Mommy Son Vacation

Rylan and I took our very first mommy and son vacation to visit family and friends in California and Utah. Of course we would have had even more fun on our trip if Matt went, but he decided that it would be best for him to stay home since he would be really busy with the business. So Ry guy and I flew into SLO for 5 days and then my dad drove us 9 hours to St. George, Utah where my brother Steve and his family lives. Rylan has been to California once before but he was really too young to enjoy much of the outdoorsy stuff that I wanted to do with him. He was the perfect age to take him this time. Now that he walks, talks a little, and can understand a lot of what we say he just loved this vacation. We went on lots of walks and bike rides, played at the beaches (the sand was Rylan's favorite), went to Avila barn and fed the animals, saw my niece Hannah perform as the "Umpa Loopma" in the Willy Wonka play, got Rylan's ceramic handprints done, and ate some yummy fresh produce and wholesome foods. Rylan saw lots of animals and learned about them and the sounds they make. I just love, love, love when he makes his animal sounds! Here are some pictures from California.

My dad wanted to get Rylan's handprints done for us. I had my handprints done when I was 1 year old, so the owners wanted a picture of this second generation imprinting.

Rylan's first encounter with the beach sand and water. He ran all the way down to the water and fell flat on his stomach into the water. He didn't cry but I think he was in shock at how icy cold the water was. From then on he would run towards the water and as it came close to him he'd turn around and run the opposite direction saying "no, no" under his breath.

The sand was much warmer than the water. Rylan would lie down on his belly and take in a nice mouthful of sand, hence the sand mustache. The sand was definitely his favorite...

And seeing horses on the beach was his next favorite. He loves animals so he was just ecstatic when he saw these large animals pass so close by him. He pointed and screamed "neigh, neigh!" at the horses in this picture.

Grandma and Grandpa with Rylan at the Avila Barn. Rylan obviously wanted no part of the picture taking. All he wanted to do was feed some animals.

Grandpa and Rylan watching the Tsunami come into Shell Beach after the Japan earthquake.

Some of the tasty food that we enjoyed on this vacation. Man how I wish we had more vegan restaurants in Texas. Isn't that spring roll just pretty? It was even more fun to eat!

All the California cousins

Rylan and cousin Brooke sharing a kiss. They are the closest cousins in age at just 4 months apart.

It was nice to break up the trip by going to a new place. The drive to St. George wasn't so fun with a busy 18 month old who really doesn't like to be contained for more than a few minutes at a time. But with that considered, he actually did fare pretty well on the drive. Steve and Christina and their three kids are so much fun. This was their first time meeting Rylan and they just loved and adored him. It was great to see. Of course, Steve and Christina some fun activities planned for our visit. We went on a bike ride through Snow Canyon, off road Geo Cashing, took a 3 hour each way back road trip to the Grand Canyon, and of course ate at Cafe Rio twice. Yum! Rylan and I had such a great time in both California and St. George. Can't wait for our next visit.

Geo Cashing/treasure hunting with Steve and Grandpa.

Bike ride through Snow Canyon. And yes those really are bright orange mountains and sand.

Hundred year old school house out in the middle of nowhere.

Ride to Grand Canyon in the open Jeeps. We went through some pretty spectacular terrain to get there. None of the roads were paved and we saw only a couple people on our 6 hour round trip journey through the dessert and mountains. This was an amazing trip. Check out how dirty everyone is in those pics!