People, Places and Photography

We got this cool bike chariot for Harrison and Shepard. What’s cool about it is that it converts to a two-seater stroller.  Took a test drive at Huntington Beach the other day and boy was it fun. The kids sat back and relaxed while daddy peddled like a horse. What a workout. We had so much fun, we went again the next day! This time we took a few creature comforts along and propped open a beach umbrella for shade and Alberto’s taquittos with guacamole and cheese for lunch. Ummm Mmm. We rode up and down the beach for about 4 miles then stopped to relax the rest of the day. Here are some photos of the event. Cheers.

Sometimes our destinations take us places that is actually closest to home. We have fun just playing in the playroom or hanging around in the family room. The kids always finds something to entertain themselves as you can see from these photos. Shepard finds Harrison amusing with his antics. Harrison on the other hand copies everything Shepard does. Together they manage to be free of boredom. For the most part, these two get along so well. Hope you enjoy.

When Harrison gets on a miniature train ride whether it’s at Descanso Gardens or Balboa Park in San Diego, he always throws a tantrum.  I mean he just doesn’t want to get off.  So we decided one day to take a “real” train to the Norton Simon Museum in Pasadena.   Our mode of transportation?  The San Bernardino line Metrolink.  It was only $9.75 round trip per person and the kids were free.  We began at Pomona North to LA’s Union Station.  There we got off to take the Gold Line, a service line that takes us to Memorial Park Station in the middle of Old Town Pasadena.  The fare was included with our purchase of a round trip ticket on the Metrolink.  On our arrival we had some Chinese.  Finally a nice brisk walk to Norton Simon Museum only took about 10 minutes and we were there.  We arrived a bit out of breath but we rested at the steps of the museum.  Entry fee is $8 per adult, kids free under 5 years old.  However, we actually skipped the exhibition and went straight to the garden of sculptures where we ended up enjoying for the rest of our day.  I could see the wonderment in my kids faces as they rode the train to and from our destination.  I think we’ll have to do this again but this time, we’re going down south to San Clemente.  Hope to post another photo blog soon on that trip.

Shepard and Harrison attended a birthday party for Lisa and Ramon’s daughter Shao Wei this past Sunday. It was held at Michillinda Park in Pasadena. The usual crowd was there to celebrate. There were piñatas, lots of food, cakes, party bags, a playground, and ice cream. I think Harrison had lots of fun. This was the first time I saw him eat on his own (two bowls of chocolate ice cream). Click here to see the whole gallery. Thanks for a fun party Ganmama & Ganpapa!

We thought it would turn out to be a rainy day at Descanso Gardens; it started to sprinkle when we got there. But Southern California weather never ceases to amaze me. It stayed pretty dry but cloudy which made the the light diffused. Perfect for taking pictures. So, I used my 135mm lens most of the time and observed my kids from far away to watch what they do best–play. It is a day before Easter so they got to partake in the Easter Egg hunt provided by the folks at the Garden. Shepard was a natural when finding the eggs. He found about half a dozen. Harrison on the other hand didn’t quite understood the concept yet. But big brother shared a few of his found treasures. Ultimately, they had all forgotten about the Easter Eggs and were more interested in the candies that accompanied them. We had lots of fun watching them.

Every Saturday night in Old Town Monrovia, right off the 210 Fwy on Myrtle Ave. the town closes about 10 blocks of the street to host a farmers market. Just around 6pm, vendors line the street from local food vendors to arts & crafts makers. The street wafts with the aroma of BBQ and freshly popped kettle corn. It’s hard to decide where to eat because everything looks and smells so good. But we ended up going to Jake’s Roadhouse for some BBQ chicken and polish sausage. Yup, we ate right on the street. This place is fitting of the title “Old Town” with their very own Krikorian Premiere Theatre. The facade of the theater gives a sense you’ve gone back in time with its neon lights. It was enjoyable, but for the most part, it was the food that made it worthwhile.

One of my most favorite places is Descanso Gardens in La Canada Flintridge. It’s always different every time we visit this beautiful garden. This Spring, the tulips and many variety of flowering plants are in full bloom. I suggest you come pay a visit for yourself. To view more photos from our visit, go to my Descanso photo gallery.

Shepard isn’t the only one having fun.  Harrison dragged us out and it didn’t matter where.  So we headed south on the 5 Fwy to see where it can take us.  We detoured towards Newport Beach and decided on the way that we were going to go to Corona del Mar, a beautiful beach near Fashion Island Mall.  He just loved to dig those little toes in the sand I tell ya.

It seems that Shepard is having too much fun in Vegas . He doesn’t seem to miss us at all! I don’t blame him, he’s probably spoiled rotten by Grandma and Grandpa. When he gets back, he’ll be in for a surprise. Here he is playing with grandparents at the park and golfing. Shepard, we miss you!  Come home soon.

While Shepard is spending time with Grandma Linda and Grandpa Cesar (and having fun at it), we took Harrison out to see the sights. We debated whether to go to Victoria Gardens which is a mall in Fontana or see some culture down near San Diego at San Juan Capistrano. We opted for the latter and spent the day viewing the old missions. In particular, we visited the historic San Juan. The photos of the interior was of the Serra Chapel. Harrison had fun exploring the central courtyard with colorful poppies. Connie liked the old-world feel of the mission. I liked it because I can take photographs (no surprise there). Thereafter, we headed west and found ourselves at Laguna Beach, where Harrison took off his shoes and dug his toes into the fine beach sand. Enjoy.