Here is a shot from our hotel room. Initially we flew into San Diego and stayed on the naval base on Coronado Island for a few days. We went to the San Diego Zoo, which Ava loved. We also toured Old Town San Diego which was great.

We then traveled up to Dana Point for Steve's conference. Due to the weather we weren't able to truly take advantage of the trails and beach. Instead we went to the library and hit a few Marshall's. I was even able to locate a deluxe indoor playground which I drove to in a torrential downpour. Ava loved it and it tucked her out so I could go to said Marshall's and enjoy an hour or two of discount bliss.

One day we visited my friend Kathy who lives in San Diego. We drove back down north, ate at Old Town again and visited with Kathy. It was so worth the drive. We had a great visit with her!

Here is a shot of Ava in the hotel lobby. The artist made the sculpture out of water and sand only. It was amazing. He had created one in NY and was off to Rome for his next work. This was a BIG hit with Ava.

Ava and I stopped in Old Town San Diego for lunch before our visit with Kathy. We ate at the Coyote Cafe. Two gentlemen even serenaded us while we dined alfresco. Ava, God bless her listened intently with black beans ALL OVER her face :)

After lunch she got ice cream. She kept asking "Dar-Buddy?" "Ice cream, Dar-Buddy?", "Sometimes, Butters hurt Ava"

Translation? Ava will forever associate ice cream with her buddy Darlene from The Golden Guernsey in Oneonta. Butters is a cat that frequents the grounds of the Guernsey and let Ava know he didn't like her paws baby-handling him. She recites these lines all the time!

As we were leaving the restaurant the hostess noticed Ava and began playing with her. She moved some items near her station so Ava could check out the fountain.

Ava became a fan of the Dana Point Public library. She especially liked the tiger and teddy bear. When I suggested we return there the next day she was all for it. Sure enough she took the same seat and gathered the same animals for company.