We're Baaaacckkk!!!

Ahhhh! Just what we were looking for... a much needed vacation and some down-time to relax and not think about anything! We did have a great trip and fun visit with Lynn's sister, Sarah, her husband Chris, and their 3 kids...Savannah, Talia & Caleb. They drove to San Diego from Salt Lake City and stayed at a resort close to Mission Beach. We stayed in an RV Resort on the other side of Mission Bay, about 5 minutes from their place.

We spent Thursday at Sea World and sat in the "Soak Zone" during the dolphin show. We expected to get splashed, but not drenched! Our section was a definite target for soaking. From head to toe, we didn't have a stitch of dry clothing. Just when we began to dry out, we went on the Shipwreck Rapids water ride and got soaked again. Finally, we went on another roller-coaster ride that sends you zooming down a hill into a big pool of water...you guessed it, we got wet some more! By then, it was time to go home and get into dry clothes.

Friday, we went to the Wild Animal Park up near Escondido. I haven't been there in a very long time and I don't remember having to walk so much! The stinkiest animals were the gorillas....ugh! Also, the flamingos reminded me of the smell of a chicken coop...P-U! The park is huge and we didn't even get to see everything before we were too tired to keep going. Luckily, there is a 20-minute tram ride that takes you through the hills where the Rhino, Giraffe, Springbok, Cape Buffalo, etc. roam. While we were on this tram, we discovered the people sitting behind us were from South Africa and moved to Utah 14 years ago. After the tram ride, we continued talking with them and found out that the man, Nigel, served a mission in the same area as Lynn in South Africa, only about 10 years before Lynn was there. They were very nice people and we loved their accents. You just never know who you'll meet out there...such a small world!

Saturday, it rained until early afternoon so we didn't do much in the morning, but the sun did come out later and we headed to Mission Beach. I think sitting on the beach is the most therapeutic place of all. Just to hear the waves, feel the ocean breeze, and play with the sand...it's so relaxing. It's fun to people-watch, too. Lots of interesting folks out there. We weren't dressed in beach-going attire, but that didn't stop us from getting in the waves. Misty started out by rolling up her pant-legs, then after they got a little wet, she figured, the heck with it! She ended up swimming and playing around in the ocean wearing her pants and shirt. I think half the sand from the beach is in our trailer and still on her pants! It was a great day and really recharged our batteries!

Sunday, Sarah, Chris & the kids left to drive home. Lynn, Misty & I drove down to San Diego Bay with the intention of touring some of the old boats like the Star of India. However, when we got there, we saw the USS Midway aircraft carrier was offering tours, so we went there instead. That was so interesting and amazing, especially to imagine living on a ship like that for months and months at a time. I think I'd have panic attacks! It's hard to believe something so large and heavy can actually float. We spent the rest of the evening walking around Seaport Village and ate pizza outside overlooking the bay and watching the boats go by. It was a nice way to end our vacation.

We feel obligated to say that we're glad to be home, but it's not entirely true! We had a great time and thank Chris & Sarah for driving such a long distance to share their vacation with us! Their drive was twice as long as ours. We're ready to go again...ya'll just let us know when your ready!