San Diego Zoo, Seals, Old Town, the Beach

Most of us wished we could have had just another 2 hours at the San Diego Zoo. It was so much fun and almost all the animals were very active while we were there…even the Pandas!

A quick ride from the zoo took us to Old Town. It was a neat little place with stores, but the highlight was an impromptu concert at the Immaculate Conception Church. The kids sang ‘Search Me O Lord’ and ‘Lord Bless.’ The acoustics were beautiful and those that were in the church seem to appreciate the music.

Another 5 minute ride took us to the ‘Children’s pool.’ Once upon a time, this area of the beach was gentle enough for children to play, but the seals thought it was good for them, too…so they took over. We saw several seals in one area where the surf was 8-10 feet. Kinda neat! Many of the kids went straight onto the beach, away from the seals, to enjoy a 55-degree Pacific. Brrrrrr!

Dinner was served at the La Jolla Shores Hotel veranda right on the beach. After dinner, the kids sang ‘Praise His Name’ and ‘Lord Bless.’ We even got applause from the folks that were in the pool area. The best comment came from one of our servers, a young lady in her late twenties. She asked if we were a Christian group. I replied that the group was from a Christian High School. Her mouth dropped open and she said she was amazed to see such a large group of believers from this generation. It was a blessing to know we were a blessing to her this evening.

The evening ended on the beach! Not too many things can compete with watching the sun set on a beach…

Tomorrow is Palm Sunday Service and Disney Land.

More about our First Day

Miami Air International really took care of our flight. On each seat was our logo! How cool is that?

HCS Choirs were also treated to a first: The flight attendants wanted to hear us sing so we performed, at 33,000 feet, The Lord Bless. The kids did a nice job and the flight attendants got a little teary eyed. :)





In true Hollywood style, our group was greeted by the paparazzi. :)






Our youngest tour member found a new friend. :)

Here is the whole group at Universal Studios right before departure to the hotel.

As we were lining up, someone yelled for us to sing. So we did. Another first for the HCS choir! Here is Matt Kimball our student director taking the lead.



We had quite a gathering to hear us. :)

Day One in the bag!

We spent the entire day at Universal Studios Hollywood amusement park. Many of us went on an hour long studio tour where we saw the back lot of where many popular tv shows and movies are produced: CSI, Desperate House Wives, Bones.

We saw outdoor sets that were used in many different movies. Recycling at its best!

The cutest show was the animal actor show! We saw well-trained cats, dogs, birds, pigs, raccoons, gerbils, rats, and hawks. Quite a show!

With the 3-hour time difference, our day was long but fun by all accounts.

Now we are on a 2-hour bus ride to San Diego. We will check in, get some rest, and visit San Diego Zoo and other fun places.

Tomorrow’s dinner will be in La Jolla at an ocean side restaurant. J

The weather was great all day!

California or bust!

We have safely made it through airport security and are now standing in line for Starbucks!

Next stop...Burbank.

Not sure I will be able to take pictures while the kids are in the studio, but if I can...they will be right here!

Boarding now. :)