{California Vacation}

Fair warning, I’m about to share vacation photos. But there’s a lot of cuteness here, so I promise not to make it too painful for you all. 😉

For this year’s Thanksgiving celebration, my brother Peter and his girlfriend Erica decided to host a whopping 45 people at their home just an hour east of Los Angeles. I’ve been to California several times, but not since they bought their house, and not with my little family. It was our first “real” family vacation. We spent a full week soaking up 70 and 80 degree temperatures, seeing extended family, taking Molly to her first Disney experience at Disneyland, and enjoying a busy but unbelievably fun week with some of the people we love the most. And while I was too busy stuffing my face to take pictures of the amazing meal Pete and Erica put on, I have to give them a special shout out for being such amazing hosts for the week, and allowing the group of not so quiet (ok, not even a little quiet in any way) family members into their home.

Here are some of my favorites from our amazing vacation!

This is literally my brother’s backyard. Sigh.

The last time my family spent Thanksgiving together was 24 years ago. We could not pass up the opportunity to take some formal family photos while together. The photo on the right is my mom and step-dad…aren’t they adorable?!

It’s not often I get in front of the camera but I just love this photo of my mom and I with three of my four brothers. I am so blessed to have these guys in my life.

And now I give you a step-by-step reaction of my daughter’s first view of the castle at Disney. 🙂

Yes, folks, this is the love of my life. He wears pink Minnie ears, and a binary “dad” shirt, and he melts my heart every day. (He may also kill me for posting the ears, but I couldn’t resist!)