Coronado

Our San Diego vacation is nearing its end... Sad, but true.

This morning our friends' cleaners came to tidy up the place before they return tomorrow so after a morning of picking up and "pre-packing" we headed out for a non-sandy day of fun. Our plan was to meet up with my cousin, Casey, on Coronado Island for a tour of the Navy base and ride our bikes around the Island to check it out.

By the time we finished at the house got the bikes and boys and baby girl loaded it was after 11! Things move slow with 4 under 6! The drive over the bridge was beautiful as it was a very clear, sunny day and we could see for miles. We unloaded our bikes and stuff for the day near the Hotel Del Coronado and booked it to the other side of the island to meet up with Casey.

Signs of the Navy's heavy presence are all over San Diego as helicopters fly frequently up and down the beaches, jets scream overhead daily, and sailors are spotted around town. Its pretty cool, for sure. Casey has been stationed here all four years and serves in meteorology, predicting weather that helps ships and planes chart their courses. The boys love all things military so we couldn't pass up the chance to see the base while here. Casey has another five months left in the service before heading back to college.

We lucked out as one of our HUGE aircraft carriers had just returned to port overnight. To put the size of this active carrier in perspective, Casey told us it is twice the size of the Midway docked across the harbor that was used in WWII. It was pretty cool to see a partially disassembled jet, as well as sailors disembarking from their time as sea. We could see several huge missiles hanging from the roof deck on the underground level of the ship. It was all very much awe inspiring. The boys were thrilled to see the base and spend more time with Casey - ever the knowledgeable tour guide.

After Casey had to head to work we took off on our bikes to eat our picnic lunch next to the beach. Beautiful view for lunch!

Thanks to the miracle of Facebook I discovered another relative was also on Coronado at their beach house. After a huge soda treat Jared had been begging for for days at Ferry Landing and watching all the harbor activity we drive down "C"Street for a pop-in on Barbie Boyle and her beautiful 92 year old mom. I have fond memories of visiting the Boyles on their dairy farm as a kid and playing with their kids at Aunt Sis's house (Grandma Sis to them). We've lost touch over the past 10-20 years as us kids scattered for college and life. This afternoon was a sweet time to catch up as the boys happily played with all of Barbies grand kids toys.

On the verge of another no-nap day meltdown we finally got all the crazies loaded to head back to the car. Not before Will announced that, "he was hungry" and guilted sweet Barbie into sending them on their way with special juices and cookies. Just what they needed, ha ha!

The ride back to the car was pretty quick now that we figured out our bearings. The island itself was absolutely adorable with its quaint houses, tree lines streets, offset sidewalks, and low speed limits. We'll definitely be back!