This was her third trip to California. She travelled twice with her parents when she was four then again nine, and she remembered going there as a child. "Everything seemed bigger back then," she said on the drive home fromt he airport last night.
She had exciting stories about swimming in the ocean, watching sunsets, seeing dolphins, shopping on Rodeo drive, and walking across the red carpet when they were stuck on the opposite side of where their rental car was parked.
One day their group of eleven was in Hollywood eating at the Hard Rock Cafe the same day of the premiere for "Total Recall." One of the security guards allowed them to dash across the red carpet before the celebrities arrived. She even spotted a few movie stars. She stood about ten feel from Colin Farrel, one of the stars of "Total Recall," but didn't know who he was until someone in their party told her.
It was fun to welcome her home last night. I made a batch of dirt cake (her favorite) and had cleaned her room, which really made her happy. She brought us each gifts--a Lakers' cup for her brother, a key chain with #1 Grandpa for Walt, and an pen and a statue for me. The statue is a gold-plated Oscar with the caption "Best Grandma" across the bottom. That was a lovely surprise, and an award I will cherish.
Shortly before her return, my hubby heard about this cool tool to track airflights in real time. We don't fly often any more, so it was a new toy for us. I used it last night to follow her plane when it left LAX on its way to STL. The tracking tool is Flight Aware.
It's good to have her back safe and sound, home again, and I'm sure she will have memories to last a lifetime.
Oh my gosh, Donna, I can't believe she's almost 18!! I forget how long it's been that I actually lived in the STL area. Wow. What an exciting trip it sounds like she had. How fun to dash across the carpet and spot a celebrity--even if you don't know you did til later. :-) And congrats on the award--I bet that trumps everything!
ReplyDeleteHi Amy,
DeleteSo good to hear from you. And you're right about the award.
Donna
It's so hard to start letting go--I think my umbilical cord has stretched as far as it can with Ian--but it sounds like she had a marvelous time.
ReplyDeleteAnd that little Oscar is something I KNOW you'll treasure for a long, long time.
Now, if she ever goes on Letterman, and he brings back some of his old audience participation segments, she'll have a story about her "brush with greatness." That was so thoughtful of her to bring gifts. My kid would never think of it.
ReplyDeleteHi Sioux,
ReplyDeleteIt is hard to let go. My "oscar" is already sitting proudly on the fireplace mantle with favorite family photos.
Hi Val,
Being on Letterman would be fun!
Donna
What a sweet gift. But the thing I want to know is what is dirt cake? I may want the recipe! Glad your granddaughter had a good trip!
ReplyDeleteTechnology is a wonderful thing.
ReplyDeleteIs dirt cake the one with the cookies and pudding? I want the recipe too.
ReplyDeleteSounds like your granddaughter had a wonderful adventure.
Hi Lynn,
ReplyDeleteI will send you the recipe for Dirt Cake.
Hi Sally,
Technology was wonderful tracking her flight, for sure.
Hi Pat,
Yep. Dirt cake is the one with oreos and pudding and lots of other stuff that tastes good but it's very fattening. I will send you the recipe also.
Donna
Glad she had a good trip! She is blessed with good grandparents. :)
ReplyDeleteThanks, Karen. And we are blessed to be raising our grandchildren. Donna
DeleteAwww! I know the feeling, because I have one who just got back from Chicago - though I didn't win any Oscars for it! What a great girl.
ReplyDeleteI'm sure she had an awesome time. Makes me want to plan a vacation!
ReplyDeletePat
Critter Alley
Hi Tammy,
ReplyDeleteShe is a sweetie. Hope your kiddo had fun in Chi-town.
Hi Pat,
Me too!
Donna
Sounds like a wonderful opportunity for her! Glad she had a good time!
ReplyDelete