We loaded up on ample hugs, super-sized love and lots of stories from Aunt Lynn. She came into town to enjoy a welcoming visit with her daughter Jessica, who lives in LA. ...and just when they thought they couldn't party anymore, the fiesta was just getting ready to begin with us here in San Diego.
When we found out that Aunt Lynn and Jessica had never experienced the famous Phil's BBQ, we knew which direction to head for lunch. Everyone was ready to cheer when the light started flashing to let us know our food was ready.
Yummo!
Next, somehow we found a tad bit more room for some frozen yogurt.
Aunt Lynn and Jessie mentioned that the true party took place at the beach later that afternoon. I think the girls would agree.
It felt great to relax to the sound of all kinds of stories, while capturing moments splashed with love.
...true love.
Merrick thought he would give Aunt Lynn and me a lesson in what I would name - ocean mud darts. It all started with a handful of mud, gleefully thrown in the air, and creatively bending forward to use the back as a target. ...some running, smiling and jumping were also involved.
I just adore watching others soaking in and absorbing the glorious energy which the ocean exudes. An ocean sunset could never get old. It's also a joy to witness someone doing something they love to do...passionate creating.
After the sun set, it was time for a good old fashion bonfire, including roasted sausages, dogs and s'mores. Aunt Lynn totally captivated the girls attention with all kinds of girl talk and advice, while Jess and Ryan caught up on some cousin talk...I think ;-) This evening was full of priceless moments of all kind, exactly what I cherish witnessing.
We were all pretty surprised by the look, taste and size of our breakfast at a local diner. Aunt Lynn and Jessie are crazy about a dish called migas. They found the runner up to migas and gave it a try. It was the perfect start to our second and final day together.
To keep the fiesta going, we brought the ultimate book reader to her wonderland, the library. The new San Diego Library blew us away when we took a tour as a family during this past school year, so we thought we would share the delight.
Sneaky Jess...you may as well have sneaked right into the "Teen Only" area, right behind you. :-) I think you added just the right touch of fun Jess.
The greatest gift is a passion for reading, and a perfect visit with an adorable auntie and cousin.
Aunt Lynn and Ryan both really enjoyed the special area in the library dedicated to baseball history.
...enjoying a bit of a rest and glance at the view after touring the kids area, floors full of books, records, etc, the gorgeous reading room with a beautiful view, room dedicated to genealogy, art gallery, and many more details I won't list. It was time for our next adventure.
Ryan was super excited to show Aunt Lynn and Jess one of California's largest trees, located in Balboa Park. It is a Moreton Bay fig tree.
The trunk has an estimated girth of 42 feet.
Right across the street from the tree, is Balboa Park's Spanish Village Art Center. The village was ripe with artists living their passion. The kids were able to learn about the process of enameling, and observe many artist just loving life, from potters to painters.
Lots of browsing.
The kids enjoyed sharing one of their passions with Aunt Lynn - crystals.
Eventually we made our way around the village to the glass blowing. Observing the artists in action is always very interesting.
While watching the glass blowers, it's hard to tell where the piece is going...what will it look like? I have a feeling it's typically a surprise for everyone involved.
Voila!
Super cute cousins taking a rest together :-)
Just when I thought these guys just couldn't keep the party going any longer, everyone pulled out all the stops. With a little research, we found the famous mexican restaurant El Indio, to munch on some tacos.
According to the clan, the cherry on top of our power visit was a little Baskin Robbins. If you ask me, this hug and one more famous Aunt Lynn story was the utmost cherry on top.
Aunt Lynn infusing some last few words of wisdom...priceless.
...and one more hug.
Yesterday Merrick realized that Aunt Lynn had left a few pieces of the festivities for him to put together. With the help of his dad, they put this 3-D car puzzle together. As I watched Merrick playing with the car, I pondered... Does any celebration ever need to end? Or, can we simply choose to keep any party alive for as long as we choose.
<3
Our choice...
Aunt Lynn and Jessie will forever be alive and celebrated in our hearts.
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