SPRING BREAK - DAY 6

Had to take a little time-out from the spring break fun this morning. My doctor wanted to see me to discuss my latest test results. I stopped by my work to take care of a few things. Lauren stayed in my office while I was at the doctor's office. Came back to finish up some stuff then resumed our "spring break".

We hit the mall "again" and decided to watch the "Hannah Montana Movie". She's not a Miley Cyrus fan but the movie looked cute. Both Lauren and I enjoyed it. There wasn't a boring part and the songs were pretty good. Two thumbs up.

Lauren's friend, Shelby, and her mom and sister, met us for lunch at the mall. We walked around with them for a while. Lauren went shopping again. Lots of "Thank you, Mommy" and "I love you, Mommy". She seems to say that a lot when we're in the mall.

Got a call from the party location and the party is a "no go". They want me to have a licensed caterer for this event. That's what I get for planning a last minute party. She's ok with it though.

Tomorrow is beach day and we will be joined by "Daddy" who is finally off work.

a hui ho ... teena

SPRING BREAK - DAY 5

It was a cold morning so sleeping in was our activity of choice. Lauren was chilaxin' and reading a book. Our stomachs finally told us it was time to get moving so we got ready and headed to the local Chili's restaurant for some lunch.

Lauren before dessert was served ...

Lauren after dessert was served ...

After lunch we went to watch my nephew, Anthony's swim meet. Met my sister-in-law, Amy, there. Peter and Claudine followed up. We are all so proud of him and his progress. He is such a great swimmer and has so much potential. Hope to see him winning Olympic medals someday. Go Anthony!!!

After the meet we went straight to the O.C. for Lauren's hula practice. Our usual Wednesday routine. 35 mile drive there ... sit around while she dances for 2 hours ... 35 mile drive back home. I don't mind it as long as she still enjoys doing it.

4 more days to go ... a hui ho ... teena

SPRING BREAK - DAY 4

We decided to check out 3 locations to have Lauren's 8th Grade graduation party. She really liked one of them so the decision was made to have it there.

We went to the mall to go look at some dresses for the grad ceremony and her party but no luck. That didn't stop her from shopping for other things though. We went home after a long day of store hopping just in time to see Kelly Slater lose his heat. I waited a month to watch him compete again and he's out the first time he surfs. Cheating Aussies!!! Thank goodness the next stop of the tour isn't in Australia anymore. Go Kellllyyyyy!!!

till tomorrow ... a hui ho ... teena

SPRING BREAK - DAY 3

Museum Day ... Lauren and I had a wonderful day visiting 3 museums and a concert hall.

First stop ... Natural History Museum, Exposition Park, Los Angeles ... It's such a great place to take kids. I was looking forward to seeing the Dinosaur exhibit but it was closed for renovation. Plenty of other things to see though ... insects, shells, birds, mayan artifacts, lions, tigers, wolves, bears, elephants, etc., etc. ... fun morning.

Next ... Disney Concert Hall, Los Angeles ... We were able to take an audio tour to learn about the architecture of the building. What a sight to see! Beautiful inside and out. Took so many pictures. I recommend everyone to stop by and take a look at this place.

Next ... MOCA - Museum of Contemporary Art, Los Angeles ... It was across the street from the Disney Concert Hall so we just walked over there. I enjoyed their permanent collection but the featured artist was just way too out there for me. Weird!!!

Last stop ... Norton Simon Museum, Pasadena ... Beautiful, small museum not too far from my office. They had an exhibit of Matisse poetry that I was looking forward to seeing only to find them all in French. Of course it would be. Should've taken french lessons first. Asian exhibit was really nice and so was the sculpture garden.

It was such a beautiful day to go museum hopping. We were exhausted and hungry by the afternoon so we stopped at Olive Garden and had enough food for four people. Oink! Oink! We took most of it home for Joel since he couldn't join us. How do we top this day tomorrow?

a hui ho ... teena

SPRING BREAK - DAY 2

HAPPY EASTER!!!

It was a beautiful Sunday and we all gathered at Claudine and Joe's place this year. It's always nice to get together with the family and enjoy each other's company.

This Easter Sunday was extra special because in the middle of watching the very moving and inspirational movie "Wolverine", my sister "the baby" ... announces that (drum roll please)

SHE IS "PREGNANT"!!!!!

Three amigos soon to be three babysitters.

What wonderful news to receive on this day. Congratulations to the Go-Go's! We are looking forward to a special Christmas arrival. We are all very happy for you both.

a hui ho ... teena

SPRING BREAK - DAY 1

It's been a few years (okay, a few decades) since I've been on "spring break" but I do like to take that week off with Lauren. We like to do fun stuff together during this week off and thanks to "Uncle Carlo" ... we started it on a fun note.

We were the lucky recipients of two tickets to the musical "Mamma Mia". Lauren and I made our way to the Pantages Theater early enough so we can get a bite to eat at this small cafe we like to visit next door to the theater. We parked our car and crossed the street to the cafe only to find that the place had "closed down". Noooooo!!!!! Damn this recession. Having a meal at this cafe before the show has been part of our ritual. We stood in front of it just staring at the multiple "CLOSED" sign plastered all over the windows and door for a few minutes before walking over to the theater. We had to settle for getting an overpriced chocolate chip cookie, M&M's and a couple of drinks in the theater. We figure we'll pick something up on the way home.

On to our seats and they were good. We had a great view of the stage. We sat there for a little over half an hour playing with our phones. I would've taken pictures of the beautiful interior of the theater but it's not allowed.

The show was about two and half hours long with a 20 minute intermission. Second half kinda started slow for us but we really enjoyed it towards the end. The cast was great and the music was excellent. Definitely showed my age coz I knew almost all the Abba songs they performed.

We headed home and enjoyed a late night meal from Burger King. Great night. Thanks "Uncle Carlo".

a hui ho ... teena