Ambergontrail – Trying to get through life without dying of dysentery

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Love, Piper

Our first trip as a family was a success! Piper didn’t have any meltdowns, we didn’t disturb the neighbors, we actually got to eat in not one, but FIVE restaurants, and we managed to get to the outlets, also.

We started off leaving at about 11am, Paul had gone to work and left early (it was a half day anyway) to pick up the rental car- a gold (not gaudy) Toyota Highlander. This car was fabulous. Piper and I had slept in until about 9am or so, when I got up and tossed a load in the wash, walked Woofie and Piper, and packed my rolling suitcase full of our clothes (Piper and I), complete with two different outfits for different weather (hot or cold), a good few dozen of diapers (hey man, Solvang is in the middle of nowhere, there was no way we would be able to just run out to get diapers), a pack of baby wipes, our swimsuits (and swim diapers) and two pairs of pjs for her (as well as her baby toiletries like her bedtime lotion and saline stuff).

The car ride was uneventful, Piper fell asleep almost immediately. The view was wonderful for most of the ride.

Beautiful, right?

The day was bright and sunny, but also super crisp outside. Definitely not swimming weather, boo.

We had decided to stop in Santa Barbara (a good half hour to hour away from Solvang) first and take a tour of State Street.

The view from where we dropped off the car

So gorgeous!

As we started our long walk up State Street we passed a ton of restaurants that didn’t look all that family-friendly, and we really didn’t want to have to eat somewhere Piper wasn’t welcome. We continued our walk until we reached a cute Japanese/Thai place that had a large family already seated and eating outside, complete with a double stroller. The server seated us and we ordered right away. Piper had been  awake for awhile,  and was  hungry (and still so well behaved!!), so I finished my food and brought her into the bathroom for a feed (remember, she’s a quick eater). It was decided when we came back that we’d take her out of the carseat/stroller and I’d wear her im the bjorn. She quickly fell asleep.

Before:

She's shaded!

…and after

Knocked out!

So we put her back into her stroller and wheeled back to the car to head to Solvang.

Our room was lovely. We stayed at the Royal Copenhagen Inn, in a room that had just one room below it- but that room was being remodeled so we were all alone and didn’t have to worry about annoying anyone else!

Our room was large, with a spacious bathroom, a refrigerator, table and chairs, wireless and a big comfy recliner/rocker! That was actually my favorite part.

The big glowing window was actually stained glass, but the sun was shining right into it.

Piper was intrigued by the window (all windows had blinds on them).

What the hell?

Oh, you’re still here?

I don't know about this bright light, mommy.

The one downside to this room? CRAZY drafts coming from the window above the bed. I eventually took the spare blanket we were offered and put it in front of the window.

After we took our turns using the bathroom (and getting a diaper changed), we took a stroll around Solvang. I must say, it is glorious, but as we had just gotten there at 5pm, stores there close early. By the time we were out and about, it was six and nothing was open. We managed to find a little restaurant (The Viking Inn, I think it was called, or The Red Viking?). The food was good, nothing fancy, but Piper was welcomed and fussed over, so we were happy. Especially when the eblskivers came!

Finally, we retreated back home. Unfortunately, we found Piper had lost her buddy, Domo. Paul went back out into the chilly night to retrace our entire way back, even going into the restaurant to see if it had fallen then, no such luck. Sad.

Her second Domo, GONE.

We got her ready for bed with her usual non-bath routine: lotion, pjs and nurse. She was down by 8:30pm, and woke twice to feed that night. Luckily, the recliner was right above her bassinet which was on the floor, making the feeding easier.

The next morning we headed out to Mortenson’s Bakery (where we had two vouchers for fresh pastries/danishes and coffee/beverage of choice) to get our breakfast before breakfast. Yes, I said it. We ate our danishes then walked over to Paula’s Pancake house where there was always a wait. We got in line and waited to be called, Piper sleeping in her stroller. Finally we were called and seated. Piper woke up as soon as the food was brought. I had their special Dutch Pancakes and hashbrowns, Paul had a danish omelet and all the sides (meat, potatoes). Unfortunately, what I really wanted was the hashbrowns, which tasted like they were cooked with bacon fat. The girl said they were cooked with oil, but I couldn’t get the taste out of my mouth, so that one bite was all I had of it.

Look at the view!

Just lovely

After we did more shopping (picking up fudge and baked goods for family and a sun hat for P), we got our stuff together and headed for the outlets.

We spent 5 hours there. FIVE HOURS.

I bought Piper her first Osh Kosh overalls! This place is deadly for Mommies AND Daddies. Gymboree, Children’s Place, Osh Gosh, Carters! I got Piper two Easter dresses at Carters for $30.00!!

SO CUTE

Then, hours later, we ate dinner and left.

Mmmmm. Veggie sopes, tacos and enchiladas.

I hope to do it again soon. If only so I can go back to the Coach Outlet and get a new purse!