USS Midway and Old Town

 Sunday we went to tour the USS Midway.  It was really cool, but just like when we went to Alcatraz, I didn't last the whole tour without a panic attack.  We kept going down on the ship and it kept getting narrower and smaller and I just had to get back up and out to some fresh air.  Before the panic attack, it was a very somber experience learning about the ship and the men and women who have served and serve our country.  I feel a reverent feeling learning about these men and women, and I realize more and more I couldn't do it.   

After touring the ship, we went to Old Town.  This was right by the hotel, so we were able to park the cars and just walk.  We went in all the cool stores, saw a ton of neat souvenirs and handmade items, added many steps and miles of walking to our many from before, had ice cream, and oh my gosh, ate the yummiest Mexican Food for dinner.  I am a big Mexican food fan, so this was my favorite restaurant we ate at.  

San Diego Temple & beach day

 One thing we knew we wanted to do when we were planning our trip was go to the San Diego Temple.  This temple is (like all the others) beautiful on the outside and we wanted to go inside.  Appointments are still a little hard to make, but we scheduled an appointment about 4 months ago.  We love going to the different temples, it was amazing to be there.  This temple is closing next month for a 3 year renovation, I'm so happy we were able to go.  

We knew Saturday would be busy every where so we opted for a beach day to let the kids swim and build sand castles.  We were going to go back to Mission Bay, but that was an absolute nightmare, and we drove right by and on multiple highways to get to La Jolla.  That was crowded as well, but at least we could find parking.  After a couple of hours we were fully covered in sand and decided to try to clean off a little and head back to the hotel.  We didn't try to extremely hard because the kids just all jumped in the pool when we got back.  For dinner we just got to go from Panda and ate it by the pool.  We needed a couple hours to just chill.  

Legoland

 I had always heard Legoland was geared more toward younger kids.  Admission to Legoland was included with our City Pass so we figured why not, all the kids love Legos.  The only regret I have was that I never took my boys when they were younger.  All the kids absolutely loved Legoland, it was so much fun, and not crowded at all.  The park was clean and bright and full of fun things to see and the rides were for everyone.  We had so much fun on Friday being at Legoland from open to close.  It was also National Donut Day so we drove on 97 different highways (okay kidding, but driving in California is absurd) to go 12 miles for a donut shop then we met Krissy & PJ at a park for some Costco pizza and donuts.  After I wanted to go to Walmart to get a kite to fly on the beach, and that was legit 5 highways just to go 7 miles.  But all said and done, it was another fun day!  

Mission Bay, Point Loma, La Jolla, and Belmont Park

 Thursday was another busy day.  We first went to La Jolla Beach and walked to the pier and collected sea shells.  I love the ocean, but the sand I could leave behind.  The sea shells were pretty and looked like beach butterflies all along the sand.  After a couple hours there, we drove to Point Loma to see a light house, and tide pools.  The kids had fun seeing little crabs there.  We weren't done yet, and went on to Belmont Park for shopping and more shopping and to walk along Mission Bay.  Another beautiful beach, where we saw dolphins jumping in and out of the water.  The kids were starving at this point, so we went to a fun diner called Corvette Diner for dinner.  It was loud and basically a party, so our big group fit right in!  

San Diego Zoo

 We woke up at 4:00 in the morning to get ready for our flight at 7:30.  At first I thought this was an awful way to start vacation, but it actually worked out great.  We got to San Diego early and since we flew instead of the 14 hour drive, we had the whole entire day to do something because we couldn't even check in to the hotel until 4:00.  One place we for sure wanted to go was the San Diego Zoo.  As soon as we landed, I knew I had found the perfect climate.  It was overcast and only between 65-70 the whole week we were there.  Even when the sun came out in the afternoon, the cool breeze from the ocean kept the temperature down.  I literally loved the weather, and it was perfect for walking around the huge zoo.  PJ kept track of how much we walked each day, and it ended up being over 35 miles total.  The zoo was 7 miles of walking.  There was a ton to see and we wanted to see it all.  

After we got to the hotel Krissy, PJ, & I went and found a grocery store to get some stuff for lunches all week and snacks.  The kids weren't done yet and they went for a swim in the pool.  

The Big One

 I mentioned before that Gator and I have a lot planned for the summer.  We just got back from our big trip to San Diego.  We went with Krissy & PJ, and it has been planned for over a year.  We had an awesome time!  Everything we did, I wished the boys, Kylee & Kin were with us, but I realize they have to grow up and have their own lives and commitments.  I must say a trip with just one kid was really different and a lot cheaper though.  So lots of pictures and entries are to come as I have time to update.