A day in sunny Southern California

I had a shoot in Southern CA yesterday, and brought the family along for a mini vacation. We spent today visiting Santa Monica, and enjoyed some nice sun, rides, cotton candy, swimming, and that wonderful Southern CA traffic.

First stop was Pacific Park, and of course the kids wanted to ride the ferris wheel. Kayla kept her hands on her hat the whole time, afraid it might blow away or something.

Then on to more rides.

And more.

So amazing how a simple park ride can provide such joy to a child.

What's even more amazing is that they finished a cotton candy in less than 15 seconds.

I swear, they were attacking that cotton candy like piranhas.

I think talking to each other was more fun than this ride was.

Bumper cars!

After Santa Monica, we headed back to the hotel and the kids wanted to swim. In fact, I think that is probably their favorite part of going on vacation. That, and eating on the hotel beds.

Today, you can have your cake...

And eat it too.

Happy Birthday Kayla Isabel Lee.

Yes, you CAN wear a Christmas hat, and a ballet outfit, and tie your blankie/T-shirt combo to use as a cape. It's your birthday, you can do whatever you want.

If it looks good, eat it!

We enrolled Kristin in a few summer classes this year, and one of them was cooking. She likes the show Bizarre foods, so now she has an opportunity to make her own bizarre foods. She brought home a few items she made during the week, but off the top of my head, she made cinnamon toast, egg rolls, fried rice, ice cream, lemon frosted donut, smoothies, italian zucchini, fruit salad, and her favorite thing of all.......this jello fruit cup. Of course she was kind enough to share with Kayla.

Seesaw

I told her to hang on. She didn't listen.

K is for Kayla....

Hard to believe, but Kayla is about to embark on a new journey that is going to last many many years. She'll be starting Kindergarten in about a month from now. We enrolled her in a kindergarten prep class, fearing the worst, as she has always been hesitant and shy in new environments. On the first day of class, she lined right up and waved good bye to us without a blink. We were both very surprised and sad at the same time. Turns out she had recognized a familiar face from Kristins ballet class, and was actually excited about school.

Ready for Liftoff!

Kristin is not a big fan of fireworks. This morning, she goes "Umm, I don't like fireworks. I mean, I like watching it, but it's just too loud." Kayla's all ready to go though. She doesn't mind the noise.

Hope everyone has a safe and Happy 4th of July.