Mision San Carlos Borromeo de Carmelo #3

This has to be one of the most beautiful, well-kept missions on the mission trail.  St. Anne's Church organized a pilgrimage of 150 people who traveled by bus from Porterville to visit the Carmel mission.

Although I had visited the mission previously, I did not take the tour of the gardens and surrounding areas.

 Blessed Junipero Serra seems to have a statue at nearly all the missions but he is actually buried here at Mission San Carlos Borromeo de Carmelo.  His grave is located inside the church just in front of the altar.

 My two boys took the journey as well and enjoyed serving mass with Fr. Scott inside the mission shortly after our arrival.  This was a once in a lifetime opportunity and I am delighted they had the opportunity to serve.

Inside the sacristy after mass.  This time will pass too quickly so it is a little bittersweet but I love this time as well.

Mlnarik Family Reunion July 2014

Trapped!

When you are bored and waiting for people to arrive, you can always smoosh your face against the glass then have your mom download to her phone so it looks like you are trapped in her cell phone!

Waterfall Scarf

Finally, after buying the yarn a while back with the intentions of making this scarf.  Then I ordered the beads online sight unseen.  Then it took me forever to find a "big eye" needle so I could string the beads onto the yarn.  You are looking at nearly 500 little tiny .06mm beads on that yarn.

 The bead part is a bit tedious but I really, really love the end result so I think it it completely worth it.

The finished scarf will be sparkly and beaded and just wonderful to wear.  Now for some cool weather to enjoy.

Mission San Luis Obispo de Tolosa

Our first glimpse of Mission San Luis Obispo was at night.   I was glad to get these shots as there was a concert the next day and it was really crowded.

 The traditional photo by the bears.

 The boys were glad to spend some time with Christin touring the mission museum.

One of our goals over the next couple of years is to visit each of the 21 California Missions.  This is #2 so far so we have quite a ways to go.

San Luis Obispo Farmer's Market

Fantastic display of fresh veggies at the Farmer's Market

 along with plenty of sweet treats.

Both boys were anxious to try to raspberries and blackberries so of course we did.  It was THE place to be on Thursday evening in SLO.

Mission San Miguel Arcangel

Aunt Cori came out for a visit and a family reunion.  Our first stop was to see the Santoros and a visit to the Mission San Miguel Arcangel in San Miguel, California.  

Posing in front of the Fr. Junipero Serra statue

 Aunt Cori surrounded by two of her favorite little men.

Andrew learning what foods were brought to California by the missionaries.