Santa Barbara | The Thankful Heart

Hello friends– Do you have fall birthdays to celebrate in your family?? We have a big one– Maryann turned 10!! So last weekend we trekked up to Santa Barbara for her “ten year old birthday trip.” Let me tell you, it’s big fun to have all that time to ourselves with our bright spunky girl!

We started out referring to our Birthday Fun Map– First stop was the Moxi Museum for kids. Maryann was in her element. Hands on exhibits using light, art, sound, movement.

Then we were off on the Little Toot tugboat tour of the harbor– the Captain even gave Maryann a turn at the wheel!

We made a Sunday morning stop at the Santa Barbara Mission–founded 1786.

Then dropped in to stroll through the lush Santa Barbara Zoo.

We picked out our favorite pieces at the SB Art Museum– and puzzled over a few we were unfamiliar with.

And we rounded out our day with a tour through the historic courthouse– up the tower for views across Santa Barbara.

The sun was about to set when we headed back to deliver Maryann home.

We’re so thankful for days exploring with this sweet girl. Happy Birthday 10 year old Maryann!! Here’s to a great year ahead!

Hi everyone– Have you been to Santa Barbara??– one of the prettiest towns in California. It was a port on our recent cruise with our travel buddies, Paul & Sue. Here were our favorite parts of our day there.