Hi everyone! We just got back from a wonderful month long vaca...ok, well it's been a week, but it's taken some time to get settled and arrange the thousands of photos! We had such a great time visiting family and taking one road trip after anther. Jake surprised us and traveled really well as long as the snacks were plentiful and yummy.
Here goes the play-by-play:
We flew into Vegas and met up with Chris' family for some fun on Lake Mead. It was HOT with temps nearing the 120s so any type of water sport was more than welcome. We water skied, wake boarded, tubed, as well as some rock jumping.
This tube was amazingly fun and impossible to flip over even with all of my father-in-laws speedy tactics. Once we ruled out the possiblilty of falling off Jake came aboard for a troll behind the boat and was all smiles.
Jake did alright on the boat although the life vest was extremely confining he seemed to enjoy all the action, especially with his Uncle Kevin attempting to do 360s on his wakeboard!
Chris rocks on the ski and as soon as he cuts the glassy waters the rooster calls:)
Auntie Kate, Jakers and Myself heading in for the night.
We stoped by the Hoover Dam and were shocked to see the new bridge currently under construction (pictured behind us). The Bridge is remarkable and your stomach drops just looking at it. It looks like they plan on using that for future traffic flow as the dam is quite conjested with looky-loes like ourselves.
After a few days at the Lake we headed back to Santa Clarita to visit Chris' grandparents and the Davis clan for a few days.
Then back to Vegas for Kevin's 21st B-Day. GGma & GGpa offered to watch Jake for a few days which was such a treat for Chris and I and I know that Jake loved the quality time with them as well.
Drinks and gambling ensued and luckily we came out almost even in the end.
One of the days Kate, Kristen, and I went on a roller coaster ride day as we tryed to hit all the major roller coasters on the strip. Thomas and Chris braved some, but left the daring one to girls. The Teeter-Totter is a ride that sits atop the Stratosphere and catapults you off the top then free falls a few feet for the kicker. Eeek, that was the favorite as the fear level was peaked and the view of the lit up strip was unforgetable.
We took a gondola ride at the Venetian Hotel and it was such a treat. The Hotel is really spectacular with sky painted ceilings and Venice canal decor.
Then we headed to Long Beach to visit my Mom.
We went to the boat races one day which was insane as these little cracker jack boats raced by right in front of us and flipped over numerous times. It was definatley an action packed event especially since Jake wanted nothing more than to get into the water.
Another day we headed out to the Orange County Fair and hands down it was the best fair ever! The petting zoo was great and we literally had to pry Jake's fingers off the bars to go see the next animal. He showed no fear or intimidation even when this pictured cow put her face right in Jake's...I freaked and was ready to grab him, but he stood his ground and simply loved the animals.
My B-Day gift was an Olympus underwater camera that we put to use in Mom's pool. It is no bigger than your normal 12 megapixel camera and needs no extra casing. We goofed around the entire day making videos and taking various shots underwater...great times. Thanks babe.
Time for antoher road trip! It's crazy how a 8 hour road trip turns into a 12 hr one with a one year old in the car:)
We went up to Chico, CA to visit my Grandmother, Aunts, Uncles, and cousins. Marcy and Kadie (my stepmom and cousin) flew in from Florida for the trip as well.
My grandma lives up in a small mountain town and it was so nice to enjoy the lofty views, fresh air and wildlife during our stay. The downside to this quaint community was that there was not a signal to be found even if you were standing on your head with your phone stuck between your toes..believe me we tried it! No internet, I would rather go without oxygen!
So the place to go in Chico was the Chico river and Jake loved it. We floated on tubes, threw rocks and just relaxed.
The downside to this heavenly spot was that the trail leading into the river was overflowing with poison oak. Even with the most watchful eye..we got it. Jake was lucky and thankfully my lifting and blocking skills spared him, however Chris seemed to get it the worst and it is still speading now. Itchy scratchy and a pain in the a$$!
Oh! There was another down side to this spot especially for the boys who decided to skip rocks for a half an hour. Ticks live under the rocks....Chris got one. Not only was the tick scary, but we had no internet to tell us which ones passed Lime disease and how to remove it! We opted for nail polish on the but to sufficate/kill it and let the ER doctors remove the critter. Gross I know, but an unforgettable moment for sure.
Marcy's dog Bently with his 'doggles' on. Hey, it got Jake's attention mid tantrum.
My beautiful cousin Beth just had little Joshua 2 months ago and it was great to catch up with everyone as well as get some pictures.
After a week up north we headed back down to Santa Clarita for some more family time.
'Papa' (as Jake has decided), Jake, and GG-ma
We were headed to bed and then Jake and Gma Kim decided to take one last dip in the pool. He had a blast.
One night all the brothers were able to gather gear and play a game during stick time. Handome Hockey players.
A couple days before we left Chris, Jake, and I took a day trip up to Santa Barbara. We went to the zoo and were greated with 60 degree sweater weather!! The zoo was great with lots of exhibits, rolling hills, and a view of the ocean.
In this picture we were actually feeding the Giraffe's. You pay $4 for 3 pieces of a Giaffe cookie and they lean in, stick out there purple slimy tongues, and eat it. So fun!
Then after a great 4 weeks back home visiting tins of family we headed back home.
It didn't take us long to get back to our Hawaii roots as we hit the beach and a triathlon the next day.
I competed in the TAG the world chrity triathlon last weekend and was doing great, unitil the bike. I suddenly began to hear a VERY load clicking noise and luckily it wasn't until the bottom of diamond head when the tire poped due to an open safety pin. I haven't chnaged a bike tire in at least 3 years and never during a race, needless to say 15min later I was charging up the hill again. By some miracle or possibly a timing glitch I ended up 3rd in my div. and only realized it as Chris heard my name being called as we headed to the car. Lesson learned, never count yourself out.
Chris is busy back at work and school starts up for him this week. He only has 4 more classes to go! He will be traveling a bit next month, but hopefully can knock out one class at a time.
No walking for Jake yet. He has all the strength necessary, he just isn't ready to let go and take off on his own yet. Everyone tells me to not push him and count my blessings that he isn't independently mobile yet, but I can't wait until finally takes those steps.
Hopefully everyone is well and enjoyed their summer!
