Vegas

Las Vegas Trip (by guest blogger Sally):

We left around 4:00 am on Thursday on May 24, 2007 so we could arrive there early while the kids were still asleep. We arrived at Nam’s house around 8:30 and took Floyd and Sean to school. His school is about 3 blocks from his house. It was a hot day so we went to the backyard to cool off. Athena took a look at the swimming pool and fell in love with it. We went to change and swam for hours. Although she likes to be in the water, I had to carry her the whole time. Zoë wanted to come in the water too because Athena was having such a good time splashing water at me. So there I was carrying one kid on each arm playing in the pool. Grandma was watching just in case mommy needs help.


Second day:

We got up around 9:00am. Ate cereal for breakfast. Athena wanted to go into the pool (again!). I told her to wail till noon, but she kept yelling for the pool. I had to lock the door to keep her inside. Later I was watching Zoë when suddenly I look up and I saw Athena standing next the pool. I rush out and took her inside. Apparently, she used the dog door to get out there. So I had to lock to the dog door too. Then we went out for some nice sun bathing. I was so much fun to see her enjoy the water. After that we took a nap and went back in that afternoon.


Saturday:

Floyd and Sean were home and we all went swimming together. Floyd and Sean were a team against Athena and mommy. We played a game where we threw objects and splashed at each other. It was so much fun. We came up to eat lunch and then went back for another couple hours of playing. Afterwards we played the game “Will”. Floyd and Sean were way better than Athena and I, but we had fun.


Sunday:

Nam and Jenny were off that day so the whole family went to lunch at a Pho restaurant. Then we shopped at Fashion Mall. The boys agreed to watch Athena so the ladies could shop around. But, Athena refused to go with the guys. We ended up walking around the mall with Athena and she was pretty well behaved. We went to dinner afterwards and then headed home. Sean and Floyd had to do their homework for Tuesday. Athena was bored so she started messing up Sean and Floyd room by taking all their toys out and throwing them all over the floor. We made her help Sean and Floyd put them away. I don’t think she will ever understand the concept of cleaning up.


Monday:

Sean and Floyd had swimming and piano lessons so we just observed what they were doing. Athena and I were feeling stuffed up. I felt like was coming down with something. I started having a scratchy throat. Sure enough, Athena had a sore throat and was put on antibiotics when she came back home.

Overall, it was a wonderful trip because the girls had such a good time with their cousins and Athena loved their dog Yoshi. Athena was petting and hugging the dog a lot, much more than her sister. Zoë, on the other hand, couldn’t keep her hand away from the dog bowl. She played with Yoshi's water and food.

Here are some photos from the trip...

Huntington Library

Yep, still working through all the photos from Nana and Bobo's visit in March. These pics are from the Huntington Library. It's got a kids' area where Athena can participate in her favorite activity, splashing!




NOTE TO PARENTS: Always bring a change of clothes to the Huntington Library.

Although, surprisingly, Athena was also fascinated by the idea of sweeping up one of the open-air structures, displaying an interest she's never shown at home.



She also showed her love of apples and standing on things.





And of course Zoë was along for the day as well, happy to just take in the sights, sweetly biding her time until she can walk and get into trouble on her own.

Athena's a firefighter

Athena loves to play the firefighter. Whether it's driving a fire engine that suspiciously resembles the Batmobile.



Or guiding dools through the American Girl store, clearing a path with the annoucement of "Firefighter."

Farmer's Market

Athena can be a bit of a fussy eater. Here she is reluctantly eating a slice of pizza.

Coachella

Sally and I recently took the kids to the Coachella Music festival. It was Athena's second time to the festival. (Zoë's second if you count in-utero concert-going.) They moved the festival to April, thus avoiding the oppressive summer heat. A few fest goers even remembered Athena from last year's event.

Here we are by the entrance. Notice Athena's already commandeered my hat.





We spent most of our time in the shade of an art installation that had some water misters and -- much to Athena's approval -- a swing.



Here's some shots by our place on the lawn.





But of course by the time the concert ended, both the kids were out cold.

Bobo's Birthday

And here's two pics from Bobo's birthday. Athena's blowing out the candles because, well, she doesn't quite understand that all birthdays aren't for her.

California Adventure

So back in March (yes, I know, March) Athena and Zoë's grandparents visited and we spent the day at California Adventure. It seems geared towards older vistors but there was still plenty for Athena to do, including watch the big fountain by the entrance.











One advantage to California Adventure, less small kids means Athena can indulge her desire to just sort of stand close to the characters and study them without having to get out of the way for the next family wanting a picture.





California Adventure did have one kids' space based on A BUG'S LIFE. Athena learned she looooved the bumper cars, despite the fact that, being kid-safe, the cars didn't actually go that fast. More like Nudger Cars, actually.









Here we are trying to keep Athena occupied while waiting for the bumper car.



And me carrying Athena on my shoulders so she doesn't run away.



And on a train with Nana.



Still for all the fancy rides, Athena's possible favorite attraction was a place with lots of things to bang on to make noise.



And she spent our lunch dancing around a pole, which has us all worried.





But what of Zoë in all this? Well, being younger she was happy to spent much of the day wheeled around in her stroller.





Or being carried.





But we did get her on the merry-go-round, which she seemed to enjoy.





Of course, Athena wanted her turn too.

Around the house

Despite all the posts about our various adventures, Athena and Zoë spend most of their time hanging around the house.

Zoë just started crawling and cruising around the house, but before that, she explored her corner of the world in a walker.







And Athena and Zoë have spent plenty of time chilling (or tickle-fighting) on the couch.






Here Athena lets Zoë wear her beloved firefighter hat.



And Athena borrows Daddy's swim goggles for a bath.