From the desert to the sand to the snow, our family enjoyed two fantastic weeks of fun:
After a long day at school Mom loaded up our car and we took off for California. The drive wasn't bad for us, but Mom was grateful that Uncle Will was behind the wheel because we didn't arrive until 1am. All of us woke up bright and early with huge smiles the next morning, glad to be at Grandma Judy's house. We were eager to get to the beach and couldn't get there fast enough.
We couldn't have asked for a more beautiful day. The sun was out and the spring break crowds had left for home.
We spent the entire day at the beach, taking in every moment. The next morning we woke up and poor Macie wasn't feeling well. Mom got concerned when, at 8am, Macie decided to go back to bed. With a fever of 101 she decided it was best to take Macie to the doctor just in case she had caught a bug. We had a busy 2 weeks ahead of us and Mom was nervous about all the people we were going to be around.
The last minute turn of events changed our plans for the day, so Mom sent Uncle Will and Presley to Sea World, and Grandma and I ran errands while Macie, Mom, and Nixon went to her appointment.
Presley was thrilled at the news, and couldn't stop looking at herself as she smiled in delight...
Soon her eyes were filled with wonder. There were so many animals to see and she was fascinated by them all!
The flamingos standing on one leg left her perplexed,
while the close proximity of the sharks at the shark reef aquarium made her apprehensive.
She really enjoyed spending time in the tide pools. Despite her expressed disgust at touching the sea animals, her smile exuded complete joy.
After washing her hands she blew a kiss to the animals as they left the exhibit.
Her favorite Sea World experience was the sky ride- she didn't stop smiling the whole time! Poor Uncle Will had to wait in line 40 minutes for each ride- and they rode twice.
He said that the look on her face made it all worth it...
Mom was glad that Uncle Will and Presley were able to spend a fun day together making memories.
Back at Grandma's the rest of us spent the day running errands and taking care of poor Macie whom, at the doctors, was told she had strep throat. Mom couldn't believe our luck. We had 3 parties and a trip to the snow in the next 4 days, and Mom was beside herself trying to figure out how to juggle it all. Thank goodness that Macie is a little trooper, and despite her high fever and illness still managed to keep a smile on her face. She built a bed in the tree and lounged in the cool beach air while watching Star Wars: The Force Awakens. According to her, she made out!
The next day we spent some more time at the beach before heading out to Pa's house to celebrate Grandma Jean's 86th birthday. Mom didn't want to risk bringing Macie around people and possibly exposing them, so thankfully Grandma Judy was willing and able to stay home and take care of Macie.
We couldn't believe how great Grandma Jean looked. She is one fantastic lady full of spirit and spunk and we are so thankful to have her in our lives.
It was a fun night spent with family!
While Mom spent the following day preparing and hosting Aunt Hayley's baby shower, we played with Uncle Will at the beach. Mom decided it was best not to bring Macie around any young, old, or pregnant people, so she canceled our attendance at all parties (we were also supposed to go to a party to celebrate our cousin Lawson's 1st birthday). It worked out for the best as Mom was able to set up, decorate, etc. without worrying about our behavior. She was thankful that the worst thing that happened in her absence was Presley raiding Grandma Judy's makeup bag...
The shower came together well and Mom hoped Aunt Hayley was pleased.
Home from the shower, Mom took us all on an afternoon walk along the beach. Presley and Nixon definitely had it made...
We all enjoyed walking along the shore as the sun set. Very grateful for this beautiful life!
Sunday morning was our last day at the beach and we wanted to spend ever moment we could in the sand. Nixon took it to a whole different level. He was covered and didn't seem to mind at all...
Aunt Hayley and John joined us for some beach time and we were grateful to see her once more before her baby arrives.
Back at the house Mom tried to take some selfies to send to Dad. As you can see, she is new to the game...
After nap time, Mom took Nixon, Macie, and I to the park while Uncle Will took Presley back to Sea World. Nixon enjoyed riding the sand toys, but had the most fun throwing sand into the bay.
Hours of free entertainment:
Presley was thrilled to be back at Sea World!
They made sure to re visit their favorite animals and exhibits,
and couldn't call it a day without riding the sky ride a few times!
It's always hard to pack up and leave San Diego. We sure love spending time at the beach with friends and family and are beyond grateful to Paul and Grandma Judy for putting up with all of us in their home- when we come we take over!
