California Adventures
It’s our first trip of summer vacation! My husband and I grew up in Southern California where it was windy and warm year round, Joshua trees dotted the pink stuccoed suburbs, and spring fields of golden poppies blanketed the hills as far as the eye could see. Since we moved out of state, this summer will be our first time back to visit my folks with all 3 of our kids ages 6 and under. We wanted our kids to experience some of our favorite spots and meet the people here we haven’t seen for many years—skipping some of the commercialized spots involving theme or amusement parks and Hollywood in favor of hidden gems and wonderful people of the high desert.
Devil’s Punch Bowl
I went hiking here as a kid for a school field trip and all I remember is the thrill of all the lady bugs landing on me. My husband led the way since he remembered the trail from hiking here with his Boy Scout troop many years ago. Back then there was a creek at the bottom where hikers were rewarded with a cool splash before heading back, but we discovered it dried up in the drought after we got there.
There’s this display area before you go on the hike that helps you learn about the animals and plants you might encounter. We used to be able to hold the snakes so that people are more respectful of them, and hopefully less inclined to kill them just because you see them. The girls checked out the bees and different rocks, and we had a nice chat with the ranger before heading to see the owls.
These kids were total troopers! It was a warm day and a mostly kid-friendly hike in a 1-mile loop. My husband carried the baby most of the time while I made sure to hold various toddlers’ hands and help them climb or jump when needed. They loved snacking, taking frequent breaks in the shade, and getting squirted with water from Daddy’s pack.
Stopped by at Charlie Brown’s afterward to cool off with some (giant) Pineapple Dole Whip Floats and Hawaiian Shaved Ice! We were out napping for the rest of the day, haha!
Fourth of July BBQ
Took it easy on Independence Day and went to a family-friend’s annual party. It’s been maybe 10 years since I’ve seen my Auntie Rose, so we were thrilled to hug each other once more and to see her so shocked and delighted to hold my babies. Their backyard is amazing with a playground, pool, bbq area, covered patio, gardens, flowers and trees, and a space they’re converting to an outdoor kitchen. My kids had a blast floating around in the swimming pool, and all the fireworks from after!
Planetarium
Our little girl is totally into space and rocks, so we planned a stop at the famous Griffiths Observatory in Los Angeles. We probably would have stayed longer if we didn’t hike a mile up in the heat of day just to get there haha.
The planetarium opens at noon, so we left in time to arrive a little after that but we found out that there was no parking left when we got there. We ended up parking way at the foot of the mountains and hiking a mile up with our kids and the stroller just to get to the entrance. It was an adventure for sure since we weren’t dressed or prepared at all for a hike! On the way back down the mountain we ended up carrying a couple of our kids and sweating profusely in the summer sun.
We stayed for a fun demonstration of How to Make a Comet (or something like that) and L was paying close attention to the ingredients. She stayed afterwards to get a closer look at the one they had created and put in a bowl. We checked out how much we weighed on other planets in our solar system that had varying gravity. A trip to the roof meant a peek at the telescope which was not operating until nighttime, but we did see the Hollywood sign not too far away!
Beach Day in California
Going to the beach is a must on a California trip! We headed to Zuma Beach in Malibu, a good 2 hour drive away so we could go to one of the cleanest, most beautiful beaches for our little ones to play in.
Jer recommended we go in the morning next time so that the waves aren’t as intense for the kids—and the parking might not be as bad. Discovered that Big Brother is afraid of the ocean; he ran screaming when the water crept onto the shore and almost touched his shoes. Baby on the other hand couldn’t get enough of the water and kept trying to eat the sand!
Family Time
It’s super important to me that we spend quality time with family and friends back home when we visit. I was so happy to see my grandmother, and that she got to meet my little boys for the first time!
We took our kids to our first theater movie together for Incredibles II! Big Brother had a seat all to himself and looked so adorably small in it stuffing his face with candy and treats. Baby did well in Daddy’s arms.
My family was so great entertaining the kids and introducing them to different foods. They set up a tent in the backyard and the kids camped out there with their snacks, sleeping bags, and even a little fan. They love their grandparents and all their uncles and aunts who give them so much love and attention. I miss them already!
Love, Kat
