Disneyland, the beach, and Angels Baseball

Summer fun wouldn't be complete without a trip to Disneyland, the beach, and an Angels Baseball game.  We loaded all 6 kids into 2 cars and made the 6 hour drive to Anaheim.  The kids are good travelers, other than Austin getting carsick.  He gets carsick often since being on chemo.  We are well equipped with puke bags so we don't let it slow us down.  We got to the hotel and headed for the pool.

Fun in the pool

Photo bomb courtesy of Shaylyn

The next day we headed for Disneyland.  It was hot and crowded, but we had so much fun.  The kids got all their favorite rides in.  

Splash Mountain baby!

beating the heat

relaxing in the shade with ice cream treats

sorting seashells

Playing in the waves

building sand castles

Several weeks before we went to California, Kevin contacted one of the Angels Baseball player's, Albert Pujols's, foundation to see if it would be possible to meet Pujols.   They were gracious enough to let Kevin and Austin in for batting practice where he not only met Pujols, but several other players as well.  They signed baseballs and took pictures with Austin and Kevin.  Austin gave each of the players one of his orange "Team Austin" wristbands and was excited to see them wear them.  They got to watch 2 hours of batting practice with the Angels as well as the visiting team, the Cardinals.  It was truly a once in a lifetime opportunity and we are so grateful to the Pujols Foundation for putting it together.

At the Angels baseball stadium

Meeting Albert Pujols.  Pujols will be in the Baseball Hall of Fame someday.

Meeting Allstar, Mike Trout

Meeting Josh Hamilton--note Austin's wristband on Hamilton's wrist

Meeting Mark Trumbo

Batting practice

Meeting Coach Mike Scioscia

 The rest of us met up with Kevin and Austin for the game.  We had great seats right behind centerfield.  We were excited to see that Mike Trout, the Centerfielder, was still wearing Austin's wristband.  In fact, he has continued to wear it in every game since that night, including during the Allstar game.  Now that is cool!!!  What a great guy!  

Mike Trout wearing Austin's orange wristband

 We had a fun vacation and made lots of great memories.  Austin has continued to feel great and have lots of energy.  I worried about him in the heat and sun, but we put on tons of sunscreen and he wore a hat and carried a water fan with him.  He complained that his feet hurt, but so did the rest of us!  I am so happy to see him feeling good and enjoying life as a "normal" boy.  Besides his nightly pills, there is little to let you know that he has cancer.  Oh and bonus---check out all that hair!