Our Last Days in San Diego

Every time we visit San Diego we come across the same problem .... we just don't have enough days to eat at all the places we want to.

For burgers (and malts for Jacob and the kids) we stop at Hodad's. They have a bigger location in downtown but I'm sure the vibe is just not the same so we always come to this one in Ocean Beach and stand in line.

We met up with my friend Brenda. She's a very busy woman but thankfully she was able to join us for lunch.
These two have become the best of friends.

Of all my years living in San Diego I have never been to any bookstores there .... can you believe it? I can't. I mean, I knew about Barnes & Noble but that was it. So it occurred to me this time around to google bookstores and I came across three that weren't too far.
After checking out novels and faith based books I walked towards the back and found my people sitting in the children's area.

I love bookstores that have permanent feline residents. When we visited Colorado we went to a bookstore where two cats lived at ... and now here in San Diego better yet, North Park they also had a couple of cats. I only came across this one though. Of all the bookstores I've been to in my area and the Seattle area I have yet come across a cat inside a bookstore. Lame! Everyone knows that cats and books go together!!

Here we are in Imperial Beach. It's nice here too. I like how they've updated this area. It's fun watching surfers do their thing. I can watch them for hours.

Later on this day we met up with my sister and Mom at Baja Lobster in Old Town. I'm not sure how long this restaurant has been in Old Town but I had never come across it before. It is kinda hidden so that could be the reason but there's no signs of the place that I remember seeing. Anyway, my sister treated me. Thanks Claudia. I sure do love crab, lobster and shrimp! It weirds me out seeing Jacob drinking an alcoholic drink because he rarely drinks. He doesn't like to drink beer or wine but he'll drink a pina colada or a slush margarita every now and then. I just hope he doesn't get tipsy because he's the one that drives us everywhere, mostly.

When I eat I usually finish my food a little bit on the fast side. I mean, I chew my food good and I don't rush through my meals but I always seem to be the one to finish first, lol. However, when it comes to crab or lobster I'm usually the last one to finish eating. I just love to take my time ... it is so delicious.

At my mom's ... taking time to relax. Claudia got Riley a coloring book. They also worked on some Christmas decorations. Riley does enjoy doing crafts ... plus, it keeps him engaged for a while.

Riley wanted to play at the beach one last time before we left so we went back to Imperial Beach on our last day there. When I was looking through all the pictures I began to laugh because Jacob and Riley are so pasty. Jacob's back blended in with the white of the waves, lol. I didn't post any of those pictures, Jacob wouldn't have been too happy about it.

Nathan also laid out for a while hoping he would get a tan. Then they rented a boogie board and hit the waves. Jacob said it was hard, lol. Amateurs!!! I read.
After the beach we went back to my mom's to wash up then we went to grab some Greek food and took it to Seaport Village. I like it there. I even brought wine with me. I love this meal especially their Greek salad and the chunks of feta cheese, oh and the pita bread is super soft and yummy!

Every time we visit in July the weather is just awful, humid and hot. I keep telling Jacob that we need to visit in February but the reason we keep visiting in the summer is because of the 4th of July. There's no other place we would rather be for the 4th because no other place has that same patriotic feel, vibe that we're used to at Coronado.

My sister has spoiled all of my kids but since Riley is the youngest she spoils him the most. She got him some ice cream. We walked around for a bit and bought more souvenirs.

Nathan's growing up way too fast lately.

White stucco buildings are so pretty!

The following day we had breakfast together.

Can't remember what was so funny.

Our last morning here. It sucks that we live far from each other. I love San Diego but it has changed from what I remember and I no longer wish to move back there ... maybe to Santa Cruz. I would totally move to Santa Cruz. I like living in WA even though it's another very liberal state. It's a beautiful state though, lots of fun things to do. The Oregon coast isn't really that liberal, you'd be surprised and not even central Oregon. We've seen TRUMP signs on the side of the freeway and signs that says, GOD LOVES YOU. It's just Portland that's liberal. Anyway, who knows what the future holds.
We said our goodbyes.

Riley cried.

Every time we say our goodbyes I realize this could be the last time we see each other but all I can do is hope that it isn't. This is the only way I refrain from shedding a few tears myself.

Back on the open road.

Made it to Northern Sacramento by 7:00 pm. It was hot there, even at night. We went out to dinner then went straight to the hotel. We couldn't wait to get back home. We missed Sophie.

