Family Fun Week - Day 1

I really wanted to take my kids on a vacation this year, just our family.  And I really wanted to take them to Disneyland.  Unfortunately, our budget wasn't on the same page as me, particularly because of this:

So, I decided we should have a super-duper staycation.  Brian has this whole week off and we have a whole week of jam-packed family fun planned.  We kept it a secret from our kids and told them this morning at breakfast. Trent was still a little sleepy and didn't show quite the same level of excitement as Ashlyn, but he warmed up after just a few moments.  Luke had no idea what was going on.

We only told the kids what we were doing today and we will tell them each morning the plans for that day.  Today's agenda went like this: Thanksgiving Point Farm, movie Monday lunch at Schmidts, Living Planet Aquarium, and Herriman "beach".

Thanksgiving Point Farm was just as fun as it always is, the highlight being the pony ride and wagon ride. 

We went to Schmidts pastry cottage for lunch and ate our food in their banquet room while watching 'The Lorax' on their big screen.  I don't know how often they do movie Mondays, but it was great.  I didn't know if we would make it through the entire movie, but the kids hardly moved.  I need to find out when they are doing it again because going out to eat with four kids is hardly ever a pleasant experience, but it was today!

Then we were off to the aquarium which we hadn't visited for a couple years.  We really enjoyed all the new exhibits.  Ashlyn tried and tried  for about 40 minutes to pet a sting ray, but no such luck. They wouldn't come close enough to the edge and her arms are just not long enough. That was the low point of the day.

After the aquarium we made a pit stop at home to change into our swimming suits and pack dinner.  Then, we were off to the "beach"!  Ashlyn and Trent have been asking for some time now to take them to the beach.  Well, this is as good as it is going to get for now.  It's just a man-made reservoir with sand around 2/3 of the outer edge.  Brian and I were both pleasantly surprised at how much fun it was.  The kids had a fabulous time, especially Luke who has no fear at all. (Note to self: make sure Luke is wearing a life jacket next time!).  We will definitely be going back again, SOON!

Luke may have suffered from a slight case of hypothermia.  Poor kid didn't want to get out of the water even though he was turning purple and his whole body was shaking.  The original plan was to stop and get a Jamba Juice on the way home, but the kids voted for hot chocolate instead.

On the way home we talked about our day and I asked the kids what their favorite part was -
Ashlyn: "Seeing the horses at the farm."
Trent: "Doing flips at the beach." (Thanks daddy)
Luke: "Beach!!"

After a warm cup of cocoa, a nice warm bath, and bedtime stories, the kids are all sleeping soundly.  I think we wore them out!  And the fun will continue tomorrow...