Last day with Dan and Cecelia

Friday we woke up like usual and got ready for the day, then headed for Hollywood.

It was a very smoggy day in LA..

For the best view of the sign we went to Griffith Observatory again.  This time we looked around the observatory a little more, but we didn't go inside or on a tour or anything.

The Griffith Observatory Telescope ^

We had finished there earlier than predicted so we thought we'd go grab a coffee somewhere near Paramount Pictures before our tour.  We found a great shopping area called Larchmont St.  There were tons of cool stores and coffee shops. Wish I could show you a picture, but I about lost my mind driving around looking for a parking spot, which was no where to be found.  Eventually, we just dropped Ashley and Cecelia off to pick up the coffee while Dan and I drove around until they were ready.  

Once we had collected Ashley and Cecelia we drove to the studio.  I have to admit that initially I did not want to go on the tour of Paramount Studios, but I went because they all wanted to. But guess what! I actually really enjoyed it! We got to see a lot of cool things and hear some interesting things. My favorite was when our tour guide pointed out the spots for such well known shows like The Brady Bunch, Mork and Mindy, Community, and a lot of famous films.

This parking lot can actually be filled with water and used as a beach or ocean scene with the sky painting behind it. 

We rode around in this golf cart to various spots, then would get out and get to snap pics and walk around.

This was originally Lucille Ball's dressing room when she was filming the show, I Love Lucy. It has since then been used in many films.

They have an entire section of the studios called "New York City" with areas that resemble Soho, Wall Street, Brooklyn, and the Bronx.  This particular photo shows the brewery that Laverne and Shirley worked in.  It's not a brewery, but just a building painted to look like one.. The inside is a studio with a different purpose. 

There are iron gates that are the originals from when the company started.  It is said that if you touch the gates you will have great success in the entertainment industry.  Guess where I touched?!

Standing on my tip toes I reached up high, placed my index finger on the hinge, closed my eyes, and whispered a wish that no one but that little nut and bolt will ever know.. 

Continuing on in our journey.. 

Next up was City Walk, which is part of Universal Studios. 

So many lights!

So much entertainment!

 And a birthday boy!

We woke up early Saturday to take them to the airport.  On the way back Ashley and I couldn't stop laughing as we remember how much fun we had while they visited.  Come back again, please!!!


(or just get a job traveling with us, Dan!?)