This departure wasn't met with our usual tears because we were headed to Mammoth for a week of skiing and Grandma Judy was coming with us!!! The car ride was longer than we would have liked, but thanks to Grandma we had snacks and laughs to keep us entertained. After a long 7 hours we made it to town. Once we were unpacked Mom and Uncle Will took us for a walk behind our condo. As much as we enjoyed playing in the snow, our favorite part of the evening was Dad's arrival. Macie and I couldn't wait for the morning to come so that we could learn to ski!!!!
Early the next morning we geared up and practically ran out the door.
We were the first people to arrive at the lodge that morning and eagerly waited for the rental shop to open its doors.
Once we were fitted with skis, Macie and I made our way to ski school for our first full day of lessons.
Check out how we spent our first morning at ski school:
Nixon was NOT thrilled about all the layers he had to wear...
Maybe he was a little confused as to why he had to wear snow gear when he couldn't see any snow!?!
Mom and Dad went up to the hill to ride, and Uncle Will took Nixon and Presley sledding. Presley really enjoyed herself,
but all Nixon wanted to do was sleep!
Before Mom and Dad called it a day on the hill, they took a run with Macie and I. They were sure impressed with our skills after just one day!
That afternoon Mom and Dad took Presley "skiing" at the golf course behind our condo. Despite her extreme excitement she only lasted for about a minute before she demanded to sled instead.
It was probably due to the fact that Dad was pulling Nixon and she was a little jealous...
At the end of the day the whole family lounged around together- Dad couldn't have been happier!
The next morning, while Mom was getting Macie and I dressed, Grandma Judy and Presley took a walk and built a snowman. Presley was thrilled with her snowman and the experience is one that she continues to talk about.
After Grandma took Macie and I to the hill for another day of skiing, Will took Nixon and Presley out for some fun in town so that Mom and Dad could have another day of riding with friends.
Nixon didn't seem to excited to be doing anything...
They spent some time walking around the village before riding the gondola to the mountain.
Presley loved this new "sky ride"!!!
Even Nixon enjoyed himself!
They rode the gondola 7 times before Nixon got sleepy and they had to head home for naps. If it was up to Presley they would have never left!
Macie and I spent the entire day skiing with Grandma and even managed to make our way down a black diamond by the end of the day! We both love skiing and can't get enough!
We all met back home at the end of the day and Macie and I had a fashion show while Mom got everyone ready for dinner in the village.
Before joining Mom's friends for dinner the family took a ride on the gondola before closing. Presley was super excited for everyone to experience all the fun!
We enjoyed our ride over town. Mom even pointed out where she used to live!
Back at the Village we met up with Mom's friends and had a crazy evening full of laughter and silly antics.
Mom was so happy that, after almost 20 years, everyone was doing so well!
I guess spending time with everyone was a little bitter sweet- it reminded Mom how much she really misses seeing her friends!
That next morning Presley woke up full of spirit. She kept running through the house doing "mean tongue" while the rest of us got ready- Thanks Patricia (;
While buying tickets for the gondola Wooly Mammoth surprised us in the lodge- what luck!!!
The whole family boarded the gondola to the top of the mountain and Macie and I couldn't believe how beautiful it was!
The view from the top was breathtaking, but the best part was listening to Mom and Dad tell us all about the day they got married! They couldn't believe that almost 10 years have gone by!
2005:
2016:
10 years of hard work and dedication turned 2 people into an amazing family of 6!
We spent some time playing around and touring the top of the mountain. Macie and I plotted to have a snow ball fight, but our snow balls were a little heavier than we could throw.
Our ride back down the gondola was filled with laughter and love.
We spent our last full day in Mammoth riding all over the mountain with Grandma Judy. Mom and Dad joined up with us in the afternoon and we were excited to show them how much progress we had made.
In the morning we cleaned the condo, packed the cars, and went to the Village for one last ride on the gondola.
Leaving town was hard and none of us wanted to say goodbye. Our trip was a huge success and we were incredibly grateful to everyone that helped make it possible. Without the help of Grandma and Uncle Will poor Mom may not have made it out of San Diego. The drive back to Las Vegas was beautiful, and unusually peaceful (probably had a lot to do with everyone being incredibly exhausted).
Soon little Presley will be celebrating her 3rd birthday! She is asking for a "tiki man birthday" so check back soon to hear all about her big day.
