MinaG: June 2009

Our Fine Feathered Friends

We had a wonderful trip up north, it started with a stop in Santa Barbara, we checked out the SB Zoo, it's a nice place to stroll around and check out their unique animals. Sure, they had an elephant and some monkeys, but we gravitated towards the exotic birds... there were the macaws...

Oh Anna, I forgot the name of the next bird, but I'm sure you pointed out the pertinent information to Sam at the display...

All I know is, it's a bird from "Tropical Asia"... any guesses out there?

Hmmm... the flamingos did not want their picture taken.

Again, reliable Anna was more than happy to pose and smile in their place!

Funny Faces

Can you spot the funny face?

How about here?

Disney

On Tuesday we went to Disneyland before our passes blacked-out for the rest of the summer. We enjoyed a stroll from Tomorrowland and Buzz Lightyear...

To the Jungle Cruise, probably Sam's favorite ride. Interesting how both father and son have their left hands to their heads.

I'm sure some of the youngsters think these animals are real!

I've said it before, Tom Sawyer's Island is a hidden treasure, we spent at least half an hour exploring the forts and tunnels. And I'm testing out my camera here, Anna is more than happy to oblige as my model.

I love Disneyland's attention to detail, where else around here can you see a waterwheel?

Taking a break at Bug's Land...

Before riding Heimlich's Caterpillar Train.

Finishing up with a popsicle snack. Bye-bye Disneyland, until the end of the summer, when our passes will allow us to enter again! It will be here before we know it.

San Diego Zoo Part 2

Cute cut-out of "Anna giraffe"!

My favorite animal!

A new exhibit at the San Diego Zoo, the Elephant Odyssey, is now open.

There are lovely sculptures and interactive displays throughout.

But what is most amazing about this exhibit is the elephants' living area, really unique and futuristic-looking.

The San Diego Zoo's grounds are lovely, the plants in the background are from Madagascar.

As usual we took more photos of family than the destination... at the end Sam was super-tired and we carried him the last leg of out trip. We probably covered a third of the zoo and will be returning again soon!

San Diego Zoo Part 1

We headed over to the San Diego Zoo once we were all finished with the school year. Entering the zoo, we were greeted by the flamingos, but let me digress...

Twenty minutes into the 90-minute drive we had to stop for a bathroom break at the Irvine Spectrum. The kids then had a juice break... that's how it is with kids, just gotta roll with it and be flexible with the schedule.

The San Diego Zoo is vast and full of surprises, including peacocks walking amongst the crowds.

Sam , the lover of animals, was so excited and wanted to be the tour guide for us. It's nice to see him exhibit his independence.

Sam wanted to check out the reptiles and amphibians, and we accommodated his request. The habitats for the animals are clearly designed for their comfort in mind.

Pretty girl with the peacock!

Cute baby on back... previously we had seen an albino baby on the back of its parent... reminded me of me holding Sam. :)

Rockin' Out, Listening to the IPod

Ms. Laura's Wedding

Sam's preschool teacher Ms. Laura was married to Mr. Marcelo on Saturday. The whole family was fortunate to be invited to this very special event.

When Sam initially heard his lovely teacher was getting married, he said, "I don't want to get married." I think Sam was relieved when he realized he wasn't getting hitched at such an early age, but here he looks a little peeved that his beautiful teacher was on the stage with another man.

We had a special striped button-down picked out for Sam but he preferred to be in his comfy shirt and brought his lunch box, knowing his teacher would be there.

We had a lot of fun blowing bubbles to the newlyweds.

Sam kept on saying, "She's so beautiful."

Ms. Laura will be missed so much as she moves to Texas to start her new life. We owe so much of Sam's school success to her.

Well, the rest of the family had fun dressing up. Even Steve put on a nice jacket.

It was a lovely wedding day. Bittersweet too, Sam cried when he heard Ms. Laura was moving, and then told her he loved her. (Sob.)

Danny's 8th Birthday

On Thursday evening, Anna and I headed over to the Rainforest Cafe for Danny's 8th birthday. From left to right: Daniel, Anna, birthday boy Danny, and Elliott.

The kids sat on one side of the table while the adults sat on the other, I told Anna I would be attending the party but I would sit away from her and her friends so as to not cramp her style, she didn't object.

The grand finale: a chocolate and ice cream volcano cake!

Here I am with Danny's mom Patricia.

Danny and Anna have been classmates for two years, I hope they will be in the same class for 3rd grade! Here's to good friends and fun times. Thanks to Danny's father for taking these great photos.

FV Summerfest

Last weekend we checked out the Fountain Valley Summerfest, this was the first fair the city has held as far as I can remember. There was a small carnival, food booths, and a car show. Steve would like to have you think he won this Rolls Royce, but those are his own keys he's waving in the air... always the joker.

I'm not a car person, but I really enjoyed looking at these vehicles, the rest of the family did too!

The kids played some games, to say Sam was thrilled with his prize is an understatement.

Enjoying grilled corn and pulled pork sandwiches while listening to the entertainment on stage.

Afterwards Anna enjoyed Rodrigo's party with classmates.

I have been blogging like crazy recently, we'll see how long this streak goes. At this moment in time, I don't want to miss a thing!