Home again, home again

Well, I suppose a blog works best if you actually post to it, huh?

We just returned from vacationing in California. All in all, a successful trip as no one required stitches, returned with a cast, or utilized any insurance benefits. This was our second consecutive "summer" vacation that found us wishing we had packed warmer clothing, but we are all a little more tan, none the less.

We met some interesting people and rode A LOT of rides. Contrary to the advice I received when planning our trip, I do not feel that two days was enough in Disneyland / California Adventure. We easily spent day 1 at California Adventure, riding the new Ariel ride and dining with princesses (good thing I didn't know the cost when I booked that event or it wouldn't have happened.)

Ariel was charming and beautiful with feet.

While we have a general aversion to Snow White in our household (the squeaky voice and helpless behavior are quite unbecoming, if I do say so myself), she posed nicely.

We saw great shows and a wonderful parade, ate the obligatory cotton candy and spent ridiculous amounts of money on beverages in "keepsake cups." Eric and I nearly walked our tushes off (oh, how I wish that was possible!) And all the while, we were grateful to be able to do it all.

We finished our vacation in Carlsbad, CA where we visited Legoland and Sea World and had a relaxing (& cold) day at the beach.

While I watched the kids run and play in the waves, picking up sea shells and rocks brought in with the surf, I couldn't help but feel grateful for my healthy children and pray that this will be our last family vacation with only four of us. As we visited theme parks and swam and met large, fluffy characters in crazy suits, I know that our boys are experiencing the rainy season in their country, unaware that such luxuries and entertainment even exist. I pray for their safety. I pray for their innocence. I pray that next time we go on vacation, it will cost us even more to feed the little mouths in our family!

As I shivered in my beach chair, Addison ran up and gave me a soggy hug . . . I said "I love being here with all of my love bugs," to which she replied, "Not all of your love bugs, mama - Jimmy and Alby aren't here yet." How blessed am I?!