MLK weekend trip to Pismo Beach

The weekend of Martin Luther King Jr. Day, we decided to take a last-minute overnight trip to Pismo Beach to escape the rain in the bay. I found a deal to stay at the Best Western on Groupon, which was good, except that I learned after I bought it that their pool and hot tub were closed for maintenance for the week. Boo! Fortunately, we were able to use the pool and hot tub at the Lighthouse Suites next door.

I stocked up on Disney movies from the library and we drove down Saturday morning, stopping in King City at the Cork & Plough for lunch. It was a nice easy drive, just over 3 hours down the 101, and Valerie napped for the first half and then watched Sleeping Beauty. I was really impressed when we drove over a hill and Pismo Beach came into view, with mountains rising to the left and the little town sweeping down to the ocean on the right. It was beautiful and shining in the sun.

dignified as always, having lunch at the Cork & Plough

Our first stop was at the Monarch Butterfly Grove, at the southern tip of Pismo Beach. We made it just in time, around 3:30, before they closed at 4. Monarch season runs from November through February and the day we were there, they counted 28,000 monarchs, most of which were high up in the tall trees. They had telescopes set up for viewing the butterflies in the treetops. Everybody was trying to get pictures of the butterflies, which was hard to do from such a distance, but I got a couple shots.

my best butterfly shot

the view through the telescope - those "leaves" are all butterflies!

 The butterflies were cool to see, and half an hour was plenty of time! We headed to the hotel to check in and take in the ocean views before the sunset, which was absolutely stunning.

view at the Best Western

downtown Pismo Beach, near the pier

Pismo Beach Pier

 We relaxed in the hotel for a bit, and then drove downtown to walk around the beach area near the pier. It was chilly enough that I needed a coat, but one of the most gloriously colorful sunset skies I've ever seen. It quickly got dark and we went for drinks at Wooly's on the beach. My drink was called something like a pink bikini and it tasted delightfully like a sweet tart. Valerie got a hot dog and ate only the bun. And then we browsed in the shops along the strip and stopped in Pismo Yogurt, one of those ubiquitous self-serve yogurt places, to share a treat. Although I'm always a chocolate lover, the fresh raspberries were the best topping we got. So yummy.

We had an 8 pm dinner reservation at Ventana Grill next to the hotel, which was the only reservation they had. We came prepared with Snow White and the Sword in the Stone for Valerie to watch on the portable DVD player while we ate our dinner, which was excellent. I devoured my vegetable enchiladas and they brought homemade tortillas with cinnamon butter instead of bread before the meal, which I thought was unique. The Packers - Cardinals game was on so Rich got up to watch that while we waited for our food.

By the time we got back to the hotel around 10 pm, we were all turning into pumpkins and crashed. I did the smartest thing I've ever done, which was bring ear plugs for sleeping. Between nighttime Valerie noises and people going to breakfast in the morning, they saved my sleep. I'm a super light sleeper and have learned I need to always bring ear plugs with me when I travel.

Sunday morning we enjoyed the hotel breakfast, which included this crazy pancake machine I've never seen before. You just push a button, and it drops two fresh pancakes onto your plate. Fancy! Valerie was in her happy place with pancakes and sausage for breakfast.

We changed into our suits and hit up the pool and hot tub next door... well, Valerie and Rich got in the pool; I dipped my feet in and quickly returned to the hot tub.

When we were good and pruney, we dried off, packed up and checked out and headed back to the pier for lunch at the Cool Cat Cafe, a 50s style diner with burgers and milkshakes. The best part was definitely the B52, a milkshake with Bailey's and Kahlua, as well as rainbows and sunshine and happiness. Valerie was getting whiny and restless and threw a tantrum over chocolate milk. She had been pretty good up til that point so we were due for some crappy behavior.

We went for one more walk along the beach and then stopped at Dinosaur Caves park to run around and play with bubbles before we started the drive back home. The sun peeked out briefly and reminded us that this really is a beautiful area. We can't wait to come back and do the beach properly in the summer!

It was a great overnight trip and fun family time. The biggest victory? No accidents the whole time! Valerie had success going on the potty all weekend and we had our first taste of potty trained traveling, with bathroom stops in restaurants and shops, exceeding all my expectations. Now I hope someday we will have a family trip with no tantrums or whining.... that will REALLY be amazing!

Owning the potty in 2016

Let's go back one month and cover our adventures in potty training.

