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 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!

California vacation {day 1}

The kids had midwinter break last week so we decided we needed a vacation!

Last Saturday we left the snow behind us to fly to brighter, sunnier skies!

We got a condo right on Newport beach, CA for the week!

I couldn't have have asked for anything more. I love the beach and sun

so I was in absolute heaven! I am also so happy that we went with a condo this time.

A lot more room for everyone to spread out, a view a the beach out our window,

lots of windows that created so much light, a kitchen to cook in and a washer/dryer to 

clean clothes. Our condo also provided for us everything we would need to cook, 

beach towels, beach chairs, beach toys, a surfboard and boogie boards. I was very

in love with our condo and was ready to buy it and move in. Almost had Josh on board

if he didn't have a job to do once we got back. We are considering a transfer in our future.

We left Saturday on our flight around 1ish. It started to snow right before we were getting

ready to leave. Once in California we had to play the waiting game quite a bit. Wait to get 

off the plane, wait for luggage, wait for the rental car and then wait to get to our destination.

It was pretty late by the time we got to our condo. 

We made a stop for groceries on the way.

We let the kids relax a bit before telling them lights out.

I tried to keep the pictures down to a minimum. If you know me you know I take lots.

After going through all my pictures from the trip I have them down to 1,300. I may have to go 

through them a few more times. I hate deleting them because each one makes me happy and is 

a moment I want to remember. Collages will help for blog posts.

Come back for day two hopefully tomorrow for fun beach pictures!