Legoland

40 billion legos...I believe that is what the boat tour guide told us...in all of legoland. Pretty impressive and mind numbing to think of building all the landscapes, characters and scenes. I let loose a swear word at least once a week just stepping on those obnoxiously pointed blocks. The best part of legoland during the week...no lines! Probably best for kids 10 and under as it did lack the big thrill rides of California adventures. However, any kid who likes legos will be amazed.

Newport Beach

Sand, surf and sun all made an appearance for a great day at the beach. Grandpa Oz came with us on our outing while Mike, Claire, Uncle Matty and the cousins went to Universal Studios. We could only handle 4 out of 6 days at amusement parks. Milo, Max and Levi even braved the cold Pacific and went body surfing. Thanks to the boys swim team training, I didn't fear two much when there heads took a second or two to pop up from the foaming froth. Jackson luckily did not show any interest in the chilly water and stuck to the sand.

"Noooo, Mama"

Jackson's first ride at Disneyland was a little rough to start as the ride operator would not allow him to sit on my lap. Once the rocket ship ride began we bent the rules a bit and he did just fine. Despite the long waits, we were still able to notch quite a few of the big attractions on our belts including Space mountain, Indiana Jones and Pirates of the Carribean. My favorite was Splash mountain as we used a fast pass and walked on the ride. With 12 of us it was tricky trying to plan which rides to hit and we definitely couldn't of done it without cell phones. Perhaps the highlight of the day were the fireworks. It was spectacular, with the fireworks set not only to music but to different Disney themes.



After a hectic day of Disneyland, we spent the next day hanging out at the Newport Conduminium playing basketball, hanging around the pool and finally heading to the beach. Pete, Grandpa Oz, Levi and Max spent quite a few hours at the beach before my brother Mike, my niece Emma, Jackson, Milo and myself made it (after nap time). The sunset was absolutely spectacular and so we decided to use this great opportunity to shoot my dad's Christmas photo with the grandkids (Lucas was still napping so he will get his own pic with Grandpa). The kids absolutely had a ball building sand castles and flying kites.