Day 3: Christina's Magical Birthday

There is no better way than to celebrate the birthday of the most splendid little girl in the world and her most splendid little sister and most wonderful Yaya ever, than in the most splendid place in the world! Although, I wouldn't complain if we had gone to Hawaii either. I think wherever I am as long as I'm with my girls, it's bliss.

 It was wonderful having all the characters and Disneyland employees saying Happy Birthday to Christina!

Lines were a tad longer on Thursday, but they have an awesome rider switch pass that allows you to ride the ride again without waiting in line. So we got to ride on Autotopia twice!

 I think I could possibly spend an hour or two on Small World. It's just so happy.

 Toontown isn't my favorite part of Disneyland, but at least we got to see Mickey!

True story, Maria was barely tall enough to go on Splash Mountain. We had waited about 25 minutes before both girls say they need to go potty. So we go potty and the line has quadrupled in size. But the guy was great and let us go in the fast pass lane where there was no line. 10 minutes later the ride shuts down and is broken. I've never been so grateful! At first, I was irked because we were spending our time in the bathroom, but what a blessing to not be STUCK!! Knowing our luck we'd get stuck right on the ascent where there is the shadow of the fox trying to kill the rabbit. Thank you Father!!

I loved the street parade but it did make me extremely worried. Children go out and dance but there are hoards of people. The loudspeaker announced, "Parents, not to worry! You'll see your children in a few moments as we round our circle...." Yeah....

The best part of the day was this little bread shop/bakery we ended our night at. We enjoyed some cake and brownies to this beautiful guitar music. The atmosphere was just totally surreal and peaceful. It was just the right temperature with perfect company. I know it's selfish of me, but I pray I have many many more years with my beautiful girls. I know God's will is perfect, so I can only hope that in His mercy I may live and they may live to have many more of these moments where you realize life is truly such a blessing.

Day 4: Travel Here Travel There CA-101 or Bust!!

After 3 fun filled days in Disneyland we were ready to hit the road for more adventures. We started out with a great breakfast.... it's so lovely not having to cook or do dishes!!

But we were soon disappointed... our first stop ended up being closed- the La Habra Children's Museum was being remodeled. The barely even let us use the bathroom it was that closed.

 Oh the sorrows.

However, a local told us about a "petting zoo" that was only a couple miles away. We stopped there and were thoroughly unimpressed. You couldn't really pet anything and it smelled. Sigh.

Leaving the City of Angels I had a precious and tender traffic moment. A joyful man saw traffic and decided to make a U-Turn and go the opposite way of oncoming traffic on our on ramp. I honked my horn because he was obviously insane but the sweetness of the moment came when he started shouting obscenities and honking back at me. Ah, the joys of CA highways. I-5 was turning out to be a bit of a headache, like gridlock headache, so as soon as I saw 101-N we headed toward Ventura and it was smooth sailing!

 We had to make a pit stop, and where better to do so than the beach!!

  I think I could live here easily. San Buenaventura or Bust!!

It was a lovely ride North and we loved being able to see and experience all the beauty Heavenly Father created for us.



Day 5: G to the ilroy Gardens and My "Hot as Hell" Birthday

What could be a better way to celebrate your birthday than go to GILROY GARDENS!!! Woot Woot!!

 I'll tell you a better way - Going to Gilroy Gardens and it NOT being so hot. I was quoted by my 3 year old, (shame shame mommy), "It's hot as hell here!"

This time I was really fascinated with the clown trees. Originally a man from Europe who had too much time on his hands came and he had over 200 of these on his property. Time passed and all but 30 of the trees died! But Michael Bonafonte saved them and created this haven for young children. To quote Maria, "There are no scary rides at Gilroy Gardens!!" Indeed, it is just perfect for the little ones. Pure fun and merriment.

 And I love my child, I went on this 3 times with her... in a row.

 This time we noticed an avocado tree! So cool how they grow!!

 Fortunately the girls had some water to cool off in. It reached 103 degrees!!

 Another clown tree woven in an Indian symbol... perhaps for hot? I don't know.

Maria's favorite, the artichokes!

It was a great day, even though it was so hot! A very happy happy way to spend the birthday!!

Day 6: Relax, Church, And Apple Hill

Ahhh... the joys of a fine hotel. We slept in a pillowtop King size bed and enjoyed a hot and freshly cooked breakfast and a good hour or so in the hot tub and pool.

 We attended a very busy ward right by the Sacramento Temple. It was chaotic and there were lots of screaming children. Yet, it didn't detract from the spirit of the meeting. It was just a little annoying as the child was right behind me. The majority who bore testimony were small children. My favorite quotes included, "I don't really have much to say different than the adults, I believe in Christ and know He lives. But I'm glad to be able to say it." another, "I know when we die we can go to heaven and I really really hope I can get in the celestial kingdom. I don't know if I'll make it but I really hope so." and a handsome black man who was recently called to the ward mission leader had a great one, "Sometimes people get overwhelmed with callings. I don't. I figure you either deal with life or you don't." Seriously, preach on brotha. We also sat by a woman who had lost a son, her daughter got up and bore testimony that she would one day be reunited with her brother. Goes to show you, you never know what people go through... it could be the one sitting right next to you. Christina got up and bore her testimony. So sweetly and purely, I'm so blessed that they retain the things taught to them by the spirit.

Probably a few years ago I became very aware of not wanting to miss the sacrament. So even on vacations we go to church because of the sacred nature of our baptismal covenants we've made. Which is completely hypocritical because we broke Sabbath by purchasing things. Sigh. One day I'll make it and be better.

We headed by apple hill on our final leg of the journey. It wasn't too crowded and we ate our way from one end to the other. 

 The girls favorite part was pony rides!!

 Although, I could be wrong.... Maria enjoyed her corn very much so!

 And of course, Yaya gets them the most beautiful candy apples they want.

 We picked apples in an "orchard". And the guy even gave us free frozen blueberries!

To say we enjoyed our vacation is to put it lightly. My mom was the best travel companion and we really appreciate Papa and Yaya bank rolling the party. They spoil us rotten!!! And we love every minute of it!!

Enjoying Birthday Gifts

For Christina's birthday, she received some excellent craft gifts. Before we left for vacation she and her sister thoroughly enjoyed doing them. Christina also sewed that bear (Heartsy Pretzel Lykes) all by herself!

Thanks everyone!!! And now because of the above pictured Maria has decided on a Hello Kitty birthday party for when she turns 4.