Bill discovered a women’s and pediatric dermatology seminar in Newport Beach and it happened to all over Mason’s break. Bill made plans to go and we worked out the details so Mason could have a sleepover with Gramma and Papa.
They left Evansville early afternoon on Thursday and flew out to Irvine.
The layover in Dallas was long enough to enjoy a nice dinner at Ling and Louie’s.
They stayed at the Island Hotel in Newport Beach. Funnily enough, this hotel is right next to where Auntie Laynie’s office is.
The next morning Mason had room service before being picked up by Gramma and Papa. They dropped off his things at their house and then went downtown via the Metro. They had lunch at USC.
They visited the new hanger with the Endeavor, one of only four retired shuttles awarded to cities for display. It was so impressive up close. Mason rode the high wire bicycle across a tight rope. They also stopped in at the souvenir shop. Papa told me that it was of keen interest to Mason. It had a number of games, science type gadgets, Rubik’s cubes and puzzles and Mason was right at home. They toured the exhibit called Human Body Worlds which was educational and very fascinating. It was developed by a Dutch doctor/scientist who explored all the parts of the human body in life-like resemblance. Lastly, they saw a 3D movie on Darwinism told from the perspective of young student-explorers.
Saturday morning Gramma made an award winning breakfast with loads of bacon! She knows the way to Mason’s heart.
Papa took Mason to Tower Pizza for lunch. This is a local restaurant with a Cheers’ like setting: lots of TVs, pinball machines and activity. Mason ate quickly and then zeroed in on the claw game. He played until he won a rubber emoji ball which gave to Papa as a gift for Sophia.
Before going to Mass on Saturday night, they hit golf balls in the back yard. Papa was impressed with Mason’s willingness to try new things. That night, Bill joined them for dinner at Panini Kabob Grill in Playa Vista before saying Mason and Bill said goodbye.
Thank you for posting this. What a lovely way to remember that weekend