Phoenix

On our way home from L.A. we stopped in Phoenix and spent a day with Mark's dad.  He took us to a place called Amazing Jakes (buffet style eating with games, rides, go carts and mini golf)
The kids had a ball and it was good to catch up with them.

Look at the contrast between the top picture (before the ride started moving) and the one below (specifically Porter's face).  I laugh every time I look at these.

 

Determined to show Cooper what a fun mom I am I put the pedal to the metal and made sure we beat ALL the 8 -10 year olds we were racing against (in manner of Claire Dunphy).  At one point I heard a kid say "here comes that fast mom again". 

LEGOLAND

No trip to So. Cal. is complete without a stop at LEGOLAND!  We are in that window of time where both boys are the perfect age to enjoy it.  They were in heaven.  The weather was AWESOME and we all had a great day.
 

 

 

 

 

 

ukelele lessons

 

Grandma Vicki has found a new addiction...the ukelele.  While we were in L.A. she taught us how to play.  I can honestly say that's something I never imagined I would do.  It's pretty fun though I have to admit.  She even gave us one to keep.  What a fun present!   Call us to play at your next Luau (just kidding - don't call.  We're really not that good)

Family Pictures

Mark's mom took pictures of the families while we were all there. I like how they turned out. I actually think the top one is my favorite. I might have to frame that one instead...maybe not "picture perfect" but definitely "us".
 

Will We Ever Get Out of TOMORROWLAND???

For as many times as we have been to Disneyland - I think we've only experienced about 20% of what it has to offer. We always seem to go when it's really busy. So by the time we hit all of the boys' favorite stops (Buzz Lightyear, The Rockets, Jedi Training Camp, Autopia, The Matterhorn, The Teacups, and Star Tours) we've usually used up most of our day. Mark and I did manage to each take a turn on California Screamin' this time (two enthusiastic thumbs up from both of us on that one)
 

 

 

Our Disneyland Tour Guide

Last time we went to Disneyland I gave Porter a map and let him choose where we would go next when he didn't make the height limit for Star Tours. This time he made sure to get his map the minute we walked through the gate and he consulted it SEVERAL time throughout the day. It just cracks me up how seriously he takes it.

 

Porter is STILL a great golfer

One morning Mark & his mom took the boys over to the 9 hole course behind the Marriott where she works.  Originally it was just going to be Cooper.  We weren't sure if Porter was quite old enough to stay focused and actually play golf (as it turns out we were right -- he wasn't).  But when Porter got upset that he wasn't going, and reminded me "But mom, don't you remember?  I'm a GREAT golfer"  I couldn't refuse.  (The kid had a point).  So I took him to meet them for the last 3 holes. 
 

 

 

Date Night

Mark planned a date night for us while we were in L.A. He wouldn't tell me a thing about where we were going. Having a surprise to look forward to was exciting and I didn't want to ruin it, so I didn't even try to guess.  He took me out to eat at a great restaruant in downtown L.A.  and then to the theatre to see Les Miserables. SO fun! It was the first time in a LONG time that we have done something like that. Thanks Grandma Vicki for offering to watch the kiddos!

Cars 2

Last summer Mark's sister suggested that we all go to the El Capitan theatre to see Toy Story 3.  She tried to explain how cool it was but I guess we just didn't get it.  Later I saw pictures on the blog of a friend that had gone and I realized that we MISSED OUT!!  So when we saw that we were going to be in L.A. around the time that Cars 2 came out - we were determined not to make the same mistake twice.

  

Cooper and Piper sportin' their 3D specs

We got to reserve our seats ahead of time and our tickets included popcorn in a souvenir bucket and a drink.

 

After the movied you get to walk across the street to a back lot where you can meet some of the characters...

...play in a play area made entirely out of tires...

...play some midway style games...

...race around the race track... 

 

 

...or build your own Lego car to race down tracks.  Like the pinewood derby - just Lego-style. 

 (We didn't get any good pictures of that) 

But this Lightning McQueen made entirely of Legos was a big hit as well. 

 

grandma shots

Grandma Vicki always takes TONS of pictures (and she's really, REALLY good at it).  She always sends me a CD afterward and I LOVE it.  (Thank you, Vicki)  These are just a few of my favorite shots from her.

How 'bout that stance??  Backyard wiffle ball was a favorite past time this trip.

I'm going to be SO sad when it's time to give those fingers up.
 
Cooper teeing off.

Cute little man.

Bubble gun fights...I love Porter's expression in both of these.

So sweet.  If she weren't already mine I'd steal her!!!!

 

 

 
Wiggling his loose teeth at the Dodger game.