Coast'n in Cali

Sights from our trip into Los Angeles and up the coast to Santa Barbara and the Lompoc Valley

Yes! The best burgers in California!



Windmill Farm near Palm Springs



Couldn't resist a trip into the city

Up the coast ... Malibu

We stopped here at a Sand Dune just north of Malibu ... famous people like Andy Tvardzik have hiked up this sand dune as well




Long awaited Stearns Wharf in Santa Barbara and the Shellfish Company!




Yes, we ate one of these .... (spider crab)

.... and four of these (Rock Crabs!)

Flower seed capitol of the World ... Lompoc Valley

California Dreamin'

Seal Beach sits on the coast as the gateway to Orange County. It’s famous for its surf and great waves, a surfer’s paradise. Because of the fair weather and gentle beaches it is the ideal place to learn how to surf!

On their way back from the Mexico Missions Trip, Don and the girls read an article in the Southwest Airlines travel magazine about a man dubbed, “The Saint of Seal Beach.” He has surfed the waves here and taught many how to do the same. After reading the article, Don booked lessons for all of us with Michael and his family at M&M Surfing School. We had an absolutely fantastic time learning how to surf. All of us got up on a board – some more times than others, some rode the waves longer than others, and everyone fell off a few times. We have a family before and after shot, but you’ll have to check our blog after we get back for any additional surfing pictures. Since we all, yes all of us, were surfing, we had to have pictures taken and mailed to us. So stay tuned for surfing pictures and enjoy these shots of our time at Seal Beach.

Waking up ...

Contemplating the surf ...

Getting ready to go ...

Do we look ready to surf or what?

Michael and Michael (the M&M) and Christiana's instructor, Kim.

M & M Surf School graduates ---- Real surfin' girls!

We worked up quite an appetite surfing ... at the end of the pier we ate lunch at an awesome 50's diner named Ruby's - yummy salads, burgers and shakes.

Meet Kera, our waitress and scooper!

Enjoying the beach playground!

Looking for a lost treasure ...

Don and Kim will also remember Seal Beach because it will forever hold two special trinkets, Don's wedding and anniversary bands ... they came off while surfing in the waves... the good news, we were able to buy a new band at a wonderful local jewelry store, and now we have that band to remember Seal Beach.

I love you - again and again, I do!

The surf and sand that hold the bands.

Seal Beach .... California Dreamin'

Side Trip

Meet Joe, the Pharmacist at the brand new Super Target in Moreno Valley, California. We made a brief side trip here as we entered California on Thursday. Don's been having a few issues with his feet, but thanks to Doc Mays and Joe we hope he's on his way to recovery. Joe took care of us - since the store had only been open for two days, he didn't have the prescription, but he faxed the info over to the local CVS and googled directions for us. We were blessed by his kindness. Please pray for healing - thanks!

Thanks Joe - and thanks Chris!!!

Scottsdale, Arizona! Rest, Relaxation and Fun!

Scottsdale, Arizona! Rest, Relaxation and Fun!

This is where years of planning have really paid off. After saving reward points, we were able to book a 700 square foot Casita with our own hot tub, right next to the pool at the Renaissance Resort in Scottsdale. We have really enjoyed the space and the pool! We’ve had three days to unwind from the driving.

Normally, Scottsdale would be around 110 degrees, but we hit a “cool front” and we’ve enjoyed days under 100! Sun block has been a must!

Kim’s cousin Kate, sent along a blessing of cash to use as we saw fit along the way for a special treat – well we indulged in manicures and pedicures in Scottsdale!

We’re resting up for our next leg of the journey, California!

After fun days at the pool and getting our nails done, we had a special treat at The Cheesecake Factory! We had such a yummy dinner! Of course, all of their dishes are huge, which the girls figured out!

Can you say "huge" portions! (Had to put this shot on the blog 'cause I told them I was going to! =)