Marriott's Newport Coast Villas
We also were able to snag coveted reservations at The Beachcomber for dinner.
I will confess that the most delicious meal was the first night at Z Pizza. I still think about that margherita. We also picked up scrumptious finds at Publix supermarket to stock our kitchen. I learned that raw sage honeycomb is about the most delicious thing there is.
The ocean at night is mysterious. We went back to the villa on foot.
SeaWorld, San Diego
July 2, 2024
It's been 20 years since Matt and I were there last. Kat was four, Mal, two. We've taken our two eldest, now it was time to take the two youngest.
I can't be without my belongings all day, so I had my purse. We decided to start with the rollercoasters since those lines tend to get long as the day goes on. However, it costs money to rent a locker (gasp! Other theme parks do not) and was super confusing. I knew I could stash my purse safely in the bushes. My family waited for me to do so. At the second coaster, I did the same. Sure, I felt a bit uneasy, but I was confident. I said, "This is a pretty good system."
But Graham said, "No, it isn't! It is a hassle, and not very safe."
Matt agreed, if my phone and stuff got stolen, it would be such a mess. He isn't a big roller coaster guy (I have to be choosy, myself), so he was able to sit with my bag when needed.
Matt agreed, if my phone and stuff got stolen, it would be such a mess. He isn't a big roller coaster guy (I have to be choosy, myself), so he was able to sit with my bag when needed.
However, on the last coaster, I tucked my sunglasses way down my top. As the corkscrew propelled us into the air and upside down, I felt my glasses slip right out and into oblivion. Matt reminded me how scratched they were anyway. I found a great pair at the gift shop. Not wanting my faux pas to be a burden, I used my credit card to buy them. Later, I realized that Matt's and my cards look the same—didn't realize I had been using his!
The shows at SeaWorld are entertaining but similar to each other. The first one with the Orcas was most impressive. Of course, Graham had done his research about the horror stories of past trainers who were killed by the very whale they were training. He shared these stories as we waited in line. I suggest that perhaps he should lower his voice:/
Graham has a great sense of direction. This map! It was getting me all turned around (maybe starting on the roller coasters wasn't such a great idea after all). As Matt squinted at his phone trying to direct us, Graham would walk confidently in an opposite direction, hands in pockets, sure of his step. It was always the right way.
One of the reasons I chose SeaWorld, was from an ad I saw about the meal card. I am a sucker for those simply because when you bring a teenage boy, or a teenager for that reason, to a theme park, the meal cost can add up real fast! This way it was a flat fee for as much as you can eat (well, there were some stipulations, but basically...)
We used the pass just as often as we were allowed.
We used the pass just as often as we were allowed.
I had mixed feelings about going to SeaWorld. Is it "Kosher" so to speak? The articles I read were mixed. Some said it is the best way to put your money into research to protect marine life, and that the animals you see are rescued. Other articles were conflicting. In the end, it was that darn meal pass that got me. "We're goin' to SeaWorld."
This photo was taken, no doubt, right before Graham veered off in the opposite direction as soon as a clearing opened up...
When Callie pictured SeaWorld, she pictured walking through a tunnel of fish. We had to make that happen.
On the other hand, Graham had not expected to walk through a tunnel of lights.
We were near the beginning of where the parade started. After cheering on the hokey dancers, we made our way to the other end of the park, only to find out that we were now at the end of the parade line—we had to watch it all over again to pass through!
Graham was trying to get to the last meal place before it closed. Ah to be young.
I couldn't eat one more thing.
SeeYa in 20 more years, SeaWorld!
Newport Beach Temple
July 3, 2024
Last time we were here, the temple was closed, so we were delighted it was open this time. The appointments are pretty spread out. However, we thoroughly enjoyed our time waiting on the grounds. Graham now says this is one of his favorite temples, because of said grounds. Whereas, Callie was perplexed as to why we were waiting out our time on the grounds rather than going somewhere else. But why would we leave the Garden of Eden?
Room with a View
Our room had a million-dollar view. I could see the ocean while at my morning yoga class.
Dinner on the patio?
Yes, please.
We had a somewhat early supper so as we could get to the theater. Graham especially was anticipating the prequel to A Quiet Place. I had to agree, out of the summer movie list, it was the best option.
We left with much to discuss. Feelings were mixed, and then the same. We concluded that the actors did their part. The special effects team did their part. I summed it up, "It just didn't need to be made."
