vacation

We ventured out and decided to take the kids up to San Luis Obispo for a few days. Our original plan was to just stay at the Apple Farm Inn, let the kids play at the pool, nap and then return to the pool again, along with a few short walks here and there.

Aren't we funny? We had it all worked out.

But every morning the weather was cold and overcast, nixing our plan to swim in the morning. Which caused us to be spontaneous and it worked out wonderfully.

On the first leg of our 4-hour drive up, we stopped in Summerland at a park so the kids could stretch, play and eat lunch. We made it up to the Apple Farm just in time for their daily "reception" where they put out yummy baked goods with cold apple cider for the kids and wonderful wine for Mommy! :) Then we played in the pool and pooped out for the night.

The next morning was cold and even a bit drizzly...so we drove the kids to Morro Bay and picnicked at a local park, took a ride on the Trolley, walked around the bay shops, visited a seal and then headed back for "reception" and pool time again.

The third day was a little warmer. We met up with my cousin Rebecca and her newborn son Braden at a local park. After the kids got all their wiggles and giggles out, we headed north to a little stop just past Hearst Castle where there are TONS of elephant seals. They are not the most beautiful creatures, but they are large, loud and interesting to watch. Grant cried when we left. He wasn't finished yet. We drove back for our reception and pool time routines. Nathan even let us order a movie The Pirates Who Do Nothing to help the kids zone out and fall asleep. It worked well.

By the way, every evening at 7pm the Apple Farm staff bring out freshly baked cookies. We lived for 7pm.

The last day we packed up and headed home, deciding to stop at the Santa Barbara Zoo to break up the drive. What a wonderful place for children. We even rode the train for a tour of the zoo...the kids loved it. Evan cried when we got off the train.

As we finished the last leg of our trip, we decided to eat dinner at the Spaghetti Factory in Duarte. Evan ate bread, pasta, mizithra cheese and yes, even a little bit of ice cream. Yes I know it's not good for him, but he is the baby of the family and he loved it!

We're home and ready to pack up once more for another trip.

Family trips are fun...not relaxing...but who wants relaxing when you get to just play and giggle and enjoy your little ones without any interruptions?