February 22, 2017

  • SoCal Trip

    On Feburary 19th, we headed to Southern California for some sunshine, beaches, USC tour, and Disneyland.
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    Veronica, Carlton, Étienne, Judy, and Steve
    Here we are on day one of Disney in California Adventure. For two days we opened the park, including an hour early for hotel guests, and at least Veronica and Carl closed it. Yes, two days in a row the two of them were at the park for the opening and also some of the last guests to leave!

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    Étienne is enjoying his new stuffie, hat, and is too excited to be driving on Autotopia.

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    Étienne really knows how to vacation. He is finally old enough to enjoy all the rides and has the stamina to last the day. This trip we let Veronica and Carl have the run of the park on their own. It warmed our hearts to see the two of them getting along and enjoying themselves. They returned each evening with great stories of all the adventures they had that day.

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    In the background is the original Disneyland sign that used to be at the parking lot entrance. Judy and I grew up seeing that sign everytime we drove down Harbor Avenue. Now it adorns the pool slides of the Disneyland Hotel. On the right is my photographic proof that Carl and Veronica are not taller than me! You be the judge.

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    Tuesday was our day at the beach. This is Huntington Beach, half a mile from the first house Judy and I bought after getting married. Veronica was born while living there, and Carlton was actually born in the house!

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    Here are just three facets of our California Girl enjoying the local sun, sand, and yes, a pelican.

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    Roni offers to take a photo for some park guests. They return the favor for another complete family shot.

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    Here is the rest of the family, it is hard to shine under the shadow of Veronica. This is Carl, Étie, Judy and Steve.

    One of the family favorites is the hamburger.
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    This is the Carl technique.

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    Keep all fingers away while Veronica is eating.

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    On our final night at Disney, we decided to watch fireworks from our hotel room. I called ahead and ordered champagne and strawberries to enjoy during the show. We turned on the television to hear the fireworks music and naration while sitting at the large bay window with its spectacular view.