July 24, 2010 - Take Me Out To The Ball Game!

It was a perfect Saturday in the park watching the Mets play the Dodgers. There is just something about sitting in a sunny stadium and watching my home team with 3 of my favorite guys that makes me wish the Mets played here more often.  I definitely enjoyed the game, Cracker Jacks, and taking some cool pictures of the cutest Mets fans Dodger stadium has seen in a long time.  Little Daniel was out for the count by the 7th inning, but his brother stayed up for most of the game.  It was a very good game that went into extra innings, but sadly ended with our boys losing  3 to 2 due to a home run in the 13th inning.  I have hope that maybe tomorrow they'll win, and we'll be there to see it!

July 22, 2010 - ANOTHER Farmer's Market ....Fullerton

Last night we headed over to Fullerton's farmers market. Daniel had to leave to show property, but I stayed behind with our friend, John.  I was enjoying the evening very much until Little Daniel decided to disappear from my field of vision.  It is amazing how fast that wascaly wabbit is.  Moments before his Houdini act, he'd been in the bounce house and happily interacting on the playground. Constantly counting one head then the other, I realized I was still only seeing one.  That moment of panic that only a parent can know washed over me. My breathing became shallow and I suddenly felt sea sick.  That small kids' corner became huge and blurry as I scanned for Daniel. It is amazing the kinship of mothers!  A woman who'd been on my right saw my despair and the tears that began to well up in my eyes and immediately offered assistance. I did not allow fear to cripple me another second and snapped out of it. I had one gal go to security. Another stayed with Anthony and her son. I stood firmly planted where I'd last seen him and our friend John walked to the ponies and face painting.  After what were the longest moments of my life, John reappeared with Little Daniel kicking and crying for interrupting his exploration just beyong the bounce house. After seeing him, I breathed a sigh of relief, had an explosion of tears, and then a feeling of anger. I needed a minute to get it together before I hugged him. I put him down, got to his eye level and through tears firmly said, "You never leave Mommy!" repeatedly.  At this point, we were both crying.  I wanted to leave right then, but as we all know, you have to get right back on that horse. So, I stayed and was happy I did.  We went to the water holes and you'd never known we'd just had a terrible moment 5 minutes before these huge smiles.  Daniel and I have those teddy bear kiddie leashes, and we've not used them but once.  Last night made me rethink their usage :(

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July 18, 2010 - Farmer's Market @ 3rd and Fairfax

After church on Sunday, we went to check out the farmer's market on 3rd and Fairfax.  A perfect Sunday afternoon thing to do. Wanting to eat something we can't easily find in Whittier, we landed upon a New Orleans restaurant called The Gumbo Pot.  We had a Po'Boy, Cajun hush puppies, and red beans and rice.  Maybe because I've eaten the real thing in New Orleans, I was sadly not impressed:(  We checked out the neat shops there and at The Grove and then headed home sweet home.

July 17, 2010 - Santa Ana Zoo

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Yesterday we went to the Santa Ana Zoo with the boys.  It is a much smaller zoo, but the paths are very shady and kid friendly. Being members of the Los Angeles Zoo got us in for half price.  With what we saved, we paid for camel rides.  Our usually daring Anthony wanted no part of the camel ride on Noah. So, Daniel got to ride twice :) 

July 17, 2010 - Our Favorite Mermaid: Tabitha

This week, my former student invited our family to see her compete on Saturday @ Splash. What a pleasure it was to see her excel in another arena outside the classroom. She took on the role of teacher as she explained to me the in's and out's of swimming. Her passion is a family affair. Mom and Dad are very much involved and her sister competes as well. Tabby was one of my shining stars in class and is definitely a star in the water!

July 10, 2010 - Dora the Explorer @ the LA Zoo....NOT!

I found out that Dora the Explorer was making an appearance at the Los Angeles Zoo, so needless to say, going to the zoo was Saturday's plan. I call my awesome friend, Leah, to come with since I know she is always game for anything fun for the kids. We arrived early to beat the lines to find out that we were hoodwinked! This imitation Dora was nothing more than a gal dressed in a pink shirt with orange shorts and the famous backpack. What a letdown! My kids are thankfully too young to get it, but Leah's Mikey caught on quickly that this was not the girl he had just seen in the video on the drive over. We made lemonade out of lemons, only possible since we are both sweet :)
P.S. Brandy, you can get us coffee when the school year starts as a thank you for the heads up and saving you the drive ;)

July 4, 2010 - Happy Birthday, America @ Corona Del Mar

At 7 a.m. we found ourselves at Corona Del Mar to celebrate the 4th with Daniel's family. His brother-in-law has BBQing at the beach down to a science. He is the perfect host who thinks of everything from breakfast to the evening s'mores!!! It was nice relaxing day well spent with family!

July 3, 2010 - Edible Eagles

Daniel and I were planning on making patriotic rice krispie stars for the 4th. Leah called with this edible eagle idea from the Disney family fun site. Off the store I went, and here is what Team Blas created. In case you're wondering, they are white chocolate covered marshmallows rolled in shredded coconut "glued" onto a chocolate cookie. The nose is a cashew and the eyes were colored in with black gel.

July 1, 2010 - Hopscotch Fun

Oh the joy a little sidewalk chalk brings!!!

June 30, 2010 - Date Night - Pantages Theatre

On Wednesday, we went to see In the Heights at the Pantages. It was absolutely awesome! The set was very realistic and the songs were great. Daniel and I really enjoyed hearing the sounds and voices of home. After the show, we were able to talk with most of the cast and get their autographs. We even took photos with some of them. This unbelievable first-real-date-night-out-since-the-boys wouldn't have happened without Aunty Leah watching our kids. Although they were in more than capable hands, I did have a bit of a meltdown as we said goodbye to them. She sent pictures and texts that eased my mama guilt and allowed me to enjoy the night. We love our boys, but this definitely reminded me that we need to get out alone more often.
Some of the awesome gals from the musical striking the pose with Daniel :)


*The picture is of us and Lin Manuel Miranda, the lead :) Fuzzy photo compliments of camera phone.