Urban Jungle

Even after living in Los Angeles for 9 years, there is still so much we have yet to explore.  The other day we decided to use our public transportation train/subway system.  We started in Culver City and rode past USC then changed to the Red Line and ended at Union Station.  It was quite an adventure.  

The kids had a wonderful experience and I feel so much more knowledgeable about how to use our public transportation system.  We moms were brave and totally outnumbered by kids, but everyone was so well behaved and responsible as we explored our city.   The kids got to see a cross section of LA that they are not used to.  At one point the kids sat next to a guy with tattoos and a large nose ring.  Seth just looked at me and smiled.  Catherine, however, proceeded to ask why he he had a ring in his nose.  That made him and us all crack up.  Union Station is something I have been wanting to see.  It is a beautiful old building and feels like you have stepped back in time when you get out of the subway.  I wish I had snapped some shots of it.  We hope to do plenty more summer outings.   

Rise and Shine

This is what has been going on in our house early early in the morning.  I snapped these before 8 am.  They are still in their pj's and all, riding bikes and playing outside.  I love our backyard!  I love these kids!

Yes, Seth is sleeps in Uncle Randy's old fire shirt.  He thinks it is pretty cool! 

Proof

I had a celeb sighting that actually made me excited.  Partly because I recognized him (which I don't really do) and because of who it was.  I take Seth to a gymnastics class once a week.  A week or so ago I sad next to this dude and I thought I recognized him but couldn't quite place it.  I knew he played a villain and he had a thick British accent as well.  It is Jason Isaacs, who plays Lucius Malfoy in Harry Potter and is in the new Awake TV show where he does and American accent.  He sat there with his ipad reading lines and mouthing them to himself.  The following week he had headphones on as well as he practices.  I snapped a quick photo but didn't want to make a fool of myself since I have been seeing him there pretty regularly now.  Fun...

Newport Beach

Two weeks ago we said goodbye to some of the best people around.  Katie and Nate have been great friends and we have had a lot of adventures and fun together, not to mention we shared many holidays, weekends, and life changes together.  Their son Van is cute beyond words, and Emery sure agrees as she loves him so much!  Since they left, I started thinking that I hadn't posted our last big trip together.  We went to Newport Beach, and I am sure we will return again soon.  We had a great time. 

 The Wedge.  My children will never be body boarding in this area EVER!  It is amazing to watch the daredevils out here ride these waves in this unique area.  The water swirls around and flips up some great waves.

 We took a ferry over to get frozen bananas.

Later we ate some of the best clam chowder I have had.  It is a red clam chowder!

They better visit us soon so we can do it again sometime!

Overdue for a post

I have been overdue for a post for a long time.  We have been going full steam ahead for months now.  Here is what we have been up to, mostly through pictures.  We visited some of our best friends in Virginia and even made a side trip out to DC!.  How I wish they lived closer, but I am happy to know that despite 3000 miles we still are great friends.  The kids are fantastic buddies as well.  What used to be two is now four.  Carson and Emery hardly knew each other when they moved, but from our trip, skype, and packages sent back and forth, they know and talk about each other frequently.  Paige is Emery's idol, I'm pretty sure.  Anytime she thinks she look cute she says, "I look like Paige!"  Seth was content to let us leave him in Virginia when we left, but alas, he made it safely back to California.  

WWII Memorial

Lincoln Memorial steps

Picnic by Lincoln Memorial

Plane ride

The new Gov. and First Lady of Williamsburg in front of the Governor's Mansion

Cute little bums!

Rita's shaved ice/custard thingys!  I crave them still.  Don't they have one in CA?

Chad's birthday with the best cupcakes EVER--sorry sprinkles and vanilla bean!  

They never had their own chair.