Monday, July 22, 2024

Crowded Beaches, Tortoises, Being a Kid Again

We just finished a week of VBA at church. (Vacation Bible Adventure.) We had over 500 kids this year, and a big family party on Friday afternoon. We heard there were 58 kids who gave their hearts to the Lord last week. That's the whole reason we do it! Our Kids Team did such a great job.
 



 My team was responsible for setting up all the tables and chairs throughout the classrooms, and outside. Then throughout the day to empty trash, refill cambros with ice water, clean up spills, mop floors, they did a phenomenal job! I have a great group of custodians!


 
On July 4th we had family come up from San Diego to hang out at the condo with us. We barbecued and played in the pool all day. Then all of the sudden, fireworks started going off right above us! We don't know who was setting them off, but we had a great view!
 


 

 The next day we drove down to San Diego to see my sister. She loves animals and Adelaide was amazed with her tortoises. It had been about two years since we'd all seen her, so I'm glad we made the time to stop by. I know it meant a lot to her.




We were planning to go to the ocean afterward but we should have known it would be packed on a Friday in the summer. We couldn't find parking so the kids ended up going out to dinner instead, while Chuck, Beth and I took the scenic route back to L.A. driving by Scripps Institution of Oceanography, and Torrey Pines.



Scripps overlooks La Jolla
This was one of the places we were planning to swim
but it was just too busy



The next day we all kind of did our own thing. Sharaya visited an art museum, Diana and Peter went back to Disneyland, Ally hung out at the condo, and Chuck, Beth and I went to Huntington Beach. We set up our chairs and then Beth and I went and put our feet in the water. After that she was done. She actually slept in the beach chair for most of the time we were there! I went back out and spent about 45 minutes jumping waves. And I seriously couldn't stop smiling: bracing myself, jumping the waves, stumbling forward by the force of the water... all with a huge smile on my face! It's something I've looked forward to since we started planning the trip. I grew up in San Diego and have been jumping waves my whole life. It's something I will do as long as I'm able, every chance I get!
 
This was our little spot on the sand


 
I forgot how busy the beaches in southern California can get. 
It was only by the grace of God that we even found a parking spot!




 



The water was quite a ways from the parking lot and Beth struggled to walk on the sand. She did better when she used the umbrellas as walking sticks. It took her a while but she did it! Next time we'll find a beach where the water is closer to the boardwalk.


 
It's time to go fix dinner so I'll close for now. Have a wonderful day!

6 comments:

Cathy said...

I'm so glad you got your time in the waves. It sounds like the perfect beach day.

R's Rue said...

Looks like a great time.
www.rsrue.blogspot.com

ellen b. said...

Yep, there's a lot of sand to trudge through to get to the waves! Good for you for jumping the waves. Your VBS looked amazing. PTL for lives that were saved. Our VBS is the first full week of August. You all made the most of your time in California.

Billie Jo said...

I am smiling reading of you jumping in the waves! So happy you did that, my friend. Carry that joy in your heart. Love your family selfie, too! Have a cozy evening. : )

Pamela M. Steiner said...

Oh, it looks like you've been having such a wonderful time! So happy to hear your church's VBA was such a huge success, especially for those precious souls who accepted Christ! That is wonderful! Love seeing all of your family together, and Adelaide certainly has grown. She is so cute! Looks like a wonderful time. Very happy for all of you.

Terri D said...

What fun!! The beach looks great, even if it was busy! Jumping waves is great fun, for sure!!