The Beverly Hillbillies

So, we didn't strike oil and become a millionaire like "a man named Jed" but we did load up the truck (well, van) and fly to Beverly, Hills that is...swimming pools, movie stars.  Or that's certainly how it felt en route to Detroit to catch our flights to LA.

Somehow though, we were able to fit all 7 of us and multiple suitcases, coolers, and backpacks into our van for the trip.

The first leg of our flight was fairly uneventful.  In spite of announcing that family boarding was for families with kids under the age of 4, they told us to board with families.  You see, we were flying Southwest which does not give assigned seating; instead you board in sequence and choose your seat.  This would mean that there was a strong possibility that we would have ended up sitting separately from the kids.  I'm sure Duncan would have been okay but I'm not so sure about Danica.

We landed in Phoenix to Danica remarking how interesting and beautiful it looked and wishing we had time to explore.  Little did she know while making those innocent remarks that her wish very nearly came true.  You see, we landed and located the gate for our connecting flight.  Everything was cool and the board said it was "on time".  We went to pick up some pizzas for lunch, returning 15 minutes later to see a long line to the counter and now the big red word "cancelled" below our flight to LA.  A whole bunch of scenarios were running through my head, not the least of which was how are they ever going to rebook a whole flight in a timely fashion and how were all 7 of us ever going to be able to get on the same flight to LA!  Alas, there was no need to be too stressed.  Our luggage was able to go on the next flight and we went on the following one.  It was still a 4 hour delay that we didn't really want but I suppose it was better than it could have been.  The kids had us driving to LA from Phoenix, which would have been extra challenging given that our rental car was waiting for us in LA.

Anyways, we made it...Duncan was super excited to see the palm trees as we landed, much to the amusement of people sitting close to us.  He pulled out his new camera and promptly snapped a bunch of photos for his memories and his power point presentation on his trip to California (his self-assigned homework for the trip; Danica is supposed to write a procedural writing task).

I have, rather successfully I might add, manoevred us through LA traffic a few times now.  Robert's GPS is even awesomer than we knew; you really test those things when you are in large, unfamiliar cities!

The kids have finally met Robert's TIta Gina.  I have finally met his cousin, Dinelle, and her family.  We have visited with 5 other aunts and uncles who are here from the Philippines.  Duncan was super pumped to learn that Dinelle's husband, Wilson, is a software engineer (not a soft porn engineer as I initially heard in my overly exhausted state when we first met) who plays Minecraft - he may talk the poor guy's ear off and ply him with a million questions.

Robert, Manilyne and I had tickets to the Live elimination episode of The Voice yesterday.  It was a super long day but it was pretty fun.  It was different than I expected somehow.  We felt kind of bad because we haven't watched it and have no idea who any of the contestants are.  We had seats directly behind the judges, Gwen and Adam specifically.  Holy makeup touchups at every break!  Blake could not put down his cell phone.  Alicia and Gwen had sky high heels.  My palms feel still swollen from hours of clapping as instructed; that's likely why my voice sounds gravelly today too as I was doing what I was told.

While people watching  while we were there, however, it became rather apparent that living in California does not automatically make you beautiful and stylish.  There were quite a few questionable fashion choices and what people consider "hip and trendy" or shoes people consider "comfortable" are quite variable.  Duncan would have been horrified to see some of the plunging necklines and short skirts as he does not think that flashing boobs is a good look for women (I am raising a couple of prudes, apparently).

Anyways, off we go to Disneyland today.  Hopefully it's sunnier and warmer today as we froze to death yesterday.  The weather became much colder from the forecast I was looking at as we packed our bags.  I am kicking myself for taking my sweatshirt out of my carryon at the last minute.  Robert bought himself a new hoodie last night and I might be buying one today if necessary.

Hope all is well there.