California 2009

We enjoyed a fabulous family vacation over spring break with Brent's family. Grama and Grampa, Uncle Vince & Auntie Lynette, along with Alex and Tyler travelled with our family to California. We stayed in Oceanside which is a nice little town along the ocean, just north of San Diego. For some reason we flew into Los Angeles (must have been the flight costs), rented a mini van and drove to Oceanside. We spent 3 days in Disneyland, 1 day at Sea World, and Brent & Nate (along with Vince & Lynette's family) spent a day at Legoland. The highlight of the trip was spending time all together and just observing the pure excitement on the kid's faces. We were able to meet some key "characters" including Tigger and Mickey Mouse. Although Jadon can not necessarily articulate his favourite moments, I believe meeting Tigger would be one of them. He was just enthralled by all he saw and fully energized to make the most of his vacation. Nate mentioned that his favourite moments were riding on the roller coaster and going on the Jungle Cruise. I had a little chuckle today when he was recreating the Jungle Cruise with his friends. He turned on his microphone and was describing what his friends were "seeing" (bears, sharks, jumping fish, waterfalls, etc.) and even tried inserting a joke or two. It brought back precious memories for me.

Each day we drove to Disneyland included about an hour journey, part of which passed through Santa Ana (or at least we saw many signs indicating where one should turn if one wanted to visit Santa Ana). Nate surprised us by recognizing the sign. We still don't really know if he read the sign or just remembered what we were talking about, when, on each day of our journey. He has a good friend named Anna, and well, still quite enjoys the thought of Santa, so the word was important to him.

Jadon, particularly, although Nate as well, lapped up opportunities to spend with Grama or Grampa. Special, special memories.

Nate LOVED any opportunity he got to drive! Being a passenger was a bit of a wild ride. It was reassuring to have the "track" keeping you from hitting other cars. Regardless, he was actually a pretty good driver for a 4 year old.


Nate and Alex had a great time exploring Tom Sawyer's island (at Disneyland) full of trails, caves, tree forts, pirates' treasure and other things little boys love. It was challenging to keep up with them (particularly in the small cave tunnels!)

I had to BEG the boys to go on rides with me (Nate more so than Jadon). I'm not that unadventurous! But when you have such a great selection of ride "mates" to choose from, Mommy is a bit too ordinary.

Jadon's curls came to life in California. SO CUTE! He also could have spent much more time at the beach. I had some great one on one time with Jadon along the beach when everyone else went to Legoland. A fantastic day!

Legoland was a big hit for the bigger boys. They loved building, experiencing the rides, meeting Bob the Builder, and shopping for more lego! Truly inspirational.

Nate asks daily when we will return to Disneyland. What a great time we had with many special memories.