Cali or Bust!

 The girls had been begging us to take them to California to visit the Thompsons, so we knew we were going to have to take the plunge and buy 5 plane tickets (ouch)!  The girls were stoked and had been telling everyone all summer about their upcoming vacation, but of course the usual response was, "So are you going to Disney Land?"  After lots of explaining the breadth of California, they were content with our plans.

We left Wednesday a.m. almost taking up an entire row.  Wow!

 They are ready!  They were all so good on the flight, and the only entertainment needed was a coloring book.  

 Once we deplaned Ady was complaining she couldn't walk (story of "the baby") so Chandler offered to carry her if she took Chandler's bag.  Too funny!

 Thursday morning we decided to take it easy and went to the local aquatic center.  The kids enjoyed the slides and swimming until they were exhausted.

 Friday morning we all headed to Monterey for the night.  Our first stop - the aquarium.  I hadn't been there in almost 20 years, but I remembered it was a fun place, and it surely didn't disappoint.  The kids loved the interactive exhibits and were mesmerized by the large aquarium of sharks and tuna.

All the kids watching the tide observation area

 Beautiful weather on the bay

 Ady explaining to Callen how the tide pools work

 Brooklynn testing the adaptations the starfish and anemones

 Saturday morning was our much-anticipated whale-watching tour.  The girls had been waiting months for this, and we couldn't wait to see their excitement.  The tour started out beautifully - just a nice cool day on the bay.  The girls loved standing at the bow of the boat.

 We spotted some dolphins early, and they were so playful.  Brooklynn was in heaven watching them swim with the front of the boat while she dangled over.

 We actually were able to see a few blue whales, which is pretty rare.  

And some humpbacks!

 The sea lions as we left shore

 First rate view!

 Towards the middle of the ride the water became super choppy.  The little kids just wanted to stay inside, but that made us adults seasick, so luckily we had Josh to take the them inside while we tried not to gag outside.  I've never wanted off a boat so bad!

After we got our sea legs back we drove back to Carrie and Josh's and headed to Gilroy Gardens on Sunday.  It's a cute amusement park catering to the younger kids, so it was perfect for us!  The weather was beautiful and the girls had a blast.  We even taught Ady how to stand on her tippy toes so she could ride everything.

Ady driving - watch out!

 Chandler played it cool in her classic car

 Ferris Wheel

She had to ride everything - even if she seemed too big!

 Big swings!

 One of our favorite memories was just hanging out at night with the Thompson clan.  They built this outdoor kitchen, so we'd prepare meals and eat out there every night while the kids played.  It made it feel more like vacation!

Reading with the girls

 Snow cone time on the deck!

Our last full day in Cali was spent at Capitola Beach.  It's a quaint town with a beautiful beach, and Mondays are a good day to hang there!  Our girls would be beach bums if they lived anywhere near a beach, because they love it!  We had a great time building sand castles, dipping in the water, and burying ourselves.

 Callen was tough making sure to not get washed away

 This girl.....seriously!

 Ady had to get the ceremonial burial - her first ever!

 Beach Family

We stole a boy.....finally!

On our way home I was insistent on picking some strawberries.  There's nothing better than picking and eating the freshest fruits and veggies.  They were delicious!

Although family vacations trips are not relaxing and easy, they are the best!  Just to see the excitement from the girls makes all the money and work worth it!  It's always sad saying goodbye to our family, but we are so lucky they visit often, so until next time.....we will miss you Thompsons!