The Giles Family: L'Hotel

Here it is! I just looked it up and thought I'd post the picture and a little hotel info.

Hotel Information
Best Western Dana Point Inn-by-the-Sea 34744 Pacific Coast Highway, Dana Point, California, 92624-1302, United States Phone: 949/240-0150 Fax: 949/240-4862

General Hotel Information:
Check-In: 3PM (15:00)
Check-Out: 11AM (11:00)
Hotel Ratings: AAA-3 Diamonds
Pet Policy: No pets allowed

Hotel Amenities:
Complimentary continental breakfast
100% non-smoking/public areas
Spa - Sun desk spa
Steam room
Safe deposit box
Baggage hold
Elevator
Guest Room Amenities:
Cable satellite television
In-room movies
Desk/work area
Refrigerator
Wet bar-you never know when you may get a hankerin!
Coffee/tea maker
Hairdryer

Area Information:
0 mile(s) from Doheney State Beach
1 mile(s) from fishing
1 mile(s) from Festival of Whales
1 mile(s) from Dana Point Harbor
3 mile(s) from Mission San Juan Capistrano
3 mile(s) from Flower and Garden Festival
5 mile(s) from Laguna Beach Arts Festival

I'm getting excited already!

Memories of Dad

* When Dad was in the hospital, and had been for a couple weeks. Tatum had been taking a little community tap dance class. Often when we were on our way home from school or anywhere we would stop by to say hello. Tatum wanted to show Dad her dance she was learning. Mom said "oh no, not here honey its just too loud" Dad quickly answered " No I want to see" Tatum was thrilled and Dad loved it or at least pretended he did.
* Dan was reminding me the other night about a story I had forgotten. Many of you probably remember how afraid of men Tatum was. Although she LOVED Dad and Jeff even though she hardly saw them. When Robin and Nick got married Mom and Dad came up for the wedding and stayed in a hotel. We came down from Provo and met them. As we were in the Lobby wating for them to come down,the elevator "dinged" Tatum turned to see and it was "Pappa" Tatum (about 2 yrs) just stood in one spot running and waving her arms! So excited that he was finally there. Dad with his big sweet smile walked over and scooped her up.
*I remember how whenever we went to Big Bear in spite of the fact that he'd been driving two hours. Without fail and without going into the house he would disappear with the blue Yamaha motorcycle. Then he'd be gone for as a much as two hours. Of course when he came back at least two of us kids would be waiting for him so we could go on a ride. The funnest thing for me was when he finally let me go it alone. I was about 12 and he let me red an old Honda. I fell and distinctly remember him saying something like don't tell your Mom about this.
*My biggest road trip with just Dad was going up to Idaho for my first semester. After leaving Joyce’s house on the second day we were passing Kolobe Canyon (which I pass all the time now) and he just took the exit, I don’t think he even asked me if I wanted to see it. We drove up the canyon a little ways and got out and looked around for a while. I had a disposable camera and we took some pictures. It was really beautiful, but mostly I was just happy to be with him--one of those rare spontaneous moments. Too bad I lost the camera somehow when I got to school.
*When Dana comes home from work the kids get excited and run to him and say "Daddy!" Lately, he's been saying "Yay!" in reply. I love it because I remember dad used to say the same thing a lot.
*Thinking of birthday cakes today, I remembered the first (and only) birthday cake Dad made for me. We weren't even engaged yet, and he was trying to make an impression. So he decided on the extraordinary plan to make a cake that would taste like a fruit salad; I suppose he was thinking ambrosia. He used an orange cake mix ( I don't think they even make them anymore) and strawberry flavored frosting (also thankfully retired). This must have been very early in the relationship or he might have guessed chocolate would have been more effective. I think I was polite, but I'm sure that cake never was finished. You all know he wasn't much of a cook, but I loved him for trying!
*Another funny memory I have was when Jeff was driving Mom's white car and it caught on fire. (We were living there with Mom and Dad) so we were all kneeling around the bed for prayers when jeff called. Dad anwsers, Jeff and said "the car is on fire, and the fire dept had to come put it out... kinda scared to tell I think. Dad yells YAAAHOOOO! Let it Burn! He was thrilled to be done with that car finally. And off he went to pick up Jeff!
* I was at the DMV the other day registering my new van (YEA!) When I remembered once running into Dad at the DMV in CA. It was so funny b/c he was dressed as usual in his roofer garb. Old dirty jeans and t-shirt and hat but the best part was that over the hat he was wearing those headphones the big ones with the little antanae sticking up on the side. Just standing there listening to whatever station he could get reception to in there. He was so funny I had to think for a moment to I really want to walk over and say "HI DAD!" Of couse I did. I'm glad for all those memories now.
*I just remembered a time when I was about 11. It was Sunday afternoon, I was wearing my cool new jean shorts, and dad was chasing me around the house. We were in the entry when he grabbed on to me by the belt loop on the back of my shorts. I pulled away really hard, and the loop ripped right off leaving a hole in my back side. I was so mad, but dad was laughing and laughing, so I started to laugh too. I’m sure mom was in the kitchen giving her usual opinion: ‘It’s all fun and games until…” Randa
*One of my most treasured memories is from when I was very little. For some reason I just loved when dad would hide behind the cereal box and then peek out at me from different sides- and the real suprise...the TOP! I loved that he really liked it too and played that game with me frequently. Very simple but very meaningful to me at the time. Katie
*One time driving to Utah with Dad, when I was 15 or so, we kept seeing signs for Hogi Yogi in Southern Utah. First we made fun of the goofy name. Then it started to sound good. Then we decided we'd have to stop and get some at that exit when it came. The exit came and we missed it. Dad got off at the next one and drove about 20 min through a small town, backtracking to the Hogi Yogi. We laughed about it the whole time. I love that Dad would go along with stupid kid stuff with us. Sally

