Taking a Mommy Break

My sister came to California for several days without her four kiddos. We walked the walking trails, went shopping for her birthday, visited Target, ran my carpools, and went to lunch at Mimi's. I loved having someone with me all day to lift my spirits and remind me to be my best self. Jon graciously took a day off of work, so we could have a Mommy Vacation. I just wanted time to be a sister.

We drove to Balboa Island in Newport Beach. We were looking to rent a paddle boat to enjoy in the bay, but were distracted by a soon-to-depart tour boat. We purchased tickets and joined a couple dozen senior citizens & one family on the harbor cruise.

I had the camera tucked away when we came upon a bunch of sea lions sun bathing on the docks. But I did have it out to see the birds at the feeding station.

This is Pirate's Cove. It is on the opposite side of our favorite beach (Corona del Mar). I never knew it was there. We'll have to check it out next beach trip.

Next we were like kids in a candy store - Balboa Candy Co. We loaded an assortment of treats into our baskets. SWEET!!!!

Then we found the bike rental shop. I've always wanted to ride in a little surrey with the fringe on top. It was our decided exercise of choice. Did you know it's actually against the law or city ordinance to drive them along the boardwalk????

We pedaled around the neighborhoods (multi-million $ beach front homes). We also weren't allowed on the sidewalks, so it was scary along the street when the big cars would whiz by. To cross the main street we had to push the surrey across the street so we would make it in time. The pedaling was a good workout because they were so stiff.

It was wierd sitting on the right because you had a steering wheel that did NOTHING but spin in circles. The left rider had all the control. When I felt like I was getting to close to the curb or a parked car, I'd start turning my wheel to no avail.

While trying to return to the rental shop, we were using the alleys where the driveways are. We did NOT want to be on the main street. Too scary. A local came out and told us to just go up to the boardwalk - the view is better and nobody will be out giving you a bad time. I'll admit that riding along the coastline was my favorite part. Thank you for a wonderful day Laneea!!!!