California Trip!

Ben, Alivia, and I took a trip this past week to California. It was supposed to be a semi-small family reunion, but ended up being our little family and my dad. Unfortunately, the others had to back out for various reasons. It was a bummer that they could not make it to have a low key vacation and to meet our darling girl. Our trip included-

Sunday: -Flew into L.A. and met up with my dad. Alivia's First Airplane Experience...

-Drove to Anaheim and stayed at the Hilton close to Disneyland. We had a Suite and a room attached to the suite, all for free. Thanks to my Uncle Kevin! Sidenote: There was a cheerleading competition at the convention center attached to the Hilton hotel. I have never seen so many cheerleaders in my life. Crazy. It was kind of sad how some of the girls were dressed at such a young age. Ben & decided that we will not let Alivia dress like that or wear makeup at age 3! eek.

- Relaxed and had dinner at a local restaurant!

- Watched Sherlock Homes at the hotel, well Ben & my dad did. I fell asleep during the movie. Monday: -Went to the famous Laguna beach- it was really pretty out.- Enjoyed Gelato for the 1st time at this cute little cafe! AMAZING...

YUM YUM...

- Walked around a fun outdoor mall and had dinner at P.F. Changes! Fabulous food - Watched Lovely Bones at the hotel. I actually stayed up for this one and it was much different than I thought it would be, but not a bad one. Tuesday: - Disneyland day! Alivia even went on a few rides... She loved all the vibrant colors and the motion of the rides. She enjoyed the Pirates of the Caribbean ride, "It's a Small World" ride, the Haunted Mansion ride, and The Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh ride. We also wanted to go on the boat tour, but it was down for renovations. Another time! She would have gone on a few more too, but she was sleeping for quite a while.

Entrance to Disneyland...

Our Little Mickey...Awesome Bear at the "It's A Small World" ride...

Alivia quite upset about us putting sunscreen on her...

Little Babies...

Family Photo...

Mom & Livie...

Grandpa time!

Trying to read the Disneyland map... Dad & Livie...

- We went to the Cheesecake Factory for dinner and dessert! My oh My, they have such a huge selection and gigantic size entrees.

- Ben & I had 20 minutes to ourselves, while dad babysat, and we went to the hotel hot tub. Much needed after a long day of walking around at Disneyland.

Wednesday: - We had breakfast at the hotel. - Relaxed and played games, we were still tired from our Disneyland day. - Went to the airport and traveled home.

Alivia content on the plane ride back home...Pretty sky...

It was a fun first trip with our little girly girl! Alivia did pretty well on the airplane and she was such a trooper on both travel days. Although, we could tell she was tired of flying and driving. She sure let us know on our way back from the Denver Airport, but overall she still did a great job for us!

We want to especially thank my Dad for an another awesome vacation! It was so fun to see you in California and take a break from our everyday life!