Big CA Vacation part 3

Friday we went to San Francisco! I had been there before, but it was a first for Brian and of course the kids. It was warm in Folsom, around 80 when we left. It was WINDY that day in San Francisco and much colder than the weather reported.





We walked a bit on the Golden Gate Bridge, but it was too windy and cold to completely cross.







We drove down Lombard Street (the steep, winding road).





So we headed into the city and walked around the many different tourism shops. We considered riding the trolley, but there was a huge line and they wanted $5 per ride and we decided to skip the $20. Plus the kids couldn't join us.



The kids tried their first grilled cheese and chocolate shake at In-N-Out, YUM! Then it was time to head home.

The next day we went to the Folsom Zoo. It is a small rescue zoo with a lot of different animals, but being small it wasn't busy and the kids really enjoyed it.





We saw deer!




Maggie & cousin Bailey waiting for the train


We went on a fun train ride around the zoo


After the zoo we played for a little bit in the park.

Maggie loved swinging with her Papa




Jack in the tunnel, the only time I got a picture while he wasn't running away


Later after naps we had a BBQ and then ate popsicles and played in the water outside. Poor Jack was exhausted and napped through all the outside fun.







That night we were packed and ready to head home. BUT our flight was delayed about 3 hours so we ended up changing our flight to the following morning. Early morning! The flight home was quite different from the flight to CA. We said our goodbyes and were boarded in the plane immediately after going through security. This time around we didn't have an empty seat, in fact both flights (we had a short layover in Salt Lake) was full. On the first flight they slept almost the entire time. The second flight we weren't as lucky. They were both restless and just wanted to play. We made some walks to the bathroom and tried everything we could to keep them happy. Eventually we made it home, safe and sane! It was so good to be home, but I already miss my CA family. I don't know the next time we will have the chance to make it out there. It was a great trip, even with all the illness and unexpected trips to Urgent Care. Thank you to everyone in CA! We love you!!

Big CA Vacation part 2

The second part of our vacation started off bumpy, but we got it all settled and on our way to a great time. Jack didn't sleep well at all the night after Disneyland. He woke wheezy and stuffy, so I knew I needed to get him to see a doctor soon. We found another Urgent Care near my Uncle & Aunt's house and although Jack didn't have an ear infection, he was sick. We got him some medicine to go along with Daddy and Maggie. Then we packed into the car with Papa Ron and Grandma Shannon and headed north to Sacramento!

For their first car ride (7+ hours) the kids did really well! We bought new DVD players that they had never seen before. We borrowed some movies from the library, but ultimately the movies we borrowed from our friend Andrea were the biggest hit. Actually I should say "the movie" since they insisted in watching "The Backyardigans" over and over and well, over again! I got them to watch "Mickey Mouse Clubhouse" once, but the requests kept coming for their favorite show!




The next day we just hung out at Papa Ron and Grandma Shannon's house. The kids had been shuffled around for 4 days and were completely off any sort of schedule. So we just let them be in one place and it did everyone some real good. They took long afternoon naps and even started eating better, which made Mommy feel much more relaxed as well. Poor Brian was still feeling pretty bad, what a trooper we have for a Daddy!

Thursday after a nice day relaxing and getting back to health, we spent the afternoon in Folsom. First we went to "Fairytale Town" which is a cute park-like place with different attractions based on famous fairytale rhymes. We rode the Little Engine that Could, saw Old Mac Donald's farm and the 3 Little Pigs, and played on tons of other fun stuff!




Maggie was so funny around other little kids. They were all sitting inside the Little Indians' tepee and she came in and just took a seat with all the other kids.


There was this really cool tunnel slide





And of course Mother Goose


Next we went to "Funderland" which is a mini-amusement park.

We drove cars!



Maggie rode a fish ride. It went up and down in a circle and she loved it!






She also rode a roller coaster!




Jack opted out. He has his Daddy's stomach and stays away from fast rides.


"Funderland" was FUN!


Helping Grandma Shannon cooking




By this time we were all feeling so much better! Just in time for San Francisco!

Big CA Vacation part 1

It has taken me far too long to get this posted...we are all settled at home, laundry is washed and put away, the house is cleaned and routine has been reestablished. Our CA vacation was awesome, even if it did start off a little rough.

We took a direct flight from Cincinnati to LAX on Saturday. The kids did great! We landed a row of 3 seats, with 1 seat empty. So Brian sat on one end and I on the other, while the kids played in between. It gave us plenty of room, especially since we were on a 5 hour flight at the end of the afternoon.



Maggie, Jack & Mommy on our first flight. They both liked talking to the family behind us. It was a mom with her daughter and little 3 week old granddaughter. Behind them was another family with their 3 year old. Next to us was a 5 or 6 year old. So it seemed they grouped all the kids together in the middle of the plane.



My biggest advice when flying with toddlers; snacks, milk, toys and patience! When all else fails, teach them how to buckle and unbuckle the seat belt and read the magazine or brochures. It doesn't matter if they rip the pages out...the magazine clearly says it is yours to keep!

We were so excited to see Papa Ron and Grandma Shannon. Jack & Maggie hadn't seen them since their 1st Birthday, but they ran straight into their arms with big hugs! That night we introduced Jack & Maggie to Uncle Andy, Aunt Leslie and cousins Audrey, Madison and Megan. The kids were welcomed with open arms and the Hennings family welcomed us into their home. They were so awesome with everything, especially daring to invite our craziness into their home. :) The kids were completely wound up that night, and it worked out well because they didn't sleep at all on the plane and immediately adjusted to the time zone. That night they were up until 10:30 CA time- which is well past their bedtime in OH. All is fair while on vacation though!

All settled into our temporary room. Wonderful Audrey let us stay in her pink and zebra room!



The next day started off well. We went to the OC Swap Meet with the entire family, which is more like a big fair and massive. The kids were doing really good, though Maggie was fussy and still had the same runny nose as the day we had left. I hoped it was nothing, but as the day went on I could tell something was up. After the swap meet we all went to Newport Beach. We ate some lunch and played while waiting for our boat rental. Maggie started going downhill from there. I didn't have a thermometer on me, but she felt warm. I gave her some Tylenol which didn't seem to help. Eventually I decided I needed to get her to a doctor soon. I looked one up (ya! new smart phone) and found one 5 minutes away from where we were. Being out of town, I just picked the closest Urgent Care I could find.

Before heading to the doctor, we all road around on a big boat!

Jack drove!




Maggie drove too!


So at the Urgent Care we learned what I figured was probable, Maggie had a double ear infection and swollen glands. Unfortunately Brian was sick by that point too with a horrible sinus infection. They both got some antibiotics and we just hoped everyone would get a good night's sleep and feel better for the next day. DISNEYLAND!!

We all slept great that night! The kids were in a fantastic mood and the weather looked to be nice.

When we got to Disneyland we realized it was PACKED! I mean, the busiest I had ever seen Disneyland in all the time I had ever been there growing up. We were able to get on some rides and play at Toon Town. We even met Mickey Mouse! That night we also went to California Adventure and saw "Bug's Life", which was a great show!

Disneyland!







Buzz Light Year (Brian is out for those alien's!)


It's a Small World (after all)!




Maggie & Mommy


Jack playing the piano at Goofy's house


Beep Beep!



Outside Minnie's house on our way to meet Mickey


Mickey Mouse!