February 18, 2012

VACATION

We decided to schedule our vacation in February this year---an attempt to avoid our annual colds--
Here are the girls as we head out on our road trip!


First stop--SanClemente


Amtrak literally runs right by the beach!!!





Next stop-learning central- I mean the California Science Center in LA.  I don't want anyone to think we learn all day, everyday-even on vacation!

...awesome to try to lift this 4000 pound truck!





...the girls really enjoyed this wind tunnel to test aerodynamics:)


This was an area where you got to design your own car on a computer.  You had to decide what type of materials based on cost, weight, recyclability, and something else I've already forgotten.





...digestion section--totally grosse!

...a green environment


bird watching


Biomes


Below, you could test different insulations and touch the snow wall--way cool (get it!)



Next stop, Santa Barbara---the zoo







We got to watch Lucy get her daily pedicure--yep, you heard right!  She gets a pedicure everyday; a fifteen minute soak per foot:)





,,,impressive wingspan!



onto some relatives....




she fits right in:)


from the long arms to the long necks....


then, to play


while dad slept:)


Next, across the street to the beautiful beach for some beachcombing!



Searching for sand dollars and sea shells is exhausting!!


The next day, we toured Hearst Castle in San Simeon










his library


Mr Hearst had ancient artifacts as displayed here


his office



guest house


beautiful scenery


the Roman pool--which the family still comes and swims in




...loungin'



the indoor pool-inlaid with gold


After the tour, we headed back down the hill to the San Simeon pier for more beachcombing:)






then, back to show dad the treasures  (he was napping)


Finally, the drive back north on Hwy 1



scenic but windy!




then--home