Thanks all, for the swell recommendations for the welcome basket - it went over very well (even the palm tree snow globe. Or should I say - particularly.)

We've had a very happy first day together. We took the subway to the Hollywood farmer's market for fresh fruit samples, then ventured to the tar pits and the Page Museum. My mother-in-law, who has volunteered there as a paleontologist for 14 years, gave the kids the whole behind-the-scenes tour, bringing us into the dig pit, and into the bone-cleaning work stations and the long corridors of fossil storage; the kids got to pet a mastodon and hold a sabre-tooth cat skull. Everybody had a blast. We took a brief stop at the Grove for the American Girl Place experience, and then had a lovely drive up to Griffith Observatory to see the view. What a day!

Tomorrow we're splitting up - the boys are going on the Warner lot tour, and my Disney client is kind enough to allow the girls onto the Disney lot. Then we're hitting Santa Monica pier. Tuesday - DL/DCA!

Wow. What amazing fun! :D

Sounds awesome H!

That's a great day in LA! It sounds like fun!

So glad you're having a blast with the family. Tomorrow and Tuesday sound like great fun.

You guys are great at the host family thing! :snap:

I'm flying in from Japan in a couple of weeks. Will you be my host family?!?

:blush:

It sounds like you're having a great time H! :) Your plans are awesome!