Day 4: San Diego

Looking over the last few posts I realize the level of detail we're sharing on this trip is little high. Frankly, we don't go on a lot of vacations, and we're a little excited about the whole thing. Today was about saying goodbye to the Stewarts, and Saying hello to Jason and Cleo.

After packing up we had a brief breakfast with the Stewarts to say goodbye until next time. I often feel like I know my extended family the least of anyone in my family because Kerry and I are so much younger than everyone else. But Kerry has spent a lot more time in Southern California than me, so even she is closer to everyone. But I am always touched at how warm and familiar everyone is when I finally do visit. This trip was exactly the same. So, it was sad to leave, but we had some exciting plans in store.

First stop, Palermo. I didn't want to show up empty handed to Jason & Cleo's new home in San Diego. They have been so giving this year, I couldn't begin to repay them with a house warming gift, but, it's the thought that counts, right?

Next we were off to San Diego. We hit some traffic, but otherwise made good time; I think under 4 hours. We arrived to a wonderful lunch and Jason's. I think J&C will be super happy in their new place. Soph & Juby couldn't hide their excitement for their house, either. They both want me to remodel their bathrooms to be just like J&C's. I also think they were excited to be in a normal home again for a little while. For the last four days it has been car, hotel, or pool, almost exclusively.

After lunch Jason took us down to the beach. In three weeks in town Jason has picked up a Long board and has determined that this is his favorite mid week surfing beach. It was busy on this weekend afternoon, but so nice to be on beach with warm water. Even in August the Oregon coast can be so cold. Sophie got over any fears she had of the wave break and ended up playing in the surf with Cleo for an hour or so. I forgot my camera, unfortunately. I took some cell phone pics. If they are any good I'll post them.

The irony of this trip down to San Diego was that it was so rushed and brief, but Steph and I felt the most relaxed of the whole trip once we arrived because of Jason & Cleo's hospitality. This hospitality is what I experienced every week this last school year and greatly contributed to my happiness while away at school. This was Steph's first chance to experience it first hand in awhile and now I think she gets why I enjoyed staying at Jason & Cleo's so much. Steph and I really hated leaving that afternoon after such a short visit, but the girls both knew where we were headed next.

We hit traffic on our way to Anaheim, but made it in time to have dinner with the rest of the family (sort of). After settling into our retro 50's style hotel we ran our last errands of the evening to get ready for a big day.