I awoke to find that Hannah and Gen had already left the house and were indulging in an activity that begins with “s” and ends with “hopping”. I couldn’t complain as fresh donuts awaited downstairs when I’d got washed and dressed.
We then did something out of the ordinary and engaged in healthy outdoor activity. Crystal Cove is a lovely little nature reserve directly west of Irvine and we headed off there for a walk around the beach and a delve into the rock pools. Great fun was had by all, many treasures were found and a number of sea creatures were poked to see if they would rouse themselves into activity.
We had lunch at Ruby’s Diner at the end of a pier and then came home for a rest before – would you believe it? – going shopping. This, however, was only because it was on the way to Gen’s parents’ house where we’d been invited for a barbecue. Gen’s aunt Lynn was over from the Philippines, and while we chatted with Gen's mum and aunt inside her dad masterfully scorched steaks out by the pool.
After a delicious meal we came home for experimentation with margaritas (I’ll post the recipe from Hannah if she’ll disclose it) and a game of Killer Bunnies. Our original plan of a trip into LA tomorrow may be put on hold in favour of more drinking and playing in the sun. It's the Californian lifestyle!
Heading down to Crystal Cove beach.
Jim does his surfer impression.
Hannah and Gen are mightily impressed.
Gen attempts to get the attention of a crab with a sea creature impression.
And it works!
An urchin!
A sea monster (not actual size)!
Gen attacks David after an unfortunate misunderstanding over seaweed. Once again, disproportionate American response.
A star fish!
Rock pool life!
But with friends like these, who needs anemones?
Balboa Pier.
The diner at the end.
Californian sweethearts (unstaged, of course).
James plays barman at Gen's parent's house.
Gen's dad expertly sears meat outside.
Mum, aunt, Gen.
Steak. It was HUGE, and strangely in the shape of the continental USA...
David relaxes after dinner.
Gen's dad Frank, mum Margarita, aunt Lynn, Gen, Jim.
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