Let's wrap it up : Our California Adventure

Benji and I both agree that our time in California was probably the best family vacation we've taken thus far.  Besides planning an overnighter at Disneyland, our only plans were to kick back and spend as much time with family as possible.  What made our trip even more special, was that my parents planned to be in California the same time we were, so must of our outings included both sets of grandparents, Benji's siblings and their families and my brother and his family.  So crazy to coordinate, but so fun! For having no agenda, we sure did alot.  Some highlights include Santee Lakes, pool parties at Nana's, Disneyland, Coronado beach day, a couple parks, and a smokin' good barbecue. McKinley and Piper enjoyed every second spent with all of their cousins.  Infact, that's been the hardest thing about being back in Oregon....seeing McKinley break out into tears everyday for the last week over missing her cousins.

Soaking up the sun at Nana's pool.

Piper takes a break from her hard-core playing at Crest Park.

Piper, McKinley, Lizzie and Abby pose for a picture at Crest Park.

Piper's out, but Benjer is all smiles.

 

Piper loved chasing the seagulls. (check out Hotel Del in the background)

Love this pic.  McKinley and Lizzie wait for the Dadda's to return from the water.

Gramma C. and her look-a-like.

Love this pic too.  Leyton and McKinley, two cousins who tan very easily.

Micah-moo and Uncle Travis watch Dadda do a back flip.

Momma snuggles.

The Howard cousin clan: Luke, Lizzie, Benjer, Caleb, McKinley, Abby, Piper and Micah.

Merry Christmas from the Howards!

Finally we arrive at Disneyland....

.....the happiest place on earth.

Dadda and his girls take a ride on the teacups.

McKinley couldn't wait to meet Mickey.  Piper, not so much.

Taking the boat to Sawyer Island.

Merry Christmas from the Campoamors!

These next shots made the trip to Disneyland totally worthwhile!  McKinley was super excited to meet all her favorite Princesses, but especially Cinderella. 

One last family photo while waiting for the parade to start.

The Campoamor cousin clan in coordinating attire: Piper, Ellis, Leyton and McKinley (thanks Gramma C.)

Uncle Ryan takes his bevy of beauties down the slide at Coronado Park. 

California knows how to party....

Our first full day in California was totally relaxing.  We met Natalie & the boys and Shawna & Caleb at Santee Lakes for a little park time.  Then after the kids had worked up a good appetite, we had lunch at Chick-Fill-A.  Their chicken sandwiches rock!

Dance party on the patio!

McKinley gets up the nerve to pet the friendly chicken.

Piper and Caleb.... cousins 4 eva.

It's funny how Caleb's expression immediately changed once Piper made eye contact.  Too cute!

Cousins @ the park pic: Piper, Micah, Caleb, Luke, and McKinley

Moving Day

On Aug 1st, we, along with some awesome friends that offered to help us, loaded up the U-Haul truck with the rest of our belongings. It was such a crazy, busy day that I forgot to take pictures. I did manage to remember the camera during our first dinner at our new house....leftover pizza from lunch, plus a blackberry milkshake, split three ways, from Burgerville.

The view from the back yard.

Milkshake mouth!

What a cheeseball!