A & E's Adventures: California Adventures: Mission Viejo

Our journey began early on a Sunday morning, though not quite as early as we'd planned. We'd decided we'd leave when Evan did his first wake up - usually around 3:30-4am, because we (I) we're nervous about how he'd handle the long drive. However, give it to Evan to chose that night to be the first time he slept 8 hours! He woke up at 5am, surprising both of us, which meant for a later start, around 5:45.

Luckily he was a fantastic rider - this is what he looked like almost the entire drive! He slept solidly until we hit Blythe, and he woke up just in time for breakfast.

Then back in the car, and back asleep! He slept another 2.5 hours, until just before we got on the Toll Road (about 30 minutes from my parents), when everything suddenly became NOT OKAY. Evan went from happy to crazy screaming in a split second. Strategic use of the pacifier and "Baby Beluga" helped us make it to my parents without having to stop again. Total travel time was 6.5 hours with only one stop! A great way to start the trip.

Once we got there, of course Evan had to be passed around (and once he ate, he was happy to be passed)

His grandparents were, of course, thrilled to see him.

Later that afternoon, my sister and her family arrived. It was so fun to introduce Evan to his cousin Amelia,

and his Uncle James.

Of course, the puppies couldn't get left out.

Amelia loved playing with the baby, "petting" him and reading him stories.

One thing we did while in Orange County was visit the Discovery Museum. All but my dad were able to go. We we're most excited about the Mythbusters exhibit that had been advertised, but enjoyed the rest of the museum as well.

Evan slept through most of it while we were exploring.

We especially enjoyed upstairs, where they had displays for all the 50 states. This display for California got us excited to head north for the rest of our trip and see that beautiful central coast.

And of course, we had to visit our state's display.

We went out to our first "fancy" meal with Evan, which I was a bit nervous about, but which went great. It makes things much, much easier when you have 4 extra adults willing to walk around with a squirmy baby.

Everyone got some quality Evan time while we waited to eat.

Ed and I also too Amelia for a walk while waiting (with Evan in the wrap). It was fun to imagine what it would be like as a family of 4, though we're happy to wait a while until that happens :).

Afterwards, we grabbed dessert at the nearby Baskin and Robbins - a perfect end to the evening!

Our other big adventure was Evan's first trip to the beach:

We found a spot with a lovely view of the San Clemente Pier

that was also perfectly shaded - excellent especially for the little ones in the group.

Evan enjoyed napping while Amelia dug in the sand.

Once Evan woke up and ate, we had fun playing with him.

And, as we started to lose the shade, we enjoyed dressing him up for the weather.

The pants looked pretty ridiculous, but gave him plenty of coverage for his lower body.

Soon, though, Evan got tired, so we headed out for a walk on the pier. As soon as we had walked over there, Evan promptly fell asleep, making me increasingly grateful for my ring sling purchase, which served me wonderfully on the trip.

We walked out to the end and took in the beautiful view. Ed and I reflected on how we forgot just how much we loved the ocean.

Afterwards, we grabbed lunch at a restaurant on the pier, and topped off the meal with their infamous mud pie. We had fun teasing Amelia that we were eating real mud, but I don't think she believed us :).