SLO + More Vacation Part II

We headed down the 101 to slowly make our way home. We randomly decided to go to San Luis Obispo, and found it to be very pretty, though filled with overly-excited students having their first taste of life without parental supervision. We had to divert our kid's attention away from scenes in this little town more than in San Francisco! We enjoyed a bigger hotel there, some swimming, a visit to a very nice parish with such beautiful, hospitable people, and exploring the creek, and window shopping. A little creek that was fun to explore.

Jason took this one on a bridge just above us.

Inside the Mission San Luis Obispo.

Just outside the Mission, at Chumash Indian Memorial Fountain.

Hannah took this picture just before leaving for Santa Barbara. This was our hotel balcony. There was another little creek there too.

A couple hours drive south, we were at Santa Barbara. We hung out at the beach for just a couple hours. James was less than thrilled (he and his dad are underwhelmed by the beach) but Hannah, Phillip, and I like it just fine! We got our fill and then drove to St. Barbara's Monastery for our last night away.


Off in the distance are Jason and James "wooking" on a project. James is a very good "wooker" and after a week of being idle, he was thrilled to be useful again. Just above the greenery in that photo, you can see Thomas Aquinas College. They have a gorgeous new chapel that has recently been built there.

This one is a lover of fun. Apples don't fall far from the tree. The monastery is such a lovely place to visit with kids. Matins on Monday morning as the sun rose and began drenching the room with light was such a treat. The kids squirmed a little, but it was OK. The nuns are very tolerant and helpful.


An unimpressive shot, but I stared at this butterfly for a good while as she helped herself to some flower nectar.

Phillip was such a gem on this trip. He really hung in there with all the driving around. What a joy he is! And I cannot recommend Ergo carriers enough. If your babies get fat like mine, you need one. It has changed my life. I am not joking, people.

Overall, it was a fun but not relaxing trip. I hope we'll have more. The most stressful moments occurred driving at times when the kids were getting antsy/whiny/belligerent right as we were looking for a street or we were being annoyed by a lousy driver on the road. Jason and I said our favorite Kenneth quote to lighten ourselves up. There are probably more holy things to say, but this always made us laugh. My gift to you. It's better than a San Francisco shot glass right?