"To Da Beach!"

This phrase became the rallying cry of our vacation since Emma said it at least a dozen times a day. Our epic journey began in Midland on Wednesday morning...we drove through the rest of Texas and to the edge of New Mexico that day (to the now-infamous "Lordsburg"). Thursday we made it from Lordsburg through Arizona and all the way into San Diego, where we stayed at the Miramar Marine base. Friday we finally made it "to da beach" and to the Coronado Hotel, site of filming for Marilyn Monroe's Some Like it Hot, a family favorite. Saturday was spent at Laguna Beach in unbelievably rough waters. The guys couldn't get enough body surfing. Sunday was mostly spent on memory lane, visiting my parents' old friends and favorite sites. We went to Hollywood on Monday and ventured into Beverly Hills a bit before having to be escorted out by the police. The kids' wildest dreams came true on Tuesday when we all went to Disneyland. They got to see the castle, hug the princesses, and ride lots of rides. Wednesday we drove up into the mountains to view the Sequoia trees, and we barely made it in time to see them for about an hour before sunset! On Thursday we drove through the desert to Las Vegas. We stayed at the Excalibur and tried to see it all in just a few hours...the Bellagio and Caesar's Palace were impressive. And a good, solid miscarriage scare put the cherry on top of that evening! Friday's drive was filled with every imaginable obstacle and we rolled back into Lordsburg past 1:00 am. Finally on Saturday we made it safely home, without losing anyone or saying anything we can't take back!



In case you can't see it, the famous NM mountain tunnel is in the background here.

In Arizona, at the oddly named "Texas Canyon".

We had to get a shot of the unusual Arizona cactus.

This is at the base in San Diego where they do boot camp.

At the bay in San Diego.



Morgan was right on the edge between being thrilled and terrified.

Coronado Island was a real paradise.

The first time the kids saw "da beach"...Emma wasn't as impressed as she thought she'd be.

But Morgan loved it!

The famous hotel.



Inside the lobby at the hotel, just before Morgan pulled his pants down and watered their flower garden.

The whole crew at Laguna Beach, including Candace & family.

This was Morgan's favorite spot.

Emma screamed anytime we got her near the water, so we sunbathed instead.

Morgan and Madison played together.

Dad and Matt spent hours in the waves...

...while we girls did a lot of posing.



Yes, we are having a picnic in a parking garage, and no, we never homeschooled. Why do you ask?



Matt poses with Jimmy Stewart

Me with Julie Andrews



The castle!

Morgan was enthralled, especially when he found out he could go into the castle.



Getting ready to enter "Small World"



The hour long wait was worth it, even though we missed Sleeping Beauty.



Morgan hugged them all.



He said Jasmine was his favorite.



Just before leaving our beach house.

General Sherman in the background.







We stopped to give the kids a look at the orange groves.

Our hotel, the Excalibur, is in the background.

We are in front of the Bellagio, across from "Paris".