California, here we come!

Bill and the kids loaded up the van the day after Christmas and took off to find their way to California.  They spent the night in Primm, Nevada, at Whiskey Pete's.  Nice name, huh?  Let's just say it wasn't their favorite place to stay.  On Sunday they drove the rest of the way to the house we rented in Hungtington Beach, CA.  Chris and Michele joined them there later that day.  I was treated like royalty and flew down on Sunday after church.  My back just can't handle the long car ride.

We spent some time in Disneyland, California Adventures, SeaWorld, Wild Animal Park, Universal Studios, and Crystal Cove State Park.  Going to theme parks during Christmas break is a mistake.  The lines were long, and the crowds were huge.  The best time to be at Disneyland was when it opened at 8 a.m. on January 1st.  Everyone must have partied the night before because the lines were short and you didn't have to navigate around lots of people.  I like it that way so much better.  Of course, by mid afternoon the crowds were back.

 

Tower of Terror!  This is the best ride in the world.  I laughed every time we dropped.

 

It rained for an entire day while we were there.  Not so pleasant.  We thought people would leave the park, but when you pay that much money, you are staying and having a good time whether you like it or not!

All decked out for the holidays!

Looking good!  A Bug's Life 3-D movie--it's a fun one!

We let our teenage kids go off together so they wouldn't be burdened with small children in tow.  While in the lines from eternity, they played a game with their fingers.  There was this group of guys in line who were watching them but couldn't figure it out and asked to be taught the game.  Great way to pass time!

Crystal Cove was fun.  While we were waiting for the tide to go down, Bill and the kids played in the ocean.  All the natives thought they were crazy.  It was the warmest day we had with temps in the 60s.  I even got a little tan line on my arms.  When the tide went out, tide pools formed.  We got to see a large sea star, anemones, crabs, barnacles, and the California Black Sea Hare (a huge, slug-like creature).  It was really cool.  Karl, Alex, and Kade made an impromptu golf course in the sand.

 

 

While were were playing, a boat caught on fire.  I had front row seats and watched as all other sea vessels came racing in to help (watch).  A helicopter came roaring in and circled around a few times.  I'm guessing it was the news.  Finally two Coast Guard boats showed up and put out the fire.  Then they had to tow it away.  Quite exciting for me--not so great for the owners of the boat.  I don't know what happened or even if they are okay.  I hope no one was injured.

 

I flew home Saturday night, and Bill and the kids drove home on Sunday.  It was a nice break away from home.  Now back to work and school.  I do love a routine, too.