My favorite place in the world would have to be The Beach. I would spend everyday there if I could. In college I would schedule my classes early so I could be at the beach in the afternoons or schedule classes all day so I could have days off to spend at the beach. So you have to understand my excitement when I see sand and waves!
We took the kids to Santa Monica beach and to the pier to ride the Ferris wheel


Taylor covered in sand when a wave came up

She loved the water and wanted to be called "fishy"

Mason did not! Which is not so bad when your 2 because he was easy to take care of. Anytime the water got close, he'd turn and run away. It made for a more relaxing experience!



We took the train to San Clemente beach for the day

The ride was a blast, even though we missed our stop on the way back and were stranded for over a hour. After living in Boston and DC, I should have known better. If you aren't at the door when the train stops, you won't make it off. Not sure why I was thinking LA would be any different.

Mason running away from the water. Although this time he did have lots of seagulls to chase and feed, a chair with an umbrella and plenty of chips and chocolate, courtesy of Nani


Here is Taylor, she was either in the sand or in the water, that's my girl


Taylor and I met one of my friends from college at Seal Beach We ate at the end of the pier at Ruby's. If she'd send me her pictures, I'd post them....hint, hint!

While we were walking on the pier we met this guy. He made a pretty simple offer, too bad I was already taken!

I was able to go to Newport Beach and go to the LDS Temple there for the first time. Look at the sky, not a cloud in sight. It was beautiful

What is a trip to California without going to the Happiest Place on Earth? Disneyland, my kids would be there everyday if I was a supermom. We have passes that allows us to go any day, anytime. It has saved me, in the pocket book and in energy! I think we went 6 times. Often we'd go in the evenings when it wasn't so hot, the lines weren't as long and Grandpa could go also, those extra hands make a big difference and Mason minds him more than he does me. So I especially love it when Grandpa comes along!









After a long day at Disneyland, I just wanted a bed. My kids just wanted cotton candy.

We went to American Girl Place in Los Angeles

In 2004, we went to the New York store and I think I loved it more than my kids did. I think the same goes for this time also. I think we'll wait a few years before we go again. She's kind of in that in between age, too old for the bitty babies but too young for the dolls. She did find some really cute things to buy with her birthday money that she plays with almost everyday. This store is amazing!

Lunch was my favorite part. The decorations were adorable and the food was yummy, which I was pleasantly surprised.



She has no idea what "the finger" is, but this must have been her subconscious way of telling me to stop bugging her

She ordered a tic-tac-toe pizza and we all had pink lemonade

For dessert she had a candle in her cake and plugged her ears when they sang. I had to assure the waiter that she also plugged her ears during her birthday party a few days earlier. That's my Taylor-girl

Her favorite part was playing in the bitty baby area with the dolls. She and her cousin Hunter could have pushed the strollers around all day.

I told her when she turned 8 we could go back and get a doll. She was surprisingly okay with that. Steve will have to go with us so that he makes sure I don't break the bank!

There is never a shortage of Entertaining things to do in California.
Birthday Parties



Waterslide

Playing Baseball


Mason hit his head on my parent's fireplace. This is what we looked like after 2 Staples in the back of his head


The kids loved playing in the wagon at Collie Momma and Uncle Steve's house

Swinging at the Park

Sea World in San Diego





Ice Cream Truck

Drive-In theater to see Wall-E

Lounging in the backyard, enjoying the warm weather

Swimming

Food





Shopping




This is why I was tired when I got home and so unmotivated to do anything. We had such a great time. At least I was tired from having fun. I can't wait to go back!