c a l i f o r n i a | family vacation 2018

One of my favorite things to do when Berto and I first started dating was planning and going on adventures. We took many trips before we decided to have kids and knew that trips would be so much more fun when we had kids to take on our adventures. While they are certainly fun, they are also full of preparations, tears (by me and the kids, usually), and lots of bickering! There is nothing like sharing one hotel room with your family for five or so days straight!

This time we stayed at the Grand Hyatt in Newport Beach. The best part of this hotel was definitely the three pools. We only went to one because it had the slide, splash pad, ping pong, and giant connect four. Let's just say we drank a lot of pina coladas while the kids had such a good time swimming and playing! The worst part of this hotel was the room. It was much different than pictured online. As avid Hyatt hotel-goers, this was my least favorite Hyatt room. We will probably stay back at the Orange County Hyatt again, and skip this one, because of the rooms.

The first day we went to Huntington Beach with my bestie, her husband, and her three boys. We did not plan for the large Fourth of July parade that occurs right on PCH near downtown Huntington Beach. Parking was INSANE! We finally found a overpriced spot. Leila was loving the beach and playing in the waves and having the best time. Then, just like on America's Funniest Home Videos, she did a epic cartwheel fall and did not want anything to do with the ocean after that moment. I still wish I had it on camera! 

We stayed at the beach for the whole day before heading back to our room to get ready for the fourth of July festivities at Heather's house. She cooked amazing kabobs, salad, fruit, and cupcakes. Fourth of July with friends is so much more fun than battling the crowds at professional shows! 

The next day we spent at Newport Beach and it was crazy windy. There was lots of sand in our eyes and mouths and did not stay at the beach for very long. We ended the day going back to our pool, having dinner and drinks by the pool, and crashing! 

Leila slept in this amazing bed that we bought prior to leaving and it is PERFECT when traveling with a toddler. I did not love the sheet it came with, so I brought an old crib sheet of hers. Most nights, she was asleep before the boys even got out of the shower. Girlfriend is a good sleeper! 

The last evening we spent time in Venice Beach. Um, not my favorite place to go but pretty amazing for people watching. There are people from all different walks of life there. Homeless people, drug addicts, maybe pimps? It is a very interesting place. We did have some good ice cream and a beautiful sunset swim and played on the beach playground! 

The last day we spent at the pool most of the day before heading back to the room to get ready to head back to Los Angeles to catch our evening flight. It is always hard saying good bye to your best friend, but thankfully she will be visiting Colorado in a month, which makes things easier. 

What are your favorite places to visit in CA? Anything else we should do next time?