A Day at the Races

A few weeks ago, Jimmy had the idea of going to see the Grand Prix of Long Beach.

Once a year, they shut down the streets of Long Beach and turn it into a a racing circuit for one of the legs of the Indy Car racing series.







Keith at work was also interested, so bright and early on Sunday morning, we headed to Long Beach.

Keith and I met up with Jimmy on our way there, and we went to Long Beach in one car.

When we arrived, the Indy cars were taking part in their practice session as we made our way to our seats along a section of the course. We had picked seats that were on a hairpin bend. We had great views of the cars coming into and out of the tight corner, and up towards the start/finish straight.

As luck would have it, there was also a huge screen just to our right (top photo), so we were able to watch the racing as it progressed around the circuit. Before the main 80-lap Indy Car race, there was a sports car race, with everything from Aston Martins to Bentleys, Porches to Ferraris.

The Indy Car race was very exciting, with the lead changing a few times. The weather was gorgeous, sunny but not too hot. A fun day was had by all.

A Grand Day Out

 Over Spring Break, I had a few ideas that didn't come to fruition. One was a trip to the pony rides and Travel Town at Griffith Park; we haven't seen the ponies since Violet's third birthday party, and we haven't been to Travel Town since Cora was 2.

With Stace off to the Long Beach Grand Prix on Sunday, I thought I'd take advantage of a day off school with the girls and take them to Griffith Park.

Juliana, Maya and Natalia met us for the pony rides, and the girls had a great time together.

 Violet rode on the medium-paced smaller ponies, which trotted for one lap and then walked for a second lap.

 Cora and Maya were tall enough for the "big ponies," which also trotted one lap and walked a second time around.

 Natalia wasn't feeling her best, so Juliana took her girls back home after our pony-riding fun. My girls and I then drove around the hill, past the L.A. Zoo and Gene Autry museum, to Travel Town.

Here, numerous old trains are on display, and we rode on a small train around the perimeter.

A building displays some very old cars, like this circus train wagon.

We had a great time looking around; it was one of those lovely days out together that only could have been improved if Stace had been with us. But, we knew he was also having a grand time.

On our way back home, we stopped for an early dinner at IKEA, where we hadn't shopped in a few years. Upon entering the cafe, Cora and I both were flashing back to the many meals we shared there when meeting my friend Melanie, back before Cora was in school. She and I both felt nostalgic, and a little sad, that so much time goes by so quickly.

After dinner, the girls entered the free IKEA supervised play area, and I did a little quick solo shopping. Then we headed home, where we met up with Stace and exchanged our stories from our day.

Color Run Fun!

Look what fun Cora and Violet had our school's first Color-A-Thon fundraiser!

It was a fun thing to look forward to as we returned to school from Spring Break. On Thursday, the students headed over to the park , where they ran laps past various stations where parent volunteers threw colored corn starch powder at them.

By the end, the children were a colorful sight to behold, and our school was about $15,000 better than it was before. Thanks to all who donated!

After the primary kids completed the run, it was time for the upper graders. I kept Violet with us - Aunt Patty and Stace were helping, as well - and she helped Elaine run a color station. She had so much fun!

At the end of the run, the children gathered in the center of the course and tossed up color packets they'd earned through donations. (Just in case they weren't colorful enough already!)

The event was so much fun; we're already excited for next year!

Work Picnic

Stace's company picnic was Saturday, at a grassy ranch down Sierra Highway in Canyon Country. The party organizers encouraged everyone to come dressed in "Dapper" wear, so we did our best. Cora is dressed as a dapper boy, mainly so she could wear one of Stace's flat caps.

Violet had her face painted as a cat by the balloon lady, who also created a balloon mouse for her.

The weather was gloomy and showery off and on, but two huge tents were set up to keep the main part of the party dry.

The food was really good! Barbecued chicken and beef, and hot dogs, macaroni salad and fruit were on offer.












The girls loved the children's contests and carnival games; here, Violet is walking on tin cans.

The sack race was a lot of fun, too. The girls collected loads of prizes - though not necessarily the valuable type you cherish the next day.

After the races, we went back under the tent for bingo. We didn't win any cards, but thankfully Violet shed no tears.

The mock Western town made for a nice photo backdrop.

We had a lot of fun, of the good, old-fashioned kind.

