Road Trip

In February we took a road trip to Southern California. We had a fabulous time together as a family and crammed as much as we could into the 10 days we were gone. We have over a thousand pictures from the trip so needless to say I will only share a few of them. The car ride was actually somewhat enjoyable although I must admit that the last few hours home seemed endless. We made a quick loop through San Francisco to see a few highlights (I had never been and would like to go back) and then headed to Anaheim. We spent two days in Disneyland, one in California Adventure, one at Seaworld, and one at Universal Studios. We managed a quick stop at the beach and Hollywood Blvd. We took the long way home and spent a day in Pahrump, NV. with my sister, brother, and their families. It was great to see all of them and it was wonderful spending time together as a family just having fun.

The family at the Golden Gate Bridge.  Unfortunately the weather didn't cooperate.

Mollie & Megan at the bottom of Lombard street in San Francisco.

The picture says it all, did I mention he is 15.

One of the few that all three thought was cool.

A quick evening trip to the beach.

Driving a few extra hours to feed my nephew Josh was totally worth it!

Disneyland

Disneyland was great as usual.  We had so much fun just spending time together.  The lines weren't too bad and we were able to do everything we wanted many times over.  After years of not going on a vacation it was very fun for Mike and I to take "big" kids on vacation.  It was great to be able to go and do whatever with no concern for a time schedule.  We commented several times how weird it was to not have a stroller with us.  I really enjoyed the time on the rides and the time in line.  It was a great chance to just be a family.
The pictures are endless but here are just a few.



As always Thunder Mountain was definitely a favorite!



A little excited while waiting for the tram.  After two days in the car they were ready to start the vacation!




We were in the right place at the right time and there was no waiting to get their picture with Buzz!





This one is for Jadyn and Kaylie





One of my favorites from the trip.




Killing time in the princess line.  The only line Sam was willing to wait in.  I could make a photo album of him and his princesses.




Mollie talked for weeks about having a turkey leg!




Destined to be a king!




Even the cold and rain on the last night didn't dampen our spirits.



California Adventure

AWESOME!  FUN!  AMAZING!  FABULOUS!  I could go on with a list of words to describe California Adventure.  We just had a great time being together and the Water Show was amazing.  We saw it twice and loved it both times.  Sam was on a mission to ride the rollercoaster as many times as possible.  The nonexistent lines made this pretty doable.  I rode twice, Mike a few times, Mollie and Megan quite a few, and Sam some crazy number.  We also loved the new Toy Story mania ride.  Megan wants to plan a return trip to visit the Cars land that they are creating.  We also watched the live Alladin show as well, it was definitely a highlight.  We laughed a lot!

Sea World



The excitement!




The warning!




The aftermath!  They were drenched.  I couldn't help but laugh and laugh.  I offered them ponchos.



Universal Studios

We were a late getting to Universal Studios because of a flat tire and then terrible traffic.  After a slow start we had a great day.  I wish we could have had a little more time.  Our morning put us behind two hours so we didn't get to see everything but I loved it.  Very fun day!

Happy Holidays!

I hope all of you had a wonderful Christmas Holiday. We loved seeing and hearing from many of you and missed those that we were not able to spend time with. Happy New Year from our family to yours! Here are few highlights from our Christmas Holiday.

As always, decorating gingerbread houses with the cousins is a fun evening. I made the houses for the first time this year. What a sticky mess. I have to thank Mike's Mom, Lucy, for all of the many years that she has made the houses for everyone to enjoy, THANK YOU.

While I stood in line waiting for our Santa pictures the kids ventured with Mike over to the Toy Store, Sam was being a good sport about going along but it looked like he had a little fun!

Sam, Megan, and Mollie on their annual carousel ride at Westlake

Our favorite Gingerbread house at the Sheraton. It was a fabulous display and tribute to those that serve in the armed forces.

Waiting for Santa

Sitting with Santa
Having my picture with Santa, does this Santa look familiar??

Hanging out Christmas Eve at Grandma's and Papa's house

Some in my family questioned why Santa would give an "Air Horn" to a 15 year old boy.

Megan can't wait to go to school on Monday with her new sweatshirt.

Mollie taking time out to give her new Dolphin a squeeze, this pillow pet is her new favorite pillow in her room.

And finally, the highlight, I love this picture of sure joy and happiness. The kids were very shocked, surprised, and overjoyed when they learned that we are heading to Disneyland in February!