San Diego 2019 - Day 5

Today was a slower day - some more R&R was needed along with more of a routine.  We ate breakfast at the house and made our way to the Birch Aquarium to explore the exhibits at a leisurely pace.  We were even able to see some eels being fed - B was "so escited".

Enjoying i-pad time all to himself

Getting some stamps

There were quite a few exhibits of fish from different geographical areas.  Lola really liked the "Lola" exhibit, with a sea turtle that got up from a nap, did a couple of laps around the tank (getting some air) and then going back to rest in the sunken boat. 

There was a small touch-pool where the kids were able to touch some sea cucumbers and also some unfertilized shark eggs (which are made from carotene, the same stuff as your hair and finger nails).  There also was a small water table where you could reconfigure with some plastic "dams" to change the flow and speed up / slow down your boats.  Lola was right in there.

After the aquarium, we went back to the house for lunch which consisted of hot dogs, fruit and hashbrowns.  Everyone really enjoyed it.  Then, the twinkies went down for a nap while Lola and AA went to the USS Midway to tour around.

The boat was huge - the aircraft deck is over 4 acres in size and displaced over 52,000 tons of water.  It was quite amazing to be able to explore the ship that was first commissioned in 1945 and finally decommissioned in 1992.

We also explored the small park near the ship with a statue representing the iconic "embrace" photo, symbolizing the strong naval roots which San Diego has.

Once back at the house, AA and Lola made supper (spaghetti) so that we could get ready for another adventure after supper.  After we were done eating, we went back downtown so B and T could burn some energy at one of the playgrounds before watching the sunset over the San Diego harbour.

The kids had a blast, climbing and running and sliding.  Then we made our way to a bench along the harbour to watch the sun set.  B was very satisfied, her Uncle B-rye wasn't lying when he said that San Diego has some pretty great sunsets.

Now we are planning out activities for tomorrow and on the weekend with DD is here and we go to Legoland.  I guess I should get back to researching...

AA

San Diego 2019 - Day 4

Tuesday's are usually pretty tough to get up in the morning.  Having a long Monday at Disneyland and early mornings equally doesn't help.

Today we were originally hoping to take advantage of the Magic Hours early park access in the morning where we could get in an hour before the park opens.  But we elected to have a little more sleep for everyone and go to the parking garage at our earliest so far - 7:45.

Everyone had their bags packed up and AA loaded the van while everyone else got a head-start on breakfast.  Then it was a short drive to the park where we started with Pirates of the Caribbean ride.  The ladies (and kids) really enjoyed the ride, saying it was better then DW.  AA isn't so sure it was "better" but certainly enjoyed the ride.

Afterwards, the crew split up and AA and Lola went on some adult rides (Splash Mountain, Big Thunder Railroad and the Matterhorn Bobsled).  MBM took B and T to see some princesses and explore around Toon Town until AA and Lola were finished with their rides.

Splash Mountain was really good.

Big Mountain Railroad was very similar to DW and had a long wait.  AA figured that there were about 1,800 riders per hour (4 trains with 5 cars each, 3 rows each car, 2 people each row; 1 train per minute).

The Matterhorn was ok.  It was too rough for Lola and was pretty dated, but still good.

Once reunited at Toon Town, Lola, AA and B went on Gadget Go Coaster while MBM and T continued to tour around (T didn't want to go on the "coasta").  B really wanted to go on the ride with AA, her roller coaster ride buddy - and was she excited.

After the ride, the gang hurried their way to their lunch reservation at Carnation Cafe.  The kiddos enjoyed a "build your own" PB&J sandwich.  B made a traditional sandwich, T not so much with his PB, J, raisins, grapes and bananas - basically everything that was on his plate, except the carrots and celery.

Before heading to the gift shop, the twinkies wanted to see if they could get pictures with Boba Fett (Star Wars character) who they saw yesterday but didn't get to him in time for a picture as he does not have a scheduled time for photos, just sort of shows up.  Except somehow MBM was able to find out that he was going to be "available" at 12:50 - 1:05 and timed our visit accordingly.  And we were successful.

Then, we made our way to the big gift shop in Downtown Disney.  Each kid was able to pick one toy (and then a last minute impromptu "one piece of clothing").  Lola was allowed to get something as well, deciding on a hat.

T was the first one to find a piece of clothing - a Hei Hei shirt (chicken from Moana).  B took a little longer, pulling AA aside (because they were only able to explore the store with an adult) and found some Minnie Ears that matched her dress. 

Both kids found some stuffed characters only to change their mind near the end of the shopping excursion.  B found a cat, because she only has "about 10 of them" (her words) but later decided that she wanted a Porg (character from the newest Star Wars) which she named Flipper.  T had a dilemma and let almost everyone know about it in the store - he couldn't decide if he wanted Doug (dog from Up) or a baby Ewok (character from Star Wars).  After about 10 mins of contemplation (definitely not the silent type), he finally decided to get the Ewok whose name was Ricket.

"I have a problem!!! I can't decide which one to pick!!"

Everyone made their way to the car and AA drove the 2 hrs drive to San Diego.  The kids had a nap (and so did MBM) and the traffic wasn't too bad for California standards. 

Once at the house, the kids were able to get in a little bit of play time before going for supper at Yard House and then a quick shopping excursion at Target for some essentials for tomorrow and the next few days.

Now, B and T are both snoring away and the adults are relaxing in the comfort of the rental house that they have near the park and zoo.

AA