California 2012

Last weekend we went from this

to this! Absolutely perfect timing for a trip to Southern California!

While we were loading up the rental car we were sweating. It was such a nice change from the 16+ inches of snow we had gotten at home the day before! We spent the rest of that day at the beach. Lila absolutely loved the ocean. The waves would knock her over and when I pulled her up she was always laughing. She is much better about holding my hand now, though!

We stayed until the kids were too cold to play in the water anymore. Then, they insisted on walking down the pier to get milkshakes. I think Regan was shaking with cold by the time we got to the car. (She also refused to wear a jacket before we headed down the pier insisting that her swimsuit cover up was plenty warm. All in the name of fashion...)

We met Clint's brother, his wife, and their five kids at the hotel. My kids loved seeing their cousins! The next day we headed north to the Los Angeles temple and visitor's center. Temple grounds are always so beautiful and peaceful. We rounded a corner, and there was a guy deep in meditation. He was absolutely still. Haden thought he was a statue and patted his leg. He was astonished when the man opened his eyes and said, "Thank you, young man!" He was a little embarrassed, but then tried to talk his cousins into going over and patting the man's leg.

Haden found the statue of Jesus. He asked about the marks in His hands and feet. I explained why they were there. I was surprised how emotional he got especially since he has heard the story countless times. He has since referred back to it several times since then, asking why people were so mean and why did they kill Jesus? I love my sweet little boy.

Next we headed to Leo Carillo State Beach just west of Malibu. It is supposed to be one of the best places in the area for tide pooling. The older kids liked it, but it was a little too technical for my kids. We got there at low tide, so there was lots to see. There were bunches of starfish!

Once again, little Lila loved playing in the water. Regan liked to pretend she was surfing, just like Merliah from Barbie in a Mermaid Tale.

Haden loved exploring the caves on the beach and building sandcastles.

Disneyland was scheduled for the next day. I like to take each of my kids when they are 3-4 years old. Everything is just more magical for them. Haden is no exception. So, this trip was for him. Even though we were only there for a day, we got to ride nearly every ride. Many, several times. I will never understand why people pay all the money to get into Disney during peak season only to spend the day waiting in lines!

Lila loved riding every ride she was tall enough for. Regan's favorite two rides were Splash Mountain and Pirates of the Caribbean. Haden liked Astro Blasters and exploring Toon Town.

We got to meet several princesses, Rapunzel, Tinkerbell, and Aladdin with the girls.

I don't think Regan was too thrilled about meeting all the princesses again, but was a good sport about it because her younger cousin wanted to. She did like collecting everyone's autograph, though.

Alivia asked Tinkerbell for some pixie dust so she could fly. Tinkerbell cleverly replied that it would not be safe if she gave that much pixie dust but would give her just enough to make her jump a little higher. In several of the pictures I took of Ariel, she was watching Lila. Very cute.

Haden got to meet Goofy, Mickey, and Minnie. He was in heaven!

Haden said Minnie was his favorite character.

I'm really glad that Clint doesn't have any kind of motion sickness. He rode every ride with the kids and I was perfectly happy being the photographer.

Clint took Haden through Toon Town first. Haden really wanted to go back while the big kids were riding the scarier rides, so he, Lila, and I explored it again. It was nearly deserted the second time through. Lila had just as much fun as Haden did running around, pushing buttons, and climbing on everything she possibly could.

Lila was a little annoyed that she couldn't take a balloon with her.

I love how accommodating all the employees of Disney are. We stayed with Mickey for several minutes while Haden gave him high fives, knuckles, and hugs. No one tried to usher us out and they even offered to take pictures of all of us with my camera.

Regan has become quite the driver! The first time through Autotopia was a little rough, but the second time through she was awesome! Now if only she could steer and push the gas pedal at the same time.

Lila liked the Submarine ride, but kept trying to look out everyone's window to make sure everyone was seeing the same thing.

The next morning, Haden and I went to breakfast with Mickey and his friends. Neither Regan or Clint wanted to come with us, so we left them to entertain Lila.

We've never seen Lilo & Stitch so Haden wasn't quite sure who or what this was, but he kept coming back to our table.

Haden was thrilled Pluto was there because he hadn't seen him at the park the day before.

Daisy told Haden that Donald was still sleeping so he wasn't there.
Haden was a little bummed that Goofy wasn't at breakfast with us. When he discovered this Goofy, he insisted that the bad guys had frozen Goofy and that was why he wasn't there. Very active imagination in that kid.
And then we came home. Back to the now 12+ inches of snow at our house. I think everyone had a wonderful time! I love taking vacations with my little family!