{Travel: California} Oktoberfest

We had an amazing trip, and I am so happy to share a few of the many highlights along the way. I am kicking off my recap with a family tradition, Oktoberfest. My parents have thrown the annual celebration for as long as I can remember. Mom (pictured with me above) makes a full homemade spread of our German, and not so German, favorites like potato pancakes, bratwurst, red cabbage, mac and cheese, and don’t forget the soft pretzels. You will also see below, that my father has his own unique tradition when it comes to entertainment.

A few years back, my father decided to take entertainment into his own hands. A true engineer and kid at heart, he took some of our arcade and Price Is Right favorites and made them his own. He set himself a couple of ground rules (1. He never tells us what the new game will be. 2. He can only use items found in his workshop, plus $5 for “outside” supplies) and the results are hilarious! I have one cool Dad (pictured with his ode to the Price is Right, the Mountain Climber.)

What a great day filled with friends and family, and while I don’t go home very often, it does feel good to be home. More to come from rest of our trip later in the week!