Blue skies

I noticed there's less smog in LA; at least from when we were kids. Back in the 70's there were many super smoggy school days when we weren't allowed to go outside for Recess/PE.  It seems like the car regulations have made a difference.

Blue skies
Smiling at me
Nothing but blue skies
Do I see.

D-land fries

I have some new friends here that are senior missionaries.  They're potato farmers from Washington state and their potatoes are french fries at Disneyland (that's pretty cool, right?!?).  Of course I found some fries at Disneyland (in Tomorrowland near the Jedi training site)--and they were good!

The Hirschis

I visited the Hirschis the day I was roaming around the valley--just rang their doorbell and surprised them.  Ruth was my Merrie Miss teacher and is the one who taught me how to make bretzelis (she's Swiss).  Their house looks just the same inside and out.  Their yard is beautiful.  They gave me a few delicious oranges from their tree in the back yard.

Click here to read a funny story about the Hirschis.

Baby Emily

This is Emily.  And her mom (Jaime) and her grandma (Elaine).  Elaine was my YW president growing up.  I babysat Jaime's brothers.  And Jaime's great-grandmother was my piano teacher (and who I got my mint brownie recipe from).  Elaine and Jaime visited Boston years ago and I showed them 7 states in 6 days.  Emily is who I made this quilt for.  Us girls went to dinner one night in California and it was really fun.

Gracie

I met Grace for the first time on my trip.  Her mom Mindy and I were Van Nuys Stake seminary and girls' camp buddies.  Mindy is one of my favorite friends from my teenage years (and she married one of my brother John's friends).  When Grace was born I made a smock for her and she wore it to Famous Daves BBQ!

Being single's not that bad

California Adventure -- my first time

Erika and I also went to California Adventure.  We started out at Soarin' over California, had lunch, and saw the Aladdin show (it was really good).  Then Erika had to leave.  I went over to Screamin' California and decided there was no time like the present to go on a wild roller coaster--so I did!  It was really REALLY fun!!!

A day at Disneyland

I got to spend the day at Disneyland with my friend Erika who I met in the Arlington Ward about 22 years ago.  We had a fun day going on rides and sharing stories.  Neither of us had been on Splash Mountain and she said her kids would be shocked that she went on that ride!  Thanks for a memorable day, Erika!

Disneyland memory

We grew up an hour from Disneyland and went about once a year as a family and then add a bunch of Mormon Nights and a Grad Night.  I remember when I was a kid I always wanted one of these balloons before leaving the park but never got one.  Seeing this balloon last week reminded me that I was lucky I got to go to Disneyland and really a balloon is pretty impractical (after a day at the happiest place on earth).

More family

Wayne and Jules' youngest Hannah

My niece Emma practicing (I never practiced)

Daryl and Darlene (their oldest is Darcie -- for reals)

A not-flattering photo of me, Sumner (my nephew), and Jennifer my sister-in-law

I think that makes 19.  And I have more than one (green) sweater.

Daniel's fiance Kelly (their son Landon was faster than the speed of light and I missed getting a photo of him) and cute Sonia (who they call Sunny)

Daniel (nephew) and Sunny again

Me with Chuck (my youngest brother)

Aunt Shirley (I stayed with her -- she lives near Disneyland)

David Chidester between John and I (our grandmothers were some sort of cousins)

John and Robyn

Wayne and Julie (Jules) - I hadn't seen him since their wedding...15 years ago

West coast family

Most of my family is on the west coast (CA/OR).  I added it up and I think I saw NINETEEN family members on my trip and I think I have photos of almost all of them.  We'll start with Bob and Nan; my aging parents.

Slow motion re-entry

I'm a bit slow on the re-entry into reality (unpacking, laundry, blogging, etc.) but I did hang this heart garland up tonight.  Baby steps.

I saw lots of old cars in California

My trip to LA and Portland was really great.  The only thing on my list that I didn't do was go to the beach (but I drove by my old house five times).  Go figure.  Stay tuned for more stories and photos.

Superbowl Sunday (in the Minneapolis Airport)

I love to see the LA Temple...

...from Santa Monica Blvd., the 405 and the air.

Cousins Club

When we were kids and we traded cousins we'd meet half way between Van Nuys and Westminster in the Mattel parking lot.  Tonight we met (sort of) half way for dinner.  At Sizzler (one of Grandma Pitchforth's favorite restaurants).  It was fun to have half of us together (plus spouses and Aunt Shirley).  There was no shortage of laughs and fun memories.

Lunch

Picture project

Leaving LA (heading to Portland)