The last of Santa Barbara.......

On one of the warmest days of our trip we went to the Santa Barbara Zoo. It's a great zoo. It seemed to be about the same size as the zoo here in Fresno but it was better maintained and the exhibits were more aesthetically pleasing. 

He doesn't look like it here, but Gage was most excited to ride the train. Loved the train-not the pictures.

While Matt took the big kids on the train I let the little ones run loose. They needed a break from the stroller.

I loved putting them in the big dinosaur egg together. Sometimes I'm still amazed that I got two for one.

They had this little hill where the kids could ride down on cardboard boxes. I was reminded of the church potlucks at the foothills when I was a kid where we would do the same thing.

For our last lunch we went to Shoreline Cafe where you can sit out on the beach to eat. This picture shows one of Jay's favorite toys-a cup and a straw.

Some people see Jay smiling all the time and think he never cries. He does.

After lunch we went to the pool. Jay LOVED it.

The girls liked the little pool too but Jay was the happiest. He could have splashed and laughed for hours.

The trip certainly had some down sides. Poor Matt had to pack the car like a puzzle. The double stroller plus Gracie's extra seat, two pack and plays, golf clubs, two Bumbo seats, clothing for six for a week, beach toys, diaper bag, Matt's work bag, everybody's blankie and the list goes on. At both hotels they wouldn't let you use a luggage cart yourself-you HAD to let the bellman load your bags. Except no one could unload or load our bags except for Matt because everything had to be so strategically placed. So the bellman just stood there over his shoulder and watched him. Then accepted his tip, thanking them for standing there watching. He was so annoyed that when we packed up to leave he told them forget it and as the kids and I ate breakfast he loaded the car without the cart. It only took him like thirty-seven trips.

None of the kids rested as well as they do at home and there were tantrums from Gracie and crying babies. There were spilled drinks and french fries on the floor. There was an independent study packet the size of Webster's Dictionary for Gage to complete. There were tummy aches and bathroom stops. There were certainly many times when we wondered if it was worth all the effort.  When I look back at the pictures, I find that it was. We got to see a new place together and experience new sights. There were crabs caught and souvenirs bought. There were ice cream cones and lots of sunshine. Not everyone gets to experience such things so we should take advantage of that sometimes. But for now, I'm looking forward to staying home for a while. Because as much as the kids loved the adventure in Santa Barbara......

they also love this......

adventures right here in our own back yard. 

Love.