Newport beach (cont)

I fell in love with Newport on this trip.  So much so, that if I go missing please don't look for me there.  Curled up with a blanket and a book right next to water on the corner of 32nd street...nope I won't be there for sure.  But seriously, York and I were crying tears of joy (ok maybe that was just me and maybe it was due to the ocean breeze) watching our kids play in the sand and have the waves chase them.  They were happy, content, and carefree...what you want for your kids everyday.  We were up early every morning...at 5am.  Luckily so were the employees at the donut and coffee shops, and each morning we started with a walk up the boardwalk.

 We got in and settled at our place at about 6pm on Friday evening and headed straight for the sand.  The kids were hooked immediately.  That evening, York's parents put them to bed for us and we headed out to meet Ty and Sue, and some friends who live in Newport Beach - Bryan and Kristin Martin (see Lately post), and Laura (a college friend whom I haven't seen since!) and her husband Greg for dinner at Javier's.  It was a super fun night and a great kick-off to our trip!

*Also, Kristin picked up the keys to our place since the office closed before we arrived, and let us borrow 2 pack-n-plays and her bumbo chair for Jack to eat in, a HUGE help in reducing the amount of gear I had to bring with us.  Thanks again Kristin!

Saturday morning we were up and at 'em early, hitting the boardwalk for some parental wake-up help (the coffee) and breakfast (the donuts) then straight to the beach.  Going to Newport this time of year was fabulous, not too crowded and a little on the cool side in the mornings and evenings.  That afternoon York, Chip, Ty, and Sue headed to the Utah/USC game and Colleen and I stayed with the kiddos.  Sunday was more of the same, but instead of the game, that afternoon we headed to Kristin's parents place and watched the boys fish in the ocean.  The girls loved watching them catch fish, such a fun way to end our stay at Newport!

The girls loved collecting seashells, chasing the waves, and just running to their heart's content.  Jack loved crawling in the sand...and eating it.  We rode surrys up the boardwalk.  The girls chased birds, and loved seeing all of the dogs that ran along the beach.  They caught crabs and saw a freshly caught starfish on the pier.  Love and joy and happiness were gushing from my insides.  Thank you Newport Beach, I hope to see you soon!

Does anyone remember this guy?  It totally reminded me of Jack the whole time, he always had this sand-made facial hair look going on!

“Mommy, we’re the best friends ever” -Sophie

Early mornings

Fun times on the surrey ride!

“Look Daddy, I have slippers on just like cinderella!”