November 29 - Grass Valley lights

Shan and Arlo wanted to show me downtown Grass Valley. They are are lit up for their Cornish Christmas they have each weekend. 

The Holbrook Hotel has a Miracle Bar so we stopped in there to see all the decorations. 

A gorgeous setting to have a drink or two !

November 28 - Christmas Tree Picking

Up and out by 8 o’clock this morning to drive to the Tahoe National Forest to pick out a tree or two. Arlo decided to catch a few winks so he’s ready to walk in the forest in search of the perfect tree. 

As you can tell, it’s a beautiful sunny day in the high 50s. 

Found it!!

The trees are up with lights. 

Arlo’s tree. He’s such a happy baby. 

Shan and Carl went to dinner with friends, Nate and Ashley, and then to listen to some music. Arlo and I played, are, and then went to bed. A fun and successful night for everyone!  Here’s Arlo after his dinner. Notice I forgot to put on a bib. 

November 26-27 - Leaving Bandon

I drove up to Bandon with Drew and Erin. Driving back to California, I road with Carl, Shan and Arlo. Decided to break up the trip into 2 days. Stopped at Pistol River overlook for a short break and last time on the Oregon beach. 

Overnight stop at friends of Carl and Shan’s, Joey and Jess and their 2 kids, Mac and Shiloh in Medford. 

Arlo is a good car rider. Sleeps a lot and doesn’t fuss much. 

A stop in Red Bluff along the Sacramento River to stretch our legs. Another sunny day. 

Mount Shasta looms high above as we drive down I-5. 

Sunset as we were getting closer to Nevada City. 

November 25 - Last full day in Bandon

What a full day we had for our last day in Bandon. We first took a walk on the Face Rock beach. 

Tony’s seafood one last time for chowder and hot crab sandwich. 

Then a short drive to Shore Acres for sunset and lights at the Botanical Gardens. A perfect ending to a wonderful Thanksgiving with the Cali kids. 

As you can see, the waves were high and crashing on the rocks shooting water high. 

Lights reflecting on their little pond. 

November 24 - Devils Kitchen Beach Walk

Another sunny day in Bandon and another beach walk. This time we went to Devils Kitchen beach. 

Erin decided to try flying her kite. Perfect day for that. She had it flying high. Arlo loved watching her. 

Family photo

Carl and Bandit had to try rock climbing a little.

On to the Cidery where we played a competitive game of Yahtze. Surprisingly, I won. Arlo was our referee. 

Sunset at Face Rock before we went back to the house. 

I got to do the Nana Peg thing and watch Arlo while the kids went out to dinner. Bath time and then a little rocking and singing You Are My Sunshine. Arlo was tired from his time at the beach. 

November 23 — Happy Thanksgiving

Thanksgiving dawned sunny and bright. Definitely time for a beach walk. This time we went to Bullards Beach State Park. 

Back to the beach house for lunch and playtime. 

Arlo’s new Christmas tree. 

Preparations began for our Thanksgiving dinner. 

Lamb, roasted vegetables, Parmesan brussel sprouts, faro salad and sweet potato casserole was on our thanksgiving menu. Everything was delicious. 

November 21-22 — Bandon

It was overcast but a walk on the Bandon beach was still a treat. 

Yes those are horses and dogs on the beach. Oregon beaches are pet friendly. 

After the walk, we had to have some seafood at Tony’s. Arlo definitely approved of the oysters. 

An artist’s depiction of all the trash found on the beach or ocean. 

Arlo had some playtime when we got back to the AirBnB. 

Jax had to rest a little, as did Winnie and Dennis.