Our California Adventure

Five years ago we said that we'd return in two. Life got in the way, but this October, we finally made another family trip to the Happiest Place on Earth. This time with kids old enough to not fall asleep multiple times during the day, with kids tall enough to go on every single ride (with the exception of a few at Universal Studios), with kids who's brains are developed enough that they will actually remember this vacation for the rest of their lives.

If I were to tell you everything that happened in detail, I'd bore you to tears, so I'll instead focus on the things that are still resonating with me as I type this post.

The feeling of puffy eyes from lack of sleep, coupled with excitement and energy for a new day of fun; tired and wired, but in a good way.

Meeting several Uber drivers, all with different cultures and stories to tell, all with kind and compassionate hearts for mankind.

The feeling of euphoria as my body was unpredictably rocketed up and plummeted down over and over on the Guardians of the Galaxy ride.

Standing in lines, holding my kids hands, laughing and joking together because there is nothing else to do. Counting all of the different styles of Minnie and Micky Mouse ears worn by people. Laughing about the things the people were wearing there, on that one place on earth where it seemed totally normal, but elsewhere would certainly draw incredulous stares.

Multiple times through the Pirates of the Caribbean ride. Multiple times Soarin' Around the World, going on Star Tours, on Grizzly River Run, and Radiator Springs Racers. All favorites, all on repeat, and each time still laughing and yelling and letting go of normal life stress.

That feeling of being at the front of the car, heading over Splash Mountain, knowing I was going to get soaked, and laughing for the next hour about just how soaked I really did get (thank goodness it was hot outside or else I would have caught a chill).

The feeling of triumph each time I was able to secure a FastPass using the Disney app, heading straight to the front of lines that we knew people would be waiting in for 1-2 hours, but getting on the ride in less than 20 minutes; I was Master of the FastPass!

Being with the three very best people in the entire world for days on end, even sleeping in the same room, and still not getting tired of any of them.

Walking into the Wizarding World of Harry Potter at Universal Studios and wishing it wasn't nearly 100 degrees outside so that I could truly enjoy the amazing spectacle (seriously close to heat exhaustion that day; too much concrete and not enough shade; Disney is much better suited for hot weather). All of the buildings and props and costumes were amazing in their attention to detail.

That person at the end of the Jurassic Park ride at Universal Studios that raced to the railing to hand us some tissue to help stop a nosebleed. Bless that kind soul; the littlest's nose was at just the wrong height and bashed into the crash bar. I couldn't find her to say thank you afterward, but her kindness was just what we all needed at that moment.

Blessed shade and fabulous entertainment at the Water World show at Universal Studios (totally need to watch that movie again).

The lone gardener on our last day at Disneyland, quietly tending his beautiful flower bed in the midst of crowds and chaos.

So much money spent on bottled water because California city water tastes like poison.

Walking through bubble clouds being sent into the air by happy pre-schoolers and toddlers and grandmas, churro cinnamon and cotton candy scents wafting through the air.

Conversation with a lovely couple while waiting in line at the Disney Main Street Starbucks.

Reaching 21,000 steps in one single day. But having good shoes, and therefore only having minimal foot soreness (so much love for Keen walking shoes).

My kids choosing light sabers as their souvenir of choice. Even though it was exactly the same thing they chose five years ago. Or maybe because it was the thing that they chose five years ago.

Knowing that when the California adventure came to an end, that there was still a few days in Arizona to look forward to.

Our Arizona Adventure

After four very busy, very full days in California, the thought of three days of relaxing with family in Arizona sounded like pure nectar. I'll give it to you in highlights:

The sound of our dear ones' voices and the feeling of their hugs after five years being apart.

Chips and salsa and green chili burritos and monkey bread and cheese and crackers and Moscow Mules and freshly made bread and so many other treats on constant parade before us.

The uncrowded, almost-ghost-town feel of a retirement town after the claustrophobia of Los Angeles.

Golf carts driving in the bike lanes.

Getting stared at in the grocery store because we were young and had kids with us.

Saguaros. And everything else pokey you could possibly imagine.

The spacious villa we called home while there, with lovely desert views from the veranda where I sat and stitched and drank my morning coffee every day.

The kids flopping over on each other, sound asleep in the back seat of our rental car.

The moment a Roadrunner crossed in front of our vehicle while I was driving and everyone else was asleep. Beep beep!

Being way underground in an old dry cave and seeing formations that looked like bee skeps and missing my bees but also being in awe of the hidden world below the desert.

Aunt Maddie putting out her Christmas light projector in the back yard just because she knew we would enjoy it even though it was October and it was warm.

Lillybella, the sweetest little fluffy white dog ever. And I'm really not a dog person.

The kids getting golf lessons from Uncle Mike.

The starry night sky. So many more stars can be seen in the high desert than at home.

Cumin.

Lillybella falling into the hot tub in the midst of a tussle with her best friend the neighbor dog, and subsequently getting a full towel down and pamper session from her loving human Mama.

The kids, laughing and splashing in the pool.

The triple chocolate yummy ice cream that the four of us bought then forgot to eat until the last night, so we "had" to eat the entire quart in one sitting (which we failed at, but it was fun to try).

Finally seeing Javelinas on our very last night in Arizona; we looked for them five years ago when we visited and never saw them, so this felt especially great. Plus, there were babies, which made the kids squeal with happiness. Why do people's voices get all high and squeaky when they see something cute? I don't understand this phenomenon.

Being sad to say goodbye and not wanting the adventure to end, but also being ready for normal life to resume at the same time. It's always good when a vacation is just the right length.

Seeing GREEN again. After a week in desert climates, my eyes were so happy when we crossed over the Cascades into the most beautiful valley of the entire earth. Wherever we wander, there's no place like home.