Carlsbad

Back from another vacation adventure! We had a lovely time in Carlsbad visiting Tutu, Grandpa Nick and Uncle Brad. After playing in the beautiful pools and water park at the hotel, we met Grandpa Nick, Tutu and Uncle Brad for a cocktail at 5:00 on Sunday (knowing Great Tutu would raise a glass with us :-). Since Paula and I were both celebrating belated birthdays we decided to indulge our lust for all things cheesy, yummy and fattening...dinner at Ruby's Diner for burgers, fries and milkshakes. The kids were fascinated by the train that circled the restaurant. And who doesn't like a good burger? It was loud and busy, but perfect with two little kids. Best of all, they did NOT sing happy birthday to us! We all went home for a good night sleep because Monday was Legoland Day!

We had promised (bribed) Jack into potty training by dangling the Legoland carrot in front of him for the last two months. Since he is now doing such a wonderful job in his big boy underwear, it was time to reward his great effort. With a 30 degree drop in temperatures from the weekend, we all bundled up in coats and headed for fun. So many of our friends had recommended Legoland for Jack's age level and they were right. He had a blast! There were shows, rides, games, food, so much to see and do. He rode a helicopter with Daddy and drove a mini Volvo ALL BY HIMSELF (sort of, see video). Well, really, he was more like the guy stalled on the 405 that everyone honks at and flips the bird! HA! But they gave him his "driver's license" despite his obvious lack of skill. You've been warned, stay off the road. Grandpa Nick and Tutu chased him around the entire park, capturing it all on video and savoring the moment in real time too. He wore us all out before the park closed, but funny thing is he wore himself out too! While Rob and I debated what to do before we left, Jack said, "Can we PWEASE go home?" What?! In unison with stunned glances, "OK!" We bought a few Legos, headed back to the hotel and had the added bonus of a delicious meal in the hotel restaurant.

We had an easy drive home the following day and I hope to get through all the unpacking by bed time tonight. A friend posted a great quote on Facebook the other day and I think it captures our trip exactly. "Enjoy the little things, for one day you may look back and realize they were the big things." (Robert Brault) Thanks so much for making our little adventure a "big thing". We love you Grandpa Nick and Tutu :-)