san diego-day 1 and 2

The long-awaited Clark family reunion in San Diego finally happened!!  This trip was scheduled for 2020 but then Covid happened.  We rescheduled it for 2021, but since we were still dealing with Covid restrictions, Jeffrey and his family couldn't leave Singapore and we had to postpone it until 2022! To say that we were excited to see everyone would be a huge understatement! I honestly can't even remember the last time we were all together.  Probably 2014 for Kimberly and Josh's wedding?  And we weren't even all there since some of the kids weren't born yet!

Snapped this pic on the way to the airport from the parking location...

The flight was uneventful, we grabbed our rental car, then started our drive from LA to San Diego.  Along the way, we stopped for dinner at In-N-Out.  When we climbed out of the car, Colby asked why it was SO cold in California, haha.  It was in the 60's, but compared to the 100 degrees in Texas, it did feel quite chilly. But the weather was a literal dream come true.  I also found myself wanting to take pictures of all the plants because they just reminded me of home. 

As we approached the house my parents rented for us all, my kids were literally squealing! My kids were just so excited to see their cousins and I was happy to give everyone a big hug. 

That night, Colby wanted to "put himself to bed" with his cousins (Ellie and Owen) in the bunk room.  He literally never does that, so when he came upstairs 10 minutes later, I was not surprised.  But he thought it was totally unfair that the adults were playing "secret grown up games" and eating candy! I took him back downstairs and he finally fell asleep after I promised that he could stay up one night for games and candy :) We had so many laughs that night!

Our first morning together: 

Aunt Kimmie bought the kids cream pajamas and tie dye kits for their birthdays to have coordinating pajamas for the reunion, but Ellie and Owen forgot to bring theirs. Love this cousin crew!!

The kids kept themselves busy all morning while the adults played more games.  Then we piled in the cars to head out for lunch! 

Lunch at the Old Town Mexican Cafe did not disappoint!  And the kids loved watching them make the tortillas. 

Kevin was pretty excited about his mini molcajete. And my carne asada tacos were quite possibly the best I've ever had!  Brooke had quacamole (and fresh tortillas) for lunch since that's how she rolls :)

Watching Colby quiz Uncle Jeffrey on Harry Potter trivia was pretty adorable :)

While in Old Town, we checked out the Mormon Battalion Historic Site.  The tour was super well done and kept even the littlest kids entertained. 

At the end of the tour, they panned for gold, pretended to make bricks, drew water from the well, and used a washboard. Makes you really appreciate all our modern conveniences!!

That evening, our little family drove over to Coronado Island for Music in the Park. Did I mention that the weather in San Diego was perfect??  Well, it really was and I was loving the fact that we could be outside without sweating to death. 

We were all excited to hear the Surf City Allstars after learning that they do covers of Beach Boys songs, but apparently they're the only "tribute" band where every member actually toured with The Beach Boys!   

Such a fun night!!

We left before the concert was over and walked over to a gelato shop which we spotted as we were trying to find a parking spot.  It was definitely the best choice because every outing is better with gelato...

As we walked back to the car, I felt grateful for sweet moments together as a family. I also looked forward to a week ahead that would undoubtedly be full of wonderful family memories.

While on the island, we had to go touch the ocean before the sun went down!

As Brooke ran toward the water, she turned back and said, "This is just what I wanted!  To wear my baggy pants and be at the beach."  I completely understood her excitement :)

Love doing life with this guy!!