It started back on December 9th, which I'll always remember since it was my father-in-law's 75th birthday. Valerie woke up with a dry diaper and I asked if she wanted to sit on the potty. She said yes, and she chilled out on the potty while I read her stories for a while, and then she peed on the potty. I cheered and maxed out my excitement and gave her candy, and suddenly, the connection was made. She knew she could pee on the potty for treats and we were off to the races. Well, I should say, I still put her in a diaper for school that day, since putting her in underwear based on peeing on the potty once seemed a bit hasty. But, her teachers said go for it, so we started sending her in underwear the next day.

The first week was definitely hit and miss and 2-3 pairs of pants per day at school, and then that weekend was the big Timm family get-together followed by norovirus, so we totally gave up on the potty for about a week in all that chaos.

Around Christmas, we started getting back on track, and while we were gone, Grandpa took over potty patrol with mostly good results, though he faced a few nasty accidents at the park that week. Upon our return home, though, we seemed to have made it through the woods. In our first full week home, she had just one accident, on Friday night, while we were watching a show together. (Suffice it to say, I look forward to the day we kick our couch to the curb.) Otherwise - the week was a blue ribbon victory, and I feel it is safe to say we officially have ourselves a potty trained child!!! So exciting!!! We even leave her in underwear at night and for naps since she was always waking up dry. Knock on wood - we haven't had any nighttime accidents yet!

I think being back on her usual schedule and going to school was the missing link. December was so crazy, with her only going to school one week of the month, and lots of traveling and visitors and sickness. Now that we are back in our normal routine, she is like an old potty pro. She even told me yesterday she had to pee while she was in the bathtub, and I hoisted her out of the bath to pee on the potty. #soproud #shediditallforafruitsnack

It feels so good to be home and together as a family. We had a nice first weekend of the year with Valerie, who was and still is SO, SO glad to have Mommy and Daddy back home with her. Most days she still excitedly says some variation of: "Mommy/Daddy, you came back!" "Mommy, you always come back." "I miss you." "I love you so much!"

It's the sweetest thing in the world, and really the most affection she's ever shown us, so we are eating it up with a spoon. We got to do lots of cuddling on the couch and playing together and I got all the hugs and kisses I could want. It is a wonderful change of pace from the terrible behavior and whining leading up to the holidays.

Friday night the 8th we watched planet earth (that's when the big couch accident occurred) and ordered sushi from Fuki Sushi, and walked over to pick it up. They have the BEST miso soup. I could drink it all day every day.

Saturday morning we went to Véronique, Elise and Justin's place for brunch - loaded waffles, sausage, melon and mimosas. Soooo delicious and so good to see everyone after a long holiday break! Then we did some shopping at the Stanford Shopping Center. Oh my god Becky, the sales!!! I got leggings and socks from baby Gap for lower prices than at consignment shops and Rich got some new shirts and pants. I may need to go back this week and take better advantage of all these crazy sales. Valerie did great walking all around by herself and then we came home and she took a FOUR HOUR NAP. What!?! We couldn't believe she slept so long. It was amazing. We made popcorn and  watched Wild and had some relaxing downtime.

Sunday morning was Valerie's beloved friend Kalinda's 3rd birthday party and we headed to her house for some preschool age chaos. They just got a new swing set and a weather miracle occurred: the clouds parted and the sun shined down on the party for a reprieve from the rainy and overcast winter. It was a beautiful day, maybe 55 degrees and with the sun shining, it was fantastic. Truckloads of 3-year-olds ran in circles, played in the sandbox, went down the slide, fought over the swings and tricycle, and basically had the best time ever, shrieking at the top of their lungs.

Valerie had the time of her life chasing Kalinda all around the yard, playing with her toys and trying to blow out the candle on her cupcake. She fortunately did not succeed. On our way home, she wanted to facetime with Kali. They truly are sisters at heart.

It was an exciting day, but after a four hour nap the day before, there was no nap to be had. Amazingly, she was in great spirits and a pleasure to be around all day even without one. We put together her new puzzle, played with Cinderella and the prince, read lots of books, played with her baby doll, facetimed with friends, sang Let it Go, made words with bananagram tiles, and snuggled on the couch watching Finding Nemo. Nothing beats those sweet snuggles. A wonderful winter weekend.

Bahamas - New Year 2015-16

We had the amazing fortune of ringing in 2016 in Nassau, Bahamas with some of Rich's family. We spent just over 5 days there, in a condo on Sandyport Beach, and we did not bring Valerie, so this was classified as a "vacation" and not just a trip. My dad, the best grandpa in the world, came out to Palo Alto to stay with her while we were gone, so we knew she was in great hands.

