the Inland Empire

On our way to Disneyland we decided to take a detour through Coby's mission, the Inland Empire...aka Riverside,CA.  I'm so glad I FINALLY got to see and meet some of the people Coby was with for two years and see b-e-a-utiful Riverside {I think I would move there if it was about 45 minutes closer to the beach :)}
We started with a little tour of  downtown....

...visited the world's largest dixie cup...

...discovered alternative medicine...

...toured downtown...

...and found a lovely spot to use the restroom...

So actually that restroom was the very fancy Mission Inn in downtown Riverside that we USED as a restroom.  We just walked in like we owned the place {that's generally how we roll} but it really was absolutely beautiful on the inside and out.  It used to be a real mission but has been turned into a hotel.  It is surrounded by palm trees, cool artifacts, and in the center there is a courtyard with balconies and sculptures {and in the bathrooms there are real, individual hand towels!}.  One day when we are rich and famous {ha!} we are definitely staying there.  In downtown riverside we also saw a gopher snake inhale a full mouse.  I was a little awed/horrified so I didn't get any pictures...sorry.  We also ate at In-n-out because Coby thinks it tastes better in Southern California {maybe its the palm trees?}

After our little tour downtown we went and visited some families from Coby's mission.  There was actually a birthday party that night so we got to see lot's of people all at once and boy, do they know how to party.  there were pinatas and tons of food and a bounce house.  I'm convinced all birthday parties should be like that.  

These are the Romero and Rodriguez family.  They are really some of the nicest, most welcoming people I have ever met.  Their English was awesome but my espanol is...well...limited {like hola, no hablo espanol} but they tried to include me in conversations and made me feel totally comfortable.  Coby is so lucky to have worked with such amazing people.  I think we could have stayed and talked for hours and I can't wait till we can go back again {hopefully with a little more spanish-knowledge on my part} and spend more time with them.