March 25, 2021
We know that moving from Oregon to Arkansas in May is going to be 'a lot' - not to mention expensive so we decided to mask up and fly down to Southern California to visit the family and some of our old haunts.
We arranged for an Air BnB in Arcadia - which was really in Irwindale - near the Speedway and all of those interesting quarries. JJ was the winner with a mattress made out of cement - seriously - but they actually switched it out so he could sleep after the first very rough night.
We visited Pam at her new condo, all the nieces and nephews at Bryan and Angela's lovely home and Joe's brothers and sisters and their families at the original Panda in Pasadena for a special treat - eating in an actual restaurant! We also managed to visit Laguna and all the places important to our family as JJ grew up in Orange County, Santa Monica Pier and Marina del Rey (our last home before we moved to Oregon)- which never disappoint!
It was a whirlwind trip - but soooooo much fun! The weather was amazing - typical So. Cal gorgeous and JJ (John) turned 28 on Sunday! In his honor we ate at In and Out several times trying to store up the experience. Our closest one here is an hour away but a lovely drive. In Arkansas we will have to travel to Dallas which is quite a bit further! We do love Bar-b-q tho!!!
We were unable to see daughter Tammy, Bob and our amazing grandson James up in San Luis Obisbo due to Covid concerns but we will get them out to Arkansas as soon as travel permits!
Now we are home - navigating the perfect home in NW Arkansas long distance and planning a 2,000 mile journey. But first....tomorrow we are going to the Wooden Shoe Tulip Festival - wouldn't miss that for the world!
Gabi
