Sunny California!

First, let me share my love of California. Every time we go to visit my sweet Grandma Joanne (My Mom's Mom), I never want to leave! If it weren't so dang expensive, I would seriously consider living in this beautiful state. Having said that....the drivers here are INSANE. And, I would hate my daily routine of going to the store for fear of being run over. 

DAY 2: Resting from traveling. Aren't my girls lovely? 

 Sage's first time wearing a sleeveless shirt! Bring on the warmth!

 This is the park we like to play at when we come. It's in a pretty location, next to a big pond. (Sage's first time in a swing! She loved it.)

DAY 3: We drove a short distance to a city named, FULLERton, :) to enjoy a day of trains!  

 My Uncle John (My Mom's brother), explaining how a steam engine works to Jake. My Uncle John runs the steam engines at Disneyland.

 This was the first time the "Lilly Belle" train was taken out of Disneyland for viewing. It was named after Walt Disney's wife, Lillian. 

 DAY 4: SO glad we were able to visit my Uncle Scott (My Dad's brother-can you see the resemblance?) and Aunt Deb on their mission. They are serving in Los Alamitos, CA! 

 Our rental car. 

 My Grandma's beautiful home.

 Sage checkin' out Grandma's backyard.

 My sweet Grandma offered to watch the girls so Jake and I could go on a date! We saw, "The Avenger's" in 3D. It was a good movie and great company! ;)

DAY 5: DISNEYLAND! The happiest place on earth!

 We spent the first half of the day at California Adventure! We kept hearing how much it has changed and wanted to check it out. This is the new Little Mermaid ride.

 We stood in line to ride that ferris wheel in the background. But, once we saw a poor lady throwing-up, we gladly found a better and less nauseating ride.

 You can't go to Disney and not meet Mickey!!!

 Jake and Riley on the Heimlich caterpillar ride. (A Bugs Life)

 Bumper cars!

Alice in Wonderland

 It's a Small World

 This is a picture for my Mom and Dad in N. Ireland :)

 And, for my brother-in-law in Peru :)

 I forgot that poor Riley is very sensitive to sun screen! I photo shopped out all the bumpy welts on her cheeks. :( Oh well...she still had a great time!

 We ate dinner at the Golden Horseshoe

 Riley begged for cotton-candy most of the day. She had never had it before!

 Tarzan's Tree House

 Sage had one 20 minute nap all day long! She loved every minute at Disneyland.

 The castle is so pretty at night!

 Evidence that it was a successful day of awesomeness.

DAY 6: You can't go to Cali and not visit the beach!

DAY 7: Enjoying the rays

Grandma made arrangements for us to go to the Aquarium of the Pacific!

 Jellyfish!

 Jake and Riley touching "Moon Jellyfish"

 Sage, unaware of the fish swimming by that was bigger than she is.

 Sea Lions

 Petting the sharks and sting rays!

 There was a section outdoors dedicated to Lorakeet birds. Very colorful!

 Holy Crab!

 Sea Otters! Everyones favorite sea animal!

We walked around the docks after the aquarium. This picture was taken on a timer...not bad!

 What a FUN and much needed vacation! My Grandma worked so hard to make us feel cozy and keep us entertained...and she did a superb job! We love spending time with her. Thanks for all you did and do Grandma! We miss you already. And, a special thanks to my Uncle John for allowing us to come and play with him on train day and at Disney. You make things possible for us that would be out of our reach otherwise. Thanks for the memories!