San Diego or bust!  Look at this motley crew about to drive 15ish hours with four kids to the coast.  Man, mother ocean's call is a loud and strong Siren to us landlocked Utahans!  We were supposed to have the Suncox crew with us too, but Eli woke up puking and therefore they were on hold for a bit.  They ended up leaving later this day and catching up with us on the beach the next day, not far behind.  This trip entails a lot of driving and Chip and I were feeling proud that we made the whole trip there and back without any screens for our kids.  They loved playing with their friends in the different cars, got into the music, yarn, and whatever else..pictures to come.  

We picked up Kaya and Renae a few hours into the trip.  Ruby was psyched about this.  She could have watched and soaked in all things Kaya-Greta all day.  She adores them, and I can't think of anyone I would want her to look up to more.  They are a special group of gals.

So, first night was in the mojave.  Owen LOVES to be outside, in the dirt and sand, and free to run around.  He and Graham were happy to be out of the car and out romping around together.  

Ruby lost her first tooth!!  She woke up and noticed it was gone.  We couldn't find the tooth, but she wrote her a nice note/picture and low and behold, the tooth fairy found us in San Diego.

These three again.  Doing each other's hair. :)

Finally, we made it to the beach, set up camp, put on wet suits, and got out to the beach for some play time!  Ruby, Owen and I have been waiting since last sumer to share these bubbles with our friends.  They were spectacular, real joy sparks.  

First night on the beach means dinner out.  We love the Bestawon.

They give out fortune cookies with your bill, and if you can't read Kaya's here, it says, "If you need adventure and enjoyment, take a vacation!"  Well, that is appropriate!

VG donuts is within walking distance of our campsite...and therefore we ate it often.  So good.

Painting coast side with kids.

La Joya.  Chilly and foggy day.  Some coffee and park time helped it burn off, just in time for us to get the paddle boards out and wet suits on so we could paddle out to the seals and sea lions, who flirted with us while we explored the cliffs.  So fun.

One day we also hit Legoland!!  This was a highlight for Ruby and Owen.  I was left less than impressed with the place overall, but appreciated that it was made and geared for a five year old.  I am glad we went now, before they are any older.  I am still looking forward to Disney one of these days and glad we got to experience the Legoland.

The next day, we woke up to rain....which is a bummer for us, but amazing for this drought stricken area.  We made the best of it, that is for sure.  Chip got the Bodyglove out for a spin.  We painted in the rain on the beach, and even eventually got wet suits on and went out to play with mother ocean.  Ruby, Kaya and I had a major adventure with the paddle board.  Everyone had good stories to tell, and I don't think anyone was traumatized too badly so all is well that ends well, right?

After we all got cleaned up and dried off, we decided to head into Encinitas to shop, hang out and drink Kombucha on tap, and eventually head to Pizza Port for dinner.  It was really an excellent day all in all.

We stayed the night in Vegas.  Camper was wet, stuff was sandy and wet, and we wanted to drive further than the Mojave.  So, the Westgate it is.  :)

Love these two.  Hangin on the beach with beers and good people.  Does life get any sweeter?

Well, I did have to get "rescued" by a lifeguard because I was stuck (for a minute people!) in a riptide.  It was fine and funny, but we did get a little dramatic here on the sand.  

Lots of gear, but lots of space to clean it all up so complaints!  It was another great adventure.  San Diego, we will be back.  Chip always heads back in the fall for a boys trip and now, after Renae and I (and Justin) took a lesson and feel like we know what we are doing a bit more, we also want to head out for a long weekend in the fall too.  We'll see.  Either way, we'll be back!