California Dreamin'

In June we went to Encinitas, California for a full week to visit Nate, Jeni and the kids.  It was a fabulous trip!  We were spoiled with good food, gorgeous weather, fun shopping, sea world, childrens museums, seeing other family, lots of cousins and swings, and trampoline time galore.  Daphne didn't want to come home! (and neither did we, to be honest)

This was Daphne's first visit to the beach and I think she was just warming up to it when we started to head home.  It took her a little while to get used to the sand between her toes and the tide pulling it from under her feet in the water.

First reactions to the sand--walk. very. carefully.

We enjoyed a lovely afternoon at the San Diego Botanic Gardens right by Nate and Jeni's house.  The amount of vegetation that I had never seen was staggering.  It's amazing how much things change in different climates.  It was all so exotic looking compared to what we have in Colorado.  We LOVED it.  I'm now dreaming of succulent gardens....

 We also got to go to Sea World for the first time, and while we thought it might be fun for Daphne, it was more for me than anyone else since I've never been--in my memory at least.  Daphne was DYING to go take a picture with this dude, but was anything but thrilled to sit by him for said picture.  She survived, however.

 Looks like mama had a LOT more fun than Daphne-girl.  I was trying to be excited for her, OK?  She was struggling a bit to not be scared.

Sleepy Sea Lion

My FIRST Shamu show.  I thought it was pretty amazing--Daphne just wanted to get IN the water.  Who cares about the gigantic killer whales?

Pete & Noa drove the LONG drive in crazy traffic from LA with Molly and Ethan who were visiting.  It was really great to see them and meet Noa, even if it was so very briefly.   We had just a few hours with them before our flight home.

Daphne had a blast at the Children's Museum in Escondido.  There was a lot to play with and in.  She was especially entertained with the bubble solution until another little girl came over and whacked her in the face with a large bubble wand.  "_

Cute Vivian playing with the bubbles too.  I was bummed to realize that we  didn't really get ANY pictures of Daphne and her cousins!  or the whole crew that went everywhere together during the week. :(

Jake's spectacular creation--Jake and Emmy were at this table for a couple of hours with these blocks.  They made some pretty cool things.  We'll have to get some of those.

Nate's post at the museum--Van joined him shortly thereafter. :)

We can't thank Nate & Jeni enough for a wonderful vacation!  Van was supposed to have an interview while we were there, but it was postponed and he had it here in Boulder after we got home.  We're keeping our fingers crossed that things work out for one of the companies that he's been in touch with in the area.  We would LOVE to be near so much family and live in paradise.  See you soon California! (we hope:)