Day 15 - Part 2

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I don't know who this is. If anyone is a soap addict, you might recognize her. Kent was able to get some good shots of a few of the soap stars.
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PCH Tour 2007 Day 15

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Chandra Wilson plays Dr. Miranda Bailey on Grey's Anatomy. She was hosting the Daytime Emmy's Red Carpet Show for Soapnet. Kent got a few pics of her.
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Day 14 - Part 2

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When we left the hotel for the drive to Universal Studios, we turned onto Hollywood Blvd and saw all the commotion at the front of the Kodak theatre. Kent had gone out earlier in the morning to see what was going on near the hotel and Elizabeth Hasselbeck was doing a promo for the Star on the Walk of Fame that Barbara Walters was about to get! We couldn't see Barbara but as we drove by, there was a loud thunderous round of applause that was probably right when she pulled the cover off of the star. I was able to videotape it but there were too many people in front of our van to see or hear anything.
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PCH Tour 2007 Day 14

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We went to Universal Studios Hollywood today. It seems to be the least favorite of the parks we visited so far. Although the lines weren't long, there is a reason for that. The studio backlot tour was lame and we have several of the rides down in FL so I figure many people have seen it there and don't bother to go here! The scenery for the park along a mountain, is great. Probably the best thing about the park. Shrek 4D was pretty good and the Terminator 2 in 3D show was impressive. The Jurassic Park ride got us soaked! Not bad for cooling down in the 80 degree weather.

Even though the backlot tour wasn't so good, we did get to see Wisteria Lane and the actual place where some outdoor scenes were filmed in the movie War of the Worlds.
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Notice the cool duds KJ is sporting! He got many looks today and one of the park employees asked him where he got his belt buckle...the new one from FSAS! He was stoked!!!

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Day 13 - Part 3

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Corona, CA FSAS store excursion.........................$338
Trip to CA to get it home.....................................$12,000
The aura coming from KJ while in the store.....priceless
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Day 13 - Part 2

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After the very long day yesterday, we slept in and drove to Corona, CA for "All About KJ" day! He had a ball looking at all and only all Famous Stars and Straps clothing and other paraphernalia.
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The outside of the store.
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PCH Tour 2007 Day 13

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We took a 3 hour tour around Hollywood, Beverly Hills and Bel-Air in a stretch limo. It was a nice tour with a guy who definitely knew his way around the hills. He works as a cameraman during the day for shows like Judge Judy.
In this pic, you can see the Hollywood sign behind us.
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Day 12 - Part 5

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Well, Finding Nemo wasn't worth 5 hours but....
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We got up at 5:30 am, rushed out the door by 7 am and then tried to wake up while in line for the 3 hours between 8:15 and 11:15 am!!! This was the amount of time it took to be a part of the opening celebration of the new ride at Disneyland. (There really isn't anything worth 3 hours to wait for except the excitement of being a part of it. And the fact that we may never see this ride again.) After the ride was over, we went across to the park that we stayed at for the rest of the day. And a long, happy day it was!!!
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Day 12 - Part 4

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"All About Teagan" Day

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After riding the ferris wheel, we headed for Ariel's Grotto for Teagan's princess dinner. She was so excited and was grinning from ear to ear!!!
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This was the picture taken as we were taken to our table. Ariel, herself, comes out to take a picture with you (which you pay for, of course!!!) LOL
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Several princesses came to each table after being announced by the town cryer including Belle, Snow White, Aurora and Mary Poppins. On our table were 5 pins to commemorate the occassion. What an awesome day!!!

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Day 12 - Part 3

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No park is complete without a water ride. This one, after dinner, was a bit cooler! They still had fun.
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Happy campers!!!
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Day 12 - Part 2

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This is another one of those pictures that is worth a thousand words!!! And laughs, too!!! It isn't often that you catch Karl with a grin like this without a pose for the camera. This was truly spontaneous!

