Fall Break

This trip was a breathe of fresh air for our family. Typically family vacations are no vacation at all. But this one was different, that good! We had a blast, all of us! As a precautionary measure, we got anyone who showed any sign of sickness on antibiotics.
Fall Break 2013 was HEAVEN! I can't choose a favorite part because it was all
Funny side note: James and I both had this lingering cough and congestion for a month. 2 days before departure Mike informed me he was going to the Dr the next day for an Rx. I thought that was a good idea and decided to do the same for James (I didn't have to go in bc my mom lent me her drugs from Mexico). Lucky for us, James woke up the next morning with blood in his outer ear and saying it hurt. At this point, I figured it was a ruptured ear drum felt entirely justified in taking him in. Turns out James's ear looked fine, but we still got a prescription and went on with our day. Forgetting about it, later that night while doing homework, I looked at James's ear closely and it dawned on me that what I thought was blood was tomato-- from the boy's tomato war in the garden earlier that week!

Anyway, during the duration of this trip, everyone was healthy, Andrew's little mouth took a break from teething huge molars (which started again the day we got back), everyone was rested, cheerful, good sports, and up the adventure!

Travel Log:
Friday: Mike and the two boys left at one to make the drive to Laguna Hills to stay with the Allan Family. According to him, the boys could not have been better. They were happy and when it was dark, they slept and he listened to podcasts.
Conference Saturday: I cleaned, Andrew helped me decorate for Fall, and I watched conference in the peace and quiet of my child-free home. My Mom came over for the second session and then we went shopping, out to dinner, and she dropped me off at the airport. Drew's and my flight was fast and so pleasant! Mike picked us up and we went to bed. Mike, Jeanette and the boys went to a dog park, a fire station, and the beach.
Sunday: rest, conference,  go to the beach where we enjoyed watching the sunset!
Monday: DISNEYLAND!!! Check into amazing hotel
Tuesday-Disneyland. Pick up Ama at the airport
Wednesday: Ama came to DL with us. She entertained Andrew all morning so we could go on big kid rides like the Tower of Terror! Then in the afternoon, we enjoyed cutting lines with her handicapped accommodations and sharing our favorite rides with her. I think this was the boy's very favorite time at the parks.
Thursday: Ama had Foofy all morning long and the boys all afternoon and evening long. And Mike and I had a Top Five Favorite date together, without kids, at the parks. Rode the coaster, watched a comedy show, and ate both at Guirardeli's and Dole :)
Friday: Downtown Disney, drive to Palm Desert, play with cousins, go out on a date
Saturday- Sunday: swimming, park, Tanner's soccer game, church, playing, visiting, & health food store shopping with Lizzie
Monday: The dreaded day came: the drive home with Andrew. Had flights not gone up, we would've flown him both directions... he gets so sick of his carseat! 2 hours and he's done-- can't blame him, I would be too if I were strapped in a five point harness. We left early with high hopes but low expectations of making it home in one day. However, with an hour long stop at the outlets in Primm and another one at the cafe rio in Cedar City (after which all 3 slept), we made it home with 3 very happy, pleasant, enjoyable, chipper, and delightful little boys! Most the time they watched and laughed at The Emporer's New Groove.

Weather was perfect. Kids were perfect. Hotel was gorgeous. Food was incredible. Trip exceeded all expectations!