(yes, this is my 3rd post tonight, but I've got to get this all in!)
We took our annual trip back to LA. This year we didn't have many set plans, just to relax and catch-up with friends, which is exactly what we did! The trip didn't start quite so smooth..despite an easy flight, Bryn cried/screamed for about an hour. Our kids have traveled a ton and I have NEVER been that mom. I was mortified but it was nap time and she just couldn't sleep so that's what we got. (PS-Nick and I did take turns in the very last row with her trying to spare as many passengers as possible). I did stand her up at the of the flight and asked her "what do you say to all those people for fussing?" Bryn solemnly announced "sorry eve'rah body" That was almost cute enough to make up for it (to us, not the strangers :) Liam was rewarded for his good behavior by being invited up to the cabin to meet the pilot and 'fly' the plane. He LOVED it...
We were picked up by Mallie/Dallie who overlapped the beginning of our trip. We went to one of our favorite restaurants, C&O's, for dinner. Bryn was serenaded again for her birthday and enjoyed some spumoni...
The next day we lounged around and ended up going to Manhattan beach around sunset...
To say the kids loved the beach is an understatement...they still talk about going back and playing in the water. They would run towards the water and when it hit their feet, they would run back yelling "run for you lives!!" :)
Priceless pics...and pretty much sum up how we all felt about that day...
On Monday, we spent the WHOLE day (10am-8pm) at Disneyland and California Adventure!! Or Candyland as Bryn called it :) The kids were beyond excited!
When the park opened we ran to the Cars Land in California Adventure first. It's set up to look just like Radiator Springs and both kids recognized everything. The first ride we went to was the Cars Racers. Dallie, Nick and Liam got to ride, and although Liam was a little scared with some of the hills, he will still tell you it was his favorite ride...
Next we headed to Luigi's Casa de la Tires...
We met Big Red...
Mater...
and LIGHTENING MCQUEEN!!! Definitely a hightlight for Liam, as Lightening revved his engine and said "ka-chow"...
We did tractor tipping with Mater...
Then rode Ariel's ride...
That was about all our little girl could handle before finally passing out ;)
While she slept we took Liam on Soaring over California, which feels like you are flying over the state...it was a hit! We then went over to Disneyland park and did Buzz Lightyear and Finding Nemo, while the adults took turns sitting with Bryn. She woke up just before we got on the train...
We did the Haunted Mansion which both kids did great with. Liam took a little rest while we took Bryn on the jungle cruise...
We got some New Orleans dinner topped off with beignets for dessert!
We finished the night in Fantasyland riding Dumbo, Peter Pan and of course the Tea Cups (x 3!)
We caught the parade and the kids were excited to see Mickey Mouse...
We forgot to get a family pic in front of the castle till the very end of the night...so this is what we ended up with...
Tuesday was Bryn's actual birthday! She woke up to a bubble bath (since they were way too tired after Disney the night before)...
We then went to Nichol's, one of my favorite breakfast spots, for eggs and pancakes...
We then drove up to Santa Monica and went to our favorite park, the 'duck park' that we used to take Liam to allll the time when he was a baby...
This park brings back so many memories and I remember my 6 month old baby swinging here...now he's a big 4 year old climbing everywhere!
Mal and Dal left that afternoon and we moved from the hotel to Drew and Liz's. They very generously opened their home to our crazy brood! We all slept in one room which Nick and I were a little apprehensive about. We did it last year, and well, we didn't really get much sleep. This year though it was awesome. The kids were tired from long days and we all slept well with the window open and the cool breeze. The kids even napped well together although one day I heard Bryn over the monitor calling for Liam saying "help me out" (of the pack in play). I saw Liam get up to go to her and I immediately told him over the monitor to get back in bed and both lay down. Then I heard Liam whisper to Bryn "I don't think this is going to work". Haha, I love them already plotting together :) We enjoyed our time with the Ferences, doing dinners and lots of card nights. The kids also enjoyed nightly karaoke with Drew...
And they helped us celebrate Bryn's birthday (again!) with turkey meatloaf, mashed potatoes, corn and cupcakes!
Wednesday morning we went to one of our old story times at Santa Monica library...
Then we went to the Santa Monica pier...
And being that close, we obviously had to go play in the sand again!
Thursday we took the kids to the Aquarium of the Pacific. How cool was that seal?!
Bryn was the only one brave enough to touch the baby shark...
They loved the penguins...
Both kids did touch the algae and starfish...
Hey, naughty spot can happen anywhere :)
They loved seeing "a million Nemos!"
Friday we drove up the coast to Santa Barbara where Nick was going to run in the half-marathon. I forgot how beautiful that drive is...
We met up with our friends Jamie, Jason, and Debbie who were there to run as well. We had a great pre-run dinner they cooked up that night. Saturday morning we all woke up early to wish daddy luck!
Nick, Jason, and Debbie at the start line...
They kids were so patient waiting at the finish line with their signs to see Nick run by...
And at 1 hour and 58 minutes it was all worth it!! Nick did so awesome, and I need to brag about him for a minute. He was so stressed about this race as he really didn't train for it properly. He got to run about once or twice a week, a few miles a time. Before running the half, the most he had run was 10 miles around White Rock lake a few weeks before. We were so proud and I think he even exceeded his own expectations :)
Post run breakfast with the Jotas and Debbie...
Saturday we drove back to LA and had 'Friendsgiving' with about 30 friends that night. This is a tradition that Drew and Liz started 6 years ago. I remember going before kids and taking Liam when he was just 3 months old. It was so fun to get to be part of this tradition again and see so many friends.
Our great hosts, Drew and Liz...who not only hosted us but cooked up 60 lbs of turkey for 25 more people!
We had so much fun in LA. Although we didn't get to see everyone, we had a great vacation and so many wonderful memories! The flight home Sunday morning was much more enjoyable (for the rest of the passengers at least).
Yes Bryn was quiet and happy, but coming home to windy, rainy Dallas was not a fun flight for mommy :( Especially with Liam throwing his hands in the air, yelling "weeee!" as we plummeted through the clouds. But most importantly, we are safe and sound and HOME :) We all earned double frequent flier miles on this trip (yes, both kids are frequent fliers!) and we are already talking about our trip to LA next year...although Liam is pushing for NYC, which he's begging to visit. Guess we'll have to see where we end up going next! For now, I'm excited to spend time with family and the holidays at home :)
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