The first rule of travel, especially when kids are involved, is that you cannot come home from a continental jaunt without stories. I’m not just talking adventurous oh-the-things-we-saw kind of stories. Those are, of course, inevitable. I’m talking funny stories–the ones you’re not thrilled about as they’re happening but rather come to appreciate them later for their humor, their memories and their ability to keep it real–as if we need more of that around here. Let’s begin by stating some facts. We’re not exactly savvy travelers, even though before trips I envision our family sauntering through airports in chic travel attire and wheeling beautiful luggage behind us. “Oh, what’s that, TSA agent? You need my identification? Why, of course, let me just pull out my passport from this vintage Italian leather passport clutch.”
No, we are the modern day Griswolds. We tote broken, beat-up suitcases, we drag blankets, we take our shoes off for security only to be mortified by the state of our socks underneath. We walk through terminals, oblivious to the fact that people are chasing us down, alerting us that we dropped a bottle, a boarding pass, a baby shoe and half a bag of Doritos three gates back. Phone chargers dangle from our carry-on pockets and zippers never fail to break as we’re frantically trying to shove clothes into our suitcases, shifting the balance to avoid overweight luggage charges. This will change as “Become cool savvy traveler and purchase fabulous luggage” just moved up several notches on the bucket list. However, I can say our kids are very good on flights, and we are proud to flaunt that fact given it’s about the only thing we have going for us when we travel. They are ridiculously good–quiet, calm and happy for hours on end. I’m so proud of them.
So stories…
Well, the best I have is that the airport escalator almost pulled my pants off when we arrived in San Diego. And I realize that “almost” completely robs this story’s “story-ness” because–my, what a tale I’d have to tell if it really happened. But, for a moment I was sure it was going to as my hands were too full to hoist my very draggy pant legs up only three stairs away from the pants-eating edge of the down escalator. I balanced my kid and my bags while I strategized my jump, all the while telling myself, “You are about to lose your pants…in an airport full of people.” But it didn’t happen, so moving on.
I will share images and thoughts from Everybody Plays on Monday. San Diego’s Fox 5 News did a great story on the event which you can view here. It was wonderful to meet so many families with children of all abilities and unique things that make them beautiful. I am inspired and motivated by the events of this week, and I can’t wait to share more.
Yesterday, after a few days of fulfilling work, Brett and the girls and I explored the city a bit, checking off only a couple stops on our must-see list but completely enjoying a relaxing end to our visit. We walked the Ocean Beach Pier in the morning, stopping to watch the surfers and take in the view that is so different from our own beach–bigger waves, denser sand and a backdrop of breathtaking hills.
We continued on to La Jolla where Brett’s built-in Mexican Restaurant GPS directed him to Jose’s on Prospect where we sat under open windows, ate fat burritos and talked about future trips we’ll take someday.
Brett taught Nella this catchy dance where you put your fingers in the air and say “Ooo, ooo, ooo.” It’s her go-to trick for making us laugh.
We walked up and down streets, stopping for cappuccino and gelato, admiring art, sampling lotions in soap shops, taking pictures, and watching our girls be silly and inquisitive and entertained by new sights. This is my favorite way of traveling–making agendas in the morning but allowing lots of cushion for change of plans, staying in one place and leisurely drinking up the hidden gems of a city.
La Jolla was perfect for hidden gems. Like an impromptu rendevous with new friends (I met Jora through Instagram, and her family is just lovely)…
…and some seal watching at a rocky cove.
And then it happened–the unicorn moment. I walked the girls down to the beach to get a little closer to the cliff where the seals were lounging. We were listening to them bark and watching from a distance while they rolled around the edge of the cliff when a boy yelled, “MOM! A seal! A seal!” as he bolted from the water. A seal flopped right up on the beach and slowly waddled toward us and stopped (okay, I’m getting comments that it’s a sea lion). Yes, holy shellacked gourd, sweet mother of cornucopia, freaking corn husk garland!
Our day was highlighted last night with a return to The Station Tavern where friends from the week’s events gathered at picnic tables under strands of twinkly lights and enjoyed burgers and beer and good conversation–a perfect end to our stay.
