It’s no exaggeration when I say we caught up with a lot of family in California. After seeing my mom’s brother and sister-in-law in Torrance we drove south. Coto de Caza has to be the largest gated community I’ve ever visited and it’s where my stepfather’s youngest brother and his family call home. D hit the golf course with my uncle and I got the afternoon to hang with my aunt in the kitchen.  She has quite a system for cataloging recipes, I wish I had photographed it.

I fell in love with these Cavalier King George Spaniels.

What a sweet disposition.

Resistance is futile.

Their backyard is more beautifully landscaped than any hotel we stayed at during our trip.

My aunt’s cockatoo did not like being photographed and kept a beady eye on me at all times. Luckily, with my telephoto lens I didn’t have to get in too close for this shot.