Airplanes, Hotels, Pools, Oceans...Oh MY!

Its hard to explain where this is on our family's bucket list. For Aidan, it was number one. For Luke, eh. I'm not sure he really even understands what a bucket list is. For Ted and I...Its a close 2nd...or even 10,000th...depending on the angle you look at it from.

We took the boys to San Diego for 4 days and 3 nights. This was their first time sleeping in a hotel. First time in an airplane. First time seeing the ocean. Sweet bliss for all.

For the first time, the boys hear about where we are going. Not the reaction we were expecting.


Not 2 seconds later did this conversation happen. More of the reaction we were hoping for.


The rental car was a hard thing to sell to Luke. It wasn't Mama's or Daddy's. I think he did ok.

Airplane.

Once on the plane, Ted rode with Aidan and I with Luke. The poor man next to us had to listen to Luke buckle and unbuckle, and buckle and unbuckle his belt for 2 hours. I said a prayer for him that night so that he didn't have nightmares over seat belts.

Aidan's first glance at the ocean:

Luke's first glance at the ocean:

The sand at the ocean is NOTHING like the sand at our mountain lakes. First noticeable difference number 1.

Waiting on the edge. He found his happy place.

Aidan, ocean....Ocean, Aidan. Finally you meet.

Luke, ocean...Ocean, Luke. Finally you meet.

"Hey, mom! When do they turn off the waves?" -Guess who just came back from Water World?
Noticeable difference number 2.

All we heard from Luke were giggles.

And that it was cold.

Wave chasing sure is a blast.

It really never gets old.

He was in his own little world building a castle around him.

He's a pretty cool guy.

Rolling around in the sand proved to be just as much fun as rolling in the ocean.

Awe struck by the band serenading us by the pool.

Chick-fil-A in bed, yes please.

Seal watching day. Of course with Buzz Lightyear and Optimus Prime.

Each time the seals would bark, Luke would giggle.

See, I was here on vacation too!

Hmmm...bet you can't guess where Luke gets his dark eyes from.

The cove where divers enter and exit the water was beautiful. At high tide, these rocks are underwater. Beware: in the little cave, the rocks move...darn those crabs! YIKES!

Looking for sea creatures.

We looked like ragged parents taking a 6 year old and a 2 year old on vacation. Nonetheless, we have a little photographer on our hands...good job Aidan.

Boogie Boarding. The absolute highlight of the trip for Aidan. And Theo.

He was in love.

Luke and I hung out on the shoreline chasing waves.

After an hour of boogie boarding, it was time to cuddle. I did not complain.