California Trip Part 2

We spent Monday morning walking around Balboa Park in San Diego. What gorgeous architecture! The San Diego Zoo is right there and I would have loved to go again (I went there 15 years ago) but we didn't have the full day to spend so it wouldn't have been worth the huge ticket price.

We rode a miniature train, the carousel, and then had a quick lunch at a little burger joint. Daron's parents were tired so they headed up to Escondido where the family reunion was to take place. We would join them later.

We went down to La Jolla to see the seals and sea lions lounging on the beach. I guess sometimes there are people rights activists who complain loudly about the seals taking over this particular beach. But we didn't see any. California is a little strange. Sorry, Tony and Debbie!



There were a ton of pretty roses growing outside of an assisted living home near where we parked.

We met the family at Old Town at the Mormon Battalion Museum. They have redone the visitor's center with all sorts of new videos and a very cool tour. It began with a sister missionary introducing certain persons who are pictured in frames on the wall who had significant roles in the story of the Mormon Battalion. Suddenly, one of them sneezed and we all jumped! They were actually video screens. I recognized a lot of familiar actors from other church and church related movies (like Lincoln Hoppe who played Deverl on The Singles Ward). I don't know why we didn't take any pictures there.

We had dinner at a great Mexican place. Again, it was crazy with all of the family there and Daron and I were sitting with our kids as well as four other little cousins so it was crazy. Jacob was starving and wolfed down an entire breakfast burrito as well as a glass of milk, most of my water, and a lot of my horchata!

We drove up to Escondido that night and checked in to the Hidden Valley Retreat up in the mountains. There were several guest houses, a pool, hot tub, pretty paths, flowers, pool table, books, movies, common rooms, etc. for us to enjoy. The kids got to bed and we sat out on the patio talking with the adults under the stars. Unfortunately, I didn't take any pictures there. Too busy relaxing or something!

Tuesday... beach day! La Jolla Shores beach was very nice. Jacob had a great day. He toddled around the sand, played in a kiddie pool, and splashed in the surf.

Even a face plant in the water didn't faze him. He was ready for more!



Let's go, Dad! What are you waiting for?

The teenagers learned to surf while the little ones dug in the sand and splashed in the surf.

We spent nearly the entire day at the beach and got to bed late that night. Esther was the only one who ended up with a bit of a sunburn as I didn't reapply sunscreen on her as many times as I should have. But it wasn't too bad. Jacob was a grump as he did not nap at all. It was a long day, but it was worth it.