San Diego Road Trip - Day Seven

We had a lazy day - no theme parks or science centers or aquariums - just a vacation kind of day. Turns out we aren't really very good at that kind of day. Nothing a little afternoon siesta couldn't fix tho.

We did a driving tour down 101 and over to Coronado Island. Saw the big boats, the Hotel Del Coronado and downtown San Diego. Also did a little staging for the following then vs. now photos:















After deciding that a lunch in public might not be the best idea, we headed back to the room, had some yummy leftovers from Pizza Port, and took a little snooze. Good thing, because we needed the energy to tackle the beach. I picked the hotel we're at because of free parking and beach access. In just a couple of minutes, we were in our own little beach heaven.



Surprisingly uncrowded and water that was actually warm enough to swim in. Both boys jumped right in.













They both took turns going in a little deeper,















played in the sand,







and had fun.















Until tomorrow ...

San Diego Road Trip - Day Six

Day Six – Oceanside to Solana Beach
Total Miles Driven: 37
Total Time in Car: 1 hour 12 minutes
Total Time Waiting in Line at Legoland: 4 hours


After a super yummy breakfast suitable of mention in Diners, Dives & Drive-Ins, we finished up our laundry (yay in-unit washer and dryer), tried to straighten out some accommodations, and prepared the boys for the adventure to come. I think the travel, lack of sleep and just the go of the vacation started to get to the boys. Their behavior was, well, not normal. I’m sure the full moon played into it, but both ended up in time out and we feared the day would not go well. They rallied, and returned to their normal selves, thankfully.


We didn’t make the park right at opening, but still managed to get there pretty early.






It was interesting. The boys liked it, but I’m not sure I would add it to my must-do list. I think since we haven’t taken either boy to any other amusement park, our perspective is a little skewed. The length of time spent waiting for the caliber of the rides seemed disproportionate. Some of the rides were very similar to those we ride at Cinco de Mayo Festival or the Rose Festival. I suppose this was good for Ry, who really wanted to go on all the rides even tho he wasn’t quite tall enough or quite old enough. But even those just didn’t seem as cool as I thought they should have. I thought it would be a little more Lego and a little less carnival, I guess.





Even tho it didn’t quite live up to my expectations, the boys did have a good time. Ben got to go on two big kid roller coasters (once with Travis and once with me) and one cool water ride that he drove.










Ry got to drive a helicopter and a plane, so he was excited.












He also got to go on a roller coaster with all of us and a flying pirate boat, so that was good too.

The most Lego-like part of the park is the Miniland area, where major cities and landmarks are recreated. It’s phenomenal. The detail is amazing – everything from Obama’s inauguration to the Vegas Strip. There was even a lock for Travis.









We were pretty stoked about the Lego store, hoping we’d be able to get stuff we can’t get a home. Or maybe legos by the pound – just what we need. They did have Lego handcuffs. Hmmm.





It was a little bit of a bummer tho as everything was pretty spendy. You can see the shock when Ben discovered this bug car lego set was $160.





Still, they managed to find some cool legos to bring home. Ben spent a big chunk of his money on a 600 piece set that I know he’s dying to start. Ry also picked up a pirate eye patch and a lunch box for school. The boys got to go on a train ride together. Ben was very protective.



And, hey, it's not every day you get to do battle with Darth Vader. He started talking, too, which is why Ry couldn't look at the camera when posing with R2D2.







After six hours in the park, we headed to Pizza Port for dinner. Yummy. Pretzels made from pizza dough and flavored like pizza. Really good pizza. Really good beer. Travis was happy – he’d definitely earned it.

We headed a little way down the road to check in to our hotel. Happy boys got to go for a swim and a soak in the hot tub.

Until tomorrow …