California Vacation: Day 1 - Flight + Legoland

I am finally getting around to posting about our vacation to California. We saved up to fly this time because last time we drove I said, "Never again". But really though, I love these boys, but 10+ hours in the car together kind of makes the trip slightly miserable. So we got a really good deal flying Alaska Airlines from Salt Lake to San Diego. The cheapest flight left super early in the morning on June 1st, so we had to wake the boys up around 5:45 AM to leave for the airport. They didn't mind, they were just excited for our trip!

The flight was great and the attendants gave the boys coloring books and crayons to pass the time. We all got some cookies and a drink as well.

They all loved the flight, but Miles especially enjoyed it.

After we landed, we took a shuttle to the car rental place where we got our van that was a really really nice and newer version of our van at home. We drove for about 45 minutes, stopping to grab some breakfast from Chick-fil-a, to Legoland! We didn't check into the hotel because check-in time wasn't until 3pm, and we arrived in Carlsbad at around 10:30am. So we went straight to the park. 

It was such a perfect day for a theme park. It was overcast and cool the whole day. Definitely my kind of weather. Before we went into the park, I handed everyone their new Lego minifigure because I heard you can trade minifigures with any of the employees in Legoland. They have them displayed on their name tags. Cruise and Jett eventually traded theirs, but Miles didn't want to let his go. I can't say I blame him; his was pretty cool. 

We first went to the Ninjago land where we got in line for the Ninjago ride. It was a 3D ride where you use your hand to throw fireballs at the bad guys. Everyone really enjoyed it.

Anyone who has seen the preview of the Ninjago movie coming out this summer, will know why I took this picture. 

Then we went on a little boat ride that took us through a bunch of Lego structures of buildings from all over the world.

After that, Dave and I split up with the boys so the older two could go on a few rides that Miles couldn't. Dave and Miles found Darth Vader. Miles actually took this picture of Dave, which, I have to say, is pretty impressive for a 3 year old.

They also went on a ride that guarantees you will get drenched. Dave didn't know this and poor Miles was not too happy about it. Luckily I always pack an extra set of clothes, so he was able to change.

For lunch we ended up buying $7 hamburgers. We actually only bought two, some fries, and a drink and shared them to save money. The boys weren't too hungry anyway, so it worked out. They got to go on a ride called The Dragon and Miles and I played with giant Lego blocks while we waited for them. 

To finish the day, the boys rode the little Lego cars that seemed kind of slow compared to their Power Wheels at home, but because of all that practice, they were great drivers!

On our way out we grabbed a few pictures of random stuff. 

The park closed at 6, so we immediately drove toward the hotel and stopped for dinner at Pollo Loco. By that time we were all starving! We finally got checked into the hotel at The Hampton Inn and enjoyed the A/C,  soft beds, amazing pillows, and free cable (thanks Mom & Dad!). We made the mistake of not getting a roll-away bed for Miles that first night because holy cow that kid kept waking me up all night either kicking me or laying on top of me.

And that was Day 1!

Dentist Dude

All the boys went to the dentist about a week and a half ago. I was really proud of Cruise because he did the entire exam, x-rays, and cleaning without gas (first time doing that!). Jett let them do x-rays this time despite still having a really sensitive gag reflex. But Miles, that dude was chill! I mean, he just sat there, let them do everything, didn't once complain or seem even the least bit uncomfortable. He followed directions and answered questions. I was floored! He was just too cute laying there watching the t.v. in the ceiling, so I had to snap a pic. It was a very successful dentist visit all around and no one had cavities! Yay!!!

Lake Day with The Elliotts & Joe

On Memorial Day, Dave invited his brother Joe, his sister Mary and her family out on the boat. Her kids had a blast riding the giant hot dog and Dave got to do some wakeboarding. I was not in the best of moods because I was stressing about getting things ready for our California trip, so I opted to just take pictures. But I did get some great pics. 

Aaliyah, Eli, Cruise, Jett & Miles

Olivia

End of the Year Dance Festival

Cruise & Jett performed at the annual dance festival at their school. The 1st grade danced to "Everything is Awesome" from the Lego Movie, and the 4th grade danced to one of the songs from The Peanuts Movie. They were both super cute. Cruise was very focused and did great even when he and his partner accidentally dropped one of the sticks. He picked it back up and kept going.

Fathers & Sons Campout 2017

A few weeks ago, Dave took the boys to Willow Park not too far from our house, for the annual Fathers and Sons campout. It was the first year Miles got to go along and he was really excited to go camping with the boys. Dave and Miles slept in the van on a blow up mattress, and Cruise & Jett slept in the tent also an a blow up mattress. Rough camping right there. It got pretty cold, but they had fun and Dave was a trooper.

I for one got to spend the evening out with my friend Alicia. She and I went to Cupbop for dinner: Korean BBQ in a cup. It was the opening for the American Fork location so we got a really good deal and a coupon for a free Cupbop on our way out. Afterwards, we went to Nails 21 on Main Street and got pedicures. Unfortunately, my stomach was acting up so we had to cut our date short, but it was still nice to get out without the boys and spend some time with my friend.