Couldn't Ask For More: Vacations

Showing posts with label Vacations. Show all posts

Friday, July 20, 2012

Playing, Building, Learning

Some may say my Papa (grandfather) was a junk collector. If you knew him you know he would NEVER consider throwing away a piece of copper wire, an old two-by-four, a rusty nail, or an unusable toilet. He embraced the unwanted and reigned as king over his junk castle. To him, these were ALL treasures and would one day be used to create a kingdom to be admired.

Radiator Springs Racers Video

We had the opportunity to experience Cars Land at California Adventure this week. Disney offered Annual Passholders one hour special event early entrance before the park opened to the general public. It was GREAT! Having this hour before the masses allowed us to take in the new land, photograph it and go on a couple rides.

If you're going to California Adventure this summer, and you would like to go on Radiator Springs Racers, I would highly recommend getting there at opening, rushing to the Fast Pass line or go on as a Single Rider. Otherwise, you're looking at a 3-4 hour wait. Who wants to spend a good portion of the day in line?

When we got in line with our Fast Passes the wait time was 210 minutes for Stand-by. By the time we got off the ride, Stand-by wait time was 240 minutes!! We don't even know how bad it got as the day went on. With our Fast Passes, our wait time was about 5-10 minutes. We rode alongside two gals who did the Single Rider line. They waited 45 minutes. Not too bad.

Here's the ride from our vantage point:

I will post more photos from our day. What a special day it was!

Thursday, April 19, 2012

Field Tripping with Grandma: The Mission at San Juan Capistrano

"When the swallows come back to Capistrano," Grandma began singing when I told her we'd be heading to San Juan Capistrano to field trip at the mission. Interestingly enough, this song was written and released in 1939 when my Grandma was 13 years old. This is the same age as our oldest son. It's fun to think of my little grandma as a 13 year old girl singing this song.

Grandma Gets Her First Mani & Pedi

We are blessed to have Grandma visiting once again. She arrived late last night and we're already filling our days with good times.

Today after schooling, a trip to the Goodwill, and swimming I asked Grandma if she'd like to go for a manicure and pedicure. At first, she looked at me with surprised eyes and then shook her head, "No." I asked why not and then asked if she took good care of her nails and toes. She proceeded to take off her white tennis shoes and socks, which are on from sun-up until she climbs in bed, to show me her little feeties. One glance and I said, "We're going in."

Spring Training Highlights Seattle Mariners (con't)

Okay, forgive me for making this a two-part post, but I was having photo posting issues. So this is a bit like Take 2: Mariners Spring Training vs. The Kansas City Royals March 14, 2012.

The cutie fans

This was an awesome almost save by Ichiro

Hi Ichi!

This is Danielle. She is Ichiro's biggest fan! Her mom (on left) said her room is covered with Ichiro posters. I took a number of photos of him to email to them.

Danielle

My cuties!

Thanks guys! Great game!

What a beautiful night in Peoria!

Spring Training Highlights Seattle Mariners

Living in southern California, hasn't changed how our littles feel about the Mariners. They are still a favorite team with the boys so we couldn't miss seeing them in action while in Arizona. And, they are great about signing autographs/balls for the kids. It's great when a team appreciates the fans.

The line-up against the Royals

Mike Wilson signing for the kids

Mike Wilson

Vinnie Catricala

The kids with Mike Wilson

Mike Wilson

Vinnie Catricala

Vinnie Catricala and to the left is one of "The Old Bats"

Mike Saunders and... leaning over-someone's agent

Mike Saunders and one of The Old Bats. The Old Bats know EVERYTHING about the Mariners!

Mike Saunders

Michael Saunders

The back of The Old Bats.

Story about the Old Bats...You can't miss their bright pink sign and white spiky hair. These quintessential Mariners fans sit along the first base line out toward right field. They are stocked with a line up of Tootsie pop suckers set out to entice the ambling players as they walk onto the field. Knowing who prefers the raspberry sucker over the chocolate or who hit a double recently appeals to the players. The players really seem to appreciate those who know the game and know the statistics. With game stubs in hand adorned with sticky notes of highlights of past games they call the players over, "Mr. Saunders, ..." and then they make small talk, ask performance questions, and ever-so-politely ask players to sign for the kids. Love it! These gals love their baseball! They keep score at every game and are willing to teach a baseball-know-nothing something.

We met these gals last year and when we hit the field in Peoria this year we kept our eyes out for The Old Bats. They were right where we left them last year. We were able to sit with them again and hopefully next year we'll find them in along the sidelines cheering on the team!