The girls and their fellow NCC Touring choristers had a great time on their trip to San Diego this past weekend. We left on Friday, May 10th and returned on Monday night, May 13th. It was indeed a whirlwind trip. I can't possibly post all the pictures that I would like to on this blog post, but I will try to cherry pick my favorites from every moment along the way.
Day 1: Travel, San Diego Zoo, Mission Valley Mall and Dinner, Hotel Check-In
It was rainy when we left Nashville.
Traveling is always more fun with friends, and this sweet girl between Moo and Belle was a joy to have in my chaperone group.
Guess who lobbied hard for the window seat?
Wait...weren't we just on a plane 30 minutes ago??
Constant discussions of what we would go see next. Constant. :)
My dear friend Julie.
Taking the Skyview lift across the skies over the zoo.
My mom had one of these in a small pot when I was growing up. She said the name of it is Christ's Thorn. The whole plant pictured here was as big around as a VW Beetle. Ours never got that big. :)
Enjoying the exotic plants.
Dinner with friends at Mission Valley Mall.
Dessert & giggles.
And to top it all off: rock wall climbing.
Moments in and around the Island Palms Hotel & Marina:
The view from our front door. Amazing.
Waking up early after a full day and late night is hard...
...but not for these two!
Breakfast buffet every morning.
Lovely flowers and young ladies across the street from the hotel, and just off the bay.
This is an impromptu photo of about half of the NCC kids.
Minor treat: 15 minutes of Meerkat Manor before leaving for the day.
Sweet and strange girls.
Day 2: Seaport Village & San Diego Seal Tour, USS Midway Tour & Performance, Concert at Point Loma Presbyterian Church & Late Night Swim
Calling home before the Seal Tour
On board the "Hydra-Terra" tour vehicle--we drove around the Big Bay, and then went in for a view from the water.
Of course, the group got to singing.
Dr. Bridges took the opportunity to help the group rehearse music for this evening's concert.
My girls now want a pet Sea Lion.
Next up, the goliath carrier vessel that is the USS Midway.
I found myself frustrated by my camera's inability to capture the hugeness of the Midway.
NCC sang several songs appropriate to the venue.
The girls checked out the insides of many of the aircraft on the Midway.
Chaos trying to pose for a group shot.
The Midway tour was a hit.
The final concert of the year at Point Loma Presbyterian Church
Mr. Kyle Hankins, piano accompanist extraordinaire, rocks the African drum.
A well-deserved late night swim party after a great final performance.
Day 3: Sea World, Mission Beach & Cafe Coyote in Old Town
View of the Manta rollercoaster from the air.
They loved it.
The Orca show was a hit, and a pretty big group of kids sat in "the splash zone" up front...
...and yes, they got splashed! Soaked, really.
We had a great time.
I think Moo and Belle are in the third seat back!
Fun at Mission Beach.
After a long day that ended in very wet and sandy clothes, I bought a change of clothes at the local beach shop and we all headed out to Old Town for Mexican food. Special dispensation for "short shorts"...worn only in the case of emergency. She'll never appear in public in these again. :)
No, the redhead on the left is NOT Moo. She's just yet another crazy redhead in the choir. :)
We got to experience actual strolling mariachis! How cool is that?
Day 4: Saying Goodbye to San Diego and Good Friends
Waiting for the bus outside the hotel.
One of many tearful embraces.
High emotion in the arms of Dr. Bridges. Belle "caught" some of the tearsfrom the other choristers. Poor kid. In most cases, she'll see these kids again in July at Daycamp when they gear up for the fall season. But the graduating eighth graders will indeed be missed. They all are good kids, and have experienced an extraordinary group of kids like themselves under the direction of amazing directors and staff. Some will leave the program to focus on other things in high school, and some will move on to the Youth Choir.
Lots of smiles, along with red eyes and runny noses. :)
And that, dear reader, is the briefest blog post I could make regarding the NCC Tour to San Diego. Finally, here is a video montage of our trip. (Forgive the worse than amateur videography at times.):
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