HAPPY NEW YEAR FROM SAN DIEGO!

After we got over the initial shock of my mom's diagnosis I got busy planning (since that's what I do best). One of the things on my checklist was planning a trip ASAP. After all, traveling is one of life's greatest pleasures. My mom's passport had expired so that ruled out any international trips until we can get a new one. After googling "top places to travel to in the winter" we decided on San Diego!

This is the first big family trip we have taken since I was in high school and I completely forgot how awesome, yet hectic it is to travel with so many people! Nonetheless it was a great trip with lots of beautiful new memories created.

New Years Day at Mount Soledad & Balboa Park

The weather was on our side an we got to see stunning views of San Diego and even a bit of Mexico.

Afterwards we drove to Balboa Park because my mom LOVES flowers. Unfortunately the garden was closed that day, but it was still fun walking around and seeing the beautiful architecture. Perhaps a trip to Victoria, BC in the Spring for flowers? Let me know if you have suggestions! 

We bought this transport chair off Amazon before the trip and it was a lifesaver! It is super light and portable so we were able to take it pretty much everywhere. My mom is currently experiencing weakness on the right side of her body so she has a hard time walking far. We had fun taking turns pushing her around the park, zoo and even got some shopping done.

San Diego Zoo

My mom's favorite part of the trip was our visit to the zoo! We waited almost an hour at the Panda exhibit but it was well worth it. The baby panda was awake and munching on some delicious bamboo when we got there. 

We ended the trip with dinner at the Melting Pot in La Jolla. It was very entertaining watching everyone figure out how to cook the food. We liked it so much we may have to get a hot pot of our
own!

Had time for a quick trip to the beach before heading to the airport. It was a nice little break from the freezing temperatures in Seattle. 

All smiles on the way home!

We had a great start to 2016 and a busy month ahead of us! This week my mom is scheduled to get her PEG tube surgery (which she is not too happy about) so send us lots of happy thoughts and energy. She has been difficulty with swallowing and this will help her gain some weight back which is very critical. We also found a town home for all of us in Issaquah and will be moving mid month! Wasn't aware I would become an "Eastsider" so soon, but I am a little excited. More importantly I will get to see my mum every day. Hopefully she doesn't get sick of us. :)

Thanks for reading and hope you all had a wonderful New Year with your loved ones!