California Cousin Scott gets married

July 4th weekend was not a Sandler traditional shore weekend, it was a trip to California. Sarah's Cousin Scott Brokaw (Aunt Lenora and Uncle Charles' son) got married. The coming weeks were moving along, when some unsettling news came about. The trip was to include the Jersey Brokaws (Len, Benita a.k.a. Ben, and Nana), De Virgilios (Judes, Vito), Jersey Sandlers (Scott, Sarah, Nate, and Caden), Arizona Brokaws (Randy, Susan, Danielle, Grace and Julia) and the Warminster Sandlers (Joan, and Chuck). *Brett, your name has changed to the Philly Sandler(s) (wink, wink). Monica stayed at the Cirbus Inn.

We were all set, actually I was all set and packed a week before take off. Then we got the news, Nana might not be going. That quickly tured into the Jersey Brokaws possible not going, and a downward spiral began. The question do we go? Do we stay? Are Len and Ben going? As the day came closer for us to leave, it had been decieded, we will all be in California for the wedding, just not on the same schedule as we all hoped. Nana was going to have to stay in Jersey for health reasons.The 4 of us with Judes and Vito hopped (we actually walked because you can't hop or say bomb on an airplane) on a plane and headed west.

As you can imagine, we were incredibly nervous about flying, let alone flying with 2 kids. To our delight, the flight out was great, Caden was fantastic with only minor crying spells right before eating. Come on who doesn't cry when you are hungry? I have not mentioned Nate becasue he was just amazing as usual. No I am not saying he is the best and will never do wrong, but for this flight he just hung out, watched a movie, napped, pooped, ate. The usual daily agenda but on an a 5 hour plane ride.

Upon arrival of LAX we were on the lookout for someone famous, but were unsuccessful, unless you count us as famous like we do! We then headed to the car rental agency to grab our MINIVAN!!! Yes I am pro minivan. I dont care how I look, or if you think minivans are for soccer moms, I LOVE IT. I'll have room for kids, snacks, toys, etc while you cram into your fancy shmancy 2 seater hot rod. Anyway, after the minivan we were off to meet Darren. Yes Darren you made the blog and there are photos for proof. After we had some lunch at the Corner Bistro, we headed to the hotel to settle in and unpack.

Once we unloaded our 17 bags, we headed to the Cali Brokaws. It was really great to see everyone but we were all extremly tired and ate and ran to get some sleep. We woke up at I dont know, it was still dark but 5:15am sounds about right. Sarah had to get her hair blown out so we headed to the mall for her appointment and then we decided to make our way to Santa Monica's 3rd Street promonade. We had limited time because we had the rehersal dinner to attend. When we got back to the hotel to get ready for the rehersal dinner, we had a quick visit from our friends Carrie and Jerry from Vegas. They were in town visiting friends for the 4th weekend so we got together for about 30 mins. It was quick, but nice! The rehersal dinner was beautiful and Gina and Scott seemed ready for their big day. After dinner we all headed for bed becasue breakfast at 7:30am and then off to the greatest place on Earth

Saturday July 4th- Shout out to Brett and Amy for their birthdays! We (Scott, Sarah, Nate, Caden, Len, Ben, Joan, and Chuck) all packed up and were off to Disneyland! We were super excited and could not wait for Nate to meet Mickey. As we entered the park, there he was in his tuxedo. Nate went on his first real ameuasment ride - Finding Nemo Submarine ride. Nate was a perfect little trooper and waiting for 60 minutes in the steaming line all while needing to go pee. He did much better then I would have done.

As the day went on, we began to feel it was time to leave and out of no where we all got a second wind and took the train ride to revive ourselves. After the train rinde, we did what the locals calls touristy - we went on "It's A Small World. Nate loved it and was even dancing in the little boat.

We stayed for the full day and caught the fireworks display. We even got to experience the 101/405 traffic as it added a full 45 mimutes of drive time, at 11:00pm. What gives?

Sunday was the big day. Nate was part of the V.I. P. access because he was the ring bearer. First we had a wonderful breakfast with Aunt Claire and her family who lives in California plus all of us from out of town. Then we hung out at the pool at our hotel and the Arizona cousins got a great chance to play with Nate. It was really great to see the growing family interacting with each other. Even Vito made a guest appearence in the pool!! The wedding was beautiful. Nate however wasn't feeling it when it was his turn to go down the aisle, so I tagged along with him. It was a nice surprise for everyone..:) Scott and Gina looked amazing and the wedding was just wonderful!

Monday was our last full day. We packed up and headed to Malibu to Zumba Beach for a few hours.

Sarah and I decided to grab some lunch at the Malibu Mart (again to try to find someone famous, and again it was only us) We also invited the Arizona Brokaws to join us. We ate some pizza, played on the playground and then went to the Cali Brokaws for dinner and good byes.

It was a wonderful family vacation where lots of family memories were made. We are already looking forward to next year's trip . . . . . . . . . . .????

Click the link below to view all 500 pics....

http://picasaweb.google.com/ssandler77/California722009772009?feat=directlink