Growing Flowers in the Desert: La Jolla 2014

Day 1: We just really wanted a relaxing, mellow vacation this year so I booked a week on the beach in La Jolla. We took the 8 for a change of scenery and it was a pretty nice drive with very little traffic in town. The hotel is right on the beach and we even have a slight view of the ocean from our balcony. I was bummed about the crowds at the park next to the hotel but we ended up having fun people watching with our coffee every morning.

Day 2: Found a fun little bistro for breakfast and ended up eating there almost every morning the rest of the trip. Then we hit the sand! Eric, our beach boy set up chairs and an umbrella so I had a shady spot to relax all day. I don't think Athena spent more than 20 minutes out of the water. She saw fish, rays, and a seal. Walked into town for burgers and in bed by 8:30!

Day3: Shawn and Athena went out on a kayak tour this morning. I sat on the beach with binoculars and could see them the whole time. They saw dolphins, birds, and sea lions. They got close to the coves but the swell was too high to go in. Actually got in the car for the first time since we arrived today and headed to Shell Beach to see the tide pools. I have always wanted to check those out. Then we walked down to see the seals. I get such a kick out of them and could sit and watch them all day. It was so funny how they would hang out so close to each other but if one would touch another one they would get so mad and yell and scratch at the other one. Back to the hotel for a nap so we could stay up late for ice cream and the sunset. Another beautiful day!

Day 4: More beach today after sleeping in and a late breakfast. I think we are all ready to move onto something different tomorrow. Ended the day with a night stroll on the beach and I picked out my dream house!

Day 5: Breakfast at the hotel and then a walk to get more cookies from the Cheese Shop. Headed up the coast and stopped at Shaw's Cove to see some more tide pools. A lot more critters in these ones. Had lunch at Pie and Burger from the TV show Burgerland. It was delicious! Made it to the hotel and took a walk down to Citywalk. Lots of cool food and shops and very cool neon signs all over.

Day 6: After a very overpriced breakfast buffet at our hotel we were off to Universal Studios. Loved the Minion and Simpsons rides. Couldn't stop taking pictures at all the cool photo op spots. Was so excited to see Jaws still on the studio tour! I was beginning to think I wasted a lot of money on the Front of the Line Passes, then we went to ride the Mummy. The wait was an hour but we walked right on. The ride only lasted 2 minutes!! It was cool, but not hour in line cool. All the rides except Jurassic Park were just motion simulators so that got a little old. Loved the animal show and the plane crash in the Waterworld show but I think I've had my fill of Universal for a while. Got plenty of pictures though.