19 comments:

Miranda said...: I've never been to San Juan Cap. Mission. I'll be making that side trip with anyone else who is interested.; March 27, 2009 at 6:54 AM
Kate said...: Thanks to mom, my family went recently and its a little prici-ish so we probably won't be doing that this time. Amy, at what point in the trip were you thinking about the American Girl store?; March 27, 2009 at 8:29 AM
Amy said...: I don't know? When we are all clean and showered. Did you want to go Emma didn't sound real interested. Holly might like it. My girls are already saving.; March 27, 2009 at 9:23 AM
Jeff Giles said...: Nice Hotel really only $59 a night!; March 27, 2009 at 9:50 AM
Kate said...: Yeah like I said suite deal!
Yes I want to go- for me! If my girls don't want a doll I'll play dolls with your girls :) I think Emma would like to go even if she wasn't into it and I know Holly would love it. I think that'll be fun; March 27, 2009 at 12:12 PM
Sally said...: Does anyone even still want to camp!? This place looks awesome. But I still do love the draw of hearing the waves at night and maybe cooking a few smores.
I might go with you to the SJC Mission, Randa. Depending on the price, I guess, but it can't be that bad for one, right?
American Girl store...eh, I'll take Emma down to the tidepools instead.
Really excited about the spa and just lying on the beach. And I hope no one really gets a "hankerin'.; March 29, 2009 at 7:40 AM
Miranda said...: A hankeri'n for what? I also like s'mores, tide pools, and American Girl Dolls. I've been saving up too--maybe Felicity will be mine at last! I was the one who started Tatum on those books anyway.; March 29, 2009 at 5:26 PM
Amy said...: Hey I booked that spot and I'm still excited about it. I think this will be the best of both showers and camping!I'm sure there will be hot dogs, smores baked beans, maybe even ding-dongs and pringles if mom is in charge. MMMmmm. Thats right Rand you started Tatum on the book oh so long ago! You'll love the store its fun. Tatum wants Felcity too. They have a little resturant with chairs for your doll. Its a little girls dream. It will all be fun. Can't wait; March 29, 2009 at 8:01 PM
Kate said...: hahaha- funny Sal :) I knew that sounded familiar.; March 29, 2009 at 8:39 PM
Mom said...: Hankerin'? Who's making jokes the mother doesn't get?

I'm up for SJC again--and maybe the flower grounds? anyone?...anyone?..........crick crick crick.....; March 29, 2009 at 10:09 PM
Mom said...: OH! I just got it....gotta read the fine print. MWAH!; March 29, 2009 at 10:27 PM
Kate said...: mom- it's cricket...cricket. Like no one is saying anything so you can hear the crickets chirp.; March 29, 2009 at 10:41 PM
Mom said...: I know...mine speak shorthand.; March 30, 2009 at 3:29 AM
Miranda said...: I would love a flower walk. This is getting better by the minute. I'm still missing the hankerin' joke.; March 30, 2009 at 8:12 AM
Miranda said...: oh.....the wet-bar. right. I think we'll be ok.; March 30, 2009 at 8:13 AM
Jeff Giles said...: What are the dates this thing is from ? Someone let me know. I may need to get some days off.; March 30, 2009 at 9:06 AM
Kate said...: 18th Thursday is the arrival,19,20,21st Sunday check-out. I wish it was like a whole week.; March 30, 2009 at 9:46 AM
Amy said...: Of June, YES you better get the days off. tell those swans to come along for the weekend.; March 30, 2009 at 2:23 PM
Miranda said...: Well, if you do, tell them to get their own hotel. No more room at this inn.; March 30, 2009 at 5:17 PM

The Giles Family

Thursday, March 26, 2009

L'Hotel

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