We recently had the chance to spend a week in Newport Beach & San Diego with my parents. It was our last chance for a vacation during our busy summer and we squeezed it into the last week of August.
The trip began with apprehensive smiles as we got ready for take-off. We weren't sure how Mia would be on the plane at 15 1/2 months.
We were able to borrow a few key survival pieces from friends who have a daughter the same age. These puppy dog headphones were a big hit. I think we are going to have to get her her own pair.
Once we arrived at the resort, we spent a lot of time lounging & taking advantage of the recreational activities. Every time we passed the Koi Pond, Mia had to stop. She really wanted to jump in there with them.
Learning the correct putting stance & grip from Dad.
Picking up everyone's golf balls just before they were about to hit or midway to the hole.
What can I say? She's a genius.
Swimming was Mia's favorite activity. She always wanted to be in the "wawa". Here she is with Grandma Sue, swimming in the "poo".
Of course we decided to spend time on the beach the one day it was kind of cold and foggy, but we enjoyed it just the same. Grandpa Wally showed Mia around and pointed out the wildlife (birds), which Mia loved.
Mia preferred to walk everywhere instead of being carried...
...but she usually walked in the opposite direction of where we wanted to go.
After Newport Beach, we had to say goodbye to Grandpa Wally and Grandma Sue and we headed down to San Diego for the weekend.
One of our first stops was Old Town for a little Mexican food. Mia spotted the gentlemen serenading the patrons and clapped and danced until they noticed and came to our table.
She was in awe.
One evening was spent along San Diego's harbor. Once again, Mia was anxious to get in the water. The girl scares me.
The area was pretty fun to explore while we waited for our table at The Fish Market (great restaurant right on the water).
Once seated, we became really grateful that Mia is finally old enough to play with crayons without too many mishaps. Even so, Nick and I have become really good at taking turns & eating fast at restaurants.
The next day we spent some time in La Jolla, showing Mia the sea lions.
Nick was giddy at the thought of Great Whites being nearby since there had been several sightings in the area lately.
Then Mia took a dip in the ocean (which was freezing, but she didn't care).
She could probably have stood on her own, but the combination of waves and her desire to dive in head first to any body of water meant we had to hold her the whole time.
After some time at the beach, we went up to a grassy area where there was an outdoor concert. We enjoyed the perfect weather & Mia danced and worked the crowd harder than any politician. She recently learned how to shake hands and went around introducing herself to just about everyone... multiple times...
Our trip would not be complete for Nick if we didn't make one little pilgrimage to Torrey Pines golf course. He didn't take the time to play this time, but still picked up a few souvineers in the pro shop & a newfound resolve to play there the next time we visited southern California.
We all got a little taste of heaven on our trip & a reminder of why we love California so much.
