[Jared]: Annnnnd....we're back! Four weeks ago today my family arrived to spend a week in San Diego. They left three weeks ago. You might say a new post is overdue. But that's you. I would say that it took three weeks to recover from all the fun we crammed into that week. And since it's my blog, what I say goes. Even so, let's take a quick look back at Family Vacation 2010:
For reasons unbeknownst to you (but knownst to me), my family arrived in three shifts. Wednesday afternoon the parents arrived. This worked out great since they were the ones bunking at our apartment that week. It also gave us time to have a nice quiet dinner for four. We even busted out the china. The meal included pecorino-stuffed-bacon-wrapped-dates, spicy seared tuna with avocado (one of our favorite dishes to make for guests), jicama & black bean salad, and crème brulée for dessert! It was a relaxing evening. I wish I were able to cook meals like that for my family more often.
Thursday morning we four headed to the San Diego Zoo and were treated to quite a show. Zoos, as you know, can be hit or miss re: animal activity. We got a barrel of monkeys (well, not literally). The pandas were awake and playful, including the "baby". The sea otters antagonized one another. A couple of black bears went claw to claw. The elephants took a swim right in front of us. And best of all, we watched two polar bears wrestle underwater literally right in front of us (we watched through glass). These guys were having a blast and it was incredible to watch them. After the zoo we headed to the airport to pick up B^2 and Kaya, our 2-year old niece.
That night we hung at our apartment and had a couple of muy delicioso rotisserie chickens. The birds were organic, free-range, and sustainably raised. Or, in the words of my brother... hippie food. :-) It was a mostly chill evening - though it was clear our darling niece would be dealing with jet lag for the following few days.
Friday morning we rose relatively early to catch low tide at Cabrillo National Monument's tide pools. It was a grey, grey morning but pleasant for climbing rocks and exploring the tide pools. Everyone had a great time, including Kaya who splashed a little, played with rocks and sand, and continued forth unabated in her cuteness.
After a quick stop at the monument and lighthouse, we headed to another San Diego favorite, Ortiz's Taco Shop for some California burritos. For the uninitiated, perhaps Urban Dictionary says it the best:
California Burrito: A delicious and mythical burrito found in Mexican eateries, also known as a Cali Burrito. It is native to Southern California, especially San Diego. The California Burrito consists of carne asada, cheese, sour cream and French fries or potatoes rolled into a flour tortilla. "I almost had a heart attack while eating a massive California burrito last night!"
Our bellies (and arteries) full, we bolted for the beach on Coronado Island. By this point, the sun made its debut. Kaya had passed out on the 20 minute ride to the beach and remained passed out as we walked from the parking lot to the waterfront. But the minute we laid her down on a beach towel, she woke up and shrieked, "Sand!!!" She had a ball and we had a ball with her. She played in the sand and jumped in the waves until her tiny teeth chattered. Super cute. The folks took a stroll down to see the famous Hotel Del Coronado. And just as we had had our fill of beach for the day, we packed back into the cars and headed to pick up the last two members of our entourage from the airport.
Now that the whole gang was in town, I had to shift the menu from kill to stun. Friday night was burger night. In addition to the burgers we made some hummus (remind me to post my recipe some time), bacon-wrapped jalapeño poppers on the grill, and enjoyed more of the never-ending-bowl of jicama salad. Family, food, brews, and the Cardinals game on the tele. What more could a man ask for? How about a trip to....
Disneyland! Saturday the family made our way to Disney for the first time in 19 years. Thanks to our super-incredible friends Heather & Brian - who are recently engaged - 6 of the 8 of us got in for free! Seriously, just so so nice of them. It was a great day at Disney, if a bit on the hot side, and we covered a lot of ground. Bri, Kevin, Beth, and I even got to stick around for the new World of Color water show. But the Moment of The Day goes unarguably to Briana for her side-splittingly funny picture on Space Mountain.
Sunday we took a bit easier. Slept a little later. Skipped church. Then drove up to Riverside to visit some old friends for lunch. It was a beautiful and cool afternoon and a great time to reminisce with a family with whom we spent many holidays during our previous tenure in southern California. Before departing we swung by our old house and chatted with some neighbors for about an hour.
Monday was spent at the Wild Animal Park. If Thursday's trip to the Zoo was a boom, this one was the bust. Don't get me wrong, it was nice to stroll through the park. And the safari ride is always enjoyable (even Kaya liked most of it). But in general, it felt like nap time in Africa.
Monday night, however, was much more enjoyable. We headed to one of my and Beth's favorite restaurants, Stone Brewery. The setting is so peaceful. The gardens are lovely and the open-air dining room inviting. And obviously, the food is great (though I wish the menu varied a bit more frequently). In addition to the food itself, Beth and I also really love the philosophy of the restaurant. I would encourage you to read their philosophy statement which captures much of how we have grown to feel about food over the past few years. Now if only Stone's beers weren't so blasted hoppy.
Monday night, however, was much more enjoyable. We headed to one of my and Beth's favorite restaurants, Stone Brewery. The setting is so peaceful. The gardens are lovely and the open-air dining room inviting. And obviously, the food is great (though I wish the menu varied a bit more frequently). In addition to the food itself, Beth and I also really love the philosophy of the restaurant. I would encourage you to read their philosophy statement which captures much of how we have grown to feel about food over the past few years. Now if only Stone's beers weren't so blasted hoppy.
After Monday evening's festivities, 4am Tuesday came mighty early. Yes, 4am. I got up on the last day of my vacation at 4am... to go deep sea fishing! Everyone other than Beth, Kaya, and my mother headed down to Seaforth Fishing for a half-day fishing trip to the La Jolla kelp beds. It was another grey morning (i.e. cold boat ride) but a fun day on the boat. I caught the first fish of the day, a delicious bass. Briana became known on the boat as Queen Mackerel. Dad aimed for the big fish by using what he caught as bait. And Kevin did his best not to throw up. It was a successful trip I think, and we greatly enjoyed some grilled barracuda later that evening.
Tuesday night was our final night together. So in the tradition of years past we had a Nacho Night. Chips, cheese, beans, house made guacamole, queso fundido, grilled carne asada, and yes, more jicama salad. I had planned to make some salsas from scratch as well as a couple of ceviches, but after such a long day on the boat, I was too exhausted. Next time! We chowed down on the nachos, but thankfully saved just enough room in our dessert boxes for Beth's incredibly delicious strawberry and blackberry pie. The berries were fresh, local, and organic and the crumb topping was the best! It was a delicious way to end a delicious trip.
Wednesday morning, the clan departed. It was sad to see them go but so joyous to have had them. Beth and I are so fortunate to have families that we love and that love us and each other. Hopefully we won't always be so far removed from them, but until then, such visits are truly cherished. Thanks!
