Vacation : Part II

So, we took the vaca up north and then we came home for a few days because the kids had Reading Club parties at the library and Andy had to work for a day and a half. Then, we packed up and headed south to San Diego. We stayed at my Dad and Stepmom's place which we affectionately call "Casa de Cutler". It was really awesome to visit with them without all of the chaos and mayhem of the holidays and loads of other guests around.

We stayed for a week and did LOTS of sight seeing. My dad was able to take some time off and join us and we got to see Leah in the evenings and on the weekend. We ate some awesome meals and had plenty of time to relax.

Our first day, we went to Balboa Park. While there we visited the Japanese Friendship Garden

and then headed to the Museum of Man. Later, we lunched near the Arboretum and walked through it to see all of the plants.

The next day we were off on a boat ride with my Dad out on Mission Bay. Ella and Gavin each got a chance to drive.

We couldn't seem to get enough of boats and bays, so we went down to Seaport Village to take the SEAL (Sea and Land) tour. It is a bus that turns into a boat and Ella was infatuated with the idea of riding it.

While out on the water we saw lots of boats and military aircraft... and ... Sea Lions!

The kids were made Jr. First Mates! They thought it was pretty fun, and so did we!

We went to an old haunt, "Rockin' Baja Lobster" and had a great dinner before heading to Sea World to catch the night shows and fireworks. We had been on another day to hang out and ride the "wet rides", my Dad and cousin Valerie and family joined us that day.

The weekend came fast and we were off to the Cabrillo Monument and Lighthouse. I read the kids a book called, "The Ghosts of Cabrillo Lighthouse" that my Gramma had given me as a kid. It put some excitement into the visit!

At the Cabrillo Monument the kids did the Jr. Ranger program and learned a bit about Cabrillo and the Spanish explorers.

The got to try on the armor and check out a sword! Doesn't Ella look ready for battle?

On our last day, we went to visit my Dad's horse, Shadow. We all had a chance to ride and then the kids got to brush him down before he settled in for the night. I am an experienced rider, but was a bit leery of Shadow, he has been known to be rascally. I would not have had my Dad lead him, but I had Ella and did not feel like I could control him and keep her on at the same time.

Andy really loves riding, even though he has only been a few times.

Gavin fell in love with riding last summer and would love to take lessons (and own a horse!)

So, that was our trip. Now we are looking back on the memories and looking ahead to the school year! Hope that you found ways to connect, relax and enjoy the summer!