California isn't the same without having grandma Helen there in person to welcome you with a huge grin, surprisingly crushing hug and a wet kiss on the cheek. Although I couldn't bear to drive by her old house, full of fantastic and adventurous childhood memories, we made it a point to go to Anaheim Memorial gardens. It is a beautiful and quiet place burrowed in the neighborhoods of Anaheim.
We took the girls to her gravestone and told them stories about their great-grandmother. Maci sang songs and told grandma all about the princesses and our adventure at Disneyland. You could feel that beautiful smile and cheerful laugh.......I can't wait to hear it again. I am so grateful to know that although this place is beautiful, it isn't her final resting place.
We took the girls to her gravestone and told them stories about their great-grandmother. Maci sang songs and told grandma all about the princesses and our adventure at Disneyland. You could feel that beautiful smile and cheerful laugh.......I can't wait to hear it again. I am so grateful to know that although this place is beautiful, it isn't her final resting place.
We ate at the Original Pancake house in her honor. Ah, the memories ;)
Next stop along memory lane.......Seal Beach. This is one of the beaches of my childhood. My Aunt used to live just a few blocks from here and we spent days here swimming, playing, shopping and running up and down the Pier.
It was pretty chilly mid-December, but that didn't stop Maci and Tan from paying tag in the tide. It was a surreal sight to see my own baby playing and giggling on he beach with her Daddy, just like I used to :)
What would the beach....or California for that matter, be without street performers? I'll have to admit this is was a pretty funny scene to behold....These two guys had this old baby grand loaded in the back of a beat up pick-up, resting on plastic crates, surrounded by old speakers and sound equipment, a scruffy dog....and lots of booze.
It wasn't much to look at, but they were pretty amazing. In fact, they will be featured in the So Cal Ragnar Relay this year!
Some man saw me standing on the Pier taking pictures of Tanner and Maci and asked if I wanted my picture taken.....Um.....NO! But he took my camera out of my hands before I could get that out, so here is my "please-take-my-picture-for black-mail-purposes" face. Lovely.
(I love the look on Leila's face like "did he really just do that?!?!)
Posing with the Seals......yeah we are total tourists. At least we are now. Once upon a time this was my territory :) good to be back!
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