California Trip

Last month we traveled to California to visit with Jonathan's sister and her family.  We had a lot of fun and it was filled with lots of "firsts" for Navy and Brighton.  Jonathan's parents and his youngest sister Michele went too.  We were so grateful to have extra hands to help with the kids. 

We arrived at the airport early, just in case anything unexpected came up--it did.  As we were in line to check-in, Jonathan realized he had left his ID at home.  Luckily his brother James was able to swing by our house, (after he dropped us off at the airport) grab Jonathan's ID and then bring it back to the airport.  Thank goodness we only live about 6 minutes from the airport. 

Here we are arriving at the airport: 

This was Navy and Brighton's first time flying.  Navy was really excited!  She did very well on our first flight from Evansville to Detroit.  Brighton did really well too.  Overall, flying with a 10 month old wasn't as bad as I had feared.  He got bored and a little fussy at times, but I am confident we were never in danger of being kicked off the flight :).  

 

Navy enjoying the tunnel in the Detroit airport.

 

One of the nice things about our second flight (Detroit to San Francisco).  This kept Navy entertained at least part of the time during our 4+ hour flight.  

 

We arrived in San Francisco around 7:30 our time.  Needless to say, Navy was over traveling.

 

She bounced back pretty quickly, though, once we got to Heidi's house :)

 

 Our first full day in CA, we went to downtown San Jose for lunch.  We were able to check out Allen's record store, which was really neat.  Later that evening it was time for a short trip up to the foothills to enjoy the view. 

 

 

The next day we headed to Santa Cruz to enjoy the beach and boardwalk.  It was Brighton's first time at the beach and the first time at the Pacific Ocean for Navy and me.  We enjoyed a seafood dinner and ended the night with ice cream. 

 

 



 The next day we celebrated the 4th of July with a movie, an awesome meal and fireworks! 

 

 

On Sunday we relaxed with some shopping, haircuts (we got to see Heidi's salon) and of course, more ice cream! 

 

Our last day in California was filled with Muir Woods, the Golden Gate Bridge and San Francisco.

 

 

Navy loved the street artists in San Francisco along the pier.  She was very brave--touching snakes and playing drums. She even posed for pictures with strangers---something she would never do. 

 

We ended our last day with ice cream! 

Everyone was excited to get home and sleep in their own beds. 

These kids were happy to be flying back home! 

We had a great trip!  Thanks so much to Heidi, Allen, Nara, Alicia and Ava for letting us all stay with you guys.  We had a blast and it was great to see you all.