Monday morning Michael and I were up earlier than Rex and Amira, naturally. As we were so close to the water we took a nice walk down to the harbor to see the Queen Mary and the boats and shops there. We even saw a seal playing around by one of the piers.
Once the teens awoke, we began our day of looking for future lodgings for Rex. He's been connecting with a woman in Long Beach who helps find housing for international students attending Cal State Long Beach. She places them in houses with other students, families or professionals. And she is apparently like a mom to them. I really liked her. After looking at a number of options, Rex decided to fill out a lease for a room with private bath and kitchen privileges. He'll be in the main house with a couple of professionals. There is another house in the back where three other international students will be staying. There is also laundry in the house. He will be close to the beach and not too far from school.
The place that he really liked was a house just for international students. At that house each student either gets a private room with shared bath or private room with private bath. Laundry is on premises and they pay a once per semester house cleaning fee. (house cleaner!!! Comes with the place ... amazing). The place looked like fun - and very college student oriented. Unfortunately, one has to apply for those rooms at least six months in advance. Rex applied for a room for January. So, at some point in November he will either decide to stay in the room he is renting (starting this summer) or he will give notice and plan to move into the student house in January.
It sounds like this woman also puts together social events for the students (no matter where she has them housed) so that they can get together and socialize with other students. What a great idea. I like this woman!
Once we figured out the living situation, we headed off to UTI to check out his new school. We got there just in time for a tour. Rex was also able to talk to someone about assisting him with job placement. He plans to work part time while he goes to school.
What an exciting time! Here he is in front of his new school:
Tuesday morning Michael dropped off Rex, Amira and myself at Disneyland and headed off to play golf. I think this was more fun for everyone this way. And Amira had been so young the last time we went to Disneyland, she has no recollection of it.
We kicked it off with Space Mountain and ended on Indiana Jones. Of course I had to torment them with It's a Small World in the middle of the day. We even took a break and went out to "Downtown Disney" for lunch at the Jazz Kitchen. Not only was it way more delicious than the "cafeteria fare" being offered in the park, but it was quiet and cool by comparison.
The three of us tore up the park from 9am-5pm. I thought surely we would stay later. But those teens are so mature. They decided to leave on a high note. Good for them! (and me)
Michael had just made it down to San Clemente to visit our friends, Steve & Kelley, when he got our text and had to head into rush hour traffic to head back to Anaheim to collect us. (Thanks, honey!)
We were all excited to see Kelley and Steve at their beautiful San Clemente home on the hill with views overlooking a canyon. That place was like Club Med! Also, they had just gotten a new puppy (the name is still up for debate ...) that was ADORABLE. So, there was that in addition to the fun visit with friends. Oh, and lets not forget ping pong for the teens.
Wednesday was an easy day of visiting followed by a night of watching the fireworks show down at the beach. Last time I came down Kelley had taken me to her Zumba class. Now she is doing a "barre3" workout. (First we pay. Then we play)! Honestly, it worked me.
Steve took Rex for a ride in his old Renault. Just a couple of shirtless dudes.
Thursday was a beach day. Look at all these beach babes!
Friday was our last official day (before our departure Saturday morning to head back home). This was a day for Michael and Steve to jam with their friend Brian, who plays drums. Kelley and I briefly played the parts of back up dancers and good audience members. Sure, we were groupies.
Rex whipped up some salsa and guacamole. He does such an amazing job.
After all the sun, fun, music and food we fell asleep to music in Steve's "stereo" room. Here's Kelley with her sleeping puppy. Awwwe! I think we tuckered them all out.
Thanks to everyone who hosted us or helped transport us around for an awesome summer vacation.
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