Californ-I-A!

Max had never been to the ocean before and he was really looking forward to seeing and playing in it.  We went to Newport Beach and spent a few hours there before we headed home.  Max had been watching "Shark Week" prior to our vacation and he made Drew promise he would punch any shark in the eye that tried to get him.  

 We got there and he was jumping up and down in anticipation, waiting for us to haul all of our crap out of the car.  We finally found the camera and told him to go for it! He squealed the entire way down to the water and he could have cared less that the water was freezing.  He was in heaven.  

Hudson was less than entertained with the freezing water and the bright sun.  His favorite part was most definitely squishing his chubby toes in the sand.  

Please ignore my scrawny legs in this picture.  I'm just glad that he was offering my crotch some necessary coverage as dad captured this moment. 

It was my first time being at the beach and actually getting to play in the water.  I was equally as excited as Max was, and the two of us went on a sea shell hunt down the shoreline. 

Trying to get Max to hold still long enough for a picture was a chore.  He wanted to spend as much time in the water as possible and wanted to race the waves with Drew. 

I wish this picture was a bit more clear.  The look on his face was pure joy and that made the entire trip worth it.  

I'm not kidding when I say that Max would've been completely satisfied if we had skipped Disneyland and spent the entire time at the beach.  Just ask him what his favorite part of the vacation was, he will tell you THIS!

Poor Hudson spent most of his time hanging out in the shade of the umbrella with Dad.  

After our picnic, Max and I spent some time playing in the sand.  He didn't have the patience to build a sand castle but as any 5 year old would, he thought getting buried in the sand would be the coolest thing ever.  

Mr Max got caught getting the sand out of his crack...

 We did manage to get one family picture before we left.  Such a fun day at the beach and the perfect way to end our vacation.  We went back to Eldon's, showered and ate, then spent the entire night driving home with 2 exhausted children.  

Military Ball

I had never been to a military ball, and Drew surprised me with tickets to this year's ball at Thanksgiving Point Barn.  Some of the wives that I got very close with throughout the deployment came with their hubbies, and we had a date night (no army brats)!!! 

We started our night with dinner at Olive Garden and we felt like we were headed to prom.  Especially when we got to dinner and there were legit prom goers there.  We got asked by several people what high school we attended.  Considering the men were in full uniform, I was shocked that people still asked.  

We did have several people come and shake our husbands hands and thank them for their service.  I think that is such a neat thing and I love when people are bold enough to make such a gesture.  

 Holmans

Blunts

Worthingtons

Us wives at the ball.  I wish I had a picture where we were all looking the same direction.  WAY TOO MUCH GOING ON IN THERE!

Me and my sexy soldier.  I absolutely love this man. 

Another attempt at a picture, too bad the lighting was so off.  

We ended up ditching the ball since none of us are dancers.  Class A's, dresses, and all, we ended up at a movie theater watching Iron Man 3.  So glad that I have these ladies and gents in our lives.  We missed the rest of you tonight!! 

Happiest Place on Earth

Before Drew left for Afghanistan he told Max that we'd take a family vacation when he got home.  When he said DISNEYLAND, neither Max or myself let him forget it. 

Our first family vacation!

                           

The very first ride that we went on.  The look on Max's face is priceless.  

The Toy Story ride.

Hudson was able to ride on the majority of the rides as long as he was strapped to the front of me.  He was happy as a clam if he was facing forward, so forward it was!

Max spent a solid 10 minutes trying to get the sword out of the stone

Minnie's house

Max was most excited about meeting Minnie Mouse. 

Not sure why, maybe he thinks she's cute :)

 Our wait to see Mickey Mouse was the longest and Max was ready to move on by the time we got there.  Hence, the awesome face!

One of Drew's very best friends lives in LA.  They were kind enough to let us stay with them and he was our tour guide the entire trip.  His daughter Mia and Max were shy with one another at first, but they were best buds in no time.  

Eldon and Angie took Mia to Disneyland when she was about Hudson's age, and they took a picture with Mia in this same bucket on their trip.  

 5 months old! 

Pirates of the Caribbean

Watching the parade the coolest way possible

Hudson did amazing! I couldn't have hoped for anything more. 

Max got on stage at lunch and sang songs and did actions with the cowgirl.  He took it so seriously.  I have it on video, but I can't get the dang thing to upload.  

Mickey was a bit concerned about Drew riding his horse, but he figured out the only way to get him off of it was to take a quick photo! 

                                         

1 of the 2 rides we went on without any kids.  I felt weird without them!

Max really enjoyed the Pirates ride, I think we went on it 3 different times.  

I clearly cannot get enough of this sweet face. 

CALIFORNIA ADVENTURE!!!

I loved this park.  I liked the old school vibe, the clothes that the characters were wearing, and Cars Land (especially at night). 

Angie was able to get off work the second day we spent in the park so she was able to spend the day there with us! 

My buddy and I.  This is how we rolled for 3 days and my shoulders were pretty tired at the end of it all.  He looks all sorts of uncomfortable with the fabric up in his face, but he didn't have the strongest abdominal muscles at this point and he wouldn't support himself if we folded that down more.  

Oh my heck, that stache was killing me. 

 HOLLYwood! 

Max wanted to go on the Tower of Terror.  I tried explaining to him that it might be a scary ride for him, but that mommy would never take him on a ride that would put him in danger.  He was totally fine until we got on the ride...and then he panicked! As we are dropping he was clenching onto me and screaming at the top of his lungs, "I HATE THIS RIDE!" He cried for probably 20 minutes after the ride was over.  He is still traumatized by the experience.  

 This family vacation was our first opportunity to check out from the real world and simply enjoy each others company.  The last year was so difficult and took an emotional toll on us all.  We thought that it was completely necessary to reward ourselves with a fun vacation.  I love this man and I am so greatful for his selflessness and his determination to support his family from halfway around the world.  

 After 3 long days at the park (sun up to sun down), we told Disneyland goodbye.  

Until we meet again!