We are home, feeling fulfilled and grateful to visit new places and meet new people. Have a wonderful weekend. I have a couple broken suitcases to attend to.
So glad the fam got to go with you. Looks like a great time! π Happy weekending! π
The La Jolla Cove used to be filled to the brim with seals – there have been recent constant battling over who deserves the sand -children or the seals. I don’t know where it stands now that we have left but we recently visited our once home last May and your pictures remind me of how much I love San Diego.
the SEAL OMG so awesome and beautiful π I love your travel stories, sounds like my family. I enjoy traveling, but we sure don’t do it well! Loved this blog, it made me smile.
The pic of Nella leaning on the railing is my fav! So glad that you all had a great trip! Happy Nesting and enjoy getting ready for the holidays!!
Karen H.
That last picture is LOVE. Breathtaking and sweet love. What a fun trip filled with memories for all.
So glad you got to enjoy a lovely time in my neck of the woods. I’m so thankful that I got to hear you, talk to you, and give you a hug. I can’t wait till the next time our paths cross. Enjoy home, the weekend, and nesting! xoxo
I love San Diego. Lived there for years and years. That picture in the coffee shop brought back sharp memories for me–it’s the coffee shop my ex and I always hung out at….my heart just leapt back 7 years to another chapter in my life..but here I am..7 years later and writing a chapter with a different man; a different coffee shop. Thanks for the nostalgia.
Looks like you guys had a beautiful time away Kelle.
I had to laugh with your description of The Hampton’s Travel Style π We are the same – utter chaos, organised chaos of course π
Nella is getting so big now. It just seems like yesterday that she was a teeny bub.
Have a great weekend,
xx
http://blog.scissorspaperrockdesigns.com.au/
It’s so weird seeing places I frequent on other blogs. That beach is my absolute favorite! There generally aren’t too many seals around this time of year, but in the early summer that beach is COVERED with them and their cute little babies.
Love your pics! San Diego is beautiful and so fun. Don’t visit there often enough…even though I live in Ca.
I was born and raised in San Diego and was hoping to plan a trip home to meet you, but it didn’t work out. π love the pictures to remind me of “home”
So thrilled you had a good visit on the west coast…next time I would LOVE it if you head north.
Remember to stop by the post office to check for the long lost package from Oregon…I really do hope it is not lost!
Welcome home…
Stephany
Oh my goodness! Thanks for continuing to share your adventures and your family with us! I love the picture of little Miss Nella, dressed all ‘artsy’ – crouched down, taking in the painting of Marilyn Monroe……..”style meets art!” π And – Nella leaning against the railing – sooooooo sweet!
That’s one very big seal!! In fact, I almost wondered if it was a sea lion – which would be more impressive even, than a seal! But – perhaps it’s just that our Canadian seals, here on the Pacific Coast are smaller than yours……….Up here – that would be a sea lion! π At any rate, your capture of him is exquisite!
Enjoy re-establishing your home!……….Rosemary
I love this blog. I am a mother raising a BEAUTIFUL little girl who has hydrocephalus and cortical visual impairment. She too, loves to play. I am anxious to see how much her “play” changes as I watch her grow. She is almost seventeen months and the most wonderful blessing. Thank you Kelle Hampton for sharing your birth story and teaching so many that we are all unique:)
Junebugsmomma
Love your blog! We’re in the military and our next tour will be in San Diego — so thank you for the lovely preview.
What you have there on the beach is a sea lion! You can tell by the little ear flaps and the fact that he can “stand up” on his front flippers. π
as usual, your photos are delightful and heart melting! love that you enjoyed san diego! next time, you must visit LA! we’ll be waiting for you!
Kelle, You never fail to amaze me. Your writing make a person feel like they are in your back pocket. I would like to be by your side on one of your trips. I can only guess the good laughs that I would have. I love the photos that you take, I alway wonder how many you take on a trip. I Love and that is with a capital L the picture of Nella bent down in front of Marilyn Monroe just like she was studying to see if that was really her. Priceless. Thanks again for an amazing post. Welcome home
I LOVED the seals on the San Diego beaches! So magical. What a beautiful visual journey through your trip
As I said on IG, it was lovely to have you in this fine city and lovely to meet you as well. Glad you got some time to enjoy family and the city while you were here π While SD doesn’t have the leaves that we both pine for come fall, it does have something fabulous to offer, doesn’t it?
