California

We just got back from a week in Southern California. After being wishy-washy for the few weeks leading up to the trip, we finally decided to go. I was SO nervous about driving 7 hours into California freeways without Jeremy with me. I was nervous the kids would argue, or whine, but they were so good!

A huge thank you to the Ricedorff's for planning the trip and for going to the time-share meeting so we could stay in the awesome condo for so cheap! I couldn't believe all the shops and awesome hole-in-the-wall food joints that they knew about. I mean, really, "Picante Martin's"? Who would have ever thought to eat at a place like that and it was so good.

Thanks to Joe and Cassie for helping me navigate my way around the freeway mess in CA. After seeing me so stressed, Joe volunteered to drive my car for me so, probably more for his sanity than for my sake. They were so good to take the little ones on walks and adventures. Also, thanks for providing Hadlie for Hannah and Abby's entertainment.

We spent most of our time at the beach where the kids got to boogie board (thanks again for that Ricedorff's), run away from white waves (named "The Lava Game" by Joe), build sand castles, bury each other, play Soul Surfer (Hannah and Kate), sand volleyball...

Here are the pics in no particular order (mainly because it would take me forever to put them in order)...

Jake, Abby, Hannah and Annie at Laguna Beach

Annie and Keelie - they had been in a "fight". They fought over a shovel (there were like 6 to choose from) and wouldn't talk to each other for a good hour. They kept scowling at one another. Thankfully, they "made up" and are friends again so I could get this adorable picture.

The 3 little girls - Kate, Annie and Keelie

Kate and Hannah, or should I say, Alana and Bethany. These two played "Soul Surfer" the whole time, trading off who had their arm bit off by the shark.

Jack and Jake jumping off the boardwalk. They have amazing hops!

Hadlie - the celebrity to my girls. Poor girl didn't get much time alone.

Abby and Jay - they hit it off and were inseparable. I call them the Skin and Bones Duo. They did EVERYTHING together.

Hannah trying to surf. Really, just standing on the boogie board waiting for the waves to float her out to the ocean a few feet.

Hannah boogie boarding

Jack and Jake digging holes. No surprise that these two were always together.

Abby - I caught her smiling. She was insistent that I not get any pictures of her. But isn't this one so cute?!

The 3 little girls again - Keelie, Kate and Annie digging in their hole.

Annie in the sand. That's where she spent most of her time, not in the water much.

The cousins - Jake, Jack, Hannah, Jay, Abby, Annie, Kate, Keelie, Hadlie

The girls - Keelie, Abby, Kate, Annie, Hadlie, Hannah