It would be an understatement to say I was looking forward to this vacation.  We were gone Saturday-Saturday, and spent our first night away in Charlotte, NC, since our flights worked out that way, so 6 nights on the island - a whole week away. Sun, beaches, cocktails, mimosas, sleeping in... no potty training, no laundry, no tantrums, no time-outs... yes, this would be glorious.

It was glorious. The weather was perfection. I nearly forgot what maximum humidity is like, living in dry California. Wet things dry very quickly here. In the Bahamas, the bathing suit I wore on Monday was still slightly damp when we left on Saturday. When I got home and hung it up, it instantly finished drying. Things drying fast is nice, but I really don't mind humidity very much. My skin felt so wonderfully moisturized there, my lips did not crack and peel, and my face was not flaking and parched. I soaked that up while it lasted.

We had so many fun adventures throughout the week, with much thanks to Susan's stellar planning. Monday we had a chill day while most of the group went to the Atlantis, and we enjoyed frosty beverages at the Twisted Lime and naps on the gorgeous Sandyport Beach a few steps from our condo. We had planned to get a weekly pass to the gym across the street that morning, but it was closed for the day, and then we never made it back the rest of the week so... oh well. I ended up doing beachfront yoga 3 days out of the week so it wasn't a total loss on the fitness front.

strawberry daiquiris and mango passion at Twisted Lime - yum!

Sandyport Beach

Obviously, mimosas are an important part of a true tropical vacation

Tuesday, those of us who didn't go to the Atlantis got all-inclusive day passes to the Breezes resort at Cable Beach down the street. That day was amazing. There was a yoga class by the pool when we got there so I started with that, then a pina colada and lunch, then ocean kayaking, lying on the beach, more drinks, more kayaking, and finally more lying on the beach. Five stars, Tuesday.

Cable Beach, at Breezes

the pool at Breezes

yoga!

Rich and his dad sailed the sailboat

Wednesday we took an hour-long boat ride to the Exuma Islands where there were iguana and stingray feeding, shark wrangling, open bar, snorkeling, lunch and the most eyegasmic brilliant blue water you will see anywhere on earth. Absolutely stunning for photos - we took a lot of photos that day.

feeding the stingrays

Rich wrangling the shark

omg that water tho

right!?!?!?!

the whole Exuma crew

Thursday was New Year's Eve, and we went to Blue Lagoon with Adam, Justina, Whitney and Kelly. Again... such a fun day. I almost bailed on going because I got sunburned on Wednesday, but I'm glad I decided to go after all. I wore my rash guard and visor and tried not to get too much sun. We played in the floating inflatable park (where Justina, Kelly and I were starkly alerted to our lacking upper body strength as we could barely pull ourselves up onto the floats) - it was a blast though. We bounced on the trampoline, went down the slide, and crashed into the water like kids. In fact I think we were the only adults playing in that park, it was mostly kids. Then we did the water slide and obstacle course that were on land. Also very fun, except when we crashed into each other at the bottom of the slide. We ate lunch and got yards of mudslide and chilled in the hammocks for a while, played cornhole and jumbo connect four, and then went to see the dolphins and sea lions until it was time to take the boat back to Nassau.

that's us on the trampoline

excellent enormous alcoholic milkshakes

Kelly got the best pictures! she is awesome

Thursday night a local chef came to the condo to prepare a Bahamian New Year's Eve dinner and we had pina coladas and feasted and listened to Kevin (Sara's late father)'s tropical music before a champagne toast on the pool deck at midnight. Some of the group headed out around 1 am to go to Junkanoo, the local New Year celebration. The thought of heading out to a very loud, crowded place at 1 am was utterly repugnant to me, so I went to bed instead and had no regrets, though everyone who went said they enjoyed it.

the ladies! champagne toast

the whole group on NYE

Kelly took this at midnight! this is amazing! thank you Kelly!

Friday, New Year's Day, was our last day, and I had a lazy morning and then did 108 sun salutations on a ledge overlooking the ocean, and then jumped into the ocean, which felt absolutely incredible after the sweat and exhaustion of 108 sun salutations. I got the idea from yoga_girl on instagram and it was the perfect start to the new year. I didn't even know if I'd be able to do 108, but I did, and I felt like a champion afterwards. I was really soaking in that moment and feeling that life is good, that I am unbelievably lucky and every day on this bright blue earth is a gift. It looked particularly bright blue from that beautiful spot.

