Family Fun

Saturday, July 11, 2015

CA Vacation Summer 2015

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?

Saturday, June 20, 2015

Luke's 5th Birthday Party

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.