Carlsbad 2012

Loaded up on Audio books for the drive. They really came in handy. 

A long, long drive. Check out the crazy looking clouds!

O & I at Seaport Village - a traditional stop on the way to Carlsbad. 

Climbing trees at Seaport Village

First full day of vacation. Breakfast at a delicious waffle sand before we head to the beach. 

First day at the beach! Owen = no fear. Austin hid behind me when he saw the ocean, haha! 

Austin preferred to stay around the adults and play in the sand and with buckets of sand crabs. 

Not a bad gig. 

On an off beach day, we went to the outlet mall. A highlight for me every year, that's for sure. We did the trains! $6 well spent. 

Favorite summer clothes. 

Our hotel had a great pool and fun splash pad area. One day we just stayed in and enjoyed it!

The boys looooooved the "hot pool". They spent quite a lot of time playing in it. 

Another beach day. Owen's showing me his shell collection. 

Cutie patootie

Family walk to get donuts

Bubbles on The Green

Boogie boarding - his own special way. Pretty much just running along the surf dragging the board behind him. 

Some night we would go out to dinner and some nights we cooked and ate on "the green". This night we grilled carne asada. 

Every night when it got dark we would gather around the fires and talk and laugh. The cousins would play and it was just so fun.

One night we made s'mores over the fire. So tasty. 

Worn out.

Last day in CA :*( Visiting with Papa & Nana before the long drive home. 

A few thoughts:

• This vacation was a lot easier than I anticipated it to be. Sure, there were moments, but overall, the boys were entertained by their cousins which left time for me and Ryan to relax and chat with the family. 
• One of the highlights of the trip was playing cards late at night with Doug, JoAnn, Chris and Tara while the kids curled up on the bed and watched movies. 
• The boys slept wonderfully almost every night of our 7 day vacation. I was very nervous about this. Last year Owen had night terrors during vacation and it was miserable for everybody. But not this time! Both boys slept in most mornings!
• I think this was the best year yet! Can't wait for next year!