California Dreamin'

So I've been back from California awhile now and I still haven't blogged. This was one post that I just seemed to have a block on. I couldn't get back into the swing of blogging again...so here goes.

On Thursday October 2nd I went to work and knew that that afternoon I was going to hop a plane to California. It's kind of a surreal feeling to be sitting at your desk that morning and know that you'd be with loved ones on the west coast by the end of the day. It still amazes me how we can travel so freely and quickly.

Anywho... I arrived last in the group and found my way to the rental car. I realized that I really should have used a suitcase with wheels. We have several, probably 5 of them, but I chose to use a suitcase, dufflebag style that began to crash and scratch the outer layers off of my calf as I walked (limped) toward the rental counter. Luckily Long Beach airport is very small and I only had to cross the street and I was there. I got my cute little Mazda something zoom-zoom compact car and met up with the clan. They had arrived about an hour earlier and had gone to get something to eat. It all worked out pretty well. We were on our way to Dana Point and our first night. We arrived there about an hour later and it was dark. We quickly found our bedrooms and sleeping arangments and even achieved a quick grocery run to get us through the following morning. It was great to see everyone and be on our own schedule.

That first night I volunteered for the airmatress becuase it was in a room with blinds and I wanted to sleep in (one of my favorite things). Well, sleeping on a cold air matress is...cold!! I tossed and turned all too long and was one of the first people up in the morning, but it was still ok since I didn't have any responsibilities for the day. It's amazing how little sleep you need to just take care of yourself. I was fine.

We had a fine breakfast and were able to take in the incredible view of the house!!
As you can see we were up and about 1/2 a mile from the ocean. It was incredible. We had a patio outside where I frequently found myself reading my book and/or sitting and watching the happening of the sea (surfers, fishing boats, helicopter tours, birds, etc.) It was very peaceful.

In the morning we went for a long walk along the beach and back up through the neighboring Ritz Carlton property. It was a hilly walk and the beach walking was surprisingly strenuous too. After that we went to Costco (where else do you go to feed the masses) and got enough food for our army. We really wanted to eat in a lot and enjoy being together and saving a little money too. We got everything in order and headed to the beach. It was great to play in the sea water and get tangled in the seaweed that was very plentiful. We were looking for seashells and getting a little sun time. It got dramatically cooler about 4pm and we headed for the comforts of the house. We had a great dinner (thanks Lisa!!) and an evening of talking and visiting, followed by 2 movies (I only made it through one!) That night I opted to take my chances sleeping in another bedroom---the bed with Allison and baby Camden. He was an angel and I got a great night's sleep.

Just take a look at this cutie:
The next day was General Conference for our church ( a broadcast from SLC) that we watched on the TV after we had a great breakfast (what's vacation if you don't eat well!!). It was inspiring and uplifted to hear those great talks and ideas. Then we headed out to the Orange County Swap Meet. We weren't looking for anything in particular, just all those things we didn't know we needed. I didn't find anything, but many of the group got new sunglasses and a new purse, shirt, or scrapbook supplies too. We also ended up near the produce sellers who were selling fabulous fruits and veggies at incredible prices. We got clams of raspberries 3 for a $1 and there were key limes, peaches, oranges and more. If I lived there I would have been in heaven every weekend!! Here's Cynthia with her cool new green purse:

After walking around for all those hours we needed more food. This was our one outing out to dinner. We went to a place that Sandee knew about that was good food with a great view. Well, the view was "under construction" and all covered up, but it was good food. Here's a shot of some of the group enjoying our dinner:

That night was again followed by a walk on the beach and more visiting (we can really talk!!) That night I slept on the Futon in the family room and it was great too. We didn't sleep in like I thought we would but it was plenty of sleep and again, no responsibilities so I didn't need a lot. Sunday was of course, a Sabbath day, filled with General Conference and a walk on the beach, followed by a church movie, "Emma, my story". It was a very inspiriting and uplifting day. It was sort of a renewal for all of us mothers, sisters, students, wives, etc. It was a great getaway to get recharged and ready to head back to our families.

Monday was the final day for most of the group. We packed up our things and cleaned up a little bit. Some of the group were heading to the beach and some wanted to head to the Aquarium in Long Beach. I was able to meet quickly with two old roomates from BYU and grab lunch at the Harbor. It was great to see them again after 13 years or more. It was quick, but fun. We then said some goodbyes and headed to the Aquarium. We really enjoyed the aquarium and found some fascinating things. The most incredible thing I learned about was this shark egg.
I don't know exactly how this worked, but this was pushed up against the glass and you could see the little guys in there. They were set to "hatch" in January. It was fascinating.

After I dropped everyone at the airport and made my way home in the California rush hour traffic I came to the house and got to enjoy this sunset. It was by far the most beautiful sunset we'd seen so far.
The next morning I got up and said goodbye to Cynthia (who was driving home to Arizona) and drove again in the rush hour traffic to the airport. I had a peaceful and uneventful trip home and a joyful reunion with my family. This was a great trip and I'm so glad everyone worked together to enjoy ourselves. We did it!!