cars and family barbecues...

Last weekend we had a rare swim-free weekend and decided to have a BBQ with my dad, Molly, my grandpa, Hal and Jenny.

Let me start by explaining that Landon has found a new love…cars.

Muscle cars are his current favorite although luxury sports cars aren't far behind.  Any time we are on the road Landon is on the lookout for his most beloved cars.  If I see them first I call them out for him, saying, "orange Challenger, your side…" or "black Mustang, my side…"  This is usually followed by an enthusiastic, "whoa!" from the backseat.  He recently told me that when he grows up he is going to have a great job and then he's going to buy a Challenger, a Charger, a Mustang, a Corvette, a Porsche, a Camero, and a Ferrari.  He thought for a minute and said, "don't worry mom, I'll buy you a Challenger too."  My sweet and generous boy.

Not long ago I had told my dad about Landon's new found car love and he bought him his first, and probably not last, car magazine.

 I had my dad make sure there were no scantily clad women in the magazine…he assured me he got one with just cars.  Landon was thrilled and poured over it all day long. 

Of course, grandpa liked it too…

In addition to the meal that Chris was preparing, Hal and Jenny brought strawberries from our favorite roadside stand in Sacramento, Molly made delicious homemade guacamole and my dad made his famous roasted salsa.

There was talking and a lot of laughter as we recalled old stories and childhood memories.  

Ashlyn has become quite the hostess.  Throughout the day she could be found serving people drinks, cleaning dishes, setting the table, making signs indicating what was being served and helping out anywhere she could.  She did this all on her own.  I love seeing her servants heart.

When she wasn't hosting, Ashlyn could be found chatting with Jenny and Molly on the couch…

Grandpa even took a little nap.  

It always makes me smile when I think back on every family get together I've ever had with my grandpa.  He can usually be found in this exact same position at least once during the course of the day.  If I'm not mistaken I believe there is even a picture at my second birthday party of my grandpa passed out in a red Radio-Flyer wagon beneath the shade of the giant crepe myrtle tree in our backyard.  I like to think it's because he is so completely comfortable with his family.

Ever resourceful, Landon made up a game using a pool float and Upa's legs as the "goal".  
One of Ashlyn's many signs…

Then it was time to eat!  Chris made a street taco bar with carnitas and chicken, pickled onions, fresh cilantro, cojita cheese, homemade pinto beans and Spanish rice.

So good!  

It was delicious and enjoyed by all, even grandpa who knows a thing or two about Spanish rice.

In classic form, Hal wouldn't smile for my picture and instead grabbed his glass of tea just as I was about to take the shot.  He glanced over at me afterwards and I said, "you know what I'm going to say…!" to which he promptly turned away and gave me his sly smile.  I caught it anyway…"butthead".  

More car magazines after dinner…

The mild afternoon temperatures provided the perfect opportunity for us to take a walk in the greenbelt after dinner.

Basil is always making sure the whole crew is still with us.  She frequently checks behind her to make sure those she can't see are keeping up. 

 
As we walked Landon was looking around and noticed this hawk sitting up on the roof of the pool house.  We stopped and watched as it hopped around and fixed its gaze on the people swimming in the pool below.  
Such a laid-back, carefree day.  We loved every minute of it.