California

It's that time of year again!! Except that it's technically not, haha. This was the first year that we were doing the beach house with my family in October. The places that we were going to stay at in the summer, got taken, so after lots of discussion, we decided to shoot for October break instead. We heard the weather and water temps are similar to summer time and possibly even warmer. Plus, we were upgrading on the beach house and it was cheaper in the fall time. I'll admit, the summer was rough. I was CRAVING the beach in a bad way. And getting ready to go in October felt off... like... it's fall. You don't go to the beach during fall! But what the heck, I'd take the beach in winter! I was excited! The boys had the whole week off of school, so I was grateful to have a vacation lined out instead of bummin' it at home!

Minor snagoo... we got the car all loaded up. Kids inside. Ready to pull out and the car wouldn't start. Ughhh!!! It had been giving us problems for a couple of days but Trav took it in to a shop to have the battery tested and they said it was fine. There wasn't any other time to take it in elsewhere so we were crossing our fingers. Luckily, jump starting it worked (go figure) and we were off!! We stopped once in Yuma for some Chick of the Fil- A ;) and ran into everyone else there too, ha! 

One of the best coincidences of the year was that Travis had a mission reunion scheduled at his mission president's house that very day in Carlsbad... 20 minutes from where we were staying!! It started at 4pm. Literally could not have been better timing. We pulled up in front of his house, with no extra adjustments to what we would have already been doing, at 4pm. I'd say we were meant to be there. ;) They have had 3 other reunions that we haven't been able to go to so it was fun to be at this one!

Travis had two mission presidents in Spain. President Clark was his first one for a year. Travis described him as a spiritual giant. He had a young family when he was called. Their youngest child was 3. They moved to Carlsbad 5 years ago and have a beautiful, huge home. I was so worried that I'd have to make the kids sit still for 3 hours and not touch anything. Not at this house! It was MADE for kids! The whole basement was full of toys. They had a zip line in the backyard and a sport court. The kids were in heaven, running everywhere with all the other kids that came.

 Sis. Clark made a dozen pans of enchiladas, had chips and salsa and watermelon and an Italian soda bar. I was sad that I didn't get to meet any of his companions that I've heard so much about, but I did get to meet one of the sister missionaries I've heard about, Tiffani Player, and she was so nice. I did lots of small talk, which isn't my favorite, but it was worth it to be surrounded by a time in Travis's life that I've only ever got to hear about before. Pres. and Sis. Clark gathered the adults together around 7pm and did a little devotional type thing. It was neat to hear their testimonies. They are some GOOD people. And so gracious! They told us all to call them whenever we are in town and we could stay with them as long as we wanted. And they were completely genuine about it. That is a generous offer when you live in a place like California! 

In the basement, I noticed this... a mission quilt that Sis. Clark made. So cute! Bet Travis would never have guessed on his mission, that he'd be pointing at his name in 14 years with his goof ball son in front of him. ;)

We left around 8 and got to the beach house shortly after! Holy moly! It will do! ;)

In the past, we've been like kittens in a box, all heaped on top of each other. 20 people sharing 2 bathrooms. Not this time!! This monster was three, full levels with 7 bedrooms and 7 bathrooms. Not to mention, 3 kitchens! We were on the top level with Christopher and Jael. Every time I looked up, Jael was cleaning. So, yeah. Pretty good roommates! I mean level-mates. :) 

We got the biggest bedroom because we had the biggest family. Side note: Shelley, Casey and Lindi didn't come because Shelley was due in two weeks and was too afraid she'd go into labor. Boo! We missed them. But their two boys at least got to come! 

These day beds in the walls were sa-weet. So nice not having to roll up their beds every day and get them out of the way. Olive slept in a pack n play in the corner. We were spoiled for sure. 

Not pictured is a big TV on the wall, above the other day bed. Not watching TV at home made this a big guilty pleasure. And is now the reason I'm addicted to Chopped. (How am I so late to that game?!)

Saturday night was all unpacking and munching on Johnny Mananas Mexican food. I think us kids stayed up late playing games too. We basically did that every night! And we indulged and went to 11am church instead of our usual 9am. Go Marcie on getting that settled! It was comical to watch the newly walking babies try to escape all through sacrament meeting and the 4 boys take it upon themselves to retrieve them. It was a ward of loud children, so we fit right in! I saw purple hair, Tongan man skirts and a lady with rubber, toe socks on, so Jefferson's long hair was nothing to stare at! Haha. ;)

I was a little worried that Olive would be bored without her soul sister, Lindi, but everyone else entertained her pretty good. I thought this was cute of Lane to read her a book! Truly, it was Abbey that she stuck by though. If I couldn't find Olive, I knew where to look. Abbey was her best friend and favorite person all week! Bless her for putting up with a 3 year old on her vacation!

