Californa Dreamin'

We recently returned from the trip of  a lifetime!  Chris' work conference was in Anaheim this year, and we felt like we just couldn't miss this opportunity to take the kids to Disneyland and the Ocean.  We started saving almost a year ago, and the kids helped by earning money and contributing to the "Disneyland Jar".  We felt like it would be "the trip of a lifetime".  It was very anxiously anticipated.

When the time finally arrived we loaded up the van and headed out on the 20 hour journey.  I had planned surprises such as new movies, toys, and activities for the drive, so the time went by as quickly as it could for the three kiddos.  They were great travelers.   Grandma B had flown down a few days earlier and we were so excited to have her accompany us!  I don't know if I could've survived Chris' conference days without her.  It ALWAYS helps to have a grandma along. :)

On the way down we stopped at the beautiful St. George temple and went through the visitor's center and took a few photos. 

 

I have divided the rest of the trip up into posts so there aren't quite as many photos in each post.  There are, however, still MANY photos.    So, go ahead and scroll down the blog if you want to run-down of the entire week.  If you would like to see any of the photos in any of the posts larger just click on the photo.

 

I really was an amazing vacation!  The weather was wonderful, the crowds weren't horrendous, and we all had a great time.

 

Discovery Science Center

We had a few hours to kill the last day after we checked out of the hotel and before Chris got done with his classes, so we headed to the Discovery Science Center.  It was a fun place!  The kids had a great time with all the hands on exhibits. 

They had a really fun Bob the Builder exhibit there

Lulu gave hihg-fives to all the statues that were waving

A simulated shopping experience

Gibson as an Annaheim Duck

The climbing wall

Dinosaur discovery exhibit

The Beach

We spent several hours at Huntington beach on two different days.  The kids loved experiencing the waves, sand, and sand crabs.  It was very peaceful and great fun!  Gibson loved following the waves out, then not letting them touch himon the way back in.  Elsa just wanted to be in the water.  Lulu would've been swept away by more than one wave if we hadn't been right there.  She lovees water. As it turns out, she also loves sand.  We also had many adventures with sand crabs.  Elsa was absolutely fascinated by the speedy diggers.  Grandma declared it "her favorite day" of the trip.