles north we see this unique tower just off the highway.

Okay, so rest stops aren't generally something to get excited about.....but it's a nice surprise when they are :-)))

We've come to Fresno to celebrate two family birthdays. Our cousin-in-law Kurt turns 50 today, and Bill's mom, Anne, will be 92 on Sunday. We're staying with Cindy and Kurt, their three boys, and Aunt Kathy. In addition to a nice big home, they also own the neighboring lot where they host large gatherings on a regular basis.

Tonight it will be the site of Kurt's birthday bash. But first we head over to surprise Ann who lives close by in a very nice assisted living home. Surprise might be an understatement - she is overwhelmed when she sees her son.

Mother and son.

We have a nice visit before returning to help get things ready for the evening. Nick and Corey (Bill's two oldest) have arrived and are doing the real helping :-)  

It's a big party and everyone has a great time. Fun to meet new people and see several family folks we haven't seen in a couple years.

Have a taco truck provide dinner - brilliant!

Cousin David and Kurt

Kurt, Corey and Nick.

Great-grandma Kathy with grandson Nate and great-granddaughter Elizabeth.

Rocking the cute.....

Bill and cousin Terry

Everyone had a great time

We enjoy visiting with Cindy and family Sunday morning. It's so fun having the time to just hang out and get caught up.

Cindy is an amazing baker and of course Anne's cake is not only delicious but lovely as well.

This is the cake I want when I'm 92!

Bill and Cindy pick up Anne and bring her over for pizza (her request) and cake and lots of story-telling with family. She is doing soooo much better since moving to California. It was definitely a good move for everyone.

Anne, Chris, Bill, DJ and Nick (Cindy and Kurt's boys)

Cousin David and wife Diana

Cousins Nick and Corey playing Tac while the old folks visit.

Can you imagine having had 92 birthday cakes?

Thanks for the photo bomb honey :-)

Grammy only has eyes for her "angels", Nick and Corey.

The house has two pets - dog Lola and cat Mosey. Tessa and Lola get along well, and although Tessa tries to ignore Mosey, the cat stalks her. He crouches and crawls toward her, looking like he'll attack at any time. This is going on on the patio when suddenly Lola rushes out of the doggie door and runs Mosey off. Hysterical! Then it happens again a little while later. Tessa clearly has a protector :-))))

Tessa' body guard. Thanks Lola!

The boys head out and after Anne returns to her home, we too must say our good-byes for our drive south. We're glad to be able to say "see you soon" as we'll return for a longer visit the first week of May.

We had such a great time.

Since hitting the road we have stopped eating fatty or processed meats. Mostly we just miss having bacon, but a good pastrami sandwich is like the holy grail. The very best we've ever had is served at The Hat - a small SoCal chain that opened in 1951 and is still extremely popular.

Monday we decide to splurge and make the 30 minute drive to split a pastrami sandwich and a bag of delicious onion rings. Won. Der. Ful.

No Jeff, it doesn't say "rastramu"...it's an old sign!

Another of Nick's good friends, Craig, stayed with us for a short time and is very much like family. His work schedule is super crazy but we manage to get a visit on Monday evening. And he brings his adorable littles - Craig and Avery. We love getting caught up with them.

Avery, Craig and Craig - such a wonderful family

Tessa holding court.

Girl talk

Just a few days before we're back on the road. We'll miss the kids a lot, but the hitch itch is very strong!!