We have been home from our trip to California for about two weeks and I think the entire family is ready to go back as soon as possible. We had sunshine, blue skies and warm temperatures which was amazing for November. As I write this tonight it has started to snow which makes the California dreaming even more intense. Tim and I have been planning this trip for months but didn't tell the kids until a few days before which made it such a fun surprise. Luke and Ruby have turned into great little travelers and were more than happy to help out when the pilot of our plane needed some assistance. The plane ride was quick and smooth and we made it to California without complications.
We decided to start our vacation at the beach and flew into San Diego. Note to self, flying out of Utah and heading straight to the beach is always a good idea. Tim found us a great hotel that sat right on the boardwalk of Pacific Beach which was perfect. The kids couldn't change into their swimming suits quickly enough and were the most excited to get out to the water immediately. Both kids are completely fearless in the water and I was shocked at how comfortable they were with the waves and cold water.
Luke begged for a football and was then surprised to discover that his mama knew how to throw it.
We stayed on the beach until the sun went down and even then had to work hard to convince the kids to go back to the hotel. We ended up compromising and ended up in the hot tub and pool for a little more fun in the water. By the time we made it inside we were all ready for showers and pajamas and we just sent Tim to get take out because we were all too tired to venture out to eat.
Saturday morning the kids were up early and begging to go back to the beach. Tim put them in the jogger and we all took a short run together and then Tim headed back and let me get in a little longer run. Running along the beach is one of my very favorites. I love watching the people, the water, and it always seems like it is so much easier to run.
Did I mention I love people watching. I stumbled onto this scene and ended up standing there for a long time just observing. The group on the left were there for a "celebration of life" for their surfer buddy who had recently passed away from cancer. The group on the right were doing yoga and seemed quite focused and intense. On that Saturday morning I found the scene fascinating and couldn't help from staying for a bit to just enjoy the energy.
By the time I got back from my run and changed for the beach, Luke and Ruby had found boogie boards at our hotel and already figured out to ride them. The entire day I was so torn when I watched them ride. Part of me wanted to warn them that the ocean was too dangerous and try to just keep them close and in shallow water. Fortunately my more adventurous side won out and instead I just focused on enjoying the moment and loving the fact that they were having so much fun in the water.
Riding like a pro.
Definitely a surfer girl in the making.
Because the water was sooo cold, they couldn't stay in for too long and switched back and forth between "surfing" and playing it the sand.
Friday night at the pool the kids met a little boy from Sweeden named Rasmus. We saw him again Saturday morning and invited him to come play with the kids at the beach. He and his dad came and spent most of the day with us. Rasmus, Luke and Ruby were the perfect little trio of friends and they had so much fun burying each other multiple times. They tried a few sand castles, but the sand didn't pack well so burying became the default activity. I loved listening as Luke and Ruby asked their new friend about where he lived and what it was like there. His English was great so when I asked him to speak in Sweedish to the kids for a bit they were shocked to hear him sound so different. The longer they played the more you could see the truth of the phase "We all laugh in the same language". Despite differences in language and culture, these kids had a fantastic day playing together. The kids said goodbye at the pool but were excited to get back to our room and find a note with his email address. I think Rasmus will make the perfect pen pal.
Note the irony,
Tim reading a book while a gentleman is metal detecting.
As it became later in the afternoon the beach became quite crowded and we realized that the sky was becoming magical. I don't know how everyone seemed to know that the sunset was going to be special that night, but it was truly spectacular. Watching the colors change with my family close around me was the perfect ending to a pretty great day. Thanks Pacific Beach for all the memories.
Until next time...
