Aulani

Kathy and Stuart invited us to stay with them at the Disney Aulani for a week starting January 5th. Stuart's brother was also there with his wife and daughter.

The Entrance

On the way to the pools

Cruising down the Lazy River

And Out

Underwater shot while snorkeling

Character Breakfast

Bill, Donald, & Kailyn

Kailyn & Katie loved the water

Free ukulele lessons

Kathy & Stuart

Early morning pool time

Day is Done

We Went Camping at Jalama Beach

We spent 3 days and 2 nights at Jalama Beach campground which is run by Santa Barbara County. It is by Jalama Creek and was the site of a Chumash Indian village before the villagers were moved to the Missions. In 1943 Atlantic Richfield Oil donated 23.5 acres to the county so it's been around a long time but not that well known.

This is our arrival. Rather than take the short route from the 101 we had to go through Lompoc. We were glad to get there before sunset. We saw some whales and water pouts as we were putting out the awning.

 Because it could get very windy, the awning would come out and then have to be put back down.

 But isn't the view great?

 Our friends Alan and Chris had the site next to us

This guy just sat there while Bill practiced his photography

The Sunsets 

Full disclosure -- there was a railroad track on the hill behind the park

Day is Done and it's cold and windy outside

A Christmas Present

This ukulele is decorated with family pictures. Kathy made it for me for Christmas.

Christmas Eve at Our Place

 Kailyn tried out my ukulele for some music

 Finding and opening presents

 Kalissa and Stuart (Stuart has on a knit Elsa hat Kathy made for the girls. Her white braid is her frozen hair -- it's a Disney movie)

 Karen , Katie, and Kailyn

 Mother (Grammie) talking with Bob

Self timer that went off before Bill got in it!

Holiday Lunch with the Old Time Fiddlers of California

On Sunday, December 14th we went to the District 8 Old Time Fiddlers for a Holiday Lunch. 

It was great, turkey dinner with all the trimmings. After dinner we hear music from members and I even took my first "selfie" which it didn't work out oo well.

 The Martin Boys

 1/2 of a Blue Grass group -- you can't see the upright bass player and the mandolin player (too many heads in the way)

Christmas Uke-A-Long

Friday, December 12th we drove down to the Los Angeles Music Center for a Uke-A-Long with about 300+ ukulele players at the Dorothy Chandler Pavilion. 

A practice started at 6 PM and we played and sang till 8. We both had a wonderful time.

I made the picture extra big. Can you locate Bill & I?

Thanksgiving

We all met at the Orlinskys for a big turkey dinner (or lunch). The food was good and we had a great time.

 Kalissa, Kailyn, and Katie

 Grammie and part of Bob

 Grammie, Bob, Karen, top of Kalissa's head, Kailyn, and top of Katie's head

 Kathy's carving the dessert turkey

 Drum Stick (dark)

 Or breast (light)

 Bill

 Kalissa and one of their dogs, BeBe

 Katie watching her Mom carve the "turkey"