Wrapping Up San Diego

Our stay in San Diego had come to an end  ... and so Jacob and I decided to go on a date.

We first went to eat carne asada tacos, again. This time I did eat a couple and they were so good. After we ate we drove to Imperial Beach. This beach is the closest to us but I don't favor it much. First, because this area wasn't always a good area but now over the years the city has really cleaned up this beach town and made the surrounding area very inviting and pretty. I was very shocked to see how nice it is here now. The second reason why I don't like coming here is that more likely than not I will run into someone I know. What I want is to relax and enjoy the view with my husband and not to have to be social with people that are no longer part of my life.
This is why we came here just before sunset. I wanted to see the sunset over San Diego one last time before we left.

We walked for a bit and came across this new statue. It definitely wasn't here when I lived here. It sure makes for a nice focal point.

I wish I could have been able to fit in this pretty flower on the ground. It reminded me of the flower from Tangled. I also like the backrest on the bench. Made out of clear blue glass. Nice.

We took in the view and filled our lungs with sea air. I love that smell. I spotted an old couple holding hands walking along the boardwalk. I always take pleasure in seeing old couples loving on each other because that's how I see myself with Jacob thirty/forty years from now. So sweet!

After we left the beach we stopped by a store to pick up some mexican bread, pan dulce. If I ever get fat and dumpy it will be for my love of pastries, chips and salsa/guacamole/dip ... and nachos and pizza.

It was definitely sad to leave my parents and my hometown. I love San Diego so much but I just don't feel comfortable being around the South Bay area anymore. The only area that we would live is North of Poway. If it is in God's will then I'm sure he will open doors for us to move back but for now I am content to live where I live. San Diego and Seattle are very comparable. They are both gorgeous and what one lacks the other makes up for it. At least the weather in Washington is ideal the majority of the time. A lot fresher and more rain than San Diego gets. But still, my heart will always be in San Diego.

Ready for our next adventure.

Imperial Beach Sandcastle Competition

July 24, 2011 ... Part 1

On our last full day in San Diego which was a Sunday we went to the 31st U.S. Open Sandcastle Competition in Imperial Beach. I was happy that things worked out the way they did ... my grandfather's birthday celebration being on the same weekend as the sandcastle competition weekend. Happy because I had not been to them since I was in high school and from what I remember the designs/creations used to be so impressive and so I wanted to go for myself and for Jacob and the kids to experience it themselves.

  This is Seacoast Drive .... the beach is to the left.

Coming up to the street fair ... obviously lots of yummy food all around.

There were also lots of booths, from insurance to the new dyson fans ... you know those round fans that don't have the fast spinning blades?

Since we took the stroller with us we couldn't all walk on the sandy beach together so we split up. First Sydna and I went to check out the sandcastle designs ... there were so many but since we got there around 11:00 am it was still very early to really see any type of significant progress. Some groups had several designs done and I took pictures of those.

This one was cool ... troops in battle.

The competitors were encouraged to come up with designs based on memorable moments, significant landmarks or Southern California ideals.

Sydna looking so grown up and beautiful.

These were some of the best designs that were partially finished. I was a bit disappointed that this years sandcastle competition didn't attract more talented artists. I do want to go to a different sandcastle competition somewhere in Northern California.

Not sure if I've said this before but Sydna looks so much older when she straightens her hair. She has beautiful wavy hair ... I keep telling her that it looks so pretty but she says that she doesn't want to leave it wavy because it becomes frizzy.

 After Sydna and I were done looking at all the sandcastle designs we went back to the Plaza to meet up with Jacob, Nathan, and Riley. This is how I found Nathan ... silly but I wasn't too thrilled about it and the little guy in the back looks sooo cute standing up while Jacob supports him.

Nathan didn't want to go see all the sandcastles so Sydna accompanied Jacob. I stayed with my boys.

To me, Riley looks a little older with a hat on but cute nontheless.

Riley and Momma ... and always putting something in his mouth.

After Sydna and Jacob came back we then walked down Seacoast Drive. We didn't eat anything there because I wanted to go back to the taco shop and eat more rolled tacos ... you know they're my favorite right?

Since we left the competitions early and we were not able to see all the finished designs and obviously didn't find out then who had taken the prize money I looked it up and found a picture of the grand prize winner.

It's pretty cool looking right?

The team that won were called the I.B. Posse who took top honors with their tribute to the troops. The prize money was over $21,000. Wow ... good for them.

