California Vacation: Day 2 - Legoland

Day 2 we decided we would start with the waterpark since it was just slightly warmer than the day before. I was really glad we did that first because it really wasn't crowded at all. In fact, all of Legoland was not that bad and the lines weren't too bad either. Unfortunately, I didn't get any pictures of the waterpark, but everyone had a lot of fun. They had a ton of areas for Miles to play in, they had a wave pool for the older kids, a few rides, lots of slides, and a build-a-boat area. It was a blast and the kids really had so much fun. I normally do not enjoy waterparks, but I even had fun playing with the kids and watching them run around. 

We then changed our clothes and headed to grab some lunch. I had the best tuna melt sandwich I have ever had, Cruise and Jett got sandwiches, and Miles wanted a hamburger and fries, so Dave took him to get that and got himself one as well. We were all really hungry, so we spent the money. I also bought some apple fries that I heard a lot about. They were pretty good!

We once again split up and took turns with the boys riding kiddie rides and bigger, more intense rides. The majority of rides at Legoland are geared towards younger kids, so it was kind of a perfect time to go with the boys being still pretty young. I don't anticipate ever going again, however, but it still was a lot of fun for them.

Miles picked out this night light that he was pretty excited about. After he and I bought it, we met up with Dave and the other two and they all went on another ride while I rested my feet for a bit. While they were in line, Miles started getting concerned that he had lost his night light, so Dave had me text this picture to him to show him that it was safe with me.

Our tickets included the aquarium there at Legoland, so we went and did that but having been to the Living Planet Aquarium in Utah, we were not super impressed. It was still cool, but nothing compared to our local aquarium. We're spoiled. 

Dave, Cruise & Jett rode The Dragon again while Miles and I played with giant Legos. Miles decided to make a snake and spent a lot of time and patience finding all the Legos and lining them up to make his snake. Kids kept stealing the Legos, and he would just calmly replace them and keep going. Talk about persistence!

The finished snake:

We went to the gift shop to see if the boys wanted to buy anything with their money they had been saving up. Jett grabbed this mask and made his eyes all white like in the movie. Neither Cruise nor Jett bought anything and decided to save their money for Disneyland.

This is the point where we were all exhausted, fussy, and ready to leave. Miles wanted to ride the carousel, and Cruise decided to join us. Once he got on the horse, however, he felt embarrassed because he thought it was too "girly", so he had a meltdown right there on the horse, was warned by the employee twice for not sitting, and then finally covered his head with his shirt. Looking back now, it's hilarious, but I was not too happy about it at the time.

We all said goodbye to Legoland, and headed back to the hotel but not before we stopped for dinner at Noodles Inc. to stuff our faces. We were all tired, cranky and hungry. We went back to the hotel, showered, and relaxed while the boys watched The Amazing World of Gumball on Cartoon Network. I forgot to get a roll-away for Miles again, and so I didn't sleep much that night. Luckily, the next day was beach day...

And that was Day 2!

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!!!