Back From California

We had a great time in California. 2 1/2 members of the family got sick while out there, but not to disrupt our vacation! We did get hung up on the way to the apartment due to that unfortunate train wreck. The following day, Saturday, was spent lounging around the apartment and the pool, simply relaxing and adjusting to the time change. Sunday all but Courtney headed out to the Reagan Library to check out the exhibits and Air Force One. On Monday, my Dad had to make his one day appearance at work, so us ladies took another day to hang out and relax. I took Josie over to the children's play area at the local mall, and met some nice mom's and kids. Josie made friends with "Raymond" and followed him thru the play area. Tuesday we were off the the Santa Monica Pier and beach, where Josie had her first ocean experience. It was great. The pier is fun and there were rides that we all enjoyed. Wednesday we spent the afternoon at Universal and City Walk. At Universal we went on a nice tour of the sets of many shows and movies. Then rode the Simpsons ride (which was AWESOME) , as well as a few others. Then we were off to Wolfgang Puck's for some delicious food. After dinner, Courtney and I hung back to go bar hopping while the grandparents took Josie back for some good sleeping! Courtney and I had a great time, so great in fact that stories can only be told in person! We enjoyed and expensive taxi ride home. For our final full day in Cali, we put on our comfy clothes and headed to the Santa Barbra Zoo. Josie and I fed the Giraffe, then the giraffe licked Josie! She did not think it was so funny. We did some photo op's (seen above) then headed back to pack and relax and go for a swim before our big day of travel back to Michigan. We landed back in Michigan at 8:00pm on Friday night, by the time we got our luggage, got our ride and made it home it was after 10:00. The nice thing about the time change on the way back though is that Josie went to bed at 11:00 only to wake up at 9:30!!! (which is right on for her California schedule). Please feel free to browse my flikr to see the details of our trip and Josie's Birthday party on Saturday. Enjoy!