Family Time in San Diego

 We rented a huge house in Oceanside CA where we all gathered. 



I never thought being a grandparent would be better than being a parent!  Both are so rewarding and I’m reminded everyday but especially when we get to spend time with our girlsA beautiful 6 days with just our family. The girls were so much fun to have around. Lacey built one more gingerbread house and Carrie played lots of card games with Aunt Stephanie and Paul.




Our view was always interesting, many morning we could not even see our neighbors between us and the ocean. Other days we had spectacular views.  


                                     Lacey loved building things with the light up sticks

The first day the kids all went to LegoLand and Paul and I went back to Anaheim where we had left the RV while we were in Oceanside. I had forgotten a few things that we really needed. On our way back we found a very cool spot right on the beach who had amazing fish n chips and clam chowder. We couldn’t find Teddy’s leash so Paul had to tie baggies together so that he was able to sit with us. There were so many dogs. We didn’t spend much time there after eating as it was pretty warm and I had forgotten sunscreen and a hat! I forgot so many things for this trip. I had to buy sunscreen at $95, I don’t have a zip up sweatshirt which I have so many at home and I forgot my hats! I found a hat at an Ace Hardware for only $20 so that was a good deal. The sweatshirt I finally found something that will work until we get home at Walmart for only $8. I hate when we leave and we have to buy things but at least we can.


                                             Lunch at Lost Pier near Laguna Beach

Tuesday was New Year’s Eve and we took walks to the beach and had Ice Cream. On the beach walk we found a cool spot that had a motorcycle and memorabilia from Top Gun. Apparently the house was the place the girlfriend lived in the movie. We got photos of Stephanie, Carrie and Lacey sitting on the bike. Now the shop is a pie and ice cream spot. 


Then the festivities started about 3:30! We decorated the place, Amy put on her NYEve Top and I brought out my Bingo game that I brought complete with prizes! The girls were so excited for everyone to get prizes. Carrie even asked me the day before we were leaving “did I get all my prizes?” She had a little box with at least 10 items. We celebrated New Year’s at about 7:30 but the girls didn’t know the difference and Paul and I were more than willing to get it done early. I think Stephanie and Nick were a little surprised that we didn’t stay up. Nick sat in the hot tub alone, and the rest of us were in bed by 10!





Carrie informed us we she was our New Year’s Mascot and we could take photos with her


New Year’s day was a nice quiet day, Amy’s family went to the beach again and then to friends for dinner. Paul, Stephanie and I spent the day in San Diego where Paul and Stephanie toured the USS Midway. 

                               One of many art displays near the Midway

They both really enjoyed it. Teddy and I took a nice walk along the bay and had a coffee. Everyone wins! We got home and enjoyed dinner before the kids got back. Both girls were asleep when the arrived.

The big day for me was we went to the San Diego Zoo. The girls know so much about the animals in the zoo and are very helpful. The zoo is huge and has so many animals. I don’t think we missed any but both girls said we did not see the whole zoo. We went down hills and then back up several times. I think I got 16K steps in and saw animals I had never seen before. The panda bears were pretty cool and the main attraction at the zoo as they had just gotten there and were finally acclimated so they could be out to see the visitors. The lions were really loud. The Red Panda’s were adorable and very active. I love the monkeys and they had so many different ones. But the favorite was the Koala’s! They had a lot of them and one was right there eating branches and almost posing.




Saturday we had to say goodbye to our home away from home and get on the road again. Amy’s family left about 9 and headed back to Danville and Paul, Stephanie and I went back to the place Paul and I had lunch , The Lost Pier near Laguna Beach and had a nice lunch and enjoyed the waves for a bit. 


                The morning was a bit chilly but the ocean was calling

Then we dropped Stephanie at the John Wayne Airport to wait for her plane home. I already miss them and they are not even home yet.

After getting everyone on their way Paul and I retrieved the RV and headed to Riverside where we will begin our winter Journey east to Houston.

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