Laguna Beach

When I first mentioned that we might take a vacation to Southern California, Susan at Short on Words piped up and suggested that we get together while we were down there. I was so excited to meet my favorite blogger and knew that our boys would get along marvelously. She suggested this beach, which I immediately recognized from her stunning photos. (Check out her photos of our beach get-together.)The boys did get along swimmingly, of course, and both Shannon and I mentioned that Susan is one of those wonderful people with whom you can feel like you've been best friends with for ever when you've just met her! We talked and talked and talked and snapped photos left and right.


There were so many exciting spots on this beach. Low tides provided excellent tide pools.
The rocks were perfect for climbing.

Did I mention the spectacular weather we enjoyed?!

We even spotted dolphins swimming along! (Sorry, didn't get a photo of that one...)
We had to get the photo to prove we were together. Susan is lucky to have a pinch photographer on board.
I wish we could have stayed for sunset, but the natives were getting restless (and hungry). Maybe next time.

Maps and Naps

Leif saw Mommy marking her map and had to do the same. I wonder what was on his 'want to see' list.


He must have been telling Daddy where to go. Leif spent most of the week on Daddy's shoulders. What a view!!

Daddy's shoulders were also a convenient spot to fall asleep.

Fun really wears a body out. (Daddy's and Leif's.)

Oh, and Luke's and Mommy's, too! The long walk back to our hotel seemed extra exhausting with a sleeping Luke on my back the last night...

Night Life

(My new favorite rollercoaster!!)

Disney

We spent four terrific days in the Atascadero area before heading south. Russ was working most of that time in Southern California, so Shannon and I packed up the truck and kids for the drive to Anaheim on Monday morning to meet him there. (I cannot tell you all how much I appreciated having my sister, Shannon, along. She was a huge help as well as being tons of fun!!)

The drive took a little longer than we would have liked, and Russ got held up at work and in traffic. It was about four in the afternoon before we had checked in at our hotel, unpacked, and walked to Disneyland. Luckily we purchased five day park-hopper tickets knowing that we wanted to do multiple short days rather than one or two marathon days with three little boys.

We had a stretch of gorgeous weather (quite hot in the afternoon the first three days). It cooled off some by Thursday and Friday. Saturday (our drive home) it rained seemingly non-stop. What timing!

The Crew at the Zoo

We had a very special visit with my grandparents, Aunt Melody, Uncle John, and cousins Aimee and Michael. I am beyond thankful for the time we were able to spend with them!

Grandma and Grandpa, thank you for your love for our boys and giving me a chance to re-live my childhood visits to your home. John, Melody, and Michael, thank you for taking the time out of your crazy schedule to visit, play games, and do fun things. Aimee, I want you to move here. I have never met someone so capable and drawn to children. My boys adored you, and Leif is still talking about his Aimee. You are all loved!!!!

(Aunt Melody and Cousin Aimee)

Grandpa Treats Us To Ice Cream

Just the ticket after an afternoon on the beach.

Morro Bay

An afternoon at the beach

with Grandma, Grandpa, and cousin Aimee.

(Russ, Shannon, and I took turns playing photographer

for this vacation. I didn't keep track of who took what!)

(I apologize in advance for the number of photos I'll be posting in the next few days...I can't seem to pick and choose very well.)

The Parade of Pictures Begins

(Almost) On Our Way

(Levi has a Disneyland map.)

We're Home!!

Well, we survived the drive home. The first thing I wanted to do was to go through all my pictures, but bed won out. Check out Susan's blog for a sneak peek! I promise I'll post a few later today.