Southern California Trip

 Monty had a medical conference in Anaheim California this past week, so we decided to turn it into a family vacation as well.  Kory and Kyle had to work so they were not able to come with us, but Monty, Makai, Trey and I had an awesome adventure together learning and growing together.  

We arrived Tuesday Night and decided to go to an Angels game.  The team isn't very good this year, so tickets were a great price.  Monty has always liked the Angels, so there was no reason to not go.  Monty found some great seats in the 3rd row.  It was pretty fun to experience a game so close.  Although the Angels got creamed by the Rockies we enjoyed the game and company. 

Dad's favorite baseball team growing up, so it was great to bring the boys to a game.

Third row was pretty great seats.

On Wednesday morning we went on a Whale Watching excursion and although we didn't see any Whales we saw hundreds of dolphins.  It was amazing and beautiful.  I didn't get sick on this adventure like I did a few years ago when we did see a lot of whales in the Monterey Bay, so that was a plus.  We then went to meet up with Mammy, Grandpa, Nana and Lu for dinner.  We went to a Thai food restaurant and enjoyed our time together.  

Hopeful we see something.

Trey was seeing if he looked as good as Makai and Dad in glasses.

Makai remembered his glasses, so he could actually see.

One of the baby dolphins we saw on our Whale Watching Adventure.

Thursday we decided to take a bike ride along Huntington Beach and rode to Newport.  Makai has not ridden a bike for any extended period of time, so this was huge for him.  We practice for a bit in the parking lot and it wasn't looking very promising.  Makai was having trouble turning and even biffed it.  He couldn't fit into the helmet they gave to him, so we didn't make him wear it, but it was a little scary.  After some frustrating attempts we just decided to hit the trail and hoped for the best.  The first several miles were easy as they were right on the beach trail so they were nice and flat and straight.  Makai did amazing.  He even said at one point, "This is actually kinda fun".  We got kinda adventurous because we had the bikes for the entire day. The trail ended and the map made it look like we wouldn't be on side streets for too long, so we ventured off toward Long Beach.  The map was a little misleading and we ended up having to ride up some pretty steep hills right next to traffic on beach cruisers. I'll be the first to admit I wondered if we'd bitten off more than we could chew, especially for Makai.  By this point we were all hungry, tired and a little overwhelmed.  Makai was just mad at this point, but we made it to Long Beach.  We looked and realized we'd biked 16 miles.  We went to the Long Beach Pier and got some lunch and fueled up on liquid because we had no other choice, but to bike back.  We were all nervous to Makai and he made it perfectly clear that he was not happy about the position we'd put him in.  As frustrated as a person can be however, Makai got on his bike and started to pedal back.  He traded bikes with Monty because at the point he'd bent his seat to an extremely awkward position.  To make a long story shorter we made it back!  I was so proud of Makai, we were all so proud of him.  He'd proven he had some grit in this moment.  He doesn't plan to ever get on a bike again and to be honest, I don't blame him if he takes a few months off.  

Proud of Makai--this was only like his 3rd time on a bike.

Enjoying our overcast beach day with a nice bike ride.

Enjoying our ride.  This was the tower where our beach bike cruise turned into a crazy PCH adventure of doom.

This sign crushed Dad's dreams.  He was ready to jump.

Makai ordered a pizza and enjoyed every bite!

Trey with his typical chicken sandwich. He pretty much orders a chicken sandwich every time he gets a chance. He also took one for the team and sat in the 'HOT SEAT' because he knew I'd burn if I sat there.

Dad with his fish and chips!  He didn't finish it, but he enjoyed every bite.

Just after the most stressful part of the ride.  I was so proud of Makai.  He was so relieved to be back on the beach trail.  There was nothing easy about what he did.

Trey still can't go to the beach without jumping into the water.  I was a chilly night, but that didn't matter to him. I was glad he did because we sadly never made it back for a good chance to swim.

Friday we were all pretty physically wiped out, so instead of driving up north we just stayed local. We enjoyed a nice lunch in Korea Town Los Angeles, some pretty ocean views and walked to Santa Monica pier.  We really enjoyed the beach towns.  

Korea Town, Los Angeles.  Still can't get him to try Kimchee, but he enjoyed the meal.

The boys were skeptical of this meal, but they ended up loving it. As Dad always says, "It was cheaper than going to Korea."

