I {heart} Malibu

So one of my 'requirements' for this trip was that we go to a GOOD beach. I've been to a couple of different ones in Cali and really hadn't been impressed. I wanted a nice, big, clean, beautiful beach; like you see on tv. I talked with Chelsea and she suggested Zuma beach in Malibu. Much to Luke's surprise (I'm not normally an 'early' riser) I got everyone up and going at 5 am. (4 pacific time) It was so worth it. As we left the crazy busy downtown LA area and pulled on to the Pacific Coast Highway we could see endless beaches and ocean. It was amazing. I loved all of the beach houses in Malibu, such character! We grabbed some sandwiches and had a picnic on the beach, so much fun! (And Bailee learned where 'sandwiches' got their name!)

Bailee enjoyed the water even though it was cold. Mostly, I think she was happy to be out of the car!

 

Bailee also liked finding shells and rocks. She brought some special ones (and by special I mean every one that she saw) home to put in her rock garden. (I had to designate a place for her own rock garden; all of the rocks she collects have been put in my flower garden or on the lawn. This is a much better solution for us all.)

Malibu Continued....

Maddox cried when I took him close to the water. I think the big waves and the noise scared him. He did really enjoy the sand though, and I'm sure he ate more than his fair share.

This was his first trip to the beach, and the first one Bailee will remember. (She was about 9 months when we went to San Diego)

Grandma found a dead hermit crab, Bailee was inspecting it. Love that face!

Love this one too! She had so much fun, once she got over the whole 'sand get's in everything' thing. I was surprised that she let Grampy bury her! The first of many surprises on this trip.

Home again, Home again, Jiggity Jig

We got home this afternoon from an AMAZING and well deserved Family Vacation. This trip has been in the works for about 10 months, and was even better than I dreamed. We got to spend a day at the beach, go to a baseball game, and play for 5 days at DISNEYLAND!! I have lots of pictures and stories to share, but first I've got to find the camera bag and charge the battery.

The highlight was to spend some quality, stress free time with our little family. No one was sick, which was a miracle of it's own, and everyone had a great time. Bailee LOVED the rides, big and little alike. I can't believe how much she liked the fast roller coasters, she does not get that from me.

I honestly thought Maddox would take lots of naps, need lots of down time, and probably not have very much fun. I was so wrong! He absolutely LOVED the characters! I thought for sure he would be scared, but from his first glimpse of Pluto he was hooked. We could not walk by any Disney friend without stopping to say hello. Maddox squealed in delight, and had to pet and kiss every friend. It was adorable.

We got to spend time with Chelsea, Shane and Tylie (thanks guys!) Grandma Bulkley (who gave Bailee an early birthday gift, which she LOVED) and Grammy and Grampy Spencer....who gave us this trip for Christmas and Birthdays. THANK YOU! It really was the trip of a lifetime! Amazing.

Sneak Peek

We've been having a blast. Here's a little sneak peek. More to come!

Summer

It's not technically Summer yet, but the kids are out of school and running around the neighborhood, so it feels like summer. The past 3 nights I have fallen into bed exhausted and happy. Happy to have been outside playing, happy to be warm, happy to be happy. Oh glorious sunshine, how I love thee.

The responsible part of me created the cards we'll be making for Card class on the 16th. Visit my crafty blog for pictures and details! Here!