*This is a long post but part of telling my story. Somewhere down the road, it will be fun for those in the pictures to look at and read the details.*
Eric's work took him to Los Angeles Thursday and Friday so the kids and I decided to join him (not at work) and do some site seeing and then he joined in on the fun for the rest of the weekend.
Eric left early Thursday morning then the rest of us left in the afternoon. We joined up for dinner and then roasting s'mores at the beach with his co-worker, Paul, and his wife Laura and 4 children. We had such a great time getting to know them. Paul is the brother of Harley Thompson who helped Eric get the job in the first place. Such a nice family.
Boston really hit it off with Isabel (8) - this was after they showered together (at the outdoor beach shower).
Friday morning we drove to the Santa Monica Pier and hopped on the Star Lines Bus tour. What a racket! When I was in 5th grade, I dreamed of meeting Ricky Schroeder and seeing where he lived. At 38 years old, I could care less where any stars live, where they might have died or what restaurant they filmed a movie at. The kids officially feel the same now. The bus tour was too long and very disappointing. Just giving my unbiased opinion.
We hopped off at "The Grove" for lunch and had a hard time finding a kid friendly place to eat. The place was packed (actually the whole LA area was packed) and settled for a yummy Italian restaurant that only cost about $75. I say only very lightly. I would love to bring Eric back here though.
We also hopped off at the Chinese Theater where a lot of movie premiers are held. This was the stop where the rest of the world got off the bus too. Crazy with people ooing and awing over the hand prints of stars in concrete. I was so done with the day by now I called Eric and asked him to come pick us up there. No more bus for us. You see, the twins thought they were going to starve to death, the bus didn't come very 20-30 minutes (more like every 50 minutes) and you wait by the curb only to be pushed to the side by rude people just arriving resulting in the kids and I having to stand in the front of the bus because there were no seats. These people wouldn't even make eye contact with me. I was seriously ready to open up a can. Instead, I called the number on the brochure, defending my frustration, and he told me I could have my money back. Thank you.
This is where I sat for about an hour until Eric found us on the corner of Orange and Hollywood. Good thing James Brown was there to keep me company (another story).
At least there are lots of interesting things to look at.
We concluded the evening with barbecue at Mr. Cecil's. Quaint spot with pretty good food.
The next morning we drove to Camarillo and met up with Eric's childhood friend, McKay Barlow and his wife, Rachel, and 4 kids. Another great family. Then we stopped off at Duke's for lunch to show the kids where we ate the first morning we were married. They loved the beach/surfer atmosphere.
Santa Barbara couldn't come soon enough. I love this town - the weather, less people, less traffic, clean, beautiful! We rented bicycles and were off and running. The kids wanted to ride all day.
The twins wanted to try this out but it required a license so it will have to wait until they're too big to fit.
For dinner we drove to Carpenteria to the Palm Restaurant where you can cook your own meat if you like. Eric was all over that. I stuck to the salad bar where the croutons are homemade oozing with crunch from butter.
Dan and Sadie and their extended family joined us here too. The kids decided to do a congo line after dinner outside the restaurant. Such fun they had!
McConnell's ice cream (made in Santa Barbara) concluded the evening perfectly.
Somewhere in our travels...Jackson taking care of his big brother Leighton (2 minutes makes him the big brother).
The home Dan and Sadie rented was amazing and we were lucky to be invited to hang out. It was located in the hills of Santa Barbara. The pool and back yard served as entertainment for most of the day. Leighton doing a sky dive
Hailey and Kennedy enjoying the hot tub with Boston prepped to jump.
Dan and Leighton...bonding.
Sadie knew I was coming so she stocked up.
Gino, Eric, Sadie, Frank and Olive
Angelo, Luca, Boston, Julian and Jacob
Los Arroyos topped the night off for dinner. Probably the best salsa and guacamole I've ever had.
The Mauriello Family was a blast to hang out with! Thanks for sharing your vacation with us.
Amongst it all, Kennedy's permanent retainer gave way on one side. After a few tears and a trip to Home Depot for some wire cutters, she was all fixed up.
I know I did some complaining in the middle of this post, it's all part of what keeps things interesting and adventurous. If things went exactly as planned, that would be boring. We had such a good time that we didn't want to come home. We waited until 9 pm Sunday evening hoping to avoid traffic and touched down in Henderson at 3 am. Sweet dreams.
Today was the first day of public school for all the kids. Not one of them looked back as they left the door or my side. No attachment around here.
Thing 1 and Thing 2 are developing their own sense of style. I have no say in the matter.
Jackson couldn't wait to wear his "Too Cool" shirt and use his new binder and bag. He's in 4th grade and his teacher is Mrs. Taylor (his kindergarten teacher).
Leighton likes to add a little more to his style. The plaid shorts are his favorite. He's in 4th grade too and Mrs. Kearns is his teacher.
About the only time the twins can touch Boston and not be intending to beat him up.
Boston stalked this "jacket" out at Old Navy for weeks and it finally came on sale. He's wearing a Phineas & Ferb shirt underneath that he just had to have. Ms. Leverence & Mr. Rosensteel are his teachers because there are 43 kids in the morning class.
As Boston was walking out to be picked up, Rich Butler was making jokes about Boston's size. I assured him we would give him Boston's hand-me-downs.
