The Stay-Cation (Our close-to-home vacation)

[DonnaR57]

As much as we love to go on a road-trip, after three summers in a row, we are forced to cut back this year. For awhile, my salary was in jeopardy (forced cut-backs at my workplace), and then family decided to visit us this year. So we are staying close to home, doing a "stay-cation" in two Phases. We began Phase I just recently.

Day One was mostly just visiting with our reunited family -- a pure pleasure for us as newer grandparents. The two daughters and their husbands went off to a baseball game. One of our sons-in-law was able to get four incredible tickets to the Padres game through his workplace. We kept one grandchild and the other grandchild went to his other grandparents for a few hours. What bliss, time to get acquainted with our little one! Definitely, though, check your workplace if looking for discounts on things to do in your area!

Day Two started with a family church service for a baby dedication. Then, all 8 of us jumped in two cars (none of us have a van) and drove over to the county fair, AKA "Del Mar Fair". (For years, San Diego County has been trying to get the residents to call it the "San Diego County Fair". It's very difficult to train old dogs to do new tricks, so we still call it the "Del Mar Fair," because it's located by the Del Mar Racetrack.) It takes pluck, determination and patience to go to the Fair on a weekend, but it was our only choice if we wanted to go with all 8 of us (one still has to work). After sitting in traffic burning gas (grrrrr!) for an hour, we finally got parked and walked over to the Fair. We'd picked up a special "Fair Pak" at CostCo, that included 4 admissions, 4 free medium-sized softdrinks, a free coupon book (normally $3), and about 50+ ride tickets. That was a bargain, the Pack cost $60. Just admissions for 4 would have cost $56 (or $52, military price). So, if you have a card to use a membership store such as CostCo or Sam's, check it for ticket bargains.

We spent the next 6 hours having fair food (pricey, as you might expect), seeing lots of exhibits, and doing some of the rides. They were typical fair rides -- thrill rides, fun houses, and a special kiddieland. I got my wish, to take my oldest grandchild on her first carousel ride (as my MIL had done for my daughter). She was still too young and small for many of the kiddie rides -- well, maybe another year. I also got to introduce her to my favorite fair treat: cotton candy. Mmmmmm!!!! We walked our feet off, and there were times when I wished I could go and sit with my granddaughter in her stroller!

Day Two ended with just adults practically falling asleep over a DVD movie at the house.

Upcoming descriptions in this trip report can be referenced in this San Diego area description.


Donna