With a husband still in school, our vacations typically rotate around school holidays. And while we’re off on a different vacation I’ll tell you about soon, here is a better-late-than-never recap of our recent spring break trip to Southern California.

We started off with a much-overdue trip to Disneyland and had a magical time. It has been at least 10 years since my last trip there. A lot of sights seemed familiar, but a lot seemed very new too.

Disneyland!!!

We arrived as the park was opening and went on nearly every ride that we could. (There are a handful of rides—most of the cool ones and any that have the word “mountain” in them—that pregnant ladies can’t ride. Thanks, baby.) We ended up staying nearly 15 hours and by the end of the evening, we were exhausted! Yet, we can’t wait to get back there!

We met Pluto! (We were there just before Easter, hence the ears)

Cruisin’ through the “jungle”

Princess time at the castle

An all-you-can-eat BBQ feast in Frontierland

Storybook Land canal boat ride

We found several City Halls (a vacation must for me…) Here is Toon Town’s City Hall!

One of the mountain rides Michael and I couldn’t go on

Brandon found a bench! (Another vacation “must” for us…)

We took our time travelling up the coast, with a visit to Hollywood Boulevard and the Walk of Fame. We happened upon a filming of a magic show called “Don’t Blink.” We couldn’t find it online, so I’m not sure if it really exists. If you’re familiar with it, let me know. And watch for us in the background. I’m in a long, flowy pink dress! Next time we’re going to go on one of those tour buses of celebrity homes.

“Don’t Blink” filming

…And hung out with Shrek

Saw one of Brandon’s hero’s stars

Who is one of both of our hero’s stars? (Get it?! Jeopardy!)

And a stop in Ventura for lunch and a stroll along the beach with one of Brandon’s aunts.

Ventura Beach. I do love the coast!

Rock sculptures at Ventura beach

We spent the evening and following morning in Santa Barbara, exploring the courthouse and the stores and seeing some more family. We didn’t spend enough time there, and we definitely hope to return sometime soon.

The view from the wharf in Santa Barbara

We continued our voyage north, to Solvang, to visit Brandon’s grandpa. Solvang is a quaint town with shops, restaurants and winery tasting room after tasting room. We didn’t drink wine on this trip, but we have in the past and we definitely will in the future. Solvang is in the Santa Ynez valley and there are tons of wineries and tasting rooms there.

Solvang!

Glamour shots outside of the Santa Inez mission in Solvang

I hope to have some quality writing time soon, so don’t be a stranger and come back soon!