Nothing comes close to the golden coast

We partied Heller-style for Memorial Day weekend. And by partied Heller-style, I obviously mean we enjoyed some of southern California's beautiful and historic sites while being very well fed. For those sad few of you who are unaware, GG has an identical twin in the LA area. That's right. GG has an identical twin. It is everything you imagine it to be and more when they get together. We got some video. Stay tuned.

We left Thursday evening with GG in tow and so began an endless list of things GG "just can't get over" including her boarding pass and how big the airplane (a 737) we flew on was. Our flight was not nearly full, and David enjoyed being able to wander from our seats to the empty ones by GG.

We stayed with the Rick Hellers who were wonderful hosts. Even Ginger the dog tolerated David and his antics. On Friday they showed us around San Juan Capistrano. We went to a petting zoo where we were mauled by goats. Turns out taking the veggies they were selling for kids to feed the animals in to the goat pen was not my best idea. David also went on a pony ride and was proud to announce afterwards, "I did it by myself. I didn't cry." Very, very brave. We dined at Ruby's where the burgers and shakes were excellent and the entertainment (GG trying to figure out 3D glasses) was even better.

After lunch we visited the San Juan Capistrano mission, which is more than 200 years old and the third most visited tourist destination in Orange County. It was beautiful. For dinner we ate at Richard Nixon's favorite Mexican restaurant. His ethics were questionable, but his taste in food delicious. Also the stink eye GG gave Rick and Cathy when they beat her to the check was priceless.

At the Mission

The next day, the lovely Christina was our tour guide. We went to the beach and then sailing with James. David loved loved loved the sand as always, and he had a really good time on the sailboat until he fell asleep. We even got to see some sea lions who were resting on a buoy in the Pacific.

Saturday night the whole clan came over for a bbq. We celebrated Aunt Lori and Uncle John's 62nd wedding anniversary.

David with the twins (can you tell who is who?) and with Uncle John

Sunday we got together with one of the families that travelled to China with us when we adopted David. Daniel is just 3 months older than David and from the same orphanage. It was such a treat to see them!

David, Catie and Daniel with me, Kevin and Mary Anne. Me and the kids enjoying some watermelon.

That evening we went back to the beach, this time Laguna Beach. David and Kevin found a big hole and worked very hard to make it even bigger. David also took some time out of his vacation to help James with his music theory homework.

Monday was more beach, a quick visit with Aunt Lori and Uncle John and then off to the airport. In the car, David told us, "I REALLY like this trip." Many thanks to the Rick Hellers and all the California family. We all REALLY liked our trip.

We're still working on getting David back on CDT. After arriving home at 2a.m. yesterday, he barely made it out of bed in time for gymnastics. Here he is showing off his mad balance beam skills.