family pictures {newport beach}

While on vacation at Newport beach in California a couple weeks ago
I really wanted to get some happy family pictures on the beach as the sun was setting.
Playing, laughing and smiling at each other and genuinely looking happy.

I scoured pinterest and photography blogs for inspiration.

I knew in the back of my mind that this plan of me taking pictures wasn't

going to work but I was determined to try. It didn't work out all.

I will definitely plan  ahead next time and hire someone to do it.

Things that don't work well to get those natural happy pictures

1. Trying to set a tripod up in the sand

2. getting your family to gather together closely and look happy

3. Setting a timer and quick running into the picture, position yourself and smile
4. Wind blowing your hair everywhere and in your face
5. Self conscience tween girl who is more worried about
how embarrassing the whole situation is

I did get a few but nothing I was hoping and dreaming for.

Here are a few I did get.

linking up to Simple Things Sunday, Sweet shot Tuesday, the happiness project

California Vacation {day 3}

Monday we headed to Disneyland! We were again going to meet up with Josh's great aunt Carolyn

and great uncle Bob. Josh's uncle used to work for Disneyland so they are able to get

a few us in for free! We are so appreciative of them making the drive. We love getting

the time to talk with them and catch up over breakfast. 

Unlike last year we were a lot more relaxed this trip.

Last year we did every ride at least once.

This year we just did all our favorites more then once

and a few rides we missed last year.

I went into a store to buy a hat and when I came out they were all sitting in this tea cup.

They knew right away not to even bother getting up because I would want to take their picture.

Jordan still loves meeting with the characters and getting their autograph.

This time we didn't see nearly as many characters. We did see Peter Pan twice but he 

was always running around and didn't stop for pictures :(

We ended the night with going on the Matterhorn bobsleds three times.
It was a favorite of everyone. Afterwards everyone was tired and ready to call it a night.

California Vacation {day 2}

Sunday morning we were all up pretty early. 

The kids enjoyed some breakfast and then were ready to check out the beach.

I hadn't bought coffee yet so I was on the hunt for a coffee shop.

We walked the beach and out on the pier. Then we grabbed coffee

and hot chocolate to continue our walk. There were a ton of surfers due to the weather.

The waves were pretty big. Jordan brought along a football to play catch with Josh.

After a bit we headed back to the condo for lunch.

We then headed out to find another grocery store and Ross.

Josh needed a belt and Michelle a swimsuit.

After our little adventure out on the town we returned to the beach.

The sun was coming out and it felt wonderful!

Like I mentioned before our condo had everything we needed for the beach.

There was a huge bag of toys that Jordan used for panning for gold the whole trip.

After a relaxing night in the condo we got the kids to bed at decent time.

The next day we were headed to Disneyland!