Our Vacation

Okay, it has taken me a month to get these picture on the blog. It just seemed to be a very overwhelming job, so I continued to put it off. I finally made myself sit down to do it. It only took two days. :) If you want to experience our entire San Diego vacation, you'll have to read the next six posts. Here are a few pictures before arriving in San Diego. This was the first time either of our kids had flown. I do have to say that they did better than I could have ever expected! Not one single screaming or crying episode. I did have a wet lap during one flight, because Braelyn realized that everything was in her arms length and she dumped my water. :)


Here the kids are waiting in the Las Vegas airport for our next flight.

Getting ready for take off. Look how excited Aedyn is!

He looks a little nervous.

Making sure he has all the escape routes down...just in case. :)

AHHH...FINALLY HERE!

Josh and Lesli's Wedding

The number one reason we headed to San Diego was for my best friend from high school's wedding. Lesli has lived in San Diego since we graduated from college. I visited her last year all by myself but when finding out that she was getting married there, I knew I had to take my family. Here are a couple of pictures of the wedding.

This table was called "The Zoo" it was completely set up for the kids with coloring books, stickers, crayons and juice boxes. What a great idea, Lesli!
Here is Aedyn, and two of Lesli's nieces/flowergirls.

Our family

Congratulations Lesli and Josh!

Sea World

I just love this picture...my loves!

The most amazing show I have ever experienced was the Shamu show. I seriously had tears in my eyes at how amazing and graceful these whales are and how the trainers are able to interact, swim with, dive off of and ride. If you are ever near a Sea World, I say it is a must go.

These dolphins would swim right up to you and let you touch them. We stood next to a lady who thought she could get their attention by splashing them...um, we didn't get to touch.


This is a pet show that we saw while we were at Sea World. It was amazing what they had taught cats, dogs, ducks and pigs to do.

A Beluga Whale

Aedyn comparing his hands to a polar bears paws.

A very large polar bear, that got up from that spot and came right up to the glass where we were and of course my camera was not on and by time I got it on, he was gone.

The famous Budweiser wagon and Clydesdales. Aedyn was very scared of these very large horses. I was not sure what this had to do with Sea World and then found out Anheuser-Busch is the number one sponsor at Sea World.

The Beach

I love this picture from the road of the beaches. Looks like paradise!
Before leaving for San Diego, Aedyn asked if the ocean would be bigger than Taylor Lake...I think he got his answer



Aedyn practicing his surfer moves.

Our kids loved the ocean and beach. We only had one accident. Abram was stung by a jelly fish, and he claims it was the worst pain he has ever experienced. We did a little home remedy when we got back the the hotel and he was feeling a lot better.

The next day we went to a non-swim beach and saw some seals and some beautiful sights!

San Diego Zoo

One of the best zoos we have ever been to, just be prepared to walk up and down lots of steep hills. We got our work out this day.

Braelyn loved looking at the animals, which really surprised me.

Up and close with some sort of bird.

Abram and Aedyn were sitting by this glass window watching these monkeys from afar, and then the mother and her baby came running around the side, right up to Abram and Aedyn and were touching the glass and trying to communicate with them. You should have seen the crowd we drew. It was an amazing experience!

This lion is actually as close as it looks. There was an inch of glass between us.

Abram to the rescue. He had to help a zoo keeper open a gate to get in. It was a long process, but in return, Aedyn got to feed the llama.

How cool is this pumpkin?

Wonderful trip to the zoo. We arrived at open and left at close and still did not see it all.

Leaving on a Jet Plane...

...Don't know when we'll be back again....hopefully not too long!

OH, How we miss San Diego! I highly recommend it for any family vacation. We had the best time and we will go back!

Flew Southwest, and everyone was so great with our kids.

Leaving while it is light outside. :)

Landing when it is dark outside. :(
Bye, San Diego, hope to see you soon.

Camping Trip

Abram and his friend Ryan decided to take their boys camping along the river. When Lainey, Ryan's daughter found out, she was so excited about going that they let her join in. The boys both told me it was an all boy thing, but I think they were finally fine with her going.


If you'll look closely, in the background you'll see the Mississinewa river, which we like to joke and say that the only reason you need life jackets are so that if the canoe tips you'll have some padding for the bottom. Abram and Ryan practically walked the canoe down the whole river.

I love this picture! I can almost smell the campfire.

The three amigos. They had a wonderful time and could not stop talking about it when they got home.

Time to sleep. Actually looks comfy.
Thank you, Abram for all of the pictures. You did a great job! Love you so much.

Johnny Appleseed Day

Aedyn's preschool celebrated Johnny Appleseed by having everyone dress up. Here is our version of the historical character. (Thanks Holly for helping us make a pot that would fit his head and Daddy for the knapsack stick).