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California

72 Articles
Three people standing next to a large Joshua tree in a desert landscape.
Three people standing next to a large Joshua tree in a desert landscape.

Joshua Tree

December 30, 2020
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JOSHUA TREE NATIONAL PARK, JOSHUA TREE CA, JOSHUA TREE, CA :: U2’s fifth studio album and our destination today! ✖ Family at Joshua Tree National Park Hikers Climbing...

Children ride bicycles on a sunny day along a coastal path near Santa Monica beach, surrounded by palm trees and pedestrians.
Children ride bicycles on a sunny day along a coastal path near Santa Monica beach, surrounded by palm trees and pedestrians.

Pier to Pier Bike Ride

August 11, 2019
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SANTA MONICA, CA :: Before heading back to the airport, we rented bikes at Santa Monica Pier and rode them via the nice bike path to Venice Beach Pier. We...

A smiling girl at the end of a bright yellow playground tunnel with adults entering behind her.
A smiling girl at the end of a bright yellow playground tunnel with adults entering behind her.

Tongva Park

August 5, 2019
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TONGVA PARK, SANTA MONICA, CA :: On the final day of our trip, we had breakfast and explored Santa Monica's brand new and beautiful Tongva Park, just a block away...

A colonial-style observatory building with domed roofs features crowds of visitors on surrounding grass and paved paths during evening. The site in Griffith Park, Los Angeles, is bathed in warm sunlight under a clear sky.
A colonial-style observatory building with domed roofs features crowds of visitors on surrounding grass and paved paths during evening. The site in Griffith Park, Los Angeles, is bathed in warm sunlight under a clear sky.

Griffith Observatory

August 4, 2019
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GRIFFITH OBSERVATORY, LOS ANGELES, CA :: Angelenos are lucky to have free access to amazing museums such as The Getty Center, California Science Center, and The Griffith...

Two young individuals running happily along a tree-lined urban plaza with a gazebo and pedestrians in the background.
Two young individuals running happily along a tree-lined urban plaza with a gazebo and pedestrians in the background.

Santa Monica

August 2, 2019
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SANTA MONICA, CA :: While in Southern California, we felt we needed to spend a couple days at the beach. So off to Santa Monica we went, where we spent...

Moro Rock

August 1, 2019
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MORO ROCK, SEQUOIA NATIONAL PARK, CA :: Our last stop in Sequoia National Park was Moro Rock, a granite monolith that towers over most of the park. It's like the...

A family relaxes on smooth boulders while a waterfall tumbles over the rocks behind them.
A family relaxes on smooth boulders while a waterfall tumbles over the rocks behind them.

Tokopah Falls Trail

July 31, 2019
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TOKOPAH FALLS, SEQUOIA NATIONAL PARK, CA :: After being on the road for a few hours and enduring the summertime crowds around General Sherman, it was nice to stretch our...

Three people linking arms around the massive trunk of a giant sequoia tree in a forest setting.
Three people linking arms around the massive trunk of a giant sequoia tree in a forest setting.

General Sherman

July 30, 2019
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GENERAL SHERMAN TREE, SEQUOIA NATIONAL PARK, CA :: We enjoyed a day in Sequoia National Park, starting with General Sherman, the world's largest tree (by volume)! It's 275 feet...

A family poses for a photo in front of the iconic castle at Hogsmeade. The setting captures the magical atmosphere of a theme park visit.
A family poses for a photo in front of the iconic castle at Hogsmeade. The setting captures the magical atmosphere of a theme park visit.

Universal Studios Hollywood

July 2, 2018
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UNIVERSAL STUDIOS HOLLYWOOD, UNIVERSAL CITY, CA :: The kids were pretty excited to be visiting the "real" Hogwarts, Jurassic Park, and the home of the Minions! The were also...

A family of five posing for a photo in front of an adorable building. The two young girls are each holding a stuffed animal.
A family of five posing for a photo in front of an adorable building. The two young girls are each holding a stuffed animal.

Bakersfield

July 2, 2018
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BAKERSFIELD, CA :: Long overdue visit to Grandma and Grandpa in Bakersfield, CA – where it was 105 degrees! We had fun catching up, enjoying Carol's cooking, touring the...

A family with two children wearing Minnie Mouse ears jumps joyfully in front of a topiary garden. White flowers and palm trees complete the scenic background.
A family with two children wearing Minnie Mouse ears jumps joyfully in front of a topiary garden. White flowers and palm trees complete the scenic background.

Holidays at Disneyland

November 23, 2014
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DISNEYLAND, ANAHEIM, CA :: Disneyland during the holidays meant character encounters, sparkling decorations, and a little extra magic around every corner. ✖ Holiday Christmas Tree...

Children seated on a bench surrounded by large LEGO Friends figures.
Children seated on a bench surrounded by large LEGO Friends figures.

Legoland

November 23, 2014
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LEGOLAND, CARLSBAD, CA :: Lots of fun with Grandma and Grandpa at Legoland! ✖ Riding a Miniature Amusement Park Train Rainbow Arch Sculpture with Children in Park Setting Child...

San Diego

November 22, 2014
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SAN DIEGO, CA :: Old Town, Balboa Park, Gas Lamp Quarter, and Coronado Beach with Grandma & Grandpa! ✖ Leaving the Office Building Together Family on rocks by water Two...

