David and I flew into LAX on Saturday and drove to Anaheim where we were staying. Seeing my family for the first time since becoming pregnant was extremely emotional. It made me feel so blessed to have this opportunity since it will probably be the only time my family will see me while pregnant. Thanks again mom and dad. It meant a lot to me!
On Sunday we attended church with my mother's cousin. Afterwards we headed to the cemetary where my great-grandparents are buried. My mom and her cousin talked about their grandparents and some of our other ancestors. It was a nice way to start our vacation.
The cemetary where my great-grandparents were buried is one of the nicest cemetaries I've ever been to and it has a whole plot owned by the LDS church for members to be buried in. It was really neat.
Afterwards we stopped by the New Port Beach Temple. We weren't able to walk around the grounds but it was nice to stop by and see it.
We then stopped by Huntington Beach where my Grandma Ivins grew up and spent her summers. It was fun to think of her there in her bikini flirting with the lifeguards!
My brother Brian and his family spent some time with us there and we had a great time picking up shells, looking at starfish, and hanging out on the pier.
These two guys were not afraid of humans at all and kept popping up looking for food. It was amazing to be so close to them!
On Sunday night we had a family dinner in our hotel room and talked to the kids about going to Disneyland the next day. As usual it was a little hectic with nineteen naky babies.
Here's our group at Disneyland! This was actually taken the third day we were there so if we look tired that would be why. You can just see Sleeping Beauty's castle behind us.
Here's JD and Doug's families getting ready to go into Disneyland: California Adventure on the first day we were there. I had never been to California Adventure and it was pretty fun! JD and Doug were nice enough to let us tag along with their families for most of the time which made our experience even better!
And the couple that made it all possible!
Bumper cars in A Bug's Land
Mr. Incredible with his newest sidekicks, Kaleen and Bridger.
At the 3-D Muppet Show
That night we went to the water show, World of Color. David and I didn't stay for the whole time because I wasn't feeling well but it was still fun to see the park at night.
At the 3-D Muppet Show
That night we went to the water show, World of Color. David and I didn't stay for the whole time because I wasn't feeling well but it was still fun to see the park at night.
For dinner, we went to Boudin's Bakery and got clam chowder in breadbowls. It was delicious! Sophie and Lilly were excited for their Mickey Mouse cookie. Too bad it turned out not to taste too great!
Meeting some Disney characters!
After playing at Disneyland for three days we headed to Universal Studios. I think David's favorite part of the entire trip was the burning car we past on the way to Universal. They had just put the fire out when we got close enough to take pictures.
At Univeral Studios
Meeting some Disney characters!
Kaleen, Logan, and Bridger begged David to go on the teacups with them. I warned them about David's crazy-fast teacup skills but they didn't listen. Still, I think they enjoyed themselves!
My absolutely favorite place in all of Disneyland is a little-visited area of New Orleans square. I seriously have wanted to share this beautiful place with my husband since I was a little girl and I was so excited to have David see it. Thanks to my sister, Kimber, for taking some pictures.
After playing at Disneyland for three days we headed to Universal Studios. I think David's favorite part of the entire trip was the burning car we past on the way to Universal. They had just put the fire out when we got close enough to take pictures.
At Univeral Studios
The next two pictures were taken by my naky baby, Gracelyn. She did a great job! Thanks Gracie!
After Universal we headed down to San Diego for the last few days of our trip. When we arrived at our hotel they had a welcome sign and welcome bags for our family. It made us feel pretty special.
After Universal we headed down to San Diego for the last few days of our trip. When we arrived at our hotel they had a welcome sign and welcome bags for our family. It made us feel pretty special.
Here we are at Sea World. Don't we look happy? Or maybe tired?
Our favorite thing at Sea World were the beluga whales.They were feeding and training the whales when we arrived at the exhibit and it was so interesting to see the whales doing some tricks. When we went to watch them under the water one of the whales came right up to the glass and actually pressed his head against it. He sat staring at me for probably 20 seconds. It was one of the coolest things I've ever had happen to me.
The kids loved Sea World too and just got a little wet!
Our last day in California we did several different things. First we went to Old Town and visited the Mormon Battalion Museum. They've changed it since I've last been there and I was extremely impressed. I would recommend it to anyone, especially for kids. They've done a great job retelling the story of the battalion.
Here is Lizzie after the tour getting us some water while the rest of the kids panned for gold.
And Lilly loved her horse ride. I love how her pigtails are jumping in this picture!
We then headed for the Coronado Beach. My Grandma Ivins had a condo here where she spent her winters every year so the beach held a lot of memories for all of us. It was bittersweet to return there without my grandma but I'm so grateful we were able to go.
We also walked through the Coronado Hotel, my favorite place in all of San Diego. Built in 1888, the hotel is absolutely beautiful and holds a lot of memories for me since it was one of my grandmothers favorite places too.
The kids enjoyed playing in the beach and relaxing.
Overall, it was a great trip. It reminded me how wonderful my family is and how grateful I am for all of them! Thanks, mom and dad, for allowing us this memorable opportunity.
