California Trip!

Anna and I had the most wonderful time in California this past week!  We had planned a trip for just the two of us because the days that worked out the best were days that Erin had already scheduled a dance camp (and she had drivers' ed starting the day after we got back, as well).  This way, also, we could stay at the cousins' house and keep it easy.  So, we left out of Raleigh around 8am on Wednesday, July 12th, and had a smooth and on-time arrival at LAX.  We found the rental car place without any problems and hopped in our car (a Genesis sedan that was very nice) for a short drive to a shopping area that Anna had researched ahead of time.  Since Dale and Maria were working that day, we were not in a big hurry to get to their house.  This place was called "The Point" and is technically in El Segundo, CA, not far from the airport.  

We checked out a few stores and had a yummy lunch there.  Then we made a quick coffee stop nearby and drove the rest of the way to Rancho Mission Viejo, about 50 minutes away.  I was very proud of myself for navigating the roads there (we were not able to sync our phones to the car, so we rigged up the directions straight from the phone), but really it was not bad at all.  The traffic on Wednesday was much worse than the return trip on Sunday morning, but both were manageable.  We could use the HOV lanes since there were 2 of us in the vehicle.

After getting to their house, we had a fun time hanging out with Cole and Cooper, as well as Olive and Glow, for awhile!  We played some hide and seek, got a house tour of their beautiful new house that we had not seen, and hung out inside and outside.  Once everyone else got home, we went to a yummy Mexican dinner at Morena's near their house.  Then we made a quick stop at Rite Aid for ice cream and then back to their house.  Thursday morning, Dale made a yummy pancake breakfast, then the kids and I went to a couple of parks right near their house.  

Cole was excited that the zipline was working that day, since sometimes it's broken.  The parks there are wonderful!  After that, Cole, Anna, and I went to the San Clemente Outlets for a little shopping.  It was fun to check out a new place.

We also had lunch at Panera there and then stopped at Target on the way back.  Then it was back to the house to hit the pool with Dale and Cooper too!  They took us to the new Lagoon pool in the newer section of the neighborhood, and it was HUGE!  We had a blast there and were surprised at how cold the water was compared to our pools here.  

They said that only recently has the sun really been out and the air warmer.  Then, it was back to their house for a yummy sausage and pasta dinner and then a walk/scooter ride to the sports park nearby for some playground time while Dale, Cole, and Cole's friend practiced baseball on the field.  

We stopped and cooked s'mores at the neighborhood fire pit behind their house on the way home.  

Friday was Disneyland day!!!  We were up early and out the door by 7am to make the park opening at 8am.  Everyone except Dale and Vinny went that day.  We had no issues parking, and they were happy to see the tram running from the parking deck to the park entrances.  The tram was not running the last time that they went in 2021, and they had to walk a long way to/from the park.  

We got right in and hit the rides!  I think the rides we rode were (probably not in this order): Astro Orbiter, Buzz Lightyear, Space Mountain, cars (Autopia), Matterhorn, Teacups, It's a Small World, Big Thunder Mountain, Chip and Dale roller coaster, and Astro Orbiter again.  We also saw the Lion King show and the parade!  We ate pretzels, pizza for lunch, frozen lemonades, popcorn, and frozen ice cream bites (and Cole got a giant pickle).  The kids each got a souvenir.  It was hot but bearable, and it was nice in the shade.  We stayed until about 5pm and really had a wonderful day.  

When we got back, we took a break and then Dale grilled some really good chicken on the grill.  After dinner, the kids watched a few shows and the adults enjoyed the beautiful weather on the patio.

Saturday, we were up and all went to watch Cole's first of two baseball tryouts that day.  He did a really great job!  From there, the girls and Cooper went to Cooper's tae kwon do class, which was definitely a workout!  He was awesome!  The 4 of us got smoothies after all that work.  Then it was back to the house for a quick change and to meet up with the other guys, and then we all headed to the beach!  We had subs in the car on the way and found a parking spot at Doheny State Beach without too much trouble.  It was a little hazy, which I think is perfect to not be right in the hot sun.  Turns out that the water was pretty cold, but I was able to walk to a surf shop nearby and rent Anna a wetsuit, so she was able to boogie board with Cole, Cooper, and Maria!  

We had a blast at the beach.  After 2-3 hours, we went home so Cole could go to his second tryout of the day while Anna and I went to church (Holy Trinity, just 10 minutes away).  Then we all went to watch the end of Cole's tryout and then on to Pizza Port in San Clemente for dinner, which was super crowded but super delicious!  Then it was back to the house to pack and go to bed.

Sunday we were up and out of the house by 6am and had smooth sailing back to LAX, gassed up and dropped off the car, and had no wait at security.  So, we waited for awhile because I had thought we'd have at least one holdup, but we did not.  The flight was delayed about 30 minutes for a maintenance issue, but we were not very late landing.  We got home around 7:45pm.  I would fly direct to LAX anytime - it was busy, but we had no issues, and it was only about 30 more minutes' driving than flying out of John Wayne with a connection, so I think this was faster overall.  Anna was SAD to leave, but we had such a wonderful time and really enjoyed seeing the people and the places!  Thank you, Ambrosini cousins!