Spence & Gayle's Family Blog: Trip to See Adrian & Family and Saugus Friends

Early August Avril, Alicia, Gayle, and I (papa) hopped in Gayle's Camry and took off on an adventure to California to attend Brittney's 13th birthday celebration and visit some friends while we were at it. Jesse had to work so it was the four of us in the car. En route we stopped at a Flying J in Scipio and Avril got to pet some animals at the petting zoo. We got as far as a Super 8 hotel just off the strip in Vegas the first night.

It was blazing hot in Vegas. Here are Nana and Avril in front of the Luxor hotel. We decided to sight see just a bit before hitting the road again.

Closer up! The first evening Adrian and family had tickets to Mormon Night at Dodger stadium so went to that. The rest of us jogged/walked around the track at Azusa High School. The weather was pleasant. In fact Brittney and Arleen got cold at the ball game that night. The next day we all did our usual touristy thing by going to Santa Monica pier and the 3rd Street Promenade.

Avril loved Brit's dance dress from years ago. Here they sit the first evening and blow bubbles from favors left over from a wedding.

The mornings start out cool at the beach. Here we start down the Santa Monica pier.

We watched performers along the way. Here a guitarist plays at the end of the pier, above the lower level where fishermen try their luck. This guy played old 60's surf songs.

While on the pier we ate lunch at Bubba Gump's. Here is our stack of onion rings. Yes, we ate some unhealthy things, but we were on vacation! (I did eat the cabbage underneath too, to get our money's worth.)

Brit was sung to by the waiters and got a free dessert since she was a birthday girl. Hard to believe she's 13 now.

Avril imitates grownups. She learned that you can dunk french fries, but didn't quite understand the purpose. She barely touched them in the sauce.

Posing as Forrest Gump with the suitecase and box of chocolates (and a granddaughter).

Adrian posed as well.

After the morning marine air burned off, it was quite pleasant. We set up a spot on the beach to rest and let Avril play in the waves (with our attendance of course).

Brittney and I let Avril experience having the waves wash up to her feet. She was thrilled.

We would pick her up just before the water got too high for her. Her teen-aged cousin had fun too.

Avril, sporting a sun hat.

On the way back to Azusa we traveled on Sunset Blvd. through Brentwood for a change of scenery and to avoid some traffic. Then we passed through Burbank to see the house we rented for three years when I first started working at Pharmaseal. This was 2112 Screenland Dr., right below the take-off pattern for Burbank Airport. Adrian has a lot of memories from here, but Alicia and Jared were still pretty small.

On Saturday Alicia gave Brit a make-over for her birthday party.

Voila! The final product.

Brit looks so pretty in the new outfit grandma Gayle got her while shopping at the 3rd Street Promenade.

Brit with some of her BFFs, Ariel and Paige.

Brit's Grandpa Ray hosted a party at John's Incredible Pizza (or something like that). Here Brit poses with some of the balloons from her party.

Avril had a blast too.

Avril loves her mama.

Brit blowing out candles.

Sylvia and her daughters - Maribel, Arleen, Marianna, and Rachel.

Brit showing off some sunglasses while Ariel and Rachel watch.

Cheesy smile.

Having fun at the pizza place.

Avril loved the rides.

Giddy-up cowgirl.

Maribel's daughter, Danielle, and Avril riding kiddie toys.

Brit and friends on a more thrilling ride.

Alicia and her mom.

We stayed at the Maxsons' home in Saugus. On Sunday we attended the Saugus 3rd Ward where Zimmer Conkling gave his talk before leaving for a London, England mission. Avril got her hair fixed up before we went to church.