We traveled to the West Coast for some adventuring! We all had been to San Diego three years ago, and knew we wanted to visit California again, real soon! This time around, we planned different activities in different locations. Even still, we haven't even begun to explore this beautiful state! I think the weather is what draws me back so easily. That "sunny and 75" phrase REALLY is true!
We started our adventure in Anaheim at Disneyland! I surprised the boys the morning before we headed to the airport with Peter Pan t-shirts, toys, and a Mickey balloon. They were overly excited to go on this adventure! When we landed in Anaheim, Caleb shouted with glee, "I am just too excited!". The day we arrived, we went to the Disneyland Hotel pool/slides and then ate dinner at Ralph Brennan's Jazz Kitchen. Our dinner was ah-mazing and we all four had beignets for the first time. As we walked back to our hotel, I looked down and noticed that Caleb had powdered sugar all the way down his leg. I think he was a fan!
We spent our first day at California Adventure Park. We all loved Cars Land best and the Radiator Springs Racers roller coaster. The boys met Lightening McQueen and Cruz Ramirez from Cars 3. We also loved Mater's Junkyard Jamboree and rode it several times as well. Jonathan and Dylan took on California Screamin' (the upside down roller coaster) while Caleb and I rode a few of the rides around the Boardwalk. We all had fun on the Toy Story Mania ride as well. We all rode Grizzly River Rapids and I was the only one to get wet while wearing a poncho! Go figure! We did rider swap on Guardians of the Galaxy because Caleb decided last minute he didn't want to ride. So, Dylan rode it twice! I am actually pretty glad it worked out that way seeing that it dropped at least 6 times and I lost my stomach every single time. Jonathan says it was his favorite ride of the trip. We ate supper in Downtown Disney at ESPN Zone and then bought LEGO souvenirs.
Favs:
Dylan- California Screamin'
Caleb- Grizzly River Rapids
Mommy- Radiator Springs Racers
Daddy- Guardians of the Galaxy
Our second day was at Disneyland Park. We rode Dumbo and Peter Pan to start the morning. We hit all the best rides: Finding Nemo Submarine Voyage, Gadget's Go Coaster (Caleb's fav), Splash Mountain, Space Mountain, Buzz Lightyear, Big Thunder Mountain Railroad, Indiana Jones, Pirates of the Caribbean, Star Tours, Haunted Mansion, Winnie the Pooh (me & C) and the Matterhorn Bobsleds (J & D). We also met Mickey, Minnie, Pluto, and Goofy in Mickey's Toontown. That was great! We took an afternoon break, and came back for supper at Blue Bayou and the Main Street Electrical Parade. The parade was great!
Favs:
Dylan- Indiana Jones
Caleb- Splash Mountain, Gadget's Go Coaster
Mommy- Indiana Jones
Daddy- Space Mountain/ Splash Mountain
We spent the next morning park hopping at the two parks and riding all of our favorite rides again. We ate lunch at Naples Ristorante and then we went back to swim and chill at the pool. We left Disney and ate dinner at the Cheesecake Factory for supper.
We headed out Saturday morning for the 2 hour drive to Coronado. Traffic was stop and go but as we heard pretty "normal" for California. The boys colored and drew each other pictures the entire trip. Winner winner! We stopped in La Jolla to eat lunch at the Burger Lounge and shop for a little while. Then we ventured on to Coronado Island. All I can say is that it was beautiful. The weather was amazing. The Beach Village at the Del was wonderful. The pools and hot tubs were nearly vacant. We loved hitting the beach early in the morning (9:30-10:00) when it was practically empty. It was the perfect place for the boys to skimmer board. They did it all. day. long. We hopped from pool to beach, pool to beach. We did venture out for dinner at The Tavern which was amazing. We spent our 13th Anniversary dinner on the bay at Peohe's. It was pretty great sharing that milestone dinner with our boys. One night, I cooked a simple dinner one night because we had been in the sun all afternoon at Petco Park watching the San Diego Padres.
Day 1: Island Time
Day 2: Island Time
Point Loma in the background is gorgeous. I was that crazy mom with her ball cap turned around backwards snapping a million pictures with my big camera slung around my neck...cheering the entire time! What a fun day!
Petco Park...!!!
A highlight of the trip was the boys learning to surf. Instructor Steve has been surfing for 50 years and was great with the boys. I couldn't even handle the cuteness of them in their wetsuits. It was gloomy for the lesson, but they were troopers. I honestly was amazed at how quickly they caught on to what he was teaching. They were surfing in no time, even in 58 degree water!
I have to say that Coronado Island was great. Nothing I have experienced (except Hawaii) holds a candle to the laid back, perfect weather, of coastal California. We all said we hope to return to our villa one day and surf and skimmer board the days away!
13th Anniversary Dinner at Peohe's
Moo Time Creamery
He loves the ocean just like his Mommy!
For our family, it was the right amount of busy and rest. I truly cherish making memories together, and Jonathan and I are already scheming our "next summer" get away.....and it's NOT tropical :)
Until then....
Rachel
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