Sweet Summer Weekend

We took a quick family trip to California this weekend. (Don't mind Aaron's disgruntled face...I just tore him from the waves). We had such a wonderful time, thanks this (soon to be leaving) California Frandsen family.We felt a little guilty taking advantage of their kindness, hospitality, toys and location at such short notice, and so close to their big move to Utah.  We told them again and again that we didn't want to barge in during such a hectic time for them, but they insisted we come.  That's just the kind of people they are.  Oh how we love and enjoy them.

Aaron was in wonderland when we woke up at Paul and Amy's house on Friday morning.  We were the first up and it didn't take Aaron long to find the play room.  He immediately started his basketball hop-walk when he spotted Michael's new hoop toys.  Then Michael joined him for a sweet shoot-out.  Aaron loves Michael.  The girls came downstairs soon after and it was a party.  Aaron and Ella kept shooting curious looks at one another over breakfast.  So cute.  

Soon enough we were at Disneyland.  Aaron loved playing with the chains in line, was in a state of awe-induced paralysis during each of the rides, and could have ridden the Pooh ride at least five more times.  He hated being held and insisted on making his own way through the crowds.  We managed to reign him in and by the end of the day he was pooped.  Amy generously offered to take him home and put him to bed while the big kids continued to play.  We were worried for Amy, not Aaron.  Luckily Aaron konked out in the stroller and didn't open his eyes all the way home.

Big kid Dallin's favorite part of the whole Disney day was sneaking past the fast pass guard to get into Thunder Railroad's fast line (we had fast passes, but they didn't 'activate' for another fifteen minutes).  He couldn't stop laughing at our mischief. 

Big kid Ali (my little sis) loved helping out with the kids, experimenting with her tweenish limits by venturing away into distant shops, and singing Zip-a-dee-doo-dah at the top of her lungs with me.  She also earned the nickname Shmoogie, but I'll let her tell you that story.Saturday was a perfect beach day.  We serendipitously lost ourselves along the California shoreline to find ourselves at a beautiful, not-so-crowded beach.  We loved it.  Amy is an amazing mom who has her hands incredibly full on a large beach with four exploring children. We each choose a child to keep our eyes on.  Jonny and Beckah made great merfolk.
Aaron wanted to be a merman.  He would have walked right into the crashing waves if I let him.  We had to hold onto him every minute, even though he constantly pushed our hands off of him.  When I took him back on shore to play in the sand he burrowed past me down the sand banks right back to the waves.  Jonny took a turn with him thought it would be a good idea to let a little shore wave show him what would happens if we weren't holding onto him.  The little wave slipped the sand from under his feet and Aaron went tumbling into the salt water.  He got right back up and continued onto the ocean.  Jonny said he was so determined to conquer them somehow.  Finally I got the best of him when he was shivering from head to toe.  I wrangled him into a towel, took off his wet suit and held him until he warmed up (all the while he struggled in my arms and repeated his "down" command at me).  Funny little dude.  When he warmed up and was without clothes he seemed content to play in the sand. 
Thank you for the perfect weekend Paul, Amy and family.  We can't wait to have many other adventures with you in Utah.