Every summer when I was growing up, my family camped on the beach in California. Several years ago we tried it with our kids and I realized what saints my parents were because I vowed to never to it again (at least until they are older). This year my parents decided to restart the tradition but modify it a little. We stayed in a house right on the beach and LOVED it!
We were in heaven with the beach out our back door, amazing ocean views while cooking dinner INSIDE, watching dolphins in the morning,
staying warm by the fire and eating s’mores, and best of all… coming inside when we had had enough, taking a shower, and sleeping in a bed.
Carter didn’t want to come home to AZ and still talks about getting rid of our house and getting a new one on the beach, I agree!
Mostly we just hung out at the beach, collecting shells, building sand castles, boogie boarding, and enjoying everything else about the beach. (Although much to Kirk’s dismay I never got completely in the water, maybe next year. In my defense, it was cold.)
I would highly recommend the Mormon Battalion. It is super interactive and entertaining, and at the end of your “tour” you get to pan for gold.
San Diego Temple
Kaleb always has to make things a little more exciting.
Are you wondering why I am on Kirk’s shoulders??? Me too! Actually this is Kirk’s old stomping grounds from his mission and he has a picture of him on the shoulders of another missionary in this same spot 14 years ago. 
Good buddies.
We also raced Grandma and Papa up and down the beach on a surrey and ate lunch on the Pier at Ruby’s; the best hamburger joint ever.
Along the way we met Charlie
Needless to say this was a successful vacation and we will be making this a tradition. We are already booked for next year.
