Family Visit - Part 3

The week was coming to an end much too quickly! On our last full day together we went to Point Loma to visit Cabrillo National Monument. First we went down to walk along the coast. The water was a little high that morning for the tide pools, but we were still able to spot some crabs. It's a beautiful (albeit nerve-wracking with two small children) place to explore with cliffs stretching as far as you can see. Eleanor loved climbing anywhere she could.













We then went up towards the monument to see the view of the bay. The picture below was taken at Point Loma (of Coronado Beach, where we were days before). The picture just below that was taken at Coronado Beach (with Point Loma/Cabrillo National Monument in the back). So cool!



The monument.







The person that took this picture didn't speak a word of English. But he sure did a good job.



After Point Loma, it was getting close to the girls' nap time. We decided to push it just a little bit further and try to see Balboa Park before we went home so that we could relax the rest of the day.



I love Balboa Park. It feels like you're in another country; the architecture is ornate, there are fountains everywhere and little tables along the promenade where people stop to eat lunch or have some coffee. There are all types of museums and buildings and areas to explore. I've been multiple times and haven't even seen a fraction of it.



It had already been a busy morning so we knew we would have to keep our visit short. We went over to the Botanical Garden to take a walk through.





Outside of the garden, there was a "living statue" who would change up his poses. He was incredibly impressive to watch. I think Eleanor was a little skeptical.





After that we just took a lap around to another fountain and then back to the car to head home for the rest of the day.



After nap time, our cousin Mikey came over! After not seeing him for a few years, it's awesome I've already been able to see him a couple times in the short time we've been here so far.



We went down to the pool for a little bit before dinner. Eleanor got to show us how she learned to swim all by herself. I'm so proud of her and am so impressed how well she's swimming at just three years old.





Finally we ordered a few pizzas and went back upstairs to have Pizza Party Friday (a Stratton tradition that we may just have to start in our house).



We ate pizza, watched a movie, and had brownies for dessert. Doesn't get much better than that.



After the girls went to bed we stayed up and played Monopoly. I'm going to miss having all these people here!



The next morning we got to enjoy lounging around and having a slow morning together. Benny even got to enjoy the morning with us as it was a Saturday. We had our coffee, made muffins for breakfast, watched some golfers from the balcony, and just tried to get in as many cuddles from the girls as possible before it was time to say goodbye.



It's never fun saying goodbye to our family but I know it's just for a short time. I am so incredibly thankful to my mom and Katie's family for making the exhausting trip out here to spend some time with us at our new place. My heart is always so full after spending time with the people we love. See you soon!