San Clemente, Santa and Crazy Christmas Lights

The weather has been quite questionable this trip, so we haven't been able to properly enjoy the beach.  However, it didn't stop us from going!  Leos loves donuts, so while I was looking for parking for the San Clemente pier I found a mom and pop donut place that was recommended on google maps.  We stopped by and it did not disappoint.  Reviews from regulars mentioned that they often get free donuts with their orders.  I had never been to the place, so I wasn't expecting to get anything for free, but we did!  And the donuts were sooooo good!!!  I found a parking spot just before the paid spots and we walked to the beach.  While walking down to the beach, a free trolley passed by us! It was quite cloudy when we arrived, but while we were there, blue skies appeared! After the beach, I wanted to go to a nearby shopping center that boasted having the tallest Christmas tree in California.  When we arrived, I looked for the tree, but didn't find it.  Apparently, this year they scrapped the idea.  However, while walking around, I found Santa and had Amaya sit on his lap.  She did amazing!! She didn't cry at all!!!  Everyone was surprised!  Santa was happy.  I am sure he has to deal with a lot of crying babies, so I am happy that Amaya made his day a bit easier! Then we went to the headlands to watch the sunset.  When we got home, my mother told me that she wanted to see some Christmas lights.  Somehow I found a post mentioning a street that had a lot of lights and people were giving away free hot chocolate and cookies.  I put the location on my phone and drove just 10 minutes from my parents' place and was amazed at what we saw. We came across one road that looked great and there were several cars driving through it.  It wasn't the location I put on my phone though. Oh my goodness, once we got to the actual location I was absolutely AMAZED!!!! I couldn't believe that I would see Christmas lights like I did in my area. It was a cul-de-sac of at least 20 houses and ALL of them had Christmas lights except one house. The neighbors called him the angry elf of the street!  Three houses were giving away free hot chocolate and cookies.  I couldn't believe the Christmas spirit.  It was absolutely amazing.  Unfortunately, Leos and Amaya couldn't join because it was her bedtime and someone needed to stay with her.  

                                                very good donuts!!  bought 2, got 3 for free!!
                                                           

                                                            

                                                                    train so close to the ocean!

                                                                so happy to see blue skies!
                                                        
                                                            nice to be in a t-shirt
                                        

                                        

                                        
                                                a couple walking by offered to take our photo

                                        

                                        
                                                            sitting with Santa in his beach hut!
                                                         
                                                        a nice tree, but definitely not the tallest~

                                                            headlands!

                                        

                                                            beautiful free cookies!

                                                        lights going across the street!

                                                        another stand!