Sunday evening, I head some commotion about calling the police. Then walked downstairs to hear Austin and David arguing with this guy next door. Apparently the little boys were playing in the backyard while our friendly neighbor was snorting crack. But seriously. Best part was, the police never came that day. I guess when you're a police officer in San Diego, a phone call about someone doing drugs goes to the bottom of the list of 100 other druggies you're visiting that day. It's just the culture, haha. At least he provided hours of entertainment, mindlessly pulling leaves off of that tree then shooting them with the hose. Not kidding. He did this for about an hour every night. His poor brain. At least we felt pretty safe with the massive panes of thick glass between our yard and his. 

In the morning, when the tide was high and hitting the rocks, the boys played endlessly in the backyard. It was the perfect set up. 

That sunset though.... 

I was entranced. I love God's creations. They are easy to take for granted. But when beauty like this surrounds you, you take a moment to let it soak you up. It truly felt heavenly. 

Uh oh.

Someone let the dogs out.

Woof. Woof woof!

Usually we spend Sunday evening walking the beach, but the tide was too high. So the kids broke free and played in it for a minute, but we had to settle on waiting for Monday. We had taco salad for dinner and the YUMMIEST hot fudge sundaes! My weakness. Well, let's be honest, I have a lot of weaknesses. 

Game time! Bring on the popcorn, cuz you know, we hadn't already eaten enough or anything. 

Our kids were up at 6 or 6:30am every morning. Kids. I tell you what. Not for the faint hearted. Travis took the brunt of it sleeping next to the pack n play. He's a saint. The I-phones and I-pads held them off for about an hour, then we let them loose.  The tide went down enough by about 10 or 11am each day for us to set up camp. Trav and I did a T-25 workout then joined these sand junkies for our first day on the beach!!

LUCY!!!!! Oh, her chubbers are my favorite!! I hope she forgives me for saying that. ;) She was rockin' the cutest suits every day! You never met a happier, more easy going babe. I'm obsessed. Now, if I could only talk to her. Ha!

(Her parents only speak Swiss German and Spanish to her. English comes in third. It makes me so sad! I wish I could communicate with her so badly!! I love her so!)

Fresh from her shower and waiting for clothes. Olive and Sofia the First. She's a magical babysitter. 

Monday night is Harbor night!!!!! I was on cloud 9 all day just thinking about it!! These fish tacos and I have a close relationship. And this year I tried the cole slaw. Um. Yes. A thousand times, Yes!!! Cole slaw should not be life changing. Maybe that says more about me than it. ;)

The sun setting behind us on the water. If it weren't for the predatory seagulls I'd call this heaven.

Fried pineapple rings! It's what keeps us together! ;)

Weston will take baby snuggles anytime. Anywhere. 

I hope his wife is up for procreating.

What did I tell you?! Olive and Abbey. It was a love affair all week.

Walking over to get ice cream is the final touch to the yummiest meal of the year. I believe these 4, concur. 

Someone found candy cigarettes and it reminded him of his upstanding teenage years. This picture just makes me laugh. I'll admit. I had my first ciggy. I can't say I saw the appeal. Maybe I'm just too old to be starting. ;)

There was a lot of movie watching going on. 

"Hello, Mr. Breakfast!!!" 

The fact that Pee Wee's Big Adventure is a family classic just sums us up so well. ;)

I was the first one ready to take the boys down to the beach on Tuesday! They are so funny and always start out with a rousing game of "chicken" with the waves. Running in and out and squealing like school girls when it gets close. It's amazing to me that they have no qualms about the cold. That ocean is just too fun to be worrying about the temperature!

Miss Thang liked to play chicken too. When Daddy joined in, her shrieks and happiness was just about the cutest thing I've ever seen!

Her poses! She is so funny!

My confession is that I am perfectly content to never touch the water. Give me a book and sun and let me lay out, take a nap and munch on snacks while reading and I am the happiest beach bum ever. But kids do love to play. So I dug a hole with Collin. Cuz my sand castles stink and boys love holes. 

