Griffith's Park

After a tiring 3 days in Disneyland we decided to spend the last day in California near Hollywood.

We first went to the Observatory that overlooks all of Los Angeles and Hollywood. Huge telescopes and weather equipment are there as well as space exhibits. We all had a great time looking around the museum and then trying to look through the smog and clouds at L.A.

More Disneyland Fun!

We were so excited the kids are getting brave enough to do some of the "scarier" rides and shows. We actually saw Bug's Life for the first time in 5 years---there was just something about that movie that Emily did not like when she was little. Tyler and Megan spent a lot of time with Wendell on the big roller coasters. Space Mountain is Tyler's favorite ride---I have to admit it is one of my favorites also.

Emily was quite content in Fantasyland with Grace. Both girls were so looking forward to the Princess Faire only to learn that it was closed for renovation. Luckily, cotton candy can drive away any disappointment when you are 5.

We love the train---hardly any lines and a really long ride.

Yummy Food!

On our last night in Disneyland we all went to Goofy's Kitchen for great food and characters. The buffet was a little of everything and tons of desserts.

This is the crew that made the trip so fun.

One afternoon, the girls had a great break from rides and went to eat lunch with the princesses. Megan didn't want to come at first, but then realized she would be with the boys and came ultimately for the food. Ariel hosted the event and it definitely was worth the lunch just to see all the princesses in one spot. Emily and Grace were in heaven. Grace even dressed up for the lunch.

Megan's favorite part of the lunch was getting the chocolate shaped seashells and brownies. Emily of course was there just for the princess part.

Disneyland!

While we were in California, we had to go to Disneyland. We spent 3 fun days there. Megan, Tyler and Emily were thrilled to be able to ride with cousins. We had a great time with 9 kids with all but one over the age of 9. At one point we actually had 6 strollers to keep them all contained and keep them all from getting sore feet. Megan was quite upset that she couldn't ride in a stroller. We probably would have gotten her one if we had anyone left to push her.

The characters are always a fun part of the park.

Seal Beach

Monday the 6th dawned hot and sunny. This meant perfect weather for the beach---(and a great place to wait for Danny and Heather's plane.) The water was pretty cold, but Megan braved the waves. Emily cautiously put her head in the water and then would come running up the beach saying how cold it was. Tyler was perfectly content to play in the sand and dip his toes in occasionally. Wendell was happy looking for shells and I just love having a good book at the beach.

Emily did get a little braver once Grace and David arrived. Her cousins have no fear of the water and she tried to compete a little.

Most of Emily's time was spent looking for abandoned buckets and shovels on the beach for Tyler to use. After the kids (and Danny---he was the only adult brave enough for the cold water) dried off we ate at Ruby's restaurant which was just at the end of the pier. Very fun place to eat even when their computers are down which slowed them down a lot. Or it might have been one of the waitresses passed out in the kitchen that slowed them down---we just hoped it wasn't from the food.

Tide Pools!

We went to the tide pools in San Pedro while we were in California. Basically there is just about an hour a day when the tide is at its lowest and then all kinds of sea creatures can be found in the rocks on the beach.

We had a great time in the sunshine. I think Wendell and Emily have found another sea slug or starfish. We all had to watch where we stepped so that we would not squish anything. This was one of our favorite things we have ever done in Long Beach.

The beach is nice and rocky which makes for perfect climbing for the kids and lots of hiding spots for sealife.

I'm not sure what Megan is holding, but it must be a little slimy given her grimace.

Tyler combed the beach looking for anything new. He didn't just want shells---he wanted the big stuff---like starfish, slugs, and crabs.

Spring Break--Apr.3 - Apr. 11, 2009!

For Spring break this year we went to visit the Field family in Long Beach. They are moving the end of June and we wanted to take advantage of their lodging in Southern California one last time. We were happy to leave the cold weather behind for a week of sunshine. We looked quite out of place when we landed in California with our coats and sweatshirts.

Our adventure began Saturday morning with a trip to Legoland. Megan's favorite ride was the boats that could be driven anywhere in the small pond. She spent most of her time going backwards so the ride would last longer.

Emily of course loved the horse ride. Unfortunately, because of Wendell's allergies, this is about as close to a pony ride as she gets.

Tyler and Spencer loved these little planes. In fact, they all loved them so much we rode them over and over again.

My favorite part of Legoland is looking at all the amazing things that have been built using only Legos.

A group picture with everyone actually looking at the camera.

Another favorite ride is the fire race. Basically we had to pump the fire engine down a track and then back again as fast as possible. It really is just a fun ride for the kids and exercise for the adults.

Tyler, Emily, and Megan found a sea captain.

The mini cities are amazing to look at. The pictures don't really show all the detail that is there with Legos. This is a replica of New York City.

After a fun day we ended with dinner at a surfing cafe in Oceanside and California's newest rage---frozen yogurt parlors.