Gilmores head to the Coast for some Spring Break relaxation

We have been so busy this year with Ericlee's many part-time jobs and life with two kids that we made relaxation a priority for this Spring Break. We headed to the Central Coast to Ericlee's grandparents' beach house. This is our fave inexpensive getaway with great views of the ocean.
We slept in, played games and even explored some new coastal spots like this great park near the ocean with sea creature sculptures to play on. Meilani loved riding the dolphins and whales and spinning on the tire swing. We also took a walk down a path of flowers to this view of the ocean.
On Thursday, Ericlee headed back to Fresno for work and took Meilani to Grandma's to play. I stayed at the beach house where I was joined by my mama girlfriends.
Mary, Susan, Christine and Stacie joined me for a few days of "girl time" with Giada. We went to my fave coastal restaurant - Guiseppe's in Pismo. They make homemade butternut squash ravioli among many other Italian entrees. We also had this to-die-for banana chocolate cake for dessert. It's always more fun to dine with friends because we pass our meals and desserts around and get to taste all the treats!
On Friday, the mamas enjoyed Pumpkin Pancakes made by Stacie and then we headed out for a day of pedicures, shopping and picnicking by the ocean.
As Stacie says, frozen yogurt at Bali's is a must when you venture in San Luis Obispo so we stopped there. We also scored some great deals at the Johnson's children's store. I found a party dress for Meilani that was originally $109 on sale for $9. Total score!

On Saturday, Susan and Stacie took Giada and me into downtown Arroyo Grande. We checked out the farmer's market with amazing fresh strawberries and homemade hummus of many varieties. These few days of rest and relaxation and some adult conversation were just what a needed to rejuvenate before Easter with the family.