A little San Diego?

*Just a heads up. I only have a certain amount of space on this blog, so in order to continue posting pictures…like this massive one I just posted, I have to delete older posts. I’m deleting older ones towards the beginning and putting them into a blurb book so they aren’t gone forever.

This weekend was crazy, fun and fast! Tanner, Carter and I flew into Long Beach to go to Rob and Alli’s sealing. We arrived on Friday and were met by Lindsey and dad who then drove us down to San Diego. We stayed at a very fun hotel. When we opened the back door there was the beach, marina and playground. Talk about HEAVEN!

After we arrived at the hotel we all headed over to Sea World, which was a blast. We got to see two shows and walk around. Carter loved the dolphins, seals and whales. Before we left we saw the Killer Whale show that had Shamu in it. Each show is held in some sort of stadium and the first 15 or so bleachers are marked as the “splash zone”. Tanner, Carter and I sat in the splash zone for both shows, but never got wet, so toward the end of the show with Shamu Tanner took Carter down to the front to get wet. Oh my goodness, I think Carter will have nightmares of attacking whales. They got SOAKED!

Ryan had gotten in late Friday night so we didn’t see him until Saturday morning…when Carter jumped on his bed. We all got ready and headed to the San Diego Temple (which is absolutely gorgeous, by the way). Tanner and I were able to attend the sealing and it was beautiful. After the sealing we took family pictures and then loaded up. We headed back to the hotel and got some lunch/dinner at a fun Mexican restaurant called “Miguel’s Cocina”. So good. We then packed up and headed to Rob’s house in Escondido for the reception. Their house and backyard are stunning. It was fun to snack, mingle and chase Carter baby around.

Sunday came quick and Ryan left in the morning. After we all had breakfast together and packed up to head to Long Beach. We literally made it to the gate and walked right on to the plane. We couldn’t have planned it better if we had tried. Luckily, Long Beach airport is small enough to rush through! When we arrived back in Salt Lake grandma and grandpa Knighton picked us up and had dinner waiting! They are so wonderful. Now we are at home. Carter fell asleep at 7 and Tanner fell asleep at 8. I guess they were some tired boys. What a weekend!

Just getting to the hotel.

The view from our porch.

Lindsey being the human buffer

He loved the slide.

Ready to see the dolphins. Eventually Lindsey and Dad moved higher up.

"Let's see the dolphins!"

He was glued through the entire show.

Short-finned Pilot Whale!

These seals were too much. They knew if they put on a show they would get fed.

Dad got fish for Carter to feed the seals.

Can you see how crazy those seals got?

Dad being silly wearing Carter's hat.

This is how Carter spent most of the day (on people's shoulders).

Checking out the walrus and the little girl.

Beluga Whale!

Shamu!

Carter and Tanner waiting to get splashed.

Here comes the tail!

Successfully splashed!

I loved doing night photography on the water

This was all right outside our door!

Waiting for Rob and Alli to come out!

Congratulations!

Rob and Alli with one of Alli's sisters. 

The Temple and the grounds almost didn't look real. It was so beautiful. 

Cater's actually dancing on a grate, which is why he is so happy here.

"Smelling" the flowers.

Being goofy with uncle Ryan.

Back at the hotel there were a lot of ducks; much to Carter's pleasure and the duck's chagrin.

I think this is one of my favorite pictures of Carter...and no it is not photo-shopped, he is just a handsome boy.

At the reception. This picture doesn't do their yard, or the view from it, justice.

The couple having a dance.

Details.

Oh my, the boy in the cage (Troy), was the life of the party.  I can't even begin to explain the abilities of this child.

Getting ready to head home.

There were Osprey everywhere! They are my favorite bird.

Heading to the airport. He slept for the entire ride!