California

Conferences are great mini get-aways that allow a little, much-needed play time. This November trip to the LA and Anaheim area was no different. In fact, it called for a few extra days of play.

Here are Cyd and I waiting to hop on the awesome Indiana Jones ride at the end of a long day in Disney Land where we rode every ride we wanted to and more, as we escaped from reality for a bit. Space Mountain was great, Captain EO was not. Splash Mountain was refreshing, the Finding Nemo submarine ride was not. Just fyi...

The Huntington Library and Botanical Gardens were an amazing escape. Surprisingly, the Desert garden was my favorite outside display and I took way too many pictures of cacti (for Melly-belly, of course) since they were about the only plants in bloom.

Next time I will have to visit the actual library since I spent the entire day lost in the gardens and British Musuem.

The purpose of this trip was initiated by the NAEYC conference, and here are some of our state UAEYC board members who were in attendance.


Cyd and I at Newport beach where I collected lots of seashells for the kiddos back home.

Now don't be jealous...Kim has a close relationship with none other than Richard Simmons and frequents his aerobic studio often on Saturday mornings. We worked out with many other fans, and yes - he does make you sweat to the oldies! He is a rare oddity that while one workout in person with him is plenty for me, I'm glad there are people in the world like him who help others be inspired to be their best.

I have never gone out of town before for a conference where I came back so refreshed and rejuvenated. Was it the California sun? Mickey's home? Quality Kim time? Whatever it was, I could use more of it!

Day of the Dead

Venice Beach is an interesting place: all kinds of "artists" displaying their goods in strewn out fashion along the roadside, strange men offering unsolicited affections, beach attire for sale, marijuana users in abundance, drum circle participants warming up for sunset, ghettoblaster dancing moves displayed without any music by seriously talent-depraved youth, abandoned twenty-dollar bills, and these two fine specimens - skull head one and skull head two - the perfect accessory for last minute halloween costumes. On Halloween the Forever Hollywood cemetary hosted a huge event called "Day of the Dead" that allows families to remember their deceased loved ones in an interesting fashion. Families can rent spots in the cemetary like you would rent a booth or table for a carnival and they set up a display on their deceased relatives that include lots of yellow and orange marigold flowers, bright colors, and skeletons. Many people paint their faces like skeletons, and there are bands and dancers and food. After a very long time waiting to find parking, and a longer time in line to get in, we were able to join the festivities in our not-so-skeletal costumes...
Thank you for the fun evening, Kimberlee, and for allowing my skull stick to stay with you (I do miss him...)