Since we only have a year left in Monterey and we couldn't afford to fly anywhere, we decided we should check out southern California and take advantage of the special discounts and offers for active duty military.
We started off by visiting the Natural History museum and the Science Center in Los Angeles. The kids got a kick out of the dinosaur bones.
We went to Universal Studios and got to ride some cool rides, check out some awesome shows and even tour some Hollywood film sets, including this one from War of the Worlds. We also went to Hurricane Harbor, a waterpark, but we didn't take any pictures there.
On the 4th of July, we headed down to San Diego and met up with Misty's parents and brother, Dusty. Brandon toured the deck of the U.S.S. Midway, an aircraft carrier that saw quite a bit of combat action during Vietnam.
Later, we watched an impressive fireworks display over the San Diego bay. We sat on rocks right on the shore as multiple firework shows lit up the bay. Several docked Navy ships added to the patriotic setting.
The San Diego zoo was very impressive and we thought it lived up to its reputation as the best zoo in the world.
Our last stop was Sea World - see the killer whale in the background? By the time we finished up with Sea World, we were all pretty exhausted and ready to head home.
I am a proud aunt. I hope my brothers and sisters don't mind me posting first names and pics of my beautiful niece and nephews, but I couldn't resist! I have been thinking about them a lot lately and missing them like crazy. Our sweet Grant turned 6 years old today. Happy Birthday Grant!
This is an old picture, but I couldn't resist posting Sophia showing off her "cute face". I happen to think ALL her faces are cute!
Sophie and Brandon last summer.
This is the newest addition to our family, Jackson! He hasn't met his daddy yet who is training up with the AirForce in Mississippi, but they will meet very soon! You did well, Jenny! I love this picture of him sleeping.
Sweet baby Jackson
