Going back to Cali, Cali

After driving over 5,000 miles...we finally made it to the Bay Area! We actually arrived in the LA area (Santa Monica to be exact) on Monday evening and stayed with our friends Brian and Mikaela (and their adorable daughter, Sibylla). They even treated us to a delicious Lebanese dinner at Sunnin.

Our Family Feud pose 

Sibylla is such a doll!

And yesterday, we drove the final leg of our trip to the Bay Area after a quick tour around Santa Monica/Venice and breakfast at Urth Cafe (thanks Brian).

Venice Canal

My nephew was anxiously awaiting our arrival while asking my sister (pretty much all day), "where's auntie?"..."how come she's taking so long?"..."will auntie be here soon?"...and my favorite, "I just want my auntie."

Branden demanding to know where I am

Paul and I are glad to finally be in one place for more than a few nights. Now we just have to make sure we handle all our business before we leave for our journey around the world. Thanks for following us as we trekked across the States! 

Go West - Pacific Time Zone Baby!

We woke up early on Saturday morning in hopes of good weather so that we could see the sunrise over the Grand Canyon. No such luck. It was snowing and the view of the canyon was completely covered.

The view at Yavapai Point @ sunrise - we forgot to ask the King of Wishful Thinking for a better view 

Another view from Yavapai Point - yup, no sunrise here

Just to give you a sense of the railing and the canyon

It started snowing harder as I set up the tripod - Paul was not happy that I wanted to retake the first shot

Leaving Grand Canyon amidst the snow storm

With nothing to really see, we headed to Las Vegas to see my sister and her family with a few stops along the way.

Getting to blue skies...along Highway 40 towards Las Vegas

Along highway 93 in Willow Beach, Arizona - view of Colorado River

Finally made it to the Pacific Time Zone

Where is Megatron?

On the Mike O'Callaghan-Pat Tillman Memorial Bridge 

Colorado River @ Hoover Dam

Hoover Dam 1931-1935

Lake Mead Overlook

Friendly tourists offered to take a picture of us

Visiting where Emma works - an 80's themed frozen yogurt place!

Vegas Baby!

At The Venetian

Paul: "Wait, we're not outside?"

With my niece and nephew - Emily is almost 18 and Timothy is 16! I feel old.

Bellagio fountain show

With Tricia, Timothy, Charlie and Emily

Outside the Cheesecake Factory at Caesars

Random Shots of the Week (12/8-12/14)

Here are some additional photos from last week during along our many drives and during our time in Austin, Denver, and Mancos.

At Bull Creek Park in Austin

At the Capitol in Austin

Paul and Owen learning some history

Slinky shot at Echo Lake in Colorado

Another shot of Echo Lake in Colorado

Mount Vernon Park in Colorado

Driving on 550 towards Mancos, Colorado - lots of curves!

At Sundance Bear Lodge in Mancos, Colorado

Slinky shot of the "elephant feet" on Route 160 towards the Grand Canyon

Made it to the Grand Canyon

After a lovely stay at the Sundance Bear Lodge with Bob and Sue, we didn't make it to Mesa Verde because of the big storm that hit (and continues to hit) the Southwest. Instead, we decided to drive straight to the Grand Canyon so that we would make it here safely. As we drove through Colorado, we learned of the horrific tragedy in Connecticut. It was hard to get information since our service was so spotty but we eventually got the story. I'm so incredibly sad for the families who have lost their loved ones. It made our activities today seem so unimportant. But we still attempted to see the Grand Canyon despite the terrible news and the winter storm.

With Bob and Sue at their B&B, Sundance Bear Lodge - a lovely place to stay!

Paul and a tumbleweed (he really likes these things)

Paul in between the "elephant feet" on Route 160

Trying to show how far apart these rocks are!

Artsy shot of one of the "elephant feet"

Different view from one of the "elephant feet"

Trying to keep my hat on while the crazy wind abused us.

Driving towards the Grand Canyon

Little Colorado Scenic Overlook

Paul's an expert at these photos

Little Colorado Scenic Overlook

The Watchtower from Desert View

Grand Canyon from Desert View

Grand Canyon and Colorado River from Desert View

View from Navajo Point

Another view from Navajo Point

Trying not to blow away at Moran Point - it's REALLY cold 

Driving through winter wonderland to get to our room at the Bright Angel Lodge