the beach and the best italian food ever

The beach sounds awefuly good this time of year, with 100+ temps already here at home.  So off we went.  San Diego did not disappoint.  The beach and water were chilly, but a welcome kind of chilly, you know?

Molly spent hours in the frigid ocean - boogie boarding to her heart's content.

 Owen had his own version of boogie boarding.

 Jonah loved it too.

Grace spent hours building sand castles and perfecting her running long jump skills.

The babies were content to play in and eat the sand. And chase birds.  They were not interested in the water, thank goodness.

We also discovered the most delicious Italian restaurant: PIATTI.  I can safely say, it is my new favorite, Italian or not. Bar none. Everything about it was perfect: the bread and dipping oil, the food, the decor, the white tablecloths - everything! I had the RAVIOLI AL LIMONE: House-Made Ricotta & Basil Ravioli Served w. Lemon Cream or Tomato Sauce. I ordered half lemon / half tomato sauce, but quickly wished I'd ordered all lemon.  It was to die for. I have dreamed every night of Piatti and that ravioli. I am not kidding.

This was really a fun trip and a great way to kick off the summer.

That's Mrs. Guest Blogger, To You

I am guest posting today over at I HEART MESA.  Marily and Kathryn publish a very hip, very fun blog all about local stuff.  Good stuff.  Plus, they've got some great giveaways all this week.  Go check it out.

ROOTBEER!

Yesterday was Jonah's 6th birthday and he chose Red Robin for his birthday dinner. But since we didn't feel like driving 35 minutes to Red Robin, we surprised him and drove 10 minutes to Applebee's. I must say, he was initially disappointed, but once inside, it's all the same really, and he was fine. No, he was quite happy.

Here's the night's script:

Waitress: Hi! Would you like anything to drink?

Me: 2 waters and three kids' rootbeers please.

drinks are delivered and all are happy.

Molly: My rootbeer tastes like Dr. Pepper.

Me: Let me taste it.

I taste Jonah's, Molly's, Jonah's, Molly's.

Yeah, that's not rootbeer.

Excuse me, Miss, I think my daughter got Dr. Pepper by mistake. Could we exchange this for a rootbeer?

Waitress: We don't have Dr. Pepper.

Me: Oh.

more sipping all the drinks to determine drink's true identity. I check the menu. Pepsi!

Me (summoning the waitress back): Miss, This is definitely not rootbeer. I think it's Pepsi.

Waitress: I filled the drinks myself. The rootbeer and Pepsi are not even close to each other.

Me (very nicely): That's weird because this tastes so much like cola. Would you mind switching this one for a new rootbeer? Maybe the syrup lines were somehow mixed.

what? does that even make sense?

Waitress (a little frustrated): Sure.

New drink delivered. Ahh, yes, now THAT is rootbeer.

A few minutes later...

Grace (after drinking 90% of her drink): Mom, I think I have Pepsi too.

Me: What? Let me taste that. Grace's, Molly's, Grace's, Jonah's, Molly's

Yeah, you both have Pepsi too. Don't ask me how earlier I determined Molly's Pepsi-ness next to Jonah's not so rootbeer-ness.

Me: Miss, I'm so sorry to bother you again, but I think all three drinks were Pepsi. Could we get the other two replaced as well? I'm so sorry.

Waitress (trying not to show her extreme frustration now): That's really strange because like I said, I filled them myself...

Me: I know but I wish you could taste this and then you'd know...

Waitress: Sure, I can take care of that for you.

Mark, in and out with very cranky and oh-so tired Owen, verified first drink's Pepsi-ness. However missed all interaction with waitress to get new drinks. Finally back now that the food is here.

Molly: Dad, guess what, we ALL had Pepsi! Can you believe that? Do you think I'll be up all night from the caffeine?

Dad: I don't know, but most rootbeer these days has caffeine too. Nice.

Molly (slightly panicked): WHAT? Oh great!

Grace: Is caffeine bad for you?

Owen: spills Molly's rootbeer.

Jonah: Mom, I love Red Robin! This is the best birthday ever!