Highs and Lows in SoCal

We managed to have a really good time in Southern California despite a few tummy ailments.  For those that aren't my "friends" on Facebook, Drew had a blow-out on the drive down to LA (followed by my trying to clean his clothes/car seat in the hotel bathroom, only to find that the sink was clogged and maintenance needed to be called).  Then the tummy troubles spread to me, and now Dave picked it up.

But like I said, we did find some rays of sunshine on an otherwise troubling trip.  On Black Friday we did walk around the mall (I wanted to use an awesome coupon I had for a book), and Drew managed to meet with Santa.  There was no line.  And I mean NO line - we walked right up to Santa and took a few bootlegged photos.

We also met up with Tata and Abuela (Dave's Dad and step-Mom) for some lunch and afternoon fun.  Drew played with is cousins for a long time and we helped decorate Tata and Abuela's front yard.

L-R: Drew, Tata, Henry

Joanna and Drew

That evening we went back to the hotel and had some drinks at the Managers Reception at the Embassy Suites (one of the best things about staying there!).  Although I think someone had too much juice cocktails....

The next morning after breakfast we stopped by Tata and Abuelas again, to say hello and drive over to Griffith Park, where we've tried to go for the past three visits to SoCal, but never make it due to time, weather or other excuse.

It was awesome!  We enjoyed the train and a picnic, while Drew wrestled with Tata and wore himself out (Tata too I'm sure).

Then it was time for the L.O.N.G. drive home.  There was a big accident at the Harris Ranch exit on I5, although we experienced dead stopped traffic MUCH further back (just north of the 58 all the way to 198).  And we had a milestone.  Because I5 was a parking lot, and Drew had to go, but was remembered our frustration with his blowout on the way down - he was reluctant to go in the pull-up we did have on him this time around.

Instead he peed in a cup!  Yes a proud moment for this Mom & Pop, whose kid won't pee in anything that isn't porcelain - yes we're raising a potty snob.  We'd have opened the door and let him out on the center divide to go, except it was pouring rain.  We finally made it home around 9:30pm and happily went to bed.