Our last night in Encinitas called for a sunset walk on the beach for Warren & I.  It called for a last ocean swim for the boys.  The water was cold. I don't know how they do it but these brown berries don't feel the cold like I do.  Look at this face. He's loving the water.  Pure joy from the water-baby.  Someone owns this floating device. It means that someone lives in one of ...

After an evening at the beach, we decided dessert on the hotel patio was a great way to end the day.  It was so peaceful and lovely to sit by the fire, drink and dessert in hand, surrounded by my favourite people.  A staring contest is always a great way to pass the time while waiting for dessert to arrive.  I am an apple pie lover - they had an mini apple with ...

After a day at work at the Downey office, Warren replaced his work clothes with a comfy shirt and a pair of shorts and we all went to the beach.  There is nothing quite like finishing of the day at the beach. I used to do it from time to time while living in Cape Town. It was great.  And the people who own these properties get to do it whenever they ...

Dinner at Joe's Crab Shack was the request. Jordan loves seafood. He wanted to try crab. We have a Joe's Crab Shack in Denver but seafood always tastes fresher at the coast. And there is always "Free Crab Tomorrow" (we had to explain that one to the kids.)  This was the view from our table.  Jordan was very excited to try crab legs for the first time. He's had lobster and shrimp ...

Every few years I HAVE to get to the beach. I grew up in Cape Town - gorgeous city, mountains and beaches - and whenever I could, I spent an weekend or a workday evening on the beach.  I love the smell of the salt, the sound of the waves, the cries of the gulls. It brings peace to my soul.  Newport Beach is a nice beach and an evening stroll after ...

Our first three nights were at the Hyatt in Newport Beach.  These next two days was going to be R&R for the boys and I (like we haven't done much of that in our 9-week summer break already!) and it was also part of Warren's 2-day business trip.  The Hyatt feels very rich and decadent and their gardens are lovely to look at.  As I was saying…rich and decadent.  The staff made us feel ...

The day finally arrived. We were headed to the airport for our first family vaca in a year. Warren's recent crazy work schedule kept us from getting away but he had to scheduled a 2-day business trip to California and thanks to his frequent flyer miles, we got a great deal and tagged along.  At Denver airport we came across this interesting sculpture made of a steel frame and rocks and ...