For Dan's 39th Birthday I decided to take him for a get away vacation, with the help of my sweet friend Kelly who watched Sam for us.

Our first stop was to the Santa Barbara Mission.

After visiting the mission, we arrived in Cambria where we found a hotel next to the ocean.  We got an ocean view, for which I'm glad.  The rainy/windy weather made the waves incredible as they crashed in the rocks. It was fun to watch.

There was a boardwalk just across from our hotel, leading to the ocean. The flowers and everything were so beautiful.  I have to admit it was weird not having Sam there but it felt nice to just be us for a bit.

The next day we took a tour of Hearst Castle. This was quite an amazing place which was way over the top!  But hey, I wouldn't complain if it was mine.

The backyard view.

Front entrance to Mr. Hearst's house (summer house,) the main house was in NY. 

Front sitting room.  Usually where his guests would entertain themselves with puzzles, poker, music and what not.

Dining room.  Mr. Hearst would fly his guests (usually famous somehow) to his castle on his own plane and then dinner would be the usual time, at which he would join them.  Then they were usually left on their own with the other guests to entertain themselves with all that his castle provided.

If you sat at the middle of the table near Mr. Hearst then you could consider yourself important.  If you found yourself towards the end of the table, not so important.

Part of third floor, near Mr. Hearst's and his girlfriend's room. Not many people were allowed on this floor.

Pool #1

Tennis court 

Pool #2~indoors

After the castle just off HWY 101, there is a location that you can find these Elephant Seals lying in mass just being LAZY.  It was pretty darn cool.

After that we made our way to Solvang.  This is a small danish community with lots of shopping for souvenirs and Scandinavian food.

Ebelskivers and sausage. Yum!

Another place we were told to stop by was Buell so we could try their Famous Pea Soup.  Not too bad, but I don't need to go back.

This was our driving view on the 101 during our trip, pretty amazing.  It was ALOT of water and beautiful at that.  I loved the trip and I'm pretty sure Dan did too.  But we were also so glad to get back to our Sam.  Although, he was pretty content with my girlfriend by having a several day party/sleepover with his little buddy Eddie.



Ma and Pa Bean Come to Visit

This month of March we had my little sister and her husband come to visit and now it was my parents turn. Sam was more than delighted to have all this company (attention.) We took them whale watching, just as we had taken Ashley and Jordan.  My parents loved it! 

We also took them to my favorite mall in Irvine and rode on the Ferris wheel and enjoyed crepes for lunch.

Sam's 5 Part Two

For Sam's 5th Birthday we wanted to give him a big friend party. He chose a pirate theme, so pirate is was. Yo ho!

With a little help from Pinterest for ideas and a great brother and sister-in-law to help get it all set up, we were ready for a party!

This is where the boys and girls became a pirate, everything that a pirate needs.

My sweet friend's daughter walking the plank. When they were not walking the plank they could dig for the hidden treasure in the sand.

What would a pirate party be with out a real pirate, so we hired Jack Sparrow to make an appearance at Sam's party. The pirates were ready for the entrance of Captain Jack Sparrow.

Sam was sworn in as a pirate captain and then all his friends were sworn in as crew members.

Jack reveals his pirate chest that carried little treasures he had brought for Sam.

All of Sam's little pirate friends completely enthralled.

Sam was given special items he needed to be an official pirate.

After Sam was given the magic key to unlock all locks they were off on a hunt for treasure .

The loot was found and the treasures revealed for all!

Jack Sparrow taught Sam and all his pirate friends how to sword fight like a pirate. What little kid would complain that he gets to have a few stabs at Jack Sparrow?!

A little red light green light provided some fun as well.

This is where Jack disappears. After the b-day song was sung by all, he slipped out like a mysterious pirate. The kids were all so amazed and they left with an unforgettable memory of Captain Jack Sparrow.

Sam's 5 Part One

Why does it seem that when a birthday rolls around it's a week long celebration? Well Sam's birthday started off with the celebration happening at preschool. They invite the parent to attend and enjoy the day with their child.

On every kid's birthday they get to pick out their favorite flavor of cake and frosting for the felt cake and the class sings happy birthday to them. Little Red of course picks chocolate cake and frosting.

Sam also was able to bring a snack to share with the class. His choice, pretzels and chocolate gold coins.
The next day on Sam's actual birthday when he came down stairs, he found the table filled with fun gifts and the house decorated just for him.

Sam's choice of breakfast, Eggo Waffles and bacon.

Sam has been quite the daredevil when it comes to the rides at Disneyland, but not so much to talk to any Disney characters. I brought Sam to Disneyland for his birthday and on the way there I told him since he is 5 now maybe he will be able to talk to the characters. When we were just about done with the day at the park, he saw Pluto and he said, "Hey Mom, there's Pluto I want to go say hi." It blew me away and I didn't even have to stand by him or hold his hand while he talked to him. My little boy really is growing up!

For Sam's birthday dinner we decided to take him to the Costa Mesa Rain Forest Cafe and his cousin Johnny, Uncle Jeff and Aunt Jenny joined us.

Sam's dinosaur balloon made for him while we were eating dinner.