Californ-I.A.

We headed down to California two weeks before Christmas with our neighbors the Johnsons. We survived the drive. It helped that we had gotten a roomier new car the night before we left, that's a whole different story but we sold our 4runner in a day and were waiting for our new car to come in, long story short it finally came just in the nick of time. We bought a Honda Pilot and love it!

We stayed at the Marriott Newport Villas. It was such a nice resort with beautiful views of the ocean. I wish it was just a little bit warmer but it still beat Utah! The first day we just hung out after we checked in. We went outside and played with the kids and smiled as the sun peeked out through the clouds here and there.


Mark was playing catch with Charlie and Kenya wanted to join in. Her job was to tackle Mark, she was giddy doing it. It was so cute.

The next day we drove to the Newport temple and walked around it.

After the temple we decided to head to the beach. Our GPS took us to some random spot on Newport Beach, but that didn't matter to the kids. They took off down to the water.

Kennedi fell in! She was trying to be tough but it was cold, freezing if you were wet! Jeff took her to the car to get dry. We didn't stay long.

For a minute Kaylynn thought it would be a good idea to take her back down to the water since she was already wet. I think she was just too cold though!

Poor thing.


We tried to get a family picture. It was not cute.

The next day was Monday and was suppose to be our first Disneyland day but the forecast called for lots of rain so we decided to wait one more day. We found an indoor play place for the kids, they had a lot of fun, we did too! I'll have to get those pics from Chelsa.

The Magical Kingdom

We had 3 fun filled days at Disneyland. Not very crowded which was nice of course, not too warm but we avoided the rain and wore jackets and we were fine. It was fun to be there right before Christmas. We wore ourselves out, you'd think my kids would sleep in but Charlie was still up between 5 and 6. I think one morning he slept until 7, he had some Benadryl in him though. (we were desperate.) He held up well though, walking the whole time. The girls would fall asleep in the stroller at night and he was a trooper. According to "the watch" we trekked 10-12 miles a day, who knew!

This was our first time seeing Tinkerbell. She is the only character Leila was ok with and I love this picture!

First time seeing storm troopers too. I was taking this picture of Charlie while Mark was getting a fast pass, he came up behind me and jumped in right before I took it, just as excited as the kids. :)

Kenya didn't want a picture with him at first, then she decided to. She said "Oh, Cruz likes those!"

Parade

Leila started waving to everything.

"Look Carter! There's Buzz!"

The only way to get Leila to sit by Santa was with Mark too.

Leila's looking worried here, love it.

Leila loved the merry go round. Kenya too of course.

We waited for these guys to come down, Brighton and Kennedi were completely hidden under the poncho, Kenya got soaked. Luckily we had a sweatshirt and a coat so we could take off her shirt and put the sweatshirt on, it was getting dark and cold.

They loved this tire swing.

This might be one of my favorite pics of the trip.

Getting ready to watch The World of Color. She was mesmerized and fell asleep.

We headed over to small world after the World of Color Show to see it all lit up. So pretty! They had a cool light show on it too. By now both girls were asleep, Charlie was hanging in there.

Next day, the princesses.

We lucked out after we got out from seeing the princesses they were putting on this little show with more princesses so we got to see just about all of them.

Carter loved Pooh Bear, it was adorable. It was fun to see how excited he got about things, reminded me of the first time we went when Charlie was about his age. Pooh was cute with them.

This little candy shop was so fun, we couldn't resist buying a treat. I want to make these!

Leila was mesmerized in Pirates of the Caribbean.

We lucked out again and were walking right as Jesse and Woody were coming over to greet people.

This trip went by so fast for us! Before we knew it we were headed back home. We took a day off in between Disneyland days and enjoyed the resort. The Johnsons headed to Sea World. I was worried our kids would be really upset that we didn't go but they were fine about it. It was nice to rest up and relax. We all took good naps that day. Until next time Disneyland, it really might be a while this time. :)