Each year we are lovingly drawn to California’s Central Valley for the same reason, Robertito’s Carne Asada Fries.

This dish is a culinary masterpiece that combines unique flavors, the complexity of which brings one back to a time long ago at 3am after a fraternity party. We are blessed that Robertito’s is only 2,700 miles away from our home. I can only imagine how hard it must be for people who live further away from such a delicacy.

While here, we might as well see all of our friends and family.

Truthfully, we are lucky that each year we get back to Amy’s childhood home, the place we met, Fresno.

Staying with Grandma and Grandpa is a highlight every summer and the kids often ask how much longer until we get there. It truly is a vacation within our adventure and easily is the most relaxing part of each trip. We spent the week visiting with friends and family, swimming in their epic pool, doing crafts, playing games, and did I mention the Robertito’s? The grandparents gifted Amy and I a date night, so we dug to the bottom of our clothing drawer and got all gussied up. The kids got to play with their cousins at Aunt Jennie’s and we all got to recharge.

We will not be saying good bye so soon thankfully, for the next four days the grandparents will join us as we travel North to our favorite volcano and away from our favorite carne asada fries.