We Didn't Do Disney

I begged and pleaded to go to Disney Land this weekend. It didn't happen. In hindsight it was probably for the best. As much as I'm dying to see Marcus' face light up with joy and delight when he meets Mickey Mouse, it's really hard to justify selling a kidney to enter the amusement park. Seriously, the Happiest Place on Earth also happens to be the Most Expensive Place on Earth.

Instead of putting our organs on the Black Market to afford a little fun, we found all sorts of fun - for free.

Weekend temps reached near 80, no way we were staying inside. A hike along the cliffs and coast was a no brainer.

We lucked out with no marine layer and had the best view of Catalina Island and Trump National Golf Course. 

Though we've made this hike a hundred times the view never gets old. 

Top left: Purple Sea Urchin shell. Top middle: Trump National Golf Course. Top right: Bird of Paradise.

Please excuse the grainy-ness, we had to "selfie"-shot this one.

Once we reached the water we let Marcus loose in the tide pools.

The little man LOVED it. There were all sorts of itty bitty sea creatures that we spotted.

Thankfully we ran into someone kind enough to snap a family pic.

Sweet, salty sea kisses. Heart. Melted.

Give the kid a rock and he's happy as a clam. Let him throw that rock and you've pretty much made his day.

The fun didn't stop after our cost and cliff adventures.

Post-nap we *needed* to get out of the house.

To the Red Car we went to snag a ride.

 It never fails, the Red Car puts even the grumpiest Grumpy McGrumperson in a good mood.

My favorite picture from the weekend.

There's even MORE to our fun filled free weekend, but if I keep going this post will never end.

Cheers to the Macke Family Free 99 Weekend!