Leaving California and Heading Home

We packed up, took a few pictures here and there and headed home.

The kids found their Mickey/Minnie Mouse ears and wore them a lot on the drive home. Here they are on the balcony of the hotel. Yes the beach was in the background. I view was amazing and at times I miss it if I have a moment to think. Since I am a mom those moments only happen when looking at a picture. I spent a little time on the balcony checking out the view.

Here my husband is coming back from loading the car. His nice co-workers helped get stuff down there. Between our stuff and the work stuff let's just say we had a lot to pack.

On the way out my husband humored me and we stopped for one last moment at the ocean. Which gave me a chance to get some pictures of us and the kids playing at the beach.

Yep chasing Seagulls again.

Look mom I made a sandball. A lot like a snowball but made from sand. She saw it on Curious George once and has been patiently waiting for the snow to come.

On the way home we stopped in in Primm, NV. I had told my husband I have never been on the Roller coaster there and he was thinking that I could ride with our daughter while he stayed with our son. Well between the cost of riding and the height restriction we chose not to ride it anyways. But the monorail was free and my son didn't get a chance to ride the one at Disneyland. So he got to enjoy a "Train ride".

Some of the view on the way home. The walls are impressive in this Canyon.

So we had to stop one last time because we were exhausted. By my son was so excited to see us pull up to another hotel. He got even more excited by what he saw in the Hotel. He was even too distracted to eat breakfast because of what he saw.

A train!

The train went between the lobby and the breakfast room.

After breakfast we tried to go to church but the one we were going to go to was renovating the building and we had a hard time finding the other church building. So we headed to my sisters house. Where we had dinner with my side of the family for my sisters birthday and then that night we slept in our own beds for the first time in over a week. It is nice to go on vacation but, there is no place like home.

Day 3 in San Diego

On our last full day in San Diego we checked out the hotel and the Bay, ate lunch in the hotels restaurant, went swimming in the pool with Grandma and Grandpa and had dinner at Tony Romas with them, and drove over to the San Diego Temple.

Here they had some huge fish and ducks. This hotel fish pond/stream went along the pathways throughout the hotel.

They even had some Tropical birds next to the Lobby.

The hotel was right off Mission Bay. Here were some boats my son was fascinated with so of coarse I had to take a picture of the kids with the boat.

Enjoying our lunch.

And once his tummy was full he curled up in the chair and went to sleep while his sister and I finished our lunch.

In the last year of my Mom's life the San Diego Temple was Dedicated. I have fond memories here of working at the Open House as people came to see what this massive building the "Mormons" had built. I remember her smile as she volunteered and answered questions. I remember being at the Dedication for this building and feeling the spirit so strong. I remember promising that when I grew up I would get married in the Temple. I signed my name on a piece of paper and that paper was placed in the corner stone of this building to be viewed 100 years from the day of this building Dedication. I feel apart of the history of this building. I long to see it when I am in San Diego and loved taking my children to this place and tell them of the Grandmother they will never know in this life. But hopefully I can help them know her a little better with experiences like this.

Their last night sleeping at this hotel. These were the smallest beds I ever saw at a hotel. But what they lacked in size they were still really comfortable.

Day 2 in San Diego

So on day 2 in San Diego we went to Sea World while Daddy was in meetings. The kids had a lot of fun seeing the different animals. We went to all the shows and it reminded me of when when I was a kid. The Sea Lion Show is as funny as ever and Shamu is still pretty cool. My daughter liked the dolphins and Shamu the most while I think my sons favorite was feeding the Sea Lions.

Below we are looking at the dolphins.

Here we are feeding the Sea Lions. We discovered why you shouldn't hold the fish out. Because the Seagulls will try to snatch it straight from your hand. The Sea Lions in on the rock were funny. You would throw a fish to one and the other would yell at you as if they were wondering why we didn't throw it at them. The one in the front made me laugh because I was asking my son if he wanted to feed the Sea Lion and the Sea Lion started nodding his head. As if I was asking if he wanted a fish.

The Sea Turtles were huge.

Two cute kids enjoying the stroller.

Shamu was as cool as ever.

We stopped for lunch before we saw the dolphin show. My daughter enjoying her hot dog. Luckily no Seagulls tried to snatch this out of her hand. We saw a kid in a stroller eating a churro and he lost it to the daring Seagulls.

My son fell asleep before eating so hear he is. When he woke up the only thing he really wanted was crackers and cheese.

The Dolphin Show was theatrical. At points it was a diving musical ballet of sorts about birds and next thing you know there were actually Dolphins in the show. My daughter liked watching the performers fly through the air and seeing the tricks that the dolphins could do.

When we finished at Sea World my husband had finished his meetings for the day. So we headed to Old Town where we checked out the Mormon Battalion Center. This place reminded me nothing of my childhood. They gave this place a whole new makeover. It is definitely more kid friendly now and very interactive. Here we are in the covered wagon.

During the tour we went into a room that represented a place the Soldiers camped as they planned and rested while on their trek to San Diego. Here my daughter got to try on a bonnet.

One of the fun things is as you went through the tour they had a video going that appeared like people were knocking on windows and talking to you. It was pretty fun.

