Ca-Tri-lina!

This past weekend we packed up the girls and ventured out for our first family vacation. Destination - Catalina Island! We loaded up bright and early Friday morning and boarded the Catalina Express!

 Addison was very curious about her new surroundings and learned a new word "Boat." She loved looking out the window and of course was interested in little Sis and what she was up to. It was a challenge keeping her out of the aisles but she met a lot of new friends. Luckily we sat by very nice people who didn't mind a babbling little chatter box!

But Addison did keep busy by coloring and reading books with her Dad!

Going to Catalina was really special. We have great memories of our time in Catalina. I first visited the island to help my good friend Colleen celebrate her bachelorette party. We stayed at an amazing condo where we decorated our golf cart, ate amazing food, danced, and hung out in the beautiful sun.. Hopefully we will all go back again together, only this time with our husbands and kids.... (or maybe just the mommies). We will see!

It is also special because its the place where Kevin proposed to me. He had high hopes that July day 6 years ago to ask me to marry him overlooking the island on our hike in the hills. Here we are at the beginning...

Looks fun! But he did not know he picked a pretty difficult uphill hike and with the hot sun we were sweating and panting (not romantic at all) so his plans had to change.  At the end of the day when we were riding our bikes we stopped to sit at "lover's point"and he finally asked me (not that I was anxious or anything after waiting 6 years)! It was the best moment and for the record worth the wait.

What a great day that was! So this trip we not only came to Catalina for a mini vacation but Kevin was going to race in his first Sprint Triathlon. This was exciting and something that he can cross off his to do before 30 list! This triathlon is a 1/2 mile swim, 15K bike ride, and a 5K run. You may be thinking how in the world did he find time to train for this if he is working 70+ hours a week, not to mention a newborn! Well he is creative, swim before work or after on his short days, he would run with the girls, and bike with a friend or go when the kids were napping. We would often all go to the park and he would train then meet up with us on the playground. What he did worked because he rocked this race! Here he is pre-race in his swimming gear!

 Go Daddy Go!

 You couldn't ask for a more beautiful day! Kev was in the first wave (the Elite and 29 and under group) and he is somewhere in that water. He said this was by far the hardest part of the race. He had to stop and catch his breath a couple of times and was a little startled when he looked down and saw a huge shadow (turned out to be kelp thank goodness). But as he put it he "survived" he didn't get eaten by a shark, drown, or get kicked! The swim was a success and next was the transition.

 Because this was his first race he had never done a transition, he had prepared though by watching you tube clips! But you couldn't tell he looked like a pro and I was happy to have caught him in action.

 Taking a well deserved little breather...The bench that he is sitting on he said saved him. Early in the morning he had picked this spot and he couldn't have been happier, it was perfect!

  Now it was off on his bike for the 2 loop course which was super hilly! Thank goodness we live in Anaheim HILLS and he had a ton of practice. After I took this picture we decided to walk through town  and cheer him on in the bike route.

We were lucky to catch this speed demon as he headed up one of the many hills. The smile on his face makes it look easy! Next time I asked Kevin to wear a bright colored shirt so I could see him from a distance. I took lots of pictures but sometimes it wasn't him especially during the bike portion when they go by so fast! There were lots of sleeveless Nike white shirts!

Another supporter took our picture while we cheered Daddy on!

Next was a 2 loop run, we were on a corner waiting anxiously to see him go by!

Addison was all smiles and giggles as Kev said hi to her! I think it was a good pick me up for him seeing us there and also knowing that he was almost finished!

Addison was super well behaved in the stroller and Reese didn't make a peep the whole race. It made having both of them very easy! This is the end stretch where Dr. Jones kicked it into high gear! It was like the good old days of racing J.J and all the other wrestlers at Toomey Field...

 Right as I took this picture they announced his name! (In the corner you can see his time). It was really exciting seeing him finish and reach his goal.

Right after the race Kevin said he felt good but was exhausted...

 Little did he know that his running around wasn't over!

We did get some good post race pictures!

Once the race was finished the rest of the weekend was spent walking around town, relaxing in the hotel, checking out the beaches, and lots of running after Addison. Being altogether was fantastic. Although at times it was a little crazy handling two under two we wouldn't have changed it for the world. The island is so pretty, you forget its only an hour boat ride away! Here are some of our highlights of the rest of our trip.

Walking on the Descanso beach as a family, it was beautiful weather...

While walking three deer came running by, it was amazing!

Fun Family photo

Our little thinker! What is she planning? possibly...

another escape! This trip we saw a lot of Addison's back because she was running away from us most of the time! She definitely has mastered the run and can be a quick little stinker!

 ohh but then she give us looks like this... such an innocent face! This is one of my favorites!

I look at this picture and think about how big she is getting. I cant believe it - she is growing up so fast. It is funny when you have kids because people stop us all the time and talk about their kids and give us advice.  We enjoy hearing the stories and it is always encouraging to hear about other experiences. When in public Addison is a little social butterfly and says hi to anyone that will listen. But beware once you engage her she is a friend for life. Kevin and I said many times while we were at Catalina how nice everyone was. We love this place!

Addison practicing her new word while pointing, "boat, boat, boat, boat, boat..."

                                        
Daddy celebrating his race with a little post beer!

 Remember don't drink and drive the BOB or you could end up like this!

 We loved this little playground it was the perfect size for Addie

I think Addison was pretty excited to spend time with her Dad

she was full of kisses for him the whole weekend!

So cute! 

We stayed at a nice little hotel right downtown. Having 2 little twin monkeys in our room was quite the experience!

Theses pj's were perfect for our sleepover! Thanks to Lisa and G for the special gift!

Last family photo - Addison is missing because she was fast asleep in the stroller

 and she just looked to darn comfty to wake!

We had a great weekend. Kevin and I joked on the way home that we needed a vacation from the vacation because we were exhausted. Addison is a sweetheart and Reese was great but together they can be a handful. We are learning to manage two little ones, eating out is still not what it used to be but we are adapting. It's fun to try new things and to be adventurous, most people were very surprised we were traveling with a 7 week old baby but we made it work. I am so happy we took the chance and made the trip as a family. This will definitely not be Kevin's last triathlon and who knows maybe I may try a race in the future! We couldn't have been any more proud of Kevin, he had a goal and made it happen! Great Job Dr. Jones your girls love you very much! Can't wait to return next year - (with friends and Grandparents of course)