A few days before Christmas Ken and I--and the little boys--had a fabulous pre-holiday getaway to Santa Barbara. It was maybe the best part of the whole vacation--at least so far. A couple months ago, I realized that Rainer is finally old enough--and
well enough--to be left with my parents overnight. Yippee! That meant Ken and I could have an overnight outing for the first time in 3+ years. So we did that for 24 hours, and it was so great to talk and connect like young childless people! Then, since the little inn in Santa Barbara, where we love to stay, requires a two-night minimum, we went and got our boys and brought them back with us. It was such a fun way to do a mini-vacation and just my cup of tea.
First, we took them to lunch at Padaro Beach Grill, which has a fabulous grassy area looking straight out to the ocean and a huge sandbox with lots of toys for the kids to play with. We always have so much fun there.
After that, we went straight to the zoo. I loved this Christmassy zoo-themed wreath. My boys love animals and we looked at lots of them . . .
But I think they had the most fun at the playground. It's wildly popular, and we and several other families stayed there until closing.
There's a little "sledding" hill and the kids slide down with cardboard. Very much fun for them.
Then we went straight to State Street to look and lights and decorations and have dinner.
I loved this village!
The next morning we had a dip in the hot tub (it was perfectly tepid because the maintenance guy had just finished topping it off with cold water!) and the boys loved it. Then it was off to our favorite park in Santa Barbara and lunch at our beloved Crushcakes.
We had a fabulous time full of fun and family, just as I had dreamed about for our holiday celebration. A special thank you to my parents for making the first 24 hours of it possible--thanks mom and dad!!
A few days before Christmas Ken and I--and the little boys--had a fabulous pre-holiday getaway to Santa Barbara. It was maybe the best part of the whole vacation--at least so far. A couple months ago, I realized that Rainer is finally old enough--and well enough--to be left with my parents overnight. Yippee! That meant Ken and I could have an overnight outing for the first time in 3+ years. So we did that for 24 hours, and it was so great to talk and connect like young childless people! Then, since the little inn in Santa Barbara, where we love to stay, requires a two-night minimum, we went and got our boys and brought them back with us. It was such a fun way to do a mini-vacation and just my cup of tea.
First, we took them to lunch at Padaro Beach Grill, which has a fabulous grassy area looking straight out to the ocean and a huge sandbox with lots of toys for the kids to play with. We always have so much fun there.
After that, we went straight to the zoo. I loved this Christmassy zoo-themed wreath. My boys love animals and we looked at lots of them . . .
But I think they had the most fun at the playground. It's wildly popular, and we and several other families stayed there until closing.
There's a little "sledding" hill and the kids slide down with cardboard. Very much fun for them.
Then we went straight to State Street to look and lights and decorations and have dinner.
I loved this village!
The next morning we had a dip in the hot tub (it was perfectly tepid because the maintenance guy had just finished topping it off with cold water!) and the boys loved it. Then it was off to our favorite park in Santa Barbara and lunch at our beloved Crushcakes. 
We had a fabulous time full of fun and family, just as I had dreamed about for our holiday celebration. A special thank you to my parents for making the first 24 hours of it possible--thanks mom and dad!!
9 comments:
Looks like a wonderful getaway, and how nice to have a bit of grown up time too. Sounds like a win win!
I'm so glad you were able to get away for a short break! That must have been amazing! Then to have a little holiday with the boys on top of it. :) Rainer's expression in the tunnel photo is to die for. He looks so fantastic. His hair is looking adorable as well. I'm glad you were able to have such a nice relaxing time during your Christmas break.
What a fun little trip! Santa Barbara is on a list of my places to visit! You all look like you had such a refreshing and relaxing time.
what a fabulous vacation!!
How fantastic, some alone time and some family time, the perfect vacation. So glad you were able to have such a fun filled time.
theprairiegirl.com
That village is just so beautiful. I really am contemplating trying to create something like that (bit of a smaller scale) for next year.
Looks like a wonderful trip, filled with lots of joy and laughter.
Hope you enjoy these last few days of 2009
What a lovely get-away! And Rainer's hair is really coming in -- somehow that hadn't really stood out for me in other photos!
Happy New Year!
Hey! I was there the week before Xmas, too! I took my kids to that same favorite park. Maybe they played with your little guys :) I love that.
-Maiz
What great pictures of Santa Barbara! I grew up there and it was fun to see your updated pics. Thanks!
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