Redondo Beach Pier ~

 Our last day of vacation was spent at the Redondo Beach Pier!  We went here almost every other weekend as kids, and when the cousins from Colorado would visit, it was tradition to come here...so naturally we decided to go again!  But first, Denise took us on a beautiful scenic drive through Palos Verdes.  There are some things i absolutely love about California...and the flowers are one of them.  Having gigantic bushes of blooming flowers everywhere all year long is something we definitely dont have in Colorado.  The palm trees, of course...the wonderful weather...and the ocean!  I love all of these things!  The traffic, crowds and smog, however...not so much!

 Before the fires...this pier was always hopping!  Sadly, its a shell of what it once was...and i was disappointed to see that several of the old shops had closed down.

 This hot dog on a stick has been here forever...and this was where Denise's first job was some 30 years ago!

 

 

My mom and dad used to dine at Tonys for anniversaries and special occasions...we were never invited...we stayed home with a sitter.  It was their special place!  :)

 

We saw this cool pirate ship complete with treasure chest and trunk of rum!  Id love to meet the person that owns this vessel!

 Naturally we stopped for some seafood...but what to choose?

 Justin and i shared the red snapper, and of course, Jordyn and Justin gobbled up a bunch of smoked fish too!  We even bought some to take home with us!

 

 The arcade was closed 3 years ago when we were here last, so Jordyn was excited to try out the tilt a whirl this time!  They were having a special and it only cost 50 cents to ride!  Sounds good to me!  :)

 On our way back to Denise's home, she took us by the Trump National Golf Course.  There is a beautiful "park" area open to the public, with stunning views of the coast.  It was a great place to take a family photo!

Our last night was spent visiting with the family, eating gobs of Mexican food, drinking wine, and trying to fit everything into our suitcases! :)  We had a wonderful trip filled with lots of adventures!  We talked a bit about taking a cruise some time with the sisters instead of coming to California next time...i would love to try something new...so perhaps we have a ship in our future!  Thanks again for driving us all around TJ...and thanks Denise for letting us crash at your place (and to Chucky for letting us take over his room)...and to mom for all the wonderful meals!  We had a great time!

Hollywood and Venice Beach ~

On Saturday we decided to go to Hollywood!  But first Jordyn painted Aunt Neesies nails.  She opted for a clear polish...a wise choice! :)  Then we were off to Hollywood!

We were enjoying the stars when we came across this one and i started to cry!  Robin Williams was one of my favorite comedians and actors...just a fabulous man...and his death 3 months prior still saddens my heart.  I looked at my sisters and i said, "im getting choked up"...and my sister said, "me too" and she wandered off.  TJ said the same and walked off too!  We had to have a stranger take this photo of us :)  What a sappy bunch!

Anyways, on to TCL Chinese Theatre, previously known as Manns Chinese Theatre...but to me, forever known as Graumans Chinese Theatre...
What am i doing on the ground you ask...

 

Just sizing up my schnozzle to Jimmy Durante!  Ha Cha Cha Cha!

The Harry Potter Square was a favorite of Jordyns...in fact, i realized just how few of these old celebrities she actually knew...but she still had a good time!  Looks like we'll have to start watching some of the classics to remedy that!  :)

Jordyn measures up to the million dollar legs of Betty Grable!  Too Cute!

 

Heres a shot of TJ measuring her fist to John Waynes!  Almost a perfect fit!  :)

This is a fun shopping mall right by the footprints with a fabulous view!  If you take a closer look to the arrow you will see the Hollywood sign!

As we headed up these stairs we realized they were piano keys and they made music as you traveled up and down the staircase.

Jordyn decided to run up and down the stairs a few more times to create her own fun tune!

Next stop...Venice Beach!  Unfortunately we missed a lot of the daytime entertainment...like muscle beach, etc...but it was still a fun adventure!

We enjoyed a gorgeous sunset on the beach...and then walked the strip to check out all the vendors!

I enjoyed a gyro, Justin had fish and chips, Jordyn had a chocolate and vanilla soft cone, and Denise, TJ and James got hot dogs with pesto fries!  YUM!

 Denise bought this cute little turtle bracelet for Jordyn at one of the little vendors on the strand...Thanks Neesie! 

 oh...and dont forget..The worlds smallest front yard :)

 What another fun day!  Thanks TJ for driving all of us around town!