Crystal Cove

Aww, how cute are these two? NJ took to Auntie so quickly, they were like instant buddies. He loved holding her hand, walking with her and talking to her. And Auntie was so good to NJ helping him along, showing him things, talking to him too. There were some steep steps and rocks to climb, so we took turns helping, lifting, or carrying him. He's a strong and brave kid! I was surprised at how well he climbed those steps, I had such a hard time myself, I couldn't feel my legs after (I'm so out of shape)!

Along this path or "boardwalk" were lots of lizards. Auntie stopped to point out this one sitting on the edge of the path. We saw so many, but for some reason NJ kept saying, "We saw one, two, three lizards!" There were a lot more than that! Auntie Evin also spotted a Herrier hawk and a snake in some cactus, good eye! NJ was very excited about seeing all these creatures in nature.

We saw lots of little sea creatures in the tide pools. NJ especially liked the the little crabs walking along sideways. He didn't hold interest in it for too long though, he was asking to play in the sand from the moment we stepped on to it. But I asked him to see the tide pools first, so he was good and followed us to do that first. 

NJ loved playing in the sand! He played completely by himself while Auntie Evin and I sat on the side and talked. I didn't even have to trek that whole bag of sand toys (it wasn't heavy, just awkward) since he only played with his little bulldozer. Oh well, I was so happy to see him enjoy himself so much!

There was a sweet older lady sitting at the top of the trail at the lookout so we asked her to take a picture of us. She was a little shaky, but took a great photo. She was so sweet to keep asking if the photo was ok, she wanted to be sure that it wasn't blurry. 

It was such a beautiful day for a walk at the beach, it wasn't too hot, there was a cool breeze, clear skies, and perfect tide conditions for viewing the tide pools. Couldn't have been better. I did wish we could see more of the tide pools, but it was so rocky, requiring some climbing and it would've been too unsafe and difficult for NJ. But that just gave him more play time in the sand!

Crazy Weekend

(This photo taken by Baba)

It's hard to describe the kind of day (and weekend) it was. It was difficult, frustrating, and wonderful all at the same time. The mystery puddle of water in the kitchen we got yesterday turned out to be a slab pipe leak under our kitchen sink. The bad news kept coming as the day went on. We have a leak, the floors have to come up, maybe the walls, maybe the cabinets, possible repiping, it might take weeks! It was hard enough to wrap our minds around this when we were preparing for a family member's funeral and planning for a friend who was staying with us for the weekend. The visit was planned before there was any death or funeral or pipe leak or construction, but somehow God made it work. We got to have the company of a good old friend of mine and we got to say our goodbyes to a beloved woman who lived a long and full life. 

(First tank top of the season, it's been warming up!)

Class Trike Parade!

I was so sad not to be able to stay for the parade, play time, or picnic! I woke up feeling terrible and couldn't even stand or sit for long. He said he had fun, though. Yay! 

"I want to do homework!"

I helped him decorate his license plate and basket for his tricycle for tomorrow's field trip. His class is having a bike parade in the park! How cute is that? He wanted to put a lady bug sticker on his basket, but he pronounces it as "baby bug".
M-"It's lady bug, baby."
NJ-"Baby bug."
M-"Lady, lllllady bug."
NJ-"Llll baby bug." 
M-"Lllla-dddee bug!"
NJ-"Llllaby bug!"

"You so cute!"

"It's like Uncle Tomo car, a convertible"

I wore a dress today, the first in a very long time. When NJ saw me he kept saying, "You so cute! You so cute, Mama!" while feeling my dress. I really don't take the time to dress up much! 

The kids all made mother's day cards in class on Wednesday. The moms asked each other's kids what they wanted to say to their moms by asking them questions. I don't know what questions were asked of NJ, but this makes almost no sense. It does make it kind of funny, though. Ha, ha. He doesn't call me "Mommy", we don't give him presents, he likes my chin?! And the park is NJ and Baba time. Silly boy. Oh, maybe by "presents" he means stuff from yard sales or hand me downs? Who knows?! Just happy he's mine, him and his little silly thoughts and sayings. I love him so! :)

"We going to Sea Wer?"

It almost sounded like NJ was saying "sewer". I asked him what he was most excited to see and he said, "Sharks and penguins!" 

A stop to snap a pic with the pretty flowers (taller than NJ)!

Too cool!

NJ asked for his magnifying glass to look at all the fish and turtles.

"Why they not coming out yet?" He asked this several times at every show while we waited. 

Mmm, yummy!

Saving it for later? 

We made it to the playground this visit and he loved running the bridges the most!

Thanks to Uncle Scott, NJ braved the long tunnel crawls and tough net climbing. 

Smile boys! 

Who's tired? Everyone! The boys all knocked out quick! We didn't make it to the sharks or penguins, but we saw the sea lion and otter show, shamu show, and a mariachi band (plus a lot of stuff in between). We had to leave that last show early, though and realized that we were the only non-hispanics in the entire stadium. Ha, ha! Are we the only asian people that just appreciate the music? Well everyone else must've thought we realized we were in the wrong place or didn't like it. But actually it was getting really cold and the boys were restless or falling asleep (even with blaring, fast mariachi music).

Elmo and Cookie Monster!

Taken by Baba

"Happy birth mother's day!"

Yesterday we made cards for both Ah-ma's (grandma's). It was getting confusing to know which card he was making for which Ah-ma. Ah-gong (grandpa) is easier because one of them nick named himself Gong-gong. But when it comes to Ah-ma, I have to explain or he has to explain. Until yesterday when he referred to one as "Acura Ah-ma" and one as "Toyota Ah-ma". Ha, leave to NJ to associate people with their cars. I guess he does do that quite often. Now we have the distinction. Thank you, baby!

NJ said, "happy mother's day" fine to my mom. But for some reason, when Baba came home with this beautiful orchid plant, NJ said: "happy birthday mama!" Baba and I both corrected him: "No baby, it's happy mother's day!" That's when he says excitedly, "Happy birth-mother's day!" He has no idea just how ironic that is. Well, I'm one blessed mother to have him as my own however God brought him to me!