A garden full of flowers: Summer fun in California

Jason was assigned a job in California for two weeks over the summer, so we took advantage and headed down there in July. I drove the boys myself, and Jason flew down. We had paid hotels, and were given money for food each day. It was a big blessing to have everything paid for, and be able to visit family. It is always a challenge living out of hotels though, and finding activities to keep the boys busy, especially since Jason works during the day. I felt like I did more driving over those two weeks than I did the whole time I lived in California. I'm going to be honest - those two weeks were exhausting. Don't get me wrong - we had tons of fun, and I'm so grateful for this (paid) opportunity to go. However, my boys are still little and have LOTS of energy. Going on vacations with kids is hard. Finding food for everyone to eat; finding activities for everyone to do (that is not too far away and doesn't cost too much money); getting the kids to act appropriately in the hotel for breakfast, and for all other times of the day; working in nap time; finding time to see all my friends and family without making anyone upset, and so on. We were non-stop busy, but I do love being busy. I love to get out and explore!!!

We were in California for 4th of July, and had fun watching the parade with family, and then watching fireworks at night at the Claremont colleges. The fireworks were LAME, but the boys had fun running around the field with their cousins. We have been doing this since I was little, and the show is getting worse every year. We might need to start a new tradition somewhere else.

My mother in law rents a beach house every year, and this year we were able to go for a couple days. My boys get extra crazy when they are around their cousins, so there is always a lot of loud fun when family is together. The beach house had an amazing view of the ocean, and it was only a short walk down some steps to get to the beach.

My Dad and I went to Huntington Library one day. It was hot, but it is such a beautiful area. I would love to live near there someday! I told the boys to climb an old bridge so I could take their picture, but I didn't know it was closed off and a security guard yelled at us - opps!

I used our museum pass to get us into two new museums in California. I love discovering fun new places, and I especially love finding places my boys can get all their energy out at!!!

We took the boys to Chuck E Cheeses for the first time. They LOVED it (what kid wouldn't?).

Discovery Cube - it was CRAZy busy, so we only stayed an hour maybe. I don't do well in crowds.

Cute family picture

At the end of our trip we drove to Salton Sea to visit with Jason's family. It is so incredibly hot there (110 plus degrees), and stinky, and there is not much to do there. However, Jason's dad and aunt took us on a unique tour of the area, and I was amazed at the hidden treasures out there. We saw mud pots, Salvation Mountain, and Slab city. It really was fascinating! If it wasn't so hot, I think I would have enjoyed everything a little more.

Here are random pics from my phone form the trip:

My cute Grandma playing catch with Chase at concerts in the park

I love that California has such diversity and uniqueness. We found a popsicle store at a mall near our hotel that sells gourmet popsicles that you can dip or sprinkle with all sorts of toppings!