Our trip began at 4:00 a.m on Saturday morning as we drove to the airport to make our 6:30 flight. Dad dropped us off so that we wouldn't have to haul all our luggage, car seats, stroller, and kids on the shuttle as he went and parked the car. We sat there wondering if we needed to get in the line to check our bags as it continued to get longer and longer. Dad called as he was leaving the car to make sure there were no things left behind. We gave him the go ahead and he hopped on the next shuttle. We started to worry about the time so we hopped in line. When dad walked into the terminal I realized that I had left my purse in the car and would not be able to check in without my ID. Panic set in very hard!!! I remember grabbing my purse, but when I helped dad take out the car seat I set it on the floor and forgot to pick it up. My parents continued to check in and mom went to the security line. I waited for what seemed like forever to get on a shuttle. Finally one arrived and I jumped on it and sat down and prayed like crazy!!! We went about 100 feet then the shuttle stopped. She sat there for again what seemed like forever until another shuttle stopped next to us and she had me hop on it. I got on and told the driver that I was in a hurry. He told me that once I got what I needed out of the car to run across the parking lot to the next stop to try to catch the shuttle that was in front of him. It was finally our stop and I had to search the rows for the car. I wasn't with dad when he parked so I had no idea where it was. I found the durango grabbed my purse and ran clear across the parking lot to the next stop and ended up getting on the same one I was on before. We reached the terminal and I thanked the driver and ran like crazy. Dad was the only one in line and we checked on my bag in seconds. The lady there told us that we had 11 minutes before the gates would close. We ran over to the security line where my mom was with the kids. When we arrived they were just checking her boarding pass. We were blessed that we were able to cut the half hour security line and make it to the front. Panic was still in full swing as we went through the security line with a couple minutes until they stopped boarding. We finally made it out of security and ran to the jet blue terminal. We were the last ones boarded with 30 seconds to spare before they closed the gate. I absolutely hate that panic feeling and was so relieved when we sat in our seats.
The flight went great Connor slept and Payton was only concerned on our decent when we were going through the thick blankets of clouds. We made it there safely as did all of our luggage, car seats, and strollers. California was a bit chilly and even was raining a bit. After getting our car we made our way to the beach since it was only 10:00 a.m and we couldn't check in until 4:00 p.m. We took the long way and drove the coast highway where we were surrounded by the beauties of the ocean. We stopped at the beach and the kids were in heaven. They loved playing in the sand no matter how cold the temperature was. Dad and I walked through some rocks and found some sea creatures and took them back to show mom and the kids.
Too bright and early...
Sunrise...
We drove a little while longer then decided we should head to the hotel just to see if it was ready yet. We got there a few hours early and our room wasn't ready yet. But since I have such a cute little girl the clerk searched for a room and got us an upgraded room right by the pool, water slide, splash pad, and park. Perfect for the kids. And bonus it was ready for us. It was an absolutely beautiful resort and I would love to go back sometime.
The sun came out for a little bit so me and the kids went to the pool while mom and dad went grocery shopping. They both loved it, it took a little longer for Payton to warm up to it but when she did she loved jumping in and trying to swim.
Sunday was spent searching for anywhere to be broadcasting conference. We learned that in California, and I guess most places other than Utah the only way is online. So instead we headed over to Balboa Park for a relaxing day of walking around and of course playing at the park.
Later dad had an idea of driving into Old Town the the Mormon Battalion Center to see if they were broadcasting, and if not at least it was religious and a good environment. We arrived and a Sister walked up to us and said that they were watching Conference and needed us to be quiet. I told her that that was exactly what we were looking for so we joined them in a room filled with other Latter Day Saints, and watched most of the second half of the Sunday session.
Monday we spent the day at the Safari Park, the kids did awesome and loved it all. We saw some very cool and interesting things there and the weather was perfect!!!
The next day was spent relaxing at the beach!! We were all in our element for sure. The waves were high and the water was cold so not much time was spent in the water. While sitting on the beach we saw dolphins playing in the waves which was pretty cool to see. After a long relaxing day at the beach we found ourselves a Ben and Jerry's and enjoyed our FREE ice cream.
Typical Beach Bum...
The next day we spent at the San Diego Zoo. It has been so long since I have been there and I can't believe how big it is, it's huge. The best way to see the zoo was on the guided tour bus. It was fun to see animals that we don't have at the Hogle Zoo, such as hippos, lions, bears, leopards etc.. Again the weather was perfect and the sun was shining!
Sleepy Boy...
The next day was another relaxing morning at the beach. My parents went to the Temple while me and the kids played on the beach. We tried to do some tide pooling but since the waves were so big low tide wasn't very low and it was difficult to see anything. We then made our way over to Sea Port Village and walked around through all of the little shops then went and ate a delicious lobster and shrimp dinner. MMM this is where we also watched our only sunset.
He thought it was so fun to be buried.
Our final full day was spent at Sea World. I loved it on our honeymoon, but it has all changed since then. We came to the conclusion that the dumb animal activist people have complained too much. You go to Sea World to see the different shows, well now the people are the main things in the show. The dolphin show was full of acrobatics and divers. Our favorite show was the sea lion show where they made fun of all the different shows that went on, but again it was mainly the people entertaining us. I don't think I would have enjoyed it as much without the kids. They make everything better!!
And our last day we spent packing up and traveling home. This time we had plenty of time and weren't panicked at the airport at all. We made it in plenty of time even with only going 10 miles in an hour and a half stuck in traffic. We were even lucky enough to make the pre-boarding because we had small children. We had a great vacation, but it is sooo nice to be back home with my hubby.
