SO....MUCH....FUN!

We just came back from spending 5 amazing days in San Diego! Of course, half of the first and last day were spent traveling, but we didn't care, it was still vacation, and one that we have been craving! We've been taking a family trip to San Diego every summer for years now, only, with the purchase of our home last summer we weren't able to make it. You have no idea how excited we were to be on the road last Monday morning, headed west, all the way to the coast!!!

Our first two days were spent on the beach, as always. The first day it was completely overcast, but that didn't stop the kids from spending over 4 hours in the water. Chesley was addicted to the waves and couldn't get enough. Even Emma and Colin spent more time out wave jumping and boogie-boarding than they did in the sand. Zach would venture out into the cold water as long as his dad was there, and the baby bump and I steered clear of anything deeper than mid-calf. The second day was full sun, which made for a busier beach and a lot more smiles from the kids. Mike was thrilled to get a touch of California sun on his skin and he and Ches spent a ton of time out in the ocean. Colin and I dug a hole that day and he and Zach spent a ton of time making it into different things, Zach's favorite was a pirate ship and he stomped around in the sand waving his fists around and yelling "Argh!" Emma made a sea turtle sand sculpture that last day on the beach too. We stayed for nearly 7 hours straight just to soak it all in.

Most every year we stay at the KOA Kampground (that's how they spell it, I cannot help it if it is corny) in Chula Vista. It is a beautiful KOA with a couple of playgrounds for the kids and hot showers, clean restrooms and electricity. It is our favorite place to vacation. I highly recommend it!

Our last full day there we spent sightseeing. This year we checked out tide pools at Sunset Point, did a small "hike" at Cabrillo National Monument, then the kids and Mike checked out a small military museum and an old lighthouse while I took a break in the van (it's tough work hauling around a basketball-sized belly), and last we headed over to the Mormon Battalion Museum in Old Town San Deigo. The kids absolutely loved everything, but especially the museum, it was completely interactive and such the ideal place for kids. It was one of our best days for sightseeing and we only spent $5.00 for the entire day. So worth it!!!

Of course our trip wouldn't be complete without a stop to Ghiradelli's in downtown San Diego for an "Avalanche". Chesley thought for sure we'd finish the whole thing this year since we had Zach helping us out, but I think this picture is truly the only bite he ate, apparently he wasn't in much the mood for ice cream that day. We decided next year to ask them for fewer bananas as they tend to be more filling. (Of course, by next year we'll have a little Ethne in our family too, so that might increase our chances of licking the plate clean.) The best part of the whole dessert is their chocolate fudge. So yum!

*On a side note... during the weekend between our trip to D.C. and our trip to California, we found out that Mike had been asked to serve in our ward's bishopric as 2nd counselor. It was a crazy week to even contemplate such a huge change for us and such added responsibility for Mike, as he is also currently in a Master's program. But, as we have been given time to let it all sink in, I cannot help but feel entirely grateful. As last summer was our "summer of miracles", this summer has become our "summer of blessings". I am beyond grateful for the abundance we have felt these last few weeks especially and feel privileged to see the hand of heaven in our lives again and again and again.*

*And, on another side-note... we have recently found out that my brother Kris and his family are moving back to the glorious state of Arizona, and I cannot wait to have more of us Bielefeldt's running around. Welcome Home guys!!!! Now, if we could just convince Karl and Charla........*