Legoland California! part 2

We decided to take a day off from the beach and sneak in a family trip to Legoland!

 

 

This was our first trip here and we were slightly underwhelmed. We had heard such good things about it so we probably set our expectations too high. I actually had one friend who totally hit the nail on the head and told us before we went that it wasn't all it was cracked up to be. She was right! If we lived nearby and could just pop in every now and then it would be great. However, I would never make this a destination for a vacation or anything. I think we are just a Disney family. Disney is loved by our entire family, including adults, but I am glad we gave Legoland a shot! It was a perfect getaway from our beach vacation just for the day.

That being said, we DID have tons of fun!!

Nate and Neve on the boat ride.

Aaron took the kids on this roller coaster by himself....I told him not to put Nate alone!! AHHHH!!! Mama was freaking out watching this.

 

 

10 and 2 completely. Neve was a VERY serious driver. So funny.

 

 

 



 

Separated at birth.

 

 

We made it through afternoon but were dripping with sweat so we decided to check out the adjacent (air conditioned!) aquarium.

 

We headed back to the beach that evening and got stuck in horrible traffic. Aaron and I were both reminded of why we moved OUT of California and will never live there again!! Blahh!!

We made it back in time to sneak in some night swimming at the pool. It was FREEZING so Nate refused to go in (smart boy) but Neve and I braved the cold water for a swim.

 

Next up-Back to the beach! Stay tuned...

 

 

Life's a Beach! - part 1!

Summer is dwindling away and we just got back from our summer's end vacation to the beach. Aaron's mom, Granny E, invited us to the beach with her and we were thrilled! Neve went to the beach (Florida) for the first time last year, but Nate had never been. The right opportunity had never presented itself and we weren't ready to tackle all the sensory issues, food/allergy issues on the go, and "unknowns" that a beach vacation might bring regarding Nate. BUT this was the year we decided to try! ....and I am SO glad we did. :)

We drove out to Imperial Beach, which is south of San Diego. Drive was fine- our kids are GREAT in the car. We are SO thankful for that!! The condo was on the beach, which was awesome! However as soon as we got there we headed out for a family dinner and so we promised the kids as soon as we got back we would fit in a beach walk before bath.

Nate had issues right from the get-go. He did NOT want his feet in the water and he was plugging his ears so hard we could barely get him to hold our hand. Boo. Not the reaction we were hoping for.

 

Then Nateman started shivering and saying, "All done beach!". Poor guy.

Neve, on the other hand was so excited to be there and went running to the ocean. So cute.

 

 

 

 

We woke up the next morning and headed down to the beach. Nate was like a new kid. He was super excited to get down to the water.

 

Next thing I know, I turn around and he is digging in the sand like a pro! Seriously crazy. It was like a different kid.

 

 

 

Aaron's mom's side of the family had a mini reunion scheduled for that day at the beach as well.

 

Neve and Granny E.

 

 This is Aaron and Neve with Granny E's husband, Patrick.

 

The crew with Granny E.

 

Miss Sassypants.

 

 

Neve made an awesome sand castle with her cousins!

 

 

 

 

 Neve had a great time with her cousin, Ruby, who is only 6 months older than Neve. 

Then we busted out the boat and the girls had an absolute blast!

 

We kept asking Nate to go in the boat, and he kept refusing. So I told Aaron to just throw his butt in it and set sail!! I knew he would love it if he would just TRY it. Success!!

Digging for sand crabs!

 

Overall had a great first couple days of vacation. Nate really did a complete turn for us and really likes the beach. He couldn't get enough of watching the waves. Such a big step for him- so PROUD!

 

Next stop....LEGOLAND!!