California: Days 9-15

Finally, it's time to finish up the epic telling of our California trip (4 weeks after we returned!)...

Day 8:

Took the train down to San Juan Capistrano (as much for the destination as for the train ride itself, much to Peyton's delight). Had a yummy lunch and then walked over to Mission San Juan Capistrano. It was a beautiful day and the mission was gorgeous. I had been there before, but I really didn't remember it. Such beautiful grounds and such history. I'm glad that Brad got to see something that is such a big part of California's history. We took the train back to Santa Ana that afternoon. Later that evening, Ash and I did some excellent sisterly bonding and went shopping!


One of my favorite scenery pics from the whole trip











Day 9:

Another day trip, this time to Temecula. Brad really enjoyed the ride out there and seeing a part of southern California that wasn't totally overdeveloped and bursting at the seams. Temecula is kind of an up-and-coming "wine country", so we couldn't resist hitting a few. We did South Coast Winery (which my sister Stacey was considering for her wedding!) first and then Ponte. We tasted some lovely wines and, of course, had to buy a few. The grounds were gorgeous and we had a nice lunch out on the patio of South Coast. Afterward, we drove around some neighborhoods and got a little better acquainted with some of the areas. Overall, it was a great trip. We really liked Temecula and, if we ended up moving back to California, we would seriously consider moving there.


The steps of South Coast Winery


Ash at South Coast


Ponte Winery. Gorgeous, isn't it?? It's probably my favorite scenery pic from the whole trip.


Mom and her kiddos at Ponte!

Day 10:

Spent part of the morning perusing some neighborhood tag sales, a recent hobby of ours (the kids love it and the prices are within our budget!) Then Brad and I were off on our weekend away in Dana Point! Woo hoo!

This was the single best part of our entire 2 week vacation. We felt like we were on our honeymoon! The place we stayed, the Blue Lantern Inn, was beautiful--we had gorgeous harbor AND ocean views, there were home-baked cookies waiting for us upon our arrival and, as a little added touch, there were Happy Birthday and Happy Anniversary balloons hanging in our room (the hotel stay--and babysitting!--was a birthday present from my parents and it happened to be our anniversary 2 weeks before). When we finally tore ourselves away from our room, we did a little shopping down in the harbor and then went back to our room to get dressed up and ready for dinner (after playing a few complementary board games in the lobby). There are so many nice restaurants in Dana Point--we chose the Chart House, and it didn't disappoint (Brad still talks about that mahi-mahi!) We enjoyed the view of the harbor from up on the bluffs while we ate--it was so romantic!


The Blue Lantern Inn


Our room


Check out how high up on the bluffs it was!


The view from our balcony


The happy couple

Day 11:

Had breakfast on our lovely porch. Took a very brief walk on the jetty (it's scary out there, man! No wonder there's a huge "Danger, Jetty Closed" sign!). Rented kayaks and kayaked around the perimeter of the entire harbor, which was rather interesting when some of those big ole private boats came zipping by us. It was really fun, though, and a great workout! Then, had to say goodbye to our lovely room. :( Decided to take the long way home and drive through Laguna Beach, on our way to the Sawdust Festival. It was heavenly to be able to walk around the grounds and leisurely enjoy so many different artists' work without having to chase after the kids! Took another long-cut home through Laguna Coast Wilderness Park, whose "coastal canyon" landscapes wowed us and seemed the perfect tranquil ending to such a wonderful weekend!

Day 12:

Another day trip--up to the Browns in Valencia! Aside from the crappy, trafficky drive there, we had a wonderful leisurely day, just hanging out at their house, taking a swim in their beautiful community pool and having some drinks on their patio. The kids, especially Peyton, loved seeing their cousins. The day went by much too fast!


Brad and Annalee (showing off her braces that she just got that day!)


The whole gang taking a swim


Annalee attempting to hold a slippery Peyton


Claira, Peyton, Sonja and Annalee winding down


Peyton saying goodbye to Annalee. She was SO great with the kids--we wanted to take her home with us!

Day 13:

Headed out to ritzy Coto de Caza to visit a friend of Brad's, whose son happened to be a student of Brad's a few years ago before they moved to CA. Enjoyed a leisurely drive through some gorgeous, eye-popping communities. Spent a few hours hanging out with his friend and then headed home to take one last swim in my parents' pool before it was time to start packing. Enjoyed one last home-cooked meal with my parents. But the best part was getting a little silly off a bottle of wine from Brad's favorite winery, Acacia, while being serenaded with the top 10 (actually 11) songs of 1956 (?) by my dad with a goofy hat on his head. It remains one of Brad's favorite memories of the entire trip. What a great ending to a great trip!



--C.