Sunday, September 16, 2012

First Family Vacation 9/15/12

It took us a little over year, but we finally went on our first family vacation!

We decided it would be fun to 1. Visit the beach 2. Visit family 3. See our newest cousin, sweet Ella Jane.  To Thousand Oaks, CA we went for a few days of fun and relaxation.  

When we were looking at plane tickets, there was a great fare to fly into Long Beach, which is only about 40 miles from our cousin's home. Seems like a fairly good option, right? NO! It took two hours to drive to their home in crazy California traffic. Note to self: Never do this again! But it was a funny CA experience. (Thanks so much to Janelle for driving us the whole way to and from!)

Day 1: We played at a new Disc Golf course, at which Isaac did AWESOME, Nash loved to watch Dad throw the disc, and I enjoyed the sunshine and fresh air with my guys.

Day 2: Beach Day! We took the day and headed to Malibu and Zuma beach to enjoy the waves and sun. Nash was a little apprehensive about the gigantic sand box and very loud, cold bath tub, but as long as Dad was close by he enjoyed it.  After, a few hours he started running towards the water and wanting Isaac to dip him in as the waves rolled in. It was great introducing him to something that I have always loved: the ocean. 

Day 3: Church Picnic day. Mark and Janelle's church was hosting church in the park, with lots of food and fun after the service. They had a lot of great activities set up for the kids and Nash loved the water stuff and the bubble pool.  Also, I think just running around other kids made him very happy.

Day 4: Beach Day again! This time we headed to Santa Barbara for more beach time and to enjoy the quaint downtown. What a darling little place this is and if I made multi-millions, I would totally live there. We had lunch and spent the rest of the afternoon building sand castles and splashing in the surf.

Day 5: Another two hours back to Long Beach to head home.

We were so grateful to our cousins Mark and Janelle for putting us up and toting us around all the great places in CA.  It was a great time and good memories made.