Weeks 9-13 - A Month on the Coast

Well, four weeks later I realize our blog is well overdue!

It's been fun, and we have PLENTY of pictures! I want to first introduce you to some people we have come to know and love -



The Martinellis - This is a family that we met from our church who lead our bible study. They are awesome, have 4 kids (one just born!). Think the italian american version of the Winns. Dave has been a solid leader, and Diane has been so funny and inviting. The kids are so much fun. They have really made us feel wlelcome and loved.



Michelle and Aaron Uher - These two are newly married, very fun-loving, and a blast to get fish tacos with. we carpool together to bible study because we are awesome like that. Just as Sami predicted, we met some AWESOME people and are really gonna miss them. One of the toughest things about this trip is saying goodbye to our new friends.


I will give you the cliff notes and make it easy on all of us:

Week 9 - Scripps Birch Aquarium

This week we enjoyed the neat, but inexpensive alternative to Sea World - The Aquarium! Many incredible marine life there, including starfish, jellyfish, sharks, giant sea bass, sea horses, and sea dragons (my stinkin camera died before we got a shot of these amazing little guys.)


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Week 10 - Life is a Beach

Imagine a week of walks on the beach, beautiful sunsets, and a chill starting to come at night. Simple. Awesome. Ooh and we saw several dolphins this week! One night the sunset sky was so clear we could see the large channel islands off the west coast. I can't leave out that we went sea kayaking in La Jolla Cove with the seals all around us! Wow, they are cool, large animals and so graceful in the water. On our way in we surfed the small waves in the kayak...so fun, much flipping.


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Week 11 - Mmmmmmm....Thanksgiving

Not one, but TWO thanksgiving dinners. It was awesome. Round 1 was with Ham. Three days later Round 2 featured the Turkey. Yummy in my tummy. Thank you Lord for food and family and friends and love.
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Week 12 - USS Midway Aircraft Carrier

Sami and I toured the newly retired USS Midway aircraft carrier. Some adjectives to describe the day: big, HUGE, amazing, powerful, fast, old, historic, humbling, scary, intense, cool, intimidating, grey, water, boat, jets, propellers, copters, runway, deck, admiral, corporal, private, navy, awesome.
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Week 13 - Christmas Parade

Encinitas held a Christmas Parade down the 101 main street. It was the classic small town parade (think little leagues, hardware stores, and family fun holiday goodness).

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Ok there you have it! one more week and we are on our way home! We love you all very much and look forward to spending the Holidays with you!

Jon and Sami

Bonus Video!