California Part 1

 The boy's charter school gets a random week off school in february every year.  In Utah, we are still experiencing snow storms and temperatures in the thirties so its hard to get out and do much.  I decided to drive down to California to thaw out and enjoy some SUN.  When ever I drive down to California in the winter I always get a little nervous.  Any amount of snow can turn the I-15 into an ice rink, and while one area can be nice and sunny,  an hour away might be stormy with white out conditions.  Luckily our drive was mostly uneventful.  The night before we left there was a snowstorm so I left a few hours later than normal in hopes the snowplows would clear the roads by then.  I did encounter an icy freeway about an hour or two after leaving, but I went slow and all was well.  The drive back up was great with no issues!


The highlight of our trip was our Legoland adventure, but I will write about that in the next post.  Often, the boys are just as excited to visit with family and eat at  nostalgic restaurants as they are to go to amusement parks.  Our trips down to California happen rather regularly, and the boys all love them. 



Palm trees!!  I never was very fond of palm trees when I lived in California, but I LOVE them now.  When ever I see them they take me home.  They are a symbol of sun and warmth, and they make me so happy.

Most of my boys' first cousins live in California, so its always fun to get together with them.  I also cherish the time I get to spend with my Grandma and parents.  Long distance really does make the heart grow fonder.

My cute niece Olivia 

My parents had a little family party for Blake's Birthday

My new nephew Bret 

Beau and Bret 

We went on a picnic with all the Burnell cousins like we used to do years ago.  I was LOVING the sun but all our California family were freezing in the fifty degree temperatures.  After experiencing a crazy winter, I was grateful for any warmth I could get!

For Blake's Birthday my parents gave him a build a bear gift card.  We took him to our favorite mall - Ontario Mills, and he picked out a corgi dog named nugget (after our corgi neighbor dog).

I always enjoy going on walks with my family down Armsley Square

Another favorite is Vince's Spagetti.  I have very fond memories eating here as a young child.  My dad even ate here as a child.  I love being able to carry on the tradition with my boys!