For the last few years my parents have had a timeshare in Newport Beach that they use right after Christmas. Anyone who can go does. I have never been able to stay for more than a few days out of the week, but this year I was there the whole time! It was such a blast! The only thing that would have made it more fun was if Adam and my brother Jeremy's family had been able to come. Hopefully next year, right? Adam was there for at least a couple days, though. :)
Right after we arrived, my mom, Cheralyn, Trisha, and I headed out to the grocery store. I won't say how much anyone spent, but the pictures should give a pretty clear idea. I don't know what's worse: the fact that we bought so much, or the fact that we had also brought left-overs from home and STILL managed to eat almost everything. :/
One especially fun part of the trip was seeing how much the tiny kids (who were little babies last year) loved being together. Steven, Thomas, and Alison were hilarious! We were constantly laughing at their excited screams and laughs at being together. My kids and I shared a suite with my sister Cheralyn's family, and it was so much fun to see Steven and Thomas greet each other every morning. They loved copying each other! Whether they were banging their heads on the backs of their high chairs, running up and down the hall (sorry, neighbors!), or pretending to swim on the carpet, they were always trying to be like each other. Thomas was usually leading the running--he's pretty fast--and he'd always keep looking back to make sure Steven was still following him. These cute boys are only 6 days apart, and I know they will always be super close. Rebecca was also loving being with so many wonderful cousins. She was so smiley all week!
We spent a day at the beach, and it was so nice. The adults all thought the water was painfully cold, but none of the kids seemed to mind. It's like they have a completely different thermostat.
We also loved going to Knott's Berry Farm. I haven't gone there for so long, and most of the kids had never been. Steven's favorite ride was definitely the cars. Those things whipped around the corners like crazy! It kind of freaked Trish and me out, haha.
I need to make Jell-o more often, I guess.
This is what happened on the way back from Knott's.
We love our cousins!
I can't wait to go again! I am so grateful to my parents for setting up and providing such wonderful opportunities for us to all be together! Thanks!!! Our next King Family Destination will be an Alaskan cruise this July, and everyone will be there! Bon Voyage!!!
