Our California Vacation

So we decided to take our little family on a vacation to Southern California this year while there were out of school. It actually worked out pretty nice since we switched to the charter school - they were off all that week anyway. We were planning on driving out on that Friday afternoon but Jeffrey decided to get sick again, so we waited until he was starting to feel better and his numbers were coming down and his food was staying down also.
The drive was definitely the most relaxing part of the vacation. Seriously, why would you ever want to fly to Southern California when you can drive there and see things like aliens along the way? Apart from our little 3 aliens, we met this fine family of them in Death Valley. Hailey and Jeffrey thought there were cool, but Caleb was very afraid. This picture with Hailey is at that surprisingly big Alien Jerky store in Baker. Fortunately, I think its really beef jerky not alien jerky, and it was very tasty! It was 103 degrees while we were there. What I wouldn't give for a few moments at 103 degrees now!
The ride was long but interesting, and took about 11-12 hours altogether. When we got there late Saturday night in San Diego, they didn't have our reservation at the hotel. Thanks a lot Getawaytoday! Fortunately the hotel was able to find us a room that night (not as nice) and get us into the Kids Suite room we requested the next night.


We have never been to Seaworld before, so this was a fun experience for us. The lines weren't that bad on Sunday and Monday especially, and they had more fun rides and things to see than we had anticipated. This "Journey to Atlantis" ride had to be the highlight as far as rides were concerned for Jeffrey and I (Scott). This picture was the one time I actually got Tammy to ride. Hailey had her height measured more this week than I think she ever has had her entire life. And in case you were wondering, she is exactly 42 inches! The staff at SeaWorld (and Disneyland) are sticklers when it comes to making sure your kids are tall enough for the rides. The 2nd time Hailey rode this, the ride operator measured her, wasn't too sure of himself, called over another guy to check; still wasn't quite sure; then called over the supervisor lady. She checked and double checked for a few minutes (after we had been waiting in line for a while) until they finally decided she was o.k. to go. Gotta make sure she is safe, right? Its all about the insurance liability, I know.


So why is it that getting wet from a ride is all fun and good, but having a huge killer whale get you wet is not fun? Jeffrey had to get far up in the stands to avoid the water. I don't know, something about it being salty? We got some good pictures and were amazed at the things "Shamu" had been trained to do. We all had fun, and Caleb didn't complain about being drenched at the show, even though he had been sleeping when he first got drenched. Amazing things to see.

This was just a great picture in front of one of the many aquariums they have at SeaWorld. Love the reflection in the glass.

Look how wet we were! If you stand here for more than a minute, you get drenched by the people coming down the ride into the pool of water below. Don't we look cold?

Ahh Tinkerbell! After we left San Diego on Tuesday, we headed over to Disneyland and Hailey had to see all the princesses and especially Tinkerbell. Standing in line to get pictures with and autographs from the princesses was by far the longest lines we had to wait in while we were there. They need fast passes for the princesses.

At California Adventures, we got to see all the cousins and (well at least Kristins family, Randys family and Jasons family) - and we also got to see all the characters from Disney's Pixar movies - including To-Mater!

Thursday was our beach day with everyone. The sand seemed to go on forever, and Caleb loved playing in it every minute. Good thing we bought some sand toys, or else it would have been all over everywhere.

Jeffrey loved being out in the water most of the time conquering the waves. Made me a little nervous when he would get out too far, but from this distance to shore was fine with me. There were some good surfers and some good surf there at the time, as evidence by the guy off in the distance catching a good wave.

Randy and Jason were able to get Kristin out on the body board for a while. I kept closer to shore making sure the kids didn't run off too far or out too deep in the water. I think I've become too much of a worry-wort like dad in my old age.

Hailey is always up for a good time in her swimsuit. She loved the sand like Caleb and loved the water also. They spent a lot of time playing and making things in the sand.

Hailey's little mouse ears princess hat was a favorite for more than just Hailey. Caleb just had to get his picture taken with her hat. Cheese!

Good thing he is only 2 or I would have some concerns.

We were all worn out after all the hours of fun every day at Disneyland. Too bad we didn't all have a stroller to cruise around in like Caleb had. Someone needs to push me around in one. Fun vacation all in all, but once we got home it was nice to be home. I need a vacation from the vacation!