While I was away (from this blog and from home ;)) I was off enjoying the trip of a lifetime! My family and I wrapped up summer and kicked off fall exploring the gorgeous state of California! The first week we traveled throughout Cali and the second week we spent at Disneyland! Wanna take virtual vacations with me on Tuesdays again? Glad to hear it, because new installments of Trip Report Tuesday will be coming your way weekly once again, starting NOW!
Day 1 - Saturday, September 10, 2016
"Come fly with me,
Let's fly, let's fly away!"...
Our trip to California could not have gone any more smoothly! When we arrived at airport security there was absolutely no one in line! This is the first time Princess had actual physical identification (as she has a Driver's Permit now), so she pulled it out to show along with her airline ticket. The kind TSA gentlemen asked how old she was, said she didn't need to show him her ID, and gave her a pass allowing her to keep her shoes on through security screening! Little One was told at her age she could keep her shoes on as well and we breezed through the screening while the nicest TSA employees I'd ever met showed us on through. We always allow for crazy long lines and possible delays getting through security, so we had some major free time on our hands! I'd much prefer to relax and wait to board than be frantically rushing to get there. This was ideal in my eyes! We grabbed some yummy eats, watched the sunrise, and chatted in eager anticipation about all that we were looking forward to in the next two weeks!
We arrived at John Wayne Airport in Orange County gaining two hours from the time zone we departed from which was oh so nice! We picked up our rental car, and cue the first road trip song, "We're going to Surf City, gonna have some fun ... Surf City, here we come!"
Huntington Beach {AKA: Surf City} was such a fun and gorgeous spot to kick off our California vacation!
We had lunch reservations at Ruby's Diner which sits at the end a pier with windows looking out at the ocean! Greasy diner food with a view, this is vacation!
After lunch we stopped at some of the shops along the pier. I needed a magnet just like that surf board above (of course)! Let me tell you, since I'm used to buying souvenirs at Disney Parks, when we shop elsewhere on vacations everything seems like a bargain! ;)
As we strolled along the pier we spotted a familiar face, Ray Comfort! Years ago his sermons Hell's Best Kept Secret and True & False Conversion had a tremendous impact on Jason and I! Having the opportunity to meet him, shake his hand, thank him for serving the Lord faithfully, and share what an impact his ministry has had in our lives was one of the highlights of that beautiful day!
When we said our goodbyes Mr. Comfort reached into his wallet and pulled out a Subway gift card. He gave it to us saying he knew we'd be spending a fortune at Disneyland and that he'd like to treat our family to dinner! My eyes tear up just remembering it. It's so sweet meeting someone and seeing how genuine they are. The meeting and moment was a true delight!
Once we made our way off the pier and onto the sandy shore we had to wade in the ocean!
Once we washed away the sand from our toes, we hopped back into our rental and enjoyed a beautiful drive to Visalia.
Upon arrival we immediately checked in to a Hampton Inn for the night.
It was late and we hadn't grabbed dinner so we each chose an item from the hotel's small convenience store. Things like bags of chips and cup o' noodles were on the menu for us that night. We laughed about it, filled our tummies, and went to bed with happy hearts eager for the adventures that the next day would bring!
Hope you'll be back to hear about day 2 next Tuesday!
Looking forward to sharing our adventures in Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks! There we saw the world's tallest tree and a canyon deeper than the Grand Canyon! Pop by next week for all the delightful details!
Psst... My husband, Jason, just published the perfect accompaniment for this post on our family's YouTube channel, Eat, Sleep, Dis, Repeat!
You'll find 2016 Disneyland and CA Road Trip - Day 1 HERE! While visiting our YouTube channel, we'd love it if you'd subscribe to catch a new video each week!
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