THE NEWTON'S

Wednesday, June 5th.  We were so excited to see the new Cars-land in Disney's California Adventure.  It did not disappoint.  The builders did an amazing job and as we were waiting to ride the big cars ride I looked up and felt as if I could have been hiking in Southern Utah with the amazing striations of the rock and mountains they build around the Cars-land.   We had so much fun on the new rides.  Angela even joined the rest of the family on California Screaming and has now become a roller coaster enthusiast like the rest of the family.     We rode all the rides and had the most amazing spot for the World of Color show.  We got there about an hour before the show and decided to take the risk and sit in the wet zone.  We sat right at the front railing to the lagoon and were front and center for the show.  It is AMAZING!  Worth getting wet for, and we were in luck and most of the water did not spray onto us because the wind help...

Sunday, June 2nd.   After church in Santa Rosa, we made our way south to Six Flags Magic Mountain. Monday, June 3rd.   Ashley had been waiting forever to go to this amusement park.  She is the thrill ride queen and can't ever get enough of the fast crazy rides.  Rich's brother Dave and his family (who the kids and I stayed with on the drive out) drove out from Arizona and joined us as he and Amanda are thrill ride junkies too. :)  We had a great time- so good that I didnt take very many pictures, but we spent two and a half days at Magic Mountain and had fun the whole time. Tuesday, June 4th.   After spending a few more hours at Magic Mountain, we drove down to Hollywood.  We stopped and walked along the walk of fame and found the stars and handprints of famous actors we like.  Most of those pictures are on Ashley's phone, so I'll have to add them later. :) That evening we checked into our home for the next four nights- Disney's Grand California H...

Thursday, May 30th.  As much fun as we had in Yosemite, we were ready to pack the car back up and head on to our next destination.  We slept in a little bit and then hit the road to Santa Rosa.  Rich's parents live there in the same house Rich grew up in.  It was fun to go by his elementary school, middle school and highschool.  For the kids to see his cross country meet courses, and where he had his summer jobs.  We got to the house and settled in, ate some dinner and had to break out the traditional Newton croquet game.  It was the first time in a long time the kids had played, but they all had a great time. :) Friday, May 31st.  We all needed a more relaxing day.  We slept in a little bit that morning, and then headed over to the lagoon to enjoy the beautiful day and play in the water.  Sand, and sun are always a great combination with our kids and I enjoyed every minute playing in the water and watching them play in the ...

This is a picture heavy post... so much to show! :) Monday, May 27.  We stayed at a hotel near the southern entrance of Yosemite.   We were just a windy road away from Rich's all time favorite National Park.   He grew up coming to Yosemite for vacations frequently and it was neat to recognize parts from our first family vacation there 11 years ago.  We got some lunch at the little general store and took the bus over to the grove. The area used to be much more built up with buildings and parking areas, but they have tried to return the areas to their original state after they realized the parking lots were damaging the trees.  I remembered the little store from before and we continued the tradition of ice cream from the store after our hike around the trees. Then we drove on up to the Yosemite valley.   It is a gorgeous drive and view.  Rich's parents and my parents both met us there at Yosemite lodge.   The rooms were larger than we ...