Alena in Santa Barbara, CA - Oct 2008

Alena is quite the traveler these days. She is fantastic traveler on planes. Flying to California was a piece of cake after worrying about the travel for Hawaii (even though she did great). We arrived in the SB airport on Wed afternoon and got our car and headed to Marion and Jerry's house. We went to Longboards for some food, great views and wonderful company. We played around on the pier and then Marion took us on a quick tour of SB including the Mission. The next day Alena played outside on the deck and yes we went back to Longboards for a Mud pie. Aman, Alena and I went to meet jen-jen and Alena played in the biggest sandbox I have ever seen. She LOVED it! It was so great to catch up with my best friend. Friday we went to Westmont for chapel and to look around. Oh, I love that campus...such a wonderful school. Aman, Alena and I went to State Street and went to the mall and then to the Mission and the park and gardens across the street. It was so fun and relaxing just hanging out there. That evening my parents, Marion and Jerry, Aman, Alena and I met jen-jen, Brent, their kids and her parents at Endless Summer. It was so much fun to see them and to have a great view of the water. The mud pie was even better there than at Longboards. Afterwards, jen-jen, Brent and Aman and I went for coffee. I just love them! Saturday was our last day and I got to see my old roomie, Christi. We met at school to hear the new President talk then we went for lunch with Aman, Alena and Marion & Jerry. It was so much fun. Then Christi and I got ready for our class reunion dinner. I got to see a few friends, but the best part was being with my family and seeing jen-jen and Chrsiti. I am so happy Alena got to see where her mommy comes from. I can't wait to go back!

The link to pics is below. The first few are her Austin ice cream festival shirt and some of her cute Halloween socks that Brandi and Joseph gave her.

http://picasaweb.google.com/nichols.juliana/AlenaInSB_Oct_2008#