Love those sweet little feet. Thank you for sharing your beautiful photographs and memories with us. We too are haphazard travelers, we don’t fly, but boy do we leave a trail behind us as well. People are always walking up to us with shoes, binki’s, and one day the contents of my wallet including all my cash. My 18 month old was simply flinging the contents down the road behind me as we walked through a Main Street Fair. Have a restful weekend.
I’m always so worried that my pants or something will get sucked into the down part of an escalator! Your family makes me hope someday I will feel like that. Your family seems so happy.
Thanks for the post!!
Built in Mexican food tracker… I knew I liked your husband!
Kelle, it was great seeing you at the book signing and speaking to you ever so briefly. Thank you for noticing my beautiful little girl, Adriana, and yes, you better believe I’m gonna have a blast with all the girly dresses and accessories with her after 2 boys. You have inspired me to do just that from all the pictures and stories here on your blog. Next time you’re in San Diego, I’ll have to email Brett (via you) a list of best places to go for Mexican food. You know it’s always the little hole-in-the-wall mom & pop restaurants away from all the tourists where you’ll find the most authentic and delicious food. I’ll make sure to have a sombrero ready for Lainey & Nella too! So glad you enjoyed your trip to our city.
Isn’t that a sea lion? Amazing regardless.
I originally stumbled across your blog via pinterest and have been addicted ever since. Your writing is spectacular and your sweet girls put a smile on my face. I’m currently an RN and work for my local school district. I originally decided to be a nurse when I was 17 and my Dad’s best friend had a daughter… with Down Syndrome. I immediately fell in love with her and knew from that day on that it was my mission in life to help these “special” children. She touches my heart to this day like no other person I have ever met. She is 9 now and the most loving, well adjusted, beautiful child. She has a gift to make people smile and an aura that makes people become better people. You are doing such a remarkable job raising your daughters that it pretty much brings tears to my eyes every time I read. You are such an inspiration and a fantastic Mom. Keep up the good work π
First of all, love “Vacation” and loved that you compared yourself to the “Griswolds!” my dad always called us that when we vacationed! Anyway, I can’t tell you how happy I am to have gotten the opportunity and privilege to meet you! Someday, I hope my daughter can meet Lainey and Nella, I think they would get along famously! I brought her to San Diego just so she could meet them, I hope you remember her, she said (from my arms) “Bye Kelle!” to you… I was so touched that you posted a pic of my gift to you on Instagram I almost cried! Thank you for that, and sorry for all of the comments by me on your photo, I was a little embarrassed actually. π I hope you and your little boy love that sweater set, it’s 35 yrs. old, I wore it, and both my kids wore it as infants (but mostly for photos) and I hope your little man gets a lot of use out of it. And I hope to see photos! Thank you again, Kelle, for coming out to California. I left you my contact info, please contact me if you ever do come back out here! π
Such beautiful photography. Yet another lovely instalment in the wonders of your life!! Thanks, J9 x
ah so lovely! Am hoping to fit in a day in San Diego when in the US next Easter. Thanks for the tips xx
The photo of Nella and her new dance is awesome!
Glad you arrived home safely.. Happy Nesting! x
I love San Diego! And the pics of the girls there… beautiful!
Good thing you didn’t lose your pants at the airport, though π
I just LOVE the photo of your eldest sitting on the grass with her friends. this, is childhood…I was this once…no more.
your photos are amazing. you capture it girl, life as it is.
You are freakin’ hilarious with your dangling phone cords….love it!!!
it all rings so true… i see a lot of us in your travel style. π
love that nella shot… the go to dance move. she is adorable!
