Happy Easter!

Happy Tax Day!

We have 3 great deductions on our taxes. This one just happens to be labeled. Happy Tax Day!
Cheers,
Christy

Stay-cation Adventures #2

For Stay-cation adventure #2 we thought we'd live like tourists do when they come to San Diego so we went and stayed at Paradise Point, a local beach resort.

The weather could have been a LOT warmer but that's what you get for San Diego in April and May.

There was a great spot overlooking the bay, with beautiful palms and flowers. I thought, "The kids are clean all at the same time. We should take a picture." (yes, I have low standards!)

I tried to pose them and I ended up with this:And then this:So I let them do their own thing and I got this:

Much better! They are so natural here.

The next morning we went for a walk on the beach. It was chilly but a great way to start the day.
I love how they like to write in the sand.It was so cold at the beach, Max was content hanging out in the stroller watching birds and playing with seashells. He is always a happy guy!
The best parts of our stay-cation are we won't be paying for it for months and we still got to squeeze in dentist and doctor appointments. We live in an amazing area and get into our daily ruts and we just don't take advantage of all it offers. So much to do... so little time!

We have a couple more days of break left and I asked Madeleine and Sam what they want to do and they said they want to just stay home. Really? All right.... I confess I'm tired out too. I suppose I'll learn how to relax a little...? I'm not sure I know how to do that but I'll try.

Thanks for checking in!
Cheers!
Christy

Stay-cation Adventures

Life lesson #57: "Life with 3 kids is expensive. Vacations shouldn't be."

With that in mind, we decided to do a stay-cation for Spring break. Thankfully, we live in an amazing area so we aimed to stay within San Diego county and do things we normally do not do.

We started last weekend camping in the Anza-Borrego Desert. The flowers are in bloom in the local mountains and the drive was gorgeous!We didn't do our traditional camping this time. We "roughed it." The Bureau of Land Management allows you to pull off a dirt road and camp where ever you want to. Did you know that? I didn't! We chose an area near a dry lake bed where the kids could climb rocks, have fun.... ...and giggle...We really were in the middle of nowhere!It was warm camping in the desert and the stars were AMAZING! (psst... love my new iPhone app called "Star Walk." We were finally able to figure out the constellations!)

On Day #2 Brentt said, I know these cool mud caves not far from here, let's go! Ok, I'm up for the adventure. An hour later after driving on dirt "roads" like this...I started doubting our destination (and the ability of my minivan!). Even looking through the informational book about the desert, there was no mention of this place.

This is it: Really? What?!? Not so cool until you get in there. Here is a video from inside the caves. I can't believe there is something like 3 million people who live in San Diego county and there were only a dozen or so people out here the whole time we were there. Well kept secret I suppose?

The caves were not "Max-able" but he still had fun. He makes his own adventures; usually by running away. Don't worry though, he charms and kisses his way out of trouble every time! On the way back to our campsite, we stopped at Hollywood and Vine Street. Maybe not the one you'd expect to see in Southern California...So weird!

Alas, Spring Break is not over yet. Check back for Stay-cation adventure #2.
Have a great day!
Christy