Sunday, November 2, 2014

Newport Beach

For our real family vacation this year we took a trip with GG to Newport Beach, California. We traveled to a few different beaches, our hotel had some neat activities, had a birthday party for Brigitte, and got to go to Knott's Berry Farm!

The girls loved Knott's Berry Farm we decided to for go Disneyland because we are going to Disney World in December. Brigitte made her first stage appearance by helping Lucy go fishing. There weren't a ton of rides for the girls to ride but enough and they seemed to really enjoy it. Their favorite ride of course was a real life stage coach with real horses! Even got to talk to real cowboys!



Birthday's birthday was right in the middle of our vacation. All she requested was a frozen doll and a purple cake which of course she got both. She was very happy when she realized she got more presents too.


Gabriel and I went on a kayak adventure for two hours in the ocean. I told him 2 hours was a very long time but he said we would be fine! Well we had a lovely time going out and seeing all the different boats...however coming back going against the wind and waves was a little more challenging! We did see a real seal taking a nap on a boat. The pictures aren't that great because he wasn't moving by the time we got close enough he was tired and not moving. 
 So apparently people use there boats as storage units ...
 Here is a video of us getting up to the seal

We had a fun time on all the beaches! We built sand castles, body surfed, and looked for sea shells in the dark!




 And we couldn't leave Balboa Island without getting a frozen banana!
 Look at all those curls!!!
Here are just a few videos for your viewing pleasure!

Chicago

Gabriel had a show in Chicago the beginning of August and wanted us to tag along with him. So he took 2 days off and we went up early to have a mini vacation and then he worked 2 1/2 days. We have decided that we want to go back to Chicago soon just not with small children and not when it is so hot. There is plenty to do but not a whole lot for our little girls at this age.
The days that Gabriel had off we hit up a very small LEGOLAND that wasn't really worth it but the girls had fun....
We did some stuff at Navy Pier and of course swam a lot!
Then when daddy had to go to work I took them to Shedd Aquarium which they enjoyed but still a little young to really enjoy it! Unless the fish/animal was really moving we weren't stopping! I think most of the time they were more interested in the Ipad things that told you about the fish!

 Our "half way" point for lunch wars this fun little diner where apparently the corn dog was invented!
 The first night there we went to LegoLand....it was not very big and unless your kids LOVE legos I would not take them to this one.

 The famous Chicago pizza
 Our view of downtown from our window at Embassy Suites (my favorite hotel!) Brigitte just loved sitting on the ledge and looking out the window.

  Got to play at Navy Pier




 Playing at the aquarium...