California!

We just returned from a week-long trip to California.  For three days, we visited Disneyland.  We kept the trip a secret from Avery.  However, since she had no concept of what Disneyland is, keeping it a secret was not difficult.  Another part of the secret was that Avery's best friend, Elise, as well as Elise's family, joined us in the park on the first day.  It was wonderful to watch Elise and Avery experience the park together for the first time.  Considering it was spring break, the lines weren't too crazy, especially on Friday.  Saturday was a bit busier and Sunday was quite busy.

Avery's favorite part of Disneyland was meeting the princesses and fairies.  We did book a lunch reservation with the princesses for Sunday afternoon, but Avery was just done by then. 

One of the few pictures with a Disney character.  Avery always wanted to approach them for a picture, but if she couldn't see the person's eyes, she would start crying if she was alone.

I think this picture really shows Avery's adventure-filled, happy spirit.

Avery in her Sleeping Beauty dress.  She requested a picture be taken on this post outside the park.

With Tinkerbell.  Avery LOVES Tinkerbell.

Best Friend Elise*, Rollin' Nolan**, and Avery.

Telling Princess Tiana how old she is.

Avery with Ariel (I think that's Ariel, right?  I'm still not great with the princesses)

The roller coaster!  Avery is in the middle in pink next to Damian, who's wearing black.  I'm behind them.

After Disneyland, Damian headed home to pesky work while Avery and I headed a bit further south to Oceanside (outside of San Diego) to visit my dad and his wife, Joy.  Avery's calls them Pop Pop and Pop Pop Joy.  Since we were in the San Diego area for two full days, we hit Legoland one day and Sea World the other.

Inside a Legoland.

Pop Pop (Megan's dad) and Avery at Legoland.

Avery and Pop Pop enjoying some music in Legoland.

Avery really liked the statues made of Legos all around the park.

I didn't take many pictures at Sea World, but I did take a few that morning before we headed out. Most were in a parking lot.

Avery flipped her hat backwards.  I think it suits her!

Avery creating a "collection" while we waited in a parking lot. Rocks and nuts and one screw.

Avery loved to put on Pop Pop's hat!

* Avery still calls Elise "Friend Elise"


** We're trying to replace "Baby Nolan" with "Rollin' Nolan" since Elise & Nolan will have another sibling joining their family come August. I do fear, however, that Nolan will forever be "Baby Nolan."