Friday, August 10, 2012

Crazy California Road Trip: Day 4

Day 4
Ramada Hotel to Legoland
4 miles

And it's back to Legoland for the day!


Hmmm, where to first?


We hit up a few rides in the land of adventure, then go for some cooldowns.



There's a 4D show to watch (Clutch Powers -- familiar with the kids), then some time for Lego building.



We find some Lego Wizards...



The kids play while we relax.



The cycle ride has an hour wait, so we play...


...and climb aboard a neighboring ride...


Finally, we get on the cycle ride. Much too short, but it offers great views.



The minifigures around here aren't so mini.



An Indiana Jones-esque walkthrough activity is a big hit.






Going for a climb. No, you couldn't get me up there.



Cooling off with a treat.


Back to the motel...

a dip in the pool...


some Lego playtime,
and then bed.

North to San Dimas (and Amy!) tomorrow!



Thursday, August 9, 2012

Crazy California Road Trip: Day 3

Day 3
Ramada Hotel to Legoland
4 miles


At the land of the colorful bricks...



"Look! It's made of Legos!" is exclaimed, even after the thousandth time we've seen something made out of Legos.


 Legos from a boat.

We ride the dragon coaster...


...and buy a souvenir photo. And then, the ultimate souvenir: the same photo made of Lego bricks. Holla!


We find a medieval playground...



Then, on to more rides.

We stand in many lines.

The kids play Rinth Island on the iPhone while waiting.


The downhill plummets make me scream.


 We spend the afternoon in the water park.













I return to the motel with a sunburn on my shoulder blades.

Olympics, Scrabble, then bed.

More Legoland on the morrow.


Wednesday, August 8, 2012

Crazy California Road Trip: Day 2

 Day 2
Redding, California to Carlsbad, California
632 miles

Waffles for breakfast at La Quinta, then we hit the road.


Picnic lunch in Lathrop, CA, where a brightly-hued mod playground resides.




Isn't it pretty?


Fun's over. We have a long drive ahead.

Naps in the car.


We plan to stop for dinner before we hit L.A. but the traffic is nice so we say hey, we'll find something to eat off the freeway in L.A.

Wrong.

Driving through L.A. = a heightened appreciation for Oregon. Not any particular part of Oregon. Just... Oregon.

Finally, near 8pm, a Red Robin appears. Like an oasis. We rush toward.


Dinner over, back in the car. Still another hour+ to our hotel. 

Then, Ramada at last. There aren't enough beds. Kids go on the floor with extra blankets and are out cold in ten minutes. 

Tomorrow we visit the Lego(s).

Tuesday, August 7, 2012

Crazy California Road Trip: Day 1

 Day 1
Portland, Oregon to Redding, California
421 miles

We leave around noon,


stop a few times for bathroom breaks, 


eat dinner at the apparently famous-though-I'd-never-heard-of-it Black Bear Diner,


head over some sunset-lit mountains,




and finally arrive at our motel at 9:30pm. Pool closes at 10! Everybody into your swimsuits, quick!

Then it's time for some Olympics action. Finally, bed.

Another long drive tomorrow...

Monday, August 6, 2012

Grin, Grin, Glare

So it's day I-don't-know of the 2012 Olympics and wow has it been exciting! So much to report on since last week. (Like you need me to report anything; you've all been keeping up with all the events, right? RIGHT?)

Let's just say after the past week, there are now two things I know for sure:

1. The beach volleyball sand is really really deep.

2. "Threepeat" is apparently a word now, even though google still gives it the red squiggly line when I type it. Whoa, wait a second, google even gives "google" the red line. That is shameful. (I think I'm supposed to capitalize it. I won't bend.)

Meanwhile, in gymnastics... how cute is this kid?


Gabby Douglas (USA), the gold medalist in the ladies' gymnastics all-around competition. Though I don't know how any of those gymnasts fly through the air like that. It just doesn't seem possible. And yet, there it is. And talking about God after her big win: "I give all the glory to God. It's kind of a win-win situation. The glory goes up to Him, and the blessings fall down on me." Yeah! Gabby, keep on rockin'.

Then here we have Chad le Clos...


...aka, "The Guy Who Beat Michael Phelps."

20 years old from South Africa, and highly adorable.

Swimming is still one of my favorite sports to watch at the Olympics. Michael Phelps, of course, and now Missy Franklin and Chad le Clos as well. And watch out for Katie Ledecky! 15 years old, winner of the 800 meter freestyle, and now the American record-holder.

When I was 15... well, let's just say my life didn't revolve around anything resembling exercise. :/

After the swimming portion of the Olympics came to a close, I was worried I wouldn't have anything else to really get excited about. And then came this...


The women's marathon! In London! Like, past all those famous buildings! I never knew watching a marathon could be thrilling. They're so long. But it was really cool! First everyone was in a big pack. Then they started to spread out. But the people in the front didn't necessarily stay there the whole time. People from way back were able to catch up. Then in the end, it wasn't even that close of a finish.

Just watching them go all that distance and never stopping... wow. WOW. How? I'd be collapsed after a minute. (I know, they've trained and are in great shape. But still. My props go out.)

But back to gymnastics for a second...


Ah, McKayla Maroney. The commentators would not shut up about how perfect she was and how she had never had a bad leap-dee-doo on the vault. How there was no way she was going to walk out of there without the gold. Well, apparently McKayla thought so too, and then... she landed on her behind. Then she wore this face until I finally turned off the TV.

Yeah, it's sad. You got silver. Okay. But with her apparent attitude, I didn't really feel for her. I felt more for Ellie Black from Canada.


She did a really wacky landing and harmed herself, but she didn't seem pissed, just disappointed.

Great job at the team finals, Ellie, and I hope you have great success in the future!


And please, never let me catch you making the Maroney face.