I'm goin' to Disneyland

Okay, well, it should really be "I went to Disneyland," but then you wouldn't get that catchy little song stuck in your head, and what good would I be to you then?

That's my excuse for why I haven't written in...well...I don't really remember the last time I wrote.

But I threw a few birthday parties, and played host to family members a few times, and took a needed vacation. And all of a sudden, here it is mid-July. Just like that.

San Clemente Vacation, PART THREE

[read parts one and two below first :) ]


PART THREE: FRIDAY, SATURDAY & SUNDAY

Friday:
We spend the morning lounging around the condo. We read books and socialize while the Squeak takes his nap. In the evening, Pipsqueak and I join Atina and Uncy on a visit to Laguna Beach. We visit a natural/organic goods store and then pick up a few things at the Whole Foods. We then walk down to the beach and stroll on the boardwalk, just taking in the sights. We are jealous that the beach is so sandy; San Clemente is unusually rocky this week. It is beautiful and warm and sunny and full of life and activity. We walk to the tide pools and see some crabs and anemones, then walk up the hill through a small garden park. From the top of the hill we can see two dolphins playing in the surf not far from the shore. We walk up and down the streets. Laguna Beach is a cute little town with a fun downtown center, perfect for walking. We go home and eat some dinner and then go to bed.

San Clemente Vacation, PART TWO

[read part one below first :) ]


PART TWO: SEA WORLD

Thursday:
Sea World day! Jules, T, Pipsqueak and I spend the morning purchasing park tickets online, getting directions to the park, and packing diapers, changes of clothes, sunscreen, cameras, lunches, snacks, water, sunglasses, and enough STUFF for an entire day o’ fun in the sun! We then head down to San Diego for just that!

We arrive at Sea World around 11. First on the agenda, the Sea Lion show! Just outside the stadium there is an exhibit of seals and sea lions, so these are the first animals we see. Pipsqueak goes crazy! When we leave to get a seat in the stadium, he cries, “More seals! More seals! Arrr-arrrr-arrr!” (his seal sound). Adorable. We watch the show, and Pip learns the word ‘sea lion’ in addition to ‘seal.’

We head to the freshwater aquarium, where we see fish of all shapes, sizes, and colors, in addition to turtles, frogs, and even electric eels! Then it’s over to the dolphin show, where we eat lunch and watch the pigeons while we wait for the show to start. Our spirits our high and our enthusiasm is over-the-top. Pip joins in on the fun and raises his arms in the air with a hearty “Woo-hoo!” every time we or someone in the audience cheers. He claps with a loud “Yay! Yay!” whenever there is applause. Pipsqueak is delighted to see the dolphins jumping high into the air and learns the world ‘dolphin.’ When the show is over, he cries “More dolphin!”

San Clemente Vacation, PART ONE

I am back from a dreamy vacation in Southern California. I am really not too thrilled to be home. I am happy to be with my Santiago again but really that’s about it so far. The weather was gorgeously perfect. High 60s to mid 70s, sunny, slight sea breeze, humid. The ocean was stunning as always, and more so because the water temperature was refreshing but not icy. Everything was beautiful. I miss falling asleep to the sound of the crashing waves, waking up to a cool ocean fog, looking out over the vast sea. I miss walking everywhere. I miss the laid back attitude and casual style of beach living. I wish I could just pack up and relocate to San Clemente.

And now my travelogue, posted in parts: