I am going to journal our trip for my benefit so I remember all the details. You can skip to photos if you wish.
Day 1: Sunday, Feb. 15th
Today we arrived in Long Beach, CA. Our flights went well and on time. YAY! We got to Long Beach around 12:30 pm (3:30 pm Eastern Time). We stayed in the Hyatt and had a great view of the harbor, boats and shops from our window. We enjoyed seeing a lot of our Chick-fil-A friends and walking around the Chick-fil-A Expo. We got to meet Mike Berenstein (author of the Berenstein Bears books) and he autographed a poster for our girls. That was neat! We got a bunch of Chick-fil-A freebies at Expo and got to sample the new Peach Milkshake that will be coming out this summer. It is incredibly yummy!!! It will be featured in CFA stores May - August. We went to bed EARLY tonight b/c we were exhausted by 9:00 pm. It took us a couple of days to adjust to the 3 hr. time difference. (I don't know how my sister in Australia does it when she comes to the US).
Day 2: Monday, Feb. 16th
Today was a very cold, rainy day in Long Beach. In the morning, we enjoyed many neat speakers such as Jim Collins (the author from the book "Good to Great"), Truett Cathy's Pastor, Charles Carter, and an interview between Truett Cathy and his son and CEO, Dan Cathy. Truett is such an inspiration and we love hearing him speak. He is such a Godly man and has so much wisdom and love to share. We feel blessed to be part of the CFA family. Monday afternoon we were supposed to go to Catalina Island and do an underwater submarine tour but it got cancelled due to rain and wind. So, CFA gave us free movie passes and free passes to a local arcade (it was a lot like Dave and Busters in Atlanta). So, we went and saw "Mall Cop" and that was a complete flop. Don't recommend it! But, we were able to enjoy the day with our friends Amy and Lew Leckrone (Tony's college roommate and his wife - they have a CFA store in Indiana) so that was fun. We went to the arcade with them and had fun playing race car videogames. Ask Tony who won?? :) Then, Tony and I enjoyed a very romantic, steak dinner at 555 Steakhouse. It was very good. We did not get to go out for Valentine's Day so we made that our Valentine Dinner. It was also nice that CFA gave us lots of money to spend on meals. :)
Day 3: Tuesday, Feb. 17th
Today we had several treats. Our morning session consisted of Bubba Cathy (Sr. Vice Pres. of CFA and son of Truett Cathy) and he gave us some updates about the Marriage Retreat Center in Rome, GA (at Berry College) and Chick-fil-A's involvement this year promoting the movie, "Fireproof." Then, we were surprised when they introduced a special guest to the stage...Kirk Cameron. I thought this was cool b/c I grew up watching his show "Growing Pains" and was a big fan of his. Bubba interviewed him about the movie. Kirk is a great guy and a strong Christian. He told us some neat facts about the movie. None of the actors/actresses got paid to be in the movie. They all volunteered their time. Also, the last scene where Caleb (Kirk Cameron) kisses his wife in the movie is not really them kissing but Kirk and his real wife. They had his wife come to the set and shoot the scene dressed up like the actress and they used computers to change the face and Kirk got to kiss his real wife. Which I thought was very neat. The producers and Kirk felt strongly that the ending needed to be romantic and intense but not w/ someone that was not Kirk's real wife. So, they came up with the plan to use Kirk's real wife, Chelsea. We also got to see the woman who performs the "Mommy Song" on Youtube. You have probably seen it via an email circulating. She is very funny and performed that song and a few others including one she made up about CFA. And Steve Robinson (Sr. Vice President, Marketing) did an interview with Tommy Tuberville (former football coach of Auburn Univ.) and Frank Beamer (football coach for Virginia Tech). They gave us a lot of great tips about being a coach, leader, teacher, trainer, and role model. I really enjoyed Tommy Tuberville he had some great insights. After the session, we were able to go to Expo and meet Kirk Cameron and get a free DVD of Fireproof which he autographed for us. We got a picture with him but it was with my friends camera so I can't post it yet. I am waiting for her to send it to us. Then, we spent the afternoon in an award ceremony and then had the evening free. We went out to dinner with some friends of ours, David and Shannon Daniels, to Bubba Gumps. That was a neat and yummy restaurant. Whew, a busy and fun day!
Day 4: Wednesday, Feb. 18th
Today we got to hear Dave Ramsey (author and Nat'l radio and TV host about money) speak and he is an incredible speaker on managing your money and staying out of debt. He is also incredibly funny. We thoroughly enjoyed his talk. We got to meet him after the session and he autographed his book for us. We also sat through some more awards and found out where seminar will be next year - Washington D.C. and we will be staying in the Gaylord Resort. Looks very nice. Then, it was off to the annual CFA 5K. Tony and I ran it together. Tony was sweet enough to pace me since he has been training and in shape and I have not run since last year's CFA seminar. I am proud to say I ran the whole way, was under 9 min. pace, and finished with a time just under 28 mins. This is a little embarrassing knowing I used to be a runner and could run a 5k in 20 mins. BUT I was young then and was in shape. I was pretty proud of a 28 min. 5K esp. since I am so out of shape. We had gorgeous weather today. Highs in the low 70's and a light breeze. We actually got a little sunburned on our faces today. Then, we went on a whale watching boat tour but did not see any whales. :( We saw a ton of dolphins though and they were very cute. They are quite the entertainers jumping out of the water and racing the boat. I would love to say I enjoyed the boat ride but I DID NOT! I was very queasy and am lucky I did not get sick. The water was very rough and you could not walk straight on the boat it was rocking so much. I don't do well with that esp. when the boat is pretty small. It was also freezing out on the water with the wind so we all froze. But, the dolphins were cute and we saw some cute Sea Lions too. I don't think I would do it again though. I think I will just stick to seeing them at Sea World. Wednesday night we enjoyed dinner with Tony's Brother, Joe and his wife Abby. And then we had a wonderful ending to our seminar. The Long Beach Symphony preformed for us. I was not looking forward to it b/c I thought it would be slow, classical music and boring but it was awesome. They did a Pops concert and all the music was well known musical and movie hits and other upbeat songs. It was so much fun. But, sadly after it was over we had to say goodbye to everyone and seminar 2009 was done. We had a great time and can't thank CFA enough for treating us so good and giving us such a neat experience. We are looking forward to D.C. next year.
Day 5: Thursday, Feb. 19th
Tony and I are staying in Long Beach for 3 extra days. We are staying in the same hotel which is nice so we don't have to pack up and move to another hotel. We picked up a rental car today and headed for Hollywood. We got to see them setting up for the Oscars and were able to walk through it all. We walked the red carpet and were able to see the entrance to the Kodak Theatre. It was really neat. We were standing where all the movie stars would be 3 days later. We also walked the Hollywood Stars and saw the Hollywood sign on the hill. We ate at a famous hotdog place called "Pinks" which has been featured on the Food Network and many famous people have eaten there. It was pretty good but we still think the Varsity food is better. Then, we drove through Beverly Hills and saw many beautiful, HUGE homes and all kinds of expensive cars. The city was screaming MONEY or DEBT I don't know which one. :) Tony and I definitely looked like tourists with our camera, mouths hanging open, eyes big, and driving our rent-a-car through Beverly Hills and Rodeo Drive. We headed out to the coast next and went to the Santa Monica Pier, drove through Malibu and another beautiful beach that I can't remember the name of but it got us a parking ticket so it better have been worth it. :) We were at a state park and did not see any signs for parking. We spent a wonderful 20 mins. out on the beach and when we got back to our car there was a lovely gift from a state trooper. :( We finally saw the signs (VERY SMALL - I must add - and 3 other cars had tickets too). So, that beach was beautiful but I don't think it was $64.00 beautiful. :( We saw a beautiful sunset on the way to dinner. Then, we ate at a local hamburger joint called, "In and Out." Oh my is it good. BEST BURGERS EVER! Makes my mouth water just thinking about them. Thank goodness they are burgers and not chicken or CFA might be in trouble. ;) I am glad they don't have them out here on the East Coast or I would be huge! It was a wonderful day and the West Coast has very pretty beaches.
Day 6: Friday, Feb. 20th.
Today we headed south. The weather was absolutely beautiful today. We had low 70's and light winds. We were chilly at times but still got a little sun. We went to Laguna Beach. Laguna is absolutely beautiful and we spent the whole day there relaxing and eating. We walked the beach, fell asleep on some rocks, shopped, watched the sunset and ate. We had lunch at a cafe that was overlooking the ocean and we had dinner at a pizza place that was really good and served the most amazing dessert. It was a LARGE homemade cookie (fresh out of the oven, thick and gooey) topped with 3 scoops of ice cream. It was to die for. We met up with a couple that we used to be in church with for dinner, Victor and Debbie Vasquez, and had a great time catching up with them. Thanks Victor and Debbie for driving up to see us!! Today was definitely my favorite day of the trip.
Day 7: Saturday, Feb. 21st
Today we had breakfast at a diner called, Gaffey's Diner, featured on Food Network. It was AMAZING. It was the best breakfast we have ever had. Tony and I both got huge items and were full until 6 pm that night. So, we made it our breakfast and lunch. It was probably enough calories for the whole day! Fattening but OH SO GOOD!
Then, we headed into Los Angeles to tour all the districts (flower, toy, jewerly, fabric, you name it). We did not get out of the car b/c it was not a place we wanted to shop but it was funny to see all of the districts. Pretty crazy!! Then, we headed to Chinatown. That too was interesting! The first 30 mins. or so were very fun and we were having a blast but then it got old quick. We got lost in one of their little enclosed shopping markets and it was dirty, crowded, and we could not find an exit. Tony said "this might just be one of my worst nightmares!" It was pretty funny. We did get some cheap toys for the kids and enjoyed seeing all the exotic foods. We did not dare eat anything b/c most of the restaurants had B health ratings and we could see why.
Then, we went to LA Dodgers stadium and got to go inside and take pictures. It is a gorgeous field and has an awesome view of the mountains. We then had the sports in our blood so we drove to Pasadena to see the Rose Bowl Stadium. To our surprise the bike race of "Tour of California" was passing through so most of the roads were closed and crowded with spectators. We thought about staying and watching Lance Armstrong but decided to move on instead. Yes, Victor and Debbie, I know you are thinking we are crazy! ;)
We then decided to tour the mountains and go see the Ronald Reagan Presidential Library in Simi Valley. It was BEAUTIFUL! The scenery was gorgeous (although it was cloudy - I can't imagine how beautiful it would have been on a clear day) and the museum was very neat. We got to tour the Airforce One Airplane that they retired and we saw part of the Berlin Wall that was given to Reagan as a gift. We also learned that Reagan loved JellyBelly Jelly Beans. He had them stashed everywhere! All I could think of was, "I wonder how many cavities he had?" We ended our evening at a burger place called, "Island Burgers" (a lot like Red Robin) and then walked around the harbor and shops and got a candy apple from the Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory. Mmm, it was good. Then, it was time to pack up. :(
Day 8: Sunday, Feb. 22
Today we headed back to NC. We were sad to leave the 70 degree weather and beautiful beaches/mountains. I was amazed that you could be on the beach and also viewing snow capped mountains at the same time. We had an amazing trip and one we will never forget. Especially now that I have blogged it. :) Thanks to my Mom and Dad for watching the girls for us all week. They had a hard week with the girls being sick, missing mommy and daddy, and Reece being her Curious George self. Mom and Dad, we greatly appreciate your time and hard work this week watching the girls. Thanks for caring for them, spoiling them and loving them!!!! We Love Y'all and can't thank you enough for giving Tony and I a week to getaway and recharge.
Our Hotel - Hyatt in Long Beach
Me, Tony, Abby, and Joe heading out for our Whale Boat Tour
The playful dolphins we saw while on our boat tour. There were dolphins everywhere.
The beautiful coast from our boat tour 
Capital Records in Hollywood
Getting ready for the Oscars. 
Kodak Theatre where the Oscars are held
On the stairway that leads to the entrance of Kodak Theatre. The red carpet is below me (covered in plastic). Unfortunately, this photo is blurry but I had to post it b/c it proves we were there! :)
Another shot of them setting up for the Oscars.
Kaylyn posing with Charlie Chaplain - there were characters all over trying to get in your photos. Then, they wanted you to pay them $1.00. We did not know this until after I posed with Charlie.
Hollywood stars - Phil Collins and Billy Graham
Here is the famous "Pink's Hotdogs" we ate at.
Here is the beautiful state park that earned us a ticket. 
Some more photos of the expensive state park! It was beautiful!!
I think this is part of Malibu. We saw so many beaches I am not sure which is which. But, they were all very pretty as you can see!
Beautiful sunset in Malibu.
This is our view of snow capped mountains on the way to Laguna Beach.
This is beautiful Laguna Beach.
This is a view of Laguna Beach from Dana Point.
Watching the sunset in Laguna Beach.
Chinatown in Los Angeles
The LA Dodgers Stadium - check out the beautiful view of the mountains.
Airforce One at Ronald Reagan's Presidential Library and Museum
The view from the Ronald Reagan Presidential Library. It was cloudy so the photo really does not show the true beauty. It was a gorgeous view.
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