Soladay Family Caliventure Part 1

There is no possible way to fit the immense amount of

fantastic family "moments-to-remember"

in one single post, so I'm breaking down the fun for you, my wonderful blogland friends!
Get ready for more pictures than you ever wanted!

It was awesome.

It was incredible.

It was beyond our expectations.

It was 4 kids, 2 adults, countless roller coasters,

water rides, shows, food, beaches and family bonding

with the occasional fit and fight both to be expected when

4 boys spend 10 consecutive days together

competing for their parents' attention
and their siblings' acceptance.
All part of life...all part of being a family.

It was a vacation, an experience, never to be forgotten

because that's how our family rolls!

We arrived in Orange County via the John Wayne Airport on June 12th, and once the plane's wheels touched ground in California, the fun began in full force!

The boys managed to find a spot to throw the football...shocker...while Ryan took care of our rental car!

Finally the car arrives...just a little excited.

Carter telling me he loves me with one of his crazy Silly Bands...sweet boy.

While in Orange County, we had the pleasure of staying with Ryan's grandmother, MeMa Dee Dee, in her absolutely incredible home in
Cowan Heights. More on her later...she is precious inside and out.

Okay...one word for her casa...AWESOME.

Check it out:

Can you say "epitome of California architecture"?

I did. Every time we pulled up in her driveway. Beautiful.

Love the ivy growing all over. 

Moving on to Disneyland!!

We awoke bright and early the next morning and head out for Disney which is only about 15 minutes from MeMa Dee Dee's house.

Hopping on the bus to the park!

Goofy boys!

Ryan pointed this out to me, and I couldn't help but laugh. Such good posture, Preston!

We're here! Let the parrrtay begin!!
You can see Carter's camera in his hand...we bought each of the boys their own to take pictures of whatever they wanted throughout the 10 day trip...Carter's camera was full by day 2. Good job, bud.

Time to hit the rides!

We interrupt your regulary scheduled program for a classic video...Behold the reaction of 4 boys after riding the above roller coaster:

Picture breaks!

"Ain't no pouting in Disneyland, Carter!"

Our boys!

Together we make a family...

One of the many things I learned on this trip...it is very difficult for little boys to stand still while waiting in line:

Just sayin'...

Ryan had the great idea to give each of the boys a $100 giftcard for all of their souvenirs throughout the entire trip. I am thrilled we did because it saved a lot of headaches, not to mention it was a good lesson in economy for the boys since they had to keep up with how much they had left to spend as well as make certain to spread the money out over 10 days. At the end of each day, we took them to spend some of their loot.  Disneyland brought lots of goodies...starting with the Penny Arcade!

Time to add to their penny passports!

Yummy!

Just what they needed....a sugar FILLED straw.

Why I love my husband:

Waiting for fireworks!

Trysten wearing his snake....this is so T! Sweet boy!

It's been a long day...=)

It's time!

Love these 2...

Goodnight, Disney!

Thanks for the memories...

Happy Monday, my friends!

We're Back!!

We're back!

We had a ridiculously good time!!!

Lots of pictures to come,

but for now...

a video with a sneak peak into

all the fun!!

It's Friday!

It's Friday!

It's the last day of school!

Summer starts at 3:00 PM today!

Can you hear my excitement!!?

I am off now to celebrate with my fantastic 5th graders, followed by

happy hour

with my fellow teacher peeps and a weekend alone with

my sweet hubby before...

The Soladay Caliventure
on Monday!!!

Happy Friday, friends!!!

Memorial Day Weekend Recap!

What.an.awesome.family.weekend.

There was tons of baseball, food, laughter, nighttime golf cart rides and swimming.

Pure bliss, and a fun filled preview of the summer season which officially begins at 3:00 PM Friday afternoon!

We were on the go all weekend long, so let's get this show on the road...starting from the beginning. Seems logical to me.

On Friday, Ryan and I attended the surprise 30th birthday party my sweet brother organized for my absolute favorite sister-in-law, Jennifer. Love her!

Ben and my precious mother...When I took this picture, my mother said, "Why do I have a feeling this is going to end up on your blog?" Here it is, Mimi!

Jennifer and her mother. Beautiful.

Jennifer, Taylor and I.

Two of my favorite boys!

My brother...one of my very best friends. Love you, Ben!

The obligatory kissing shot...could he be any more handsome!?

Happiness.

Is it any coincidence that the camera became more and more blurry as the night went on?

Moving on.

Most of Saturday and Sunday was spent at Preston's baseball tournament. It's always a good time with the baseball crew! The kids...and parents...had a blast.

My boy!

It was a little warm out there. Ryan brought wet towels in our cooler to keep the boys cooled off. Such a sweet daddy.

Lots of this took place between games:

I love Preston's team. The boys are so good about "patting each other on the back" when they make a good play.

We had a lightning delay at one point...which meant heading to the car until we heard the "all clear".

Good times...not sure what all was happening in there. Scary.

Lots of sad little faces when we lost...

But like Coach Mike said, the boys had a great time!

Look at Carter right in there with the big boys.

Throughout the weekend, Ryan and I worked on a few things around the house.

We had this in the kitchen old house...it's kind of become our family's mantra.

We might not be the "traditional" family, but together...we definitely are a family...

Love this man...

Just sayin'...

I finished the pillow. Simple. Classic. Love monograms.

Few more favorite spots

Some of our memorable bottles...from the trip when Ryan proposed, from our amazing honeymoon in Mexico, housewarming gifts from our first home together. Wine corks from special times, and the wine stopper with our initials from Ed and Carol. I love decorating with things that have sentimental value.

Moving on...again.

On Memorial Day, we went all out with ribs, brisket sandwiches, barbecue beans, potato salad, fruit and fun at our neighborhood pool. Yum!

Doing it like the Soladays do!

When will this child ever let us take the life vest off?

Look at the determination, people.

My fair-skinned child. Can I just put a wet suit on him?

Preston taking a break. It's a rough life for these kids.

What.an.awesome.family.weekend.

Another busy week ahead! I'm attending a breast cancer benefit with some neighborhood ladies tonight...so excited and wish you were here to go with, Carol...getting together with a dear old friend tomorrow, prepping for the Soladay Family Caliventure, end of year parties...It's madness!

Happy Tuesday, friends!