Our California Trip: Part #2

During our California years, Ron and I went out to Catalina Island three times--once while we were dating, then again to celebrate my 30th birthday, and another time while my mother was visiting.  We quickly grew to love this beautiful island and its charming town of Avalon.  We always feel like we are HOURS away from civilization and our hectic lives when we step foot on this island (which is only an hour ferry ride from Long Beach).  So when we were planning our trip, we quickly decided that we would need to make this one of our stops! 

July 5th--

Lia, Logan, and I on the ferry ride over to Avalon.

After arriving on the island and checking into our hotel, we quickly changed into swimsuits and headed down to our pool.  Next to the princesses, this was the highlight of the trip for Lia (of course)!

Logan's inaugural swim!

My kiddos and me.

Quite possibly the cutest water baby.

We headed back down to Avalon for dinner and some window shopping.  Here are the kids and me on the infamous Green Pleasure Pier.

Family photo in front of the tiled fountain in downtown Avalon.

Ice cream parlors abound in this town!  Lia had a few before our departure.  Here she is trying out her current favorite--mint ice cream!

July 6th--

We spent Friday morning back down in Avalon and at the beach.  We had to have a photo in front of the classic, Catalina landmark--the casino.

Lia and me on the way to the casino.

The Casino and Avalon harbor.  Oh, how I love this place.

Lia working on some "sand cakes" while at Descanso Beach.

We tried out the portable tent on Logan for the first time and loved it!  It's the perfect way to keep a baby happy (for awhile) at the beach. 

The newest, Hartland beach bum. 

Hanging out.

Enjoying a glorious, summer morning at Descanso!

A shot of the harbor, the pier, and the island as we prepared to board the ferry back to the "mainland" on Friday afternoon.  Until we meet again, dear Avalon...