The Fourth of July marked the finale of our vacation, and a fine celebration it was. Fireworks with other families in our neighborhood at the park! Ash, a bit reluctant about fireworks, soon discovered what all the hype was about.
The Howard Johnson--HoJo for short. A place to stay for $50 just to sleep, we were fine with the sacrifice. You sleep anywhere after 8 hours of driving. We were quickly finding out that driving with small children is a journey filled with lots of potty, ice cream and play stops. Carrie, Peter, Ella (9) and Brady (3)--our partners in crime--made each stop memorable and interesting. 
Our first vision of palm trees--we were arriving in warmer, more tropical places. Yes!! 
Lane and Ash were enjoying their time together at first. Toward the end, not so much. Who would be the antagonist this hour?--a game they created themselves. (We were wondering how a 13-year old could play both roles in that game...)Family photo #1 at Venice Beach. Warm beach water, sun and interesting culture...
We all had our time in the water with the kids. They did some sand exploration as well finding sand crabs, burying each other, talking to locals, etc. (Ash introduces herself to strangers, dances with them, plays with random kids, and just sits down where she wants. It's really quite comical but also a task to keep an eye on her.)
We spent the next day at the Promenade and pier in Santa Montica. What a fun place with local merchants showcasing their talents.
Ashlyn enjoyed a little breakdancing--I think that's what it was--with some local artists. Not shy at all. When the spectators clap, she thinks they are clapping for her...
Does she have a future in entertainment, I'm not sure. (Why didn't we put a bucket out for her?)
"Tomorrow, when we wake up, we will see Woody and Buzz." We heard those words from Ash dozens of times before the trip. Finally, as we entered into California Adventures, there was Woody and Buzz. CHECK!! Whew! What if we never saw them? She was ecstatic to say the least.
These were some long days at the park. Most days naps happened at the hotel, but this time, she just couldn't wait--neither could Brady.
Lane. We weren't sure how Lane would take his first trip to Disneyland. He was awesome! Waited in long lines for his exhilarating, heart-stopping rides and even waited in line with Ash for the kiddy rides--what a great kid! And, I'm pretty sure he had at least 256 various beverages during that time. (He and Matt are enjoying the Indiana Jones ride.)
Okay, I'll show Tigger some love.
Lane's thoughts: "Do I really have to stick around for this parade with all of these ridiculous princesses? Seriously."
The bunch.
Next up--Sea World. Our 4th day of activities, and I'll just say that our speed slowed down quite a bit. We were already beginning to feel the fatigue that sets in. But, Sea World was awesome!!-- Shamu and the whales, the kids pet dolphins, saw turtles, Nemo, sea lions, penguins, starfish--that Ash kept picking up out of the water, and the guys would have to remind her to keep them underwater--sharks, a dog show, Elmo and Ernie, and lots of water!!
The zoo was our final day and even our 1st travel day for our journey back. So, needless to say, we were tired, anxious for the drive, and just feeling like dorks. Luckily, we took the bus tour at the beginning as it showed us most of the animals, and we didn't have to walk anymore. (Should I mention that I had 6 blisters healing from the previous days' marathon walks?)
These trees are big!!
The Redwood Forest.
Overall, Lane's top 5 of the trip:
1) California Screaming
2) Shamu Show
3) Space Mountain
4) Tower of Terror
5) Boogie boarding in the ocean
#2,000,000) The long drive.
Ash's top 5:
1-5) Seeing "Woody and Buzz"
Her only regret, she wanted to "give love" to Tangled (Rapunzel). The lines were always so long, and her visiting hours were short. But, she did blow a kiss to Ash in the parade. :)
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