Between the curves on the 1 near Big Sur.

Sallying fourth.

We always say we're going to take pictures of the four of us, and this time we actually did it. Angelica and Shannon just happened to look like models here. Cute.



Homeschool pose. You can tell I was homeschooled the longest.



It took an embarrassing number of tries to get this photo. I've spared you the less successful ones.



After church, we drove out to Canyon Lake for a celebration with Mom and Dad's friends from their Messianic Bible study.



There was so. much. wonderful food.





The four of us were challenged to a young v. old bocce ball game.



It was quite serious, as you can tell. We had the lead for most of the game, but the more mature ladies pulled it out in the end, 10-9.



We jumped in the neighbors' pool for a bit.







Water volleyball!









A group gathered for a rousing game of chair volleyball after dinner.



We were willing spectators.



Shannon was coaching Mom on how to take a good picture. "Anyone can do it, Mom!" See?



The only reason I'm not in this one is that I took it.



We watched fireworks on a pontoon boat out in the middle of Canyon Lake.



You can't tell from the photos, but there were hundreds of boats floating out there with us, and the shoreline was filled with celebrants blasting the Beach Boys and Lady Gaga. It was quite festive.



We were really, really close to the fireworks.





I will confess that I actually don't like fireworks at all, so I concentrated on taking pictures and texting.



I captured the smiley face!



It was a really fun way to spend the evening.





Our gracious hosts. They know how to throw a party!

Angelica's birthday festivities, part II.

The beach Barrs met up with the desert and mountain Barrs for a belated birthday dinner for Angelica on Saturday.



Rachel was actually happier than she appears.





We had hamburgers and oven fries and a small portion of this giant cake.



Shannon is a master of the what's-on-your-plate pic.



Angelica got a lot of clothing for this birthday. She picked out the shirt she's wearing (and a couple of other things) at a random and delightful $2 sale we happened upon one night last week as we were grocery shopping.





After dinner, Mom and Dad gave us a tour of their flourishing garden. They've been productive with their daughters away.



They have some absolutely gorgeous produce.







Mom weeded and Angelica watched. I took pictures.



And drank coffee and posed with Rachel. Sisters!

Jumping in.

Angelica and I drove up to Daniel's house Friday night on our way home for the holiday weekend. We ate guacamole made from his family's avocados and jumped in the pool for a night swim. My camera kind of worked underwater at night, but it was fantastic in the sunshine the next day.



The wind blew drops of water back up off the vanishing edge.



Bubbles!



I couldn't open my eyes underwater because of my contacts, but I got to look beautiful in these goggles.



My camera focused on the surface of the water in this picture, and I'm quite excited about that.



Sparkles!



Mermaid!



Daniel jumping into the pool.



Floating! Clearly, we had a lot of fun with this.



It was so nice to relax with Daniel and his family. They take care of us so well!



Angelica curled up with a book in the sun, and Daniel's brother Mark joined her for a conversation.



Angelica and I were rested and refreshed and ready for the rest of the weekend. We got home Saturday just in time for dinner and birthday part II.