Coons Connection: They're HOME!

After three LONG years, my parents are finally home!!!! We were so excited to go to California and welcome them back, needless to say June was a very long month. Jane and I flew down to California the day before, and Andy Dallas amd Lucas drove down the day before. My parents had purchased a car in Utah so the boys got to drive down.

On Saturday June 29 2013 we woke up eager to get ready and go to the airport. The night before we made signs and all tried to get some sleep. When we got to the airport Jane didn't know what was going on! She was couldn't figure out what all the squeals of delight and excitement was all about.

Waiting for Grandma and Crampa to come home!

Me and my sweet girl!

We had a photographer come to the airport and take pictures of everyone... our reaction as they came down the escalator, first hugs, group pictures... etc. But we don't have them yet! So I will do a separate post once we get them.

In the meantime... here is the rest of our vacation in California!

One morning we had an hour to kill before the girls day at the salon so we took Lucas to the tide pools.

And to see the "Pirate" ship, also known as the Pilgrim. In the 4th grade we went on a field trip to the pilgrim and spent the night as a class to get the feel of crossing the seas. Lets just say I am glad I was born in 1986 :)

Our kids love aquariums. Like LOVE. We have been wanting to take them to the Aquarium of the Pacific for awhile, but never found the time. So we made sure to go visit since Disneyland is way too busy in July.

Touching Sharks

This was probably the kids favorite part. We went through this tunnel where the sea lions go over and under.... then when you come outside you can see them jump out of the water. They seriously sat here and watched for a good 20 minutes.

Lucas loved this little spot because there was a moving magnifying glass so you could see all the fish in great detail. Jane wanted in on the action too.

One of the highlights of the trip was meeting Sara Grace! My best friend from high school had a baby in February and I have been dying to meet her! I was so so excited to catch up with Abby and spend time with her sweet little one.

Jane and Grace- Best friends in training!

Four girlies!

Lucas has been talking about going to the Angels game for months. The time finally came! Andy bought him an Angels hat and we got a sitter for Jane so we could enjoy the evening. Much to our surprise we lasted all 9 innings!

My cute parents. So happy to have them home!

Cotton candy! Lucas favorite part of the night. (He had a pink AND a blue!)

Happy to share with everyone.

My cute mom :)

This was so cute. All night these teenagers were throwing these balls in the crowd and all Lucas wanted was the ball to come to him. I think he thought it was part of the baseball game. Finally in the the 8th inning it came to him! He was seriously so happy. He held on to it and we said, "Lucas, throw the ball!" And he hit it will all his might and everyone around us started cheering. It was so cute. It honestly made his night.

4th of July brought us to the pool and a BBQ. Jane thought the rings were the latest accessory.

That night we went to the sports park in downtown San Juan for fireworks. Traditionally they have one of the best fireworks shows in Orange County. Not this year! They had some major technical difficulties!! We still had fun, but I think next year we will try Ladera.

Cute patriotic kiddos.

Carnival Rides

What is a California trip without the beach? We had so much fun hanging out at the beach. Lucas was in heaven! He loved the ocean and the sand. A huge improvement from last year.

Andy burying the kids.

The best part about the trip was this was the first time that Lucas and Zane really got along. They were so cute together and every time they saw each other would say, "ZANERS!" And give each other a bear hug. And everyday since leaving California Lucas has asked for Zane. And Chuckee E Cheese.