California 2011

We decided that summer isn't summer without a trip to the beach so we did just that...took a trip to the beach AND we talked the Bryner's into joining us which always makes for a good time for all! We stayed at the "La Costa Resort" in Carlsbad. We got a great deal on our room and loved staying at such a nice place.

First stop on our trip was the "San Diego Zoo" which was incredible! I had only been once when I was 12 and on vacation with all my cousins, but had been previously promised "Six Flags", but ended up at the zoo. You can imagine the attitude we had at the zoo wasn't the best(you should see the picture of all nine of us with scowls on our faces...so spoiled!) It was a real treat to return and enjoy myself so much.

The animals are SO interactive here! I swear they are robots :). When you are used to walking through a zoo at 100 degree weather to see napping animals you would think the San Diego animals were robots too, though.




It was an awesome day and we will go again for sure!

"La Costa" has a live band several nights a week and large common area which makes a perfect scene for people watching, eating and dancing. Our kids--especially the one in purple--LOVED the dancing part!



We also played tennis, visited the resort pool and devoured some yummy treats during our visit.

Now for the reason for our trip...the BEACH!



It was cold, but the kids still had a great time and I STILL managed to get sunburned despite the 75 SPF slathered all over my it's-so-white-it's-translucent skin. :)


Loved catching sand crabs!



Finally, the Roper's cannot visit California without a trip to Disneyland, right?

Awesome as always, we love being at Disneyland and know why it is deemed the "happiest place on Earth." As far as we are concerned, it most definitely is!