Sandy Eggo 2014

I have become a firm believer that scheduling a vacation in January is the only way to survive the rigors of the upcoming year. It was something to look forward to after holidays and before the seasonal depression is in full swing. We had a GREAT vacation! It was nice to wear sandals and capris and to really reconnect with the kids (read: not be more than two feet away from them for 7 days straight).

First plane ride for the Ston. He did....well, as good as to be expected from a 2 year old.

The condo was right on beach and within walking distance to lots of good food, a CVS and a grocery store with a Redbox. We had enough room, a view of the sunset and an excellent breakfast place right next door.

We went to Sea World on Friday and were surprised at the lack of crowds and the one Shamu show daily. The weather was overcast and really nice to be outside so we stayed the whole day but NOT without leaving the park with the pink stuffed dolphin Mc had been eying since we arrived.  I think that "Blackfish" for sure had impacted the quality of the shows- not nearly as cool as I remember when the trainers were in the water with the Orcas. Still, a fun day. The kids couldn't get enough of touching the sea stars or the rays and loved the Beluga whales.

The pink dolphin

Granpa had the luxury of a scooter while in the park but kids on the lap got us busted by the Sea World police.

Next up was the Mormon Battalion Museum and Old Town San Diego. We were fortuitous to be there on the actual day the battalion marched into San Diego in 1847 so we saw a parade (more like 40 people walking by after we waited for 25 min), dressed like pioneers and enjoyed the sunshine. There was a "Whale Festival" that lured us in under the pretense of "free family fun" but in the end, was a glorified Farmer's Market. On the plus side, that brought us to Anthony's Grotto for lunch. We did have dinner in Old Town and then after sat and watched a live Mariachi band that played a mean Santana rendition on the electric violin and that rounded out the evening.

Us in our pioneer garb. Mc makes one cute pioneer. Panning for gold and the crew.

Sunday we headed to Cabrillo National park to see if we could use our "noculars" to spot any whales. We were there for quite a while with no such luck but did see the oldest lighthouse in San Diego and had a nice picnic lunch in while the kids played in park that probably belonged in West Valley and NOT a ritzy neighborhood is Cali.

An unfortunate part of the trip was Mark and G getting sick. We planned to head to the aquarium that day but decided to make it a beach/hang out at the condo close to the toilet kind of day. The kids didn't mind- I think Mc could have spent every single day in the ocean.

We attended an Automotive Museum, visited La Jolla Cove to watch the lazy sea lions, walked down the beach, had gelato, found seashells, played a few feisty games of Phase 10, woke up every morning thanks to the children @ 6 am,  and really enjoyed being away from the snow and smog that waited for us in Utah.

The aquarium. The exhausted traveler. Riding the oldest Carousel in San Diego & the Automotive Museum.

A "cow"ch. The sunset. Watching the Belugas at Sea World.

Mc at the statue at the Midway.

I think the beach days were the best days. Right before we went home the tide was super high and washed up a lot of cool things. Mc was in heaven. Definitely a beach baby and fearless. A man tried to bring a starfish in for her in his wetsuit, we found sand dollars, shells, crazy seaweed and tried to keep Kingston from rubbing sand in his eyes. I think once in the ocean was enough for him- he mainly stayed and played in the sand. I loved watched Mc get so excited about being in the ocean and running from the waves. Grandma was an excellent sport and spent a lot of time being her "partner" as the waves rolled in.

Daddy and Mc on the beach.

Sea Port Village provided a day on the Seal Boats (Duck Boats). Kingston was really excited about that part but, oddly enough, five minutes into the tour he conked out and woke up right as we got back to ask, "Are we going to go in the water?". Missed the whole tour. Good thing he was free. Mc slept a while too but was up in time to see the Sea Lions and the dolphins.

The green dinosaur next to Mark was Kingston, asleep.

And then there is this guy. Not every day you see a dude running his bike to the ocean. This guy rode his bike from New Jersey to Mission Beach, Cali. Took him four months! Pretty amazing. Cute dude with orange painted toenails and a desire to ride across the country on his bike, "just because". I put on actual pants that day. I think that counted as an accomplishment.

Grandma and Mc.

G & Chris, thanks for inviting us! We had a great time and loved spending time with you! The kids still want to ride in "grandma's car"and ask about how grandpa's foot is doing. You guys were troopers. Nightly you braved the off-schedule children at dinner with patience and love :)We love you! Thanks again!