San Diego - Day 2 Coronado Island

San Diego

Day 2 - Tuesday

On our second full day of vacation we ventured to Coronado Island. First we drove around downtown San Diego for a bit and then took a Ferry to the island. Karina loved the short ferry ride - it was as if she were in a parade. She was smiling and waving to everyone that made eye contact (and to a few that avoided it as well). During the ferry ride we couldn't help but notice so many navy vessels in port. There was an aircraft carrier fully loaded with so much aircraft - it was so huge!! The aircraft carrier was actually available for tours but closed before we returned to San Diego. The skies always had a military plane or two or three overhead. Not sure if they were there for training exercises or boarder patrols as I don't know much about these things. I kept thinking about the movie Top Gun.

Once on Coronado Island the kids played at the beach. Karina loved the sand. She liked walking in it and touching it. She liked digging right away. Danny and Cecilia liked chasing birds (I had to teach them to chase them away from people and not AT them). On this vacation Danny dug so many holes - he would dig and dig and dig......not sure why. We walked around an adorable tourist area and came across bicycles to rent (1 big ole bike per family)....so we peddled. Map in hand, it was a great way to see the island. We went on a bike path for a while and then explored on our own. The hills were a bit rough with heavy load and a bicycle with no gears - but we really did have so much fun. Cecilia almost fell asleep and with a head-bob, almost went head first into the steering wheel and potentially off the bike (yes, we promise we followed all safety precautions - helmet and seat belt). Karina was in the front (and not shaded) she is my first baby to have sun burn (SPF 60 wasn't enough)! She was out in the sun most of the ride (as this was the only safe seat for her). As the red faded to brown we were taken aback at how much she resembled Danny at the same age. Karina had a great time greeting folks as we passed them. We loved the adorable houses with their perfectly manicured yards and so many convertibles - we couldn't even begin to count them (missing our Porsche about now). Karina fell asleep on the Ferry ride back to San Diego while the rest of us took in the view of the city.

We took Mario back to the house so he could rest. I don't think I mentioned it that he had a cold - probably a sinus infection. He was moving through the vacation like a champ considering how he sounded. All three kids were asleep in the car so I drove around and took in some views. The owner of the house we rented recommended a park to visit with the kids. While it was a really cute park that overlooked surfers - the evening really didn't work out as planned. Parking was difficult, there were about 100 stairs to navigate with the stroller and the bathrooms were not close but I was hell bent on having fun at this story book park. After we went to the bathrooms twice - it was past sunset and time to get the kids fed and to bed. The kids did play in the park for a little while anyway....

San Diego Day 1

San Diego

Traveling - Sunday

Up through Saturday evening we were working on wrapping up and filing tax returns. I was able to wash all the clothes but not yet pack anything. Our 3 1/2 hr. flight left from Minneapolis at 3PM. The plan was to leave by 10 AM to ensure we got there safely, on time and ate lunch before the flight. The kids did a wonderful job helping to pack the suitcases and take care of Karina in the morning. They also helped with getting the luggage to the car, airport and the rental car in California. They were so very excited. Cecilia had a great nap on the flight. Karina struggled a bit on the plane. Thankfully, there was an empty seat between us and the next person. Also, the women in the window seat was very friendly and patient with the baby. Eventually, Karina fell asleep. We arrived in the evening and found our rental home and grocery store with ease. We went to the local beach (Solana Beach) and learned the area is extremely dog friendly. Mario, Danny and Cecilia climbed a path up the mountain while Karina became acclimated to walking in the sand (she had a big face plant in the sand). We were initially concerned about the cool weather and the clothes that we packed - but the weather stayed in the high 60's all week, which was perfect!!

Day 1 - Monday

Late Monday morning we drove along the coast to La Jolla. We drove around La Jolla first and checked it out, it looked like a great place to explore on foot. We walked around just a bit until we found a restaurant recommended by one of Mario's co-workers. We ate lunch at George's, we ate outside, up on a cliff over looking the ocean - what an amazing view! I had my first fish taco's. They are a specialty of the area and super yummy - I had them 4-5 times during the trip. We walked around the shore and showed the kids seals swimming, playing and sun bathing. We explored a rocky shore and found crabs scurrying around. We saw the filming of a new A&E show "Big Mike" and recognized one of the actors from the Sopranos. Mario and I took turns with our "zones". Karina is one zone and Danny and Cecilia is the other zone (no more man to man for us - we are definitely out numbered).

During the drives and hikes, I had fun pointing out the differences in the landscape here vs at home. Flowers everywhere, trees are very different (smooth bark), tall and thin (not very full). We see lots of green where at home everything is still fairly gray from the long winter. The kids didn't have any issue being squished in a full sized car vs. the SUV or Minivan that they are used to - I was surprised - they actually had fun being closer together.

Mario and Karina at George's Restaurant.

Danny and Cecilia at George's.

The kids seemed to have fun being so "close" in the car.

Karina loves being upside down in the stroller.

Cecilia is loving all the colorful flowers in Southern California.

Danny climbs everything in site!

Danny and Cecilia at The Children's pool - yards away from barking seals.

Day 1 - a fun filled success!

Karina the destroyer

Karina the Destroyer

Yes - that is one of the many nick names I have for my youngest little angel. She is a very busy and energetic little tyke. If it is quiet in the house - yes, it without doubt that Karina is being destructive. I understand that a one year old likes to see that they can have an effect on their environment - and believe me she does. I understand that the repetitive movements are good for her muscle development and control. I also understand that if I want to read a news article, post to my blog or cook dinner - I will have a big mess to contend with when I'm done. Below are a few pictures that I have collected of "Karina the destroyer". By the way - I do not find it difficult to walk away and grab the camera - it gives me a minute to accept the situation and to tell her that these pictures are for her wedding video. I better go and see what she is up to right now........

She shows me that she now knows how to open her closet door by making her mark!