We recently spent a wonderful week in sunny southern California. We returned to our favorite condominium complex where we've vacationed several times in past years. It's on the beach so of course that makes playing in the sand and waves convenient. There's a huge pool when we get tired of the beach (or just don't want to get sandy). And everyone loves the hot tub after a long day at the theme park (this year it was Lego Land - 3 days!). Angela loved this particular condo unit, especially falling asleep each night with the sound of crashing waves lulling her to sleep each night!
View from the condo balcony... I can almost hear the waves
Beach view from condo looking into tropical courtyard
Condo pool area with beach in background on far left
We loved or lodging accommodations and amenities, but we didn't spend much time inside. We had fun in the sunny (but not hot) California summer weather. Beach, pool and three days at Lego Land kept us busy.
Luke wasted no time getting sandy at the beach... this was about 20 minutes after we arrived
Yep... soak it in... total cuteness
Maddie catches a wave on her boogie board
Luke finds the perfect place for a sand castle
Arriving at Lego Land on Luke's birthday
Maddie pilots her Lego plane
If Luke drives a real car like he did this Lego car.. we're in big trouble
Big sister waits in line with little brother
The wait is over... weeeee!
Maddie in Lego Mini Land... notice Cafe Du Monde and the French Market in the background
Kids and Mom ride the Bionicle Blaster
It's not the most exciting ride, but the line was short
Beetle Bounce always gets a smile, unless you're Angela in which case you cry
Mom and Maddie waiting for Dragon Coaster
Some say people in California are so fake... I couldn't agree more!
Luke performs the one-hand wave while still controlling our helicopter
These horses are very well trained
Not to be outdone, Maddie shows her horse riding abilities
We had to get a photo with Emmet... Everything is awesome!
The sign is good advice for plastic and real sharks
Fun in the sun and a new hat too
Maddie models her new Unikitty nightgown
While on vacation, we celebrated Luke's 5th birthday. He had a party with friends a few weeks before his actual birthday (see blog post here), but of course we had a celebration on his actual birthday. After a day at Lego Land, Mom and Maddie quickly set up the party while Dad and Luke took "the long way" back to the condo after parking the car (and Dad distracted him for few extra minutes). Luke's eyes lit up when he walked in and saw the presents, balloons and cake on the kitchen table.
Dad, kids and Minion eagerly await blowing out candles
Luke excitedly opens a birthday gift
Of course... Legos for your birthday after a day at Lego Land
Luke gets so excited when opening his gifts... I love his enthusiasm
Jake's Never Sea Mini Sub is a big hit
The fist of several hours playing with Legos... not sure who loves this more, Dad or Luke?
Last weekend we celebrated Luke's 5th birthday party with his friends. You're correct if you're thinking... last weekend (from the date of this blog post) wasn't July 3rd, or even close to July 3rd. As has become our tradition, we celebrate Luke's birthday party with his friends a few weeks before his birthday - otherwise everyone is out of town and/or busy celebrating Independence Day. Of course Luke gets another "family party" on his actual birthday. I think he really likes having two parties (and more gifts!) a few weeks apart.
This year (like last year) we celebrated his party at the gym. The kids basically have free reign over the entire facility and usage of all the equipment. Luke had so much fun here last year, that he requested it again this year. It's fun watching the kids play and how they bounce and jump (literally) from activity to activity.
Enjoy some of the best photos from Luke's special day.
Of course the party begins with some stretching
What's more fun than jumping into the foam pit? Nothing!
Maddie and friends hang around too
Luke gets a helping hand to climb out of the foam pit
Group photo of hot and tired kids
Yum!
Happy Birthday to you... Happy Birthday to you...
The icing is the best
Notice the similar smiles of the real Luke and Luke-on-a-stick
Luke's excitement as he opens some presents (water balloons and "big boy" Legos)
Jake toys for Jake-themed party... a perfect match
More Legos!
Batman! Yes!
Flying Jet! Awesome!
Friends
Buddies
No more photos please... I'm tired.
Grandma was here too. You should have seen her in the foam pit!
For the first time in several years, we ventured out for a summer camping trip last weekend. Our annual fall camping trip each October is well documented here and here and here and here and here, but we have not had a summer camping trip in recent years. Several times throughout the spring, Luke had been asking when were going camping again. It seemed as if he couldn't wait until fall for another camping trip, and his persistence paid off! Angela invited some close family friends to join us (they have two boys), and we also invited one of Maddie's best friends so she'd have a girlfriend for the weekend.
We arrived at the campsite Friday afternoon as storm clouds were gathering in the skies. Shortly after getting camp set up the rain began to drizzle, lightly at first, but soon it started pouring. Kids were hungry (it's not easy cooking in the rain), parents were frustrated (okay, mostly Dad) and we started to get wet. We ended up running for cover into the car escaping thunder and lightening to finish cheeseburgers while shivering and deciding whether to stay or find refuge in a nearby hotel. The rain eventually stopped and we stayed. By Saturday morning the rain had cleared and the rest of the weekend was beautiful.
Enjoy a sampling of photos from the weekend below.
Luke and Dad relaxing in the hammock
Now Mom has a turn relaxing in the hammock
Luke sleeps in the hammock... okay he's faking
His giggles give him away
Water is always big part of our camping weekends (preferably not rain) and the creek at this campground is always a source of much fun and recreation. Wading in the creek is always fun, not to mention tossing rocks or swinging at the "Tarzan hole". This year Mom bought some cheap inflatable tubes that proved to be a big hit for floating down the creek. And a fishing excursion resulted in Maddie catching her second fish ever (which she named "Bugger" because it had nibbled away several of her worms before she finally caught it. And yes... she released it back into the creek. See the video clip). Luke had a brand new fishing pole to try on this trip, but he had no interest in fishing... maybe next year? Anyway, see some photos of fun in the water below.
Luke finds interesting rocks in the creek
Dad and the kids work on the "dam"
Maddie and Madeline pose in the creek
Luke splashes in the current
Maddie swings at the "Tarzan hole"
Dad starts Luke on a float down the creek
Luke enjoys floating down the creek
Hoping to catch a big one
Away from the water, there's always still plenty of fun with friends and family.
Big kids on a tree
Maddie observes some insects (or other critters)
Maddie's (and Luke's?) best friend gets lots of love!
The girls find (they say rescue) snails and slugs around the campsite
