San Diego trip, part 1

We made what has become our annual trip back to San Diego to see friends, enjoy our favorite foods, and to enjoy the wonderful area that is San Diego. 

Our plane ride out there was mercifully uneventful (or at least so I remember, writing this 3+ months later. Yes, I'm way behind!). We had an open seat near us on the flight that coincided with Aaron's naptime so he got to lay down and sleep. His dudes (Star Wars guys) protected him while he slept. And took a little nap with him too. 

This is the legendary cilantro cream sauce from Lucha Libre. How we crave that delicious burrito sauce... This was our first stop after getting off the plane and picking up a car. 

mmmmmm veggie burrito with fries, black beans, pico, guac, cheese and the cilantro sauce. 

Next stop was with our dear friends. The kids were so excited to see one another. 

Aaron and Alice picked up right where they left off. Aaron still says that he is going to marry Alice. 

We had to get a beach trip in to Coronado so we did on our first full day. It was a bit chilly and the tide was waaaaay in! Like nearly up to the stairs in. And it was strong. Only Emily and I went in. She attempted some boogie boarding and me some surfing. Em may have tried to surf a bit too. I don't recall if I was even able to stand more than once because the tide was so very strong. We didn't stay in long because I didn't feel safe in the water with the strength of the tide. 

Back playing again. 

Day 2 we went over to one of my most favorite places in Balboa Park and certainly top places in San Diego: the Japanese Friendship Gardens. It's nice and peaceful in there and just beautiful. 

Emily and a bird

We went to a barbeque competition with our friends at a bird sanctuary. Emily loved hanging out in the lorikeet area. The birds loved her. She begged me for a bird and promised that she would take care of one. As cute as she was with the bird, no animals for us. 

Springtime in Raleigh

Spring has arrived in Raleigh. 

Aaron's school had their jog-a-thon preschool style. 

Kyle and Aaron having a fun water gun fight in the yard. 

Aaron driving the digger

Emily driving the digger

Jeff or Aaron

I found these old pictures of Jeff as a little boy. The resemblance to Aaron is uncanny. I know everyone says that he looks like Jeff all the time, but seeing an age equivalent picture shows it even more so. I'm not sure Aaron has any of my genes because he is so much all Jeff. 

Aaron swinging

Happy 4th birthday Aaron! Swinging at age 4. 

Happy 4th birthday Aaron!!

Aaron's 4th birthday has been a fun day and so very Aaron. He started the day waking up to a R2D2 balloon the size of him in his room. He was beyond excited. 

Then we went to breakfast, had donuts, and went to Touch a Truck. 

After Touch a Truck, we went back home for dinner and cake with our friends. Aaron got a Yoda jacket from Papa and Kari and he wouldn't take it off. He absolutely loves it. Aaron makes a good Yoda. 

Mommy & Bear birthday selfie. 

Aaron also had his little bed turned into a big kid bed with Star Wars bedding. 

Aaron likes having a roommate and has had both Kyle and Em share his room with him for a slumber party. 

Aaron's birthday at school

Aaron is turning 4! I'm not sure how it's been 4 years already. He had a little celebration at preschool for his day. We brought in some fruit and cupcakes to celebrate with his school friends. They sang to him, made him a card, and he even got to blow out some candles. Happy birthday baby!

Kyle's mile

Kyle ran the fastest mile in 4th grade at his school so he got to compete in the district track meet against other kids who also were the fastest in their grades. It was a beautiful day out. Kyle was sick leading up to the meet (and for days afterwards with a bad cold and ear infection) but he did not want to miss it at all. All things considered, he did amazingly well. He finished sub 7 minutes (6:52) and was middle of the pack. Would be amazing to see what he can run when healthy (and not having his shoe fall off twice - he will be double checking his laces in future races). He has good running instinct. Way to go Kyle!

Kyle sprint ending. He lost his shoe twice in his final sprint and each time he went back for it. The second time he didn't put it back on his foot and just carried it in. 

Kyle slow motion running. Good form Kyle!

Walk in woods

Perfect day for a walk in the woods. 

Aaron being Yoda