California Dreamin'

This cooler weather amongst other crazy things going on in life right now have me dreaming my days back to our trip to California.  So I'll just jump ahead and come back later to blog the other happenings. 

The last week/weekend in Sept. we hopped on a plane and took off for our first day in Disneyland. 

It was great because they already had the decorations up for Halloween and it's a fun time to be there.  Well when is it not fun?  

Still a bit too hot but enjoyable and maybe a tad bit crowded.  But then again when is it not crowded?

Maggie loved her first experience here.  She was always so excited to see the characters.  She still talks about going to Disneyland.  I think she thinks it's kinda cruel of us that we don't go at least once a week.

Our second day at disneyland was a lot more exciting for many reasons.  My parents, Megan and Kurtis, and my brother all flew in and joined us.  It was great.  We missed my sister and her family but they had just been there in August and have a new baby joining (already joined now) them soon.  
Not so fun part of this day happened with a wake up call from Maggie puking.  Poor little girl.  It wasn't the best day for her, but she was a trooper.  

Uncle Ryan was so fun to have with us.  He's always good for laughs for the kids and adults! 

After finishing up our second day at Disneyland we arrived late to our house on the beach.  We rented a cute little house right on the beach on the Balboa Island of Newport Beach. 

The next morning everyone was up bright and early and ready to hit the beach.  

We rented beach bikes and boogie boards.

Maggie was trying out some foods for the first time since not feeling well.  

Cute/Stylish Aunt Megan and her baby bump.  This is Maggie's 2nd mommy!

Uncle Ryan being a good sport.  We were definitely more entertained having family along.  

The men perfecting their mermaid.

We decided Kurtis needed to be a goat!

One evening we took a little 20 minute drive to Laguna Beach (our favorite beach) to check out the tide pools and grab some Ruby's for dinner.  It was so beautiful and our hunt of finding sea creatures was successful, although we didn't have much day light.  

The next day was the part of the vacation we like to erase from our memory.  Sickness hit Bess and Carter in the middle of the night.  About a hour after cleaning things up from them, it hit Glen.  It was so sad to see them in bed miserable.  They were so bummed they were missing out on the beach and all the fun things we had rented to do.  And this was our last full day the beach.  

I did however figure out which one of my children is a better patient.  
I didn't hear a peep out of this little girl.  Only when she ran to throw up.  She was quite sweet. 

About 6 hours later it hit me and my dad.  We were both down.  It was awful!!!  

The next morning we had to pack and clean up to be out of our place by noon.  Everyone was feeling better but my dad and I.  Poor us had to spend the day traveling too.  It was hard.  I was sure happy to see my bed that night.
Not to capitalize on the sad/sick part of our trip but the next morning after we were all home Megan and Ryan were also struck with the sickness.  SERIOUSLY it was so bad!  However on a happy note Kurtis and Grandma never did get it.  They were very very lucky!

Even with all the nightmare of being sick I would hop on a plane and be back together in this beautiful place any day of the week.  It's so great to be with family and to make such wonderful memories.  I am glad we could make it happen!