We are blogging from vacation in sunny California, and Arizona. So far the trip has exceeded expectations for travel with five little kids. Once we checked about 30 pieces of luggage( okay 9) the flight was good, and we arrived without too much fanfare. We spent the first three nights with my sister Deb and family, who went way out of their way to make sure we were pampered. The girls even had matching tricycles purchased for their arrival. Lots of R&R, a few cocktails, and trips to the beach and Knots Berry Farm were a few of the highlights.
Ella immediately took to her "new friend" cousin Brooke, who is 14, and just perfect in Ella's eyes. Since our departure from Orange County she has been asking when we will see her again.
All of the girls were terrified of the 6 lb dauchaund who cannot see, hear, and has no teeth. Poor Ginger Keller dog has no idea why there were little people running the other way whenever she entered the room.
Most of the adults made it to New Year's midnight west coast time, and the kids enjoyed their first taste of sparkling cider, and toasting at midnight Chicago time. It was a fun night, and there are rumors that Kevin and Mike will find other things to bet on the next time we visit so Kevin can win back the $20 he lost on the time it would take to burn the huge log-- men and fire, I will never quite understand where the pyro thing comes from.
We then traded hadley for Riley for the next leg of the journey. Hadley made the road trip to Phoenix 2 days ahead of the rest of the Hilbrants. Riley was a great replacement kid, keeping Ian happy, and making us change fewer diapers at the zoo. The kids all agreed that the Pandas were the greatest thing at the zoo, which is nice, as it was not something that we can repeat at Brookfield when we get home. Makes it more worth the money we spent to see something different.
Other than a long drive from Phoenix to San Diego with Jilly deciding to wig for the last 60-90 minutes, we are here in one piece. Upon our arrival, however, Holly made a mad dash from Hobbs the cat, and took a header into a coffee table, ensuring the permanent forehead scar that most of us have from one childhood trauma or another. The boys were perfect in the back of the van thanks to those great folks from Nintendo.
I should probably get back to the family now, and update more tomorrow.
Theresa
1 comment:
Wow--looks/sounds like a great trip! Love the pictures by the ocean. By the way, YOU look GREAT! (I wish I looked that good after delivering two babies, and you've had FIVE!)
Enjoy your warm weather time--the midwest is looking forward to highs in the 20's this weekend. Happy New Year!
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