California: Day 2

Bright and early on Thursday morning we woke up to Killian coughing and sneezing. Oh no! She had caught the cold her cousin Sam got right before we left. She didn’t seem too bothered by it, so we planned to continue about our day. We had to meet with our DJ, do a final walk through at the Pavilion and we had to get our marriage license. We figured since we were going to be right by the Zoo we would meet up with Mark, Erin, Aubree and Bryce.

Sean and I headed to get our license while Killian took a nap at the house. Getting the license went smoothly and we were back home in a jiffy. We packed our sun block, hats and cameras and headed off to Atascadero. We met with our DJ first while everyone walked around outside and checked out the park. I think the DJ was very relieved to find us very laid back and go with the flow type of people for the music selections. He informed us of some festivals going on locally and good places for surfing. He grew up in Newport and it was very hard for me to NOT make any OC comments. I still miss that show. When we figured out where he would be located for the reception and the ceremony we were pretty much done. Next up on our agenda, a meeting with Audrey from the Pavilion. Audrey was such a great help with planning this wedding from Illinois. She answered all our questions, gave us information about the area, and even gave my sister and step-mom info for hair salons. We did a walk through of the building and the gazebo. She showed us the floor plan for the reception and seating for the ceremony. She showed us some pictures of previous parties, but she said she was so anxious to see how ours turned out because she had a meeting with Sean’s mom and she had told her what she was planning. Audrey had never seen a reception done up with balloons, so she quite excited to see pictures afterwards.

During all of our meetings poor Killian was have some problems. When Sean put her sun block on that morning he thinks he got some in her eyes or put it on her hands and she then got it in her eyes. They brought her in to us at the Pavilion and she could barely keep her eyes open! We thought at first it might have been allergies mixed with her cold, but after awhile Sean remembered the sun block he put on. He said he got some in his eyes too and they were still burning. After some debating on whether to take her home, get some medicine or keep on to the Zoo we decided to try the Zoo.

Killian's eyes all pink and swollen.

Aw my poor baby girl!

We met up with the Winters, Mark, Erin, Aubree and Bryce. This was the first time Killian and I met them. After hugs, hellos and some traveling talk we headed into the Zoo. Killian just kept her eyes on Aubree. She is very curious about kids, but has to warm up to them. That took about two minutes and then they were walking hand-in-hand and playing. Sean and Erin both agreed the Zoo seemed much bigger when they were growing up. But it turned about to be the perfect size for us. By the time we saw everything Killian and Sammy were ready for another nap.

Aubree getting a drink/photo opp.

I certainly can't let the kids have all the fun!

Aubree and Killian walking together through the zoo.

Aubree helping take care of Killian.

Sammy enjoying the zoo.

Sean was very anxious to hang out with his brothers some more so he called them on the way home since they would be getting out of school at that time. We met them at the high school and they followed us to the house. They got a tour of the house, the pool, and then the brotherliness started. Sean was determined to get Ian in the pool. He recruited Daniel to help. They were nice enough to take his belongs out of his pockets first, and even his shoes I think. After a few minutes of wrestling, dropping Ian on his head, a knee to the face, Sean Hoover was called in to finish the job. Sean and Sean were able to finally toss Ian into the pool. Sean commented on how strong and squirmy his little brother had gotten. Once Ian emerged he tried to retaliate, but Sean was running all around and hiding. Ian relaxed only to be knocked in the pool some more by Daniel. Then Daniel was in the pool! Sean being such a good older brother lent them some dry clothes to head home in. We all hung around for a bit and talked. Killian was warming up to the boys a little. She really liked all the noises her Uncle Daniel was making for her.

Sean and Daniel trying to get Ian in the pool.

Had to call in the big guns to finish it.

Ian trying to get Sean back.

Sean happy to be with his brothers.

Eventually the boys had to return home and we needed to eat dinner and put very sleepy children to bed. Sean had planned to meet up with his friends that night. Luckily, Killian went to bed easily and my sister, brother-in-law, step mom and dad all agreed to keep an eye on her while we went out. There was a bar in town that we went to called Monteleones Rock. This is definitely not a typical bar that we are used to here in the Quad Cities. The bar is located on the end of a row of businesses. In fact it looks like a store or garage from the outside. Once you enter it is decorated with musical instruments, rope lights, art work, some bleachers, a shed and a very unique table and stools. The bar has a stage for bands and patrons to share their musical talents. Stefanie and I couldn’t believe what we were seeing; there were dogs….running around in the bar. Sean quickly found his friends and started reminiscing about growing up together. Sean H., Stefanie and I got to hear lots of stories that night. Sean H. also made friends with the pug that was in the bar. It was good to finally meet the people from Sean’s stories and to hear new ones that Sean would never offer up himself. But atlas we were all still adjusting to the time difference and headed back for bed.