Handshoe Family: Oh Jeez... These are from June.....

We took a nice leisurely drive to southern California to attend our 2nd Dosokai- a reunion of some families that used our agency with kids adopted from Japan. We stopped in Monterrey first to visit the aquarium.

I could watch these Jellies for hours! So relaxing!

Very cool and odd looking seahorse!

Ivy and Mama near the wave wall.

Trying out her new goofy cheesy smile!

I took this picture while we waited for our ghiradelli sundae- it was delicious!

Our hotel room in Monterey had a great balcony overlooking the bay.

We hopped in the car a drove to Paso Robles for lunch at our favorite Sushi restaurant! And Ivy took her nap right on cue!

She successfully negotiated the cucumber salad with her hashi!

Then we played at the park before heading to Santa Barbara.

We love staying at the Fess Parker- it's right across from the beach-

And this was the view from our patio!

Next we made a stop at the the Reagan Library on the way to Anaheim.

This Air Force One was really cool!

Here we are in front of a Piece of the Berlin wall!

The next day, while Brian was working, Ivy and I met up with our dear friends Jill and Camden for a playdate. This is pretend city- a toddler's dream!

Lunch at Cheesecake Factory!

Later, we ran into Emi and Eryn in Downtown Disney.

And Ivy amused us with some dancing!

I always get these guys mixed up... Chip or Dale? Anyway... Pretty cute!

We got to spend a great day at Disneyland with the Pattersons!

While Camden napped, Ivy amused herself on these stairs for a long time!

As it turns out, Ivy loves to ride rides!!! Like Daddy!

Camden too! I just love this picture!

We thought we would try to hang in there for the fireworks- so we walked around for a bit- so magical at night!

Ivy loved the fireworks, and fell asleep on my shoulder about 10 minutes into the show. I will always remember the sweet smile of wonder on her face as she watched the fireworks in the sky and said, "ooooh, oh, wow!"