Avila Beach

We went to Avila Beach recently.  We stayed 2 nights in a hotel that had a separate bedroom.  SCORE!  It was awesome for us to be able to let the kids nap or to put them down at night, close the door, and then RELAX!  In the past, we would have to put the kids down, turn off all the lights, and lay on our beds completely still and silent until they fell asleep.  Then, we would try to turn on the tv but then the light or sound from the tv would often wake up one of them... Not very relaxing.  So, this was fun for Ethan and me and we're convinced it's the only way to travel now.  :)

On our way!

 



 Our hotel was across from the beach so everytime we stepped out we could hear the ocean. 

 

 

 

 This time Julia was so brave. She was willing to play in the sand and even let daddy carry her close to the "crashing waves" (which she was very scared of last time we went to Santa Barbara). 

Caleb sat on the blanket for a little while.  But it wasn't long before his curiosity got the better of him and he crawled over to the sand to check it out.

 

 

Yummy!

 



 Yup.  My son was eating sand.  I know this is probably pretty common, but it did take some self-control not to stop him because it sure grossed me out.  :)  I had to tell myself, "Let him be a boy!" 

 

 

And this is a comparison shot of me as a baby/Caleb.  Pretty funny!

  

I love this girl.

 

As you know, our vacations always revolve around fun places to eat.  This was an Italian restaurant we went to on our first night.

 

This was Caleb's first time in a restaurant high chair.  He did a great job!

 

 

Yummy ice cream.

 

Caleb would fall asleep almost instantly in the car.

 

Caleb is starting to pull up on things.

 

Yup, he loves climbing!

 

My girl, waiting patiently and watching t.v. as we got ready to head out for another food adventure.

 

Caleb and me across the street from our hotel

 

Julia and me

 

 At the ice cream shop again.  The picture captures the hyperness of our daughter as she got her sugar buzz!  :)

 

 

Another great breakfast place

On our last day, someone recommended a place to us called, "Avila Valley Barn."  This was the highlight of our trip.  Julia had so much fun.

Julia, checking out the horses off near the fields.

 

 

Julia was so excited about petting all the animals.  This was one of the goats.
 

Julia also enjoyed feeding the animals.  This was a llama.

 

Julia feeding another goat.  She also fed the pigs, emus, and sheep.

 

Caleb just chilled and sucked on his toes.  :)

 

There was a free hay ride so we enjoyed that as a family.

 

Julia, exhausted and sleeping on the way back home (peace and quiet for mommy and daddy, ha!)