Beach Day

We had a great morning at the beach. We met the Perdues and Grows at Dana Point at a beautiful beach. We had to go down a big ole' hill, and they had a nice and slow little elevator to take us and our big strollers down. While we were waiting Livy got to eat a yummy little cupcake that Auntie Mel made. We loved spending time with little baby Callen Perdue, and Lucy too! 

 

Later, Rob & Julie, and Jared & Jen came and met up with us with their kiddos. It was so fun to be surrounded by friends, and lots of family. It was a very hot day on the beach, but with a few umbrellas, and some nice cold ocean water we had a great time. 

We left the beach, grabbed some lunch, and came back to shower, chill and relax until dinner. That's what vacation is all about, have some fun, eat, relax, and eat. We met up for dinner at the Cheesecake Factory - twice in one week I know! It was the best vacation we've had in a while :) As we were walking into the restaurant we asked if Livy and Lucy wanted to hold hands... sure enough, they were both very excited about the idea. It was so cute. They just giggled the entire way. 

 After dinner we came back and talked for hours, ate our cheesecake, and talked a little more. It's so nice to be with friends and family, I love them so so much. I just might have to go to SoCal a few more times this year :)

Newport Beach Jackson Reunion

We flew into Long Beach Tuesday night, and came to the Marriott Coast Villas just in time to eat a homemade dinner with the whole Jackson family (minus Colby). Livy just absolutely loved being surrounded by 8 other kids who love her and wanted to play with her. It was so fun to watch her run around with them and play. Wednesday we spent at Disneyland, and loved every minute. Yesterday we took it nice and easy. We exercised, went to the pool, took naps, and ate a big dinner with everyone. Then we got the opportunity to be apart of Josh receiving the Melchizedek Priesthood. Bob and Sue got special permission from their stake president, so they had each brother take a few minutes to share some thoughts and scriptures they had about being an Elder, serving a mission, and holding that power of the priesthood. It was so special to be there all together as a family for that moment.  

Then today was still pretty chill. We had a slow morning, took some family pictures, went to Avila El Ranchito for lunch. It was awesome authentic Mexican food. We came home, took naps, the men went golfing, we helped with dinner, then we had a Princess birthday party for Ella's 4th birthday. Livy was so obsessed with the princesses everywhere.  

I just had to throw in these crazy pictures of Livy. Her new favorite game is "sleep". She makes mommy go to sleep, then daddy, then grammy, grandpa, and anyone else in the room go to sleep. Then Livy goes to sleep. She shuts her eyes so tight, and it makes me laugh so hard every time. It's the cutest thing ever. In this picture Livy is asleep, and so are Mickey and the gang. 

 Beach day tomorrow with the Grows and Perdues! Yay! 

Disneyland

What a day. A perfect day. Livy had no idea what was coming. She's been so in love with Micky & The Clan the last few weeks, and especially the princesses the last few months. So we knew she would just be in awe, and boy was she ever. My mom got her this cute little Minnie dress to wear, and we got her some ears, which didn't last too long, but were still too cute to resist. We left just after 7:00 am this morning to make sure we were there as soon as they opened. We went with Ryan's entire family (except for Colby), so all 21 of us went around Disneyland together and had a blast. 

Apparently the Jackson men got the green polo and khaki memo.  

Livy has loved playing with her cousins Grace and Viv. They're so careful and gentle with her. They love to take care of her, feed her, and play with her.  

As soon as we walked in to the park Mickey was just feet away! So we jumped in line to snap a photo with Mickey. Livy was star-struck. It was the cutest thing ever. When we walked up to him, she didn't know what to do! She just shyly smiled and stared. It was darling. 

Livy was so excited to see Minnie too! She saw Minnie, pointed to her dress and said, "Two Minnie's!". When it was our turn to see Minnie Livy walked right up to her, then stopped, and cried. It was pretty funny. Needless to say she was pretty excited to see Minnie.

Of course we had to get some yummy Dole-Whip. (Pineapple soft-serve....De-lish!). It was soooooo hot. So we were so grateful for a little snack to cool us off. 

We went on the Jungle Cruise, and Pirates. Then apparently while we were on Pirates there was an earthquake. So most of the rides were closed for a little while to make sure they were still working properly. Then we went on Indiana Jones, Small World - which Livy just sat, stared, and loved all of the little people. We grabbed some lunch, then went on the Buzz ride, which once again, Livy loved finding Buzz and Zerg while Mommy and Daddy shot all of the signs. Finally Livster fell asleep, and slept for a solid hour! It was great. She woke up just in time to see the princesses. It worked out perfectly.  

We absolutely LOVED going to Disneyland with family, and especially loved going as parents to see little Livy's eyes just light right up. She was almost speechless the entire day. There was just so much to take in, and it couldn't have been any better. We left at about 4:00 and went to Cheesecake Factory for dinner. It was a great day, and we can't wait for a few more days here in beautiful Newport Beach. 

The Duck Pond

We went to the duck pond last year with Addy & Savvy. It's fun to compare and see how much they've all grown up! It was a perfect summer morning. The girls loved watching the ducks and turtles. Livy loves any "Savvy-Addy-Aunt Nen-Mimi" time she can get. 

I thought this was so funny. This silly little duck is sleeping while standing on one foot! Impressive if I say so myself.