SD-Day 1 PT. 4

 Water, and boats and bikes, oh my! We wandered down to the pier and bought a round trip ticket to cross the bay and come back. They didn’t explain that the return boat was almost a mile or so walk from where we would be dropped off. So what did we do? Walk? Absolutely not. We hired a bike taxi to carry us in style! What a fun ride by all the fancy yachts and party people on the yachts. The place we got dropped off at was the same place our family took the harbor cruise in 2012. So many memories! It was also where the U.S.S. Midway is docked. A boat trip sure gives some great opportunities for pictures!

SD-Day 1 Pt. 3-Sushi

 When I asked the ladies what they would like to do while we were on the West Coast, Sarabeth’s only request besides visiting the beach, was enjoying some sushi. So we found a rooftop sushi bar for lunch! They were also having a special on oysters, so why not? They sure were better then the ones we get in G-Town. 

SD-Day 1 Pt. 2

 Look! It’s the longest parade I’ve ever seen! While wandering around Coronado, we bumped into what we though was the end of their annual 4th of July parade. It turned out to be maybe the first third? So we walked up and down the parade route, snacking when we were hungry, drinking plenty of water, and just taking it all in. Palm trees! People! America! The beach! Parade ended up running almost 3 hours. Also check out the video I was able to capture and upload. And how about those gas prices! 

SD-Day 1 Pt. 1

 So there we were…in beautiful Southern California with a wide open schedule and nothing planned. What would the day bring on this 4th of July? We were about to create some core memories! 

Started with breakfast and then with the roof off the Jeep, made our way to Coronado Island and the beach! The gods must have been pleased with us, because we were able to find a perfect parking spot that Ryan didn’t have to try and parallel park in! 

Southtown

 And then we were in sunny San Diego, in a Jeep with the roof off, cruising by palm trees on the way to the beach! Sure didn’t have this on my bingo card when I woke up in Greeley. Checked into our hotel and found a nice dinner to enjoy. Had to believe its been a decade since we were here last as a family, and 4 years since I was in LA for a conference. 

Adventures

 “Who wants to go on an adventure?” I asked Jen and sis while we were sitting in the living room on Sunday morning about 1130. The way our schedules had fallen, my work activities for the next few days, and a sense of wanting to do something fun, I had thrown out the question as had had many times in the past. Usually it meant we were going to pick up dog poop, or do chores, or go to the grocery store. This time turned out to be different. I started scrolling the website “Southwest Airlines,” and all of a sudden found cheap tickets to…San Diego. Flight at 430! Better get packed ladies! All of a sudden we had parked the car, were on the airport shuttle, and on an airplane!

Paul

 We kicked off the July 4th weekend by “hosting” a 47th birthday for my friend Paul. While it was at his house, he entrusted myself, Havens, and PW to plan and carry out the celebration. All he asked for was a hot dog with a birthday candle on it (see cake). It turned out to be such a special, memorable celebration of the man that Paul is and the memories he has created for those around him. Happy birthday Paul. Glad this one was better then the previous 3 or 4. 

Whiskey & Cigars

 In what turned out to be our last trip down the the Stampede (more on that in a minute), Scott and I joined 40 other whiskey and cigar lovers for a private event on the North 40. All was well until the wind and rain started about half way through the event. We stuck it out as long as possible, until the evening was officially shut down by officials. Great event that was sponsored by my friend Brad!