I was a flight attendant for 17yrs. Just “retired” @ 40 to stay home with my 3 girls, my 2.5 yr old has Designer Genes. My 1 brother and his family live in San Diego-beautiful place. I have all kinds of tricks for traveling with kids but it doesn’t sound like you need any. We all wish we looked a bit more glamourous and completely put together as we stroll gracefully through the airport and people remark at our ” Wonder Woman” status π We ALWAYS dress up. Have had to for 17 yrs in order to get on a flight ; now that I have left it is ingrained in my girls and they will never travel without their”travel attire” aka dresses on. Thank you for doing the shoot- no doubt it was a lot of fun.
last vacation we returned with a broken suitcase that I literally dragged through customs and the airport. I came straight home, emptied it and then filled with items for the Goodwill…took it straight to them and began luggage shopping. Conscious clear, offending try-and-get-me-to-roll-and-stay-closed-luggage given to another…. the angels sang I tell you.
Thanks for making me laugh and feel warm and fuzzy all in one–your best skill. I’m cracking up at your description of the Griswolds in the airport, but somehow I don’t think it was that at all. You are such an attractive family–I’m sure everyone admires you; hey so what if you drop a few Doritoes or a bottle.
p.s. did Nella really eat that burrito the size of her head??
I love your day of adventure. Every picture made me smile. I also smiled about the elevator because HOLY COW that would have been so funny : )
I die for Nella’s dress.
You and your people do family so well. Thanks for letting us come along.
Your San Diego (“San Di-AH-go”) tribute is making me homesick!!! So glad my hometown was a gracious host to your family and Everybody Plays… even though I now happily reside in the Midwest, So Cal will always be home.
What a fun adventure! You’re so lucky you get to travel so much. I certainly miss traveling. We don’t do it as often now that we have kids.
It looks like you had a great time!
As usual I’ve been following your journey on Instagram and loved seeing all your pictures. These are just so lovely. That last one of you and Nella… be still my heart, it’s screaming LOVE!!! Looks like you had a wonderful time. Can’t wait to read Monday’s post!
Funny stuff….we were in San Diego about a month ago and met the owners of Jose’s …..didn’t make it to their restaurant, but did get some other delish Mexican food in Old Town.
The way you write always makes me smile.Add the fantastic photos and I leave you blog with a perpetual grin. Love that you saw the sea lion too. Thank you as always for sharing . Hugs!
I love your post title “Travel Ramble” PERFECT!
k
I have always wanted to travel to the west coast. Thanks for sharing your adventures!
Love the picture with Nella in the stroller and the lady at the table turning around and smiling!
Love, Love, Love La Jolla. I felt like I was in heaven!!! How fun that you got to take your family! Enjoy.
I totally needed to read that part about traveling with kids! My husband and I can barely get our own act together so it is going to be quite the ordeal when we bring our adopted son home from Russia in a month. If we drop our boarding passes or someone gets their pants such in an elevator I will remember this post and mantra to myself, “this will be funny later. this will be funny later.” Thanks for sharing!
i love that picture of you and your girls, with lainey striking a pose. perfect. c:
Kelle, you were at the La Jolla Children’s Pool and those are seals. You can google the name and get some history behind that cove. We locals here call them seals, even the newscasters on tv refer to them as seals whenever they’re reporting from there. Sea lions are HUGE, much larger. BTW love the pictures of the girls at Ocean Beach. It’s a shame you didn’t have a chance to go to Belmont Park. There’s also shops there, a boardwalk and a roller coaster. That only means one thing: another San Diego trip in the future is in order *hint, hint*. Again, so glad you had a great time!
Awesome pic of the seal! I think he heard about your blog and wanted his 15 minutes of fame π
Kelle, have you seen this video about Down Syndrome? It reminds me a lot of your story. So beautiful.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Q4foXehDmWs&feature=youtu.be
Yes, your seal (sea lion) is protected. You have to stay so many feet away. Ooops! If you’re ever in OR go to the sea lion caves. LOUD Smelly sealions for your enjoyment. LOL. Lovely shots. I love San Diego.
I have traveled to 48 states for work & have seen many, many cities in the U.S. La Jolla is one of the prettiest places I’ve been to. LOVE. LOVE. LOVE the pictures. Nella looks like such a big girl!
please say you’ll frame that last one. oh the fun of traveling. you make it even interesting to read about which isn’t that easy to do.
Now just how to do keep your cute little orange hat on so beautifully at a restaurant and capture moments like that when I’m frantically trying to keep the ketchup bottle from flying off the table and the plates of food ON the table??
You’re simply awesome.
