Simply Lou: Cali

We had so much fun during our recent California vacation. We headed to Cali for 10 days - woohoo. I think that was our longest Californian vacation yet. We kicked things off at a beach house in Sunset Beach with our Canadian friends who have three young boys. Then headed inland to visit with all of my family. It was a great combination of a sun-filled beach vacation and quality time with family.

Along the way, we celebrated Emma's 2nd birthday with a celebration at GG's house (my Grandma Jane) and a family party at Nana's house (my Grandma Judy and co-hosted by Grandma Shelar, my mom). Emma also had a table of 9 family members (along with several wait staff) sing happy birthday to her on our last night in Cali. Emma loved all the extra attention and of course the extra treats!

Here are some of the activities Emma enjoyed during our California adventure:

Flying like its no big deal;
Playing, watching, and following the boys around the beach house and beach;
Making lots of crafts with Aunt Bonnie;
Learning how to use an iPad and an iPhone;
Getting her first haircut at CoolCuts (such a cute business - I want to open one!);
Getting a tan and lightening her hair with the sun;
Going on a family bike ride along the boardwalk with our Canadian friends using a 8-seater tourist bike;
Winning tickets at an arcade and getting a fake Barbie doll as a prize;
Eating at Papa and Mama's favorite restaurants;
Requesting pancakes for breakfast, over and over - I guess its her favorite;
Enjoying all kinds of desserts - churros, ice cream, gelato, cake, cookies, etc.;
Going shopping;
Going swimming in four pools - she couldn't get enough;
Crying because she couldn't go swimming while at dinner overlooking a pool;
Enjoying quality time with Aunt Lindsay and Uncle Coco (her face lights up whenever she sees either of them);
Hanging out with her newborn baby second cousin - and by hanging out, I mean she was sooooooo happy to be near him, touch him, cuddle him, and kiss him;
Playing with bubbles, sidewalk chalk, and all kinds of other fun toys with Grandma;
Making cookies with Grandma - an all time favorite activity;
Sleeping on a sleeping bag for four nights (by choice);
Playing at a couple of parks;
Pooping in her cousin's tub - oops;
Having enough of restaurants;
Going everywhere with her birthday balloon from Grandma - the obsession lasted a good 24 hours; and
Playing with my families' dogs - cuddling the calm ones and throwing balls at the hyper ones;