El Matador State Beach

Beautiful Rock formation.

El Matador State Beach near Malibu. A bit cold for a swim, but a fun walk.

Monty won a Lakers bear on a basketball challenge.

Santa Monica Pier--perfect night.

Santa Monica Pier.

Saturday we decided to introduce the boys to Magic Mountain.  Monty and I had enjoyed Magic Mountain when we were younger and Trey was really excited about the chance to go on some REAL roller coasters.  We started out of Viper, a nice into roller coaster.  We followed it with another small ride, Gold Rush.  At this point we were ready for a bigger ride.  The lines hadn't started yet, so we were just walking onto rides.  We walked onto the Riddlers Revenge--front row.  What a ride!  It was fast and furious and majorly twirly and fast.  At the end of this ride we were all feeling a bit 'twisted' inside.  I started feeling hot and pretty dizzy, but didn't want to be a party pooper, so I just kept going.  A worked told us that the Justice League Ride was a slow ride kind of like the Buzz Lightyear ride at Disneyland.  I thought in my head that would be a good way to slow down a bit.  Well, it was not like the Buzz Lightyear ride, it was like the Tea Cups.  While on the ride I started to feel hotter and hotter and more and more queasy.  When we got off that ride I was ready to sit down.  I felt terrible and Monty actually said, "I think I'm done for the day.  My stomach isn't feel too good."  I was so relieved because at that point I could say how I was truly feeling.  Trey and Makai went to get some food, but Monty and I just sat down trying to take it easy.  After drinking a little Powerade, I had to find a bathroom.  Although I hate throwing up, I admit that after throwing up I was able to cool off a little and felt a little better.  We had to tell Trey and Makai that we were tapping out for the day.  We sent them on their Mary way and just sat trying to take in the reality of the situation.  We couldn't believe that our bodies had given own on us so early.  We felt officially old having to hang up the towel on roller coasters. It was not the day we had envisioned, but Trey and Makai would text photos of the fun they were having.  I think they pretty much hit every ride that was open.  So, at least, they had a great time.  Monty and I just enjoyed our all you can eat and drink pass keeping ourselves well hydrated and fed as we walked around accepting that this was our last trip to Magic Mountain and we will be Disneyland Grandparents.   

In the bus on the way to Six Flags. Trey and I were laughing because Makai makes Dad look small.  They were smashed like sardines.  Makai couldn't even fit completely.

Let the FUN BEGIN!

First ride, NINJA, boys were getting into character.

Little did we know, this was the beginning of the end for our roller coaster adventure. We made it through Ninja.  

Second ride was Riddler Revenge.  We thought we were so lucky because we walked on it and got front row seats.  Well, actually you stand on this ride. It was fast and furious and fun. We just got off a little dizzy, but felt up for the adventure.  

Third ride was a walk on a well.  Justice League, Hall of Justice.  All smiles and so happy for a quick short ride, similar to Buzz Lightyear at Disneyland.  Ha.

Couldn't fake the misery any longer. Was so sick to my stomach you could have told me I was pregnant and I would have believed you. Trey went and got a Powerade to try and help, but the only thing that helped was finding a bathroom and throwing up. At this moment I tapped out for the day!

Shockingly, Monty said he wasn't feeling well either.  Monty doesn't get sick, but selfishly I was so glad he was because otherwise I would have felt like a total party pooper.  Because he was sick at least we could be sick together.  

These two handsome men however decided to fuel up before their adventure began.  Pre-lunch meal before they went and conquered practically every ride at Six Flags.

Sitting in the shade with a nice cold drink was much better than riding the rides. Officially OLD!

Before Goliath...

Monty, Trey and Makai all enjoyed Goliath.  Even if Monty ended up having to lay down for 20 minutes ofter the ride.  

Sunday before heading home we met up with Ryan and Lizeth's family and watched Leilani play in a soccer game.  We enjoyed talking and catching up under a canopy on a perfect weather day in San Clemente.  It was Leilani's last day of playing and although we couldn't stay for her final game, she scored a penalty kick and their team took 3rd place.  

Enjoyed watching Leilani play soccer and visiting with Ryan's family.

This was a good chance for Trey and Makai to hang out. We enjoyed our time with you boys!

We then drove home and were happy to find that Kyle, Kory and Maggie had missed us.  They said the house was quiet while we were gone. It was a fun trip and lots of great memories were made.