Shake Shack

Crystal Cove is one of the beaches our pass has access to. We parked, then walked about a mile to our snack destination: Ruby's Shake Shack. We then carried our drinks and fries down to the main beach, not easily accessible but very popular! Maybe someday we can rent one of the beach cottages.

Birthday Lunch

My birthday and Yumi's birthday fall on July 18th and July 20th. We are less than one year apart. When we were kids, we'd celebrate our birthdays on one day, and my mom would make two round chocolate layer cakes. This year, she continued the tradition by taking us out to lunch at Bluefin in Newport Beach. Anna joined us as well. The adults ordered the Chef's Special Meal. The meal included hors d'oeuvres, sashimi salad, white salmon, clam soup, sushi set, and dessert. Anna had the tempura set. It was a delicious meal, beautifully presented. Thank you so much Mama!

Sprinkles at the Back Bay

I can see why Sprinkles has forks available with their cupcakes, they are huge! Sam surprisingly loves coconut, Anna says he likes it because I won't touch it. After the snack we had a nice walk at the Back Bay in Newport Beach.

Going Home

Eat Free at Chick-fil-A

So, while I was in Santa Monica, Steve took very good care of the kids. He took them to Chick-fil-A for a free meal, the only catch was they had to dress up like cows. We have spotted cows here, one in a fancy lace tank and the other in a white lab coat.

Miss Independent

While Rob, Mari and Paulina were at the hospital, I stayed in Santa Monica with Julia. Fortunately, Mari typed up Julia's daily routine and with Julia being the sweetie that she is, everything went smoothly. The first evening, Steve drove up with the kids and we went to Pitfire Pizza. Anna and Sam also read bedtime stories to Julia. The next day, Julia was already greeted with a Big Sister poster at school! And we had Trader Joe ravioli for dinner, yum! It was very fun spending time with Julia.

Collages of "Polly"

Anna made these excellent photo collages of Paulina. Anna had heard the baby would also be called "Paulie" and aptly penned the nickname "Polly" for her.

Paulina's first afternoon

We picked up Julia from preschool and headed over to the hospital to visit Paulina and parents. Needless to say, the biggest "paparazzi" moment was when Julia held her little sister for the first time.

Paulina is here!

Baby Paulina was born in the early morning of July 12, 2012. These photos were taken on the morning of her birth. We are all so in love with her!