Our big family summer vacation this year was an extended weekend in the OC -
Down in Dana Point at the Laguna Cliffs Marriott.
We stayed there one night last year for my birthday and loved it so we decided to take the kids for a little vacation.
There are a lot of things to do and it's such a beautiful area, we were sure everyone would be happy.
First up, on the way down, we stopped at Knott's Berry Farm for a little amusement park fun.
We only stayed a few hours because it was pretty crowded, and compared to what it was like the last few times we went, we were spoiled. I'm not one for waiting in lines.
Then we went to the hotel. They were so nice there and showed us three different rooms from which to choose (which is very accommodating of them since we were using points).
It did not disappoint. We had a great room with plenty of space for all six of us.
It's right at Doheny Beach which is one of the top 5 beaches for beginner surfing. Also right there is the Dana Point harbor where one can rent any type of water craft to have a splashing good time.
And that was the plan.
And that is just what we did.
The first morning we hit the Jet Skis and that was a BLAST! The ocean was glassy, it was early enough that nobody else was out (10:00a.m.!) and we got up close with pelicans that would fly in formation right along with us speeding along the coast. It was fantastic and exhilarating!
The only downer was the nice waterproof HD camera/video that we used to take awesome photos and footage of everyone rippin' it up on the sea suddenly disappeared and was lost forever right as we pulled into the dock. Such a bummer! I'm hopeful that some good samaritan will find it and have it in their heart to turn it in. I told the staff that the reward can be they can keep the camera, just email me the photos! So these pictures were taken the next day when we went back to rent kayaks.
Another hit of the hotel was the kids' splash area at the pool. Very cute!
Kayaking!
That was a workout and super fun.
We took a break to climb the rocks to see the raging sea on the other side of the breaker.
Of course there was surfing. Lots of surfing.
The waves were teeny tiny which was great for the kids (nobody getting pummeled) but challenging for Madison (and of course John) to catch really good rides. She did super well and this was her first time that she just took off on her own and was catching nice long rides without any help or coaching. She spent hours out there in the lineup waiting patiently for the sets to come in.
Everyone had a chance to paddle around.
and QUACK!
And paddle.
Ashlyn was so cute. I called her little Nemo because her arms don't reach across the board so well which makes her paddling with her little hands so funny to watch.
She was totally awesome though! Atta Girl!
Hang Loose!
At night we walked down to the harbor to get ice cream and a really cool band was playing on this boat. Their sound was great and we enjoyed the free concert.
Breakfast (or any meals for that matter) at the hotels are really something else. Seriously, $115 for breakfast? Are you kidding me? We didn't even eat that much. Luckily we had four free kids' vouchers that we received from attending the kids movie night the previous evening or we would have been really feeling the pain.
Perhaps the cost of hotel food wouldn't be so extravagant if they didn't provide you with these. On our first night, John was trying to find something nearby to grab for dinner and it was getting late so we ordered from the hotel - very simple hot dogs for the kids (it was the cheapest!) and sandwiches for us. They gave us several bottles of darling ketchup, mayo, and mustard. No little one-use pouches here! Holy cow we had 18 cute little bottles of condiments. Seriously people, ease up on the sauce and lower your prices! ha!
The other thing we really wanted to make sure we did was paddle board. SUP (stand up paddle boarding) is all the rage now, thanks to Laird Hamilton, and Dana Point is a perfect place to try it out.
It was a lot of fun and we all got to try it.
It only takes a moment to find your balance and realize that the board is not going to tip over.
I was glad though for the calm bay, but Madison wanted to take it out to the ocean and try to ride the waves in.
Triumphant!
It's always fun to play in the sand while you await your turn.
Maddy and Brooke took a tandem turn and loved it.
Now it's my turn for a tandem turn, back to the dock.
Nobody fell in! I recently saw a photo of a bride and groom exit their wedding reception on SUPs - complete with gorgeous white gown - you don't even get wet, it's awesome.
The four-day summer vacation came quickly to a close.
Way too quickly.
Until next time!
