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.

Cook Cousins and Newest Cook Member

This family is full of silly cousins. We will truly miss being around them all.

Wedding day silliness.

Spending some time at Disneyland together.

Uncle Rich started this nonsense but everyone had some good laughs over it.

Jordan towers over the other cousins but it didn't matter because he was a fun target. They spent a lot of time trying to get him.

Dogpile. Wow, Georgia has to be strong to hold up that load.


Congratulations to Kira and Reuben! We are thrilled to have Kira as the newest member of the Cook Clan. I am bummed I don't have a picture of Reuben and Kira on their wedding day but this picture will have to do.

Check!

Some more projects checked off my list of things to do. After taking over a week of my life, my yearbook pages are done. Yay! I thought about sharing some pages but the yearbook hasn't come out yet and I want it to be a surprise.

Next on my list was my hand quilted Hawaiian pillow. I was obsessed, staying up late most nights to finish it off. Then it sat for a little while so I could figure out how to actually construct the pillow. Here is the finished project.

More babies in our ward means more sewing for me, but I am happy to do it. I starting making bibs to go with the diaper wipe cases. I love the soft minky fabric on the back of the bibs.

Next up....an apron

Random thought

Dylan's favorite saying right now is telling me Jacob is the boss of me. It really is kinda true.

I'm too old for that stuff

Getting too old to participate in kid activities.
Jordan didn't say that he's too old, but he is showing it by not wanted to participate in kids activities like dying eggs and going on an Easter Egg Hunt. When did hanging out with the adults become more fun than getting candy? I am sure there was a point that I stopped wanting to participate in the kids activities, but I'm all for being a part of them now.

Easter Egg Hunt at Grandpa and Grandma James' house.

And the race is on.

During Spring Break...

Brendan and Dylan were home for two weeks. Jordan had lab week the first week and a trip to the Big Island for our church temple trip the second week. That meant Jordan was out of the house most of spring break which left Brendan and Dylan to hang out together. Dylan kept asking where Jordan was. I think he really missed not having Jordan around the house but it didn't stop him and Brendan from having some fun together.


Saturday was the opening day of Baseball for the both of them. It started off with pictures, then parade, and then games. It was a lot of baseball for one day but I did get some needed sun (I was starting to look like I lived in Seattle ha ha). If all that wasn't enough for one day, Dylan decided to leave his game and go look for me after I left to buy him a bottle of water. After a lot of panic and a little crying, some nice mom found him for me and he returned to the game hopefully not wanting to wander off again. Brendan is on the Red Sox and Dylan is on the Tigers. I thought it was pretty cool that Brendan's hat has a big B on it and Dylan's has a big D on it.

All about Jacob

The Flying Frog. He starts to giggle before even being put in the air.

He loves bath time. I think it's about being free because he loves it when we take his clothes off to change his diaper too.
He can hold up his head now but just not for very long. Richard has been trying to put him in the Bumbo for weeks now and he was finally able to do it for a little while.

I love this sweet picture of him.

Love this boy!