The Great Park

Stephanos waiting for the balloon ride

Amelia on the balloon

View from above

For years I have been driving past this big orange balloon you can see from the freeway and have been reading articles about all the amazing stuff that the great park is going to be doing so this past saturday I packed up the kids and decided we should go. Well it didnt disappoint and it was free there was no wait and the kids got to run around in misters, go up in a hot air balloon and ride a carousel-what a fun morning.

Sherman Gardens

So this past week when reading the paper I saw a free guided tour of Sherman Gardens and Library in Newport Beach, well it intrigued me because I had driven down PCH many a time and never even knew there was a library and gardens right on the main road. So I packed up the kids and jumped in the car and proceeded to find this elusive place I had never even noticed. Sure enough there it was on the right side of the road, it even has it's own parking lot. Well we got out and went in not knowing what to expect and you walk throught the gates to be greeted by some beautiful flowers and a wooden otter holding a hose sprinkling water over 4 turtles. Amelia and Stephanos were excited. Each corner had a different suprise. It is such a small place but so big considering it didn't exist just days earlier in my mind. Something you should see even if you haven't ever noticed it before.

Puff the Magic Dragon

Last night Carla and I took the kids to a puppet show in the park outside of the hb library and had a wonderful evening and picnic. Amelia liked it but i think she had more fun on the stage behind the puppet stage dancing and running but wouldnt do a photo op after stephanos wasnt sure what to make of the dragon puppet. Gary met up with us at the end and walking home what a great sunset over the lake.

4th of July

We had an amazing day that started bright and early for me. I participated in the 4th of july 5k run, struggled but didnt stop running. Then I headed home to get jenny and the kids to head to the johnson's for the parade and a day of swimming, BBQ then fireworks our kids passed out around 3 then got a second wind because they love the fireworks!!!!

VBS Picture

It was really nice to go to our churches website to see some of the things the kids did at VBS since we only received limited information from Amelia hey she's three but i wanted a complete synopsis. They had truck come in with ocean life and had a puppet show as well as crafts one of which was a snowglobe. Here is a photo the church posted

Happy 4th of July!!!!

We had a wonderful day celebrating! Strary started with the 5k HB run, then we loaded up and headed to the HB Parade. It was a warm day! Amelia and Stephanos both loved all the floats. Amelia stayed till almost the end! The we walked back to the Johnson's house for a full day of swimming and eats! Amelia watched the kids with their floaties, which she's never wanted to try in the past. Today she did! She was soooooo happy kicking around the pool. "I may never us the raft mommy anymore." Stephanos started jumping into the water, the little dare devil! The day ended with a walk to the beach to watch the fireworks. What a wonderful day! tomorrow Amelia goes to her first VBS!!!! Our little girl with a sack lunch and away for 4 hours! I think mama is nervous:) I'm so proud of her though!