San Diego Trip

My sweet husband surprised me for my birthday with a trip to San Diego to spend Labor Day weekend with my best friend Stacey.  And a huge thanks also to Stacey's husband for letting her play so much during the weekend.  It had to be one of the best visits we've had in a long time because we had the luxury of time, something neither of us have had much of over the last few years.  I arrived on Thursday night and didn't leave until Monday morning.  It was so wonderful to have that much time to spend with her & see some of my favorite places in what feels like my home town.

Friday, we had breakfast at a cute cafe in Del Mar.  Then we walked around the design district in Solano Beach.  We also walked around Balboa Park a little before it was time to pick her girls up from school.  with the girls, we all went to the Corvette Diner for dinner - YUM!  The location has changed, and in my opinion, some of the charm has been lost, but the food was still great & the waitresses still danced.  I had fun sitting with Stacey's daughter Emma - our birthdays are just a day apart!

Saturday, we hiked Cowles' Mountain.  We came home & showered and headed downtown.  We grabbed a bite to eat & then saw a show.  It was called "miXtape" and was full of 80's songs.  We thought it was great!  Then Stacey treated me to a lovely dinner at Prado in Balboa Park.  Everything was delicious!! 

Sunday, I had a chance to attend my old ward for church.  I LOVE that ward!  It has always had such a welcoming spirit, and it's so nice to be remembered by people in that ward.  After church, I drove out to La Jolla to have lunch with my Aunt Carol, cousin Anna & her daughter, Ellie.  It was so good to visit with them!  And La Jolla is so beautiful!  Sunday evening, Stacey & I drove over to Coronado & rode the ferry to Seaport Village.  It was a beautiful ferry ride - I think San Diego has a great skyline.  We walked around some of the shops - something almost impossible to do with kids in tow!  We had fish & chips for dinner & rode back to Coronado. 

On our way to the airport Monday, we stopped at Old Town to walk around.  A lot has changed there, but it's still a fun place - and I couldn't leave without getting a churro - YUM!

I am so grateful for Stacey's friendship over the years.  There is something special about having a friend who has known you for so long, knows all your stories, and loves you still!  Stacey is such a great example to me as she mothers her sweet girls, too. 

I am so amazed still at Matt's thoughtfulness to pull this surprise off.  He was definitely busy while I was gone with the kids & all their activities, but I think they also had a lot of fun with him.  I am blessed to have such a wonderful family and a great friend!