Spring Break Tidbits

Cora was away at Sam and Riley's house Thursday night, so Stace and I took Violet to Yogurtland for dessert.

I like this shot Violet got of us!

Cora had a great day Friday, go-kart-racing at MB2 Raceway with Sam and Riley's family. Afterwards, she repeated her desire to have her 10th birthday party there.

Violet and I had a quiet day Friday, but it was pleasant. She made me this lovely rose-petal necklace out of yarn, tape and the petals.

Stace taught Cora how to make crepes, and even how to flip them. She's getting old! Cooking on the stove top! She also will make eggs without any help.


















Violet is reading so well now. She and Stace spent some quality comedy time together, with Violet reading jokes from her magazine.

Every now and then, it rains. When it does, we do a rain dance, running around like crazy people.

Once again, spring break was glorious. We will miss it!

Disney!

My annual pass to Disneyland is the lowest-level pass, meaning it has a LOT of blocked out dates - all summer, all weekends, some additional Fridays and all holidays. The two weeks around Easter are also blocked out.

Luckily, our Spring Break started Easter weekend, meaning our Disney passes were all open the second week of our break. We decided to book a hotel room near the park, to get in two solid days of the magic.

Since Auntie Mel wouldn't be subbing during Spring Break, I invited her to come along.

We drove down Tuesday morning, and got into Anaheim by 10 and were inside Disneyland by 11. Our first stop was the Matterhorn, the ride Cora has been itching to try out for months.

She enjoyed our bobsled ride, despite the Abominable Snowman chasing us through the snowy mountain.

We got fast passes for Splash Mountain, and then got in line for Thunder Mountain. Violet rode with Auntie Mel, and I rode with Cora.

Though the park was busy with people like us - those still on Spring Break - we didn't wait in many lines longer than 30 minutes. Thank goodness for the fast pass system!

Thunder Mountain is just a fun coaster!

We were hot afterwards, though, and so we went over to California Adventure to ride the Little Mermaid ride. The air conditioning there felt divine!

We met up with Elaine and Vivian back at Splash Mountain, which we rode together. Elaine and Vivi were in the middle of a three-day Disney trip for Vivi's recent birthday.

Melanie suggested we head to a tiki-themed restaurant and bar near the Disneyland Hotel for dinner, an excellent choice. We enjoyed yummy tiki drinks (and dinner) under palm trees, with a Hawaiian-style singer playing live music.

On our walk back through the Downtown Disney area, we came upon a stage with a Rockabilly group playing. Cora broke out of her comfort zone - risking TOTAL EMBARRASSMENT - and danced with Vivi and Violet.

We then stopped at the massive Lego store, where the girls spent their monetary gift from Andy on new Legos. Thank you, Andy! The girls had such fun choosing their toys. Cora also bought new Disney charms with her money, while Violet chose a small Star Wars print to display in her bedroom.

We spent the night at a nearby Travelodge, which was cheap and cheerful. We were close enough to have a great view of the fireworks.

We got up and out the next morning, because the parks opened at 8 and we wanted to be there as early as we could manage.

We first got our fast passes for Space Mountain, and then went to California Adventure to get passes for the Cars ride.

Then, we got in line for the new Luigi ride, which featured dancing cars.

It was fun!

Then, it was back to Disneyland for Space Mountain. Violet's there, just too low to be seen. We need to remember to have her sit in the front!

Later in the afternoon, we met up with Vivi and Elaine and went on California Screaming, and I took Melanie to her car so she could get back to SClarita for work.

Then, I met back up with Elaine and the girls, and we said goodbye to Elaine and Vivi. They were going to begin making their way home, while we had fast passes for Star Tours.

After Star Tours, we went back to the other park for the Cars ride. Yes, we did a LOT of back and forth between the parks on Tuesday! Though Violet is almost 6, I was grateful for the stroller.

The Cars ride is so much fun - see Violet's outstretched arms here?

We then went on the newly reopened Soaring Over California ride, which Violet was tall enough for. Yay!

Next, we met up with our friends Jen, Trent and Jack at the Redwood Creek play area. At 42 inches in her shoes, Violet was finally tall enough to do the zip line. She was so excited!

Jen had come with some of their other friends, and they were all staying Wednesday night and returning Thursday. The kids played together for an hour or so, and then we reached our departure time.

After stopping for fast food on the way home, the girls and I were back home around 10 p.m. Not bad at all.

Until next time, Disney!