California

This conversation sums up how we all felt about our April trip to California while driving home from the airport after arriving back home in SLC:

Owen: Why are we going home?

Joey: Because we were on vacation, that means it's a break from doing the work that we have to do. Now we have to come back home and work. I have a lot to get done here at home.

Owen: Well, I have a lot to get done at Disneyland. It's not working out for me here at home. It's working out for me at Disneyland.

Yes, Owen, it was working out for us in California. But, hopefully we can go back very soon.

Owen was just tall enough to ride all the roller coasters at Disneyland (he had to wear really thick socks, but hey - it worked). He loved them all, particularly the Matterhorn, aka Abominable snowman. We spent the first day in the rain, but it kept the masses away for the most part. My parents spent close to $100 dollars on ponchos, but they were well worth it. We did it all - Disneyland, California Adventure, and several character breakfasts/dinners. We were there with half the Northern hemisphere (I've seriously never seen so many people in my entire life), but we had fun nonetheless and had the Fast Pass down to a science. So much fun.
My favorite ride - Splash Mountain. Owen's there too - you can just see his little hand, bracing himself for the big splash.

We spent the last half of the week in Laguna Nigel, staying at one fabulous resort right on the beach. We were treated royally. And, we all know how I feel about turn down service.

This is the lobby. So beautiful.

I'm pretty sure people thought I was crazy taking this picture, but it is the view form the hotel gym. Crystal chandelier, view of the Pacific, I'd be a rock star if I could work out here every day.

The view from the beach up at our hotel.
The hotel grounds and view from the porch.

This is why people live in Southern California. I couldn't get enough.