Lucas had an end-of-year event at Pismo Beach in June. It was the day after Isaac got out of school, so I took both of them for an overnight trip. We did ATV rides on the beach and then walked the boardwalk briefly before heading back to the hotel room and playing Uno. The next morning walked to get some Old West Cinnamon Rolls and went to the school event at Dinosaur Caves. It was fun. On the way home we stopped at Morro Bay. The coastal town has a rich history and a nice maritime museum. I never knew that a U.S. ship was sunk by a Japanese submarine near Morro Bay just days after Pearl Harbor! We were only there for maybe an hour and a half, but I It was more driving than I am used to, since Manny usually drives for the long trips now. I didn't sleep well, either, so I was quite tired and had to make a pit stop in Salinas at an In-n-Out. No one minded that, though. Going with just the boys was easier in some respects and more challenging in others.
About the ATVs, I went with a company my friend had used. They sent the instructional video ahead of time, and we watched it again there. You really have to get there at least an hour ahead of time. There is also some salt corrosion of the vehicles due to being next to the ocean. They test your vehicles, but test them again to make sure they work before you go too far. Also the maps aren't super useful for the kids, especially because there aren't lines or markers out there. So you have to sort of stay together which is challenging and perhaps use the bathrooms and lifeguard areas as your markers. People who bring their own vehicles go into areas that are off limits for the rental companies, so you can't just follow other ATVs, either. Once we got the hang of it and the general idea of safe spots, we were good to go. I had to get the ATVs out of sand traps a few times, so I got a real workout.
Naomi was home for the summer. She worked on a project for a national animal rescue organization my friend introduced her to and went to a rock concert and a craft fair among other things. She also did some prep work for her program. As mentioned, I will be posting her photos and activities less often but will give general updates.
ATV rides, school celebration, Morro Bay
When Naomi's home, the menu changes--homemade guacamole! (Manny and the boys don't eat avocado)
Philippines trip debriefing at church
Coach sunbathing
Naomi made some crepes for us, also a perk of her being home
Getting our final instructions before starting
Splitting a banana split at the Cool Cat Cafe in Pismo Beach
Wall mosaic by the beach
View from the Boardwalk
The boys and I walked the boardwalk after dinner, but it got pretty chilly so we didn't stay all the way through sunset.
I don't remember what these experiments were about, but I think it had to do with marine sedimentation.
The boys and their experiments
Beautiful view from the event
Lucas painting shells. Isaac made some mini sandcastles.
It had been a while since they'd been at a playground.
Watching the water reach the cave below us
Picnic
Morro Rock is actually a volcanic plug
Free maritime museum
The boys trying different pulley systems
The museum had several replicas and real artifacts from the shipping and military days of Morro Bay
Barbecue hosted by our church for local Kids Club families
Brought home the bacon (cinnamon roll)
Father's Day. Manny and I went to pick an ice cream cake earlier. This was after church.
Taking a walk with Lucas to his appointment and this pretty brook was running. We had to park a little farther that day.
I think this was food for Father's Day, but I don't remember exactly. Some bulgogi, chicken strips, brussels sprouts, beef noodles, bread, and salad.
Kitten adoption pop-up at a craft fair Naomi went to
