We didn't have plans to go to California this summer but that changed when I decided to post our house for rent on airbnb. It was way more successful than I ever imagined which is how we ended up in Cali for 3 weeks. Casey had to start school so he only got to stay a week. I had a great time with the boys although it wasn't all sunshine and rainbows. There were some major meltdowns which led to me crying. I was so grateful for Casey's parents. They supported me physically, mentally, and emotionally. I couldn't have done it without them. Most of our time was spent at pools, parks, Mary Moody's backyard and the beach. Get ready because I'm about to post a lot of photos.
We couldn't pass up a photo on the extremely large rocking chair in Beaver, UT.
Eleanor with Aunt Aymee. She can't wait for Aymee to teach her how to do high kicks and twirls.
The waves were huge this year. Luckily the boys didn't want to go to far into the water. They had more fun digging and running from the water.
Olliebug's hair got so blonde. I love his lighter features.
This was Eleanor's first time at the beach.
She wasn't too sure of the cold water. Look at her chubby thighs. I love that she has some rolls because our boys never did.
All of us with Grandma Grandma
Ok, a little back story on this picture. Casey and I started taking a photo on the Balboa Ferry when we were dating. Now it has become tradition to take a picture on the ferry and get Balboa Bars. It's fun to see the same backdrop but with more people in the picture:)
The boys got dipped cones instead of Balboa Bars which was just fine with me. I knew they wouldn't be able to finish the bars. Plus the cones were half the price. Thank you boys for saving us money - ha!
One of our favorite parks is the Big Wheel park. It is the best ever. I don't know why more towns don't build a park like this one. It has roads, hills, tunnels, bumps, and a gas station. The kids spend hours riding around and having fun pretending. We had many picnic lunches here.
Spencer coming through the tunnel
Ollie waiting for a green light
Casey and Eleanor take a break
Time to gas up!
I have to share a funny story about the park. This year the association started cracking down on association members. To get into parks and pools you have to have a pass. We've always used Sue's even when she's not with us which is a no, no. This year they started randomly checking people. I was having a rough day with the kids so I packed them up and took them to the Big Wheel Park. When we got there they immediately started riding and I set up our picnic lunch. Within 15 minutes an association member came and started checking passes. Since Sue wasn't with me they confiscated my pass, gave me a ticket, and made me leave the premises immediately. I was in tears! Don't mess with the Woodbridge Association.
Logan with Eleanor
Eleanor, Grandma Grandma, and Eleanor
Our two March girls - Ella and Eleanor
Avaree and Olliebug
Owen and Eleanor
Ali with Eleanor.
We had a great time going to the park, hiding in the cleaning closet, taking pictures on iPhoto, and eating at Chic-filet with these guys. Thank you for the great memories!
Feeding the ducks never got old. The boys would ride their bikes around the north pond and stop when they'd see a new batch of ducks. I wish we had a bigger duck pond by us.
Patrick wasn't able to come home so we met him half way in Santa Barbara. We got to meet his sweet girlfriend Lindsay for the first time.
Ollie was attached to Todd's hip. He gave him lots of kisses and loves.
Patrick was helping the boys throw rocks off the cliff.
These were the stairs we had to walk down to get to the beach. It was a good workout with the 3 kids.
The beach was near empty which was so nice. The boys ran around in the water and sand. We laughed at how we usually bring all these toys and snacks to the beach. Typically the kids get bored and want to go home right after you've arrived with everything. That was not the case on this day. We brought absolutely nothing with us and they had the best time ever. We ended up staying 3 hours.
Uncle Pat with Eleanor. He liked that she had a Dodger blue shirt on
Spencer was impressed at how fast and deep Todd could dig a hole. He climbed into one of the holes and we almost lost him!
Patrick buried the boys and made it look like a shark was eating them. They loved it!
Patrick eating the boys
We got to spend some quality time with Grandma Lou. The boys loved playing games with her. And, Eleanor loved getting kisses from her.
Part of the nightly routine was rocking with Grandpa. We would put bets on who would fall asleep first.
I took the kids to the Irvine Regional Park. It's a great place. It has a zoo that the kids love. It's smaller so we visited the animals a few times.
I love this girl!
They have a petting zoo which I thought the boys would love, but they only spent 2 minutes in it.
After the zoo we had a picnic by the pond. We played tag and duck, duck, goose. Eleanor wasn't too good at the games.
Before we left the park we went on the train. The boys favorite part was the tunnel at the end of the ride.
Ollie loves the sand and spends hours playing in it when we're at the beach. We had been at the beach all day when I noticed he was getting a little tired. One moment he was playing and the next he was......
....sleeping. He was so tired that he fell asleep on the sand. He's too cute!
Spencer loved burying himself. Cute Harper and stinky bunny were watching to make sure he was doing it right.
One of the highlights of our trip was feeding Mary Moody's turtles. She was on vacation so everyday we would go visit and feed the turtles. The boys literally would sit down and talk to the turtles while they ate. Spencer was so cute on the last day. He told the turtles he wouldn't be back for awhile and that he hoped to be able to visit again soon. He told them that he would talk to his mom about coming back. He even told them that he'd miss them. So precious!
Spencer gave the turtle a kiss
Ollie feeding them by hand
Ollie liked to pet Tonka through the fence.
Meet Tonka. This turtle weighs between 50 and 60 pounds. He knocks over anything in his path so that's why they separated him while they were on vacation.
Uncle Mike with Eleanor
Uncle Mike and the boys!
We had a fabulous time and hope we can visit Cali again soon! Thank you grandpa and grandma Robles for making this trip possible.
