After typing the first entry yesterday, we followed Mike, Jessi, and the boys to Jessi's work. Jessi picked up her pay check and introduced us to those who were working. We also saw her work area.
Next we drove to the bank (a U. S. Bank!) where she deposited her check and I made a ATM withdrawal. Then it was off to the pre-school where Brody and Bryson attend. It's a very nice school. Brody waved at some of his friends who were there that day.
The last "work site" was the Desert Ridge 18 AMC Theater which Mike manages. It's a very nice theater with a huge lobby and concession stand. Mike showed us around including taking us into one of the theaters which almost holds 300. What a large room!
The most important thing we did, though (at least from the boys' perspective), was to stop off at the McCormick-Stillman Railroad Park. Jessi's family had never been there so it was an adventure for each of us. The park is free and is quite large. They have old railroad cars in the park which you can check out. There are several pavilions if you want to do a picnic lunch. The park has a large playground facility which the boys totally loved. It includes an area with a water spray so the kids can cool off (it was 98 while we were there).
They have an old time carousel which only costs a $1 to ride. Jessi sat in a non-movable seat with Brody (he doesn't want on the horses). I put Bryson on a horse in front of Brody and stood by him. He was quite excited until we started going around. Then he did his best to get off. So, I gave him to Jessi and he sat on his lap. Not wanting the horse to feel badly, I jumped on and rode the animal for the remainder of the trip! By the time we completed our journey, the horse was tamed and stopped trying to buck me off. That may be the first time I have been on a "horse" for 20+ years.
Lastly, we rode the miniature train they have. The ride goes throughout the park and includes a couple of railroad/pedestrian crossings, 3 or 4 small trestle bridges, and concludes with a tunnel (in which all the kids on board screamed). The entire trip lasted about 11 minutes which is a nice length. All but Mike rode and I estimated the train could carry about 100 people total.
After that it was homeward bound. The folks wanted Taco Bell so I pulled in through the Drive-Thru and picked up some food. I hate Taco Bell but was hungry so I ordered some burritos. Big mistake later on. We went home, ate, and everyone crashed. Last night was spent watching the Dodgers/Phillies game and the CSI premiere (except by the boys and me).
It's mid-day here and we're taking a relaxing day. Brody and I were up before 7. Mike got up around 8 and went to work. Everyone else slept in. I managed to talk the boys into watching some "Tom and Jerry" cartoons which are so much more entertaining than the cartoon shows they make these days. Jessi, mom, and I hit the grocery store. We just finished lunch and now its quiet time.
All in all we are having a great visit!
No comments:
Post a Comment