Part two of our day coming up shortly...

Our San Diego {Independence Day} Trip: Day 1

First let me begin by saying that this trip was just under a week long and so I will be dividing our trip by days because by now you all know that I just can't post a few pictures, too many beautiful places and fun things to do in San Diego that it's just not possible to post only a handful. Besides I want to break it up for you or else you will grow tired of the never ending post if I would chose not to.

Day 1 - June 30, 2011 - Thursday

We had planned on being on the road by 5:00 am but this time around it simply was not possible, so we were an hour behind schedule ... not too bad right? I knew this road trip would be different because it was Riley's first long road trip which meant we would need to make rest stops and make sure he stayed content.

The morning was quite warm, mid 80's ... already! with scattered clouds all around. We even brought our goldfish Chance along that we placed in a pickle jar with a few holes on the lid. I'm just glad we loaded the truck the night before.

Here we are an hour into our road trip and guess who needed a diaper change? So Jacob had to exit the freeway and pull over on the side of the road.

 Thought it looked pretty with the mountains in the background. 

Refueling in Yuma and getting the windshield rid of all those yucky splattered bug guts.

The kids wanted to drive through Coronado and so we did. Thought we made good time considering we were an hour behind schedule. Arrived here at 1:45 pm.

All way in the back is Point Loma, center part is Coronado Island and the San Diego bay.

The Coronado Bay Bridge

 The Thursday before 4th of July and Coronado was already packed with tourists. I LOVE the atmosphere here. The locals are very friendly.

These are the Coronado Shores Condominiums located South of the Hotel Del Coronado. There are 10 - 15 story buildings which have over 140 units in each. They were built in the 1960's & 70's. It is said that each unit has the view of the water, whether it's the bay or Coronado Beach. Now, that is pretty awesome! Not to mention NOT having trouble looking for parking. Those are some lucky people living there.

We are now on the Strand out of Coronado. This is where the Navy Seals train and they were actually on the beach training on this day. Took some pictures but they came out very blurry, sorry.

After Coronado we stopped at my favorite taco shop. My most favorite thing to eat here are the rolled tacos (some of you may know them as flautas). They are the most yummy I have ever had, no other place comes close!

Waiting for our food. Riley has a blank look on his face in both this picture and the one before. It's hilarious! He's probably thinking "where am I". (we were not in the hood, I promise)

Here's Nathan eating some rolled tacos. I of course add tons of salsa, soo good! Seeing these pictures is making me crave some.

Riley meeting grandpa(my Dad) for the very first time and look at his arm over grandpa's shoulder, so sweet. And yes, my Dad loves to buy movies, DVD's and VHS. I must have gotten that from him.

My sister Claudia and Mom. Riley's probably thinking, "Hey, I remember you".

Just hanging out with Grandpa.

Later in the afternoon we hung out at the beach for a bit. As we were crossing the street to get to the beach side we came across this van.

My goodness ... You think the owners of the van got stuck in the 60's? Too funny.

The beach we were at is called Imperial Beach, I.B. for short. I guess I.B. has it's proud resident hippy, lol.

Sydna and Nathan on the pier.

"It's too bright Daddy!"

Me with handsome Nathan. Jacob was so nervous taking this picture. He always stresses when one of the kids gets too close to the edge of the pier. I wasn't too worried. If one of them (as in Sydna or Nathan NOT Riley) happened to fall in the water there were plenty of surfers & lifeguards that could have rescued them.

With the little guy now. Oh, he LOVED the ocean. He became so excited once I got him out of the stroller and was able to see the water. He began to kick his legs and smile.

There's a restaurant at the end of the pier and it was crowded.

There was also quite a bit of people fishing. They were mostly Filipino. They were fishing for ...

...mackerel. Jacob asked one of them if the fish were tasty and one Filipino lady said no but that if you know how to cook it right it doesn't taste that bad, lol. And that it's also a pretty healthy fish to eat since it has very low levels of mercury.

That cool building there is the Sheriff's Department.

Riley enjoying the view ... and Jacob better had been enjoying the ocean, shoot!

And here I am eating my favorite junk food, NACHOS with lots and lots of jalapeños! ... and I sure enjoyed them too!

Here with my brother who is ten years older than me.

Although it was a long first day of our trip I wasn't tired. I always enjoy my time back home. There is always so much to do but never enough time to do it all.

Stay tunned for day 2 ...