Missing California !!!!

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Well, Mom and Dad, Krista, Bill and the kids have come and gone. Hard to believe the holidays are over. Watched the plane take off from Bob Hope (semi) International Airport this past Wednesday morning with Mom and Dad on board headed for San Francisco and then on to Toronto. It was great having the 'old folks' around and it's not the same without them. Miss them already.

Mom called from Peterborough about 11 pm their time Wednesday night and said the flight was fantastic. That's good 'cause we all know how Dad doesn't like the 'bumps' !

Currently their opening about 2 months worth of mail AND catching up on some sleep. Also apparently buying a STACK of new wool blankets because now that they've acclimatized to the Southern California 'winter' mom is now chilled to the bone !

Having them around has sure inspired a treatment for a new animation show about the funny things our mothers and fathers do as they age.... Look out next year for the 'Verne' doll. When you pull the string it will say things like.."What the Sam Hill!"......"Lin, where's my wallet?"......"I'm from up around the great lakes where it's a hundred below..where are you from.." oh, and one more neat little thing the new Verne doll will do, if you're within 6 feet, it'll just start talking to you.

In closing, thanks for being part of Mom's blog and sharing our family holiday. It was fun having you all along for the ride. And please, if you find yourselves in Southern Cali, drop on by.

All our love,

David, Maria, Tianna and Spencer.

PS Mom wanted me to post of few more photos from the last few days of their trip.
Enjoy !

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Photos

Griffiths Observatory
Spectacular day and a spectacular old landmark. The famous Griffith's Observatory high above LA. It was closed for 3 or 4 years I think. Totally refurbished. A MUST when you visit LA

Verne and Linda
Great shot of Mom and Dad looking back towards the 'sign.' from Griffiths Park Observatory

David and Meterorite
An actual hunk of space rock ! Fascinating and VERY heavy. This rock was most likely orbiting between Jupiter and Mars about a billion years ago. Puts it all into perspective doesn't it ?

LA !
We'll be back. What a wonderful time.

To the moon Alice !
Dad looking at the moon through the Griffith's Park telescope. Incredible view of it too

Universal Tour
This is where Spiderman went to see Mary Jane in her show, but he was late...remember ! Spiderman 1. This outdoor set has been used in MANY a famous movie for many years. The sets at Universal are spectacular.

Wysteria Lane
Rolled through the outdoor set of 'Desperate Housewives' on the studio lot tour at Universal Studios.

War of the Worlds
They took a real 747 jetliner and broke it in pieces for the set of War of the Worlds with Tom Cruise. This was very eerie.

Bad Boys, Bad Boys...watcha gonna do ..
Universal Studios Hollywood

Instant flood
Used in many films. This rushing water heads towards to tour trolley. Excellent tour if you go to Universal.

Great Mexican Food
One of David's favorite Mexican restaurants, El Torito in Toluca Lake. One of the MANY great Mexican places in LA ! fantastic authentic food and table side guacamole.

Table Side Mexican
No...really....a table side Mexican !!

My 'little' Mouse
Tianna !

Another sunset for Marylin
Taken from atop Griffith's Park. Beautiful Day coming to a close