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(I am just apologizing up front for the crazy amount of pictures...as usual, pick and choose :))

San Diego!

(Seaport Village)

Although I was technically born in Utah, I moved to San Diego when I was a few months old...so I claim it as my own. I lived there for about 11 years and haven't been back in about 10...so needless to say, I was very excited when my parents offered to get a beach house for the whole family in Mission Beach (a few miles from Sea World). I jumped at the chance to take my family to the place where I grew up. It was kind-of surreal at times going places that I had been at the same age as my daughter. My dad commented how he felt life had come full circle seeing us as adults with our children in our old spots. I can imagine as a parent how awesome that would be.

Wild Animal Park
Deak attacking a deer.
The highlight of Ab's day; the $16 4 minute ride.

The Beach

The weather couldn't have been any better. The water was warmish, and my kids had a fabulous time. Abby conquered her fear of the ocean after being trampled by a wave last year, and Deak could've played in the water and throw sand in his eyes all day.

San Diego Zoo

We made it here on the perfect day. It was slightly overcast and just the perfect temperature. We had the privilege of seeing Deak laugh hysterically at the animals, and watch a Hippo poo a very large amount of poo in our face.

Padres Game
My very, very nice sisters watched the kids while some of us got to go to the Padres game. Yea, I know the Padres are last in their division, but we had sweet seats (just to the right of home plate and 13th row) and I love baseball. We also got to see CC pitch for the Brewers, which was kind-of cool; although I wonder how he moves his body. Anyway, for me personally, it was the highlight of the trip.

Pinkberry
The hype is true. It is really good. Good enough that my dad had to take us there twice in the bus of love (15 passenger white child molester van). It was pretty awesome being picked up in the gas lamp district in front of Hard Rock Hotel/Club in that thing. Oh well, it was worth it (although some passengers might've begged to differ).

Sea World

I love Sea World. I got to go there often, even on school field trips, each year as a child. I loved taking Abby there and showing her all the things I loved. She liked it all afterwards, but I have to admit, a good portion of the day was spent with this look on her face.

Here are some of the best moments, with smiles.

The Whole Family...as good as it gets.

Payne Sisters.

The pictures don't do the trip justice. It was really easy to be together and have a good time. There are so many moments I wished I still lived there. Well, at least in our second home. When we drove by the apartment Nikki and I lived in for 7 years in North Park, Maddi asked us to lock our doors. Nikki and I smirked and replied, "Welcome to our world."

So true how much life is bound to change, and at some point you will come full circle. I am not there yet...still have a ways to go on the full circle part; but it was a step in that direction.

Thanks for the wonderful trip Mom and Dad - and family.