Sea World

Thanks to Eric's accumulated Marriott points, we were able to get a hotel near Sea World and spend two days there. Sea World is definitely my favorite amusement park --I love watching the gracefulness of sea animals, and am always amazed at the ability they have to train and develop relationships with whales, dolphins and sea lions. Kami kisses Shamu told Mom this is the only time I'd allow her to say she looked like a whale Shamu show is awesome!

Shamu Rocks

Wild Arctic Zone Beluga Whale

Sea Lion Show Kami the Magician

my temporary new family Shipwreck Rapids at least I don't have to worry about drying my hair Journey to Atlantis, here we come! kids couldn't get enough of the Atlantis ride!

Teacups
Cirque de Le Mer (incredible strength)

Playful Dolphins

Bat Ray Exhibit

LA Zoo

Yay! Mom's visiting us again.She came out to help while Eric's in Europe since I'm having two chemo treatments in his absence, but we're trying to squeeze in as much fun as we can, as well. The weather's been beautiful, but the day we opted to visit the zoo it was soooo hot -- go figure.

Jurancon Winery

Mammoth Lakes - 07.05.10

Happy Independence Day - 07.04.10

Marlee Matlin (deaf actress) is sitting behind Leyna

This moment with Deena Kastor, US Olympic Marathoner, fulfilled my entire trip! Look how tiny she is; she makes me look like a heffer. Joanne and I drove down to the Mile Race that was being put on by Deena's husband, just to meet her. We drove to the finish line area and were told we were at the wrong spot, so drove to the start area and were redirected back to the finish area --only to be told she wasn't going to run and be at the finish zone. Unfortunately, the roads were closed for the race and the parade to follow at this point, so we couldn't drive back to the start to find her. I was so disappointed! We sat at the parade and I was just joking about how maybe I could call her up and ask her to lunch when she walked right by!! I yelled our her name -- she turned around and so warmly engaged in conversation with me. I was so stupidly starstruck that I didn't get to tell her how I was there cheering her on in Boston for the Olympic Trials or how much I enjoyed her movie or how inspiring she is. Instead, she was asking me questions about my trip and what I had planned and what I should do. Anyhow, it was a great moment for me that I'll cherish.


Devil's Postpile
Kami, keep playing hard to get for another 15 years!



Easton & Wayne
Fireworks at Crowley Lake were a little disappointing, but what was lacking in entertainment we made up for in friends and fun. How lucky that we were able to be with great neighbor friends from Simi in Mammoth!



On our way home from the fireworks, we bypassed a highway that was lined bumper to bumper with cars. Leyna looked out the window at them and said, "What the hell?" "What'd you say, Leyna?" I asked. She repeated, "What the hell?" I explained how we shouldn't say that and quickly turned around to laugh silently with Eric. Seriously, how can you not love 4 year olds? Little kids are so innocently hilarious.

Mammoth Lakes - 07.03.10

Bodie Ghost Town - Remmi, Kami, Jaydin
Kaden's holding up the building. Can you tell?
Old Firehouse
Mosquito Attack! We tried to take a picture, but the mosquitoes were relentless; we had to run back to our cars for safety. Unfortunately, Larry had gone back to the car through the woods to get the camera and didn't know we went back to the cars, so some were locked out of the vehicle for a while until Larry could be tracked down.
Kristi & Gary Larry & Joan Larry, Joan, Eric, Kristi Warming up after swimming in freezing June Lake June Lake