"O what can it mean? To a - daydream believer and a homecoming queen"

First, God rest the soul of David Jones (the Monkey) who died of a heart attack yesterday. I watched that show when I was a kid and I didn't really like it, but I loved him on the Brady Bunch :) 

A couple of weeks ago, RKZ and my best friends surprised the wives (the men planned it) with a quick trip from Connecticut to visit. The main part of the surprise was a weekend on the island of Catalina. We had a wonderful trip. First BIG surprise? We took a helicopter over to the island. I was afraid at first, but it was calm and peaceful,  so fun. 

 My friend, B, getting into the front seat of the helicopter.

 I sat safely in the middle of the back, but I could still seat.

 Our pilot. 

 cruise ships in the background. 

 The views were amazing. Below is my first sighting of Catalina. I had never been before and this was an amazing way to see it for the first time!! 

 The clump of buildings in the cove is the main town, Avalon. 

 We had a second breakfast at a little cafe in Avalon. 

 20+ years later (B and P are college friends) and still loving it! 

 The red-roofed building in the background is called the "casino" but it's a misnomer because it's really just a community center. The pictures below are closeups of the casino. 

 We stayed in a beautiful condo with a view of the ocean. This is our balcony. 

 It was a big place and would have fit all the kids (if we cared to bring them - ha!) 

More of the trip tomorrow!