On Sunday we decided to take it kind of easy - do a bit of sightseeing but mainly just hang out. After a late morning start, we headed out to check out Santa Monica Pier with Paul and Ang.
The pier from the shore
Cameron and Uncle Paul walking down the pier
We headed to the end of the pier first, despite the kiddos really wanting to stop at the amusement park. We told them we'd stop on the way back.
Grumpy Leah
The girls (and Aaron) hanging out
Big brother pushing his sister
After checking out the view from the end of the pier, we headed back to the amusement park, Pacific Park. We all decided to ride on the big Ferris Wheel together.
Aaron's first amusement park ride! He also had lunch on the ride. :-P
Cameron and Aunt Ang checking out the view
And what an awesome view it was!
Daddy and Leah
Looking out to the end of the pier
And south towards Playa del Rey
Rides were pretty expensive so we let Cameron and Leah each pick out one ride. We walked around and showed them what their options were. Leah, being the decisive little girl she is, picked immediately. Cameron was waffling about what ride he wanted to go on so we told Leah to go ahead and go on her ride.
It was one of those rides that goes up and down (the bigger versions make it feel like you are falling). Leah thought it was great. This picture makes me laugh because you can barely see her on the ride, she is so tiny. She loved it though!
She was so excited when she got off the ride that she convinced Cameron that he wanted to go on the same ride. He got into the line and when he gave the operator his ticket, the operator asked if Leah wanted to ride again. We said we didn't have another ticket for her, but the operator said he didn't really care and she could ride again. So she did.
Cameron enjoyed the ride and Leah loved getting to go on it again.
After the pier we were all hungry so we headed to a restaurant down in El Segundo called Rock & Brews. It was a really cool place - picnic tables, great food and a huge selection of awesome beers. They also had a kids play area with a climbing structure and coloring sheets. The kids and the adults had a blast at this place!
After lunch we went back to our apartment while Paul and Ang went back to their house. They were going shopping for dinner. We had a surprise for the kids back at our place. One of Leah's favorite daycare teachers, Miss Amanda, had moved out to LA a few months before and Leah really missed her. We got in touch with Miss Amanda while we were in LA and set up a time to meet her.
When she walked into the apartment, Leah was so excited but a little shy too. Then she went running into Miss Amanda's arms and snuggled in for hugs. It was really sweet. There was a playground right down the road from our apartment so we walked down there together.
Cameron helped Leah on the swing
Then jumped on one himself
Miss Amanda pushing Leah on the swing
Cameron and Miss Amanda. She was his teacher in Toddler 2 too, and he was also so excited to see her.
Leah didn't want to say goodbye, she was so sad. Miss Amanda started to leave and we told Leah, if you want to say goodbye, you need to say it now. Leah jumped out of Tim's arms and went running back to Miss Amanda and gave her a giant hug.
Miss Amanda and Leah
Palm trees on our walk back from the playground
We went back to the apartment and grabbed our stuff, then headed to Paul and Ang's house. Ang made us sushi for dinner - it was so amazing
Vegetarian sushi
Pretty colors, delicious dinner!!
Place settings
Cameron and Leah's designated spot at Uncle Paul and Aunt Ang's house - on the couch watching one of Uncle Paul's movies.
After dinner we hung out outside. Yes, we are trying to get Aaron to ride Riley. Riley wasn't a big fan of it. Aaron didn't know what in the world was happening.
Cameron hanging out with Uncle Paul
Leah fell and hurt herself, so she got a baggie of ice. She ended up playing with the bag way more that she was using it to make her boo boo feel better.
Playing with one of Riley's toys
Mama and Aaron snuggling
The kids loved, loved, loved playing with Riley. And he was such a good boy playing with them too.
Hello cute baby!
We headed back to the apartment pretty early that evening (well, early compared to other nights - it was still probably 9 or 10pm). We were waking up early to head to Disneyland the next day and Paul and Ang had to work. The kids were sad to leave Uncle Paul, Aunt Ang and Riley but were almost bouncing out of their seats with excitement to head to Disney.
