Last weekend I had the opportunity of going to California with the Allred's. After tackling two tests on Friday morning, Ruth and I got in the car and headed for the airport in Las Vegas. We made pretty good time in getting to Vegas, so we had a while to wait in the airport. We were flying standby on JetBlue, so we were a little worried about making it on to the plane. Unfortunately we didn't get to sit by each other, but we both made it on the plane to Long Beach. Shortly after landing we met up with Ruth's family and enjoyed the evening with them. We got up bright and early the next morning and headed for Disneyland! Our hotel provided a shuttle to the park, so we got there just after the park opened, and it was a blast. The crowds were pretty small all morning, so we could just walk straight up to any ride and get on. It was so nice, especially considering the last time I went to Disney, we had to wait in really long lines all day. The only bump in the morning plans was that Ruth's parents weren't able to be in the park with us because they wound up going to a funeral for an uncle of Ruth's mom. They weren't planning on going, but since they were in the area when it happened, they figured they had better go. They did meet up with us in the afternoon for lunch, and then we revisited all the rides we went on in the morning and hit up a few we missed. We stayed in the park until 10:30 that night. We all had a lot of fun, but by the end of the day we were ready for some quality time with a pillow. We got up on Sunday morning with intentions of attending church, but after running into a laundry list of problems, we were too late to get there. So after getting checked out of the hotel we spent a couple of hours at the beach. Ruth's dad had to take off for a while to take Betsy and Chris to the airport, but he made it back in time to enjoy a nap on the beach. We went for a really nice mexican dinner before heading to the airport. This time the worry came for the crew heading back to Salt Lake. Their plane was really full so it was very up in the air for a while if they would make it home or not. Luckily, everyone made it on to the plane and left Ruth and I to wait for our flight back to Vegas. Our airplane had almost nobody on it, so we actually got to sit by each other on the way back. We didn't get back into Cedar City until about 2:00 in the morning. It was a short and busy trip, but it was definitely worth it. I had a blast being with Ruth away from the pressures of work and school. It was also fun getting to know Ruth's family a little better. As always, her are a few pictures. Enjoy!
Ruth at the "phone bank" at the airport.
The Allred girls at the entrance of Disneyland.
Ruth and I entering the magic kingdom.
Betsy and Chris psyched for a day with Mickey.
Taking a spin on the tea cups.
Could this be where I am from?
Ruth getting ready for Autopia.
Ruth behind the wheel.
I think Ruth may have had a little road rage?
Rachel and Hannah approach the finish line.
Chris and Betsy stuck in traffic. Crazy California drivers!
Making a big splash!
Space mountain survivors.
You never know what kind of beach bums you will find in Cali.
Watching the tide roll in.
A game or a bird trap?
It isn't a trip to the beach without making a sand castle.
So sad to head back to the real world.
Our near empty plane on the way back.
At least we got to sit by each other this time!