Monday, June 9, 2008

San Diego...

We have just returned from a fabulous week in San Diego! We absolutely loved every minute of fun and relaxation! Thanks Dad and Mom for making the week possible! Thanks to all of my siblings for using their vacation time to be together and for arranging their schedules around us!
Everyone but Johnny arrived on Saturday. We enjoyed a great meal at C&O Trattoria on the water in Venice Beach! The restaurant has to-die-for garlic balls that are served continuously! Although we ate too early to participate that night, at sunset the waiters and guests all sing "Thats Amore". Although it may sound corny, it is acutally the highlight of your trip there

On Sunday morning, dad accompanied me on my rounds so that he could check out my hospital. We then ate a nice breatkfast and took our time making our way down to San Diego. When we arrived at the house, we had a great time exploring and just hanging out for the evening. Pool and hot tub, fruit trees, tennis court and guest house...can you say "Heaven on Earth!!!"




We spent Monday at Sea World. It was fun to see Shamu and the dolphins. Todd and I were misled by Laurel, Jocelyn, Brady and Greg that sitting in the front of the Atlantis roller coaster was the place to be, however the result was both of us getting soaked from head to toe. Oh well, only the beginning of an evening spent in water as we swam the rest of the night. Thanks to Emily and Laurel who figured out how to "manipulate" the pool heater...the pool water was a warm 99 degrees the entire week and the hot tub 104 degrees....great for those cool San Diego evenings!


Colton and Cannon weren't the only ones needing a piggy-back ride during the day!




















Here we are after our roller coaster water ride in the "dry" seats....
Tuesday morning we awoke early and arrived at the beautiful San Diego Temple along with all of the area missionaries. We had the opportunity to perform sealings as a family....it was sure fun to see mom and dad acting as the children being sealed to their parents, Emily and Greg. We then had a great lunch at Cheesecake Factory before heading to the Wild Animal Park. We unfortunately had the impression that you drove in your own cars through the park, so I work my cool cotton dress and 4" heels that I had worn that morning to the temple....BIG MISTAKE!!! You walk yourself through the entire park. Thankfully, I was able to buy a pair of flip-flops at the gift shop at the park entrance and made it comfortably through!














Todd being very brave, getting up close and personal with a lion cub.





Todd and Crew enjoying the park....the baby looks good on him don't you think?


Here we are enjoying the 45 minute tram ride that takes you through the wild animals....why can't this thing just take you through the entire park!?!?!

Cannon was nice enough to share his ride when my tootsies needed a little rest.
We had planned a pool day on Wednesday, however awoke to a cold, cloudy day. We all bundled up and headed to the San Diego Zoo. We then had a nice dinner at Outback and spent the evening playing cards.

Everyone enjoying the double-decker bus that takes you through a good portion of the park.

















This is a beautiful area with over 50 species of rare birds.


















The giraffes and zebras were my favorite animals...they have the most fashionable coats of course!
























This is one of 5 giraffes at the San Diego Zoo, which happens to be a 6 month old baby!

Thursday was pool day....so relaxing! Cards, swimming, tennis for the boys, good food, fantastic company....what more can you ask for! Even Daddy joined in the card playing and beat the pants off of all of us! Who knew he was such a card shark! The boys never failed to entertain us with the constant tennis match that ensued the entire week! Todd became the one to beat and we all vied to be his partner for doubles! We then ventured in to Old Towne for an awesome mexican dinner! We were serenaded with "Rudolph the Red Nose Reindeer" which as you can imagine the kids adored! Of course, the highlight of the evening was Johnny arriving!





















Even our best and repeated sunscreen application didn't prevent the "red nose" that I am sporting...

















Here our deligthful singers entertaining the table next to us.

















Such a good picture of Dad and Mom it just had to be shared....

Friday morning was again spent playing cards and swimming...and of course the boys trying to outdo each other on the tennis court! We then had a great dinner at PF Changs before heading to the San Diego Padres game. We had the best seats just a few rows up from the right field! Before the game started, Greg and the boys put on the charm to sweeten up the ball girl sitting on the field, trying to get in good for any possible foul balls. There were plenty of foul balls hit our way, and Cannon did walk away with one of them! He was absolutely thrilled!

Here is a view of the field from our fantastic seats!



Crew-baby and I enjoying the game together!



David Wright up to bat...





Johan Santana pitching for the Mets...currently toted as the best pitcher in the Major League, he just signed a $128 million contract for 5 years....oh to be able to throw a ball accurately at 100 miles per hour!

Saturday was yet another morning of cards for the girls and tennis for the boys! We had one last lunch with everyone together before taking Greg, Emily and the boys to the airport. The rest of us then saw "Iron Man" and spent a little time shopping at a great mall! I could have spent the entire week seaching that mall...Nordstrom, Saks, Neiman Marcus, Tiffany just to name a few....Of course, we had to get in one more late night swim before the vacation ended!




















Laurel is always so willing to share Brady with Johnny when they are together!


















The hungry gang awaiting our food!



















You can't help but smile when Johnny is around!



















Award for best traveler goes to Crew. He was an absolute angel the entire trip, as were Colton and Cannon!



















Me and Mommy....





















Me and C-Dog...

Sunday was rise and shine, packing up and heading back to LA in order to get everyone to the airport for their flights at 2:00.


We were really sad for the week to end, but are so grateful for the time that we were able to spend together! I can't think of a better way to pass the time than with my husband and family! Thanks for the great week of memories!

10 comments:

Veronica said...

Love your recap of our toooooo quick week together. It was tons of fun and good memories to carry me through my family withdrawal with everyone scattered.....would have been absolutely perfect if Brittney could have been there too. Love you and miss you so much already.

John and Brittney said...

Meg, Loved the synopsis of the trip. It was so much fun to be with you and Todd and the rest of the family. Brittney was surely missed. I sure wish that we had more opportunities to spend quality time as a family. I will talk to you later. We love and miss you. Jcw

Laurel said...

When was that trip? Was I there? Just kidding it was a blast, and Johnny's fohawk is freaking sweet!!!! Miss you guys
Love Brady

Emily said...

I love your post. Thanks for the fun time and for taking such good care of Crew the entire time. It was a good break for me.

Laurel said...

Love the pictures thanks for posting them otherwise I wouldn't get to see them. That was a great recap and I loved it! Thanks!

Jill said...

The week with you family looks like a blast. I've loved reading everyone's recap of it. Friday night I said to Jer that I thought y'all were at the game. I wish I'd called your mom's cell so we could've seen you. Our hotel was right across the street. Crazy!!! Wish I could've seen you. So glad we have these blogs to keep up with each other's lives. By the way, baby Crew does look great with Todd!!! What a wonderful Aunt and Uncle you both are to those sweet boys.

Team Tingey said...

Looks like you guys had a blast. We really want to come see you sometime. You will have to let us know when you have a little time to spare. We went to San Diego last summer with my family and had a blast as well. Glad you guys had a great time. I can totally picture you going to the wild animal park in your high hills...that story really made me laugh.

Charles, Kellie, Gabe and Khale said...

Hello Doctor, Doctor -
I just found you through the Tingy blog. It sounds like you are doing great. We are also in California now (Hopefully not forever!). However, we are in the Northern part. It is great to see that you are doing so well. I would love to meet up sometime.

Mindy M. said...

Love all the pictures and everyone looks so happy and relaxed!! I love all the pictures of you and Todd and YES! ~~ He does look good with a baby in his arms. I'm glad you got to spend a week with your family and enjoyed every minutes of it! Miss and love ya!!

Alissa said...

Looks like a great week. You deserve it!