8.02.2011

California... Part 3

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Who's ready for the third and final post about our California vacation?  Let's get started...  After having a delightful time in San Diego, we packed the car and made our way up to Los Angeles. 

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As we drove up the coast we decided to stop in Dana Point and explore the tide pools.  My boy could have spent hours checking out all the little sea creatures and collecting shells.  We also stopped off in Laguna Beach.

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When we were making our plans for our trip, the boy requested that we stop at "that donut shop from the Iron Man movie."  As we drove into LA, we made sure to stop off at Randy's Donuts.  They make a mean apple fritter if I do say so myself.

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Our next stop was the La Brea Tar Pits.  I was surprised by how stinky the bubbling tar was.  The odor was so strong that I could taste it.  Yuck!

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The boy enjoyed exploring the Page Museum which is filled with all of the fossils that have been discovered in Rancho La Brea. 

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On our first night in LA, we went took a drive up to the Griffith Observatory.  After 
walking through the various exhibits inside the building, we took in the view of the city from one of the many observation decks. 

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While we were in Hollywood, we stayed at The Redbury.  The hotel, which was located at the corner of Hollywood and Vine, is right in the heart of all the action.  After spending our day in all the traffic and chaos that is LA, it was really nice to have a quiet place to relax.

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During our visit, we got to spend some time with my brothers (well, half-brothers to be exact).  They lived in Ohio with their mom and only lived with my family for two years when I was in first and second grade. 

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I am embarrassed to say that it had been years since I had seen either one of them.  It was really great to be able to catch up and to let them spend some time with the boy.

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As a side note, I have to tell you about our dinner.  My brother's suggested that we go have sushi at Katsuya, just up the street from our hotel.  The food was delicious, but insanely pricy.  In fact, I am certain that my boy ate $100 worth of sushi on his own.  Yikes! 

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In addition to taking in all of the touristy stuff in the heart of Hollywood, we took a drive out to the Santa Monica Pier.  We enjoyed a lovely brunch with my brothers at Shutters on the Beach and then enjoyed a walk on the the pier, complete with a ride on the roller coaster.  

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While we were in Los Angeles, we were treated to a VIP tour of Sony Pictures Studios.  I'll post pictures from our tour tomorrow. 

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After several fun-filled days in the big city, we made the drive back to San Diego.

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Before our early morning flight back home, the boy wanted to hit the beach one last time.  We spent several hours walking along the beach and enjoying the beautiful sunset.  

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The boy is already asking when we can visit San Diego again.  I hope it will be sometime soon!

2 comment(s). Leave yours!:

gretchen from lifenut said... Best Blogger Tips

I'm vacationing with you from now on! That wouldn't be weird, would it? ;)

That hotel room? Drool. Love it! This leg of your trip looked like it was a blast.

And you went to Dana Point? That's where Ryley went on his class trip this past April. They went to the Ocean institute. More warm fuzzy feelings about your vacation.

helen said... Best Blogger Tips

fantastic vacation!

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