California Here We Come!

On New Year's Eve day, Gma Kathy, Gumpy Ken and Uncle Andy traveled to California to visit son Benjamin, Brianne and Mackenzie during the grand opening week of the restaurant Lucca Fr in Benicia. Here's Gma Kathy standing outside the front of the restaurant. You can see the splendid restaurant logo on the brick wall of the interior.

Uncle Andy and Mackenzie

Uncle Andy and Mackenzie enjoyed hanging out with Grandma Kathy and Gumpy Ken at their Ramada motel room for a couple of hours on New Year's Eve afternoon. We picked up Kenzie at her daycare, meeting her teachers and classmates.Uncle Andy and Mackenzie check out one of the many cool books Kenzie has in her collection.

The Proud Parents

Below are Benjamin and Mackenzie at Lucca Fr. Ben stands at his post overseeing the kitchen staff in his role as head chef and expediter. Sweet Mama Brianne and Beautiful Kenzie are shown at their table in the restaurant. The restaurant's front door would be at the back right of the girls' picture.

Clamming IT

Below, Brianne buys some clams at a popular spot where she and Ben and Mackenzie had visited before. There are facilities to grill the clams right on the premises, plus a sandy beach to frolic in. That evening, Brianne and Andy grilled the clams on the patio of Ben and Brianne's duplex. Yum! They were served on a layer of goat cheese on toasted baguettes.

Let the Games Begin!

Here Gumpy Ken and Mackenzie enjoy a game of cards. Cousins Isabel and Zoe gave Kenzie several fun Princess games for Christmas. Kenzie caught on quickly to the games, and there were a lot of smiles and fun playing them...Bingo, checkers, Old Maid, etc.

A Yawn

Brianne and Benjamin in their kitchen before Ben heads on to work. During the opening week, he put in over 100 hours.....hence, the yawn.

Present Opening

Here Mackenzie shows her joy after opening a friendship bracelet gift from her cousins Isabel and Zoe.Andy, Ben and Grandma Kathy enjoyed being together during Ben's busy week opening Lucca Fr in Benicia, California.

Train Fun

The scenery was spectacular on the train ride through the Napa Valley. We enjoyed fantastic meals, although not measuring up to Chef Ben's menu choices, of course!

Andy and The Camera

Andy had the use of his father's Nikon camera during the trip. Here he records the making of a masterpiece art work, while Mackenzie and he ride on the Napa Valley train ride. After the three-hour ride, Kenzie was asked how she liked it. She replied, "It was boring!" But she had a gleam in her eye, natch!

The Proud Grandmas

Mimi and Grandma Kathy enjoy Mackenzie's company, even while she sleeps, while waiting for our table at Ben's restaurant. The bar is in the background.

A View of the Interior

Here the family enjoys a meal at Lucca Fr. Gma Kathy and son Andy are seated by the letter "C" on the brick wall. This picture is taken at the entrance of the restaurant. Windows look out onto the street at the left; the remainder of the restaurant is to the right.

Chef Ben Greets the Family

The family enjoys a chat with Chef Ben, as they sample the absolutely scrumptious entrees. Each one of us tried something different, savoring the unique qualities of his menu items.