This ferris wheel was a bit different. There were stationary cars and others that moved within a circular path while the wheel was in motion - similar to a rollercoaster rolling down and up - only, within a small space. You had to be on this to understand it. (Look at the picture of the day, and you can see the cars that are stationary on the outer wheel and the others that go around in a circle that appear on the top and right, nearer to the center. They are going around each oval as the entire ferris wheel goes around.) There was a 45 minute wait. I wish they had one of these in FL. It would be packed all the time.
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PCH Tour 2007 Day 12

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The picture of the day was for the next destination. The sister park to Disneyland...California Adventure. This reminded us of MGM Studios but also had a Boardwalk similar to the one in Ocean City, NJ. You can see the big ferris wheel in the background.

And I did bring my jacket which I put around my waist for the daytime hours - I needed it at night again. The temp was about 80, with the sun, but back down into the 60's after dark. We arrived just before 8 am and stayed at Downtown Disney for the fireworks at 10 pm.

The park is set up so closely that when you get off of the tram, you can walk to either park. They are directly across from one another. And Downtown Disney is along the outskirts of California Adventure. There isn't nearly as much space here in CA.
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Day 11 - Part 2

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The first ride we rode on was the "It's a Small World" attraction which I loved when I came here at 8 and 10 yrs. old. The building is so much more impressive than the Magic Kingdom and when the sun hits on the gold trim, it is so bright that you need sun glasses! Every hour the clock strikes the hour and all the little dolls come out and spin around on a path from the front of the clock (which opens) to the sides. They are dressed in their costumes (that you see in each "room" when you are on the ride inside).

You get on the ride outside and the entire ride is at least 3 minutes longer than WDW. Our wait was maybe 5-7 minutes outdoors but with 67 degree weather. It is worth seeing if you come to CA.
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Here is a view of the attraction sign. You can see a small portion of it on the far right in the first picture.
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Okay, "It's a Small World" is much bigger and better in CA than in FL but the castle at Disneyland, well, as Kimmy would say,"Not so much!!!"
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A back view...too small for even your average princess.

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Of course, what vacation would be complete without scheduling your park day on the first day of a new ride?!!! The park was packed on this day. But, we refrained from standing in the 5 hour line to see the refurbished "20,000 Leaues Under the Sea" ride which is now the "Finding Nemo" submarine ride.

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PCH Tour 2007 Day 11

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The picture for today is the first Disney Park which opened in 1955...before some of us were even born!!! ;O)

Once again, we started the day off with jackets on. It warmed up to mid 70's by the midafternoon and back down to low 60's after dark. Another great day for outdoor vacationing.
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PCH Tour 2007 Day 10

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Today was all about catching up. We left San Diego and drove about half way to LA...maybe an hour before we stopped to do the dirty deed....laundry!!! UGH!!! A must when you are traveling for 19 days. Plus, we needed our jeans clean for the cooler nights that weren't expected.

After settling into the hotel room....the Renaissance Hollywood Hotel...we drove out to the PCH once again to take in the breathtaking views of Malibu, Pacific Palisades, Santa Monica and Topanga Beach. The homes along the shoreline and above us along the mountain ridges were spectacular! They had to be 10,000 sq ft homes and up...with multi-million dollar price tags to go with them!!! Wow! We were impressed. In the picture, you might notice that everyone was sporting the Famous shirts from Travis Barker's clothing company. (KJ's favorite!) You can't see mine but I am wearing the "Family" one. (Click on the word "Family", then click on the word "Store" when you get to the web site, scroll down about half way...right column...there is a girl's baby t with the word "Family" on it. See it? That's like mine!) We were going to take KJ to their store but it was Sunday and they are closed. Bummer for him but we will get him there before we leave!!! He has been patiently waiting for the moment when he steps foot in his idol's place of business!!!

Dinner was at Marie Callender's restaurant. Tastes even beter than her tv dinners!!! THe chicken pot pie was scrumptious. Plus, we bought some pieces of pie to eat back at the hotel. Karl and Teagan had a decadent chocolate covered strawberry pie....yummy!

Tomorrow is the opening of the new Finding Nemo ride at Disneyland, our scheduled destination. We may be in line all day, who knows?!!!
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PCH Tour 2007 Day 9

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Day 9 was Seaworld of San Diego. We were there all day...and into the night. We left at 10:30 pm and had to get up the next day to move on to the next hotel. The day was wonderful. The weather was in the high 60's...I think it might have even hit 71 or 72 degrees.