This represented a camp site.

They even have a prop set up like an old camera so you can take a picture and be an Honorary Member of the Mormon Battalion and you can send it straight to your email as well as print out a copy just for you all free of charge.
At the end you could pan for gold. Where was this fun stuff when I was a kid?

After the Mormon Battalion Center we met Grandma and Grandpa for dinner at an outdoor Mexican Restaurant. Which for some reason I can't remember the name. However it had great food and a fun environment. My son woke up for dinner and they enjoyed the musicians that came to our table.

Day 1 in San Diego

So after a couple days at Disneyland we were tired. So my husband got to go to a full day of meetings on our first day in San Diego. So after taking it easy in the morning the kids and I met up with Grandma and Grandpa to have brunch. Then we went to the beach for a little bit. It felt like home to me. I actually grew up in San Diego and very much long for days at the beach. I was so grateful to have Grandma and Grandpa there to help me with the kids. My kids were in heaven to spend so much time with them. Eventually my son laid down on some towels and fell asleep. That was the end of the beach for me and the kids. We headed back to the hotel which was only a block away. After getting cleaned up from the beach the kids and I took a much needed nap while waiting for my husband to get done with meetings. Then we headed to his company dinner which this year was a fun Luau and the kids got to come with us.
My son loved the sand castles others had made and left behind.

Loved to destroy them that is.

My daughter on the other hand wanted to build a sand castle.

And run from the water.

And my sun loved running after the seagulls. He laughed the whole time chasing the birds.

At the Luau the Credit Unions decided to recognize My husband and his Co-workers with a gift card each. It was very much appreciated and made everyone smile to be thought of. My son was a bit attached to my husband this night.

The Luau program was fun. At the end since they knew we were from Utah they kept saying "Go Utes"! It was amusing to see some big BYU fans faces when he said that.
My husband said that my son laughed during the fire dancer. I think he liked it.

Disneyland!

Ok so lots of pictures. So I hope you enjoy and I will explain things as we go.

Front gates of Disneyland. Ok actually this picture was taken much later but since we were at Disneyland thought it was only fitting that we start with the front entrance to the main park. No worries though the rest are in sequential order.

First morning at Disneyland watching everything quietly get set up. In fact I believe this was the most peaceful time at Disneyland. I actually made the pajamas. Should be pretty obvious since the front of her nightgown is upside down oops. Also the K for KaChow is not very pretty. despite those mistakes they turned out cute.

Here is what they are looking at. This is the view from our room.

After we ate breakfast with Grandma and Grandpa we entered California Adventure through the hotels own entrance into the park which allowed us to ride Soarin' Over California before most park patrons could even enter the park unless you stayed at The Grand Californian. Here is our little girl coming off the ride with Grandma and Grandpa.

We decided that we wanted to head to Disneyland and do some stuff there. Here we ran into the Mad Hatter and Alice. So of coarse we needed to get a picture and an autograph.

Then we all got together for a big group photo with Halloween Goofy.

After we had a moment to hang with some "Stars" we walked to the Tiki Room and watched the show. My daughter said it was too loud. But my son seemed mesmerized. Then we headed to The Haunted Mansion. They switched it up for Halloween and had Jack Skeleton and friends take over. I'll be honest I loved the old classic look better. It was still fun.

Then we headed to The Haunted Mansion. They switched it up for Halloween and had Jack Skeleton and friends take over. I'll be honest I loved the old classic look better. It was still fun. I had actually showed my daughter the ride through I found on youtube to see if it was something she would want to ride. This was the first thing she wanted to ride. She rode with Grandma and Grandpa while the little guy rode with mommy and daddy. She apparently told them that she wasn't scared. They laughed and told us that she hid her face the whole time. She is my brave little girl.

While Grandma, My daughter and I went on Splash Mountain, the little guy got to meet Winnie the Pooh and Tigger too. From what I am told he didn't seem too impressed with them. But when he saw Eyeore he ran up to him and gave him a hug. The moment was too quick for daddy to catch a picture though.

We then ate lunch and came back to ride the Winnie the Pooh ride twice. Then we checked out the back side of water on the Jungle cruise and next My husband and I got a chance to leave the kids with Grandpa and they played on Tarzan's Tree house(Swiss Family Robinson Tree house) while we rode the Indiana Jones ride. It seems so rare to get moments to do things just me and my husband it was nice and very appreciated.

After this we rode the train around the park. Got a Mint Julip at the Mint Julip Bar. Thirst quenching and refreshing and cooling all at the same time. Then we hopped back onto the train and headed to Toon Town. Here we rode the crazy Taxi ride and my son had a ball pretending to drive. And yes I remember sunscreen for my kids but not me and I am very sunburned.

Next we visited Minnie Mouse. Minnie was so cute with my son. She just kissed him and kissed him. And he just ate up being hugged by her. My daughter was in heaven and loved getting another autograph. So my husband told me to get in the picture.

Outside Minnie's house is Snow White's wishing well. So my kids made a wish. I told them not to tell me. I want all their wishes to come true.

