Birch Aquarium

Before going to the tide pools we checked out Birch Aquarium. It is a small aquarium that reminded us of a miniature Monterey Bay Aquarium. We enjoyed the exhibits and got there just in time to see the shark feeding.

Tide Pooling

We spent one afternoon tide pooling at Shell Beach in La Jolla. It was a perfect day to explore with a low tide of -0.8 at 2:30pm. Rich and I love tide pooling and we were excited to share this experience with Ava. She was tired and had fun for the first 20 minutes. After that she spent the rest of the time playing in the sand with Papa and Nona while Rich and I explored a little more.

Ava trying to eat sea grass.

Ava trying to eat a snail.

Me pretending to kiss a chiton. (reenacting a dare from a high school field trip)

Papa and Nona collecting shells for Ava.

Ava taking a break from tide pooling with Nona.

Seals relaxing on the beach.

The Gardens

While in Oceanside we visited a few gardens. We went to San Diego Botanical Gardens (formerly know as Quail Gardens) on Monday. Then later in the week we went to Balboa Park and toured the Japanese Friendship Garden and the Rose Garden. We were sad to find the Botanical Garden Building was closed the day we went...maybe next time.

San Diego Botanical Gardens

The S.D. Gardens are spread out over 35 acres. There are a variety of gardens to walk through and two children's gardens. We saw cactus, succulents, palms, vegetables, bamboo, water lilies, and more. We enjoyed the variety of vegetation and colors.

I think our favorite area was the musical section in the Hamilton Children's Garden. Rich and I had a great time playing the rock xylophone, water drum, rawhide drums, and tambourine. Ava played the xylophone a little with Rich and I think in a couple years will love this children's garden.

The Japanese Friendship Garden

The Friendship Garden was a small peaceful place. We enjoyed artwork, a rock garden, and bonsai trees. Rich's favorite part was (of course) the Koi pond and waterfall. Ava also liked watching the Koi swim.

Inez Grant Parker Memorial Rose Garden
The rose garden is 3 acres and has about 2,500 roses. There are 200 different kinds of roses that range in a variety of beautiful colors from red, purple, to orange. The roses were in bloom, so we got to enjoy their colors and fragrance.

Waking up by the ocean

When we got there on Saturday it was late and we were exhausted so we weren't able to appreciate our location until Sunday morning. Rich and I woke up to a beautiful view of the ocean. My parents have a time share in Oceanside and this time they got the Presidential Suite on the 7th floor, so we had a great view. We also had a great place to stay. There were 3 bedrooms, 3 baths, kitchen, and living space. It was wonderful and great that Ava had her own room. We also loved our roomy shower and jacuzzi tub. After staying in this suite it will be hard to stay in a normal hotel again...thanks mom and dad for an awesome week.

This was the view I had every morning (picture taken while in bed).

Ava's first view of Oceanside.

Since our fist day on vacation was Sunday we got ready for church. We found the local ward on the internet and attended sacrament meeting at 11am. It was a beautiful brick building surrounded by Birds of Paradise.

After church we just relaxed at the condo and enjoyed being together. My parents brought some food so we didn't have to go out. We enjoyed Boursin cheese & pretzels (my favorite snack), chili baked potatoes, and hamburgers. That evening we played Italian cards and watched the beautiful sunset. It was the perfect Sunday: Church, beautiful views, good food, and relaxing with family.

Rich and Ava outside the Oceanside chapel.
View of the sunset from our balcony.