CA Beach Trip 2014- part 1

Last week, we returned from another fun-filled two weeks in California!  We spent the first week at the beach house and enjoyed great weather and time together as a family.  I labeled this post "part 1" because I have too many pictures of our two-week trip to fit on one post!  Enjoy seeing the highlights of our first week in CA...

just off the plane and meeting Uncle Phil, Aunt Lauren, Charlie & Ethan for breakfast

happy cousins! 

trains with Sam

Grandpa took us out to Yogurtland so Jackson could try the pistachio frozen yogurt.  Continuing their love of all things pistachio :)

enjoying yummy froyo

stopping for lunch on our way to the beach house...at, where else?!  In N Out!

We have arrived!

the kids are Ready for sun and fun!

they didn't waste any time getting wet

morning walk with Grandma & Grandpa

Jackson loves setting up the pinwheels and watching them spin in the breeze.  He has done this every year since he was a baby!

Lily was a boogie-boarding machine this year!  So fun watching her catch waves and enjoy the ocean.

Grandpa was a crack-up.  Splashing the grandkids and joining in on water fights.

   

Jackson was having a difficult time finishing his spaghetti.  Instead of listening to the never-ending battle of the wills between he and I, Grandpa intervened by pouring some syrup on it.  It was gone within minutes. Couldn't help but laugh as I remembered this scene from the movie "Elf".

watching a sea lion catch a fish breakfast, while the seagulls try to compete

building sand castles

hanging out with Grandpa

sand dollar hunting with Daddy

found a crab!

the tide was high this year, so it left some huge sand bars for the kids to jump off of 

painting bird houses

watching sissy boogie-board

Jackson mastered the "beach nap" this trip.  He plopped down about the same time every day and had a nice siesta under the sun. 

chill time in the beach house

making our tie-dye tshirts for our family pic

Daddy sharing snacks with Charlie & Ethan

Uncle Phil surfing, Aunt Sarah, and Daddy boogie boarding (L-R)

took a day trip to Leo Carrillo Beach to visit friends and stopped for lunch at Neptune's Net

building sand castles with the Leo Carrillo group

family picture

Branson 2014

This past weekend, we headed down to the KOA in Branson for weekend of camping fun. We recently bought a used travel trailer and were itching to take it on a fun family trip!

Here we are just as we arrived....do you think we are ready? :)

This was our first experience camping at a KOA.  The family-friendliness was the highlight as our spot left much to be desired.  We literally were feet from either neighbor, and from the restrooms (building directly behind our camper).  We discovered there were spots with more space but they were also more expensive so we made do.

There was a pool with a slide, so we spent quite a bit of time here!

This "jumping pillow" was also a highlight!

We had full hookups so we tried out the shower/tub for the first time.  Success!

Lily is finally at the age to pack her own bag.  This was her idea of "camping pajamas". Notice the slippers! Haha! Like her mama, she was apparently ready for the "glamping" upgrade to our new camper :)

Another highlight, a workout gym right next to the restrooms!  While I spent some time on the treadmill, Daddy cooked us a fabulous breakfast

morning time at the park

We headed out to the fish hatchery near Table Rock Dam and fed some trout

Lake Tanneycomo, watching the fly fishermen.  Daddy was disappointed he didn't bring his fly rod! ;)

Out of all that we experienced, mini golf was at the top of the list as a favorite.  

Jackson was hilarious.  This was his "stance" while golfing.  So glad we didn't have to yell "Fore!" at any point during this game. :)

Lily did very well and was great at keeping score!

Since we were out and hungry, we decided to hit up Yelp for a suggestion on a good cheap local place to eat.  We discovered Billy Bob Dairyland...known for good burgers, onion rings, and fried pies.  They did not disappoint!

Table Rock Dam

Dewey Short visitor center

Making electricity

Although we fought off random showers, overall we had good weather!  What a fun trip and great time in the new camper!