Tuesday, September 16, 2008

Unplanned trip to California

Wow what a week... here's the short version. Jason applied for a new job (Sunflower Farmers Market- just to see what it was like) well he got hired as a manager, gave Macey's his 2 week notice, relized he still had a weeks vacation and mentioned something about going to California, I kinda laughed at first. But 2 days later we were on the rode at 5:30 am headed towards California! Here's a picture of his new work, this was before their grand opening and I think they were having a BBQ out in front of the store.
We stopped in Las Vegas so Claire could get some wiggles out, we like to stop at the Bass Pro Shop, lots of fun thigns for Claire to look at and it's free!
Claire and I looking at the fish tank Everywhere she looked there were animals, she had a ball.
We made it to California and surprised lots of the family with our visit. The next day we went to the LA County Fair. I was so happy to take Claire there, we always went when we were younger and went down the BIG yellow slide, a favorite of my dads.
I was so excited to take Claire down the slide but it said you had to be 2 years old, I obeyed and Claire satyed down with Daddy (Jason said she just kept saying "slide" the whole time)
Wow I am kinda glad Claire didn't come down this time, we caught air a few times. Patti, me and Christopher went down, probably not the best idea after eating a big FAIR dinner. Jason and the monster corn dog- we could not believe how big this thing was. It had to be at least a foot long or longer... but he did finish it!
Claire loves corn on the cob as you can see her diving into some of mine.
Gotta love Fair fried food.. if you can't read them all let me tell you what you can get fried at the fair. Pop Tarts, White Castle cheeseburgers, SPAM, Frog Legs, Avocados, Veggies, Onion Rings and Mushroom, and Twinkies and Oreos!
Some of the family towards the end of the Fair
The next day we decided to go to Sea World (thanks to Grandma Patti!!!! and my Aunt Donna for getting us cheaper tickets) We love San Diego and were so excited to be back there. We went to the Sea Lion and Seal show although Claire liked walking up and down the stair way most of the time.

She loved chasing the seagulls and ducks and screamed when she could not get them

We had a yummy BBQ lunch, and Claire loves dipping her french fries and chicken in some BBQ sauce.
Next we headed to the penguin house, I love how cold it is in there.


Then we saw the Manatees, thsi one was doing flips across the whole length of the pool.

And the seals (one of my favorites)
Then off to the Shark Encounter, Claire wasn't to sure of the moving walk way at first but finally go the hang of it She got to play in some tide pools
We spent alot of time in the Sesame Street land, every character to her was Elmo.

Had to get a picture of the Abby Cadabby ride for my niece Abby. It was closed so we couldn't go on it. Claire does call her Abby Dabby
Then we went over to Pets Rule show and Claire was in no way wanting to sit for a show. We had to keep pointing out the animals to her to gain her attention back.
Claire was fading fast so we headed over to see Shamu, this was how Claire watched in her stroller drinking her milk and almost falling asleep. We knew she wasn't going to stay for anything else so we left and decided to go take her to the beach for her first time. We had barely left Sea World parking lot and Claire was sound asleep. Jason found a little park area right off of some water that he pulled into. It took us a few minutes to get Claire awake, but finally her eyes opened and we asked her if she wanted to slide and her eyes got big she said "slide" then her head bobbed and eyes closed. Touching the ocean for the first time! The water was so nice and warm.



Claires toes and mommy's toes in the water. She wasn't too sure about all of this and didn't last long here but I could have sat there all day.
Pile of sand used as a tripod and a self timer makes for a great family picture

We then drove down to my aunt Donna's house and saw some family. Claire had a blast running around their house and having Shelby and Madison chasing her. Claire would run to Madison (her right arm is pictured) and give her a hug and then run back to Brandon. Great Grandma Moore and Claire
Now around 2:30 Friday morning we were off to the ER- NOT the tv show ER but the actual Emergency Room at Foothill Presbyterian hospital in Glendora. (I wish these were my doctors!) I had a horrible ear infection in my left ear, and was very grateful for medication to get it healed as I do not wish that pain on anyone. (Special thanks to Auntie Ree who woke up to stay with Claire while Jason took me to the ER, then was ready to go to bed when her alarm went off telling her its time to go to work)
Friday we laid low as I was in no way of going out.
Back at Ree's house, Claire had so much fun playing with the cups.
Saturday was a big Football day- UCLA played BYU and we actually got to watch the game. UCLA is Ree's favorite team- sorry! The the USC game was on that evening so we had more family come over had a big dinner and enjoyed the game. Claire showed her new "Puppies" book to Great Grandma Virginia and Great Great Auntie Lee.
I thought this was a funny picture- Christopher playing black jack with his Great Aunt and Grandma.
Claire loved playing with her cousin Brittany and would cry when she put her down
One of Christopher's friends came over to watch the game and he works at Marie Callendars, so he brought this pie especially made for Ree.
Ooooh 3 cousins on the couch watching the game, Chris, Brittany and Jason (Claire too)
Aunt Kat, Edgar and Claire
Claire had so much fun with Uncle Edgar and he got a great workout by lifting her in the air so much
We had a great trip for not having anything planned, now we are ready to get packing for our upcoming move and for Jason to start this new job!

7 comments:

Melissa said...

oh sounds soosooo fun! I wish we could do that on a wim, how nice! we are planning on going in the spring to cali, so excited!

Sandie's Spot said...

Wow that was a long post. But at least you had fun! Love the Claire leash, lol!
You got a picture of Speedy the Penguin... years ago when I went there was a penguin that would stand on that point and look like he was waving at everyone - then waddle across to another point, then go back again... we watched him forever and he kept doing the same thing. I think it was more amusing because it was really hot outside and we didn't want to leave.
Wow - long comment now... chao!

debra said...

Whoa-that's the post of all posts! You guys did a lot of fun stuff- I'm so glad! Fun pics of that little Claire and love the Abby Cadaby ride... we need to go to Sea World. My girls were too little and don't remember ever going. And I want to know who ate what at the fried EVERYTHING bar? Seriously, so nasty.

Amy said...

What a fun trip! It looks like Claire did ok with the puppy leash. ;) They are so handy with these toddlers!
You got an ear infection?? YUCK!!! Those are the WORST! I'm glad you were able to get it taken care of. What a pain.
The fair looks like a lot of fun! I want to go!

Anonymous said...

It looks like you guys had a blast! I am excited for all your "new" things in life. I am happy you got to go to Cali... especially jealous of Sea World. Fun! We went to the Sunflower Market after you told me Jason got a job there. It is a pretty cool store. Randy and I were impressed. Go Jason!

The Faris Family said...

Fun trip! I miss Cali...wish we could visit. We have two weeks off school now, but are stuck here because of Joshua's football. Where are you guys moving to? Are you staying in Utah?

Jodi Leishman said...

I love when a spur of the moment trip ends up being a great adventure. I have never seen a corn dog that big.
Looks like Claire enjoyed Sea World. She is at the perfect age to enjoy all the animals.
Whenever I go to the beach, I realize I miss living in So. Cal. Then i go to the grocery store and see the people, and think, I'll just come back and visit. I like living where I live.
Great post.