Getting back to normal

After being gone for a month the cupboards were pretty bare. Yesterday I went to the market and got some basics like eggs, milk, bread. I made a kind of Jambalaya out of a Spanish Rice mix. I added kielbasa sausage and peas... Ethan really liked it, he ate until there was no more. I will have to remember that one as a super easy dinner.

I just finished putting the chicken for tonight's dinner in to marinade. I'm making Easy Picnic Chicken, again. This recipe is so easy. I just put everything into a Ziploc bag in the morning & throw it into the oven on a foil lined baking sheet in the evening. Easy Picnic Chicken Recipe.

Water Fun

Yesterday we went to Legoland with Robert's brother and family. The boys had a wonderful time. I probably won't get that day blogged until after we get home, Meanwhile here is one picture from the day.

This photos of Robert and Ethan building a sandcastle was taken at Dana Point on Thursday.

Cousins

Robert's brother, Adam, and his family have come to join us at our timeshare for a few days. Ethan loves to get to play with his cousin.

They were watching Hotel for Dogs.

Sun On Water

Taken from our balcony tonight.

At Our Timeshare: I love this place!

We've been enjoying every minute here at our timeshare in Carlsbad.

Nice ocean view

We're right above the flower fields which are not in bloom right now.

I love having a fireplace in our room.

One of the walkways with a firepit.
Here are photos of the family pool and splash pad.




Playground


There's also an onsite restaurant, basketball court, shuffleboard, Olympic swimming pool, fire pits, BBQ's a picnic area, Fitness Center,Game Room & Arcade. We love it here, it's so relaxing and family friendly.

A Pool, Two Boys & Their Papas: July 15

Becky and Dave had Dad, Ethan and I over for a fun day of swimming, they invited their grandson as a playmate for Ethan. We all had a wonderful time!

Disney's California Adventure - Saturday July 18

On Saturday we got to go to Disneyland as a family, but we chose to spend most of the day at the other park, California Adventure. Robert had never been and Ethan couldn't wait to take him to Soarin' Over California.

We got a Fast Pass (reservation to stand in the short line later in the day.) Next Ethan and Robert played in the Redwood Challenge Trail, my back was hurting this day so I found a nice shady place to sit and watch them.

After that we headed back to the Paradise Pier and rode another of Ethan's favorites Midway Mania a 3d Video ride-thru game featuring the characters from the Toy Story movies.

Family Photo with Mater and Lightning McQueen from Cars.

Ethan wanted to take Robert on the River Rafting ride so he and Robert went on and got SOAKED. I sat on a nice bench in the shade and stayed dry and un-dizzy (last year I discovered this ride spins too much for my comfort.)

Next we had ice cream sundaes at Bur-r-r Bank Ice Cream - The entrance is thru the automated doorway of a train car.

We rode Monsters Inc spent some time in the Animation Station, visited the winery where they now have models, artists drawings, and videos to show some of the attractions now under construction for California Adventure. We went to Bug Land - then it was time to head over to Disneyland and stake our claim for a spot to watch Fantasmic and the fireworks.

After Fantasmic (which never fails to thrill) we rode The Pirates of the Caribbean and Star Tours.


It was past midnight and we were exhausted by the time we left the parking structure, but we hadn't eaten dinner so we went thru the drive thru at In-N-Out. It was a great family day. Really great!

Don't pass up a chance to eat an In-N-Out Burger. Don't bother with the fries, just get a cheese burger and a shake... you'll be in hamburger heaven.

Carlsbad, California

We're now at our timeshare in Carlsbad and having a wonderful time. Dad is heading home tonight so tomorrow we will be car less. Hopefully I will get a chance to post some pictures.

So far:
Monday - welcome breakfast & grocery shopping, spent most the day at the family pool and splashpad

Tuesday - Robert made us a big gigantic breakfast. We drove out to the Steam and Gas Powered Engine Museum in Vista. We stopped for ice cream in the marina at Oceanside then headed down to the water for wading and sand castle building. Got home in time for the wine and jazz night in the lobby - but we're all doing showers, first.