Labor Day weekend, we took a free trip courtesy Eric's company down to San Diego. The weather was perfect, of course, and we enjoyed escaping the heat in Las Vegas.
One of our favorite parts and the biggest surprise of the weekend was the Mormon Battalion Vistor Center. It was revamped earlier this year by the church. It was so fun and entertaining, educational and interactive, and the whole family reveled in the spirit that was there.
Will dressed with some of the supplies that a soldier went out with.
Daddy and the kids panning for gold.
Taylor found a couple of pieces!
Will playing a fiddle duet with the sister missionary. We have this on video as well. Taylor and Will both really enjoyed this!
Taylor rocking on the front porch of the visitor center.
Just down the street from the Visitor Center was the historic Whaley House. I had always heard about the Whaley House and how it is considered the "most haunted house" in America so of course I had to go and see for myself. The kids thought it was fun trying to see if they could find any ghosts in the house. Nada one.
The Cosmoplitan Hotel in Old Town San Diego
After spending time in Old Town, we went to the Padres Game at Petco Field. I was so disappointed we forgot our camera in the car because the stadium is really cool. Eric had been to a major league baseball game before but this was a first for me and the kids. It was a lot of fun and the kids came away with some free souviners.
After the game, we went to Coronado Beach. I have to laugh at myself (now!) because though I did bring the kids' swimsuits to the beach, I didn't bother putting them on because I didn't think they would end up doing more than dipping their feet into the water. I couldn't have been more wrong and instead of traveling to a restaurant in dry clothes so that we could go eat, they traveled back in their dry swimsuits to the hotel. I'll know better next time!
This shot is great because it shows the wave that put Will and Reagan down in the water.
It freaked out Reagan a little at first but that only lasted a couple of minutes.
The next day we went to church and then went for a walk in Balboa Park. I hadn't really ever explored this place before. I was delighted with our casual stroll through this park with its variety in building architecture and the wonderful weather. Our timing was awesome when we got to see the largest outside organ played in the afternoon organ concert.
It was a very sunny day and these are all the people waiting for the free concert to begin. The umbrellas weren't free however.
The organ pipes and stage.
One day I'd like to go back when we have time to explore the museums.
We ended up catching a free trolley ride over the cool freeway bridge and back to the car. What kid doesn't like a trolley?
After the park, we took a drive up to the San Diego Temple. It had scaffolding over one side of it making it hard to get any good pictures.
The next day we went to the famous San Diego Zoo. I thought is was a beautiful place to walk and explore. My kids however loved the double decker bus and the Skyride. We all liked the animals. 
Will, as well as the rest of us, loved being able to see the Panda Bears as very few zoos in the US have Pandas. A wonderful and rare opportunity. (If you can close in on this shot, you will see one of the Panda bears.)
This is one of the few shots that Lyndsee is in. Kind of funny how that works out sometimes. I love my Lyndsee baby!
Reagan Cutey with her upside-down glasses
This man and these kids (pretend that Lyndsee made it into this picture) are the sweet joy and result of 9 years of marriage. That's right--Eric and I spent our 9th year anniversary at the Zoo on Labor Day and it couldn't have been better. OK--maybe I could have done without the camera breaking, the drive back to Las Vegas that evening, the whining kids claiming hunger, thirst, or life not fair. Life has been very fair to me and though its not always perfect, I really love being part of this big wonderful family!
Cydnee, Shaley, Todd and Val - the beginning of the big hike
We spent time just trying to find the trail in the beginning.
The hunky husband
Finally finding the right canyon.
Coming down into the canyon.
Eric and I in full wet suit attire.
First Swim
Famous spot for pictures in the Subway
The pools look "out of this world"
Eric and Cydnee in the Subway
The next day we hiked the bottom of the Narrows with our kids and the rest of the family.
I took several pictures of Will as we made our way into the school through the mayheim but Will is not a poser and I couldn't get a smile out of him. His baby sister who he's looking at in this picture did get one out of him however.
Will wasted no time getting to work.
Taylor in her classroom on the first day of second grade.
