Wednesday, February 6, 2013

A trip for C! San Diego '13

I am convinced that EVERYONE who lives in an inversion, rather Salt Lake County, should take a vacay every January! This is the second year in a row that we have taken a trip to the glorious sunshine state of California. I kid you not, it is the best therapy around.  A little sand, a little sun and voila, you are a new person!  This year however, it was just the Can-man and I with grandma Chris and grandpa Grant on a road trip to San Diego.  We left the muck with our trustee masks in hand, not so much for the crappy air but more for the sickie grandparents in tow.  We made our way to Primm (Vegas) for the night.
The next morning we woke up and continued to follow the sunshine right up to the edge of the continent where our ocean view property awaited our arrival.  There we had some lunch, our first taste of the surf and in Cannon's eyes, "the most delicious mac'n'cheese ever!"
We wasted no time trading our boots for flip flops and the snow for some warm sand between our toes.  The whole way there Cannon kept saying "California where it's always warm!" He suggested we move there more than once and I didn't disagree.  Now if only we could convince dad.
This was our Condo.  It was right on the beach! Seriously, this was our view every night and every morning. HEAVEN!
On Friday we SURPRISED Cannon with a trip to LEGO LAND! He was so excited!!! This kid of mine LOVES and I mean LOVES LEGO'S.  You should see the things this kid can create so needless to say he was pretty dang happy.  We explored the LEGO village, hit some rides, picked up a souvie and called it a day.  Cannon loved it! 
The rode that led you to LEGO LAND is CANNON ROAD! Coincidence...I think not! Pretty cool!

The next day grandma and grandpa wanted to take C on the Sea and Land tour.  It was really neat.  You board a bus that doubles as a boat and there you have it the Sea and Land.  We explored San Diego and saw some of the tourist sites aboard the bus then the boat took us out to sea to meet up with "stinky" Sea Lions, Navy Dolphins, Pelicans, Sail Boats and a whole lot of Coast Guard and Navy sites.  Cannon was so excited for this.  When we got to Sea Port Village we were about 40mins ahead of the tour.  C would not leave for fear they would leave without us.  So he and G-pa hung around the bus while gma and I explored a bit.
After the tour we hit ANTHONY'S for the first, but I assure you not the last time.  If you know San Diego you know ANTHONY'S.  Some of the best fish'n'chips ever! It is also no stranger to pigeons, which made Cannon kind of nervous.  Poor kid is a nervous Nelly and was so worried the pigeons were going to "peck" him.  Believe it or not, the pretty much left him alone.  Wish I would have gotten a pic of that, but alas there is none so you are merely left with a visual.
We did A LOT of this and it was FABULOUS! The sand was warm, the sun kissed our skin just enough and the sound of the waves crashing to shore was a magnificent reminder of just how amazing this world is!
On Sunday we visited the Mormon Battalion Visitors Center in Old Town.  I had never been there been before and it was one of the most interesting places I have ever been.  They had an interactive, moving Visitors Center.  I learned more than I ever expected to.  I am always amazed at how the strong the Spirit can be felt in sacred places like that if you are mindful of it.  The Spirit often consumes to the point I feel tears burning in my eyes when I learn of the sacrifices, the circumstances and the faith that our Pioneer brothers had.  I would definitely recommend making a stop here if you have the chance.


Another Cannon favorite was the USS Midway.  A retired Navy ship that is truly incredible.  Cannon had a great time listening to his headphones seeking out the numbers to earn his "wings."  
This is another thing that sparks up emotion in me.  I am so grateful for our Service men and women and I can truly feel of the sacred Spirit that presides on these service ships, planes etc. We truly live in a blessed land and the Lord is mindful of our great country.  This was one of those places I could spend days on. There is so much fascinating information here.  

Following the Midway, we hit up ANTHONY'S again and went back to Sea Port Village.
On the last day we went over the bridge to the beach of gold! Coronado island which is home to quite easily, one of the most beautiful beaches in the world.  There is gold in the sand! The beach is huge, clean and so serene.  This island seems so magical to me.  The houses, the Del the beach, the palm trees etc.  Seriously amazing! Cannon once again enjoyed the beach and some fun in the sun.
Sadly our journey had to end! Grandma and grandpa dropped us off at the airport where said our goodbyes and got ready to board our plane.  Cannon was pretty stoked to be riding an airplane.  He has waited a long time for that and he was almost giddy!  He of course chose a window so he could keep tabs on the world outside.  I love that little smile! Look at him, pure JOY!

So we said goodbye to San Diego '13 and Hello to this...

Yep, at the airport we were greeted by these sweet peeps! Aren' they adorable?! What a sweet welcome home! We sure did miss them.  

This was such a FUN trip and I am SO thankful I had the opportunity to take the Can-man on his own adventure.  It was so fun to have the one on one time with him and I will forever cherish the memories we made on this getaway.  Big shout out to the Balltrain who stayed home with Brooky the cookie, the family and neighbors who helped watch the sweet B and of course grandma and grandpa for letting us tag a long! 

Here's to hoping San Diego is a yearly getaway.  We already have two years under our belt I think we should just keep adding! 

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