The first thing we did after landing at the airport and hopping in our van, was head to the beach! Our first beach was Santa Monica. Instantly, with the smell of the air, Shawn and I commented to each other how it smelled like 'home'. Not Minnesota home. 8 years ago home...
Logan fell asleep in the stroller, allowing us [me] to fully relax and enjoy lunch on the pier without entertaining a toddler (Ryder can color and draw on his own forever). Mexican with a Modelo....perfect.
After lunch, we hit the beach. I think the first day is so memorable because it's almost shocking coming right out of a Minnesota winter. We tried to explain the seasons to Ryder....his response was 'This is winter?!?! This.is.awesome!!!" He and Logan played at the edges of the waves for probably at least an hour. Totally content...even when they were knocked down :) I loved, loved watching this - constantly taking pictures to try to soak up this age of giggles and exploration. So curious, so willing to have fun - even if it means getting completely covered in salt water and sand.
Our next few days included many highlights: our upgrade to a presidential suite, coffee with my former boss (felt like we were just going to go back to the office and continue working as we always had), time in Huntington (ah - my favorite....), Newport, San Diego.
On our last day in California, we decided [sort of on a whim] to go to Disney! I think the kids were a little young to be able to wait in lines, but we were able to find plenty of rides / experiences with very little wait times. I think the best part was seeing them with the characters. They got to meet Mickey and Ana & Elsa (from Frozen). Then they saw all the characters during the parade at night. Logan and I were selected for special seating, so we sat on a bench that allowed us to see the floats right as they came through the gates. With every one, Logan would say "A snowman! I like that snowman!" Or "Chipmunks! I like those chipmunks!" The awe in his eyes made any hassle of taking him totally worth it. He waved and stared and clapped...was mesmerized by the whole thing!
(First time behind the wheel!)
Even though the kids are still little and need regular snacks, naps, and a scheduled bedtime, this was by far our most relaxing trip with kids. They went to bed easy and slept through the night. (Though Logan did wake at 4:30 almost every morning...but I can handle that on a good night's sleep.)
Logan even put himself down for a nap on the airplane ride home. (He also got to meet the pilots and see the cockpit!)
As I've mentioned before, this is our little family journal, so it's fun to document the details and look back on them over the years. I'm already looking forward to the next family trip to Montana :)
