One Last Blissful Day

"Traveling is like falling in love; the world is made new."-Jan Myrdal

This marked our final day in San Diego. We began it in a most enjoyable way, with a trip to the San Diego temple. 

Grandpa agreed to stay with Jonah while the rest of us went in to do baptisms for the dead. Apparently half of Utah was in San Diego for spring break, and they all seemed to be assembled in the temple this particular morning. It was standing room only in the baptistry. If ever you feel alone in a strange land, gather to the temple, and you will realize that you are not alone. Neil performed baptisms and confirmations for the whole family, even for myself. I hadn't done baptisms for some time, and it was a treat to be in that font with my husband and surrounded by my children.

There is nothing like a trip to the temple with several generations of those you love to remind you of the very eternal nature of families.

Now we were hungry. We stopped in Seaport Village for a mediocre lunch and an over-priced ice cream.

My kids can be such clowns!

When we went to Bryce Canyon last year, Jonah discovered that they made coins for all of the national parks. A lover of coins, he purchased one, along with a book to house it in. Since then, he is ever on a quest to fill his book with national park coins. He kept asking us if there was a national park in San Diego. I told him that I was quite sure that there was not, but lo-and-behold Neil stumbled upon a national monument while perusing a map of the area. I told Jonah that we would visit the sight, but that there was no guarantee of a gift shop or coins.

The Cabrillo National Monument ended up being my favorite stop on the trip. Perched on the very end of this little strip of land, the view is breathtaking! We learned about Cabrillo. The first Spanish explorer to land here in San Diego in the 1500's. I'm afraid I got a little camera happy. I couldn't help myself. There was a quaint little lighthouse up the hill to boot.

And yes, there were even Cabrillo National Monument coins. My little collector was all smiles.

I was most thrilled and surprised to find a national cemetery located right on this little peninsula. Why do they not advertise these things? Please don't think me morbid, but I took a ridiculous amount of photos of this cemetery. The perfect lines of the grave markers juxtaposed against that blue ocean left me snapping shots like a lunatic. 

The kids were tired and grumpy, but I told them that I was getting out to see this place, and if they were wise they would do the same. There aren't national cemeteries on every corner, and even fewer in such a picturesque location. Everyone took me up on my offer but Jonah. I think he was on about his 25th tantrum of the afternoon. He was better left in the van.

That is a military destroyer off in the distance out for some afternoon training I suppose. A poignant moment for me.

I told the children to be on the lookout for those who fought in the oldest wars. The oldest we could find were men who had fought in the Spanish American War. Jessica filled us in on exactly when that war was fought, seeing that she's the big AP student and all. They say there are men buried here who fought in the Mexican War. For those of you who don't know your history, that war was fought probably 20 to 30 years before the Civil War. That is some rich history there. I would have loved to spend a whole day learning from these monuments. 

This place was just a poignant reminder that freedom is not free. 

The next day, we made the 12 hour trek back home. It was hard to leave our beloved West Inn. I quickly got used to the idea of someone cooking me breakfast while I blissfully slumbered in a most comfortable bed. I would miss someone making that bed for me and cleaning my bathroom while I lounged next to the pool with a book and some ice water. 

One thing I knew I would miss was sleep. Oh precious sleep! You see, I am usually either a raging insomniac or a night-terror riddled maniac. I wake up most mornings feeling like I've been run over by a freight train.

But not this week. I slept deep and long here in Carlsbad. My bladder didn't even wake me up in the night. There is something about being away on vacation that allows my brain to shut down and my body to relax. It was very replenishing. That's why I had so much energy and wanted to see the world, because I was rested! Wow! Is this how other people live? Do they actually wake up with energy, and ready to start the day? I'm a little envious. I am determined to figure out how to bring the spirit of vacation into my mind and body so that I can somehow sleep at night. I think it might involve getting a maid, a cook, and a hot tub, but I'm still in the brain-storming phase of things. I'll keep you posted.

Until the next blissful getaway. Adieu.