Our California Vacation

California was pretty cold for a place that is supposed to be warm. We didn't bring any sweatshirts (It's the last time I listen to Rich) and we ended up having to go shop for some cheap long sleeve shirts to keep up warm. I liked the shopping part but there was never enough time. It was a family vacation not a shopping trip so I can't complain. I did buy some clothes and found the frames I wanted for the kids pictures-yay!

We first went to Universal Studios, our first time ever going there. It was a fun drive. We enjoyed checking out downtown LA and seeing the HOLLYWOOD sign. It was a interesting park but it didn't have the thrill factor some of us were looking for. We did get some family caricatures that I can't wait to frame and hang on our wall.

We then headed to San Diego to go to Sea World. We were disappointed that they had closed the Atlantis ride and feeding the dolphins. They are some of our favorite parts about the park. We were bummed. It was cooler in San Diego and we had to wrap Jacob up like a little burrito.

The next three days we were at Disneyland and California Adventure. It was definitely a nice time to go. It was not too busy. We had a fun time being with family or running into them as we were walking through the park.

Jordan and Richard were riding the Tower of Terror multiple times when the rest of us had a run in with Goofy.
This picture was taken right before we left Disneyland on our third day there. Dylan had wanted to ride his favorite ride, Space Mountain, before we left but the line was too long. He was crying (partly from being sad he didn't get to ride but partly because he was just so tired). Richard was trying to act like Dylan so this picture is oh so lovely.

On Friday we went in search of a bowling alley. We got directions for one from the concierge. Map quest said it was about 16 minutes away so after a few errands we were on our way. After an hour of driving we still could not find the bowling alley. We had some very disappointed kids but we needed to head back to the hotel to rest before the family dinner. My sister told me that night there was a bowling alley right around the corner from our hotel. How frustrating. At least we will know for next time. The family dinner was nice as we got to meet Kira's family.

Saturday was the wedding at the Newport Beach Temple followed by a reception that night.


Sunday we headed back to Hawaii. I first have to mention what happened on the way to California. We got checked in at the curb and then I stood in line for security with the kids as Rich parked the car. He snuck in line with us when he got back and by the time we made it through security and checked the time, it was a few minutes before the plane was going to take off. We ran down the halls and seriously barely made it on the plane as they were closing the doors. Very close call but we made it. On the way back to Maui we had it all planned out when we needed to leave. We left very close to that time but encountered a few problems along the way. We had some traffic problems. Then we couldn't find the rental car place. Then it took awhile for the shuttle to get there to take us to the airport. Then we were at the last drop off. Well, we made it there 30 minutes before take off but since they have a 45 minute cut off we were missing our flight. I wasn't happy about the extra charge but at least we were able to leave the same day on a direct flight.