We were in San Diego a few months ago and I wish I would have taken more pics- the kids weren’t with us, so that’s why… ah well!
Steph
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First, you looked beautiful on the news story! Second, my boys loved our family trip right before #3 entered our world so it was so great to see your family loving their trip! Next, they got Nella’s age wrong during the news story… she isn’t 3 yet. Finally, hurry home to your new bff who could use a hug!
You and your family are so beautiful. (:
So glad your pants didn’t get pulled off. Now, that would have been a story told for generations….
Loving the beach pics. I am in need of some serious beach time, which will only get worse as the seasons get colder.
I have never posted a comment before but I have been following your blog for several months. I just have to let you know that I am so inspired by you and your family. I am in a “not so ideal” family situation right now and it can get depressing but your words warm my heart. You made me realize that I have so many blessings and if I just focus on being thankful for them I will have much less time to be annoyed by what I think I’m missing. I am so thankful to have met you even if it is only online.
San Diego has a lot more to offer. Too bad you didn’t have the time to explore more key points.
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Thats exactly how you should travel and explore a city, minimal plans, lovely moments, and family in tow. Another beautiful post dear Kelle. Hi-five the girls for me. Or maybe a fist bump?
Elizabeth
lifeandlaughter.typepad.com
I love Nella’s road map bib!
Okay, we are never allowed to travel together, you and I. Hahahaha! That is sooo me (us). And to top it off, I would most likely have to poop at the most inopportune time….say, like on an escalator about to lose my pants!
And on the opposite end of emotions, why does every photo in this post make me want to burst into tears?! The reflection of you two in the mirror, the last photo, Nella leaning on the rail….whoosh!
Love to you!
It was lovely to meet you- I can’t wait to give your {signed} book to my friend! Glad you enjoyed your stay!
Aren’t the seals fabulous?? I love San Diego. Wish I could have gotten down to see you- my daughter lives close to OB (ocean beach)…..like you really need to know all this, but its so fun when someone discovers a place you love!!
xo
Lynn
Love love love this post, and holy-mother-of-cuteness, Nella has “mini mama shoes” on!! Love your matching fringed ankle boots!! Your family is just….beautiful.*sigh* (from a mama of 5 kids)…Kylie
Those are some adorable dance moves π
So glad you enjoyed my town! The Mexican food here is pretty good! I’m sure you are happy to be home. Can’t wait to see the new campaign launch.
Love the B/W Conversions…very, very pretty and fitting to the mood of the photos.
Omg, hilarious! I am picturing it now. π
Love San Diego and miss Cali a lot. La Jolla was so beautiful when we visited. Living in Germany now….a whole different world, thats for sure!!
Btw, adore your blog.
Jamie
http://Www.delightfullycoconuts.blogspot.com
These pictures make me want to get a trip to San Diego on the books!
Love Nella’s little dance (cute photo you took catching her ooo-ooo movement).
I love the way you guys do travel. Letting the mood take you wherever instead of planning every last minute (ahem I’m bad at this, but I suspect the twins may just cure me of that!)
Loving the oh oh oh dance.
Seals are cute, but from experience they tend to be incredibly smelly!
I can so relate to the way you fly! That is exactly how it is!! (except my kids aren’t quite as quiet- they’re relatively quiet but they’re still kids and annoy people sometimes).
Stumbled across this on pinterest and it reminded me of your elf on a shelf post last year. Not sure if you are going to bring him out again this year but this idea is pretty cool to bring him back to life. http://southerndisposition.blogspot.com/2011/12/what-to-do-when-someone-touches-elf-on.html?m=1
Hey Kelle — in response to your pants/escalator, episode, I have share this. The other day I drove my tax attorney hubby to the airport, and the entire time he was on the phone babbling to a client. Yawn. As he got out of the car, I noticed that his underwear was showing, but since he was still on the phone, I couldn’t exactly yell, “Hey, your pants are falling down!” His pants literally came down around his ankles, right in front of the line of people doing curbside check-in. I was laughing my ass off all the way home. Seems he deliberately left his belt off because airport security always makes him remove it anyway. So it’s the TSA’s fault, not his. Glad you kept your pants ON!
