Father's Day Weekend - Part 3 of 3

Sunday, June 18th (continued)
After our brunch with several of the Disney characters, we spent most of the remainder of Sunday in the lobby of the Grand Californian. It really is quite grand and elegant. Here is a view shortly after you walk in the front entrance, with the registration desks at your back. To the right of that huge floral arrangement is a grand piano. Off to the far right is a canvas-cloaked scaffolding. that is part of the work of Dan's building and renovation company.

The impressively large chandeliers hanging in the lobby were so huge a window had to be cut in the canvas tenting to allow one of its arms to protrude. This cloaking is to hide the floor refinishing in progress. It is a multi-million dollar job to replace the Brazilian cherry hardwood floors in the lobby. They had become pock marked from ladies high heel shoes or other traumas and so did not meet the high aesthetic of the Disney standards. In addition, a new safety feature had been set into effect and after installation the floors needed to be further treated with a non-slip coating. Dan's company, RBA Builders, Inc. were to install the new floors and add the extra safety coating.

Another feature of the lobby is the tile floors and seamlessly matching central carpet. RBA Builders, as part of the lobby refurbishment, also needed to order and installed a new carpet.

At an interface between the tile and the carpet, the pattern matches exactly. The next picture is not doctored in any way. The left half is tile and the right is custom loomed carpet.

Frank and I wander the upper two floors, looking out over the balcony at the lobby and in this case into a lounge just off the lobby.

It is called the Hearth Stone Lounge. It is just on the other side of a cozy, homey hearth.

I loved the Mickey detail in the rustic chandeliers that were in keeping with the craftsman era and yet still sport that Disney icon silhouette.

We ordered two strawberry daiquiris and moseyed back out to the lobby. A pianist was tinkling away on the grand piano. We sat nearby and enjoyed listening to a variety of Disney tunes. Dan was hard at work checking on that non-slip coating application but Frank and I  did not mind waiting at all. He came out from behind the screens periodically to sit and chat with us. It was a treat. We do not often get him alone without kids and wife competed for his attention.

Our daiquiris were goooooood! Too bad Dan could not drink on the job. He had water.

We texted back and forth with Dan as he updated us with his status.

We were quite comfy parked by that cozy hearth - close enough to enjoy the ambiance but not too close as to feel the heat.

When Dan could take a bit of time away, he led us on a mini-tour. Here are two dads, side by side on Father's Day. I also view the photo as an accomplished son and his proud dad.

Dan was proud too that his company and its workers were considered and referred to as craftsmen.

We not only basked in the glow of our son that day but also basked in the golden glow of the sun streaming through the clerestory windows into the lobby. "Beam me up Scotty?"

Sunday evening was date night for Dan and Carrie while we stayed with the girls. Vivian was very pleased that I had learned how to play "Pig Dance" for her from her dad's Mac next to her bed. She drifted off to sleep very quickly. Lillian, initially asleep when he mom and dad left, awoke shortly there after. She fussed a bit but I managed to hold her and soothe her and put her back into her crib eventually after a few tries. It is very rewarding to hold a sleeping baby. I remembered it is also wise to hold a sleeping baby until they are really, really asleep.

Monday, June 19th

Monday we got up leisurely and went down for breakfast. We packed up, checked out and went over to Dan's to hang out for the day. Dan picked up the girls from their respective daycares and they rode along with us on our trip back to the airport. Vivian said her lips were dry and she needed chapstick. Grandma did not have chapstick but I did have lipstick ... and blush. Both were a suitable alternative in her book. She also like wearing my necklace as headband. She was a pleasant sight to burn into my memory before leaving.

We wandered the airport waiting for  our flight, delayed a bit of course but nothing major, and took in a robot exhibit.

We boarded to head for home, tired but pleased with our connections - familial connections that is. I concurred wholeheartedly with the message on the boarding sign.

ALL CONNECTIONS ARE GOOD!!