San Diego Getaway

My parents were so generous to fly me home for 10 days.

The only thing that could have possibly made this trip more wonderful was if Jay could have joined me.

I missed him terribly! He is always so sweet and supportive of me taking trips to see my family. 
Plus, he was having his own fun on a river rafting trip.

When I arrived, mom and dad asked what I wanted to do during my visit. 
I told them that I just wanted to be with everyone, and go to the beach as much as possible. 
That's basically what we did, along with: a visit to grandma, haircuts/colors, babysitting the nieces and nephew, 
a girls lunch/shopping date, and eating from dad's large stash of ice cream every night.

Del Mar | August 30th

Dad

 The Marty/Goober wave.

 Mom

 Thanks to our photographer, Luke.

 Coming home with dirty feet, snarly hair, and a sun-kissed face- those are signs of a really good day.

Manhattan Beach/LA | August 31st

It was a good day spent with all of my little siblings; Zach, Steph and Luke. 
We swam in the ocean together like the good old days. Then walked to the aquarium on the pier.

Del Mar | September 2nd [Labor Day] 

 Alisha and I have been friends our entire lives. Her family moved from San Diego to Washington eight years ago.

But luckily, we have remained in touch and try to see each other as often as possible.

She's in Temecula now, and made the short drive down to San Diego to spend Labor Day with me and my family.

It was so good to reunite with my beautiful friend, and to take a few photos of her. [More on the photo blog.]

 Wyatt fell asleep in my arms. It was Heavenly.

The first time I saw Brooklyn on this trip was when she met us at the pool with Jess and Wyatt.

As soon as the car pulled up, I went to the parking lot to greet them. 

From far across the parking lot I saw Brookie. Once she saw me she gasped, then jumped up and yelled my name!

After getting mom's permission, she ran across the parking lot towards me, yelling my name, with the biggest grin!

It melted my heart! 

Then while swimming together, she casually said "So Rachel, how's Jay?" What 5 year old asks a question like that!?

That Brooklyn, she's one the goofiest and sweetest little gals I know. So lucky to be her aunt.

[More on the photo blog.]

Del Mar | September 4th

 Brookie and I collected seashells. 

The tiny clams were her favorite. She said, "These clams should be a Mouse bra!" What a nut.

Torrey Pines/The Rock | September 5th

Growing up, my family would go to Torrey Pines beach every Wednesday. It was "Wednesday Beach Day".

About 1 mile south of where we would camp our things, there was a rock we would often walk down to.

If the tide was in far enough, my brothers would jump off the rock and into the water.

Most of us just loved to stand on top and enjoy the view. Now and then a wave would break right into it and splash us.

Those are wonderful, cherished childhood memories.

It was such a sweet experience to visit Torry Pines beach and walked down to the rock with my family.

[More on the photo blog.]

 Josh and I recreated a favorite photo. Left: Kauai 2008 . Right: San Diego 2013

 LOVE being their auntie.

 Having all 8, let alone just 6 of us together is a rare thing. We were only missing Zach and Matt.

Nate . Jess . Josh . Steph . Luke

 It was not easy to say goodbye to my family, or the ocean. 
I love my San Diego getaways.