Kaiju vs. Heroes

Sunday's free museum day landed us at Kaiju vs. Heroes: Mark Nagata's Journey through the World of Japanese Toys at the Japanese American National Museum.  

Andy Warhol: Revisited

My Dad used to drive a Silver Shadow just like Andy Warhol.  I think that makes my Dad iconic too.

The kids had Friday off in honor of Caesar Chavez so we drove over the hill to Santa Monica in the late afternoon to Revolver Gallery to view Andy Warhol:Revisited 30 Years Later.  Bergamont Station has become a cultivated community of art galleries geared toward art lovers who want that one-stop viewing experience.  Where have I been?? I seriously don't get out enough.

Cock-a-doodle-doo

Welcome to Sriracha nation where rooster lovers come together to celebrate hot chili sauce!

Storks | Warner Bros. Studios

Two weeks ago, Portia and I attended an advance screening of Storks at Warner Bros. Studios! I'm so excited about this movie and hope it does really well upon release.

 

Sun, sand, and John Cena

I can't decide if I'm happy or bummed that the school year is starting in five days.  There is hope on the horizon, people.  After ten years, I'll have full rein of my days and more elbowroom to explore my options.  Will I get a part-time job? Aspire to be a sofa spud? Binge-watching the next four seasons of Game of Thrones is all I think about.  I'll finally have the time to put my homemaking curiosities to the test.  Does toothpaste really remove bathroom grout? Does baking soda and vinegar really clean the oven? So many vital questions that I need answers to.

PYO(pick-your-own) strawberries

It's that time of year at Underwood Family Farms, where Pre-k kids from all over the San Fernando Valley head to, for spring's strawberry picking.

Super Bowl Sunday at Disneyland

I forgot to mention our little trip to the mega, magical park hosted by our friends and Disney veterans, Jerome and Meiling! We were supposed to go on Presley's birthday but the rain postponed us to Superbowl Sunday.  It was a new experience going as a whole family since each of us has been at different times.  I forgot what it was like on this culty mouse land being surrounded by Mickey fandom, Disneyland social clubs, and hardcore enthusiasts.  It's hectic, surreal, and fabulous all at the same time.

I wish I had taken more pictures of us, especially on the DL side.  I was totally in the moment and taking everything in.  Did you know that 8:00 a.m.-DL-time is considered late in the mouse world?? Geez!!!

The Broad + kids in tow

A couple weeks ago we had a fun day, Sunday at The Broad! Being in the presence of contemporary art royalty blew my mind.  I was so impressed by the Broad's enormous collection all housed under a massive architectural beauty.

I finally uploaded some pictures...so up we go!

Comic Book Apocalypse: The Graphic World of Jack Kirby

There's something about going to an art gallery that makes me feel all fancy inside. People who visit art galleries have this sort of edgy-edge feel about them.  They formulate interesting point-of-views and usually have something smart to say.  It's like hanging out with the cool crowd.

SOCAL OUTINGS | Limekiln Canyon Park, Porter Ranch

I'm still astounded at all the different hiking trails in the Valley.  I love not having to take the freeway and being stuck in bumper-to-bumper traffic.  Limekiln Canyon Park is right in our backyard.  It's a perfect kid-friendly trail to hike and picnic.  The kids get a little of everything: hills, streams, and lots of outdoor areas to run around (what every Mom looks for!).  It's nature's playground.

SOCAL OUTINGS | Van Nuys Airport Observation Area

One of the best things about having mommy friends is they bring you on new adventures and take you places you've never been before.  We had a play date at the Van Nuys Airport Observation Area during the holiday staycation.  Ten minutes from our home and how have we never been here?? 

There's a play area small enough to contain pint size kids and big enough to bring bikes/scooters/big wheels to ride around.

Giving thanks

It's tank top weather in the middle of November (say what!) and we're picnicking/hiking at our favorite spot, treepeople.org: 

Look how happy, healthy, smart and strong these beauties are.  It's a no-brainer what I'm thankful for this Thanksgiving...HELLO!!!!

Experience 11: SCRATCH at ESMoA

I LOVE graffiti and street art exhibits and taking the family to Experience 11: SCRATCH was really cool.  This was our first time at the El Segundo Museum of Arts, a great little artist space nestled in a quiet neighborhood in El Segundo. 

We made it to the Family Day (FREE!)event which was a perfect day to view this urban art exhibit.  The kids took part in all their activities as a way of taking in the whole experience.

To protect and to serve

Venturing out to different parts of L.A. when the kids are out of school is what I LOVE about summer. We drove out to Highland Park where a gem of a historical museum stands, The Los Angeles Police Museum.

Hansen Dam Aquatic Center

I LOVE going to the beach but not the 40 minute drive to Malibu.  Being stuck in L.A. traffic heading home is not fun either.  

This is why I was excited to visit the Hansen Dam Aquatic Center, a giant community pool surrounded by a man-made beach!! It's only 20 minutes away!!

Point Dume State Beach

We didn't waste anytime heading to the beach on our first week of summer break.

A Million And One Pieces by David Tracy

It's no surprise David and the boys LOVE Lego.  You say Lego art exhibit and they come running.  Not long ago we viewed Nathan Sawaya's The Art of Brick at Forest Lawn Museum.  Back again now filling a smaller but creative space presents A Million And One Pieces by David Tracy.

Portia, I, and DVF

A first (of many) grown-up girls only day. No Lego or Pokemon here.  Just Diane Von Furstenberg and The Journey of the Dress exhibition.

Send me an ocean breeze, please

It's hot today.  Like 101 degrees hot.  My mind keeps thinking back to last week when we were in Manhattan Beach visiting the botanical garden and Polliwog Park.  I need their just-right warm weather.  A dash of sea salt air and an ocean breeze could do some good right now.

Day tripping at Santa Monica beach

I promised the kids a day on the beach.  What they got was miles of sand.