Why we LOVE Southern California

Today was a beautiful, warm and sunny day in Southern California- this is why people live here or visit during the winter. I am sure it was freezing in places around the country, but here in Orange County- it was mid to high 70's.

Due to the fantastic weather and the generosity of my mother- we headed down to Balboa Island for a day outdoors. She took the boys to the park, to get Valentine's Cards and to the library for a children's program. We on the other hand borrowed her neighbors double kayak and hit the water. We wanted to try out some of our gear we recently purchased for our trip to Kauai and spend time together!

I more recently went on a single kayak with a friend (in her own) and found that much easier than synching my paddling with Dan's, but all in all we had a grand time.

The boys waving us off!

Dan (over my shoulder)

The craziest part of our adventure was coming across these sea lions that have literally taken over two boats in the harbor. I would hate to be the owners of them. Apparently this is a big problem with the boat owners and there isn't much you can do once they have taken over. The sea lions are loud and they stink to high-heaven, but were cool to look at!

We weren't gone very long, but got some sun and had some fun. We plan on kayaking on our trip to Kauai so hopefully we can practice again before we head out in 72 days (whose counting?).

After kayaking, we headed to the cliff above Pirate's Cove in Corona Del Mar and read our books. It was such a beautiful and clear day- we were two of many who had the same idea to go to the beach. Catalina Island was 100% visible, but I didn't have my camera to take a photo then- you'll just have to take my word for it!

I hope you were able to enjoy the beautiful weather today too!

Phineas & Ferb- Studio Visit

Phineas and Ferb is this great show on the Disney Channel about two brothers who come up with crazy inventions every day of their summer vacation. What better way for my two crazy boys to start their summer vacation by visiting the production of P & F at Walt Disney Television Animation (WDTVA).

As you may know, I worked at WDTVA from Nov. 1994 to May 1998. I was an Art Coordinator on Aladdin King of Thieves and The Lion King's Timon & Pumbaa. I then became a Production Assistant on Mighty Ducks The Animated Series. I then was an Assistant Manager on The Lion King 2 - Simba's Pride and then was Production Manager on Mickey's Once Upon a Christmas. I left the studio in 1998 to go on a 6 month mission trip to Nairobi, Kenya. I never did go back to work there, but visited again in 1999. That was the last time I was at the studio.
Fast forward 13 years! I have two sons who have seen some of my old productions that I worked on but can't really put it together that their mom did something else besides being their mom. We were watching Phineas & Ferb one day and I saw a name I recognized- Natasha (Niki) Kopp. We worked together on my first project and are Facebook friends. I asked her if we could come by and visit sometime and today was the day.

Nathan as Ferb
Jason holding Perry's tail

Niki graciously took us on a tour of the production area- the storyboard artists, leica reel editors, color stylists, and writers- they saw it all!! I am sure a lot of it was over their head, but I loved hearing how production is now done (and compare it to the time I worked here). So much is done digitally- no more slaving over the copy machines and scanners!!

Boys with Dan Povenmire-
Co-creator and voice of Dr. Doofenshmirtz

Martin Olson- Writer
Jim Bernstein- Writer
Posters that Jim and Martin signed for the boys- so cool!
Our gracious guide Niki Kopp- Line Producer

Boys with statue of Walt Disney and Mickey Mouse

Boys with Rob LaDuca-director/producer

Rob was one of the director's on The Lion King 2-Simba's Pride. He now produces and directs Jake and the Neverland Pirates (cute show)! Rob was one of three surprised today on our visit to the studio. I saw one of my old producers and friends, Michelle Robinson (who happened to be in her office) and the other surprise was Mike Moon. Mike was (and is) an amazing animator who I was friends with and he is now the Vice President of Animated Series. Seeing the three of them today really was the icing on an already tasty cake!!

Dan signed our magazine and told the kids to
"Stay Evil!"
Some Character Turnarounds that color stylist, Nancy Ulene,
gave to the boys to take home!!

Thanks everyone at Disney Animation and the Phineas and Ferb crew for making our day spectacular!! We can't wait to see what your going to do today!!

Summer is here!!

When I woke up on Monday- it was sunny (at 7am)! It has been so overcast, gloomy and wet the last week that the sun was a welcome break. Of course, now it is actually HOT. We had to turn the air on and have the fans going all the time.

Nathan has been in a music camp all week and Jason and I have been hanging out together and having fun. On Tuesday we got to go to one of my favorite places- Emerald Bay Beach. My dear friend Janice and her daughter, Alexa, joined Jason and I for a fun, sun-filled day---check out the bathing beauties below!!


Yesterday we joined friends (plus my mom and niece) at Woodbridge's North Lagoon. After two days in the sun we are tuckered out. I am so glad that summer is here- even if it is so hot!!