Fun @ Knott's

We decided to get passes to Knott's Berry Farm & Soak City this year. I took the boys together when we first got the passes back in the spring and had a great time. I then took both boys on separate dates and enjoyed myself very much (and so did they).

The day after Memorial Day we went to Soak City for the first time ever- and BOY did we love that place. Many things made it awesome: we got there right when it opened so got a great place to sit, met friends there, not crowded, boys old enough to run around and do the slides without an adult and more!

So, back to today: I took the boys and Nathan's friend, Kaley, to Knott's after school. It was nice to go in the later afternoon and not have to deal with such thick crowds. We went on 6 rides- including 3 new ones and the Log Ride which had been closed or awhile! It was a late night and I was pooped when I got home, but all in all it was a fabulous time. I can't wait to go again!!

 Pass Holders- gotta love it!!

 Kaley and Nathan

 Waiting for the Log ride

 Three Musketeers

 Jason trying Nathan's glasses on- whoa!!

 Who are these folks?

Last ride of the day- Ghost Rider

New Windows

We bit the bullet and laid out some cash to have our windows replaced. Mind you, we are renters. We have lived here in Irvine at the same home for over 8 years and have made this house our home. The heat and cold from the old windows has driven us crazy from day one, but we thought we could never get new ones. Well, we asked the landlord if we could go in on halves with him and replace the windows and the blinds. He agreed!! So after getting bids for each job, we finally got the new windows installed. Ahhh, the coolness, the quietness, the cleanliness- I am in love!!

 Gross, old sliding glass door track

 No windows and doors

 Old Window in boy's room

 Old vs. New

Armondo putting in the new front window

Ta Da- new windows!!

Train to San Clemente

For a second day in a row- we hit the trains. Thanks to Metrolinks cool deal to ride the trains all weekend for $10 per person, we have seen a lot of So Cal in a short time! Today's destination? San Clemente, CA. Now SC has a lot of memories for Dan and I- it's where we met 11 years ago, where we married and where we first lived before moving to Irvine. Every time we head down south, it is a walk down memory lane (much to our kid's chagrin).

 Boys are ready to go!!

 Picture the ocean out the window (it's there somewhere)

San Clemente. . . .we love it!

 Pier fun!!

 Little did we know that this weekend was the annual San Clemente Car Show. Yikes, that meant thousands of people milling around Del Mar Street checking out the great cars on display. So, finding a place to eat was challenging, but we survived!!

Ahhh... can't wait to come back!!

Train to Olvera Street

Today we boarded the train in Tustin and headed to Los Angeles and Olvera Street. I hadn't been to Olvera Street since Spring of 1989 with my church youth group. It hasn't changed much, but seemed much smaller. It was also a great learning experience for the boys- rich with early California History.

The boys saw more graffiti than ever before and we had many thoughtful discussions about homeless people and how they ended up there. My mom was along for the ride which made it more fun for everyone!!

Waiting for the train!!

 

 Away we go- backwards!!

 Historical Union Station, LA

 Ride Them Donkeys

 Colorful masks

 Avila Adobe- built in 1818

 Lunch at Philippe's (for grammy)

 Cool Sombreros!!

 First Fire Station in LA

Chloe Love

Two years ago this precious dog came into our family. She has been one of the best things to come into our home. I haven't always been able to say that, but she and I have grown so close the past year. She was by my side for the many hours I rested and recovered from my cancer treatments. I don't know what I would have done without her. I love you baby girl!!!