I LOVE CALIFORNIA!

A couple of weeks ago now, we took a trip to CA, one of my favorite places to visit. I lived in San Diego for nine years of my childhood and have always loved going back for a visit! Our oldest grandson, Josh, had a two week break from school. Yes, he's in kindergarten this year! So, we planned a special trip during his fall break. This was the first time for him to leave mom,dad, and little brother behind and go out of town with Big Papa, Gramma & Aunt Sherry!

The drive over went smoothly and then...we arrived at the resort. They made a little blunder and gave us a room with one king size bed. I'm no rocket scientist but even I quickly figured out this just wasn't going to work. So Big Papa and Josh took off to see what could be done. Shortly afterwards, I see Big Papa at the top of the hill in the parking lot, gesturing that Josh was coming back down the hill and then I realized he was stopping to vomit along the way! Thank goodness it was nothing serious and perhaps just a touch of car sickness (he's definitely his mother's son!). Our vacation was off to a great start!
Next stop, the beach, of course. Where else would you go on your first day in CA after spending five very long months in the Phoenix sun?

While we were in CA, we visited the San Diego Zoo and had a great time. We enjoyed the bus ride, lunch at the children's zoo and the skyfari ride. Josh even called mom on the cell phone while soaring above the animals.
Later in the day, we walked over to the Science Museum and had a great time with all the hands on activities, followed up by an IMAX movie about Mars, which was perfect because he was planning to be an astronaut for Halloween.

We ended the day with dinner in Old Town San Diego with everyone's favorite Uncle Rex and Aunt Lynn. After all, an evening visiting with Uncle Rex is as good as any other CA attraction!

Our main purpose for going to CA this time was to visit Legoland. We spent the whole day there and Josh was in seventh heaven. Of course, what five year old wouldn't be having a blast when having three adults spoiling him rotten???

Another MUST when visiting the San Diego area is Sea Port Village! There's nothing like sipping hot coffee or cocoa, feeling the cool ocean breeze, seeing ships off in the distance and being surrounded by shopping! Not to mention the famous carousel ride!

The trip went too quickly, as usual. I'm so thankful for the time with my family and especially for the special memories with Josh!

Two are better than one...

Tonight I had a wonderful visit, with a Christian friend, at Starbucks. Over the course of our visit, we laughed and cried together and then we laughed some more. Our evening was ended in prayer for one another. As I was driving home, I was reminded of our pastor's message from this past week..."Two are better than one, because they have a good return for their work; If one falls down, his friend can help him up." (Ecclesiastes 4:9, 10) I'm so thankful for my Christian friends...old and new...that God has placed along side of me in this journey of life!

The Bible verse goes on to say "Pity the man who falls and has no one to help him up!" It kind of reminds me of the old commercial where the elderly lady falls down and she's laying there crying out, "I've fallen and I can't get up!". Sometimes we need that outstretched hand from a loving friend to help us to our feet again because we just can't do it alone.

I'm guilty of overlooking friendship opportunities because I'm just too busy to take the time or I'm afraid to take a chance. Tonight was such a blessing, chatting with a friend, and I would have missed the blessing if I had chosen not to embrace the opportunity!

Thank you, Lord, for the gift of friendship!

Tagged for a Meme

Well, I guess I've been tagged for a meme...oh my...I'm not sure exactly how this works but here goes nothing. My daughter, Stacey(http://www.justmeandmyguys.blogspot.com/) tagged me and I guess I'm supposed to explain what the following words mean to me.

Pizza: When I think about pizza, I think about family fun nights. Our grandsons, Josh & Seth, love to go to PPP for pizza and games! We always have a lot of fun together laughing and being silly. It brings out the kid in all of us.

Friendship: Who can truly define friendship? When you find a true friend you know it and you cherish the relationship! There's a comfortable feeling when you're with a friend. It's kind of like putting on a comfy pair of PJ's...you're relaxed and comfy and can just be yourself!

Daisy: A few things come to mind when I hear the word Daisy. I had daisy's in my wedding bouquets. Daisy's are sweet and simple. I also had a bird named Daisy when I was a kid but she died. I think I'd rather remember the wedding bouquets!

Grace: I am immediately reminded of my heavenly father and the gift of eternal life He has given me through the sacrificial gift of His only son, Jesus!

G - God's
R - Riches
A - At
C - Christ's
E - Expense