The Cav's Travels: California... CALIFORNIA... CALIFOOO-OORRR-NIAAAA

That title is supposed to be to the tune of the theme song to the OC. It seems fitting since while we were in CA, Colin did a visit to UC Irvine and is considering going to Business School there come next fall. We'll see, but I am certainly easily "warming up" to this idea if you catch my drift. :)

We truly had our best visit to the States yet. It was relaxing, and yet full of seeing our family and friends. Ellie loved meeting everyone too - it was great for her to be able to see grandparents, GREAT grandparents, aunts, uncles and loads of cousins.

Colin and I indulged in our favorite CA foods for 10 days straight. Oh, and we got out of Germany's coldest and darkest winter ever and enjoyed a bit of sunlight and not bundling up! I think it was the first time Ellie really saw the sun since she was born. We love Germany, but the warmth and love of this trip helped us get very excited about moving home soon!

In Auburn, Ellie had a great time hanging out with Grandpa and Gramma Cav and their new pup Winnie.

She loved practicing piano...

And taking nature walks outside with Dad...

And it was a huge treat for us to see our dear high school friends Mike and Al. Yes, my best friend from high school married Colin's best friend from high school and they have an adorable son Jonathan and another son coming soon in MAY!

In Sacramento, we loved introducing Ellie to her cousins North and Adeline while we all enjoyed our fave Mexican food!

Ellie was only motivated to roll over because she was trying to keep an eye on Addy...

Kevin taught North about Mole, which he then proclaimed to be his favorite food!

Last time we were with the family, Tisa and I were both pregnant in Austria. So it was very fun to be together again but now with our daughters. Too bad in this photo the girls were more interested in the food. And per usual for Ellie, she found a way to grab Addy's hand.

It was truly amazing for us to be able to introduce Ellie to her Great Grandmother Marjorie and Great Grandfather Bill.

Opening their first Tiffany boxes from Great Grandpa!

And we all had a blast hanging out all weekend with Grammee and Bear and the great grandparents, as well as Ellie's godparents, Sarah and Pat and their precious daughter (and Colin and my goddaughter) Caroline. We also had a great visit with my college friend Kristina and her boyfriend Todd!