Beach Bums

From my earlier post, you will remember that we were not able to go to the beach until evening time b/c Jared could not get off work earlier. With an attitude adjustment on my part, I still was able to snap out of my funk and have a good time.

Wesley and Austin were so excited to see the ocean! They immediately took off their sandals and started racing to the ocean front (that didn't last longer than 5 min. b/c they got so tired from running). Their raw excitement was so fulfilling to watch as their mama! They loved the touch of the sand in between their toes and they couldn't wait to jump in.

The water was soooo cold. I don't know how Wesley, Austin and Jared even touched it! Austin did not last more than 10 minutes before he had been dunked by one too many waves and had sand plastered all over his scalp and back. Wesley wanted to swim, but the evening tide was a bit too much for his body. Even the sand crabs didn't want to come out and play!

Isaac was crying to be fed, and so I juggled: an uncomfortable nursing with sand blowing in our faces, getting Austin dried off in a towel, peeling an orange for him, taking pictures of Jared and Wesley swimming, and trying to keep sand out of my purse. All in a days work, right? Wes was sad that we couldn't build sand castles or swim longer, but hopefully we will come back sooner than later.

Those freezing showers to rinse off are always the coldest part of going to the beach. I was shivering just watching Jared and Wes rinse off. Poor Austin was so cold that all he could do was cry. We then hiked back up to where we had parked to dry off a bit more and shake off those bits of sand that get everywhere. I wanted to snap more pictures of our walk back, but I became a human coat rack with Isaac on one side, towels/bags/flip flops/hats in another. The beach is such a great place for photography...but alas, I am happy with the few ones I took.

Papa John's Pizza is always a great way to end the night, especially with Tino and Tatia.

Los Angeles Zoo

We spent an entire week with Jared, but he had to work right after we got back from Disneyland. So, on one of those mornings before he left, we hit up the Los Angeles Zoo. I really enjoy seeing the animals, despite being in captivity. I try to remind myself that they know nothing different, so it is okay to see them at a zoo. I wouldn't say that a zoo is ever a "blast," but more of an educational experience. The boys kept fighting over who got to sit in the stroller, so we just made them walk the entire way...which made it a slow walk around the grounds!

The screaming monkeys were our favorite part. They sure did hoot and holler so loud! Not sure what they were so vocal about, but it was really fun to see them be so candid. I also loved the natural beauty of California, with all the lush green trees and huge palm leaves.

Disneyland

I remember Disneyland as a child as being a magical wonderland. Jared and I also came here on our honeymoon 7 years ago and had a great time being newlyweds and holding hands everywhere.

Then we grew up. Then we had kids. Now we know the truth!

A few words to describe our two days of Disney: water bottle refills, Buzz "Lightening Year," Potty breaks, Mickey Mouse and friends, corn dogs, lots of walking, fighting over who gets to sit in the stroller, naps for Isaac, Doritos, sweaty legs, picture taking, loooooong lines, Splash Mountain Broken for 1.5 hours (while Jared and Wesley waited at the front), more walking, Fast Passes, sneaking Austin onto Space Mountain where he was scared of the ghost music and thought of Jesus the entire time, popcorn, more walking, nursing under a tree and cotton candy.

Jared and I were exhausted after just our short walk up to Downtown Disney, pushing our heavy stroller of three, where the controlled chaos begins. You really have to be alert and aware of your precious cargo at all times b/c there are soooo many strollers, wheelchairs and people, that they could get lost within seconds.

The hot and steamy summer day added to the fun.






The pool at the hotel was a welcoming friend to cool off and Jared and I even showed the kids "Marri's Pizza" where we spent a few of our honeymoon dinners.



I really enjoyed watching our boys meet all of the characters. Wesley knows that they are not "real," but for Austin, he was so excited to give them "un abrazo" and high 5's.
















Overall, we are so glad we went. It's all about the kids and creating memories. The food is always so important to me! I enjoyed having Jared all to ourselves for two entire days without work getting in the way.