Family Vacation (1 of 3)

We have been wanting to take the kids on a vacation for some time, but we always have some sport that the kids are playing that we can't miss. We finally found a week that only one baseball game was scheduled so we took advantage and headed to Newport Beach. We decided to give the kids a big thrill and fly (they have wanted to for so long). In fact, Zach has told me more than once that he is the only 10 yr old that has never flown on an airplane. They loved flying and it was nice for Jason and I to only have to keep them busy for 1 1/2 hours instead of 12 hours. During the flight Zach and Ryan got out their DS's and started "texting." A couple of girls on the plane got their DS out and joined their chat. Zach was a little put off that "some girls just joined their chat." But Ryan was thrilled. His opening line to the girls was "Hello Ladies!" The "ladies" kept Ryan and Zach entertained for the rest of the flight.

The first thing we did when we got to Newport Beach was go to the beach. The weather report had said that is was supposed to be warm and sunny. It was not. But the kids loved seeing the ocean for the first time and the cold weather couldn't keep them out of the water. Even though it wasn't as warm as we would have liked we had a fun time searching for sea shells and playing in the sand.

Family Vacation (2 of 3)

The second day we were on vacation we went to Knott's Berry Farm. Zach and Ryan LOVED it. There were no crowds and lots of thrill rides to keep your heart racing. There was a couple of rides that Ryan was not sure about but Zach tackled everything. Owen was too small to go on most of the rides, so while the older boys were on a ride Owen got a treat. He ate a lot of treats that day.

They did have some kiddie rides. Ryan was a nice brother and took Owen on this one.

The next day we went to Disneyland. We hadn't planned on going, but at the last minute decided to go. Since we hadn't planned on it we only went to Disneyland and not California Adventure. The older kids (and Jason) did NOT love it. They wanted more thrill and less frill. It was nice for Owen because he could ride almost everything. They all did love Space Mountain and we had fun as a family on Splash Mountain, but I think that may be their one and only time at Disneyland.

Family Vacation (3 of 3)

We drove down to San Diego and went to the Zoo. Our favorite animals were the Polar Bears; we watched them frolic for almost an hour and a half. They were so entertaining wrestling with each other, playing with balls and cones and jumping in the water.

We did have a couple of sunny days that we spent at the beach. We tried to get Ryan to boogie board but he wouldn't go far enough into the ocean to actually catch a wave. He thought he was boogie boarding, but really he was just sand boarding, but he still had fun. Jason, Zach and I braved the freezing cold water and caught some waves. Jason and I endured the cold but sissy Zach had to have a wet suit! It really was cold.

Owen loved the beach and found some friends to help him collect seaweed to put in a hole.

Our last day in Newport was a Sunday so we decided to go see the Newport Beach temple. The grounds were beautiful. Jason took the opportunity to talk with the boys about the importance of temples and of the special and sacred things we do inside. It was a good teaching moment and made me grateful for my wonderful husband who teaches our boys.

We spent the rest of our last day playing at the beach. It was nice to just relax and be together as a family.

Mudroom Makeover!

When we moved into our house 3 years ago I was so glad to have a mudroom where all the backpacks, jackets, coats, shoes, etc could be. But our mudroom was lacking the accessories necessary for organization. So instead of a neat and organized space, we've had a mess on the floor for the last few years...until now! We have finally finished our mudroom and I love it. I smile every time I walk by because the backpacks and jackets are no longer on the floor. Its amazing what a few shelves, baskets and hooks can do.

Before

After!