So, I can't figure out how to move my photos so this one is out of place. I just love this shot of Deena and Bridget.




As we had no family reunions or any other trips planned this summer we decided to take a real family vacation. We drug Deena along with us and spent a couple nights in Santa Cruz. We got to visit the Boardwalk, saw seal lions on the pier, tried Dippin' Dots, toured the Monterey Aquarium, rode on Thomas the Train, fell all over ourselves at the Mystery Spot, and finished it off with a visit to the beach where we saw a pod of dolphins right off the shore. It was a great vacation with many fun memories.

The kids loved chasing the waves and digging in the sand. While we were playing in the water the Seagulls ate our whole bag of Cheetos we left open on our blanket when we weren't looking.

The Mystery Spot sure didn't have the most pleasant smell. In fact, one theory on why all the weird stuff happens is that there is a large vortex of lava deep in the earth underneath the center of the Mystery Spot. It creates a gravitational pull which causes people to lean at an angle, balls to roll uphill and an illusion of an 8 inch growth in height on people. It was a cool place.

One of the reasons we chose Santa Cruz was because Thomas the Tank Engine was on tour and making a stop there. Leland has become a bit obsessed with Thomas in the last year so we thought he would enjoy spending a day with him.
 
Russ told the kids to show him their face paintings so Alexis grabbed Leland and kissed him with both their cheeks showing. They love eachother so much.
 
Bridget enjoyed the train ride, at least until she was lulled to sleep.

The kids were sooo excited to get to ride on a train.
 
The Aquarium had a cool spot where they showed how the tide come in and out. You could stand under a glass window while the tide came in over your head.


One of the rides at the Boardwalk.
 
Alexis was thrilled to ride the huge swings. She especially loved the Boardwalk.



For days before we left Leland talked about holding a real Starfish. He was so excited to find one and was a little timid to hold it even though it was a dried one in a gift shop on the Pier. We won't tell him the difference until he is a bit older.
 
Deena trying on a funny hat in the gift shop. Except for the hat isn't she beautifull!


Either the Aquarium stunk too or we just brought the smell with us wherever we went.   Really, they were pretending to be under water.