In the Shadow of the Stars

We got an early start today with big plans.  We dropped off Eliza at school, and got on the road to pick up my mom in Anaheim and do some sightseeing in Los Angeles.

We started with a 7-mile hike (round trip) up to the Hollywood sign.  Audrey decided about 100 feet in that it was too hard, so Amanda, Mom and I took turns carrying her on the way up.  It was quite a workout.

 

The view was spectacular, despite all the smog.

Audrey - happy to be at the top, and having a snack.

On the way down, we noticed this tree with a sign on it - "The Giving Tree."  There was a box where people had left knick knacks and notes full of kind words.  It was pretty cool.  Mom had paper and a pen, so we put all our names and left a note too.
Next, I am certain that I spotted an actress heading up the trail with a puppy, but Amanda and Mom were too busy playing with the dog to confirm this, and I can't put a name with the face.  Oh well.

Then...

"To the bat cave!"

Just a few hundred feet from the parking lot, is THE bat cave.  It was in the old Batman TV series, and a few episodes of Star Trek.
Yes, it is more of a tunnel than a cave, but very cool, and the kids liked it better than the Hollywood sign I think.

Sage goofing off in the cave.

Sage and Audrey checking out one of the 3 exits on the other end of the tunnel.

Audrey.

Amanda and Sage heading back out.

Our next stop was to eat lunch at the famous Pink's for hot dogs.  Then on to Rodeo Drive.

Sage and Audrey at the fountain just outside of Tiffany's.
So cool to walk down this street, window shop, and even go into a few stores.

Sage's favorite part of the day was the Santa Monica Pier.  She had watched the Hannah Montana movie days before and couldn't wait to ride the Ferris wheel and the roller coaster.  We all rode the Ferris Wheel together, and I tried to get pictures without the flash, but I don't know what I'm doing, so this is the best one.

Amanda and Sage rode the coaster while Mom, Audrey and I watched from below.  We waved as they went right over our heads.

Sage and Audrey 

Audrey, Mom, Amanda and Sage.  I just love the way the water below the pier is reflecting all the lights from the Ferris Wheel.

Audrey and Mom heading to the end of the pier.  The sun had already set, so there wasn't much to see at the end, but like everything else that day, it was just cool to be there.