Strombergs Visit La Brea

So life has been a little crazy around here, hence the reason for slacking on keeping the blog updated. But we feel we are just about back to normal, as I sit here and type smelling paint fumes while Dan runs around trying to complete everything for Scouts, his second calling that he will be done with by Wednesday. But I will get to that later.

Dan has been wanting to visit La Brea Tar Pits since we moved here. La Brea is known for having the largest Ice Age Animal fossils.

The tar pits outside are quite the site to see and smell, all right there in the heart of Los Angeles.

Visit With Grandma & Grandpa Stromberg

Dan's parents came for their annual spring visit. They stay at the Newport Beach Marriott Resort and we have the luxury of playing there. So much fun!

Dan's Mom wanted to enjoy some Disneyland time with little Sam, so it was a perfect excuse to go to the Magic Kingdom. We had lots of fun and I think we were worn out sooner than the older couple. Whew!!

On their last day here with us, they were able to attend Sam's preschool Parade of Countries. Sam's class presented Japan! They sang a little rhyme all about features on their face.

"Kuchi (mouth) -hana (nose) -me(eyes) -mimi(ears)"

Easter/Mother's Day

For Easter this year, Danno was working and so it was just Sam and I for Easter Morning and it began quit early, for me that is.
Those tired eyes are quite delighted that the Easter Bunny was able to find him a TMNT Party Van!
A Mother's Day Present for me. My first time to sub for Sam's primary class was on Mother's Day and I couldn't have asked for a better present. Such fun.

Audrey-Ben-Porter-Sam-all 4 years old

Spring Break Fun

My sisters Suzie and Ashley brought their kids here to California for spring break. Sam loved every minute of it. We miss them already.
Sam, Tristan and Liam

Liam, Tristan and Mia had never been to the beach or seen the ocean for that matter so we brought them to Laguna Beach for a picnic and seashell hunting.

My sisters Ashley and Suzie

Sand Pancakes = Yum!

I took Sam and Tristan out closer to the surf to retrieve some water and as the waves came in we came in contact. Tristan did not come out too dry. Whoops!

The pants are out to dry.

Liam thinking deep thoughts.

Tristan and Sam

Ashley and Sam

The boys before the next adventure, playing as if they had never been apart.

My friend Tamara invited us to Lake Mission Viejo to ride on a boat and play on the beach. Her son Logan brought a giant sized frisbee that the boys were more than willing to help carry.

The boys also didn't mind catching a ride with Aunt Ashley, aah the easy life.

If that wasn't enough fun at the lake, Tamara treated us to yogurt at their Golden Spoon store. When we got back we cleaned up and headed to the Rain Forest Cafe at South Coast Plaza.

I figured the boys would LOVE the cafe, but I forgot that Mia maybe would not so much. She stayed pretty close to her mommy.

In the plaza they have this beautiful carousel that obviously attracted the kids. They so badly wanted a ride, not realizing that grandpa had bought them tickets to Disneyland for the next day that would be a little more exciting. If you think this is fun Liam, just wait until tomorrow.

Aunt Ashley graciously offered to stay home with little Mia while we played at Disneyland. I believe it was a little more enjoyable for Suzie this way, thanks Ash!

Disneyland on day 3 and they loved every minute of it, oh except the LINES! This was Tristan and Sam's ride throughout Disneyland. Suzie pushed Liam in his stroller and the younger ones were lucky and got to share theirs.

Their Spiderman feet.

HOLLYWOOD

As with every place we have lived, we adventure out to see the local sites and attractions. So our little family jumped into the car and headed to Hollywood to see the sites. Half way there Sam asked, "What's Hollywood?" Good question Sam! We tried to explain what and who famous stars are. I still don't think he quite got it.
First stop: Madame Tussauds Wax Museum
Sam, Dan & Shrek
Simon & me. I was being told by Dan to sit closer. Initially I was a little creeped out by how real it seemed.

My favorite star Audrey Hepburn

Dan ran into George Burns and Bob Hope

Tom Hanks and a not so sure Sam.

Sam and Spiderman!

Sam and who he thinks is the star of "Alvin" from the Chipmunks. He kept asking everytime he saw an "A," "Is this it?" So we finally said, "YES!"

Sam's Field Trip to the Strawberry Farm

As one of the room mothers for Sam's preschool, we arrange play dates for our kids. The strawberries were ripe for picking so I arranged for a wagon ride at Tanaka Farms for strawberry picking. Sam,Joey and Max preschool buddies.

During our wagon ride to the strawberry field, our driver and tour guide would stop at several areas of the farm and share with us the vegetables they were growing and they were yummy. They gave me enough vegetables to make salads for a week!

Our tour guide showing us some banana trees. A year and a half for them to grow, not quite warm enough here them to produce any fruit.

Let the strawberry picking begin!

Sam learned from Disney's "Special Agent Oso," twist and pull, and he did it well.

After filling up our basket we were allowed to EAT ALL we wanted. YUM!!!