Unfortunately, that was about the end of our day on the beach because clouds blew in and the wind kicked up and by 1 or 2pm, it was just too cold to enjoy it. So Olive and Travis took a nap, the boys watched a movie and I decided to go for a jog. Random fact. I hate running. It's like the worst. Sign me up for an aerobics class, Zumba, kick boxing, High Fitness, even weight training! But just running? Yeah, torture. Well, I was so proud of myself because I ran 6 1/2 miles!! And I LIKED it!! The air was perfection. The beautiful ocean was my view. My legs felt good and I didn't get any cramps. It was like God decided to show me how running was supposed to feel! I didn't even sweat all gross. It was like the perspiration just piled neatly on my skin and didn't feel the need to run into my eyes or get my hands all sticky. I love when the stars align and I get to enjoy a good run. Such a treat.

Shortly after, Travis and Olive got up and we went on a little bike ride. Gosh it's fun to just do something with your spouse! Even if it's for a 20 minute bike ride. So while, the cold might have "ruined" the day, I actually liked the change up in routine!

That night, the family all got together to do a potluck spaghetti dinner. I contributed a salad, but Travis and I cheated and ordered Johnny Mananas right before. Now, how can you eat spaghetti when carne asada fries are calling your name, I ask you?! The kids got spaghetti. ;)

That night we busted out "Watch Yo Mouth"! Except that the actual game we ordered didn't come in time. Boo! Luckily, I married a dentist! He just brought some mouthpieces from work and we used phrases we found online, plus some of our own imagination. I think Abbey's first round was my favorite of the whole night! Petrified smelly oil! We laughed til we cried. My dad also thought he could tell us to shut up without us knowing what he said. Another gut buster moment. There may have been one other naughty word said. But it's not on tape so what is said in Oceanside, stays in Oceanside!! 

Wednesday was San Diego day! The family got breakfast at Mary's, but I could not be deterred from my one true love. DoNuT BaR!! You guys. These frosted delectables are surely part of the seven deadly sins.

That being, death by sugar.

No, gluten.

No, gluttony! Thaaaaat's what I was looking for. ;)

New on the menu was the French Toast donut. Made hot to order. Smoother that bad boy in butter and maple syrup then give yourself a shot of insulin. Worth. it.

I will usually give my highest praise to the bacon maple, but you know what? I remembered that lemon pistachio from last time and once again, it knocked my socks off with true, tart, lemony perfection. I might have to say it was my favorite. Yup. I'm calling it in favor of Mr. Pistachio. 

We thought we got a great parking spot, then got out and realized it was a loading zone. So Trav stood by it while we ordered and we ate our breakfast, classy style, in the back of the car. 

On to Sea World!!

Kids got in free and it was the nicest experience we've had yet, being there during off season! Not nearly as many people!

They did lots of remodeling in the past couple years, so we didn't have our normal benches to take pictures on. This creepy, pink octopus was a super second place. 

Sharks you can pet. Novel.

First up was my favorite show... Seymore and Clyde! This one always gets constant laughs. 
As did watching a Grandma get a bucket of water poured all over her. I don't know if the handicapped area should be in the splash zone...

The Manta rollercoaster was only a 5 min. wait! Woo hoo!! Just look at Collin's face. Pure joy. I wish I had taken an "after" shot. He looked mad when it was over but it turns out that was his "that was scary" face.

Next group of faces wins. 

My mom screaming her head off. 

My dad with embarrassed resignation, looking off in the distance like he can pretend he's not related. 

Abbey with "ummm, whaaa??" Is my mother in law really screaming?

And David laughing but thinking, "Oh geez. Seriously? My mom is still embarrassing me when I'm 24?!"

It's all soooo good.

One thing I know. I LOVE riding roller coasters with this cute guy!

Pregnant Marcie on the sidelines got this great shot. But I'm dying over fella in the front. He is one, too cool for school dad!

Got some pretzel and cheese for lunch before the Pet's Rule Show. Soooo, don't love this one. But can you guess who did?! "Mr. I can't even sit down and watch, this is the best seeing all these pets that my mom will never let me have!" 

Shamu! Gotta see him before he's gone! They really laid it on thick about how much they love the animals, take care of the animals, would never ever ever hurt the animals. Sheesh, people, if we were anti-Sea World, we wouldn't be here! 

