Finally! Clay got to meet his Grandpa and Grandma Spencer! They travelled from Indiana just to see little Clay and boy oh boy did we have a fun weekend planned!
Corey and I arrived at the airport and video taped the introduction. It was just too good not to watch over and over again. Corey's mom drops all of the bags and runs over to take Clay out of Corey's arms. She couldn't wait one more second to meet the baby! Both grandparents were so elated to finally meet him.
Watch the video by clicking here:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aTkU6TWVRKA
Directly from the airport, we went to Sea World. Corey got Grandpa all set up with the Bjorn and he carried Clay all over that park. We enjoyed the dolphin show, feeding Clay, seeing the sea turtles, feeding Clay again and the Shamu show. Clay was awake for the entire show and even participated in the
putting the two hands together to make a fin and yelling "Shamu, Shamu" with the rest of the crowd. It was such a fun way to spend the 75 degrees and sunny San Diego day!
The next day was one of my favorite days... Corey and his dad (spitting images of each other- I should say) had a very special day together. You see... it was about ten years ago when the two started to take up a new sport-- golf. I have loved watching these boys going from amateur (hitting the funniest of shots from straight up in the air, behind them and every which way but forward) to pretty darn good. And now it was Corey's turn to take his dad to a real-live PGA Golf Tournament filled with all the names they have come to known from following the sport. We dropped the boys off in the morning and picked them up several hours later. We noticed two huge grins, a couple of souvenirs and a memory that will last a lifetime. I know this day was etched in Corey's mind as one of his favorites too.
So the ladies (+ Clay) enjoyed a lazy day in La Jolla. We were heading to the Cove when we drove past the Shores and I noticed a severe low tide. I literally yanked the car down a side street and minutes later we hit the beach. It was such a surprise to me seeing how I was thinking it would be high tide. Little did I know. It was the lowest tide I have ever seen and I knew that it would provide a neat surprise at the end of the walk. Corey's mom and I chatted about family and Clay hitched a ride in the Bjorn--sleeping of course. When we got to the end of the beach, we were delighted to peek in the tide pools the sea had left behind. Although we didn't see much marine life, I did see a crab the size of my thumbnail. We then headed to the Cove and walked around shops doing some window browsing and even picking up a few things here and there. We stopped at Burger Lounge, got a turkey burger to go and took it to the Cove for a picnic. Not a bad way to spend a Friday afternoon, watching the seals swim and watching Grandma loving on her little Clay. That night the Spencers got to meet the Johnsons at a Taste of Italy... a restaurant I have come to love in Torrey Hills. It was so fun for me to have them finally meet.
Saturday we took a nice little drive up to our favorite beach town, San Clemente. We carried on as usual... laughing the whole way. We took a long stroll out to the end of the pier and admired the gorgeous views. It was Mexican food for lunch and some cookies as sweet treats. We stopped in our favorite little shop and left with enough baby clothes for Clay to wear for weeks and weeks! Thanks Grandma! The next day we went to Stone Brewery for a tour and a little beer tasting (although just the tour for me)! Clay was a little grouchy that afternoon (that is an understatement) so we just hung out at our house for the rest of the day. Unfortunately, our visit was cut short due to a blizzard that was approaching our home town threatening to cancel flights along the way. The good news is Grandma & Grandpa arrived safely back at home even though it took them awhile!
I would have to say it was a very memorable trip... one we have lots of memories from. Seeing Corey's parents meet Clay for the first time was priceless-- a moment I will always remember. He loves their snuggles and kisses and I am sure he is already looking forward to seeing them again in May.
~Leslie
