Central California coast

I do not often rave about family vacations. In my experience, they can be fun but are almost always tiring. I am pleased to report an excellent and restful family vacation was had by all when we visited Ryan's family in California.

We visited a beautiful beach every day. The kids played happily and were in good moods almost the entire time. My theory is that kids are happiest when they play independently outside all day every day which is what they did on our vacay. Ryan was happy because he went to the ocean every day. I was happy not to manage the unhappiness of the members of my family. Everybody wins.

On our way to 4th of July fireworks, we walked along a bluff seemingly followed by an enormous whale (as opposed to the tiny whales?) who was swimming near the shore. The sun was setting. It was beautiful.

We ate good food. We enjoyed seeing Ryan's family. Ryan's dad took the kids fishing at a local pier. He has a metal detector and the kids were thrilled to hunt for treasure. Ryan's parents have dogs and Sonia was so happy to play with them. All good things.