South Carolina Day #1

We started with an early morning flight from Ontario to Denver and then Denver to Charleston for our week in South Carolina.

First stop was for sweet tea and fried pickles at Fatz.

 The humidity hit is like a ton of bricks, but we had a nice night along the waterfront 

 with a walk to Rainbow Row

 and the Charleston City Market.  This town is so quaint with horse-drawn carriages, cobblestone walkways and lots of outdoor eateries.

Visit with the Houston's

Jack went on his first airplane to come visit us for the weekend (well and Scott and Elizabeth too!).  We packed a lot into a short weekend.

 The kids swam Friday night and we enjoyed the nice evening weather with dinner and drinks outside.

 We beat the Temecula heat with a day at South Ponto Beach in Carlsbad.  Jack loved it!  He played in the water, 

was content playing in the sand,

searched for sand crabs for hours,

and even tried boogie boarding!

 It was a great day for Smashball

and a wonderful time visiting with old friends.

 Hard to believe Scott and I have known each other for 27 years!

We worked up an appetite for an early dinner at Pizza Port

and gelato at Gaia.

Jack loved having Allison ride in the car with him

and was enamored by Matt. They waved at police cars and trains

and Matt even got him his own badge, stickers and a Sheriff's hat!

On Sunday, we braved the heat for a morning at the park before they had to leave for the airport.  It was a wonderful visit.  Jack is the sweetest little guy and it was great catching up with dear friends.

Father's Day

Since Father's Day was this weekend, we took advantage of Larky's offer to stay an extra night at the Hilton.  We don't often get to enjoy all of the amenities, so this was nice.  We relaxed by the pool for the afternoon and then had a delicious dinner at Union Kitchen and Tap

 and more gelato at Chocolat.

 Sunday morning, we enjoyed Starbuck in the room and this lovely view.

 Matt and I did a 4 mile walk along the embarcadero past the marina, Seaport Village, the USS Midway and Star of India.

 Then it was off to lunch at the Coronado Brewing Co

 and kayaking from the Coronado Ferry Landing.  What a view!

 We kayaked through Glorietta Bay and under the Coronado Bridge.

Matt loved his Lawrence PD shoulder patch and challenge coin, new shoes, Ballast Point shirt and gifts from the Coffee Bean, but most of all, his always hilarious card from Allison!  It was a great day celebrating this amazing guy who does so much for our family!!

34th Annual SDSI Conference

This view means one thing.  We are back at the Hilton Bayfront for another week with SDSI!  We spent most of Monday prepping bags and gifts and setting up the registration desk.

Then a quick change for dinner at Donovan's with Dr. Esch.  Delicious as always.  We were spoiled with cocktails, appetizers, steak and shrimp dinner, mousse and creme brûlée!

 We were happy to have a round table again to share in conversation.  I love the stories from this group!

 We were up early Tuesday to tackle the stairs and a nice walk along the Embarcadero.  I wish we could fit this in every morning, but the days are just too long for that!

 Tuesday night was dinner at Sushi Lounge with the whole group.

 Putting these 3 to work this week as Badge Monitors and helping at the desk.

 Poppy being Poppy!

 Our gelato tradition continues!

 We ordered 27 donuts from Donut Bar Thursday morning to share with the crew.   Thursday night we had massages (thanks to Larky) and lounged around the pool with tacos from Lolita's and margaritas.

 We work long hours and keep quite busy, but sure have a lot of fun.  The faculty and registrants are so kind to us and it is a pleasure meeting people from all over the world.

 I stopped in quick to check in on one of the cadaver labs.  

 I'm always so impressed by how they are set up and fascinated by the science of it all!

Friday night we celebrated the busy week with the faculty dinner.  Great weather, delicious korean bbq and sushi and a few cocktails with our fabulous team!

 So nice that the husbands get to join in too!

Dr. Esch and the SDSI course are still going strong after 34 years.  Blessed to be a part of it and already looking forward to next year!

Leadership Camp

This morning I dropped Allison and Macy off at GOHS for 2 nights at Leadership Camp on Palomar Mountain.  

Apparently, they were the only 2 sophomores (class presidents), but didn't mind it a bit.  They loved the group they roomed with and had fun bonding with everyone.

I heard stories of archery competitions and shooting BB guns.

There were team bonding and leadership activities.

Allison made wonderful memories and described the time as "life-changing".  I'm so excited to see what sophomore year brings for her!!