Day 1: California or Bust

I anticipated this trip to California for months, and despite the long wait, I was surprised and thrilled when the day actually arrived. We got up bright and early, got everyone ready, and then hit the road. Jeff drove us to meet Mom at the airport, then said our goodbyes. Everyone knew Justin's name by the time we cleared security. He found the prospect of exploring this new territory irresistible. Norah stayed close by for the most part, eager and excited to pull along her rolling backpack, looking much more grown up than I was prepared to see.

The airplane ride was blessedly uneventful, although when we first boarded, and found our seats, Justin exclaimed, "Mommy I can't see the driver! Who's the driver?" To which Norah responded, "Guys! Guys. This is NOT going to work!" I'm hopeful that we didn't have any first time fliers around us, as these comments would not have been very reassuring!

Several fellow passengers complimented the kid's behavior, though they might have been complimenting our ability to bribe and cajole them to be quiet!

The kids were both tired but "wound up" by the time we arrived at the hotel. They sat still for a long time, but were beyond tired from not really sleeping. We decided that the best course of action would be to hang out in the hotel room until dinner, have a quiet dinner in the hotel and then have an early night.

Justin quickly informed us that he would much rather go swimming. Eager plans thwarted by a fast approaching dinner, he decided to stare forlornly out the window at all the swimmers just beyond his reach, and managed to look exceedingly pitiful.

We called my grandparents, and they joined us for what can only be described as a chaotic meal, then we headed back to the room to visit for a bit. In a quiet moment, Grandpa showed Justin his pliers, which he carries with him everywhere he goes. Both kids were interested in them, but Justin was mesmerized. He asked to hold them, then absconded with them. He started "fixing" everything in the room, and when those repairs were completed, he tried "fixing" the people sitting closest to him. As they were getting ready to leave, great-grandpa asked for his pliers back. Justin very casually said no, "cause I working on something." Looks like great-grandpa has a grandson after his own heart or tools as the case may be.