Grahl Family: A Visit With Stacy and Hearst Castle

Last week we went to visit Mommy's friend Stacy in the San Luis Obispo area. We had to drive Hwy. 101 because a section of Hwy. 1 north of Big Sur is closed due to the highway collapsing into the ocean . . . glad we weren't taking our scenic drive on that day! We began our stay with a casual lunch on Pismo Beach. Sitting outside was a great idea until the clouds went away and the sun began beating down on us . . . one "gentleman" joked he would sell us his table umbrella for $5. We survived with the one we had and had a lovely lunch.

Stacy and the girls . . .

Ella gives some "tough love" to her sister . . .

After lunch we went down to walk on Pismo Beach . . . the sun was hot but the breeze felt good.

Ella got sandy and wet, so Nonna helped to wash out her pants. Ella loved this outdoor shower that she could control.

The next day we went to Hearst Castle. Here's the group (minus Aunt Debbie, the crazy camera grandma, and Aunt Sandra) sitting waiting for the bus to take us up the hill to the castle.

A view as we traveled up the hill . . .

On the bus . . .

Our first stop on the grounds . . . Nonna toted Grace around while Mommy had Ella on her back.

Aunt Sandra and Aunt Debbie went on an "accessible tour" with no steps to climb, so they ended up with a private tour!!

This is the pack I borrowed from the park rangers . . . the Ergo is much more comfortable. I might have been wearing this one wrong or maybe it's not make for a 30 pound child, but it really hurt my shoulders after a while. But we look cute!!

One of the few places you are allowed to sit . . .

The not-so-secret door . . .

The indoor pool . . . my favorite!

The bus ride back down the hill . . . the girls were really good--not much fussing. There were a few points in the tour when I had Ella on my back as I held Grace because she was crying for me--yes, that would be 50 pounds total :)