My vacation with Gem and my family

Gem and I just got back from a week in southern California with my family. For some unknown reason, Tara preferred to sit this one out instead of walking all over the place for a week as an eight-month pregnant woman with a ten-month old (heavy and energetic) infant in-arm. That's OK, and it truth it might have saved our marriage. It was a great opportunity to just spend time with my family.

We left at 4 am on Saturday and drove the whole way that day. We had a pit-stop in Vegas because my mom wanted to get the kids some shirts at M&M world. We pulled into Anaheim and spent the evening walking around the Downtown Disney shops.

Sunday we needed to find a way to use up the day without getting into trouble with things we shouldn't be doing on Sunday. So we drove up to Port Hueneme to attend Sacrament meeting with my old ward. It's a two-hour drive each way so it sucked up most of the day. On the way there we stopped at the LA temple.




















The visitor's center was open so we went inside and looked around. Some Sister Missionaries showed us a really good video about the importance of the temple and why we need it for our families. It was a perfect way to start Sunday. I was able to shoot the picture below which has turned out to be my favorite from the whole trip.




















It was great to see lots of friends in Port Hueneme at church. We really felt right at home. After sacrament meeting we met up with the Henshaw family in Ventura for dinner at their new house. It was really good to see friends that we've had for the last few years.

On Monday, we drove down to the San Diego temple, but it was closed (I didn't really think it through.) Then just Gem, me and my parents went to Legoland. It wasn't too busy and we had a good time. I was really amazed at all of the things they had built all over the park. I've got more pictures than any sane person really wants to look at if you're interested someday.

Tuesday and Wednesday were spent at Disneyland. It rained Tuesday morning and that's why we all look like drowned rats. Nonetheless we had a great time. I was really proud of Gem because she actually wanted to ride some of the bigger rides. We rode Soarin' over California, and the open-air swings (see picture below). Granted, these aren't the biggest thrills in the park, but it was a big step for Gem.

Tuesday night we went to Johnny Rocket's for dinner and got a nice picture of all the kids.

Thursday, I spent with my parents and the kids while the other adults escaped for a day at Knott's Berry Farm. I think they really needed it.

Friday was spent at Legoland again. It was more busy but Gem liked having her cousins there. She actually rode on a kid roller coaster that she didn't dare go on when we were there on Monday.

After Legoland we took another drive down to the San Diego Temple to get some pictures. It turned out to be a nice day.

Saturday morning we were on the road again at 4:30 am and drove straight through.

It was a long week but a good week.