More Balboa Coverage

The quirky little spot where we stay in Newport is called Balboa Island. My dad's family started going to Balboa when he was two years-old, and they have returned every summer since--for over 60 years. The tradition of a young couple with five small children has ballooned into a massive invasion of around 100 of us every August. Of course, we're too big for formal get-togethers now, but we meet at our traditional spot on the beach to catch up as cousins. It's a great way to stay connected. I love going back to a place with so many magical childhood memories. This was my 26th trip (I think) to Balboa . . . what a lucky girl I am!

The best part of Balboa is always hanging out with family. Here is Alex with Grannie (my mom, Lori); Abby with her cousin Sam; my sister Melba with her nieces Marian, Abby, and Baby Emily (whom we loved meeting for the first time!); and my sister Jennie with her nieces Katie, Marian, and Abby.

Katie and Abby loved playing with their cousins! Here they are with Sam and Josh . . .

. . . and with Lizzie . . .

. . . and with Lucy--wading here with Pops (my dad, Richard) and Katie.

Ben, Abby, Jen, Katie, Joe, Marian, & Adam

Marian, Martha, and Adam

Uncle Sammie with his nieces Emily and Katie

We had the added bonus of seeing Luke's sister, Lara, who lives in Santa Monica, and her boyfriend, Mike . . .

. . . and also (briefly) Luke's mom, Nora! (She and Lara were passing through after a road trip to get Lara's new car from Utah to California.)

Although I don't have pictures of everyone, we got to see all seven of my siblings with their spouses (except Anna's husband, Spencer) and their kids. What a great trip!