San Diego

For Memorial Day this year we headed to San Diego to spend some time with Amy and Josh Criswell (Scott's sister and her husband) and their little goofball Jimmy. Scott's dad found us an amazing condo right on Mission Beach. This is the view just steps from our front door.

Our first stop was to check out the huge naval ship USS Midway, a decomishioned ship that now doubles as a museum. I've always wondered what it would be like to live on an aircraft carrier so this was great way to experience a bit of military life without having to enlist (doubt they'd want me anyways.) Josh and Jimmy checking out the cockpit of an airplane.

Jimmy taking the reigns of a helicopter. Isn't he a cutie patooty?

Scotty and Jimmy flying. 

Checking out the deck of the ship. It's all very Top Gun, without Tom Cruise.

Scotty learning more about the helicopters.

Josh, Amy, and Jimmy in front of a old fighter plane.

I was fascinated by the living spaces for the enlisted members of the ship. Tight quarters. It kind of reminded me of my first year in college!

Claustrophobic? You wouldn't make it. Privacy? Not so much. Also, we were informed that some of the people on the boat didn't go outside more than once every few weeks. Yikes!

Scott and mini Scott touring the boat.

Jimmy pretending to teach us how to steer the helicopters.

It's a bit blurry but we didn't pay for the original. Sorry USS Midway!

Day 2-Seaworld. I know, don't judge. I'll watch Blackfish soon. 

Watching a video about polar bears.

Beluga whales.

Preparing for a show. It wasn't cheesy AT ALL. **Sarcasm**

But it's still pretty cool to see how smart some of these animals are. 

Well HELLO cute sea lion. It's been so long since we've seen you in the Galapagos.

More fascinating yet cheesy shows. This time with shamu!

Jimmy wasn't sure what to think.

And then he fell asleep. Hilarious.

After heading home for a quick nap, we headed back to SeaWorld for more adventures. 

Scotty feeding the locals.

Waiting for another show.

This one was really funny!

Jimmy agreed.

Selfie before practically losing my dinner on a kiddie ride.

This one was more my speed.

The Criswells live in Salida where they have yet to experience the pay-by-the-ounce froyo craze. They were fans, especially Jimmy.

Day 3: a day at the ocean. I didn't have my camera with me but Scott spent hours boogie boarding and Jimmy loved jumping the waves. I boogie boarded for five minutes, got my butt kicked by a wave, almost lost my bikini bottom, and decided that was the end of that.

Scott, Josh, Amy, and Jimmy walking on the boardwalk.

Hanging by the ocean.

The happy crew!

While all we did was swim and boogie board, there were surfers everywhere. All of the dots in the background of this photo are surfers!

Thanks for letting us invade your family vacation. Maybe next year we can talk you into coming to Seattle?