We recently had the pleasure of hosting Rachel and Erick for a week. It started with Alison and Zeb driving to St. George to meet up with Gma, Gpa, Rachel and Erick. After spending a fun night in the hotel swimming pool (it was too hot to do anything else!) we parted ways the next morning...only Alison and Zeb had 2 extras in the car for the drive home. Bryan was able to take a few days off from work while the kids were down with us...so what did we do? We went to Disneyland, of course! What California vacation is complete without a trip (or 3) to Disneyland? Since Rachel and Erick wanted the full experience we stayed the entire day each time we went...taking in a different night show/fireworks display every time (which means we didn't get home until at least 11:00 pm - sometimes later - just to do it again the next day!).
We went on so many rides...it wasn't anything like the slow-paced days with just Mommy and Zeb. No complaints here, though. Zeb was so patient to wait outside with Mommy while Daddy took the big kids on the bigger rides! He loved watching the "choo-choo" drive by on Big Thunder Mountain while waiting.
Pirates of the Caribbean is a must...more than once!
Must be Erick's pirate face?
Zeb and Mommy waited by the big rock ball that spins in water while the big kids went on Space Mountain...then they came to join us. A great way to cool down on a hot day!
Winnie the Pooh is a great filler when the big kids go on Splash Mountain! Zeb went on the ride at least 4 times in a row (hardly any lines that day) - twice with Mommy, then with the others. He was so excited to see Pooh Bear, he ran right up to him and gave hugs.
Tigger was another story all together. Zeb was so excited while in line, but when it came to his turn he wanted to run away. That's why Mommy got to hold him.
We spent one of the 3 days at California Adventure. Zeb loved the swinging gondolas on the Ferris Wheel. Rachel was a little nervous but was able to enjoy it after seeing how much fun Zeb was having!
Mommy and Erick had a great time too! Toy Story Mania, California Screamin', and the Grizzly River Run were also big hits.
Zeb and Erick cooled off in the Bug's Life area after spending about an hour running around in the Brother Bear area (pretty much the coolest wooden playground ever!).
We decided to take a day off from Disneyland and spent a day at Laguna Beach. The weather was perfect, the water was perfect, basically the day at the beach was perfect! Zeb spent the first hour or so just playing in the sand with his beach toys while Rachel and Erick jumped right in.
After a few hours practice they became experts at boogie boarding. The first attempts by both were slightly comical. Bryan was back at work for this day (not to rub it in...but he really missed out!) so they had to learn by words only. It isn't specifically on the "do not" list for pregnant women, but I can imagine that boogie boarding falls under that category.
Zeb even got in on the action after a while. He would carry to the board down to the ocean (if they weren't already in the water) then beg for a turn. One person would hold onto the board and another would hold Zeb's hands while he stood "surfing" on the board.
Our other day off (Sunday) was spent down south with the Downs clan for a combined birthday party for Alison and Andrew! Sadly, no Sunday nap...but being with family was definitely worth missing it! Thanks to everyone for making it such a fun birthday!
After our fun-filled, sleep-lacking week we drove back to St. George to make the switch one more time. Another night was spent in the hotel pool (what is it with St. George and heat?) followed by a morning drive. All in all it was a great week. Anyone up for a repeat? Give us a week or two to catch up on my missed sleep and we'll be good to go!
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