What a way to start the year!

So, like usual, I will warn you that this is a long post, and it should be as our year has started off with a bang! As it had been 4 months since our last Disneyland trip, I was going through withdrawals and decided to make a trip of it. The children traveled well, and I am so blessed to have them in the car every time someone tries and gives me a speeding ticket. They get me off the hook - LOVE IT! The first day we spent playing at Grandma's house in the beautiful backyard and at the park. How can you not love Grandma's house.....

Later that day, we went shopping and just HAD to go by the beach and stop and see the birds...a must for my children, not so much for me. The birds, I mean.

The kids loved sitting in the middle of the seagulls as they swarmed us for crusty old hamburger buns and Luke was so jealous, he just decided to eat them. Sorry, Sarah. I just couldn't stop him! It was better than sand! And I just don't know what it is, but my children just love the beach no matter what time of year it is. That must be the Grandma and mom in them.

Then, as Cole and Kate wandered a bit, they told me there was a chair on the beach. And of course, I thought beach chair, but they meant differently....Here's what they found....and Kate wanted to take it home, of course.

They also found at the beach this fun little toy - thanks to Luke and thought it was pretty cool to crawl under and get pictures as they all tried to get their heads out on hole. Unfortunately, the camera lady wasn't fast enough to catch all of the mobile subjects at the same time. Don't worry, she got demoted. Here's the best she could do.

The next day we spent the day at Disneyland but I put the pictures out of order, so you get more pictures, this was just the day after Disneyland. The children wanted more beach time and so we headed to Aliso Creek beach for digging, rock climbing and sun with Grandma, Sarah, and Luke. We loved having the company and spending time with our family. Unfortunately, our wardrobe lady forgot to pack swim suits, she got demoted too, and so the kids had to make due with the clothes they were in.

Cute Luke Boy just loving the beach!

Cole climbed to the top of the big rock and thought he was hot stuff. He's becoming so independent! Kate climbed up there too, but her mom just about had a heart attack as she got so close to the edge that she forgot to get a picture of her up there. Oops!

Then near the end of our stay, Grandma suggested that the children play in the toxic run off water coming from the city because it made this huge cliff they could slide down into the freezing cold water. They will probably be stunted for life but heck, they had fun while they were doing it! Cole even found friends that he hooked up with and went down the beach with. Grandma had to real him in as it was time to head home.

Then it was off to a beautiful day at Disneyland. We missed our daddy this trip but we loved having our Grandma, Grandpa, Luke, Austin, and Sarah join us! It's amazing...I find you say Disneyland and there is always someone wanting to come. I LOVE IT! We spent the day getting our book signed by every princess and character we could find in the park and still had time for every ride desirable. The park wasn't too crowded, the weather beautiful and the company perfect. We ended the day in California adventure, and Cole convinced me one more time to end by going on the tower of terror. This time, however, he actually mustered up a smile for the camera!

Grandma and the girls

What luck! We got two for one!

Mickey is always a must!

Kate let Bert sign her book, even though he's a boy, and Cole was cool enough to get his picture.

I think this was Kate's favorite part, getting to see Rapunzel, her beautiful hair, and give hugs. She was one happy girl!

Casey Jr. is always a must! And we got lucky enough to get the caboose!

And even though we may grow up, we Dunyons are just big kids!

A few weeks after our return, we celebrated Cole's birthday on Saturday. We gave him options of what he could do for his birthday and he chose a bowling party with his cousins. Most of them were able to join us that afternoon, on his birthday, Feb. 12, and we bowled! We rocked and we rolled and we bowled all afternoon. They had so much fun and by the end of the afternoon, the boys didn't want to leave. They bowled to the last possible moment, the girls, on the other hand, found the sharpie marked to be quite entertaining as they drew on their soda cups and hands.

Part of the bowling crew

Megan and Lizzie picking out balls

We were even lucky enough that Grandpa came over for work and he finished his project just in time for a little R&R at the bowling alley. We are so grateful and lucky to have Grandparents who live so close and are willing to come and CELEBRATE GOOD TIMES - COME ON!

Grandma, Kate, and Paige

Jarem was calm, cool, and collective on the lane, just like his father. Trigg, on the other hand, it didn't matter what he bowled down, he got excited about it all!

Janee and Paige

Lizzie even tried bowling and LOVED it! Of course, she got a little help from Grandpa, Kim and mom. She couldn't understand why she just couldn't throw balls whenever she wanted, go figure!

Kate tried bowling for a while and then decided that the air blower on the bowling ball collecting thing was much more fun to play with!

And here is the man of the hour - the birthday bowling boy!

Then it was time to head back to the house for Beef Tacos - Cole's choice - cake, and ice cream. The kids loved playing outside and eating outside in the backyard as the adults enjoyed conversation inside. Cole, the child who really doesn't like any kind of cake, as we are discovering one birthday at a time, asked for a bowling cake. Here was my attempt this year. It was a delicious cake, and the cake maker did keep her job for another year. The kids thought the best part was the "bowling balls," which were Sixlet candies, and yet, we striked out again with getting Cole to like cake, even though it was Texas sheet cake this time!And of course, there is always blowing out the candles on the cake....and yes, everyone did have a turn!
Then it was off to the presents from generous family and friends. Cole loved his games from his Grandmas and his new Mario shirt from his Aunt Kim and cousin Nathan. He has so much fun he didn't want anyone to leave. We are so blessed to have such great family that we spend time with and who help us celebrate each occasion. Each person makes it a perfect celebration.
Now who could ask for anything more? Food, Family, and Fun! Thanks and good night!