Every family trip holds its own special memories, and our recent getaway to San Diego was no exception. What started as a simple trip quickly turned into a day full of laughter, unexpected moments, and bonding — all captured through the eyes of my son, Darius, who took on the role of our family’s unofficial cameraman.
When the Son Takes Over the Camera
Darius, my teenage son with big dreams of becoming a YouTuber, decided to document our entire San Diego trip through a vlog. He insisted on filming a single long video instead of breaking the footage into several shorter clips. I admire his ambition and enthusiasm, and of course, I fully support his creative spirit.
Though he often teased me about how the camera “makes me look weird,” and I wondered whether it really was the camera or just my own awkwardness on screen, I didn’t mind. The important thing was preserving these moments — laughter, chatter, and all the little things that make family life so meaningful.
We were only in San Diego for a few days before flying straight back to Chicago, so we wanted to make the most of every second.
A Hungry Morning and a Lesson on Food Safety
As soon as we landed, my stomach reminded me it was time to eat. Following my usual routine, I had bought Chick-fil-A at the airport — biscuits and chicken nuggets — planning to eat them on the plane. But guess what? I completely forgot about them! Sitting there now, I felt a pang of regret, while Darius couldn’t help but laugh, teasing me about this well-known habit of mine.
Our hotel was a full-service type that didn’t provide microwaves or refrigerators in the rooms. They cleverly encourage guests to use their onsite restaurant. Luckily, I had a private room for the two nights, which gave me more freedom in managing meals.
During breakfast, an interesting discussion came up about who in the family had the “strongest stomach.” Darius proudly claimed he could eat food left out longer than most people, which made me laugh — especially since he follows FDA and USDA food safety guidelines pretty strictly. I told my husband he was the real tough one when it came to stomach endurance, while I just preferred to play it safe!
I also took the opportunity to warn younger viewers about the dangers of “fried rice syndrome.” It’s a serious illness caused by eating rice or pasta that’s been left out too long, allowing bacteria to multiply rapidly. There was even a story about a college student who ate pizza left out for a week — definitely not something to try at home!
Unexpected Observers and Weather Warnings
While filming, I couldn’t shake the feeling that someone was quietly watching us. I tend to be cautious about these things, though Darius jokes that I’m overly suspicious. Still, when you’re in the public eye, even just a little bit, it’s smart to stay alert.
Later, when we headed down to the sixth floor to grab our rental car, the air felt cooler than expected. The weather seemed to have changed, and others around us were also preparing for a chillier day. It was a small reminder that travel always brings a little unpredictability.
Golden Hour and Refreshing Cocktails
In the late afternoon, we soaked in the beautiful “golden hour” — that magical time when sunlight is soft and glowing, perfect for filming and relaxing. Darius introduced us to some adult beverages we’d been sampling — Cutwater canned cocktails with 13.3% alcohol by volume. While I’m not usually a fan of drinks with high alcohol content, the warm sunshine made the experience surprisingly enjoyable.
There was also a lighter option with just 8% alcohol, only 2 grams of sugar, and 160 calories per serving. Darius jokingly called this “college tips for the girls,” showing off his knowledge of drink choices. It’s amusing to see how much he’s picked up on these things already!
Grandma’s Sweet Surprise
The highlight of the day came when my mom — Darius’s grandmother — unexpectedly appeared on camera. She was amazed by the tiny camera Darius was using and asked with wonder, “Can that really record video?” Her curiosity was adorable.
Though she didn’t want to be filmed herself, I explained to her what we were doing. That little moment felt special — a quiet reminder that family stories are passed down and shared in new ways with every generation.
Morning Noise and Family Humor
A bit of morning commotion woke me up unexpectedly. At first, I thought someone was making noise near our room, but everyone denied it. Darius teased me, saying I must have been snoring — something I absolutely denied with laughter! Moments like these are the real flavor of family life, filled with teasing and warmth.
Exploring San Diego’s Food Scene
We left Bob Evans and made our way to Findlay Market, a bustling place full of fresh foods and lively atmosphere. I kept mispronouncing the name, which Darius patiently corrected more than once.
At the market, we sampled different types of pickles — kosher and dill varieties. I couldn’t really tell the difference at first, but they definitely had distinct flavors. The dill pickles were very popular and disappeared quickly!
There was a section selling chicken, but it looked less fresh than usual — not the bright red color I expected. Since chicken can spoil quickly within a day or two, I was cautious. There were also chocolate tarts, but they were vegan, so a bit different from traditional ones.
Evening Games and Nostalgia
Back at home, we decided to play “Cities,” a classic game where you name cities from around the world. It quickly turned chaotic as everyone mixed up city names with state names — Chicago, Milwaukee, Memphis, Sacramento… it got so confusing we eventually had to stop.
Darius reminisced about other college games like “King Cup,” games I remember playing when I was young. Time really flies, but some things never change — the joy of playful competition with family.
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Funny and Memorable Moments
At one point, Darius teased me for looking like a “lunch lady” because of the shirt I was wearing. I protested but couldn’t help laughing along. It made me think of the hardworking men and women who keep school cafeterias running — they truly deserve our respect.
I also mixed up a word during conversation, causing everyone to get confused. I thought I said “ticks” but ended up saying a word starting with “P” instead. It was a silly slip-up, and Darius kindly clarified for me, which made everyone laugh.
Wrapping Up a Perfect Day
Even with the occasional chaos and confusion, this is what makes our family so unique. We share laughs, have debates, and love each other through it all. Darius did an amazing job capturing these precious moments on film.
Before signing off, I made sure to give a shoutout to my husband’s TikTok channel, “Chilling with Walt.” He’s trying to grow his followers to join the affiliate program, and of course, the family is cheering him on every step of the way.
Our San Diego trip may have been brief, but the memories we created will last a lifetime. Sometimes the simplest adventures bring the most unforgettable moments — especially when your son is behind the camera, turning everyday life into a story worth sharing.
