California Road Trip, Part 1

You can take me out of California, but you can't keep California out of my heart. Every year I get the urge to go home. I love the warmth, the beach, and my family that is still living there; so, a few weeks ago we set out on our yearly pilgrimage to Cali.

We packed up the car and the kids and headed off on the 10 hour road trip. It was relatively pleasant (except for the time that my gps got us lost in Cedar City while we were looking for a place to eat and the 20 minutes that we all listened to Wyatt scream as we passed through the Virgin River Gorge Canyon). Since our kids are still so little we broke the trip into 2 legs. The first night we stayed at Mesquite and the next morning we finished our trip into Orange County. We stopped every few hours so that we could all stretch our legs and get a snack. It is something of a departure from our old road trip philosophy-- which was stop only for gas and get it done as quickly as possible. Now we are learning to enjoy the journey and view it as part of our vacation.

Lunching at Peggy Sue's diner in Barstow. The food was okay, but the atmosphere was fun and after eating we got to stretch our legs in the park behind it where they had baby turtles, ducks, and giant dinosaurs.

While we were in California we, of course, spent time with my Dad and siblings. I really cherish the backyard bbqs and moments that we just sat around visiting and enjoying one another's company.

Brandon and I also decided to take the kids to San Diego. We spent one afternoon at Moonlight Beach with Lovely Lura, one of my best girlfriends (we've known each other since we were 12). Ruby loved the sand, but was unsure about the ocean. She was petrified that the tide was going to steal her sand castle toys (with good reason, right?). Wyatt seemed pretty indifferent to the whole experience. He actually slept in the stroller most of the time we were there.

Lura and Ruby taking cover to avoid the June gloom.

My beach baby.

Wyatt was a little unsure about the experience.

I did catch one smile while we were there.

Thanks to Brandon's travel points we got to stay at the Courtyard Marriott for free. Ruby was enthralled with the pool and super excited to eat a cheese sandwich at the desk in our room while watching cartoons on the big screen tv-- ah, it's the little things in life!

Wyatt sucking his fist at bedtime--nightly ritual.

Eating grilled cheese in style.

Ruby enjoyed the french toast at the Courtyard. We did have to convince her to try it by calling it french pancakes, though.

The last day we were in San Diego we went to the world famous San Diego Zoo. Ruby had been looking forward to this for weeks. Neither Brandon or myself had been there in 11 years. We had forgotten how massive and amazing it is. The kids seemed to really love looking at the animals. Ruby's favorite were the turtles and crocodiles. She stood at their tank for nearly 10 minutes and then spent the rest of the afternoon talking about it. I loved the koalas and giraffes most. Brandon surprised me by suggesting we wait in line to see the pandas-- and I'm glad he did because they were adorable. On our way home we stopped at In and Out for burgers and shakes. It was a delicious way to cap off a fun family adventure.

Look, giraffes!

Roo really liked these "cat chairs" and insisted on sitting in them just like the big boys.

Looking for the monkeys.

Koalas-- so cute!

The two men in our family.

Nap time on the go.

Playing "hide and seek" at the polar bear exhibit was also a highlight for Roo.

Me and my man

Our little Ruby striking a pose.

This girl loves turtles.

Sweetest little man ever.

Checking out the turtles and crocodiles-- best part of Ruby's day.

Best way to top off a fun day!