Final Day

Our last day at Disney and California Adventure.  The week went way too fast and I can't believe here I am quickly posting so that I can get to bed and ready for another week of work.  Jeff loves the pictures on the blog.  He likes that he can pull it up and show people when he is at work or other places.  I like having a visual journal for the kids to scroll through.  We have some major moments captured through this blog and I don't ever want to lose that.  This vacation was highly anticipated.  Obviously going to Disneyland is always amazing for the kids, but I really needed a break.  I don't know if Jeff and I are doing the best job for our kids, but we are trying.  I needed this time with them and I know they needed it with us.  We are busy, just like so many others and at the end of the day I don't always have the energy to give each one of my kids what they need.  I want to be better.  I want to learn more about each one of them.  They are so different and yet, sometimes I want them to act all the same, maybe exactly as I do.  Then I remember my flaws and want them to be nothing like me.  I am learning that what I did yesterday won't always work tomorrow.  Parenting is hard and a continuous journey.  I am still here though, mistakes and all, because I love my family.  I love my kids.  I love their energy.  I often wish they would refrain a bit around others, but it is who they are.  They are full of life and always ready to play.  I need that.  I could easily sit back and watch the world pass by.  My kids would never have that.  They have to be in the spotlight and that forces me to journey places I may not have gone.  I appreciate all that they are showing me and teaching me.   

Beach and time with Aunt Christine

Even with the chilly weather, the kids loved the ocean water.  Trae said the salt was not really that bad-crazy kid.  It was so peaceful there, hardly anyone on the beach.  We gathered sea shells, saw some creapy crawlies, and just relaxed.  Then we went to see Aunt Christine.  It was nice to see her home and enjoy her yummy pizza as she took us to her work.  Thanks Chris, it was fun to see you and the kids keep saying they want to go back for more pizza.

Sea World

Sea World was so much more relaxing and enjoyable for me.  I loved Disneyland, but the crowds and constant go, go, go gets to me.  There were far less people at sea world and so the kids were able to run and play and I could breathe.  Perfect break for the middle of the week.  And we were able to enjoy the cousins more, too.

First big day at Disneyland.  The kids had such a great time.  Have to admit it was a bit overwhelming there for a minute, but we made it through.  It was fun having all the Kellers around and comforting to have others that knew the routine.  Traeton and Jeff loved the big rides and Me, Miguel and Maleena liked everything else.  I ultimately just loved being with my family, free of home and work and stress.  Though the kids and being somewhere new brought a different kind of stress, it was way better than being at work.  We have so many memories and things to talk about and laugh about.  Like the totally scared look on Trae's face when we looked at the pics. from Splash Mountain.  So funny, he acted not scared, but pictures do not lie.  Haha, we love you Trae and we were all scared of the 50 ft. drop!!

Day 3 to California