Cali- Part I (On the Long Road)

On the 4th we sported some "super" festive clothes and celebrated America's bday by driving on one of it's longest interstates. For a very. Long. Time. Good for Jake because according to Cole, his favorite vacation spot is "on the long road".

The baby was an awesome traveler. So much better than I ever could have hoped for. We did resort to playing with trash at times but really I am game for whatever works. And fruit by the foot wrappers happen to be a favorite.

We arrived in El Paso just a little on the crazy side but all in one piece and happy and healthy. So really no fun 4th festivities except for the few fireworks the kids spotted out our hotel window. Oh well- they didn't really care and were as anxious as we were to get on the road.

The next day we headed out again on the long road and drove to Phoenix. We got to spend time with our cute new niece who the girls just wanted to hold all day long. We ate some yummy pizza for dinner with Jake's brother and his wife, and then spent the night at Jake's uncle's home. The kids had a great time night swimming, and we enjoyed visiting with family.

Day 3 on the road landed us in San Diego visiting my sister Kirstie and her hubby B-rad, or as Cole called him "Kirstie's dad". This was kind of an unexpected detour on our trip so we decided to surprise the kids and not tell them where we were going. They loved being at Kirstie's house for the night!

They spoiled us with yummy dinner and dessert. The next day we continued with the surprises by taking the kids to Sea World.

We were so glad to have Kirs come with us, and contrary to what this next photo looks like the babe was actually such a trooper. And I love the fact that Sea World is very "nursing friendly" with it's lockable nursing rooms and rocking chairs.

Taking a snooze during the sea lion show...

The hot day turned very cool by the night and the older two were sporting some wet clothes from a ride which made for an unhappy Mya. Luckily we had brought some warm stuff and she toughed it out so we could stay for the nighttime Shamu show.

We all had a great time watching shows, admiring animals, and exploring the rides. The rides are a favorite of the big girls. After our marine adventure we headed back out on the road and finally arrived at my parents house late that night. The next day we celebrated Jada's birthday with presents, cake, soccer cone party hats, and nail painting. Really what more could she ask for!

Jake took a red eye home that night and currently is reliving his days as a bachelor (actually he has been swimming in all the rain Houston has been getting and working really late). On Monday, Aunt Wendy and cousin Tiff threw the girls an awesome pink princess party and took them out for ice cream.



It's not really a party without a little pool surfing...

And since then we have continued to stay busy having some good old California fun. More pics to follow...