Hi Kelle! A pregnant friend of mine turned me on to your blog about 6 months ago. This was her first pregnancy and she was 35 so she was concerned about all the unknown. I know that your blog helped ease those anxieties for her. I love reading your blog because of your transparency. It’s a fun look at motherhood and all the trials and tribulations that go with it. I would love for you to take a visit to my new blog at http://heymommablog.wordpress.com/author/atucker8/
I feel like I have a unique story to tell about motherhood. I hope you enjoy it!!
Ann
I LOOOOOVE the last picture!
Thank you for sharing your adventures with us…it is always a pleasure to read you!
Is Lainey pretending the Corona bottle is the ketchup bottle in that restaurant (burrito) picture? ha ha ha
Love your blog! So sweet and inspiring, and always makes me smile. Also, I love Nella’s map bib! I’d love to know where it’s from.. it would be perfect for my niece who is due in January. π
oh…my heart….that last pic of you and Nella made me well up. AWESOME
My sister in law DID lose her pants on an escalator in Heathrow…funniest thing ever.
I am in awe of your ability to be so PRESENT in the moment, wherever you are, even traveling with two small children while pregnant. I now have to add San iego to my bucket list!
I stumbled upon your blog (facebook)through my friend who is expecting her first baby. I just wanted to tell you how absolutely stunning you are, amazing style – you are a rockin’ hott Mama!! You have a beautiful family and I loved reading Nella’s birth story. I’m so glad to have found your blog, I’m only on page one but can’t wait to dig deeper and follow your journey!! xoxo – Katie
Kelle, you crack me up and inspire me all at the same time. I follow you on instagram and love how you capture the magical and real moments in life. Your blog continues to be a blessing in my life and a present for me whenever there is a new post. Happy back at home time!!
If you and Brett ever make is back to San Diego you must try Miguel’s for some delish Mexican, don’t forget the white sauce either.
I love the picture of Nelle bending down to look at the picture/painting of Marilyn Monroe! Looking right into her mouth!
I admire your photographic skill and eye very much!
What a sweet family you have.
HEAVEN’S VERY SPECIAL CHILD A meeting was held quite far from Earth! It’s time again for another birth. Said the Angels to the LORD above, This Special Child will need much love. His progress may be very slow, Accomplishments he may not show. And he’ll require extra care From the folks he meets down there. He may not run or laugh or play, His thoughts may seem quite far away, In many ways he won’t adapt, And he’ll be known as handicapped. So let’s be careful where he’s sent, We want his life to be content. Please LORD, find the parents who Will do a special job for you. They will not realize right away The leading role they’re asked to play, But with this child sent from above Comes stronger faith and richer love. And soon they’ll know the privilege given In caring for their gift from Heaven. Their precious charge, so meek and mild, Is HEAVEN’S VERY SPECIAL CHILD. by Edna Massionilla December 1981 The Optomist- newsletter for PROUD Parents Regional Outreach for Understanding Down’s Inc.
“This is my favorite way of traveling–making agendas in the morning but allowing lots of cushion for change of plans, staying in one place and leisurely drinking up the hidden gems of a city.”
I loved this posting and your beautiful photos π Thank you for sharing your family vacation. I have been getting the itch to travel so I have found myself recently reading travel blogs and books! The reason I don’t get out there and travel myself??…the money and the time needed to do so! I lived in London for two years where I was able to travel and see the world! I am back in the states now, working and living…and not traveling. So now I find I need to find that travel high from READING about traveling! I know, I know it’s not the same at all…but depending on the book….sometimes that excited feeling in the pit of my stomach returns! “Eat, Pray, Love” did that for me and now I just read the book “Until Brazil” by Bethe Lee Moulton and the feeling is back! It’s about a married woman, in a steady job looking for a little excitement! She goes on a business trip to Brazil hoping for a promotion and instead gets immersed in a culture and an experience that she will never forget! If this doesn’t make you want to travel I don’t know what will. http://www.untilbrazil.com/ – if you don’t have the money to travel, but have that travel itch – I thought I would share something with you the next time you want to get out there in that great big world but can’t…and I assure you it will give you that little escape that you need! Thank you again π looking forward to reading more about your family adventures