West Coast

With Spring Break still months away, we decided we needed a mid-winter break. Our good friends and former next-door neighbors moved to Southern California last spring, and now seemed like a great time to visit. We also added Disneyland and Universal Studios to our trip, and spent the last day in sunny San Diego. The kids were fantastic travelers, and we packed a lot of fun and memories into four days.

The sun felt so good! 

One of our first rides at Disneyland.

Maeve loved the Tea Cups.

Each kid used some of their own money to buy a present. We recently watched the Aristocats, so Maeve chose Duchess and Marie.

Lots of naps on-the-go for this one.

Jack was scrunched down pretty far, but he's sitting next to Jeritt in this photo.

These girls had so much fun together! We've sure missed Luca and Sunny.

Maeve and Sunny.

Maeve fell asleep on the Universal Studios Tour, which included the realistic movie scenes from King Kong, Jaws, and Fast and the Furious. 

Enjoying the scenery on the way to San Diego.

Maeve at the controls of the USS Midway.

Cars Land at California Adventure Park.

Playing in the sand at Newport Beach.

Out of order on the pics... The night before we left, Jeritt turned around to find Simon staring at him. 

Just boarded the plane. 

Three hours later after a failed attempt to sleep. 

Anna and Elsa from Frozen.  Maeve was super excited. 

We obviously had to meet Mickey as well 

Walking around the Millennium Falcon. This was a really cool ride. 

The Incredicoaster. The largest one at the Disney complex.  Turns out we have a coaster-lover!

Hanging out in Newport Beach. 

Taking the car / boat taxi back with our friends, Dave, Nikki, Luca, and Sunny. 

Jack and I did a hike in Laguna Beach.  Many photos to follow...

Harry Potter Sorting Hat. 

The Butterbeer was delicious.  

Putting the magic wands to work. 

Chocolate Frog from Honeydukes.  

Maeve was not scared of the dinosaur.  As evident in her trying to run straight toward it and the security guard holding her back. 

Dinner with friends in Newport.  Jack and their daughter got along well. 

I had to stop by my dad's favorite dive bar in Dana Point. 

They even had meatloaf as the special again.  (It must be a Thursday night special)

USS Midway in San Diego. 

Photo from when my dad and I were here in 2017.  

Hanging out with "Shooter"

Receiving their pilot wings. 

Photos from my stop on the trip.  Stone Brewery. 

My dad at Stone Brewery. 

Maeve put a flower behind her ear. 

Swimming in 62 degree weather...

Last night in the hotel.  Maeve got the top bunk.