A little "Vacation"

I needed to get away... really really needed it... so I packed up the kids and went "home" to Santa Barbara. This is the place where I grew up. I can't explain my love for that city, but it is a place that I love passionately. I feel very much at home there, and it invigorates me to be there. I'm reminded of lyrics from a favorite local band that I loved during high school that says, "Show me your home, not the place where you live, but the place where you belong". That is what Santa Barbara is for me. We had a great time, and my only regret was that I didn't stay longer. I'm thinking we need to go back in a few weeks and rent a little cottage.

We hit the zoo, which is amazing. We fed these lucky giraffes who are fortunate enough to have an ocean view from their pen. You are only supposed to feed the Giraffes a single bar of food, however, my kids just kept reaching into the bucket and fed them handfuls... oops. We didn't get the instructions until it was too late. Also a moment of silence for the beloved crooked neck giraffe, Gemina.Mr. Boy was cracking me up that this was the spot he chose to have his lunch. We rode the train which is a bargain compared to our zoo. And Nana joined us. They have the best play area, with a hill that is meant for sliding and rolling down. We had lunch at Palazzio's my absolute favorite resturant on the planet. I dream about this pasta at night. We did some shoe shopping and wandered around a bit. The kids indulged in some ice cream. Mr. Boy found this wallet and just insisted that we needed to buy it for his birthday. He's got good taste, it was indeed very pretty, and very pricey. Also, note the necklace and bracelet he sported the entire trip! These steps were the subject of some photography I did in High School. It's also one of my favorite photo spots. Next time I'll plan a little photo shoot there with the kids. AK had a blast pushing Mr. Boy around for a bit. She thought it was fun to pretend to be grown up. Sunset at my favorite beach of all time. If I ever win the lottery, I'm moving within walking distance of this beach. (I'd have to win the powerball in order to afford a place on the water)There have been many walks on this beach in my lifetime with special people in my life or times where I have come to this beach looking for answers. And their have been many times where I have come to play and just enjoy life, just like the kids are doing now. This dog was a sweet rambunctious guy named Opus. He LOVED the kids. He wanted nothing more than to wrestle and play with the kids. I love the perfect pawprints in the sand. Speaking of dogs, Sandy (aka the hairless wonder) and Skoopi got to hang with Grandpa, my dad. (picture courtesy of Mr. Boy)My dad is totally hooked on wearing these Union Suits. It's all about one-piece living for him. Also, my Dad was obviously visited by AK while napping. Another highlight was that I got to slip away and have lunch with an old friend. It was exactly what I needed.
We were not a road-tripping kind of family growing up. However, I will say, I'm loving my tricked out SUV for a trip like this. Dogs are contained and gated, kids are entertained when they get grouchy thanks to hypnotizing power of Disney movies.
Also, this cracked me up, because it just seems like overkill. I couldn't fit the Nav in the pic. This is roadtripping-21st Century style.