July 4, 2024
Balboa Island and Los Angeles
We did not know what to expect on Balboa Island, however, we found parking relatively easy and walked to the ferry. The bay was alive with celebrations! We were surprised at the Trump flags and signs everywhere. Visitors??? Displays of Old Glory were everywhere!
We rented bikes and rode along the beach. We saw a lot of skin that day. It was fun watching everyone have a great time. Including us!
Callie, our CALIfornia baby.
We felt for the dude (he was a "duuuuuude") working at Cowafornia Ice Cream. One of the coffin coolers had broken, and he was madly trying to move all the ice cream into the other coffin while a line was forming. What a thing to have happen on the 4th. We were pretty bent on getting an ice cream though.
"We'll wait."
Graham didn't notice, till the next day, that he had left his earbuds at the movie theater. His phone showed the location. On our way from Balboa, we swung by the theater, and they were still there!
This is LA!
The evening celebration would be with Aunt Celia, cousin Willie, and other family/friends. Again, we had no idea what to expect. Would it just be us? Would it be standing room only? Was it a dinner? How long would the party last? We were playing it by ear. Flexible. Easy. Cool. Calm and collected.
First off, Willie is one of the most genuine, welcoming people there is. He had a target set up in the former dove pen and offered a cash incentive to the winner. Graham was a natural. I simply could not believe how bad I was. It wasn't that I couldn't aim; I got a hit on one of my first tries, but trying to find another target through the scope proved nearly impossible. I was getting dizzy.
Graham won by a "long shot."
Uncle Roy has been gone for just over a year now. Matt had a dream that Roy wanted his temple work done, which would require permission from Celia. He wasn't sure if this would be the right occasion, but he wanted to ask her in person.
As the night wore on and the fireworks frenzy got more intense, he wondered if this wasn't the best time. At one point, Callie was launching fireworks from her hands!
They unrolled something like 50,000 firecrackers down the road. The popping went on forever, it seemed. Graham and Callie were having a great time using the blow-torch. Willie asked if I wanted to try it.
I said, "Nah, it makes me nervous."
He asked, "So do you want to do something about that?"
I thought about it.
"Yeah."
I lit the next one.
In the heart of LA, the aerial show was going on around us 360°. The neighbors had pooled their money, headed to Vegas, and brought back a semi of fireworks to light. When I tell you it was a show...it was a show! There was so much food and we really enjoyed ourselves.
Then, as Matt and I sat on the lawn and watched, Celia pulled up a chair and we got to talk about how she is really doing. The conversation turned to Roy, and Matt asked the question he had come to ask. Celia said, "Sure! He loved you guys."
Matt attended the City Center Temple the following week. He began in the baptistry and continued through the initiatory, endowment, and sealing, all in one day. He could feel Roy with him.
Laguna Beach, CA
July 5, 2024
We always skip Lagoon-a-Beach when we go to Lagoon, however, we usually hit Laguna Beach when we go to Newport. We don't get the appeal of the actual beach though. It is so fraught with kelp, which keeps kelp flies in abundance. Matt found a bench while I walked the shops with the babes. We tried a crookie and a tart from the bakery. Sitting on the grass to enjoy a bite was quite lovely...and it was away from the kelp.
We enjoyed our time better at the pool. As I read my book, I marveled that, once again, I was seated by a big talker. I slid my phone through the chairs to catch a glimpse. He looked exactly like he sounded. The book I grabbed off the free cart at the library was the perfect summer pool read.
This is our third time at the Newport Villas. It is delightful. Callie swore up and down that Benson Boone was at the pool.
Graham had to git going. He caught a flight from John Wayne.
As we headed to the beach the next day, he sent a pic that he was already home...alone.
We, on the other hand, were not alone.
Crystal Cove
July 6, 2024
But I will say, the party vibe was real, and the people watching was great. I do wish I would have gone into the waves to tumble a bit—they were alive that day! It was fun to watch people get tossed.
We walked up the steps to the road for a burger at the famed Shake Shack. It was easy enough since we ordered on the app, but note to self, don't just stand there as the numbers after you are called. Your food gets cold.
What wasn't cold? MESQUITE!
July 7, 2024
Matt had booked rooms for us to take the trip in two days each way, but Callie was a trooper. She said she'd much rather just get up early and plow through in one day. I agree.
The theme song of the vacation was "Good Luck, Babe!" by Chappell Roan. I can't listen to it and not go right back to palm trees and sandy beaches.
