Huntington Beach; Baseball Game
The first day in California, after a quick breakfast at the all-too-famous Denny's, we spent some time at Huntington Beach. Some of the family crazies (pictured above) spent their time in the freezing cold ocean, while the rest of us watched for sheer entertainment. Again, Landon was so funny to watch. He kept saying "I've never done this before" because he hadn't ever been to the ocean - and he sure lived it up! At first he was a little shy and just stuck his feet in, but by the end he was soaked from head to foot and didn't know whether to laugh or cry about it. After walking out on the pier and enjoying the scenery we headed out to Anaheim for an Angels MLB game. There's just something about being at a professional sporting event that is so dang fun!
Later that night, after a bit of confusion finding San Pedro, Doug and I took off for a little alone time. We had dinner in Torrance and enjoyed driving around exploring the LA suburbs. I couldn't have been happier that night to stay in a nice hotel, and even happier to sleep in a bed rather than a car!
Cruise Ship
I just can't say enough about the cruise ship! We got on the ship Monday afternoon and everyone was just amazed at how big it was. My favorite part of each day was the formal dinners we all had together. The food was AMAZING and it was all you can eat, which was the best part! We kept busy with the after-dinner shows, the chocolate buffet, and shopping (Doug bought a nice watch he had been wanting for his birthday!)
San Diego
Our first port was on Tuesday to the great town of San Diego. As soon as we looked around the port from the ship Doug noticed right away the enormous Navy boat docked just yards away from us. Doug, Landon, James, and I spent the next 3 hours touring the USS Midway, a Navy ship which was retired and now docked as a museum. It really was quite interesting to hear the stories about life for the Navy men aboard the Midway and the 3 wars the US Ship went through. They even had old Navy aircraft which you could get in and tour. It really was quite fun. After that, Doug and I split from our brothers and toured a few more ships around the dock - an old pirate ship, Russian submarine, and an old ferry boat. Needless to say, this was Doug's favorite part of the entire vacation!
Catalina Island
Our second port stop was to Catalina Island. I love this little island. It reminds me so much of Park City - fun little souvenir shops, cute cafes, and beautiful scenery. We walked around the town of Avalon, to the old casino, then stopped at Olaf's for the best ice cream triple decker I'd ever had :)
Ensenada, Mexico
Our third port was to the city of Ensenada in Baja Mexico. This was what I was most excited for, because I knew how much our families were going to love it. We took a guided tour bus the 40 or so minute drive out to the shopping district and La Bufadora (one of 3 natural blow holes in the world). Although the tide was low and La Bufadora wasn't very good at "bufing" we had a GREAT time shopping at the flea market. It is crazy how much you are hounded at the market by local salespeople, however that is what makes it kinda fun. I love shopping here because you come away with the great things at a bare minimum cost. These people will bargain with you until you're red in the face! Doug walked away with an Indian Jones-type leather hat
and I got a magnetic necklace I had been wanting ever since Allison came home with one months ago. The best part of our extravaganza was eating the authentic Mexican tacos at a local street vendor. They were absolutely delicious...what I wouldn't give for a few more of those babies!
As you can see, this cruise was a total success and already people are asking when we're doing our next vacation!
5 comments:
It looks like you had so much fun!! I am jealous that you went to a baseball game, I didn't know you were doing that too. How fun! I can't wait to hear all about it.
Holy cow.. millions of slide shows! I love them.. but still can't figure out how to put them on my own blog yet.. Anyway, the cruise looks like you had SO much fun again.. I'm assuming you did, and yes, you were my inspiriation for wanting to be on Deal or No Deal..so if I ever do get picked one day.. I'll credit it all to YOU!
that was so much fun we have to do it again and we got so many pictures i need to look at them.
not to be snoopy of anything but what about deal or no deal? well hopefully we get to do it again it was soooooooooooooooooooooooooooo fuuuunn
SO JEALOUS!! It is fun to hear what you did, rather than just see the pictures. Some day, Ri and I REALLY need to do that!!
Erin & Doug ~ We really enjoyed your blog and pictures. Glad your cruise went well. We also toured the Midway in San Diego and thought it was worthwhile. We're looking forward to your trip to Mpls later this summer! All our love, Uncle John & Aunt Marilynn
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