Tuesday, April 7, 2009

A California Birthday trip

We flew down to California March 21st to see family, have a pre-birthday party for Claire and to spend my birthday at Disneyland! Claire had fun playing a bit in the play area at the airport before boarding our plane.
We lucked out and had an extra seat by us so Claire got a seat and her own apple juice which by the time we landed she was a sticky wet mess, but it's ok because we survived the flight! (It was quite a bumpy ride, but Claire loved every bit of it)
The next day we headed to Grandma Patti's for Claire's birthday party! She loved her cousin Christopher and had to copy everything he was doing.
Claire's Princess party was great and we LOVED seeing all the family that came to it.
She got totally spoiled with a TON of presents- we had to bring an extra suitcase home!The birthday girl with her cake that Auntie Ree bought- yummy!
The best surprise was that day was when Joe and Judy showed up! They live in Kansas City, MO and were flying to Las Vegas for a vacation but when they heard we were having Claire's birthday they changed their flight plans and flew into LA first, it was a GREAT surprise as we haven't seen them in 5+ years!!
The next day we were on to Sea World, we still had an extra ticket that had to be used before June. Auntie Ree took the day off to join us and we all had fun. Claire was so good compared to 6 months ago when we went- all she wanted to do then was chase birds.
The shark encounter!

We got to ride the Abby Cadaby ride this time- last time it was broken
We got good seats at the Shamu show, but little did we know that while waiting there for 45 min. we were starting to burn! (We forgot the sunscreen)
We then saw the Dolphin show

Jay and I as we left the park, it was so nice Claire fell asleep in her stroller YEAH!
The next day was just kind of laid back but we did go see our friends the Holmes family, they had just moved to a new house so we go the grand tour and had fun! I used to babysit these kids a lot, Megan was a new born baby when I started and now she is 12! We love their family
You know Claire is having fun when she falls asleep on the couch
The next day was my birthday (25 th)!
I started off my day having a great breakfast-chocolate malted crunch ice cream! I was their first customer at 8:45 in the morning, can you believe that?
Then we were off to DISNEYLAND!
We absolutely loved the new Toy Story ride! Claire loved seeing Mr. Potato Head
We even spotted the mouse himself!
We cooled off a little in the giant hose in the Bugs Life area We were able to meet up with some friends of ours who were down here on vacation too- the Snyder family! (can you see how red my arm was- yes that was from Sea World, ouch!)
Cute girls Taylee and Brinley! Brinley's birthday was Monday of that week, so she got to spend her special day at the park too. Claire at this point was laying on the ground soaking up some California sun
We loved seeing the Play House Disney show, Claire is enjoying catching some bubbles
Claire fell asleep for a little while while we were able to do some shopping, then she woke up in time for our favorite snack, mickey mouse pretzel and cheese and of course here she is posing again
I had a great day at my happy place and being there with my family!
The day we went to our favorite restaurant, BJ's, with Grandma Patti and Great Grandma Virginia
The evening we were back on the plane flying home, it was a full flight this time, but Claire did entertain herself by putting every sticker we had on the tray in front of her.

4 comments:

Amy said...

Looks like a fun and busy trip. I'm glad Claire survived the plane ride. That is always stressful for parents. Can't wait to see all of Claire's bday toys!

Justin and Coralie said...

It looks like you had such a fun trip and a great birthday breakfast! Yum! That's my kind of breakfast...

I love your California pictures :)

Millicent said...

What a fun trip! I only wish I would've been in CA to see you. It's been waaay too long.

xoms

Anonymous said...

What a great birthday and a fun trip to CA!