San Diego

I have been such a bad blogger, I know. There are so many projects and extras this time of year. I am loving it all, but when I finish up activities for the night, I don’t usually feel much like typing away. Oh and confession: I am totally engrossed in the show Brothers & Sisters. We have Netflix, so you can watch one episode after another, and that’s what I do…every chance I get…while nursing, sewing a stocking, folding laundry, etc. By the way, no spoilers please; I only just started Season 5.

So, onto the topic of this post…VACATION!! Well, a vacation for Macy & I anyway. Yes, that’s right, at the ripe old age of 4 months, Macy took her 2nd trip, but her 1st flight.

Joel had a work conference at Paradise Point Resort in San Diego, so for the bargain price of a frequent flyer mile “free” flight and a $200 spouse pass, Macy and I had a very inexpensive vacation. Graham stayed home. Grandma came to stay with him at home to keep things normal for him. We all had a good week!

As I mentioned, Joel was there for work. Macy and I spent our days doing fun stuff and met Joel for dinner each night, and several lunches too! We left early Sunday morning. Macy was a peach on the flight. No issues at all. When we got to the resort, we were pretty tired, so we got a carry-out lunch and took a nap. That night, was an opening reception with appetizers which worked out since we had a late lunch. Joel’s sessions started bright an early Monday morning.

On Monday, I did a lot of walking around the resort with Macy, partially to learn my way around, but mostly to enjoy the weather and get some exercise.

As for the weather, it was cooler than I anticipated, 60’s, which was about the same as home. I would have thought California would be warmer than Michigan, but I guess not. By the end of the week, it warmed a bit, but best of all it was very sunny. Anyway, I also used Monday to do a little research and plan our week. Monday night, there was a nice reception at night. Macy slept the whole dinner, so Joel and I actually got to carry on a conversation with other adults. Joel is used to this, but at times for me, it’s a novel concept!

On Tuesday, Joel’s session let out a bit early. The conference organizers plan one shorter day so everyone can actually go out and enjoy the area. Joel, Macy & I went to SeaWorld. It was great. We felt very bad that Graham was not there with us as there were so many attractions we know he would’ve have loved. He hasn’t been to a theme park yet, we plan to take him next summer. I loved the dolphin and whale shows. I actually cried during the whale show. They are massive, yet so graceful! Just beautiful animals.

A sight for sore eyes!



This walrus was so funny.  It kept chewing its food, spitting it out, sucking it back in, spitting it back out...over and over.  It was the oddest thing.  So, of course we thought it would be a good picture!



Whales!

Dolphins!

Tuesday night, we enjoyed a BBQ on the beach with the conference. After we ate, we sat at the bonfire for a while and talked to Joel’s coworkers and other attendees.

Wednesday, Macy and I went to the San Diego Zoo. That zoo was huge! We did A LOT of walking and saw the whole thing. I was so impressed with it. The habitats were really designed to be as natural as possible and it was really beautiful. Though I must say, at times it was a bit sad. Some of these animals, such as the elephants, I got to see in their natural habitat in South Africa. So to see an exhibit, no matter how good, it’s just not the same!

My favorite exhibits were the pandas and gorillas.

Macy stretching her legs at the zoo.

After Joel got out of his sessions, he took a taxi and picked us up from the zoo and we headed to Seaport Village to window shop and had a nice meal with a beautiful view.

Thursday, Macy and I went to La Jolla. It’s an upscale resort town. In true “Candice form,” I shopped all day in this upscale area and spent a grand total of $8. I bought Graham some cool colored pencils for a stocking stuffer, and bought myself two $1 nail-polishes, cuz I’m a big spender like that! After walking around town, I headed to the Cove, a gorgeous beach, and waited for Joel to join us. While I waited, I sat on a bench and nursed Macy (with a cover…no public nudity!) with the most exquisite view and the warmth of the sun on us. It was my favorite moment of the trip, and I will remember it forever. The thankfulness & love...for this beautiful earth & this beautiful girl. I am blessed!!

Once Joel joined us, we ate outside at a Bar & Grill that had live music (so I was a happy camper) and lots of specialty beers on tap (so Joel was a happy camper).

On Friday, Macy and I headed to Mission Bay, where we walked the path around the Bay for a while. Then we rested on the grass…Macy’s 1st time on the grass. Then she did some tummy time on a picnic table taking in another awesome view.

There is so much I love about this picture: the sun, the sky, the ocean, Macy's chubby cheeks, her little tongue out, her belly showing, her ruffly little butt...so precious!

When we got back to the resort, we took Macy to the beach at the resort so she could dip her toes into the ocean for the first time.

The water was cold, so that surprised Macy, but she didn't fuss.  A quick dip and dry and then we put her socks right back on.  :)

After, we ate at the resort. The next morning, we headed back home…another good flight with a sleepy girl.

The trip was so relaxing. It was wonderful to be able to spend so much one on one time with Macy. We were happy to return home to our boy. He may not have gotten to see the pandas in person, but we brought him back the book, “Little Panda,” from the zoo.  He has brought it to me to read EVERY night before bed. I guess it was a good souvenir!