Lovin' the So Cal

Our trip to California was the best! Finley loved the new over-the-headrest tablet DVD players we got (one for him & one for Berlin). They definitely made driving easier. We stopped in Vegas and stayed at the Excalibur one night and in the morning we walked the strip & the shops in the old Aladdin casino (whatever it's called now I don't know). Then we drove the rest of the way to Cali. We spent 4 1/2 days at Disneyland, a day in Laguna Beach, a day in Long Beach at the Aquarium, and then a few days in San Diego with my sister going to Mission Bay park, exploring tide pools, and relaxing. 

It was a great trip, despite the fact we had to leave a day early thanks to Berlin getting croup the day after we checked out of our hotel.  

Here are some fun pics from the trip. 

The first day at Disneyland was iffy for Berlin. She wasn't sure about any of the rides and she burrowed into me on each one, closing her eyes and whimpering. Finley was so brave the first day and rode tons of rides - even Splash Mountain & Space Mountain (would have ridden the Matterhorn, but it was closed the whole time we were there). It was fun to see him and Ryan hang out. By the end of our Disneyland park days, Berlin was loving all the rides (and is still talking about them today) and Finley was sick of them. He just wanted to play with his Star Wars Legos back at the hotel. 

My favorite day was the day at Laguna Beach. We got there about 11 am and just lounged the rest of the day. In all honesty, the kids were having so much fun in the sand & water (FREEZING) that we didn't bother walking to the tide-pools. They were so happy to just run free for the day - no lines, no rides, no one telling them to stay near, not to touch that, no we can't buy that toy, blah blah (all the things we parents say that kids hates). It was great. I love the beach. It's the ONLY thing that I miss about California. It's a good thing that my parents & sister are still down there. 

Our least favorite day, though it had it's fun moments, the Aquarium in Long Beach. My kids were so tired and it was so hot & crowded that the temper-tantrums were unavoidable. When one finally stopped, the other started. The only time they were happy was when they were trying to pet the sting rays, crabs, and watching the sea lions in their tank (they were super active & friendly). Once they realized their arms were too short to reach to the bottom of the petting pool, they were done and they made sure I knew it. When we were in one of the inside rooms looking at the exhibits, Finley told me he wanted to leave and go home. When I asked him why he didn't hesitate and cried, " This place is dumb & stupid & I hate it! There is nothing to do. It's so boring." Hmmm. Who knew my almost 4 year old could be so eloquent.

The trip back was depressing, not just because Berlin threw up in her carseat in St. George, but because it meant leaving 75 degree weather for 30 degree weather with snow. I HATE SNOW. I think my SADD kicked in yesterday as it kept snowing and snowing and snowing. I guess I'll just have to pull back out our winter coats - drats! But other than the snow, it's good being home. especially since Finley ended up throwing up in his bed twice between the hours of 1 am - 3:20 am the night we got home. Being sick sucks, but it's a little easier to cope with when you are at home.