Wrapping up our trip ~Sept.4-7th

The next morning we enjoyed the perks having help with childcare. Ann, our parents and younger kids had a day at home while we took the van to visit Universal Studios for the first time. We were quite happy with the decision later on not to have brought Nora, as it really isn't meant for five year olds.

 Checking out the Citywalk area on the way in.

Everything here was about simulated rides, and so I rode on things I usually wouldn't for the sake of my teen boys. The transformers ride was terrifying and not so great for Scott's back. Actually, none of the rides were!

Here we are soaked after coming down a huge waterfall in Jurassic Park.

Many opportunities to pose for pictures, although I wasn't too into photos today.

 Although these guys I like.

 Where we ate lunch.

 Waiting in line for the Studio Backlot Tour.

 Experiencing a flash-flood.

 Narrowly missing an encounter with Jaws.

 Norman Bates at the Psycho hotel.

The Waterworld show was likely more entertaining that the actual movie was years ago. So glad we weren't sitting in the soaker zone! There was a lot of special effects and action which they guys enjoyed.

The Animal Actors show was a bit calmer.

Photos at Scott's insistence that we pose on the red carpet. :)

 The best souvenirs ever... a giant donut from Springfield,
 and a Bohemian Minnie found at a Disney outlet on the way home.

 And it was very tasty, too!

While we had been away that day, the rest of the gang enjoyed the pool, ate a lot of the food in our fridge and went out for pie at Coco's Bakery nearby. Apparently Nora went out as Jessie, from Toy Story 2... pretty funny!

Saturday was a lovely day as my cousin Karla's family came to meet us in their two vehicles, to help transport everyone to a local beach for the day. Crystal Cove is past Newport Beach, and is usually quite sheltered. This time there was a high tide warning in effect so it made for an interesting time of moving our stuff back frequently to prevent it being washed away. We also needed to be more vigilant in watching our little ones.

 Sebastian and Nora got along well in the sand.

 Jonathan enjoys Dad.

 Aiden loved his swimwear.

 Thomas scared us a few times.

Lewis was less adventurous.

 Abby growing up so quickly.

 Izzy's treasure...

 Scott enjoying his camera.

 Our day here really made us feel like we were in California.

 With Karla, Aaron, Haven, Sebastian and Jonathan. So kind of them to take us out.

Sunday, Ann was brave enough to travel to San Diego with her three kids, renting a car for the day to do so. (We had been there 2 years ago, and it is a lovely place.) They had a long but good day.

We attended church in two different places, and then Mom and I did some outlet shopping. For our last meal out we went to the Cheesecake Factory, which is always a delicious experience.

We had a fantastic vacation. Sunday night was spent madly packing, which was not so fun but necessary. We all headed out Monday morning, with Ann staying at a hotel near the airport for one more night. Looks like Aiden could get used to this life...

 Back to Winnipeg, to rest and get ready for school.