San Diego ~

One of our favorite-must-eat-at place in San Diego when we visit is Point Loma Seafoods.  Locals know you'd be hard pressed to find any better spot for fresh seafood; and they have been serving it up since the early 60's.  Their fresh crab sandwiches {the real stuff not that imitation crud} is to die for and we always get it, among other things.  On this visit we made it a little family outing and picked up Garrett's dad and Grandpa Willie.  

The view from our outside table  *sigh*

Don't mind him...he's just taking a little snooze in the harbor :)

After our train ride in Campo it was Garrett's last night with us in San Diego so once we all rested up we headed to Sunset Cliffs for a picnic dinner with a first rate view.  Unfortunately nature wasn't cooperating with our desire to let the kiddos experience their first sunset over the ocean....but it was still lovely none-the-less :) .

The next day my mom and I took the kiddos on the trolley!  They've always seen it when we're in town but just not actually ridden on it.  They were SO excited and it turned out to be a fun little outing.  We rode it into Santee for lunch and some shopping.

Kayla and our super sweet cousin Jake!

Towards the end of our week we had a spontaneous outing to Mission Trails and the Dam for some nature walks with Grammy Karen. 

I just love how in crowded San Diego where it's city and suburbia living at its best there are areas in town that have remained untouched {and protected} and gives you the wonderful feeling of being outdoors in the fresh air and appreciating nature's beauty.

It was on the verge of raining the entire time we were there but the clouds held out!

After our nature walk we had a fantastic lunch at a little hole in the wall restaurant called The Trails.  It was featured on The Food Network's show Restaurant Impossible a year or so back and I'm happy to say they seem to be thriving!

There was a little pumpkin patch in the parking lot of the neighboring grocery store....so of course we had to stop in!

Sadly our week had come to an end :( .  It's always bittersweet leaving San Diego.  On one hand we're anxious to get back into our own beds and routine; but on the other...we always have so much fun when we're in town visiting family, friends, and all the sights!  This should be out last lengthy trip home before we move back East.  We plan to spend a few days in town around the Thanksgiving holiday but the majority of that vacation will be spent at the Happiest Place of all ;) .  {stay tuned for that one :) }

Whenever we make this drive I've found that it seems to go quicker and smoother when we leave before the sun comes up.  This time around we made it to El Centro as the sun was rising.....and it was quite beautiful!