Next we went through Micky's house and just before we saw Mickey my daughter had to go potty so we saw a glimpse of him as we hurried to find the bathroom. So we then rode Gadget's Go Coaster. My daughter insisted riding it twice but once was plenty for my son. So I took him to Donald Ducks boat and Daddy stayed with her. Here he is steering Donald's boat.

Grandma and Grandpa caught back up with us at Goofy's house and we headed to the Matterhorn. Which my son loved and so when he said again we rode it twice and took the other line for the second track. Then the kids got some mouse ears with their names on them. This is the first time my son happily wore a hat. He loves his ears. Next we rode the teacups and Alice and Wonderland. Grandma and Grandpa watched the little guy and the parade. My husband daughter and I went to Big Thunder Railroad and rode that during the parade.

Then we found our son and Grandma and Grandpa and went to dinner at Tortilla Jo's. The kids got a Ariel and Lightening McQueen Balloon Animal. And then we went back to our rooms and rested for the night. Here they are the next morning showing off their Balloon Animals/Creations ready to get dressed and meet Grandma and Grandpa for another day at Disneyland.

Grandma and our princess waiting for the Snow White ride.

Looking at the toys.

Two cute kids waiting to ride King Arther's Carousel.

Trying to test their strength and pull the Sword from the Stone.

Mr Toads Wild Ride to Nowhere in Particular. Although they are together on this car she got to drive Grandma and he got to drive mommy.

Here we are sitting on Little Casey's Train from Dumbo. Trains make my son very happy.

So my husband caught up with us after the Train ride after checking out of the hotel room and making sure all the stuff we had plus work stuff was safely stored. So we finished up Fantasyland with Dumbo and Storybook boats. Then Grandma and Grandpa rode rides with our son while we took our daughter to ride Star Tours. My husband had a run in with a Storm Trooper.

So fashionable!

Then we rode Ghost Galaxy which was a little scary for me let alone my daughter. Once again like the classic old ride better. Then we met Grandma, Grandpa and our son and rode Buzz Lightyear. Which my son loved. He got to shoot things, that is always cool. They even took a picture for us. However the one with me and my son didn't work.
Next we parted with Grandma and Grandpa so they could ride Star Tours and we went on the rockets. I think my Sons favorite land was Tomorrowland. Next we saw Gepetto and it was my husbands turn to be in the picture with the kids while I rested my feet.

Grandma and Grandpa met us on the way to Lunch at Ariel's Grotto. The food was delicious. Although the seating was not the best in the middle of the afternoon. However it was great for a Princess loving little girl who got extra attention. Where we were at was great for pictures and great for twirling and dancing. Here she is being received By Ariel herself. We dressed her in her belle dress to meet the princesses. In all honesty it spent a lot of time in the backpack but that was to keep it as nice as possible. I spent a lot of time on that dress. She had debated between Cinderella and Belle. Although she is on an Ariel kick lately but I didn't know how to make an Ariel dress and didn't want to dress her as the mermaid. I know I am a stick in the mud.

While we ate Aurora came. This was my daughters first favorite princess.

Belle is the princess My daughter has loved the longest.

She was thrilled to see Snow White and tell her that she saw her on TV the night before telling a bedtime story about Snow White.

Cinderella was the Princess my daughter almost chose to be but decided to stick with Belle. We have spent many hours watching Cinderella as well as Beauty and the Beast. If you wondered why there is no pictures of my son. Well I don't know. He was asleep and with all the pictures of princesses and eating I forgot to document that with a picture.

Now this ride was maybe my favorite. After we finished eat at Ariel's Grotto we checked out her ride. For a tired sunburned mommy the gust of air to make you feel like you were going under water was a breath of fresh air. And there was virtually no line. So we rode it a few times while my son slept and my daughter wanted to keep riding it. Who was I to tell her no?.

After Ariel's ride we said good bye to Grandma and Grandpa and they headed to San Diego. We checked out California Adventure Park and saw Lightening and Mater. My son was excited. My daughter not so excited. She refused to have a picture with them. I guess this makes up for all the princess ones without him. No. Well I thought I would put it out there.

Next we headed to Bugs Land and they wouldn't let us in because they were closing it for a private party. I am guessing someone with A LOT of money. So then we rode Monster's Inc just so it could break halfway through the ride. So we walked back out the ride. I also learned around this time that you are not allowed to walk around Disney property(inside or outside) barefoot no matter how bad your feet hurt while wearing shoes. Hmm learn things everyday. So we headed back to Disneyland and got this picture. I was hoping for more of the Mickey face but the "Professional Picture Taker on Hand" I think was going more for the Main Entrance. Ya well I tried.

So we hopped on the Train and rode it to Toon Town next to It's a Small World.

Went on It's a Small World. Then hopped back on the train.

Got off in Tomorrowland and found out our kids are crazy drivers.

And then we rode the Submarines which is more entertaining as a Little Nemo ride. Enjoyed Buzz Lightyear once more since my son was begging to go on once more and there was no line.

And finally called it a day. We then left Disneyland and headed to San Diego. Where we would meet back up with Grandma and Grandpa and My husband would spend most of his time in Meetings making money to pay our bills when we got home. But I will save that part of our trip for the nest blog post. Since this one is plenty long enough.