The much anticipated post...

Warning: Overload of pictures ahead

Last week we got back from our 9 day trip to California. It was AMAZING. There is no other way to describe it. We had not been there with the kids since Abby was 5 months old so the trip was long overdue.

It was so much fun to see all our family and be able to spend time with them. We were there for over a week, but no matter what, the time just seems to fly by.

We did lots of playing, swimming, eating, etc. AND:

Isaac and Abby got to meet their newest cousin Lucy. She is 5 months old and the cutest and calmest little girl ever! I wanted to take her home with us but I think Natalie and Clark would've noticed...

We went to the beach quite a few times. I could never get enough of it, neither could Richie, I guess we were meant to be :)
We did lots of playing in the backyard. The kids could've slept out there if I let them.

We spent lots of quality time with Grandma Kimmy. She is so fun to play with! Boy do we miss her!

We also spent time with Grandpa Richard. He's a sport for letting the kids splash and dump water on him.

AND pull his hair.

We miss him too!

We got to play with cousin Beck. He's a lot of FUN!

We got to work on our tans a little bit (someone sure needed it :)

We went to this awesome little water park in Natalie's friend's neighborhood. It was FREE! And the kids LOVED it!

We spent some time at Nancy's house (Richie's aunt). She has a backyard that's to die for with a pool and jacuzzi and a fire pit.

Uncle Travis helped Isaac with his swimming.

And cousin Hannah made sure Abby didn't drown :)

We also had a barbecue and swam at Great Grandma Allene's pool.

Like I said earlier, some of us REALLY needed to work on our tans! Love ya baby!

The cousins would end each night watching "Little Bill" one of Beck's favorites. Which reminds me, I need to order Noggin!

We went to the Orange County Fair and got to ride on an elephant. Abby loves elephants!

The kids also went on lots of rides. And ate lots of junk food.

Then on July 28th, Richie's 29th birthday, we went to DISNEYLAND!

The kids had been looking forward to this day for months! They could not wait to meet Mickey!

They saw lots of characters from their favorite movies. Here's Abby in front of Boo's door (Monsters Inc.)

The kids got soaked from running through the water and Abby had to borrow Lucy's dress and wear it as a shirt. Thanks Lucy!

The birthday boy and his favorite baby girl!

We got to take a pic with Mater and Lightning McQueen.

And one of my favorite parts of the trip was watching Abby and Beck become such good friends and fight of course. Abby is only 4 months older than Beck, and everywhere we went, everyone would ask if they were twins. Sometimes I would say yes. It was fun!

I totally see the resemblance. They were so cute together!

And then we took the redeye flight home. Here's the kids at the airport, after a wonderful vacation!

Thank you Natalie and Clark for letting us stay with you. You guys are the best! We miss everyone so much already. We sure are blessed to have such an amazing extended family!