California Vacation!

  Early Monday Morning we left for Vegas and drove and drove and drove.


A good friend made these kid's travel bags for our trip to the ocean. They each had a stuffed animal, a totally awesome book, a toy of some sort and snacks. She even make the bags herself. Some people are so amazing! We were beyond astonished by this kind friend's thoughtfulness.

We took our new van on it's maiden voyage. The air-conditioning, EXTRA SPACE and satellite navigation were lifesavers. I even used the seat-heater to soothe my aching legs from being cramped from driving so long. Whodathunk?! It was extremely helpful.  :D
Barry says he doesn't want to buy a truck anymore for His new car, He wants his own Honda Odyssey. hahah. ;D

We stopped in Saint George for lunch at a park.
I saw the prettiest little red bird there, haven't figure out what it was yet.
oh! just did! Vermillion Fly Catcher. I had no idea we had Red Birds in the west.

Owen was a daredevil and would climbed all over the playground at the park and went down the slides all by himself. It was a bit much for my chubby little boy(who has been sick) and he had to stop a few times to take a breather.

 We stayed at an awesome Hotel in Vegas. We had a whole condo to ourselves. It was the Desert Paradise Resort. Totally recommend it. Go when it is cheap. I was feeling sick sick sick because of sinus infection, sorry no pictures.
Back on the road. On our way to San Diego!
The Joshua Trees and cacti were pretty amazing!

 wasn't sure about THAT road.

 I had been sick for several days before we left and hadn't really packed or planned as I should have. I actually didn't even bring my camera. So all pictures are with my phone. Oh well! I have some beautiful memories of the beautiful places we visited.

When we finally got to the beach, we ran out to eat and set our towels and things down way above the water line, but after about 15 minutes a rogue way come up and soaked all our towel and stuff. All we could do was laugh at ourselves and move our soaked sandy stuff several more feet up shore.

 

 Emma found a little red and gold cup in the sand. She claimed it as her own and made lots of Sand ICe cream cones.

 Lauren was intent on cleaning up the beach. Unfortuantely there was an endless supply of seaweed washing in. ;D

 Owen really really really wanted to catch a SeaGull. Fortunately, he was unsuccessful.

 Went out to far and got pummeled by the waves.

 Owen played and played and played in the waves, he would stand out in the water with Barry and when the waves would come Barry would hoist jumping Owen up by his arms so he wouldn't get covered entirely. He loved it!

 The ocean was incredibly beautiful. I only wished that I had been feeling better. It was a perfect day!

 James collecting Sea Shells.

 

We ended the day at Wendy's. We walked from our hotel and the kid's were practically asleep on their feet.