The Adventures of the Johnson Clan: California Vacation Sept '14

Last time I updated the blog as to why we've made choices and where we're headed next. I also mentioned that Travis had finally been given the A-Ok to take his boards exam. The test was being offered in California, St. George, and Vegas, so we chose California and finally took our family Vacation that we've postponed 100 times. Once we'd made the decision to take the test in Cali, everything once again fell into place; soon our vacation unfolded:

Day 1: We woke up in St. George at my Aunt Jenny's home where we spent the night. My uncle made us delicious German pancakes, he showed Maddix all his "army guy" stuff, Travis studied, then I walked the boys over to the park where we had a pretty dang fun time:)

I got a kick out of pulling
myself up the pole like
America's Top Ninja ;)

This Cutie LOVED the park

Striking a Pose in front of the red rocks!

After lunch we finished our drive off to California and made it for dinner and Trav's Uncle Lee's. The drive had it's up's and down's. Aaron still tries to hold his breath to pass out and he tried it in the car. I couldn't find the squirt bottle so I grabbed my water bottle, filled my mouth with water, and spit in his face... that stopped him.

Along the way Maddix decided he had to pee REALLY bad and couldn't wait... and of course we had JUST past the last exit for awhile. As soon as their was a shoulder we pulled over and he began peeing (I had a bottle all ready and everything). He peed on the hubcap which was HOT so it steamed. He was SO happy and told me his pee was on fire.

Day 2: I woke up sick! Can you believe it?? So we did very little. Travis studied, we went and grabbed lunch at Del Taco, and somewhat lounged around.

Mmm, I love my burrito

Me feeling sick :s

Day 3: T-Day (~Testing Day~)
Travis left to take his test and I was starting to feel better. Trav's Aunt Ann was so sweet and took Maddix to run errands with her while Aaron and I napped. After lunch I took the boys over to a Splash Pad where we met some new little friends and had so much fun!
When Travis came back I couldn't tell if he was beaten, relieved, or so exhausted that he was going to fall over. He sat on the couch and just zoned for a bit before speaking. Then he came around and we went out into the pool; he said it was a very surreal moment to be in the pool NOT feeling guilty that he gets to be with the boys and he wasn't studying.

Getting those fountains!

Love this boy

Maddix played real well with this
little boy

Day 4: Beach Day! Need I say more?

I LOVE the beach

~It's a PaRtY~

"I'm gonna chase these birds!"

Sandcastle operation

Sand-EATING operation

Maddix requested to be buried.

While he was buried, Aaron walked over and dumped sand in his face
ha ha, I think he slapped his head also:)
Pay back for Maddix always picking on him!

He broke Free

Successful day at the beach= passed out in the car

Day 5: DiSnEyLaNd!!!!!!!!!!!!!

This day couldn't have been anymore fun than it was! Aside from one melt down from both boys around lunch (and a mini one around dinner for Maddix), it was as special and magical as it could get.

There was MUCH anticipation at the front gate as we bought our tickets

They couldn't suppress the giggles as they looked around

Welcome to California Adventure Park

Let the rides begin

All during the wait Aaron kept pointing all around
and chattering. He really wanted to die the ferris wheel.

He even snuggled!

So that's where we headed next

At first he really liked it.

But when the bucket started rocking, he LOST it

Maddix's FAVORITE ride of the morning was Soaring California. He went with Trav first and then I went with him after. He had to explain to me all the things he and Travis had talked about his first time:) He pointed out the pictures, their facts, the lights, the movie at the entrance, and showed me how to buckle me seat. Once it started he through his hands up in the air and went "Wooooh!" as it lifted into the sky. One the way out he said, "I can't believe it! I can't believe I didn't have a single fear on that ride!"

I love that he is tall enough to do all the rides with us now:)

He's so goofy... and goofy is in the background

Bear River Run

Wilderness Explorer Course

DOUG

As we FINALLY walked into Cars Land, Maddix looked up at the sky and exclaimed, "Thanks you Disneyland for letting me come ride all your rides!" Then he jumped up and down.
Maddix was finally tall enough for the Cars ride so while he and daddy went, Aaron and I waited. Then Maddix and I went. Oh! his face....
... his elated face made the whole day worth it.

First crash of the day

He had even more fun than Maddix

We even ran into Jake

These boys don't know how spoiled they were that there was
no line and they received so much undivided attention from
the Wonderland twins and Jake the Neverland Pirate!!