California! Here We Come!

To celebrate graduation we decided to getaway. Blake and Debbie helped us make reservations at a Hilton resort in Carlsbad, California. We invited two of our best friends, Kyle and Sarah, and their boys. Instead of flying and renting a car, we decided we would try driving to California. It is about an 11-hour drive from our apartment to Carlsbad. At first, we were going to drive straight through, but then we decided we would leave a day earlier drive to Mesquite where we would spend the night and then get up and finish the drive. This was a much better option. This trip is the longest drive Alison and I have ever gone on together. Overall the drive really wasn't bad. We only hit traffic in a couple of spots and we only stopped in Mesquite. Even though we made a really good time Alison was a little cranky for the last hour of the drive.

As soon as we arrived at the resort any crankiness quickly dissipated. This place is amazing. We love the room and the property. We got here before our friends so while we waited for them to arrive we hit the pool. It was so nice. A few minutes in the sun-washed away the memory of that long drive.

Alison loves sunbathing by the pool

Once Kyle and Sarah arrived their kids were so excited to get out of the car. They really wanted to get to the beach. We helped them unload their stuff and then piled in the car and headed toward the ocean. The beach here is absolutely beautiful. It was sunny, warm, and nice. Their kids had a lot of fun, although their youngest son is a little overwhelmed by the water itself.

We spent the evening bumming around the beach. I loved standing out in the water (even though it was pretty cold.) The waves were huge. A lady on the beach told Sarah the waves are especially big right now because a storm came through a few days ago. Alison talked a lot with Sarah and got her feet wet. While we were standing on the beach Sarah and Alison saw something moving in the water. We started to pay attention and saw tons of dolphins swimming in the waves. You could see the whole dolphin swimming in the giant waves. It was really cool.

Alison and I took a nice long walk across the beach. It was so peaceful. We both love the ocean. The sights, sounds, and smells are wonderful. We would pick up seashells for the kids and admire the beautiful beach houses. Carlsbad is a really fun place.

After playing on the beach we stopped by the store to get some groceries and then headed in for a relaxing evening. Alison and I explored the property a little more. We found a great fire pit to sit by for a while. We are excited for the next few days of rest and relaxation we will enjoy.