The shows are set up like the ones in FL except for the fact that there are no covered venues for the whale, dolphin or sea lion shows. The sun isn't as hot but can still burn you. I guess they don't have nearly as much sudden rains as we have in the south.

We watched the two night shows called "Shamu Rocks" and "Sea Lions Tonight" and saw Riptide on our way out. All were very creatively done. Those otters steal the show, though!!!

We left San Diego with great memories to share when we get back home.
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Day 8 - Part 4

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Picture of the day is a funny story...I have been cold for the entire trip. Having to wear a jacket and sometimes one or two sweatshirts underneath. Today was no exception. So, I had Kent drop us off at the front and quickly get some visitor take a picture of us with the sign in the background. (So I looked like I've been changing clothes!!!) Then, we jumped back in the van, parked and I got in the back seat while everyone else walked to the entrance to buy tickets. I met up with them moments later after I changed into jeans and a t-shirt and a jacket. I also have been wearing my gym shoes all the time. The only exception was the day we drove from San Francisco through Carmel when I wore flip flops on the beach.
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After we left the zoo, we came back to our hotel, freshened up and walked to dinner along the gas light district. We chose a T.G.I.Friday's, knowing what the food would taste like. Then, since we didn't have any dessert from the Ghirardelli's in San Francisco, we stopped by the one on the main drag near the restaurant and had hot fudge sundaes...mmmmm. Below is the actual pronunciation of Ghirardelli. I always pronounced it wrong...til now!
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Day 8 - Part 3

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This is Kent's response to Kim for her text message to each of our cell phones last night.
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Day 8 - Part 2

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Okay, this was a "10" for the cute factor.
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Can't you just hear Nathan Lane yelling "Pumba"....?
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I think Karl's legs are as long as these guys'

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PCH Tour 2007 Day 8

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Our favorite exhibit. These two were having so much fun and we were able to get numerous pictures of their frolicing. Makes you almost want to join them....NOT!!! LOL
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Kent caught this one. Looks like you are right there next to him.
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Looks like a casual conversation.

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Day 7 - Part 3

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We left Visalia this am and drove for about 5 hours to get to San Diego. Here is just a sample of the view. There are mountains everywhere.
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KJ saw some army vehicles and was really excited. There are a few military bases along today's route. He saw strikers, a Chinook (helicopter) and an F-15 from Miramar (Top Gun).
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Day 7 - Part 2

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Kent done good! The minute we received our room assignment, I knew we were in for a treat! The room # is 1900! Anytime your room number ends in a zero, I think you will be getting a larger area...well, it worked in this case.
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We are on the 19th floor and from the left bed, you can see the stadium - Petco Park. Home of the San Diego Padres MLB team. We were psyched!
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The bathroom area has granite tops and the decor is Asian inspired. A sliding door...what a nice touch!!!

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Across the room, at the other window is a seating area for computers. Room for a roll-a-way bed...Teagan's room!

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Leading from one area to the other.

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The roomiest by far. Everyone's favorite hotel, so far.

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PCH Tour 2007 Day 7

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After getting settled into our room, we walked across the street (rough life) to enter the stadium. Game time 7:05 pm LA Dodgers vs. San Diego Padres
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The sun was setting right before our eyes. We only had about 5 minutes of game time before the sun went down behind the stadium.
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Two shots of the game. San Diego came back in the bottom of the 9th down 5-1 to beat LA 6-5!!! It was a great game to be at!!! We were feeling the crowd's excitement!

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During the game, we all got a text message...

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My niece is officially getting married to Jeff!!! (What a lucky guy!)

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Day 6 - Part 5

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What a contrast from yesterday! We have now seen the deep blue sea and some of the most spectacular mountains in CA. The Sequoias are a site to see for all their grandeur.
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Day 6 - Part 4

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When I was 10 years old, my father took me to California from Chicago (my home town) on a train. Sequoia was one of the places we visited. I wanted to "recapture" that image that I vividly remembered having taken when I was up there for the first time. So, in my hand is the picture that was taken back in 1971. The second picture is the original. The caption is from a woman that I showed the original picture to as I got off the "General Sherman" sign. She said ,"Oh, now you have completed your circle."
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