Road Trip - Day 10

Felt so good sleeping at my mom's place. Not having to worry about housekeeping knocking at our door or having to walk through a big lobby full of tourists.
We had breakfast then got started on our day. By now Riley was fully recovered and back to his strong willed child ways.

We first made a stop at Mt. Soledad in La Jolla. We've been up to see this cross since forever.

Then we went to the San Diego Fair. So much traffic getting there but we took the back way and moved along just fine. This year's theme was Mad About the Fair {Alice in Wonderland theme}. Pretty neat.

Since Riley was not able to get on any rides in Santa Cruz we made sure that's mostly what he did here. He loved it! I just love the faces Riley makes ... what can I say, I'm biased, I think he's the cutest little boy ever!

These next two pictures are my favorites. His face is just hilarious. He loved having the front seat on this rollercoaster. I was a bit nervous. We kept reminding him not to stand up or move around. We told him to hold on to the bar super tight. Seriously, after taking these two pictures I had to look away, I was a nervous-wreck.

We're huge roasted corn fans. Love them! and that's the only way Riley will eat and usually finish the corn.

It was a warm day at the fair. We left the fair after a few hours then headed out to grab some fish tacos then went back to my mom's to freshen up. Then we got Riley ready for the beach and off we went.

We met up with one of my good friends and her two daughters. So happy Riley likes the beach.

My friends daughters both play soccer, Riley immediately began playing with them. He even kicks with his left leg. My boy, the only lefty in the family. He can run and kick the ball pretty good.

Smelling the ocean air ... hanging out at the beach in the late afternoon is the best time, the sun isn't so annoying. Plus watching the sunset is the best part.

With my friend Moira. We've been friends since the end of the 8th grade.

This beach has stingrays. This is the same beach that Sydna got stung at several years ago. The lifeguards had to drive her to the lifeguard station and immerse her foot in very hot water. Poor thing.

With my little boy. So sweet but such a handful!

It was such a nice way to end the day. No rush.

We sure miss hanging out in Coronado and doing all the other fun things we used to do when we lived here. It was nice being back.

San Diego Fair And Sandcastles

We were gifted San Diego Fair tickets by my sister, thanks Claudia.
We hung out at the fair on Thurday (7/3). It was a very humid day.

Riley had fallen asleep on our way to the fair but once the tram began moving he perked up. This place was packed.

We first stopped by to see the farm animals then we made our way to the kids area. This was the first time Riley went down such a steep and long slide. I thought he would freak out a bit but he loved it. Just look at his face!

He then wanted to go on this pirate obstacle course. It did look pretty fun.

Jacob said the bridges were swaying quite a bit. Made him a little nervous, lol.

This was the very first ride he's gone on his own. Made me a little nervous. Thank goodness it had a seat belt or else I wouldn't have let him get on. Knowing Riley he would have stood up.

These hot dog on a stick strawberry lemonades came in handy on such a muggy day. They were so refreshing. We love them.

Nathan won Riley a green monkey ... and baby brother couldn't have been happier.

Riley was having so much fun playing games along side brother. I guess that made him feel a bit grown up.

Couldn't leave the fair without getting on the carousel.

Aah, Nathan should have made that in. Dang!

In our opinion and from past experiences we don't like to really eat meals at fairs. Usually the food isn't good. The burgers aren't seasoned, the ribs are tough and food just lacks flavor. However, we do buy a few snacks. This time Sydna and Nathan shared a fried twinkie and fried oreos. To me, that didn't sound appealing. We got Riley pizza because that's about the only thing he'll eat at the fair.

We've been to fairs in four different states and we can honestly say that the only fair where they sell awesome delicious jumbo corndogs is at the Fort Worth Fair & Stockshow. Those were so good.

After being at the fair for a few hours and once we were hungry enough we left and headed to a greek food joint in a not so nice part of San Diego. Ordered the food to go and ate it at a park in a nice area. Usually, those hole in the wall restaurants is where you will find the yummiest foods.
We've been enjoying Canada Steak Burger Greek food since I met Jacob almost 18 years ago. And whenever we order I always get the same thing. Chicken kabobs with rice and salad. Their salad is truly a-mazing! I love it!!! I love everything about this meal. {I hadn't added the dressing yet}

We headed home after eating. I wanted to freshen up before heading back out to the beach because I was super sticky from being out at the fair, yuck.
I'm more of a casual beach goer. I don't like splashing around in the ocean. I just like to take in the view and smell that wonderful salty sea air. My sister and parents came along too.

Picture taken by my sister

It was nice to see my dad building sandcastles with Riley. Reminded me of when Nathan was Riley's age. My dad was very close to my kids then, before we moved to Texas back in 2003. So thankful that God has allowed for both my parents to still be here and to get to do life together even if its only for a few days.

This was the same beach {Coronado} that Sydna got stung by a stingray a few years ago.

We met up with my friend at the beach. These are her two daughters. Glad Riley wasn't shy around them. I've known these two girls since they were born. Kinda neat.

Sydna and my sister walked along the shore and found quite a few sand dollars of all sizes. I don't think I've ever seen sand dollars so tiny.

San Diego beaches are usually cold ... makes your feet numb as soon as they touch the water but this time the water wasn't cold. That was surprising to us.

I thought it would be neat to capture me and my dad's shadow together ... in Coronado. This place has been a huge part of all of our lives.

We were only at the beach for about an hour and a half. I actually got cold and I was wearing pants and a cardigan. This little guy got his shorts wet so I had to rinse him off at one of the showers and changed his clothes. I came prepared.

I wanted to walk a little on the streets of Coronado. This place is so pretty! We ended up in Starbucks. There were people everywhere. This "island" was packed with tourists that were here for the 4th ... just like us.

Oh, and my dear friend brought Me these cute little bundt cakes. I did share with the rest of the family but I kept the lemon one all to myself. It was good!

We did a lot of walking. I didn't bring Riley's stroller so Jacob had to carry the little guy whenever he would say he was tired. Poor thing. He was just too tired from all the walking we did earlier that day at the fair and now there in Coronado. It was a long fun day.