We spent 2.5 days at Legoland to start things off. Christmas day was more crowded than Christmas Eve day, and there were lots of Asian and Indian families there who I realized probably don't celebrate Christmas. We never waited long for any rides though.
Sister liked the Duplo play land and its train:
She was a little creeped out by the snowman in the special snow play area:
but more comfortable sitting amongst the Lego Friends girls:
Don't let the picture on this tame kiddie ride fool you--2nd Brother rode all the rollercoasters several times with no fear (1st Brother agreed to try one the last day but it didn't open in time).
The boys at the Lego model of their birth place--see the Embarcadero fountain in the bottom right that had to be shut down for awhile because homeless people were pooping in it?:
Were you aware that Lego Simpsons exist?! I just had to buy a mystery mini figure bag and got Chief Wiggum:
We decided to do the full experience and stay at the Legoland Hotel, which really added to the fun and was all about families with kids. We swam in the pool Christmas Eve, had a delicious breakfast buffet every morning, enjoyed the disco music in the elevator, the electronic whoopee cushion, the themed room with cool Lego models and separate kids area, early entrance to the park, etc.
The lobby had several pits of Legos to build with and this cool castle to play in:
Our family elf, Midgie, did manage to find us and leave pajamas on Christmas Eve (or in 2nd Brother's case, a robe since he often sleeps only in undies). We watched the David Archuleta/Piano Guys nativity video that night too so we didn't forget the real reason for Christmas. Short and sweet and very well done.
Part two of our trip included a reunion with my best friend from college who I hadn't seen in about 6 years. We visited her family at their house and had a great time. (Of course, I have no evidence of this because I'm lame about taking pictures. Should have done that in hind sight).
The next day, it was on to a couple of Mormon sights. The San Diego temple was jaw-dropping:
And the Mormon Battalion historic site in Old Town was fantastic! It was inspiring, informative, and the kids got to pan for gold and pump water at the end:
The rest of Old Town was of most interest to me--lots of history, old houses, and Mexican souvenirs and food. Yes, please. I humored 1st Brother and went through the Sheriff's Museum where we got to take mug shots:
I was beyond thrilled to find this Day of the Dead diorama there, and I love the colorful angel ornament:
While she didn't get car sick on the drive down, Sister threw up twice on the way back, even though we gave her medicine beforehand both ways. We got home and realized we didn't have her most favorite Pink Bear (nooooo!), but the awesome Old Town Inn found her between the sheets of a bed and mailed her back.
Overall, I didn't miss doing an at-home Christmas, especially since most of our family members were elsewhere this year and it gave us an excuse not to accumulate (much) more stuff. 1st Brother said he likes both types of Christmases, so I think we'll be revisiting the family vacation idea in the future.
No comments:
Post a Comment