Speaking of that beautiful spot... a few words must be said about the condo we stayed in. It was.... well, it was memorable for sure. It had SO MUCH potential. The location was incredible. Right on the beach, walkable to restaurants and a gym, and super close to the airport. And it had an awesome, huge main area with doors opening out onto the pool deck. Too bad some of the doors didn't open, one was full of broken glass, and some had the handles broken off. The pool would have been so great... too bad it wasn't heated or filtering, so was basically unusable. It was usable the first day, but then it started looking green as the days went by, and I'm too much of a weenie to get into ice cold water anyway so no go for me.

the main area

thanks to Clare for taking pics of the condo!!

So many little things that should have been there, like toilet paper, towels and trash cans. We found one tiny trash can in the entire 7 bedroom condo.

the only trash can

A few light fixtures were broken, with broken glass on the ground. The kitchen had no oven and looked pretty thrown-together on a minimal budget but it was fine for our purposes. The biggest fail for me was that when the first of our group arrived, the property manager was sitting on the couch watching TV, and the dishwasher was packed full of nasty, dirty dishes from the last renters. JUST EW. She was dead to me after that.

While we were promised Wi-fi in the condo, only one small area along one wall received a signal. This actually ended up working out all right because it prevented us from being on our phones all the time all over the condo, but still... seriously?

here we are at the wi-fi wall on our devices

And while not technically a problem, each of the bathrooms in the bedrooms had a window to the attached bedroom, without curtains or anything to cover them. So, if you went into the bathroom in your bedroom to shower or use the toilet, anyone in the bedroom could see you. I'm sorry but THAT IS WEIRD AND UNCOMFORTABLE for me. I mean okay, I only shared a bedroom/bathroom with my husband, so not THAT crazy, but still!!! Doesn't everyone want total privacy for pooping? WHY WHY WHY would you put a window between the bathroom and bedroom? So you can see the ocean while pooping? Does not compute. Lose the window, bring back privacy! So weird.

this was our bedroom, featuring, on the left, the window to the bathroom, and to the right, tiny inadequate curtains

The worst thing of all was the tub/shower situation. This was also probably not the manager's fault, since we were told water pressure is a problem all over the island, but most of the bathrooms had tubs rather than showers, with a handheld shower sprayer and incredibly sad, slow water pressure. Two thumbs down from me. When I come in from the beach all sandy and salty, I want a hot, high-pressure SHOWER, to blast all the grime off. Not a cool, slow-trickle of water drizzling from a handle that I have to direct myself. When we came home on New Year's Eve and several of us tried to shower at once, the water completely stopped after I had soaped myself up and I sat shivering and soapy for a few minutes before I figured out I could turn the knob all the way to cold to get three or so drops per minute to rinse the soap off. It was the single worst "shower" of my entire life and it took everything in me to contain my rage and not burn the place to the ground.

the tub nightmares are made of

A few other complaints, in no particular order:
-A break-in at the condo next door to ours (scary!)
-Housekeeping only one day, should have come 3 more times
-The front door loudly scraped the floor when opening or closing
-Nasty stains all over the tablecloth
-The curtains did not cover the windows in the bedroom - very bright in the morning
-Empty mounts in the walls where TVs should have been
-Did I mention the shittiest water pressure in the history of plumbing?
-Mattresses on floor / no bed frames, crappy bedding
-A rat

the door that scraped the floor

Also, unrelated to the condo, I got absolutely eaten alive by mosquitoes. Skip this paragraph if you are squeamish. It is gross. By the last day I had at least 20 bites, mostly on my legs, feet and ankles, and most of them were itching me to death, extremely swollen, red, and leaking pus. I fantasized about clawing at my bites with sharp bristles until they bled. Another thing to appreciate about California: so few mosquitoes. I hadn't been bit since we moved here. Possibly the single greatest thing about California.

Okay, all of that being said - we had the best time on this trip and will look back and laugh about all the "problems." It was an interesting mix of beautiful, awesome and total shit. And as much fun as we had, I was so, so happy to be home when it was over, and bask in my shower with adequate water pressure, and sleep in my own bed in my own dark room. And poop in privacy. And know that there are no rats, and no mosquitoes.

It was still a real vacation, and we got to rest and relax, and enjoy the perfect weather, the sun, the gorgeous beaches, and quality time with family. When we got home, Valerie was soooooo happy to see us. Even weeks later, she still sometimes says, "Mommy/Daddy, you came back!  I'm so glad you came home!" She really missed us, and we missed her, and there's really nothing better than coming home to your baby refreshed and thrilled to spend time with her. A lot of parents aren't able to get away very often, if at all, and we are so fortunate to be able to. Life is good. It's really, really good.

And, if someday an epic plague wipes out the entire mosquito population on earth, preferably before this summer, I won't even be a little mad.