James and Family

Whew! Back from a little vacation there.

An opportunity came for us to go down to Southern California to take Ate Rowie, Kuya Rocky and Duduy down to Disneyland. It was also the perfect time to take Isabel.

First and foremost, very very many thanks to Ate Malu, who selflessly volunteered to take care of baby Caterina. I know that it wasn't easy, and without that, this trip would not have been possible.

So we rented a van last Thursday afternoon, and left for LA early Friday morning.

We dropped Rocky and family off at Universal Studios, while Maila, me and Isabel went to the Getty Center, and, time permitting, Frank Gehry's Walt Disney Concert Hall.

The next day was Disneyland all day.

Here are some of the pictures. The pictures from the Getty will follow tomorrow.
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Citywalk (at Universal Studios)

After coming from the Getty Center, we ate at this Japanese place at Citywalk while we waited for Rocky and Family. (We didn't go in to Universal Studios.)


Citywalk is a colorful, if touristy, place. Here's a shot of one of the signs as evening was near.


Disneyland


Say what you will about Disneyland -- as a kid, I always had fond memories of the place. My daughter had lots of fun too. I suspect it won't be a trip she'll soon forget.


Rowie, Rocky and Duduy.


Yours truly and family.


One thing that Maila pointed out that I never realized before -- a kid seeing Woody is not unlike one of us grown-ups seeing Tom Cruise Brad Pitt. We haven't exposed Isabel to Disney cartoons yet, but she has seen Toy Story, so there was no pulling her away from this photo op.


Making this trip after 7 years, I was seeing the place with new eyes. In Toontown, I was surprised by the vibrant colors, and the irony of taking this shot of fake hills against the real sky.


Almost a pilgrimage to Mecca.


All hail the Lion King. (Isabel really had no idea who this was.)


And all hail King Mickey.


With Buzz Lightyear.


Street percussionists.


And the sweet voices of this Mariachi group.


We waited 1-1/2 hours to see the Fantasmic show. So while I was there, I took this shot of the lamppost in front of us.


Fireworks - not bad for handheld shots.





Others


Duduy.


I got this little iPod Mini just for this trip. On a 7-hour drive, it was an absolute lifesaver. I can't imagine all of the CDs I would have had to bring, not to mention hassling Maila with constant CD changing.