We got to take a quick trip to California last month while the big monkeys had a four day weekend. We packed A LOT into our two and a half days there and my parents were even able to meet up with us! We enjoyed the 8am quiet and beautiful weather at Santa Monica Pier. We took a walk down the pier and the kids got to play in the sand and on the swings.





Then for the educational portion of our trip, we visited the Reagan Library in Simi Valley. The highlights were the life sized replica of the Oval Office…


And most importantly, Air Force One. It was just awe inspiring to see this gigantic airplane perched on three seemingly small pillars, three stories up in the air.


We got to have dinner with a cousin of Joshua’s that he hadn’t seen in DECADES. What a wonderful family!

And then for the icing on the cake…DISNEYLAND!

It was Carter’s first trip and Em and Trev’s third. First things first…autopia!!




And because in a three year old’s mind, Disneyland is where Buzz Lightyear lives, we helped Buzz defeat the evil Zurg…



Everyone but me (someone has to take the picture, right?!) on the bow of the Pirate Ship…another “must do”!


We were also able to ride the submarine, Dumbo, It’s a Small World, the carousel, Pirates of the Caribbean and the Haunted Mansion. Because the lines were awesome, for a quickie one-day visit, we were able to hit a BUNCH!

A family picture in front of Pumpkin Mickey!


A pose with JoJo and PaPa at the hotel...


And a very worn out littlest monkey waiting for the plane to take him home…