Irvine Park

Today I took her to the Irvine Park Railroad's pumpkin patch. Since she saw an episode from The Little Einsteins about Halloween, she been talking about ghosts and Halloween. She enjoyed the moon bounce. After that, we headed to the haunted house. The first time, she went half way until she saw the witch. Then, after following other kids, she decided that it was no longer scary but fun.

Tidepools

Today we spent the afternoon at the Laguna Beach tidepools. When we approached the tidepools my daughter didn't want to touch the sand. After much exploration, she was touching crabs and playing in the tidepools.

Festival of Children

Yesterday I brought my niece and my daughter to the Festival of Children in South Coast Plaza. We were all happy to see the show from the Festival of Ballet Theatre. I hope we are able to see the Alice in Wonderland show coming up.

The festival was great. They got to write letters to the troops and decorate a flower pot. Besides, the sales around the mall were great.

Best $45 spent this year

The membership to the Santa Ana Zoo
My 2-yr old doesn't get bored here. We can spend hours doing the same things. I know she likes it because she constantly asks me to go. It is pretty small. Since we go so often, it's not much about seeing the animals. It is just a nice place to be outdoors for a little while. This is what it usually happens; she explores in the maze, she likes to slide on a large-scale frog, she explores the rainforest-like area, she skips on some colorful sidewalk blocks, she searches for butterflies in the conservation house, rides the mary-go-round and the train, feeds the goats, plays on the playground, begs for an ice cream, observes the toys at the store and finally, she says good-bye.

Oh, and it has been about 3 days that she started sleeping partially in her bed. I am actually happy and surprised that she likes it there. Another overdue milestone passed.

Her Wedding

Saturday was my cousin's wedding. Even though the budget was small, the outcome was wonderful. I had a great time dancing the night away. I hope the marriage brings them closer together and, they are able to fulfill the promises to each other before God.

Antique Market at IVC

I found this wonderful tray. I'm planning to use those little bowls to serve my daughter small portions of ice cream. The little stand would be good for a cupcake or her play area. I just went willing to spend a $20 and I did it. I bought a couple other things, some for my niece. Of course, now I have a wish list for the market next month.

I haven't seen my best friend from my teen years for about 6 years. I was so happy to see her. Now we both have a family. Time goes by so fast. On the side note, I really need to loose weight.

Full of Guilt

After she woke up early due to a fever, she wanted to go out. We went on a nature walk at 7 a.m. She enjoyeed jumping off the tree trunks. For those moments, she seemed to forget all her pain.

I am sad to see my daughter crying with toothaches all due to my lack of taking care of her. She can barely eat. The dentist can't really do anything fast, just medicines for the infection.

I need to change and get on with my to-do list no matter how busy it seems life gets.

These past weeks I've been moving, unpacking and starting school. I am pursuing a career in environmental engineering. I started at a different community college due to their simplicity of their schedules compared to my beloved previous school. I like that there are more students in the older age rather than right-out-of-high-school range. I am very dedicated to make this a successful semester.

Old Town Tustin Afternoon

First stop: Farmer's Market. Since I'm back at school next week, I won't be able to bring my daughter to this farmer's market every Wed. It is a cute little market with lots of charm. The market offers fruits/veggies, fresh fish, pastries, handmade things, jewelry and even a musician. Itxhel already knows she can sample whatever she pleases.



2nd stop: Opening of new Tustin Library. I am very impressed about all the work the city put into to make this library top notch. The children's area is sure to put many kids at learning. It includes child-friendly computer area, a reading patio, and a great storytime room. The whole back side is filled with light-inviting glass.
Then we walked to acorn naturalists where I bought a pawprint stamp and inkpad. And lasly we stopped in a water feature next to the parking lot. All in all the day was great and very economical. Oh and I found the cutest Native American costume for her dress-up play for only $5 at a 2nd hand store we passed by.

Griffith Observatory

We went to Hollywood and the Griffith Observatory with my mom and my uncle. My mom is looking better than ever after watching out for her health.

I got to see the one star I wanted to see. I love Matt Damon. His Bourne movies are awesome.

The observatory is a real dream. We had to take a long hike to get there but very worth the while. "Nena" can be seen enjoying her new space ship in front of the observatory.

Oh, and a new phrase she said today, "the other one. "

Pioneer Road Park

Today I took my daughter to Pioneer Road Park for the first time. A water feature is available from 10 to 4 weekdays during summer. I believe she is a kitty for she did not want to get wet. Nonetheless, she did not want to leave. She was purring with joy as she watched the water show.

ENC

The Environmental Nature Center was great!!! My favorite moment was watching my daughter being surrounded by 3 butterflies while she yelled "WOW" in pure joy. I actually planned on taking a nice long nature walk, but my little one decided to spend most of the time exploring this little row of rocks.