Dad never traveled far. As he got older anything more than an hour from home seemed to trigger some anxiety. So, he never would have been able to join us for this trip if he was still alive. After the funeral we were of course all dealing with his death in our own way. This family trip to the beach was the best idea I ever had. His grandkids had never 
seen the ocean, let alone fly in a plane before. The heat and drought of the midwest was getting old, and there was still time before school started to get a trip planned. Mom would have plenty of things to do, to sort, to clean, throw out and plenty of time in the future to do it.
So we celebrated life. Ocean breezes. A condo on the beach. Surf lessons in the day for the kids, a fire and s’mores at night. Tandom flights in paragliders, a harbor cruise, a tour of an aircraft carrier. More swimming in the pacific ocean, and warming up in a giant jacuzzi afterward. Legoland. Long walks on the beach. Watching Eckart Tolle YouTube videos. Reading. Eating.
Dad and me
Most of the time was spent together, ten of us. And there was time to be alone, to watch a sunset, a moon rise, or just sit and listen to the waves crashing continuously outside our patio.
It was a great week. A break from our routine. Celebrating life.
DrMeyer's Blog 
Very nice. My father used to say he never met anyone who wasn’t going to die. Heartache and pain are as much a part of life as joy and love. How you choose to handle the difficult situations life brings you determines who you are; and whether you choose to help others to deal with their pain and heartache is a quality not all of us possess. Thank you for sharing your story, and for being a wonderful example of God’s love in action here on planet Earth. Mary M.
Greg, it makes my heart happy to see these wonderful pictures of you all enjoying yourselves and each other. Your family has certainly had to endure more than it’s fair share of heartache over the last few years. But, I believe that Steph, Todd & Dad were watching over you all enjoying this vacation together & smiling HUGE smiles. Life goes on, and they wouldn’t want it any other way!!!!
Greg, your folks are wonderful people. Your dad will be missed. May you always remember the good times. This sure has been a rough year for your family. My heart and prayers are with you all. Hugs Tammy
What a positive way to send off your Dad. He’s now in a better place, continuing his inner journey:)
You have to be one of the sweetest and kindest persons that ever walked this earth……..GLW
i never met your father but i had a good clue what he was like through his
son….shibuddy forever.
Love this brother. Yes, it was the best trip ever…..You did forget one thing….kite flying! Thanks for the memories!
What an awesome way to celebrate the life of your dad. It was good that you could all enjoy this trip together. Your pics are amazing! Take care !
Thank you all for sharing. Much love from our family to yours!
This is brilliant and should be a part of every family’s grieving process after the loss of a loved one. Incredible photos and memories!
I totally agree, Buffy. I remember when our oldest got her first job with benefits, and she called to tell me that I was her beneficiary on the life insurance, and what amount she had signed up for. I asked why so much? (she was young, single) She said “well, if I die, you guys will have to grieve somewhere, and it might as well be on a nice beach somewhere”. Loved that thought!!
What a lovely trip to spend as a family, sharing old memories and making new ones! I believe, “we travel not to escape life, but for life not to escape us”.
Thanks for all the replies to this…I feel the love!
When I first read the blog title I thought it said “Dad died and went to California” and I was chuckling for a bit. Then I reread it.
The old pictures of your Dad are how I remember him. I remember the chinchillas in the basement. I remember playing ping pong with him. I remember them making beer in the basement. I couldn’t stand the smell but they all had a good time.
Greg, what a wonderful time for your family to be together and enjoy each other. Sue (a friend of your mother’s)
Hi Greg, It’s really great to see all of you celebrating life and each other. Our time here is so short and the relationships so precious that we tend to forget to be grateful. You’re very blessed to have such a wonderful family to share these tough times and they’re very fortunate to have you
as their great idea man. :o)
How wonderful to celebrate life! Your dad sounds like he was a very special person. Sending a hug to you and your family.