San Diego Trip

Over Labor Day Weekend, we took a last minute trip to San Diego! We had no agenda, just to get away from the house and explore! I must say, I love San Diego! It's almost like a small town - at least compared to LA. We will definitely be making another trip soon.

We stayed at an Embassy Suites, which is the way to go with a little one. All rooms have a living room separate from the bedroom - translation, we can put Carson to bed and then stay up, watch tv, hang out! Carson LOVED the elevator - to the point that if we walked by it and didn't get on it, he would have a complete meltdown! The hotel also had a free breakfast. Only one word can describe the scene....chaos! Kids running everywhere, spilling everything, disrespectful parents, sticky floors. My friend Kathy would have died! HA! (don't worry Kathy, this scene almost put me over the edge too!) But, it is perfect when traveling with kids.

Anyways, now onto the fun stuff! We decided to check out SeaWorld. I've never been and was really excited to go! We watched the Shamu show - it was awesome! Even Carson watched the entire show. If anything can hold Carson's attention longer than 5 seconds, it must be intriguing!

Here's Shamu getting a little fishy snack before his big show!

Big flip in the air!

 This was funny (especially since we weren't sitting in the "splash zone"). The whales would swim around the edges and splash the crowd w/ their tails - it was unreal! People left there soaked!

One last trick!

Greg watched part of the Sea Lions show (Carson was napping in the stroller). Here's a great pic he took!

After all of the stroller time, Carson needed to run around and burn some energy. Here he is playing in a grassy area. Mommy was in line to get some ice cream. What?? Carson told me he wanted some! ;)

We also took a trip to Children's Beach in the La Jolla area. We read online that the seals swim in this area and will lay on the beach from time to time. It was a very pretty area with caves and big rocks. The water crashing on the rocks was great! Here are a few pics.

I thought this tree was very interesting...almost like snakes coming out of it. Just had to take a pic.



San Diego = top of my list!

Missy and Mickey in California!

Last month, Missy and Mickey came out for a visit - it was great seeing them! I don't know how to explain it, but it was so nice having our family/friends in town to see where we hang out. And they were great sports - they let us drag them all around!

One day we went to the Santa Monica Pier and then walked down to Venice. Greg and I sold them on the idea that it was just a short walk and around the corner. Oops, it turned out to be a couple of miles - but we got some exercise, so it all worked out! Venice - now that's where you can do some great people watching. So many walks of life there....very entertaining!

Here's Missy and Mickey on the Santa Monica Pier. That's Malibu behind them!

Now, we all know that California is full of nuts and fruits but this proves it! This is a grassy area just south of the Santa Monica pier where people do the weirdest things. I love it - I could just sit here for hours and watch!

Another day we went for a hike at Runyon Canyon. At the top of the mountain you can see the Hollywood sign on one side and downtown LA on the other. It's a little odd to get there - you drive through Beverly Hills and then all of sudden, you're there. You park on a city street, go through a gate and then you're in a Canyon w/ a ton of hiking trails. We bought a hiking backpack to use for Carson. He loves that thing...see!

Looks like Uncle Mickey stole Carson's hat when he wasn't watching!

The hike was not easy, but it was run! It was great exercise, especially carrying Carson. Every muscle in my body was burning! Any time I would stop walking, Carson would hit my shoulders and bounce up and down...guess that's his version of giddy-up horsey! And, here we are at the top - that's the Hollywood sign in the background!

I don't think they even broke a sweat!

We also took them to Hermosa Beach. It's just a 20 minute bike ride north on the strand! Here are some pics Missy took of the pier.

And, in true Hodges fashion we cooked out, sat on the patio, solved the worlds problems, stayed up too late and laughed too hard!

I wanted to share this last picture that Missy took. This is of the Redondo Beach strand - where we live!!We are up just up the hill and to the left - about a 10 minute walk and we're at the beach. I love this picture!

We had such a great time w/ Missy and Mickey. Like I said earlier, I can't explain what a great feeling it was having them out! Thanks you guys! We love you and miss you!!



Bedtime Routine

Every day, Greg and I are amazed at how quickly Carson is growing up! He's saying a few words like juice, yes, geeeeze (please) and tickle tickle. Even with the limited vocabulary, he can process so much - it's crazy!

When it's time to go to bed, all I have to say is "ok, let's go to bed, give daddy a kiss good night". He puts down his milk, runs to Greg for a big wet kiss, picks his milk back up and runs into his room. It's too easy! (Please please please....let it always be this simple) We read a few book and then it's time to brush his teeth! He loves this! Again, all I say is "let's go brush your teeth" and he's out the door and into our bathroom, standing in front of daddy's sink (that's where his toothbrush is). I don't think we really get a lot accomplished while brushing his teeth - he's squirming and laughing because it tickles, but he enjoys it. Then, he's down and back out to find daddy for one more kiss! After he gets that last kiss in, he's back in his room.

It is just so funny how he knows exactly what we're telling him to do. I prefer to think he's a genius but I bet every other 16 month old is doing the same thing....please don't tell me that though. :)