The Happiest Places on Earth

After Utah, we hopped in our rental car and drove to California for the next fun leg of our summer trip. On the way, we picked up Lauren in Vegas.

Although Kyler had been to Disney World when he was a tiny baby, he obviously appreciated Disney much more this time -- he especially loved 'Small World.'

Lauren and I had to recreate this picture that we took at this same spot 16 years ago!

We have changed just a little in those 16 years! This picture hung on my fridge for years!

After Disneyland, and a wonderful visit with some old friends, we traveled up the coast for Dave's family gathering at Carpinteria State Beach.

Dave's family has been gathering generations of cousins and friends in this small town for the past 30-plus years. This year's gathering may have broken a record for the amount of kids ages 10 and under.

 



This year was particularly fun for Dave as he was able to convince his two best friends from high school--Bob and Eric--to join in the fun. Dave has met up with Bob, maybe only three times, since high school.

Prior to the meeting, the duo set up their daughters as pen pals. Aubrie was thrilled to meet her pen pal in person.

It was also fun to see Eric's three girls and one boy match up with our kids.

Ellie and Tori were insperable -- and despite the height difference, they are actually the same age (Ellie is even a few weeks older!).

One of the kids' favorite parts of Carpinteria is the candy shop -- Robitaille's.

Well, and another favorite is boarding with Daddy.

And jumping the waves.

We love Carpinteria! 

Enjoy the highlight reel!