"Hidden SoCal"... on the cheap

Elizabeth and I decided, kind of on a whim, to take a quick vacation trip to Southern California for something fun to do over this break between semesters. I did a little investigation and found some hidden gems to visit... along side some serious beach lounging of course. The first night we went and visited Liz's Grandpa Kellis who is in a nursing home, and then we stayed w/ some of Liz's extended family; Stacy and Bob Gleason. They were such awesome people. We wish we would have gotten a picture w/ them.

Mission San Diego de Alcala, founded in 1769. The first mission to be established in California. Admission was mearly a donation. We did a little tour around the original chapel (where they still hold mass), the first Padre's living quarters, and a few other well preserved areas.

Elijah striking a pose.

Horse races at Del Mar Racetrack. This was a lot of fun. We watched the first race by the rail, and the second up in the stands. The weather was great, and we got in w/ reserved seats for FREE. It happened to be some kind of free Wednesday thing. It seemed like Liz and I were more excited than Elijah was to watch the races. Sitting in the stands, it got really loud when the horses came around to the finish line w/ all the money on the line. The boys held it together though.

First Newport beach, and then to La Jolla. We liked Newport better... much less crowded, and less seaweed and stuff in the water. I taught Eli how to duck under big waves. He recently realized how fun it is to dunk your head under the water, and has been really excited to go swimming everyday since.
Instant classic. "Daddy, look at me!" Elijah loved the beach.