This was the show that we sat in the dreaded SPLASH ZONE. The boys begged. It was getting hot so we threw them a bone. And we spent a half hour watching everyone around us get soaked. I mean, DRENCHED. And then it ended. And we didn't get a single drop. I have never seen 4, more disappointed boys. They were literally slumped in their seats, looking like someone had just snatched their churro, stepped on their foot and told them Santa wasn't real.

But we made up for it on Journey to Atlantis!!

BEFORE

AFTER

When Mom won't pay $6 for the dryer room, you ask Grandma. 

It's called the sun. THE SUN.

I'm not sure if we've just never seen the beluga whales before or what, but I thought they were the coolest part of the day. 

One downside to the off season was that they ran out of Dippin' Dots and churros! Come on! 

Frosted lemonades and popcorn sufficed. The dolphin show was our last hurrah before a final spin on Manta. Travis was sweet and took Weston and Olive on some kiddie rides since they couldn't do Manta. The park closed at 5pm, but it was perfect! We got in everything we wanted to do and didn't have to stay til 11pm like usual. I call that a win.

We drove 15 minutes to Guadalajara Grill and this chica conked out. Hard. Like limp noodle style. I can't remember the last time I got to snuggle her like that on my shoulder. I was soakin' it up.

Until I couldn't reach my chips and salsa. 

Then she had to go. 

(Kidding! Sort of ;)

Real life eating with kids. You look over and their bean burro is folded over their hands, spilling everywhere as they still attack it with a vengeance. 

And Travis wins husband of the year (for the 835th time) when he swapped me meals because mine came out completely opposite of what I had imagined. And then I only ate half of his anyway. Because I realized all I really wanted was some of those homemade tortillas! So I got some. When everyone was nearly done eating. And I held them in my hands like they were gold. And sniffed their tortilla goodness. I inspired two other tortilla orders just from my parading them around like prized chickens. 

On Thursday the sun shined again!!! 

I just want to know what she's thinking! It was like she was taking it all in. Or commanding the seas. Or probably she was just singing, "AHHHHHHHHHH!!!!!" Like she did most of the day anyway.

Thursday was NACHO DAY. Nacho day is a good day.

The guys all went surfing in the morning and came back around noon. Just in time for Jimmy and Rachelle's family to track us down and join the party! It was perfect! Having extra kids entertained our kids longer! And it was super fun talking to Rachelle and her sister. The more the merrier! 

That night we ordered Miso Harney. I hope you said it right. ;) 

Sushi and lots of it! My only complaint was that my lips were sunburned and sore and the spiciness ripped them to shreds. 

We played Rummikub and Ripple all night on our level.  

Friday morning, Travis and Austin went golfing and the rest went surfing! I rode a bike down to Beach Break Cafe to pick up some pancakes. That's exercising, right? Then most of the group got Ruby's for lunch but I wasn't leaving my spot in the sand. It was the last beach day, after all! 
I finally finished a book I've been working on for months. Yearning for the Living God but Enzio Busche. EXCELLENT read. One of the most faith promoting books I've ever read. Then, I went with my dad to pick up the pizzas for dinner. 9 to be exact. We ate approximately 5. I think we could have made a bigger dent if it was the beginning of the week. We really needed stomach #3 by this point. But oh, if you are ever in the area, Jay's Gourmet Pizzas are on point! 

We spent the last night all together playing a rousing game of Mafia! What's better than slowly killing off your family members?! I think it was 1am by the time we got in bed. Always a good idea before a long drive home the next day.

Saturday came all too fast. 

Gotta get in that group picture. We felt so so spoiled. What a trip! And all thanks to these amazing parent's of ours who are willing to put up with us for a week and foot the bill too. How did we get so lucky?! 

As if we really needed to eat...

But you must have Phil's!

Austin and Marcie ordered ribs on the bone and had some leftover. They gave one to Olive and a few minutes later we hear smacking noises and look over to a perfectly cleaned bone. She polished off two more after that. Atta girl!

One of the NICEST perks to this vacation were the double washer and dryers on two levels. I got all our laundry done before we left! That made for the best recovery from a family trip ever. Plus, we got to Mesa and were done! No plane trip after. No spending the night to finish the drive to New Mexico the next day. BLISS. 

Now for getting over our food comas and sleep deprivation. 

Did someone say fish taco?

:)