Laguna Niguel

 The Saturday after Christmas, we had the chance to head to Southern California for some sun and relaxation with Caleb's and Marci's family and the DeGraws.  The kids did great on the drive.  We had some sleeping, some movies, some treats, and even some smiling.  DBNTAX rented a house for us in Laguna Niguel, not far Laguna Beach and Newport Beach.

Upon our arrival at the house, we soon discovered it left a little to be desired in the decor and cleanliness.  But the pool was awesome for the kids and it suited our need just fine.  The owner of the home liked to pop in for a visit now and again which was a bit odd.  His name was Chet.  Chet also promised us before our arrival that the pool would be heated so we could use it.  We actually couldn't use the pool for a couple days because it was quite cold when we got there.  Libbie and Mia shared a room with Lexi and Gabby. 

Mallory and Claire shared a room with Gav and Henry.  All the kids had a fun time staying up late, watching movies and chit-chatting. 

 This sweet exercise bike was in our room. Claire getting her sweat on before bed the first night.

 The crazy boys trying to settle down for bed.

 Playing games the first morning.

 Tyce and Finn were fans of all the mirrors and the giant circle layout on the main level.  They ran it all day I'm pretty sure.  That, and Tyce loved slamming the kitchen door which made the whole house shake.  Awesome!

 Creepy butler guy Tyce managed to crack on our last day there. Ooops.

 Lexi and Mia decided it would be fun to count all the mirrors in the house...50 mirrors. No joke.  They were absolutely everywhere.  Some people enjoyed checking out their sexy calf muscles in the mirror below the bar area.  Nice!

 In the front living room, the sofa table adorned these fabulous, giant wine glasses half-full of corks.  Drink much?  Chet also had a cork Christmas wreath on the front door.

Our first full day was Sunday.  We went to church right next-door to the Newport Temple.  Unfortunately the grounds were locked so we had to admire from afar. After church, we went to the beach at Aliso.  It was pretty chilly, but most the kids didn't seem to mind.

 Jaren got in the water very quickly.  He played soaking wet for a while and then decided to act like he had hypothermia for the rest of the time we were there.

 Beach baby.

Finn decided he needed a snack.  Shortly, he was swarmed by a flock of hungry seagulls. Dirty, grubby birds.  Look closely and you can see one of the flying rats chasing Marci and Finn. 

 The next day was much warmer so we headed a bit farther away to Crystal Cove in Newport.  We stayed a long while at the beach, soaking up the sun and enjoying the day together.

 Claire LOVES to collect seashells.  The shells at these beaches were kinda slim-pickens so we brought home A LOT of clams.

 Mia the mermaid.

 Beautiful Mermaids

 Marci took the kids on an expedition to check out the tide pools.  They had a great time searching for creatures.

 Wyatt and Jaren were content to play "mud monsters" by throwing wet sand at the ocean.

 Jaren never disappoints when it comes to trying "new" things.  Here he is tasting seaweed.  He's an interesting fellow.

 Oh look!  They found hermit crabs.  The thought it was THE coolest thing!

 Before we knew better that we actually shouldn't touch the stuff in the tide pools, the kids had a great time holding the little crabs.

 Everyone found an empty shell and checked out the crabs up-close.

 Wyatt tried to bury himself.  Pretty good.

 We braved a beach picnic despite the bird attacks from the previous day.  Luckily we had Wyatt and Finn to chase off the seagulls so we could dine in peace.

 After the beach,we headed to Ruby's for a famous shake.  They were quite delightful.

 And finally, the pool was ready for all to enjoy.

 Tyce "jumping" to Dad.

 Little cutie patooties.

 The next day, we decided it would be great fun to go whale watching.  Here's everyone just as our tour began.  We were sitting below deck to begin with.

 See, we're smiling! After a bit, we went outside to see what there was to see.  It was freezing cold and a bit stormy, but the dolphins leaping out of the water everywhere you looked made it all worth it.

 Look how excited they are!

 Nathan ended up taking the boys back downstairs because it was getting too cold for them.  I too got cold and needed relief front he wind so I went to join them a short time later.  As soon as I arrived, Nathan jetted out of there because he wasn't feeling well from all the rough waters.  Jaren was sleeping in the booth and Tyce wasn't entertained by the dolphins so I decided to stay there.  I very quickly began to feel ill, but I wasn't sure what to do with the boys while I went outside for some fresh air.  Caleb could see that I wasn't feeling great and offered to take Tyce, but he was already taking care of three of his own sick-looking children, plus Claire who was sharing a booth with him so I declined.  However, moments later I had to take him up on the offer.  I threw Tyce his direction and sprinted up the steps just in time to barf in the deck's garbage can.  It was quite humiliating as I saw people observing my retching.  Luckily, I wasn't alone in my sickness.  Within minutes I watched 4 other passengers throw up, followed by poor Wyatt.  Or should I say poor Caleb since Wyatt puked down below, all over the bench seat he was sitting on.  Caleb quickly returned Tyce to my care so he could clean up the mess.

 I'm smiling because I feel much better. And, can you see my barf can behind me?  Nearly all of our group felt quite sick.  Most our kids' faces were ghost-white or green. We didn't see any whales, but the tour company offered us a second ride for only 7 dollars. Ha ha. Wasn't that great of them.  Next time :).

Feeling ready to be off the boat.  

So happy to be on solid ground again.  But also needing a quick rest to regain some strength.

After our adventure on the boat, we decided to drive to L.A. so the girls could go to the American Girl Doll Store (one decision we regret on this vacation).  But anyway, Nathan was glad to learn this food truck was in the area.  They were featured on Shark Tank, and he's always wanted to try it.  He thought it was pretty decent.   It rained most of this day, the American Girl Store was crowded, and the traffic was insane.  Needless to say, we spent way too much time in the car for our liking.

New Years Day we went to Heisler Park to check out the tide pools. Again, the kids had a great time exploring.

Checking out the sea slugs.

Tyce was always content to splash and throw mud.

After the tide pools and another trip to Ruby's for a shake, we took a hike to a high point in Laguna Niguel.  It was neat to see the whole valley from one spot. We made it! Yes!

Our last day in California, we went back to Heisler, did some souvenir shopping, ate at Urban Plates in Irvine, and swam in the pool.  It was great to spend time together before the hectic tax season is upon us.