Newport

Well it's now been over a week since we've been back, but it was nice to get away for a week with Dustin's fam and apparently do the "Utah" thing and go to Southern Cali and really just relax.  (I say this because I think half the people at the resort were from UT). I think back to the last vacation we went on with Dustin's family to Hawaii when Tay was 16 months.  She was getting to that crazy age but it was my first real vacation with a child and I remember thinking that it really didn't feel like a vacation at all even though I was on this beautiful island and I was able to do fun things.  Even though there are two kids now and things are crazier, it's amazing how that mentality shifts because I was definitely able to relax and enjoy!

Taylor was in 7th heaven because although she didn't get to see Allie that much, she was hooked at the hip with Mia (two of her cousins who are the same age).  And although that usually equates to trouble, trust me you don't want to hear the stories, they were great and kept each other entertained.  I think in another life, Taylor would also love to have an older brother.  Since she can't have that and maybe never even a younger brother, she can harass and be harassed  by her cousins and that keeps her completely happy.

We started the first couple days off in Vegas.  I think Taylor's highlight was at the Silverado Casino when we went to see the Mermaid.  They have a huge aquarium with fish and large stingrays and then a Synchronized Swimmer (how fitting) that swims around in this really well done mermaid costume (I must say), it looked so real.  Taylor loved it.  She swims around and blows bubbles and kisses at the kids and Taylor just ate it up!  Who could have thought that I missed my calling Vegas.  Although I must say that I don't think my chest would've lived up to the right measurements to get the job...

And how can we not go to Southern California and not go to the happiest place on earth?  That would be unheard of!  We just went for one day so we made the most of it.  We got the girls up way early and Taylor was not happy about it.  In fact she was miserable.  Even after taking her on It's a Small World, she wasn't very happy.  But it's the power of a princess.  Amazing what the princesses can do.  She saw Aurora and we saw the first smile of the morning.  Then we waited in line to see a few more princesses.  After that, it was like happy Taylor had come alive.  Of course there were some other meltdowns during the day, but I'm telling you, watching her light up when she saw Ariel and then watching her during the parade, brought tears to my eyes.  The same for Hannah.  Hannah LOVED It's a Small World.  The first time she took it in, the second time, she wanted to stand up and was laughing and clapping.  Words can't express seeing delight like that in your children.  What a truly special and magical day!

Our fam with Grandma TT (Dustin's Mom)

The first smile of the day, although it was giddiness as she ran back to us

Pure joy

Tay and Allie on It's a Small World

Hannah taking in It's a Small World and Loving it!

Daddy and Tay Tay loving the Tea Cups

And of course we also made it to the beach a few times.  Tay is her mama's girl and it not a big lover of the cold water.  It's great to see the ocean in California, just not great to touch it!  So she stuck with the sand.  Hannah on the other hand could have cared less how cold it was and was walking with Daddy in the cold water no problem!

Tay's obsession with mermaids only continues...

Most of the cousins with Papa and Grandma TT

We also hit Balboa which had a great beach and some of the cutest shops, as well as an Angels game and lucky for Dustin and I they happened to be playing the Giants.  Unfortunately the Giants couldn't pull that one out, but at least we got to see them play this year!  It was a great trip, great to spend time with family, but most importantly Tay loved spending time with her cousins.  We were so glad to be able to do this!

Fam in Balboa

Most of the cousins watching cartoons one morning

Tay being Tay after high jacking Dad's hat and Mom's glasses

Bedtime is usually a fight every night.  We didn't have to put up as much of a fight this week.  Tay loved the Ariel doll her Papa got her from Disneyland.  It matched the Ariel jammies she was wearing.  One of my favorite things to do is watch my kids sleep, so sweet and so peaceful.