California Trip Hotel

Phil and I usually go down to California this time of year for his company Christmas party. Ashlee has been down in LA for the past few years so I would get to see her while Phil worked for a few days. She is now up in Seattle with me and this year Phil's boss told us to bring the kids along so we surprised the kids with the trip. Yes, I lied to them a lot the week before we left about what the plans would be while daddy and I were gone. I think Miya might have suspected something because she started asking a million questions, "who is going to babysit us while you are gone?" "why do I have to get all my homework done before you guys go?" "why am I missing piano?" "why can't Aunt Ashlee watch us again" I responded with lies such as, "well I couldn't find a babysitter that could take you to school or piano" "I already owe Aunt Ashlee babysitting time from the last trip".

Then on Tuesday when I told them I would have to pick them up early from school to take dad to the airport I had their bags all packed and once we got to the airport we told them they could come along as well. I thought they would be more excited, but I think they weren't sure if we were teasing about taking them with us. It makes you think you must be really cruel parents if your kids think you are teasing about bringing them along. Cannon was worried about missing school because he was super proud of his perfect attendance, but by Thursday morning he just kept talking about how all the other kids were at school and we were swimming. Lyla learned to swim by herself and could make it about half the length of the pool before she started sinking and I had to grab her.The kids in the atrium watching and counting the fish and turtles.We had the pool to ourselves the entire trip.

The kids loved the hotel. The elevator was even exciting.