California 1968 - 1976

California is a big state with 11 entires in "the book," so I am going to do several posts on CA in chronological order.

Summary - I've been to 7 of 11 places featured in "the book" and I have visited CA 7 times (that I can remember right now).

But....I don't remember my first trip to CA, so I will tell it from my mom's perspective:

1968 - Picture a woman with a two-year-old (that's me), a six-year-old - and she is pregnant, riding across the country in a pick-up truck camper with her in-laws. Enough said.

I don't remember going to Yosemite National Park, but my mom said I was there so I am counting it. It is in "the book."

1976 - Another driving trip to CA, but without my grandparents. We did stop and visit them in Arizona before arriving in CA.

Highlights of what I can remember:
Walking across the border to Mexico, and having children my own age asking me for money.
Going to Hollywood (in "the book") and putting my feet in the footprints of famous people.
Going to Knott's Berry Farm, Universal Studios and Disneyland.
Going to the Rose Bowl Parade.

I have another memory to share from this trip - my brother, Bruce, and I were on an old wooden teeter-toter in a playground...and I got a large sliver in butt. Just one of many klutzy moments in my life.

The Rose Bowl Parade was probably the highlight of the trip. The Osmonds were big at this time and they had a float in the parade. Yes, I was in love with Donny Osmond when I was 10.