California or Bust!

Outside the boundaries of Minnesota, with it's lakes, and 4 distinct seasons, there's a place that I consider a refuge for me.  I've only been there a handful of times in my life, but the memories I have from there are some of my most cherished.  I don't know if it is the actual place, or the people I shared it with.  Either way, my soul was aching to return, but this time to share it with our kids.  I knew it would become as special to them as it always has been to me.

So, on April 13th, Craig, the kids, Nana, Bapa, and I took off for a 10 day trip to California.  The anticipation of all the things we had planned were almost unbearable.  The time with extended family, some of whom we hadn't seen in nearly 8 years!  The 4 adults boarded the plane with 3 kids in tow (Jacob was excited, Sophia was nervous, and Jack was already raising hell, and we hadn't even left the tarmack)...it was bound to be an adventure!

We arrived at LAX amidst a torrential downpour and hail.  We didn't even think twice about it, but the CA residents were dumbfounded.  We thought it was funny.  Despite the weather, we made it to Great Grandma Mozelle's without incident.  Nana, Bapa & the kids all crashed quickly, while Craig and I went out with a couple of my cousins (Rochelle & Gabe).

Day 2 - BBQ at Uncle Bob's

On Saturday, my uncle planned a huge BBQ at his house with all the family.  The kids got to meet a couple 2nd cousins, along with Uncle Bob & Aunt Juana's pet turtles...Jacob's favorite was Brutus (a 40 year old tortoise).  Much to our surprise, Uncle Bob arranged for Mickey Mouse to come visit.  Unfortunately, it wasn't the real Mickey Mouse, and scared the crap out of Sophia!  But the rest of the group got a kick out of it and had a great time.  We concluded the afternoon with cake and gifts for 4 family members who had birthdays in April (including Bapa).

 Sophia with Cousin Molly

 Jacob, Brutus, and Cousin Christopher

 Celebrating Bapa with Cake and Balloons

Day 3 & 4 - Balboa Island

On Sunday, we packed up our bags and headed down to one of my favorite places in the world...Balboa Island.  When I was little, my dad would take me down to this little island (about 10 blocks wide x 20 blocks long).  We would stroll along the boardwalk and look at the beautiful houses and their enormous yachts.  We'd grab a bite to eat on Marine Street, then go buy an icecream cone and window shop.  I always said that if I had enough money, I'd live there some day.  So, when we planned this trip, we knew we had to rent a little Bungaloo and stay there.

 Our little cottage for the week

 The kids LOVED exploring the boardwalk...

 ...and taking the ferry across to Balboa Peninsula...

Day 5 - Disneyland
We all got up early on Tuesday and headed up to Anaheim to spend the day at Disneyland.  Even Grandma Mozelle made the trip!  What a fun day!  Jacob and Sophia had a blast, and Jack loved watching all the people and meeting the characters.

 Because Sophia is OBSESSED with princesses, we scheduled a special treat for her...a makeover at the Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique!  She got to pick out a dress and shoes, and then get her hair, make-up, and nails done.  With a sash and tiara to finish off the look, she was ready to be an honorary princess...

(check out the video below to see Sophia meet her favorite princess!)

We hit every ride we could.  Jack & Sophia especially liked Small World and Jacob liked them all...although, Thunder Mountain was the one he asked to go on over and over again.

The kids in Toon Town

 Jack getting a special ride from Nana & Bapa

 Day 6 - Exploring the Island
On Wednesday, we had a laid-back day.  We took the kids to the beach so they could swim and play in the sand, and then we all loaded up on the Balboa Ferry and went to the Peninsula to have dinner at Ruby's (located on the end of the Balboa Pier).

 Day 7 - Driving Down the PCH
On Thursday, we gave Nana, Bapa & Grandma Mozelle a break from the kids and went down the Pacific Coast Highway (the PCH).  We stopped at one of Craig's and my favorite towns, Laguna Beach.  We had lunch at the Greeter and the kids got to play on the beach.

 The kids in front of the Greeter

 After Laguna, we headed down to LaJolla to see all the Sea Lions and Pelicans.  Despite the fowl smell, the kids had a blast crawling around on the rocks and listening to the sea lions bark.  On our way back to Balboa, we stopped in at Oceanside to have dinner with Craig's Aunt Leanna & Uncle Rudy.  Unfortunately, by the time we got together with them, the kids were beyond tired and cranky, so we didn't get any pictures.

 Day 8 - A Day on the Island
Friday was another lazy day.  We walked around the island and shopped on Marine Street.  We went back to the Peninsula and had icecream at our favorite shop, Tutti Frutti.  Grandma Mozelle, Nana & Sophia finished yet another puzzle (I believe they completed 5 during the week that we were there). 

 Jacob & Bapa on the Balboa Peninsula Ferris Wheel

 The Girls and one of their completed puzzles

 Bapa & Jacob enjoying some Tutti Frutti Icecream and a the Original Balboa Chocolate Covered Banana

Day 9 - Boat Ride & BBQ

On Saturday, my Aunt Jody arranged for us to go out on a fishing boat along the coast of Long Beach.  Despite the heavy marine layer, we still got to see sea lions and pelicans and a school of blue dolphins!  It was amazing (the vido below shows the dolphins swimming right along side the boat).  We made it all the way up to see the Queen Mary and a Russian Submarine.  When we got back to the Island, we had a BBQ with my aunts and uncles before saying goodbye.

The kids were pretty exhausted after a fun-filled week!  When we went to bed that night, I found Sophia like this on the bottom bunk.  Needless to say, she would've slept any where and in any position!

Day 10 - Coming Home

What a great trip!  It was hard to believe that 10 days could go by that quickly.  The kids all teared up when it was time to come home and begged to come back next year.  And even though it felt good to sleep in my own bed that night, I found myself missing our little bungaloo on the Island that has now found it's way into the hearts of our kids.