I took the kids down to the fancy part of California for a work/fun trip last week. We stay with Grammy and Opa and do lots of fun things. It's vacation.

That is, until you get hit with a wave called the flu.

I'm grateful that I was able to get my work day done, some editing done, and a wonderful beach day done with my kids and Opa, but that flu came fast and furious.

It's been almost 6 years since my last run-in with the flu. What a horrible horrible virus! With three small children to care for, I am extremely grateful that the timing worked out to be here. I'm sure Opa and Grammy feel the same (not). I've been good for nothing but consistent trips to the bathroom and sweaty clothes. It's been very attractive.

They have been amazing, though, and are risking their own health to make sure their daughter can function. Thank you both for taking care of these little beach bums while I recover!

This was Honey's first trip to the beach! She loved the sand and consumed a fair amount, as to be expected. She got a little sun and was quite content exploring textures, scents and sounds.

It was quite the reminder for Opa and I to hit the beach more often (for him it's a bit of an easier task than I).

It's quite therapeutic, especially this time of year when nearly every other region is experiencing fall.

Only in the state of California can we experience sun hats and shore racing on one day and drive home to snow on the next! What a great state for people who like change. :-) (let's just not talk about our politics, though....)