Beautiful Newport

It's family trip time again--crazy that we hadn't been on an airplane together for two years. We really need to get out more. It's always so funny watching fellow travelers responses when they see our family of seven boarding the plane. We were excited to say the least. C A L I F O R N I A here we come!!

Our first destination was Disneyland, but a detour to IHOP for breakfast was a must. The kids thought the food there was the best. IHOP is now one of their favorite restaurants. Funny how we have to leave home to experience it. I guess that's a good thing. Right?!

Disneyland wasn't seeming as unpopulated as we had hoped. We cringed a little as we watched the people pouring in. I was lucky to get this pic without some other friendly tourists in it with them.

Emma and I headed for Fantasyland and ToonTown. She loved the Dumbo ride and wanted to get right back in line after having waited an hour for it. What spirit! Mickey and Minnie were amongst her favorites as well. She kept wanting to go back to them. Can't blame her, their houses are so cool.

Minnie's house we timed just right and only had to wait a few minutes for our grand appointment. Love the shoes, Minnie!

After being split up all day, the fam reunited and went on Soaring over California together. We had to stretch Emma's neck a little to get her in, but we're glad we did. She loved it. It's the best ride.

Swimming at the pool back at the condo was another highlight. The girls just couldn't get enough of it.

Dad and the boys having a little v-ball fun.

Thank heavens for hot tubs. They just never go out of style, do they?!

Enjoying the life.

The Marriott Coastal Villas Resort was beautiful. Marriott knows how to do it right.

Is it Charlie's Angels?

An unforgettable face. Nothing like happy kids on vacation.

We picked up some skim boards at Costco and the boys had a blast with them. They even got pretty good on them, unlike Anna and myself. Anna got some pretty good bruises for giving it her best. Way to go Anna.

Emma and her yellow life jacket. They are both keepers.

There is just nothing like the beach at sunset. Isn't it beautiful?

Troy would take Emma for long walks on the beach. Any where but in the water is where she wanted to be. I can't blame her though, the water temp was a little chilly.

Dad and Kaela rented beach cruisers and took a ride down Newport beach. Anna and I took a turn after them. Cutest houses you've ever seen. Love it!

Chasing the birds is Emma's favorite beach pastime.

It's just not a real beach trip if you don't get buried.

Taking the car on the ferry over to Balboa Island.

Dad the Driver.

Kaela and Emma found a good way to dispose of all the left over chips from Picante Martin's Mexican Restaurant. The birds seemed to like the idea too.

Bubble Gum ice cream on Balboa Island. What a combo. We had fun strolling Maine Street and buying a few trinkets from the stores. Favorite store was Even Sisters--their kids craft table allowed us to stay as long as we needed.

The third day we were off to Sea World with the Sandlins and Hathaways. Our first show was the Shamu show. Way to start with a bang! This is a picture of the boys dry.

And this is a picture of the boys wet, after Shamu got them good!

We all liked the new Atlantis water flume ride.

It was another neck stretcher to get Emma on. She like it so well she wanted to go on the "roller poster" again.

Emma and her buddy Julie Sandlin.

Katie's a favorite amongst the little girls. She had a few fans!

Oh the seal show. That's when I start checking out, but the kids and Troy loved it.

Here's Kinnon "the Navigator" making our game plan.

Shannon was nice to go with Halley and Emma on the spinning cup ride. I had had enough motion fun on the Antarctic Cat ride just before that. Thanks Shannon.

After Sea World we headed to Old Town San Diego for a Mexican feast. These boys were pretty hungry!

After dinner the boys headed back to Newport with Hank and the rest of us went to Sea Coast Village for a little shopping. We happened upon this pretty Cinderella carriage that Troy took the girls on.

Speaking of Cinderella...Rather than wait in the two hour line at Disneyland, Emma and I stood off to the side where the princess come in and out from their shifts. We just happened to catch Cinderella as she was leaving. She said to Emma, "I love your dress. I will tell my friend Aurora that I saw you."

Kaela, the bikini sand babe!

Kaela made Anna a birthday wish in the sand. Cute Kaela is always thinking of others. We walked by a beggar on the street the day before and she said, "Mom, are we going to give him some money?" She was also insistent that we take her shopping so she could get Anna a Bday present. She is always like that.

Jordan giving Anna his present (the star necklace). Sweet brother!

Anna's Bday Bash at the Cheesecake Factory. She loved her orange chicken and Oreo cheesecake.

Back at the pool. Halley and Emma found a way to get their Shirley Temples. They went right up to the bar, sat down, and asked the bar tender for them. Luckily, Shannon noticed and helped them pay for them.

It wouldn't be right to end this entry with out mentioning Crystal Cove. It was one of our favorite places. Great skim boarding, great treasure hunting, great food at the Beach Comber, great everything. We can't wait to go back.