Cousins in California

We were so lucky to get to go to California with our family. The Laura, Jeff and the boys were here from OHIO. We had a wonderful farewell for Jon on Sunday, and then left for a week of non-stop cousin fun! Jon didn't leave for 10 days to the MTC, so he got to make lots of memories with the boys before he left. We enjoyed 2 days at Disneyland and 2 days at Sea World. Chandra , Nate and the boys just settled into their beautiful new house in Escondido and we were lucky enough to stay with them a couple of nights. The weather was amazing and the kids did a great job. No one was lost and very little melt downs! Yes, we were one of those groups that dressed the kids alike (they were so cute) The first day, the first second Parker saw his cousins he excitedly exclaimed..."Hey guys ! We Match !!!" they were so excited.


Parker found this Disneyland brochure in the Hotel lobby the night we arrived...he was so excited! He "read" this several times through, planning what we needed to see and do!I just love this picture! The boys loved hanging out with Uncle Jon...he was the only one crazy enough to take them on the Tea Cups and "Go Fast". Thanks Jon for being a great Uncle and example to my boys! We are so proud of you and know that you will bless the lives of the people in Wisconsin.We found a "Pirate Band" in the Orleans Square...the kids loved listening to the music and dancing.More waiting in lines...we were actually lucky and didn't have to wait too long. The kids had fun playing with each other were ever we went.


Ethan and Austin got these cool lightsavers the first night...so we could not say"NO" (although we tried) and we now have two MORE lightsavers in our house! Although I must say, these are pretty cool and survived 4 days and nights of play, a plane ride home and are still going strong.Jordan chillin' while the rest of us get ready for the second day of fun.


Only Disney can bring such pure joy to a child. We waited all day for the Toy Mania ride to open...sadly it never did :( That was our favorite ride, last time! Jordan says his favorite ride was the Matterhorn with the Abominable Snow Man with red eyes. I guess it really made an impression. Parker liked all the ride, except the"scary one (Tower of Terror)that Bob Builder needs to fix so that little kids can ride." He was very concerned about that ride and really wanted someone to clean it up and fix the outside. He loved the up/down part of the ride...he just didn't like all the "Scary Stuff!"
We then got to spend two great days at Sea World, they were having a great deal on annual passes and actually ended up getting a 2 YEAR pass with parking for only $109 ! That's only $40 more than a one day pass. We had tons of fun and really got to enjoy the animals, it wasn't to crowded and the shows were wonderful. The NEW dolphin show is not running yet, but I'm sure we will be back. (Thanks Chandra for providing such a great vacation spot !)
All of the kids and one parent from each family, got to feed the dolphins. Thanks Grandma Kathy for that experience. Jordan is still talking about it! Jon was a big help holding the boys so Daddy could take the pictures.
OK, so here is the favorite part of the second day. Grandma Kathy called it her "Cruise", Sea World has this deal for $25 you get a arm band which allows you to eat all you want around the park at different restaurants! Every time you go through the line you can get 1 entree, side, dessert and drink...or any on the above combinations. Children 3 and under could eat off your plate...so Grandma bought all the adults and Parker a band. (ask me later about the deal we got them even cheaper!) Parker was the only one who could get the kids meals, with the cool lunch box and Shamu plates...so everyone was taking Parker to get kids meals. He got to the point that he would walk by the cashier holding up his arm and say "I'm buying!" What a funny guy. We consumed a Shamu portion of Coconut shrimp, enough Jolly Rancher Popsicles to fill a pool, gallons of frozen lemonade - Coke - and chocolate milk, and enough pasta/pizza to make any Italian family jealous! Thanks again Mom for the amazing day of food, we will never forget it...neither will our waist lines! The desserts were so cool to look at... Jordan recently has really expressed a love for animals. He has a whole plan of how we are getting a dog, when we get a bigger yard...he even has a name picked out and what the dog will look like. He often exclaims, with a sad forlorn look "Mom I just NEED an animal!" What is a mom to do? Here he is loving watching the Belugas.

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