Tuesday, December 20, 2011

California Vacation

We were able to take a week long family vacation to the San Diego area this past month. It was the first time we have flown with kids....and although they did very well we're not in a hurry to do it again.
Waiting to board in Pasco. Unfortunately we had to wait quite a while as our original flight was canceled due to fog and we had to wait for the next plane.
Can't tell these two are related, can you?
Enjoying the in-flight snack
This little lady did pretty well...but it was hard to sit still and be happy for the flight from Seattle to Orange County, especially without a nap.
Our first full day in California we spent at Sea World. We loved it! There were hardly any people there and we got to marvel at God's creation together as a family.
Tide pool exhibit
Waiting for Shamu show to start
These killer whales are phenomenal
Enjoying the rides at Sea World - and we didn't even have to wait in line!
Watching the Dolphin show - the kids were dialed in the whole time.
Dolphin show was fantastic!
Hudson with the sea turtles - they were huge!
Looking at the beluga whales - there was even a baby whale.
We got some fresh strawberries at the farmers market in Oceanside and enjoyed them on the beach....what a perfect morning!
Photosynth trick from Christian's iphone
Hudson took a little tumble in the ocean and ended up in just his pants. The locals all thought he was crazy as they thought the 70ish weather was cold.

Vacation, Part 2 - Disneyland

Christian's parents joined us in California for a portion of our vacation and they treated us to a day at Disneyland. Hudson was excited to go see Mickey and beyond that I dont think he had a clue what was coming. We had a fun filled day but there were a ton of people at the park the day we were and by 5:30 we were all tuckered out.
Riding the tram from the parking lot to the entrance - anticipation building!
The token family photo in front of Walt Disney & Mickey Mouse
The first character we found was Donald Duck - as you can see, Livia didn't want to get too close!
Family with Mickey - Hudson thought this was the whole reason for coming to Disneyland
Hudson with Goofy
Livia & Grandpa
Hudson was amazed on the Storybook Boat Ride
Tea Cups!
Buzz Lightyear Ride
Hudson & Grandma riding Dumbo
The kids both loved the Christmas parade - seeing the characters all dressed up and walking right past them was a highlight of our visit.

Vacation, Part 3

We visited the Mission San Luis Rey in Oceanside - it was originally founded in 1798.
Hudson posing at the mission
Cute kids :)
The USS Midway, an aircraft carrier, is docked in San Diego and is now a museum. We went aboard to check it out....that thing was huge!
Livia was happy to push all the buttons in this cockpit
Hudson checking out the cockpit of a jet
Walking the narrow hallways in the ship during the tour....a person could've spent all day in there. We only lasted about 2 hours.
Outdoor pipe organ in Balboa Park, San Diego. They do a free concert every Sunday afternoon and we caught part of it while we were there.
Balboa park also has a model train museum...Hudson's expression says it all.