The End and The Beginning

Halloween came and went in a flash,

like the candy that's been in our treat bowl stash.

Cord was signed up for a class out of town

and we hate it when daddy is not around,

So, we decided that it would be very cool,

to go with Cord to L.A. as he did a week of school.

So, we packed up our bags, and put away our boots

for a week at the beach house in our swimming suits!

The kids were excited, for in the sand they love to play,

and I could read my book by the beach all day.

I love to take our kids out to learn and explore,

discovering new places is never a bore.

So, here are the pics from our outing to the sea,

I love spending time with my sweet family. 

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On the way down, we stopped in Las Vegas to sleep over and break up the drive.

I am always amazed at how good my kids are on road trips.

(It works out quite nicely, because I love a good road trip!)

Las Vegas isn't exactly kid-friendly, 

but, I love going to the Beligio to see their atrium.

In the true sprit of Vegas, it is always way over-the-top and totally fantastic.

Since it was the night before Halloween, it was 100% fall festive.

The pumpkin behind Natalie weighs 920 pounds! 

 

This "apple" was made out of fresh flowers.

They had "pumpkins" too.  They were made out of marigolds.

 

This giant apple tree told stories. 

The kids thought it was pretty neat to see the "Eiffel Tower" and the "Statue of Liberty."

We also got to swim at our hotel.  

Natalie has learned how to swim by herself with her life jacket.

The water was actually warm enough for me to get in as well!  Nice.

I wanted to do something festive on Halloween, and we found just the place for it!

The Irvine Park Railroad.

 

Readers Beware: Picture Overload Area

 

We drove into California to Irvine.

They have this cool park that goes all-out for the holiday.

There was a giant pumpkin patch that we wandered through.

We also found our way through the Hay Maze.

 

The kids favorite thing was to find these "picture places' and poke their heads

through the holes.  

 

Here is the "Haunted House."

Gage and Natalie casually walked in through the curtian at the entrance.

It didn't take long for the moody lighting, scary noises, and haunted music

to send them back-pedaling right back OUT of the building and into the safe outdoors.

 

Libby was brave and went through it twice.

Gage took these tractors very seriously...

We had a nice little picnic from the snack bar, because I was starving. 

And then we took a ride on the Haunted Railroad.

Cute Gage learned how to say, "Choo-choo!"

We had a nice 12-minute ride around the park and then through a haunted tunnel.

Nat didn't appreciate the tunnel.  :)

 

So, Halloween was officially celebrated!

 and there you have 

The End of our Halloween Adventures and The Beginning of our Vacation!

The rest of the trip will come later...