train

San Diego and Eleanor’s Entourage

Meredith planned the perfect time to break her knee and have a full length cast on because just a week later, Grammy, Grandpa and Aunt Sarah came to town! By then, the cast didn’t deter Meredith much, so we went about our normal activities. We had always wanted to try taking the train down to San Diego, and the girls finally got their chance with Grammy, Grandpa and Aunt Sarah as their volunteer tour operators.

Photo by Sarah:

A life goal fulfilled.

Ok, I’m over it.

There’s a local blog I follow which had a “practically free” day trip to San Diego itinerary. Kids were free on the train and most of the activities were free as well, although we’d definitely skip some of the activities and just do the children’s museum or Balboa Park next time.

They stopped at Old Town for some sightseeing around the shops and Mexican food for lunch. They also played at the park and then hopped on the train back home, totally exhausted from their journey. Photos by Sarah.

While our visitors were here, Jake, the girls, and everyone else took a walk on the San Clemente beach trail and stopped for breakfast and dessert.

Meredith was not going to let her cast hold her back from rock climbing.

Eleanor also welcomed visitors from afar coming to pay her tribute! Great Aunt Linda and Great Uncle David drove from Yucca and Annie and cousins Jack, Eleri, and Rhys came from Connecticut for the day, bearing gifts for everyone. Eleanor adored all the cuddles and attention. Meredith and the twins were so excited to play with their cousins and enjoyed a full day of swimming, playing and non-stop snacking.

Photos by Sarah:

Cuddles with Grandpa.

Chilling with Grammy.

Hugs from Great Aunt Linda.

Mesmerized by Great Uncle David’s beard.

Tea time with Great Aunt Annie.

The only person she would smile for was Great Grandpa!

So tired after a long day of visitors!

Rhys was especially so cute with Samantha and Amelia. It was a special treat to play with cousins all day!

All sugared up on strawberry shortcake.

Our pool was definitely at capacity!

Lots of love,

The Heber Creeper

No, the Heber Creeper is not some weirdo from a small town in Utah… it’s the name of a train! The three-hour scenic tour on the Heber Creeper is one of those things you do in Utah with the six-and-under crowd… and then never do again. We went as kids with our parents; hence, the reason everyone in our family suddenly became really busy when Jake asked if anyone would like to accompany him and the twins on the train.

Frankly, the thought of being trapped on a train going no more than fifteen miles per hour (there’s a reason it’s called the Heber Creeper) with two boisterous three year olds and no escape route was mildly panic attack-inducing, so I played the Meredith card and had a peaceful day at home with her! Kudos to Jake for taking the girls on the three hour tour of trees…and more trees….and more trees. With such a long journey, I was seriously afraid for his sanity, but they ended up loving their first “real” train ride together. Jake is totally a “it’s not about the destination, but the journey” kind of guy, so this was, fortunately, right up his alley.

Waving goodbye to random people.

At one point, I texted Jake to ask how things were going and let him know there was only 1.5 hours left on the train to go! “1.5 hours?!!!!!” he replied.

Snacks made the time go by a little faster.