SoCal

We spent over 2 weeks in Southern California visiting Kevin's parents, and we had a blast! We were busy visiting with family, friends, and acitivities:

Papa and Grandma

Playing at the park:

Swinging in the backyard:

We got some time with Aunt Tracey -- Rainey loved helping her with this project:

And we got to see Ben and Alex -- always a good time!

A major highlight was Disneyland. We went with Kevin's mom and without E -- both huge.

Of course, we started with the princesses just after a carousel ride. You wait in line not knowing which 3 princesses you get to see.

waiting patiently

When we turned the corner, Rainey's excitement about finally seeing princesses decreased quickly because there was Tiana, a princess we have never discussed -- I've never seen "The Princess and the Frog." Rainey began a bit scared and not so sure about this princess thing -- Tiana was a good sport, especially as I carried the conversation and stood next to her for the picture. You can see the how Rainey finally gained her confidence and excitement back as we progressed through the princesses.

It was fun to see her so happy in the end -- what makes it worth waiting in lines as a parent:

Next, we went to Toontown and Rainey LOVED that!

We especially enjoyed Minnie and Mickey's houses:

Just before the roller coaster started -- she loved that she and Dad had matching sweatshirts.

We got to meet up with her cousin Chad -- he helped boost her energy because she was ready for her nap at this point.

We did It's a Small World twice because it was so fun. It still had Christmas decorations and songs -- much less repetitive. =)

Going home -- definitely ready for rest:

but not without a souvenir:

Kevin left for China for a week, and so the fun continued. We had perfect weather, and enjoyed being outside, visiting story time at the library, and going to Pretend City:

waiting to go in playing w Grandma

planting in garden writing her name

dancing on the pretend stage E sitting in a crib in the pretend house

Sweet sisters:

Rainey feeding her a bottle for the first time all by herself: