Newport Beach and San Clemente June 2008

We went on our annual trip to Newport with my in laws and then camping at the beach in San Clemente with my family a couple weeks ago. I was very stressed because I had to pack for two totally different vacations and didn't think we'd be able to fit everything. It was silly that I stressed so much because everything fit with room to spare. We had so much fun on both trips! Lots of time at the beach and of course lots of laughs. I'm mad that I didn't take more pictures (usually I'm snapping away), but I guess I got enough. See everything fit like a glove! Frankie always makes fun of me because I won't let him pack the car. (I guess I'm a little controlling in that department.) I had to take a picture because I was so proud that everything fit.

Here's Bradley at the beach in Newport.

Landon doing some sand boarding! We were just asking him where his belly button was, that's why his cute little tummy is poking out. I wasn't sure if he'd hate the beach or love it. The last time we were there he was only 5 months old. Well he LOVED THE BEACH! It was so cute to watch him run to the water, roll around in the sand, pick up the seaweed check it out and say "Ew!". Chasing him back and forth got a little old, so hopefully next year he won't want to run quite as much. I think he consumed a lot of sand on the trip too. Who says a cracker covered in sand isn't good?? Sand is part of the food pyramid, right?!?

Checkin' out the waves with daddy.

My cute beach bums.

This is my FAVORITE picture of the boys!!! Bradley was walking Landon to the water. I LOVE IT! I already had it blown up to an 8x10 in black and white.

While we were in Newport we went to Knott's Berry Farm. We just went to Disneyland a few months ago, so we chose Knott's. Being from Anaheim I visited Knott's as a child plenty of times (not near as many times as D-Land), but let me tell you, it's NOT the same! We even went there 2 or 3 years ago and it wasn't as bad. It was so filthy with litter EVERYWHERE! We ate lunch at Lucy's Lunchbox and there were spiderwebs all over the windows, along with trash and food everywhere on the floors. Yuck! The staff sucked and were so rude, and safety was obviously not a concern at all for them! One of them even said "This isn't Disneyland." I couldn't have said it better myself. I think that will be my last trip to Knott's. (Whew! I think that was my first rant. Tyler, that was for you.)

Bradley and my niece Angelina.

My HOTT husband and Landon (trying to honk the horn).

We went on the Log Ride a bunch of times. There's JamiLynn, Bradley, Landon, Frankie, and Frank. No, Landon wasn't standing the whole time- this is the very end after the drop. He was diggin' it.

After we left the time share we went to Grandma and Grandpa Greats to visit and met up with Dustin and Leah who were staying there. Landon was having a great time with the tea set. He was really concentrating. Can't you tell by the serious pucker of his lips?? I didn't get a picture of the boys with Grandma and Grandpa and I'm mad because I try to do that whenever we see them.

After that we left with Dustin and Leah for my Aunt Suzie's (where my mom and Riley were staying) who had a yummy BBQ for us. My cousin Bryan and his wife Allyson (who I had never met- love her!) were there too. We had SO much fun talking and laughing! After that we headed down to San Clemente.

I forgot about bringing tubes to the beach, but luckily Leah remembered from last year. It's so fun for the kids! They just float and ride in on the waves.

Brad and Paige having lots of laughs together in the water.

When we were camping Lisa came up with Karsten and Gracie. It was so good to see them! All the kids love to sit around and tell stories. Bradley was sitting in the sun listening to one of Karsten's stories and I gave him my glasses. I think it's so cute how he's got his arms crossed and head tilted. What a stud.

Karsten brought his bike and very graciously let Brad (and others) ride it. Thanks again Karsten! Here's Bradley going on a "sweet jump"! That is my mom and Dustin and Leah's campsite in the background.

Landon likes to make a "mean" face, which we were trying to make him do, but he just kept smiling. He's quite the character.

Here's a view of where our campfires took place. Our tent is to the right and Julie, Grandma, and Chloe's tent isto the left. We were so, so, SO glad you guys came!!! We thought we were going to be all by our lonesome on our spot. Landon just loved Chloe. And he would call Julie "Judy". Very cute. Mark and Morgan came around too when they weren't working, but of course I didn't get a picture of them. I was so slacking! Mark, Frankie will always be your Donut Fairy! haha!

There's our big ol' tent! I love that tent. My parents gave it to us for our 6th anniversary this year. Thanks again! It was Fab-u-lous!!!
Here's baby Cannon! I have been dying to see him. He is such a cute baby! I could just eat him up!!! My mom got the cutest picture of Landon, Cannon, and Scotty. And then some more of the cousin's.
Landon and "Cotty" (that's what Landon calls him) having a really serious conversation about recent gas prices.
Both of the babies were squirming and didn't want to get their picture taken so I just snapped one real quick. I love how Brandon and Frankie are both probably saying "look at the camera" and the boys are trying to wiggle their way out!

We had such a great time visiting around the campfire with everyone! And hanging out on the beach. I had so much fun in the water with Leah, Dustin, and Riley even though we got tossed a couple times by the waves. Our family has such a great (and twisted) sense of humor making for lots of laughs. Good times for sure!!! I can't wait for the next family get together!