Journey to the Island

The journey to the island begins! First order of business: get Starbucks and drive to the Santa Ana airport. I think our flight was early enough that we didn't have any crowds, so security etc. was a breeze.


Also a breeze? The flight! Ada did exceptionally well. She didn't sleep, but she was entertained the whole time and only fussed a bit toward the end. We didn't even break out the "emergency" dollar store toys. Airplane brochures, cups, and straws were enough. There were a few other babies on the flight, so it was nice to feel like we weren't the only ones. Amazingly, our flight was not full and we ended up with a row to ourselves.

We rented a car from Alamo and even rented a car seat. (Gasp!! Parenting no-no! Alert the internet blogging authorities!!) You read horror stories about renting car seats, but the one we received was brand new and still in the plastic bag. And apparently there are other parents out there bucking the fear-mongering of the internet, because a couple with a 9-mo-old next to us in the rental car parking lot was struggling like we were to figure out how to install the same car seat. The men managed to collaborate and safely install the seats, and we set off for lunch/driving while Ada napped.

After lunch, we picked up Grammy and Pop-Pop from the airport. Ada was thrilled to see them, of course! They entertained her while we drove to the ferry and waited about an hour in line. Ada LOVED the ferry ride.

Yikes! It's FREEZING out here!

We arrived at the rental house, and it was really cool! Tons of books, games (outdoor and in). Great view of a little orchard and tons of trees like I love in the NW. The weather on the island was rather chilly...I did NOT pack appropriately. I knew it'd be colder than San Diego, but ?? Maybe I've been living here too long and have become ignorant. We picked up groceries; then Justin and Christy arrived. Dinner was grilled brats. The guys played Frisbee, and we sipped wine and beer.

Pop-Pop playing the fascinating accordion

Just one of many great sunsets here

Ahhh. Baby's in bed. Time to relax!