To the Griffith

 A week ago, our youngest son and his wife came to visit for a few days. They loved chill-axing in the Cali sun (after a winter in Minnesota).

 I had to work a half-day, but in the late afternoon we headed for LA and the Griffith Observatory. The view from the top of the mountain was spectacular!

 Across the valley was the famous "Hollywood" sign...

 time for a photo-op

 and another...

 and then into the building to watch the giant pendulum as it swung toward the little peg... 

 This time, we actually did see the peg get knocked over!

 trying to touch the moon...

 ...then following the trail of starred jewels 

 ...all the way down the hallway

 ...to the lower level where we found the planets in our solar system.

 A good photo-op

 ...and a bit of frivolity

 and more!

 As the world turned, we found our old "home"

 And then, just as the sun was setting, we lined up to see the Northern lights show...

 Settling into those comfy recliners, we prepared ourselves for that awesome light show. 

 Forty minutes later, we looked out on the city of lights, stretching on and on...as far as the eye could see.

 Next we went in search of a place to eat, Olive Garden, to be precise. But after a couple of wrong turns, we ended up in downtown Glendale. Not knowing what to do next, we parked the car in a ramp and started to look for the hamburger place that we had spotted a few blocks back.  Imagine our delight, when we stepped off the elevator and into this plaza with music and fountains, and people dancing on the surrounding sidewalks...It was a wonderful adventure!

We did find our hamburgers, just a few blocks down from the plaza, but we were also surprised by this joyful ending to a fun day with family!