Disneyland and California Adventures

What can I write about a family trip to Disneyland?  These pictures are solely for my memories and your enjoyment, if you're inclined.  

Oh wait - here's a tip - the Mint Bliss sundae at Ghiradelli's in California Adventures is amazing.  Mint chip ice cream, whipped cream and hot fudge.  Brandon said he wanted to do a keg stand in it.  And then he made funny noises.  You're welcome.  Here's another tip - scroll down to see Brandon doing a Cheshire Cat impersonation.

Venice

Brandon was gone four weeks this month for work.  Which means he was only home a few days in January.  He made it home for Jules' birthday party, but then had to jet out the next morning at 4:00 am.  Luckily my mom lives down the street or else I'd be on my last nerve.  So when he came home, we decided to pick him up and spend a few days doing fun stuff as a family.  Since Marina del Rey and Venice Beach are near LAX, we decided to hang there for a day and then go to Disneyland.

We dropped our luggage off at our hotel and then went to brunch.  And I really wish I remember the name of the place.  It was on Abbot-Kinney Boulevard and I had the sampler breakfast, which included a poached egg, muesli, fruit salad, a slice of toast, and a pretzel-croissant.  And I had a Bellini.  I had to celebrate my husband's homecoming.  It's not my fault.

By the way, when we checked into our hotel, our bellhop asked if we would like him to clear the refrigerator to make room for mommy's happy juice.  That's exactly how he described it.  I thought he was very thoughtful.

Paige celebrated sensibly with some milk.

So happy!  By the way, this cafe felt very LA.  Everyone had on hipster glasses and seemed to be talking very earnestly.  The woman next to us had a book on meditation with crystals.

Look at the eyes on those two.

After lunch, we headed off on foot towards the beach.

I loved all the murals.  These girls in lines were awesome.

Aqua walls and grungy greenery.

Shades for sale on the boardwalk.  We didn't hang out to long at the beach - it wasn't very family-oriented.   But very pharmaceutical-related.

Instead we walked over to the canals, which seemed to be where the stroller set was hanging.

Love the plants.

I want a faded old canoe.

We found a cool toddler park in the middle of the canals.

Gorgeous.

Here's Paige in her hipster-sunglasses pushing Jules on the swing.

She's so LA.

I loved this fence.  These flamingoes were awesome.

Starship Enterprise, canoes and pelicans.  Sigh.  We want a house on the canals.  Speaking of which, my parents used to live in a cute house on a canal in the 60s.  I'm jealous.

Love this coffee shop mural.

Rosemary in bloom.  Love.

And back to Abbot-Kinney Boulevard.

Best of 2012

1. Jules James was born in January. She is adorable and silly. She loves to talk and dance and eat. And Paige is so fun to watch as a big sister. Our little family is complete.

2. Brandon moving back home with us. After living in Washington for work, Brandon finally rejoined us in June. We took a road trip to celebrate and moved Brandon home in the process.

3. My mom's retirement and move to Ventura County to be near us.

4. Our road trips. Because I love California.

I don't know why this took so long for me to put to words. It's all so evident that these were the best things to happen this year. Plus there were so many little things that were fun along the way.

Like the Oxnard Tamale Festival. Because Mexican food is amazing.

Or stealing away from the office for an hour to pin some oak leaves on a handsome guy.

Visiting the Seabee Museum with Brandon's step dad and watching him play with the girls. He also brought us some amazing fish from Alaska.

Birdwatching at Point Mugu with my dad. We saw a ton of birds, sea lions and beautiful scenery.

Unexpectedly running into a good friend at Brandon's squadron change of command...seriously, it was the best feeling.

Hanging out with our good friends in Balboa Park. Look at their beautiful, expectant Canadian smiles! We get to meet their baby soon, which I can't wait for!

Happy New Year! Better late than never? Right? So, yeah, it's February.