We had the opportunity last weekend to go down to San Clemente and visit one of Zak's ol' mission companions. Not only was is heaven just to get out of the sweltering heat of Bakersfield to spend some time in the cool ocean breezes of San Clemente BUT we had a great time, too!
We left at about 8 p.m. on Friday, drove through L.A. and continued southward...in some places on the freeway there are 8 lanes of traffic on each side!!! I know...I'm a hick but at first will all that traffic and people merging all around me I almost lost it and made Zak drive BUT I didn't!
We arrived in San Clemente at about 11 p.m., Belen had been sleeping soundly the entire trip. We drove up a steep hill that sat back off the beach and into the city by a few short miles. Beautiful homes seemed precariously perched on either side of the street with expensive cars lining the curb on either side of the street and filling the driveways as well. We parked in front of one of these homes and it was where we stayed the night and spent sporadic periods of time on Saturday.
After getting Belen re-situated in a room of her own inside the house we ventured out to the back patio to take in the view. The house was built on the steep hillside overlooking the lights of San Clemente below, and the Pacific Ocean ahead. We took all this in while relaxing in the hot tub. After a long car ride and an even longer week it was magical to just sit in the bubbling, frothy water and let the jets massage away any hint of tension remaining in my body. It was also a perfect start to a great weekend!
Saturday everyone slept in except for Belen, of course. We then had a late breakfast at a very quaint little restaurant, Antoines Cafe. While Zak and Bryon (mish. comp.) ate chicken fried steak, I created my own meal by asking the waitress to see if the cook could mix an order of hasbrowns up with the omelette veggies (minus the omelette) and toast. The special order was accommodated with an easy smile and boy was is delish!
Later, after Belen's nap, we took lunch, from Pedro's Tacos, to the public beach where Zak and Bryon boogie boarded in the surf, Belen made friends, and I relaxed and watched it all!
Daddy is being buried in the sand!
Belen wants to help!
But then Mommy has to help!
After spending a few hours basking in the sun at the beach we returned home to clean up before taking a beautiful drive down the PCH to Laguna Beach. The boys had a specific place in mind for us to go, The Candy Baron. A candy store that specializes in selling any and every candy you have ever heard of...I even found Razzles! You know, from "13 Going on 30"...which of course we HAD to try! As you can see, it is very easy to walk out of this store spending some cash... Here are some pictures of Laguna Beach...
After wandering around a bit window shopping we decided our tummies were ready to be filled once again and headed off to a "green" restaurant also in Laguna Beach called, "La Sirena Grill." I LOVE that every section of this mexican resaurants menu carries a Vegetarian option! It made my choice all that much more difficult to make, though I settled on a Vegetarian Quesadilla with the works! I didn't realize until I was eating that "THE WORKS" means also jalapeno peppers which I never willingly eat but I was glad for this minor oversight of mine because it was fantastic!
We embarked on the 3 hour drive back to our tiny apartment in the blazing sun shortly after dinner to begin yet another week chock full of responsibility.
And, thanks for the invite, Bryon!
