Angels vs. Tigers

The other night we went to the Angel game, they were playing the Detroit Tigers. You can make out the fans wearing the home-team color, red.


Everytime I attend a baseball game I am struck by the energy of the diehard fans, the people sitting in our area were wearing team jerseys, red caps... yelling chants, starting off the wave... openly showing the pleasure and displeasure, it is a whole unique subculture.


We had a lot of fun, Anna and Steve did a good job of showing team spirit by wearing Angel red. But the Tigers ended up winning, 5-3.

Summer Mornings

In the morning, the whole family finds its way to the master bedroom.

Cafe Brasil

Prior to Chris' party last weekend, Steve and I met up with Mari and Rob for dinner. We went to Cafe Brasil in L.A. and had the beef steak Churrasco... yum.


For dessert we had the apple tort... I should have taken a photo of it, but then again, it would have made me super hungry for it!

Beach Sans Kids

Taken on Tuesday, when Sam was at preschool and Anna was at day camp. :)

Harvest Crusade 2009

We attended the Harvest Crusade at the Anaheim Stadium last Friday and Sunday. On Sunday the stadium filled up fast, they ended up having standing-room only and shut the doors.


Fortunately we got seats... I don't think we could have handled standing-room only!


What a nice surprise, Pastor Rick Warren gave the opening prayer.


Pastor Greg Laurie gave a nice sermon, as you can see the stadium was packed.


Great music, fireworks, and lots of people dedicated and recommitted their lives to Christ. Inspiring!

Chris' 40th

Last night Steve and I went to Venice to celebrate Chris' 40th birthday, we had a great time. Here are some photos from the night. Thanks to Yumi and Mama for babysitting the kiddos!

Random Summer #1

At Darshan's birthday party...


...From left to right: Darshan's dad Ash, me, Abe. Ash and Abe are college friends and it's been more than 15 years since I've seen them!


Steve snuck a photo while Sam and I were drawing pictures.


We went to Tokyo Table last month to celebrate July birthdays...


...Dramatic backdrop at the restaurant!


Finally, Anna topped us on her Wii score.

Seattle, Part 10/10: Top Pot, Cascade Playground, Goodbye

Before we checked out of our hotel at noon, we decided to walk over to Top Pot for some doughnuts and coffee, recommended by Mari!


Sam is taking a sniff of the Rasberry Glazed. These are hearty, "hand-forged" treats.


I had the Valley Girl Lemon and a mocha. This was the best coffee of our entire trip.


This downtown location has two levels, see Steve down below in line for a second time, this time to buy a mug and some whole-bean coffee.


Afterwards we walked a half-mile to a playground, we wanted the kids to get their wiggles out before the flight home. Seattle is a city that displays art every which way you look, this colorful glass was displayed along part of our stroll.


Sam claimed he was getting a bit tired already!

A pretty Orthodox church near the park.


"Tired" one moment, energetic the next, at Cascade Playground. A nice park complete with a small rock-climbing wall and several slides.


A challenging obstacle course here.


Great composition, Ms. Anna Photographer!


Sam became adept at this digger toy. We probably spent a good 90 minutes or so at Cascade Playground. I was surprised this location wasn't hopping with kids, we were the only ones here the entire time.

Then back to our hotel, saying our final goodbyes to our temporary home.


These were the condos across the way from our hotel, if money were no object it would be nice to have a vacation home here!


At the airport, playing hide-and-seek near another art display...


And the kids running ahead on the moving walkway to the boarding area to catch our flight home.

Our trip to Seattle exceeded our expecations, we had a fabulous time and hope to return again! Hope you enjoyed all ten parts!

Seattle, Part 9/10: Seattle Library

After the Seattle Aquarium we headed over to the city's main library, designed by architect Rem Koolhaas. It is a shiny, angular, striking building, check out the full view of the building here.


You can enter the library from this triangular tunnel on 5th Avenue.


The children's section is at the basement level. Very kid friendly, complete with computers, puzzles, and of course tons of books. Their book selection is extensive, they have several copies of each of the newer titles.


We were entertained by Anna's reading.


She made sure Sam had a clear view of each page.


Sometimes Anna would ask comprehending questions for a particular passage, and also expanded on certain stories. She'd make a wonderful teacher, she already is.


At level 10 you have your highest vantage point in the library.


The "Living Room" of the Central Library is complete with a gift shop, coffee stand, and tables of chess players. We spent quite a while at the library and had a relaxing time.

Seattle, Part 8/10: Seattle Aquarium

After Pike Place Market we headed to the Seattle Aquarium. The photos are sequenced in such a way that they tell a story of our visit there, I hope you enjoy them!