Friday, November 21, 2008

Southern California Fun

The Gines' always make an annual football trip.  We either go to Las Vegas or San Diego.  This year we went to San Diego.  Keith and I, Adam and Jess, Travis, Natalie and Addison, and Kelli and Jeremy (who celebrated their 1 year anniversary) went.We got cheap flights on JetBlue and were gone for 6 days.  Six wonderful, sunny, warm, happy days.Addison was a fabulous baby. She is so sweet and even tempered, even when she is sick.  She talks and smiles and is an absolute doll.
It was so warm - 88 degrees - we went to the beach and the boys had a great time body surfing. They had so much fun, we bought boogy boards and went back the next day.  That was great fun.  That is until Trav couldn't find the keys to the rental car.  You know, they just don't stay in you swim suit pockets when you're taking on the big waves of the ocean.  
We were able to stay in the Marriott Vacation Club in Newport Beach. (Thanks Kelli!)  This is the view from our balcony. Yes that's the ocean you see. We were well taken care of and the resort is beautiful. 
The boys and Kelli went to the football game.  They took baby Addi with them. (Can you say blowout?)  Natalie, Jessica and I went to Hollywood to see "Wicked." This is my all time favorite musical.  It was stressful getting there - way to much traffic.  Fortunately, Keith had bought a Garmin and we found the place just fine.  The play, however, was fabulously wicked. 
I talked the kids into going to Universal Studios.  Things have changed since the last time I was there and the Mummy ride is an absolute kick.  It was smokey from the fires, but what a great time of year to go, warm weather and NO CROWDS.  You get right on the rides and can go as many times as you choose.
This is the sunset from Universal.  Gorgeous isn't it.
Disneyland was great, no lines no waiting.  I've never been there when it was like this.  We went on everything we wanted to in both parks as many times as we wanted.  The only bummer was that Natalie had the flu.  She tried so hard to enjoy the day, but just felt too awful.  I felt so bad for her.  Travis was a sweetheart and took to the hotel and stayed with her.  Sometimes the kid surprises me.  This is Addison's first ride, "Pirates of the Caribbean."  She loved it.  (Sorry, I don't know how to turn the picture.)
My favorite ride is the Tower of Terror.  Keith hates it and opted out after the first 2 rides. See us all on the front row. LOVE IT!
I don't know whose great idea it was to go on Splash Mountain after dark, but hey, no line.  So we went --- 3 times! Each time changing positions in the canoe.  I have never seen so much water splash up on the side of the ride - and on us.  We laughed so hard, but boy were we wet when we got done. Jeremy is taking the picture and he is wetter than all of us.  Yes, that's wet, not just dark jeans.
It was a terrific trip, now if we just didn't have to come back to real life and go to work. Booo! 
I love going in vacations with my family.  We have so many great memories and really do enjoy  each other's company.  Thanks all for a fab trip.

3 comments:

TravandNat said...

Yeah for a fun post with Pictures!!! It was a fun time. Thank you for making plans like this and including us..I don't think there is a better thing to spend money on!! Love You!

The Whitney's said...

This was the best trip ever! I loved every minute of it. I feel bad the Nat was sick, but still a great trip!

Katie Jo said...

looks like a great time!! Next time i need to come!