California trip

2 weeks ago, we tagged along with Brad and Julie on their trip to California. We stayed in Dana Point, CA in a little 2 bedroom beach condo. Just across the street was a very pretty beach that you rode a "funicular" down too. (Never seen one of those before, aka slow moving tram). It was such a pretty place and Jackson still talks about the beach. The weather was perfect, you could wear your swim suit and not get too cold. I didn't get in the water but the boys did and Jackson never complained he was cold. We spent about a day and a half just laying there and watching the waves. Tommie could care less about the water and ate a lot of sand.  Finished our beach day with a fun seafood restaurant in San Clemente on a pier over the ocean. James ordered a burger, of course, but the kids were way into Brad's crab cocktail, oysters, etc. I stuck with salmon and Jackson was sad mine didn't have eyeballs. 

I love this picture, totally captures Tommie's personality. 

Jax was really into making "cool" hand signs this trip. Who know what they were! :) 

Sunset on the beach was perfect and so pretty. 

 We also went to Knott's Berry Farm. I had actually never been there and totally loved it. There were no lines for any of the rides, and if you wanted to ride it again, you did, right then. It was so nice! The day we left on the trip Julie announced she was pregnant too so we didn't ride too many rides. A few kid rides, the train, and the carousel at least 5 times! :) Perfect for getting Tommie to take a nap! I love disneyland and all, but this place was perfect for our little family and I can't imagine waiting in long lines with little kids! Jackson was a little afraid of Charlie Brown and snoopy, but he thought he was the coolest kid on any ride he went on. I was proud of him for never getting cranky even though it was a lot of walking and a really long day. Both boys were actually pretty sick with fevers, ear infections, throwing up, etc. Jackson felt better the day after we got there, but poor Tommie was a trooper. He didn't sleep at all nights so I was pretty tired by the end of the trip, but I still had lots of fun. Knott's closes at like 6 so we headed to the famous chicken dinner where "Debbie" was our server. We were pretty sure she wasn't all there, but she seriously just kept bringing out things. She brought me so many drink cups, and mine weren't even out. When the kids meals came out, there were at least 3 extra plates. We just kept laughing and laughing. She was replaced towards the end, but sure made for a crowded table and serious leftovers.  I think it took over 3 hours to eat there and the kids were so tired by the time we left. And maybe James was too...he never admits it.

James and Brad had to pay to compete in the basketball shootout. If you made a certain number, you earned a basketball. If not you ended up with bears. 1st round = basketball for Brad, bear for James. Well, that didn't sit well so 2nd round = basketball for James, bear for brad. Needless to say, Jackson and Eliza hung on to their prizes the whole trip.  

 Sunday, we went to a church there, flew kites on "kite hill" and laid around on the beach again. Brad made us all spaghetti and garlic bread for dinner while James and I went to the condo jacuzzi.  Monday morning, we headed to downtown disney for a few hours before making the drive home.  Jackson loved LEGOland, we ate delicious wetzel's pretzels, everyone got new sanuks (the only shoes i LOVE to wear when pregnant) and of course, spent the rest of the time in the ESPN shop. A lot of money spent on arcade games and basketball shoot outs, and our vacation felt complete!
 

It was the perfect time to get away. James came back and finished up only a few days with COBE before quitting. Kids are just now finally starting to feel better and I hardly even threw up on the trip! All great things if you ask me!