Back in Cali (Los Angeles, CA)

It's been 10 years since we were last in Los Angeles, CA. Back then, I was almost certain that it was going to be the last time I'd go to LA but times have changed, i.e. we had another kid, so I gave it one more chance. 

But the main reason for the trip was to visit the newly opened Super Nintendo World. Since the kids had a random week off of school in October, this was the perfect opportunity to go since we would be avoiding the crowd. 

Tuesday

The day started out really early with everyone waking up around 4 a.m. for our early morning flight. We headed to Venice for lunch and to explore the beach but Andrew wasn't feeling it. He was either sick or sleep deprived so he spent most of the time sitting out. By the time we made it to the hotel, he called it an early night. His day was over before it ever began.

It's apparently too early for a picture.

Sunrise over the horizon.

Our rental car (a hybrid minivan) parked in front of the mecca of bodybuilding (Gold's Gym).

Brunch/lunch at Flake (Venice, CA).

The water was cold.

Venice Beach... probably not the best beach option for the family.

Andrew was dying.

Just hangin'.

We spent the evening (dinner and shopping) at The Point.

Wednesday

This day was spent exploring downtown LA, Little Tokyo, and Koreatown. Traffic was unbearable. Parts of the city were sketchy... bums and crazy people. You know it's bad if they have security standing in front of the bookstore and at restrooms. Oh, and Andrew felt better so that was good.

Stopped by The Last Bookstore.

Ahhhhhh!

We got various eats (Moon Rabbit, Bastion, Fat + Flour) at Grand Central Market.

Shopping at Little Tokyo.

All you can eat Korean BBQ at Bak Kung.

Thursday

Day 1 at Universal Studios. We spent the whole day there from opening at 9 a.m. to closing at 6 p.m. but now Jacob felt like trash. He was tired with body aches and complained of a headache. Maybe he got sick from Andrew? He powered through though.

We made it.

But this was the main attraction, Super Nintendo World.

Getting coins.

The props were so cool to see.

Princess Peach.

Casting spells throughout Hogsmeade.

And of course we had to get Butterbeer.

Friday

Day 2 at Universal Studios. Jacob (flu-like symptoms) stayed back at the hotel to rest. But now Elliot (cough) and Tyson (stomach issues) felt sick. Uh oh. This time we didn't stay until closing... these kids were dying.

A family picture (sans Jacob) with Frankenstein and his bride (Halloween season).

Inside Hogwarts was pretty cool.

Sick kids breaking down.

Picked up food at Costco for dinner.

Watched an exciting Game 6 of the ALCS from our hotel. Go 'Stros!

Saturday

The kids (sans Andrew) didn't feel 100% but were able to function. We checked out Griffin Observatory before heading back to the airport. I didn't want to push it (there was much more I wanted to do) but we just needed to make it home in one piece. Besides, I had to give myself ample time to drive through the horrendous traffic to make it to the airport on time.

Hollywood sign as seen from Griffith Park.

One last family picture (Griffith Observatory).

The giant telescope.

Sunset as we say goodbye Los Angeles