Summer Lovin'

We love us some summer around here!  And this one has been no exception.  My only complaint is that they always go by too quickly.  Our summer bucket list has most of its items crossed off which means summer must be nearing its end.

This summer included a trip to Cancun, Mexico, for Keith and I to celebrate his 40th birthday (back in January).  Unfortunately due to my busy project schedule at work we couldn't really get away earlier than June.  Plus we wanted to take the kids to Grandma and Grandpa's house while we were away so doing that during summer or spring break were really our only options.  We went for four nights to an all-inclusive resort called Royalton.  It was truly awesome!  We did nothing but relax the whole time we were there which was of course the point.  The resort had 10 restaurants, many pools, nightly entertainment and a beautiful beach.  I think we were truly pleased with every aspect of our experience there and definitely left feeling pampered and relaxed.  The kids had a blast with Grandma and Grandpa and they also had a fun day at Meme and Pop Pop's while they were in Southern Indiana.  They went bowling, played miniature golf, went out for dinner and ice cream,  went to the park, and had a treasure hunt.  Not to mention lots of fun experiences at home like ice cream and Wii "parties."

Our family vacation this year was a trip to Southern California.  Visiting our friends Mike and Erin Stefanick in San Diego was the impetus for the trip and then we decided to tack on a trip to Anaheim to Disneyland for a couple of days since we were going to be so close.  We ended up flying to Anaheim first, going to Disney for two days and then driving down to San Diego to finish up our week.  We had a great trip.  The kids did really well on the long flight.  On the way there our flight was at 6:15 AM so we had to get them up at 4 AM to hit the road.  Everyone seemed excited about each leg of the journey and they had lots of questions about the whole travel process (like where were our bags going and how would we find them once we got to California)?  Luckily their tablets kept them completely entertained on the long flight.

When we arrived it was only about 10 AM California time so we had a lot of time to kill before we could check in to our hotel.  We did a little grocery shopping (paying 10 cents for every shopping bag since that is now the law in CA), ate a very overpriced lunch at IHOP (since it's right across the street from Disneyland), and then went to Downtown Disney to do some souvenir shopping and looking around.  After we got checked in we went for a quick dip in the pool and then ordered in some pizza for dinner.  The kids were in bed by 7 PM and Keith and I hit the hay by 7:30.  We were all completely exhausted and we slept soundly until early the next morning when it was time to get up for Disneyland!

On Nemo's Submarine Voyage - getting ready to go down in the submarine

You can't go to Disney without riding It's a Small World...after all

We had such a fun time at Disney.  Our first day was at the Disneyland park and the second day was at the Disney California Adventure park.  The kids did so well with walking, minimal whining, and with their enthusiasm for riding rides and their lack of fear.  Everyone rode everything they were tall enough to ride including some rides that I didn't ride or wouldn't want to ride again!  The weather was warm and sunny but not humid.  The lines were long but the longest we waited was probably 30 minutes and that didn't happen too many times.  We did get pretty fortunate at lunch at Disneyland when a stranger approached us and gave us 24 Fast Pass tickets that could be used on any Fast Pass ride at any time because he couldn't use them.  Talk about being in the right place at the right time! Those really made our day go a lot smoother.  We were in line for Disneyland at about 7:30 AM (the park opens at 8) and we didn't leave until 8 PM.  Before the trip I had my heart set on seeing the electric parade in the evening but I had no energy left to stay longer or go back for that and neither did anyone else!  California Adventure was a lot of fun on Day 2.  The Radiator Springs section of the park was just like being in the movie (which is strange since it is a cartoon).  Colin and Keith rode California Screamin' at this park which was a big time roller coaster that goes upside down!  I was surprised that Colin wanted to ride it but he did...twice!  The second time they were in the very front row!

Riding the gigantic Ferris wheel 

Julia on King Triton's carousel

The girls and I are in the blue center car on Luigi's Rockin' Roadsters - these cars dance in synchronization!

On Friday Keith needed to do a 12 mile run so he drove to the beach to run (not a bad gig).  The kids and I packed up and when he was back and showered we left for Murietta which is where we met Keith's cousin and her kids for a long lunch and catch up.  They had just moved to the area so the timing was great.  After lunch it was back on the road to San Diego and then to Mike and Erin's house!  The first thing that happened was that our kids hit it off and disappeared to play in the house. I don't think we saw them again the rest of the weekend.  :)  Seriously, they got along so great it was like they were old friends.  Lindsey loved having the little girls to shepherd around and to teach things like dance moves.

We went to the beach on Saturday and the kids had a blast boogie boarding and digging in the sand. The water was chilly but we all braved it and it didn't take too long to get used to it.  That evening after a day of sun and surf Erin's parents were nice enough to come over and babysit all five kids while the four of us went out!  Her parents are so sweet and great with kids.  I think everyone had a great time.  I know we did!  We went to three different craft breweries in the Miramar area and ate dinner at one of them.  It was really nice to have some adult time out together.  The next day we toured the USS Midway Aircraft Carrier museum in the San Diego bay.  It is an actual aircraft carrier used during the Gulf War and you can see all parts including the control rooms, sleeping quarters for the enlisted men and officers, the mess hall, jail, sick bay, laundry facilities, and of course the deck with many planes and helicopters (some of which you can get inside of).  Afterwards we ate some awesome seafood at a little hole in the wall right on the water.

Lindsey, Caroline, and Julia - best of friends!

A group effort to make a sand castle

Who put this crew in charge??

Pilots Stefanick and Okrzesik

Old friends!

The next day was Monday and it was the day of our long journey home.  We were all glad to be home (always) but it was a great vacation and one we will definitely remember fondly!