MinaG

Friday, September 28, 2007

11-year Anniversary


Tonight we went to the Blue Bayou at Disneyland for dinner to celebrate our anniversary.


Steve is pondering what to order for his meal. Sitting in this enclosed restaurant with the lanterns overhead, and ambient sounds of crickets and frogs, it really seemed like we were outdoors... Every so often we'd hear someone yelling out from the Pirates of the Caribbean ride, which this restaurant overlooks.


I apologize for the poor quality of photos, I have to learn more about taking photos in the dark! I ordered the prime rib, shown here, and Steve had the maple-brined pork chops. Very tasty!


We took a nice leisurely stroll back down Main Street, the park is decorated for Halloween. Despite the crowds, it was a relaxing night with the kids being babysat by Yumi and Mama, thanks!

Thursday, September 27, 2007

Playdates, Sam's Perspective


I'm trying to look like I'm totally with it, just chillin' with Bryce and Kylie at Dland, but I'm not fooling Kylie: I am on my mom's lap.


Mommy's trying to sugar me up, but after all this socializing I'm getting tired.


Yup, exhausted.


Another playdate, with Lucy, she's really cute...


Next time I'll wear my Charlie Brown shirt... in my story, Charlie Brown does like Lucy.

Monday, September 24, 2007

Socializing


Tonight we went over to Brian and Bethany's house for shabu-shabu, it was so tasty and the sauces Bethany made were so delicious, I'm ready to buy the cooking gear! Anyway Sam had some time to play with Bailey...


And it gave Anna a chance to dress-up with Brooklyn. Such cute girls, and a lovely time! A nice way to start off the week!

Wednesday, September 19, 2007

Lil' Fry

During our visit to California Adventure last week, Sam and I had some lunch, he enjoyed this particular french fry.

Tuesday, September 18, 2007

Sam Loves Minnie


Sam and I have extended time together on the days I have off, since Anna doesn't get out of school until 3 pm. So we had a fun few hours at Disneyland and California Adventure last Thursday, and got to see the lovely Mickey. Sam was a little starstruck.


Sam warmed up a bit more with Minnie. I heard an audible smooch from Minnie when we reached the front of the line to take a photo.

Sam is sick right now with a slight fever, it's tough seeing him lethargic and quiet, we're looking forward to his speedy recovery.

Saturday, September 15, 2007

Anna's First Day of First Grade


Anna started school on Tuesday. Steve and I both went to drop off Anna on this special day. Before the bell rang she met up with Jesi, her classmate from last year.


Anna's teacher's name is Ms. Leah, a very nice, energetic young teacher who made a great first impression on all of us. Anna made it through her first week of school. She is having a great time. Whew!

Thursday, September 13, 2007

Playhouse Showcase at Fashion Island


Now that school has started I haven't blogged as often, but the photo opportunities never end! I have a few entries that I'll catch up on the next few days. Last Saturday we went to look at amazing playhouses that are built and auctioned off every year to benefit HomeAid OC.


I did not get the best photos but in the background to the left, can you see the miniature Mighty Ducks stadium, and a cottage to the right? The interiors of these houses are sparkling and elegant, many complete with lighting, running water, and flat screen TVs. If I had one in my backyard I'd be living in it.


Anna is stepping out of my personal favorite, the Japanese Tea House. I love the round window, and the bell-shaped iron rain-catcher.

Wednesday, September 12, 2007

Holly & Jeremy's 10th Anniversary


A couple of weeks ago, Jeremy organized a surprise anniversary party for Holly at the Twisted Vine, a wine tasting establishment in Fullerton. Several friends showed up for this event, and needless to say, Holly was quite surprised.


Holly's friends did a great job decorating the outdoor patio, while Steve set up a projector to show H&J's wedding video.


The highlight of the night was when they renewed their vows, Holly promised to learn what a budget is (but didn't promise to keep one) and Jeremy said he'd try not to fake heart attacks anymore when looking at the credit card bills. Jeremy even ordered a wedding cake, which was delicious.


Happy Anniversary Holly and Jeremy! Thanks for having us on your special day!

Sunday, September 09, 2007

Goodbye, summer


Goodbye summer, it was fun while it lasted...


Now we're headed off to fall.
Mommy and Daddy have started work, and Anna's going to first grade...


Goodbye summer, I miss you already. See you again next year.

Monday, September 03, 2007

2007 Disneyland Half-Marathon


This morning Steve and I woke up very early in the morning to get ready for the Disneyland Half-Marathon, we had to arrive by 4:30 am to get to our designated corrals. Although it was still dark when we arrived, the air was pretty warm, an indication of things to come...


Approximately 14,000 people participated in this event. The starts were staggered by group, Steve and I were in the last of 7 groups, each with approximately 2,000 people each. Here we are as we headed to the starting line.


Of course I couldn't do this event without a camera. The serious runners carried minimal items, and I wasn't in that category. As soon as I saw Mickey and Minnie at the starting line, I had to take a photo and told Steve to go on ahead. The first 4 miles of the course took us through parts of California Adventure and Disneyland.


My plan was to run what I could while taking care of my knee, walk hills and slopes, and to not get bumped into or injured. Here I am on Katella, I believe this was around Mile 5. I had a spectator take this photo of me and the masses.


By Mile 8 I met up with friends Rachel and Matt, and Matt's sister Margaret. Each mile had a handy sign and clock (not shown) to let you know how much time had elapsed.


Each mile also had some sort of entertainment, here we were greeted by hula dancers. Rachel also entertained with her dancing!


At Mile 10 we hit Angel Stadium. By this point it was most likely in the high 80's.


Back in California Adventure on Mile 12! Had to take a photo with Mr. Incredible.


Whew, we made it! All runners who maintained a 16-minute per mile pace or better received a medal. Steve finished first of our group, while he was running he had to shed his shirt and cap, it was soooo hot, he's not just trying to show off his physique here. (Anaheim reached a high of 107F today, wow!) During the half-marathon there were several people who had to be assisted by the paramedics, I would assume due to heat exhaustion.

What I enjoyed about this "race" was being able to run where we normally couldn't, namely in the parks and in Angel Stadium. I also appreciated the hundreds of volunteers manning the water stops, and all people cheering us on... The challenges included always being surrounded by sheer numbers of walkers/runners, and the heat (Steve and I felt slighty ill afterwards, but we are ok!).

What I love about running (on my own, and with Rachel, who has been my running partner for the past year) is being able to move freely and just relaxing, which I now realize in this type of race you cannot do. Still, it was an incredible experience!

So, how long did it take me to do the 13.1 miles? Type in my name here, and look at the "ChipTime".