In June we all flew out to California to say goodbye to my Grandpa Gene who passed away this spring.  From the age of about seven through my senior year of high school, I spent a month with my grandparents every summer at their cabin in Lake Almanor, and being back there brought back so many memories. It was really sad to close the door on that part of my childhood, and of course it was really sad to say goodbye to my grandpa.

Of course, it was nice to see my family, and it was nice to share a place that has been so special to me with my kids. We also went through a lot of old mementos and photos, which was pretty neat.

A few photos from our trip:

Sam and Campbell entertaining themselves in the airport

Experienced travelers

Driving to the cabin

Beautiful Lake Almanor

Panoramic view of the lake

Sam’s favorite activity. He climbed up and down that ladder over and over!

Their cabin is surrounded by huge, beautiful trees like this.

 

My grandpa as a young boy. Adorable!!

My grandpa during WWII

 

Postcard from my grandpa. There was a really cute note on the back in which he used “golly” and “swell” non-ironically.

My Grandma Katie

 

My grandma was featured in a section of the UC Berkley yearbook called “Glamour.” Such a beauty!

My grandparents on their wedding day

My mom and Jerry were on part of our day-long return trip. Campbell took a nice little nap with her Nana.