Laguna Beach [[day tripping]]

Laguna has to be one of the most beautiful beaches we have here in Southern California. The colors in the sunsets are amazing! I took the girls down there for an extended weekend to explore, and what a peaceful time.
Autumn & Carina rented a surfboard - that was interesting! ha  I guess it's not as easy as it looks.  Our family friend, Holly, came over and we had the most beautiful lunch out at a small outside restaurant right there on the sand. It's always so wonderful to be able to catch up with old friends and re-connect. We see each other more than a few times a year but we never seem to set aside enough time to really sit down and talk.

The Deck had the most amazing grilled cheese sandwich you have ever eaten - it's a must try!  Seriously, you heard me right; a.grilled.cheese. So so good!!!

Poor Lilly lived through her first boo-boo of the summer. What a trooper!

Enjoy your summer!

Catalina Island, California [[day tripping]]

Our home in the mountains is so close to the ferry access to Catalina Island, yet, we have only been there once (and that was decades ago). This summer we are making a conscious effort to venture out and discover what's in to our own backyard. Day trippin'. There are so many beautiful places that are easy to get to, but we always seem to be in a rush to get out right out of town!

The weather couldn't have been nicer. It was perfect. The ferry ride out of Newport beach harbor was just right for the little ones because it really wasn't long & they loved the idea of being on a big boat. We saw dolphins as soon as we left the harbor, and sea otters a little ways out. The ferry can be pricey when you have a big family like us. I was lucky enough to find groupons for the adult tickets and then the children's tickets were only about $6.  We packed our snacks for the ferry and took plenty of water bottles in the stroller. Food was as expensive as you would expect at any tourist destination.

We rented a golf cart (about $140 for 3-hours, seating 6 people) once we landed, but I think you can get better rates if you reserve it beforehand online. We raced around the island all day and had a blast!

I think the next time we are there, I really want to sign the family up for snorkeling. Catalina is said to be the best kept secret for the variety in underwater life.  That may be another trip idea for this summer! 

seagull vs. otter (the fish won!)