A quick glance as we skipped school, enjoyed the warm California sun and surrounded ourselves with family.
{ Thankfully the flight over went without fit or frail. All of Myriam's friends survived as Addison colored and entertained next to me while the boys watched a movie. }
{ After a classic breakfast at Busy Bee's Diner we walked down Ventura Pier and played a bit on the beach. Myriam had seen two gals swimming and immediately called out through the rail, "Mommy, look it's mermaids!!!" There was a fabulous play set on the beach where the kids played and wished Lynden could duplicate the scenery! }
{ After a stretch on the beach, we traveled through the twisty mountain roads to Taft, CA to visit Myriam's birth Great Grandma Betty and Great Aunt Jan. This was our second trip through the Grapevine to visit with them and a great visit it was. We drove through down pours, sunny skies, hail, snow capped hills and were witness to many vibrant rainbows...all in a drives worth of time! After Betty and Jan blessed the kids with sweet treats and gifts we went to get some pizza lunch.
Always a pleasure visiting and cherishing Myriam's heritage. }
{ Finally, we arrived at the house where we unpacked for the week. The kids and Daddy were quick to get in the pool for a night-cap swim. They loved having the pool right out the door! Charlie improved on his swimming skills and Myriam overcame her fear of slides by finally going down the slide by the end of the week! }
{ Day 2 we went to The Aquarium of the Pacific where Charlie pet some sharks, we saw a saw head shark and walked through tunnel tanks of tropical fish. A fantastic aquarium! A short drive down the road to Long Beach and the kids let loose running through the waves and playing in the sand. Charlie had no problem with the cool water temps! }
{ Day 3 Tim and I split the party up as he and the older kids went to Universal Studios and I introduced Myriam to Disneyland. What a great day we had focusing on each kid and having the individual time. Charlie realized that movies really aren't real, Myriam was enamored with real, live princesses and Addison enjoyed seeing all the movie sets. Surprisingly, Myriam walked all but an hour the entire day as she didn't mind wearing her monkey harness as I thoroughly enjoyed watching other parents chase their kids throughout the park. I would say the Tiki Tiki Room, Pirates ride and anything spinning were her favorites. }
{ They do love each other! }
{ Day 4 we stuffed ourselves full at the over-priced Goofy's Kitchen where multiple characters graced our table, danced through the kitchen and gave many photo opportunities for the kids.
{ Tim took the older kids on the bigger, more exciting rides while Myriam and I continued to meet more princesses and play on the younger aged rides. We met up to ride the Pirates which seemed to be a favorite for us all. }
{ End of the bus on the Screaming' ride! Charlie LOVED the thrill! }
{ This enormous turkey leg fed our family of five for an afternoon snack. }
( Day 5 legs were a little more tired than before, but Myriam managed to tackle her first car ride and the girls saw a few more pretty ladies. We attempted a family picture as we were leaving but as you can see, not all things are as easy as they seem! A forced smile as the little one yanked my earring out and a quick exit back to the house to tuck our tired kids in bed. A great few days with Mickey and Minnie! }
{ Day 6 was a day to rest and relax as the temperature was in the high eighties and the pool just too inviting. Later after the rest of the family headed home, Tim and I took the kids back to Downtown Disney where we did a little shopping and celebrated Charlie's birthday once more at the Rainforest Cafe. }
{ Day 7 and it's time to go home. Tim dropped me off to run a quick 5k race as they cleaned the rental car and gassed up for our drive to the airport. Unfortunately, Myriam did not do as well flying home. The girl couldn't sit still and we all were tired from the time change and being up early for a 7am start time. We managed after a stop at Starbucks before heading home where all three kids zonked for the two peaceful hours to my mom's where she had a homemade dinner waiting for us. The laundry started after suitcases were unpacked and showers were a must for us all. Addison said the next morning, "It was SOOOO good to sleep in my own bed!" }
Thank you to Grandpa John and Grandma Judy for blessing us with a few days away at the happiest place on earth!
Our little family made many memories and are grateful for the gift.
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