You're still a little traveler! We just got back from our second trip with you to California. The last time you were there was when you were about 6 months old, so about two years ago. I don't think you really remember that trip, and you probably won't remember this one either, but we still had a great time.
Our trip started as an adventure to Sydney and Ian's wedding! Daddy's cousin Sydney was getting married in Huntington Beach and you were one of the flower girls. We had been practicing your flower girl routine at home with a basket and fake flowers. But, when we got to the wedding and the real thing, you were not having any of it! You looked adorable in your pink dress with your curls, but you did NOT want to hold the basket, you did NOT want to throw petals, and you did NOT want to walk down the aisle. Luckily, the other flower girl took over the flowering part of the task, and you agreed to walk down the aisle happily with Mama. After the hard part was over, you had a great time running around outside, playing games with Daddy, and eating pasta and cake!
We also got to visit with Aunt Helen, Uncle Steve, and Tiffany before the wedding - it was great to catch up with them.
We made a trip to Huntington Beach and you were obsessed. We had to strip you down to your diaper, because our "dip your feet" trip turned into a full on swimming extravaganza. You just wanted to run on the shore and in the waves for hours. You chased Daddy, he chased you, you chased birds - it was magical for you. Daddy said he feels bad we're depriving you of living by the ocean. I told him I think you'll be fine! But you're definitely a beach girl.
Our adventure then took us to the happiest place on earth - Anaheim - just kidding, Disneyland! We spent the morning, before we could check in to our hotel, visiting with Daddy's friends Barath and Jenny, and their little boy Kai. Kai is only a week older than you and you loved playing with him at the playground.
That afternoon, we went to our hotel - Disney's Grand Californian, and checked in. You weren't sure what to make of it, but after your nap, Mama and Daddy took you down to the big pool and you were smitten. There was a small water slide that you loved and I think you went down it about 60 times. You were also impressed with the service at the pool - and requested a peanut butter and jelly sandwich and a smoothie. About $40.00 later, your crust-less sandwich and smoothie came - it was heaven on earth! And then we did the water slide some more. You cried and threw a total fit when we had to leave, but that was what we anticipated!
In the morning, we did one of your favorite things on the trip (though you weren't so sure at the time). We got to go to a character breakfast with Mickey, Minnie, Pluto, Chip, and Dale! You were pretty scared of them at first and wanted Mama to hold you when they came to our table. By the end you almost gave Minnie a high five, but were still not quite sure. Regardless of your apprehension at the breakfast, you still are talking about it as one of the highlights of your trip. You often say "Mama - we had breakfast with Chip and Dale! I love them!" Today you asked me when you'd see them again, and I had to explain to you that they live at Disney. You were not amused.
After breakfast, we went to Disneyland! We rode some rides in the morning, and then Tiffany joined us and we rode even more rides! You were super excited that Tiffany was there and I think you were overwhelmed by the park. You were fairly willing to go on anything that we took you on as long as Mama was sitting next to you. We went on Dumbo (twice), Pinocchio (which you did not like and was kind of scary and old), the Carousel (twice), It's a Small World (twice), the Jungle Cruise, Roger Rabbit, Pirates of the Caribbean, and Peter Pan. It was so fun - you loved the Jungle Cruise and didn't really know what to make of Pirates or Peter Pan. We also met Goofy and saw Snow White!
Riding Dumbo!
On the tea cups - you loved the spinning; Mama did not.
It's a Small World, after all!
Looking out for crocodiles on the river cruise!
Pirates of the Caribbean - you were not so sure about this one...
After we left Disneyland, we drove down to Escondido to visit Mama's family. We played with Aunt Dize, Uncle At, Laura, Greg, and their three kids, Becca Lynn, Brady and Bennett. They first came to play with us at the Welk resort, where we were staying. We played a round of foot golf - which you were not sure about, but you learned that you can SIT on a ball, which blew your mind. We then went to Aunt Dize and Uncle At's house so that you could take a nap and have some lunch. The thing you loved the most though, was playing with your "new cousins" in the pool at Laura and Greg's house! You just wanted to jump off the side of the pool into Mama or Daddy's arms. You loved it! The kids had all kinds of toys for you to play with and you loved eating pizza with Brady and Bennett at their little table.
We were sad to say goodbye to all of our family in southern California, but we packed up and flew up to San Francisco for a few days so that we could visit some friends and see Daddy's old stomping grounds. We did a lot of fun things in San Francisco, but by far - your two favorite things were the chickens that lived at our Air BnB and the sea lions at Pier 39. Our Air BnB was awesome - it was in the Mission and the owners had created a small garden in their back yard. In the garden, they had two chickens, and the owner let you feed them and check for eggs, which fascinated you. They also had a small play house for you to play with and a rock pit with trucks. You really enjoyed playing back there.
One morning, we had Bob's doughnuts (our favorite) and then took you down to Pier 39 - and you got to see all of the sea lions! You LOVED them and did not want to leave. We watched them for quite a while and they were pretty funny that day - lots of activity. When we had to leave, you cried, and wanted to go back. Mama assured you that you would see them again - hopefully many, many times in your life. We also shared a bowl of clam chowder in a sourdough bread bowl. You were not a fan of that, much to Daddy's disappointment.
We also visited the California Academy of Sciences where they had a new rain forest exhibit. You loved seeing all of the animals, got to touch some star fish, and look around the rain forest. There was a fun little kids' play room there that you got to play in. After that, we discovered a really fun play ground in Golden Gate park that you wanted to play at indefinitely. You also cried when we left there :-)
Lastly, we got to visit urgent care in San Francisco because you came down with a case of croup the last few days we were there. Daddy teased you that you were barking like a sea lion, and it kind of sounded like it. Fortunately, they gave you some medicine and sent us on our way. Besides a cough, you were pretty much a happy camper. We took the long flight home and were happy to be home, even though we were sad to leave. You were a great traveler and we all really enjoyed the fun we had on the trip.
Until next time, California!
Love,
Mama
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