I left very early Sunday morning and got there in time to go to the Spanish ward with her. She plays the piano for them and I really enjoyed meeting all of the people there. I didn't understand a whole lot but I concentrated really hard and tried to get what I could out of the talks and lessons. I could usually at least figure out what they were talking about, especially when they wrote on the board. When we were in Primary it was interesting to see that they are speaking to the kids in Spanish and having them sing and pray in Spanish, but when they talk to each other and often when they respond to the teachers it is in English.
I stayed with mom in her apartment with she and sister Asay. They have a beautiful view out their back window of the temple and a beautiful view out the front of the mountains in the distance. There is also a really nice courtyard within the small apartment complex.
On Monday we made our way a few miles down the road to the beach and the Santa Monica Pier. Mom shared the schedule I made with all of the family history library missionaries and some of them signed up to join us on some of our adventures. It was fun to get to know them a little bit along the way.
In the afternoon we visited the Charles Eames house. He is known for his furniture and architectural designs and this was a case study home he built and lived in. The idea was to bulid an inexpensive home with materials there were readily available to create your own unique space. I loved the concept and the land itself was just gorgeous. It smelled so good and all of us agreed that we could stay there forever. There were Eucalyptus trees and a view of the ocean (but also a view of the ugly city below).
Wednesday was busy with appointments and English class. It was really fun to meet the missionaries from other countries and be a part of mom's English class. We also shopped around to try to put some color on mom's bare gray walls, but never really found anything. On Thursday we drove down to the Newport Beach Temple. The LA temple was closed for cleaning, so we ventured out and were able to do a session there. I really loved the mural in the first endowment room of the beach. Behind us there was green and animal life and in front of us was the water. The grounds there were also very lovely.
On Friday we had an appointment to meet two artists at their home and see what they've done with the place. They covered a large portion of the outside and some of the inside with mosaic tile. They were a very nice couple and it was really fun to experience, though it would have been nicer without the rain.
Saturday we wanted to go to the Griffith Observatory, but it was rainy and cloudy, so there wouldn't have been much of a view. We chose to go back to the Getty and had a chance to see most of the rest of the artwork. We were glad we got there early because it was packed when we left. There was a huge line to get through security and we had just walked right in. I flew home that night and was grateful to kiss my boys again, but I'm so glad I had the chance to spend a wonderful week with mom!
