Wonder where we’ve been- well, San Diego! We had a blast, and I can confidently say that I think San Diego has got to be one of the best places to have a family vacation. Whether you want a laid back- beach centered vacation, or a busy site-seeing one, San Diego offers it all. We wanted to strike a balance between the two, and did so successfully.
I took this early one morning when the fog still sat heavily on the ground. I sat and read and allowed myself to think “Gray foggyness can be absolutely beautiful.” (In preparation for moving to San Fran or Seattle!)
Tom’s Dad was in the military so we had the treat of staying at the Navy Lodge on Coronado Island. We couldn’t have asked for a better spot. A beautiful private beach, a huge grassy area, a private pool and playground made it SUPER family friendly. Scotland loved that there were often other kids that he could join on the playset, and often struck up friendships with other toddlers on the beach. The expanse of sand could have kept him occupied all day- he especially loved running and belly flopping in it. Mostly, however, he delighted in the undivided attention he recieved from not only his parents but his GRANDPARENTS! In the past it’s taken him a few days to warm up, but this time it was a matter of minutes, before he was taking their hands and leaning into their arms.
Stan taught us his father’s sand castle technique- taking wet sand and letting it dribble from your hands. The effect was quite stunning and very effective. Call me sentimental, but I loved that four generations are represented here. Grandpa Foutz in the sand castle, and then Stan, Tom, and Scotland. Scotland cried and cried when we pulled him from this hole- half filled with water.
The weekend we were there happened to be Fleet Week. Which meant that they had three navy ships- a helicopter carrier and two destroyers, docked and open to tours. Walking up to these HUGE ships was very awe-inspiring. To me they seemed so symbolic of our country with its tremendous wealth and power. I felt reverenced at the thought of what great responsibilty we have to use that influence wisely.
We rented a humvee while we were there. Not!
From the dock of the helicopter carrier. It’s hard to capture the sheer size of these ships. Several times on the tours a navy officer would say: “So this is where we store the helicopters.” Yes, I said that correctly. Store the helicopters- pural. On a ship! It was incredible.
Touring the ships was especially exciting for Pam as she grew up as a military brat. (I hate that term.)
In the jump seats.
One of the things I was surprised by was how raw everything was. Everything was so masculine. As you can see behind us, everything is exposed. It reminded me of how when we were renovating our house, we joked that Tom was only interested in the structure of the “box” while I was only interested in the lining. All of these ships and aircrafts lacked what I can only call the feminine touch. Everything was gray, hard, strong, utilitarian. Again I found great symbolism in the masculinity of it all.
A while back Tom and I had a conversation in which Tom ended up saying: “So, there is nothing great about men?!” He had pointed out one way in which he felt men as a gender perform better than women, and I had shot him down. Years later, I still think back on that conversation, as it opened my eyes to the realization that I haven’t spent much time considering the merits and strengths of mankind. With feminist zeal I have spent my time building up my own sex, while often scoffing at the other. Since having a son I’ve felt the need to defend and stand up for the masculine side of our race. Seeing these masterpieces of masculine engineering, muscle, and craftsmenship helped me realize, once again, how grateful I am for men!
We were able to visit the historic hotel on Coronado Island. It made me want to read more oabout its history.
Balboa Park
We had no idea that Balboa park included SOO much. Obviously, there is the San Diego Zoo and Air and Space Museum, but there is also this huge complex of other art museums, theaters and gardens. We only walked around for a short while, but were very impressed by the beautiful architecture and landscaping. It was all built in the early 1900’s for a world Exhibition.
Scotter loved all the fountains.
La Jolla
And of course, San Diego wouldn’t be complete without a fair amount of beach time:
Stan is the sort of Grandpa that’s always down on the floor, playing with his grandkids. Scotland adored him, and quickly picked up his name. Whenever Stan wasn’t around he’d ask: “Pappa?”
Tom and I took surfing lessons- which was suprisingly exhausting, though super fun. I got up a few times, and Tom was a natural and got up a ton- even though he sprained his toe on one of his first runs.
Tom surfing it in
. . .and here’s proof that I got up. (Notice the instructor cheering behind me.) I got up twice right and the beginning and then got in my head, got tired and had little success after that. I’m still mad about it. I think I have a complex.
Meanwhile, Scotland sat happy as a clam between his Poppa and Ga-ma on his very own chair, watching his Mom and Dad and saying “Uh-oh!” anytime one of us biffed it.
We all went body boarding one day at the beach at Coronado. I loved watching Tom body board with his Mom. They were all smiles, whooping and hollaring when they caught a big wave. I love how nature brings people together. I spent most of that day playing with Scotter in the sand, but when everyone started to pack up I decided to hit the waves for a few runs on the body board. I was amazed at how childlike I felt, being carried along by the waves. I ran
through the water, letting my swim dress flap around my legs and felt so utterly free and full of joy. It sounds silly now, but there, then, I committed to never get so serious that I can’t run through the waves, smile so big I look silly, and throw up my arms like a child and embrace the sun.
Scotter took full advantage of having his Dad with him 24-7.