Super-Awesome Family Day...Part 1

So, it felt like forever since Marco got to take some time off of work. My grandmother was going to be spending a week with us, so Marco decided to take some days off from his job. Since some of the time was falling on Christmas day, he didn't have to count that day and was able to get an extra day off. We had a wonderful time while grandma was here. We took her to see the lights at Mission Inn in Riverside, the movies, out to eat...we had a really great time just being together. Marco had that extra day off after she left, so we decided it would be a family day. We didn't have a lot of money to spend, but we knew that wouldn't matter. The kids would be glad to have dad to themselves for a day. So, off we went...

First stop - IHOP. Wow, it had been a while since we last went. Everything on the menu was calling our name. =]

This is the face I got when I asked her how happy she was that daddy had the day off with us.

Yours truly, enjoying a cup of joe.

What? We like taking pictures...of food...and people...and well, everything.

These two are great buddies. Makes me so happy. Breakfast is done...let's hit the freeway and head out to Santa Monica. Should take us about an hour.

Surprised the kids with some Pop Rocks on the way for diversion. Remember these? They're still just as much fun as ever.

We drove past the Santa Monica Pier toward Malibu because we saw that the beach was open and empty except for one real well-known section that was filled with surfers. We wanted to find a place to pull over and let the kids go down to explore. It was the perfect day...

Here we are...the kids would stay dry for another 24 seconds after this picture was taken. Oh, well. It was fun.

Every direction you looked had a beautiful view. Isn't God amazing? Wow. To know that the winds and waves even obey Him. I love it.

Of course, Little Marco was beside himself with excitement. His feet were soaked. He was so happy though...

Super-Awesome Family Day - Part 2

I looked up to see Hannah showing Taryn how to make a heart with her fingers and then Hannah took a picture of it and the sun was shining through the heart perfectly!! I am going to ask if I can post it here, but the reason I like this picture is because I love catching moments when my children are interacting beautifully with each other. Makes me happy.

Just liked how this muscle shell contrasts with the sand...

Hands down, the best daddy and husband in the world. Hands down. =]

Cool bamboo growing by the road. We got back in the car and headed for Santa Monica Pier.

This. This is my life. You are looking at it...right there. *sigh*

The Morales Girls all in a row.

The view from the pier. We just sat and talked and looked.

...and he screamed. hahaha

We did have an ice-cream for lunch. =] Then we headed out to the famous Pink's Hot Dogs near Hollywood for dinner... What? You've never heard of them? Oh, no. You are missing out.

Really cool facades on the buildings...Oh...I think I see it!!

Since 1939...That's a long time. Look at the line....

It wrapped around the front of Pink's, around the antique shop next door and then wrapped around the back of the buildings. It took Marco about an hour or so to get to where he is there in the line. Maybe an hour and a half or more total wait time.

They have every possible variation you can imagine, named after all different stars - even Martha Stewart, with chili, cheese, veggies, onion rings, whatever... They don't write it down and you better be ready when you get to the front. Know what you want and say it quick - oh, and it's cash only. That's good to know if you're going to wait all that time. hehehe

Oh, and here is why they are SO good. Specially made hot dogs by Hoffy. 10 inches and there's this kind of "snap" that they have when you bite into them...mmmmm...and flavored just right. Yeah. Really good.

Worth the wait. Headed to the Grove next...