The Matthews Family In Hawaii

Jaden and I left on 7/8 for California. We came back home on 7/23. Danny and Jena could not come because they both had to work. My client only had summer school from the 6/25 - 7/13. So I only needed to take a few days off from work. So off to Cali we went. It was such a relaxing and fun trip. California weather was hot! Different from Hawaii, because at least here we have the Tradewinds. It wasn't so bad in my hometown of Oxnard. And I loved that it got cold in the evenings. I miss that! The one draw back was that the ocean in Cali isn't as warm as here in Hawaii. Jaden loves the beach, but she didn't want to play in the water in California. In her words the water was "freeeezing!"

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I had a great time hangin' out with my sister and nephew. That's what I miss most about California. I love my sister and I love hangin' out with her. It's also nice to see Jaden and my nephew hang out. They're like two peas in a pod. They get along so well. It would have been complete if Jena was able to come along. My nephew really missed her. Thanks to my brother in law, Herb for buying Disneyland tickets for Jaden. She had a wonderful time!!

Jaden, also had a wonderful time with her grandpa and Uncle Duane. The last time we saw her grandpa was when he came to Hawaii for a visit at the beginning of the year. This is another reason why we miss California. Jaden, is missing out on spending time with her grandparents. Even though my parents retired to the Philippines, they usually come to California for a visit.

Jaden also got to see the Santa Barbara Zoo. We took my friend's daughter (and Jaden's new best friend) Allea with us. Jaden and Allea became instant friends when she came to Hawaii for a visit last March. Allea's mom is my friend Gerlie. Jaden's grandpa also came with us. He treated us to lunch in Santa Barbara on the beach.

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I also had a blast spending time with two of my closest friends, Tom and Rosa. Tom was nice enough to let me stay at his house. We had such a great time shopping and just chatting, and just spending some quality time together. Thanks to Tom and Bill for taking me to all of the wonderful malls that I've been missing. And I was so thrilled to have been able to spend Rosa's birthday with her. I miss spending time with her.

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I also had a chance to attend my friend Michelle's baby shower. The baby shower was a hit. It was hosted by my friend Gerlie and Michelle's friend Kat. Michelle and Gerlie have been my friends since elementary school. We kind of lost touch for a while, but were reunited thanks to FaceBook.

While in Cali I was also reunited with some old high school friends. Cyndi, is a friend from high school. We also lost touch for a while and recently reconnected through FaceBook. We had lunch and it was great because we just picked up right where we left off some 20 years ago. She was a sight for sore eyes! While at lunch we were joined by my friend Michelle, and another friend my high school, Jocelyn. We had such a wonderful time reminiscing.

So all in all, it was a wonderful trip! I can't wait to move back. And then all of my "loved ones" will only be a car drive away (ok, it might be a 6 hour drive, but still a drive). Here are some more random pictures from our trip...

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