Legoland

Whew! All Paul and I can say is, "no more amusement parks for at least two years!" Last year we took the kids to Disneyland,  and said, "not again for long time!" However, Legoland was having a fantastic deal that we felt we couldn't pass up. They had a marathon mile race, that only cost $25 per child and included a free T-shirt, 50% off 2 adult tickets, and free child park hopper pass (the hopper passes are $110 normally). So, we went for it. Paul took the Friday off work, and we stomached the six-hour drive.

Saturday morning, we got the kids dressed and ready, ate breakfast at the hotel, and headed over to Legoland. Maybe because I was a bit frantic about trying to get everyone's bibs, T-shirts, and tickets sorted, James had an epic meltdown. The full three-year-old special. Kicking and flailing (mainly his older brother). 

In the end we decided it was best if I ran the race with Alec (and Evelyn in the stroller), and Paul took James to the car to sit it out. 

Alec ran his best, and was so proud to receive his medal at the end. He wore it all day...and all Sunday...

After a quick trip back to the hotel to shower and change, we headed back to the park. Having never been there before, we just kind of wandered aimlessly. 

Apparently Alec flies like his mother drives.

Jamie, looking less than impressed:

James showing his sweet dance moves to Yoda:

As everyone grew hot and tired in the afternoon, we headed indoors to the aquarium. 

Alec was absolutely fascinated by the touching areas-we had to drag him from the starfish, shrimps and abalones. He asked loads of questions and rapidly answered those asked by the employees, "Of course I know the difference! Venom has to get in your blood. Poison you just drink."

Evelyn darted all over, eagerly flattening her face against all the glass surfaces to stare at different creatures. 

James was quite shy and enjoyed watching Alec touch animals, but buried his head when asked if he'd like a try.

We hit a few more attractions, before being told the park was closing.

Look! Proof the boys didn't fight the entire trip:

James has requested we change his middle name to 'Bond'. We're considering it.

Paul had to do this one twice (once with each boy). I don't think he minded.

Alec and I headed to a roller coaster.

5pm!! It closed at 5pm!! We didn't bother to check (at those prices, we assumed it was like Disneyland & open until midnight!) closing time. It ended up being good though. 

They had an Egyptian area. I HAD to take a photo even if the rides were closed by the time we found it. I may have teared up. A little. James trying to 'walk like an Egyptian' totally cheered me up though.

Posing whilst waiting for the shuttle:

We found an amazing 'quick wood fired pizza' place that made them to order and they had pesto for our reflux-riddled Alec!!! SO wonderful. 

James out-ate Alec and I. 

Seriously, if you are in Carlsbad, eat at Blaze Pizza. Just do it.

We headed back to the hotel for bathing and (what else?) some new Legos. No, we didn't spend a penny in the park (I brought lunch and snacks). I'd actually bought these previously on clearance at the grocery store. I'm just cheap like that. 

Pizza and legos make for some calm, happy kiddos! Bedtime went smoothly and we drove home Sunday! 

In completely related news, we've cancelled our planned trip to the Grand Canyon this summer and agreed to stick with beach weekends at my grandma's or day trips. Keep it simple and fun!