A black and white photo of a family walking a toddler in a stroller through a lush garden.
A black and white photo of a family walking a toddler in a stroller through a lush garden.

San Diego Zoo

November 20, 2014
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SAN DIEGO ZOO, SAN DIEGO, CA :: The San Diego Zoo gave us a full day among elephants, pandas, and winding garden paths, with a few rides for the kids...

Two young children wearing princess costumes and sashes smile on a park ride. One child wears a teal dress with a face marking, while the other wears purple with a princess sash.
Two young children wearing princess costumes and sashes smile on a park ride. One child wears a teal dress with a face marking, while the other wears purple with a princess sash.

Disneyland! Days 5, 6 & 7

February 28, 2014
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DISNEYLAND, ANAHEIM, CA :: Our final Disneyland days mixed classic rides, pool time, and the last few bits of magic we could squeeze from the trip. ✖ Adorable Toddler Princess...

Two children enjoying a spinning ride at an outdoor amusement park, captured from multiple angles with joyful expressions.
Two children enjoying a spinning ride at an outdoor amusement park, captured from multiple angles with joyful expressions.

Disneyland! Days 3 & 4

February 25, 2014
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DISNEYLAND, ANAHEIM, CA :: Days three and four brought more characters, bigger rides, and the growing confidence of two very enthusiastic little park experts. ✖ Glowing Fun at a...

Two children in striped shirts and headbands pose with topiary sculptures and flowers at a theme park. The vibrant purple flowers add color to the cheerful outdoor scene.
Two children in striped shirts and headbands pose with topiary sculptures and flowers at a theme park. The vibrant purple flowers add color to the cheerful outdoor scene.

Disneyland! Days 1 & 2

February 24, 2014
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DISNEYLAND, ANAHEIM, CA :: The first two Disneyland days began with wide eyes at the hotel window and quickly escalated into rides, characters, and nonstop discovery. ✖ Child...

A serene sunset paints the Pacific Ocean in warm hues, viewed from a coastal hillside with rolling waves and rugged cliffs.
A serene sunset paints the Pacific Ocean in warm hues, viewed from a coastal hillside with rolling waves and rugged cliffs.

The Lost Coast

June 30, 2012
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LOST COAST, CALIFORNIA :: I backpacked 19 miles along one of California’s most rugged and scenic stretches of coastline over two days. On the drive to the trailhead, my...

A dynamic concert at night with a massive stage illuminated by vivid blue and yellow lights, captivating a large crowd.
A dynamic concert at night with a massive stage illuminated by vivid blue and yellow lights, captivating a large crowd.

U2 at The Rose Bowl

October 25, 2009
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THE ROSE BOWL, PASADENA, CA :: Just the facts on U2’s awesome Rose Bowl concert: Our hotel: Marriott Courtyard in Old Town Pasadena (an easy 15 minute walk to the...

A woman stands smiling in front of a vibrant KooZA Rawhauh by Cirque du Soleil sign.
A woman stands smiling in front of a vibrant KooZA Rawhauh by Cirque du Soleil sign.

Cirque du Soleil: Kooza

October 24, 2009
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SANTA MONICA PIER, SANTA MONICA, CA :: We met with Kristie’s Dad and Carol at the Santa Monica Pier and treated them to their first Cirque du Soleil show: Kooza....

Grassy hills under a dramatic sky with a single tree on top.
Grassy hills under a dramatic sky with a single tree on top.

Eureka Dunes

October 23, 2009
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DEATH VALLEY NATIONAL PARK, CA :: After exploring the Racetrack, I drove in pitch darkness to Eureka Dunes and camped there overnight. I was a little spooked out by being...

A lone sailing stone rests on the cracked mudflats of Racetrack Playa in Death Valley National Park. Photo by johnandkristie.com
A lone sailing stone rests on the cracked mudflats of Racetrack Playa in Death Valley National Park. Photo by johnandkristie.com

The Racetrack

October 22, 2009
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DEATH VALLEY NATIONAL PARK, CA :: Kristie attended another education conference in Los Angeles, which we somehow magically coordinated with U2’s concert at the Rose Bowl...

A street view of Casa Blanca with a Coca-Cola sign hanging above.
A street view of Casa Blanca with a Coca-Cola sign hanging above.

Calcite Mine

October 24, 2008
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ANZA-BORREGO DESERT STATE PARK, CA :: I love slots. Slot canyons, that is. While Kristie was attending her conference today, I was excited to check out two popular slot canyon...

A band performs on a well-lit stage during a live concert. The crowd in front raises their phones to capture the moment.
A band performs on a well-lit stage during a live concert. The crowd in front raises their phones to capture the moment.

The Slot

October 24, 2008
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ANZA-BORREGO DESERT STATE PARK, CA :: After exploring the Calcite Mine area, I only had a couple hours to check out another nearby canyon, “The Slot”. I nearly decided...

Kristie sits at an outdoor table with a cup of coffee, smiling. The setting is near a building with large glass windows and a green umbrella overhead.
Kristie sits at an outdoor table with a cup of coffee, smiling. The setting is near a building with large glass windows and a green umbrella overhead.

Torrey Pines Beach Sunset

October 23, 2008
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TORREY PINES STATE NATURAL RESERVE, CA :: On our way through La Jolla, we stopped at Torrey Pines State Reserve for a sunset stroll along its beautiful beach. The day...

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