08/04 to 08/11 A Trip to California

 A Trip to California

08/04 to 08/11/2026

Finally, the time has come. Every grandparent eventually faces this moment: the little girl you entertained as a child, ran Science Camp for as a young student, who once flew alone with you to California to visit family, whose soccer prowess was evident at every match I attended, is now a young woman who has found her partner and is ready to build a life with him. 

This blog post will be created and presented in two parts due to the extensive and wonderful memories it has provided me. Next blog, the Wedding.

From Newark airport to John Wayne Airport in Santa Ana, Californina, Marybeth, Carlo, Judith, Mary and I, were about to travel the 2,433 to enjoy a week's stay with son, Chuck and family, Silvia and Aaron. At a top speed of 531 m.p.h. we made it in 5 hours and 50 minutes. Saturday was the big day.

The Flight:

Marybeth arranged and took detailed care to plan every aspect of trip to accommodate the "Elders." I caved and decided to swallow the strong desire to protect my pride in lifelong self-reliance and chose "assistance" to get me through check-in, through security and to our departure gate.

The airport assist chair — the ultimate VIP treatment for when the terminal designers decided "let's make this place the size of a small country and then act shocked when people can't cross it on foot."

Judith, Marybeth, Mary

This photo shows the reward of my decision. This crowd is just half the line waiting to go through security. Thanks to Marybeth's "discussion" with Jesse, United Airline's passenger assistant agent, five of us were guided past the lines, through security and brought to Gate A-15, a 7-10 minute walk from security, with plenty of time to relax and grab a bite to eat. 

Right down to the seat selections, she nailed it.

My window seat was a tad noisy near the engine, but the view was incredible. As I watched, I did wonder how long before this monster was going to say good-bye to terra firma.

Having crossed this great country back and forth six times, I can attest to the fact that it is huge. And from 40,000 feet above, it looked even more spectacular. And for the duration of the flight, I watched the dots crawl across the screen in front of me between Direct TV's channel selections.

At Chuck and Silvia's:

Our home for the next week. Thank you, Chuck and Silvia.

With our bodies three hours ahead, the "reunion" was terrific.

Carlo and Silvia

Bride-to-be, Beca and mommy, Marybeth

Chuck and his mommy, Mary and grandson Aaron

The groom, West Coast Ryan and Aaron. Soon to arrive from Miami will be granddaughter, Sara, and East Coast Ryan.

In from Miami, East Coast Ryan, and Sara with mommy, Marybeth

One day we had a tour of the newly purchased home of Beca and Ryan with Kota and Bindi.

Poppa Charlie and Kota

Kota and Bindi

Beca's favorite aunt Judy, is given a big Thank You hug.

Another day, a visit to Balboa Island

Ryan, Aaron, Carlo, Sara, John, Marybeth, Chuck

Then, there's food. 

Five "chefs" at work preparing the meal.

Silvia's ever beautiful salad preparation. Each a work of art.

Zucchini risotto

Chicken, tomatoes, olives and onions in a broth

Saluté

Some views

Looking southwest from the porch, Corona del Mar State Beach and Newport Bay

Chuck and Silvia hosted an evening for Carlo's family who also flew in from New York. They stayed in various Airbnb's near the wedding venue in Mission Viejo. Carlo arranged the catered event with a local caterer. 

To finish the evening, a relaxing visit on the upper deck to watch the Pacific sunset.

L. to R: John, Ivana, Sara, East Coast Ryan, Marybeth, Beca, West Coast Ryan, Megan, Gaetano, Marco and Carlo. Nineteen other members of both familes and friends in attendance didn't make it into the photo.

A 7:47 p.m. Pacific sunset from the roof top.

Soon, this 16 year old will become Mrs. Rebeca Evans. Stay tuned.

“The best and most beautiful things in this world cannot be seen or even touched — they must be felt with the heart.” — Helen Keller