A day at the beach....

Last week we were able to meet up with some of our friends, from our Cedar City days, in Southern California. Chip & Nicole Sanders and their 3 kids, Cadence, Alissa, & Connor. We went to Disneyland, California Park, and the beach. We had so much fun!! WE went to Disneyland on thursday and the weather was perfect and there weren't a lot of people at the park. On friday, we went to California Adventure, but didn't stay too long because there wasn't much there for younger kids. So we went back to Disneyland. The park was packed!! WE couldn't believe how many people were there. On saturday, we went to Seal Beach and enjoyed a windy, but sunny day at the beach. The water was cold, but not as cold as Northern Cali water... which is numbing. So we loved the warmer water! And then we came home on sunday. The kids had so much fun, especially with the Sanders. Isaiah's favorite ride was Star Tours, Maci's was the Mattehorn, Sadee's was Dumbo, Elijah's was the Jungle Cruise, and Jason's was Pirates of the Carribean. Elijah slept almost the whole time we were at the parks. He did a great job!! Isaiah walked just as much as us and never complained! The girls did very well too... Sadee went on a lot of the big rides and did great. She was pretty tired though and so was Maci. But Maci loved the big thrill rides. WE were totally shocked. Here are some things we learned...
1. Bring your own snacks & food if you can into the park. Paying $6.79 for 1 slice of pizza at Disneyland when I can eat about 5 slices makes a very expensive meal.
2. Use fastpasses!! They are amazing!
3. Trying to get 2 big strollers and 4 kids on a small shuttle with 50 other people is definately a ride in itself.
4. If your spouse is tired, go back to toontown and let the kids play in the treehouse while your spouse naps on the benches. There are actually some nice resting areas there.
5. So Cal ocean water is warm enough to where you don't have to wear a wetsuit and pee in it just so your body doesn't go numb.
6. The hotel gift shop has cheaper souvenirs than DL.
7. Keep track of the things you leave in your hotel room... because maid service might just take something. Ya, Jason's leather sandals mysteriously disappeared from our room.
8. Go with extended family or friends to the parks... the kids will be more entertained in lines and will least likely whine, complain, and fight with their siblings.
9. Don't let having a newborn stop you from going.... its amazing how much they sleep in those first few months!
10. If you have any political bumper stickers, beware of those that are on the opposite side. Example.. having a YES for PROP 8 bumper sticker on your car might get your car egged. It didn't happen to us, but to another family that was staying in the hotel from the Bay Area. It didn't happen at the hotel but somewhere else. Crazy!!
11. The black lights in The Haunted House not only make your white clothes and teeth glow, but if you have cradle cap your head glows too. Yes, Elijah's head was glowing like mad... he blended in well with the ghostly decor.

Anyway, here are the pics from our trip.... hope you enjoy!

Jason actually loved the beach this time....

 

Isaiah the shark and Cadence

 

Playing Bocce Ball or Petanque... whatever you want to call it. I love Chip's stance....

 

Maci the mermaid with Alissa and Candence