Our SoCal Trip

We just got back from our trip to Southern California. It was a perfect family trip. We got time at the beach, fun with family, warm weather, a trip to Disneyland and a quick visit with Ryan, Lauren and Melissa. What more could we ask for in a vacation?

The 1st stop on our vacation was Ventura Harbor. My Aunt and Uncle recently built a boat that is docked in Oxnard, so we began our trip with a sailing adventure on their new Catamaran. My Mom and I stayed behind with the kids, while everyone else went sailing for the day.


A Big Thank You to my Uncle Zoran and Aunt Erika for bringing everyone sailing. It was a true highlight of the trip. Next time...I plan on going along.


Cheers to the Channel Islands.


Bob and Jay.


While everyone sailed, we found one of the best parks I have ever been too. How cool are these swings? They overlook the ocean. So peaceful and relaxing.


The best part of the park was that you walked a few hundred feet and were at the beach. Roman loved playing in the sand and filling up buckets of water and sand.


Sadly, my sister and her family couldn't make it at the last minute since Scott came down with the flu, but my parents brought Tyler along for the trip. Roman had so much fun with his cousin all week. We were so happy that Tyler could have a special trip with the rest of us.


These 2 would be happy digging in sand all day long. They make quite a pair.


That night we went to dinner at The Greek at the Harbor. It was such a festive place to go and highly recommended. Entertainment included belly dancing, chair dancing and Greek dances.

The next morning we headed to California Adventure.






Even Paisley was excited to be at the "Happiest Place on Earth"


The 1st Ride was bumper cars. Roman ended up being 1 inch too short, but Tyler loved it.


California Adventure was a perfect spot to start our Disney Adventure.


A true highlight was meeting all the characters. Roman is obsessed with Clubhouse Mickey and it was like he was meeting celebrities. He didn't want to leave once our turn was over. He wanted to keep going back for "More Mick!"


The Carousel is always a favorite.


Paisley's 1st Ride.


Roman and Papa.


Tyler couldn't have been happier with his cotton candy.


We went to World Of Color that night.


What a show!


Jay got Roman and Tyler special laser light swords. Tyler was so excited to get his.
(One of the things I love most about Jay...he is a wonderful, loving and fun Uncle)


The next 2 days we headed to Disneyland.


Paisley was a trooper with waiting in lines and patiently sitting her carseat throughout our trip.


Mickey's Toon Town is adorable.


Tyler's favorite ride...Autopia.


Jason really wanted to bring Roman and Tyler on this mini rollercoaster in Toon Town. I wasn't sure how they would do, but they LOVED it. We went back twice.


WEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE!!!!!


So fun for these 2 to have each other.


Teacups






Goofy


Happy Girl...Loved riding the carousel


Happiest moments were spent running around the park


My favorite...Pluto!


Donald


The train is such a nice way to travel thru Disney. Tyler loved the Dinosaurs.


These 2 make quite the team.


We really had an amazing time at Disneyland. I hope to go back each year. It is one of my favorite places and is so magical with kids.

Now on to lessons learned...

2 Challenges when bringing a 2 year old to Disneyland...

1. Entertaining them while waiting in lines. We planned our trip to visit Disneyland on off-days in hopes for shorter lines. Luckily most lines weren't longer than 15 minutes, but a few were pretty long waits. For the most part, Roman did good but there were some challenging moments.


2. "MORE RIDES!"
Roman did not like when the ride would end. He loved every ride and enjoyed them while he was on them. But the moment the ride would slow down, he would look at us and say "More Rides!" while gripping onto the ride with all his strength. We then would proceed to peel his hands off the ride and carry him off the ride while kicking, screaming and going limp. We thought this might end after a few rides, but it lasted on and off the entire trip. Very entertaining for everyone (but exhausting for the parents.)

THANK YOU...
To my parents and Betty & Bob. We had an amazing trip and it was so special to go with everyone. Thank you for also letting Jay and I a little time alone at Disneyland so we could experience a few rides without kids. Can't wait to go back.