Griffith Park Observatory with a new crew

(June 12, 2013)

We have been to the Griffith Park Observatory with several of our out-of-town visitors.  It is a fantastic (and free) place to go, with sweeping views of LA, a beautiful walk-through museum/observatory, and a great spot to see the "Hollywood" sign.  In all the times my sister has come down to Pasadena, we have never visited the observatory.  Therefore, when she (and the rest of her crew) made a road trip down to California in June, we made a point to hit up this destination.

Tim, Sarah, Ellie and Ben (with the Hollywood sign to the left of Tim's head - but the smog makes it difficult to be seen in this picture).

My best friend.  I love her to pieces.

Uncle Brant wasted no time!

Maddie's turn - I love Ellie's face in this picture most of all.

These four have so much fun together.

Cousin love is the best!

Brant and Sarah, checking out some interactive display in the observatory (I really cannot remember what it was).

Sarah, Tim (and Ben), taking in the view.

Los Angeles

Such beautiful colors.

For whatever reason, Geoffrey loved this door.  It was a challenge to get him to move away from it!

Got these two backed into a corner - perfect time to snap a picture.

Sweetness.

Two little monkeys!

And this is how we spent the rest of our time...just playing around on the grass, on this beautiful day.

Genuine joy.

Kidspace Museum

(June 8, 2013)

We visited Kidspace Museum in June, which is a science museum located next to the Rose Bowl in Pasadena.  Maddie has been before, although she didn't really remember it, so it was like new for all of us.  Here are the highlights!

Geoffrey immediately gravitated to the splash pad outside.

Seriously, it was tough getting him away from the water (and keeping him semi-dry!).

Maddie, about to climb the raindrop tower (a very tall tower, with these platforms that resemble raindrops).  She went up and down this at least a half-dozen times!

 

Little artist.

Geoffrey barely made it up to the top before panicking. 

Little biker.

They have a great bike "road" that Maddie loved going around and around on.

"Launch the Rocket" - a water rocket station.  Maddie just covered her ears to be extra sure, but judging by the next picture....

I think she loved it!!

Overall, the museum was time well-spent as a family.  We are very blessed.

Two bikers

(June 6, 2013)

We now have two bikers in our household.

This is how Maddie does it.

And this is how Geoffrey does it. :)

Love them.

Big happenings at Disneyland

(May 31, 2013)

On this particular Disneyland trip, we took on a few new adventures.  The first, was to view the new show playing at the park - Mickey and the Magical Map.  It's really a great show, filled with dancing (Brant's favorite), fun music, and a cute story, starring Mickey Mouse.

While we waited for the show to begin, I figured I might as well mess around with the camera again!

"Toy Camera" setting.

This one's kind of fun.

The show.

Maddie's favorite part...I wonder why?

This puppeteer was awesome - he was singing, dancing and making Sebastian "sing and dance."

The screen animation was pretty remarkable.

Tiana came to the party, too.

And, finale! (Maddie's second favorite part - she loves the streamers.)

Geoffrey's first time on the teacups - another new adventure for us on this visit.

Cute photo op.

But then Maddie became very determined about pulling that sword out.

As did Geoffrey.

We ventured over to California Adventure for the remainder of the evening, where more fun was waiting for us...

Maddie finally went on Radiator Springs Racers in Cars Land!!  She is in the light blue car, front, right, next to Brant.  She really loved it, and went on it again with me later in the evening (those pics didn't really show up).

I honestly do not know who was more proud - Daddy or Maddie.

Maddie's "reward" for going on the Radiator Springs Racers ride, was to go for a spin on the Zephyr.  She twisted our arm, and we finally agreed. ;)

Twilight makes everything even more magical.

Geoffrey made it in this picture too...only, you can just see the little tuft of blonde hair next to Brant.

LA Arboretum on Memorial Day

(May 27, 2013)

We went to the LA Arboretum for a second visit on Memorial Day.  I had some fun trying out my new camera, and putting it to the test on certain objects.

Normal shot...

Exact same shot as the picture above, only with a different exposure setting.  I was super excited that I was able to figure this one out!

Maddie and Brant, zoomed in...

And now, zoomed back out from where I was standing.

She's such a ham.

A whole lot of love in this picture.

I feel like she is plotting.

They love to include me in all their fun. :)