Family Vacation - Part 1

On Saturday morning, we woke up early to fly to LA for the first half of our vacation. Luckily we were upgraded to first class so there was a bit more space for you to squirm around during the flight. For the first half of the flight, you were antsy so I walked with you up and down the aisle. I tried to help you fall sleep on my shoulder, but you had no interest. Finally, with only an hour left to go, you fell asleep on Daddy - how cute!

When we landed LAX, we rented a car and drove to your cousins' new house in Pasadena. Your grandparents were also waiting to see you - they were impressed that you recognized everyone's faces and knew their names (hal-mi for grandma, ha-ba-ji for grandpa, uncle, auntie, Sara and Scott). You had fun running around their backyard and playing in their sandbox.

Even Daddy tried to join the fun in the sandbox!

Here you are driving around the backyard in your own car. You liked to climb inside the car, walk two or three steps, climb back out, and repeat this over and over. Sometimes the door would get stuck and you would scream "Help! Help!"

While we were playing outside, Sara changed into her ballet outfit. Here she is showing off her hula-hooping skills.

After playing on the swingset and slide, uncle Chester blew up the jumping mat. At first you looked scared but then you were laughing and jumping all around.

Uh-oh. You fell on top of Sara!

On Saturday night, Daddy and I went to my high school friend Lisa Cohen's wedding.

Auntie Carrie and Uncle Chester watched you while we went out. You started crying when we left; Auntie Carrie said after you calmed down, you played for 30 minutes before calling out for Mommy and Daddy again. Poor thing!

On Sunday, we went to brunch in Old Town Pasadena. You had fun walking with Daddy to check out the shops.

Cute photo of all of the kids with Daddy.

We shared pesto pasta with chicken. Auntie Carrie was impressed by your big appetite. I think you ate more than Sara and Scott!

After brunch, we went back to the house so that you could take a nap. While you were sleeping, Daddy set up the Xbox 360 and your cousins went to a birthday party for one of Scott's friends.

In the evening, we walked to the Huntington Library for a special event for members. Sara pushed you in the stroller - how sweet!

Here's a nice shot of us at the entrance of the Huntington Library. The Huntington Library is a research and educational facilities which includes a 120-acre botanical garden.

We walked through the botanical gardens and through a few walkways to get to the Children's Garden.

The Children's Garden had lots of kid-sized fountains and other water-related activities. You love playing with water so this was a special treat!

Sara and Scott are regular visitors so they went straight to their favorite fountains.

I think you liked this one the best - you just liked to put your hands into the water. A few minutes later, you tried to take a sip.

We walked to the other side of the garden to the Fog area - this was a bit scary for the kids because the fog was so thick that you could not see a thing.

Nice family shot!

This was a funny fountain - the water was still but every 15 seconds, there was a squirt of water from the side. You had no idea what was going on and how you were getting wet. Sara joined in the fun and started to splash you.

After playing in the fountains, we went to dinner at a Mexican place called ______________. There are no good places to eat Mexican food in New York City so we were happy to have it in LA. While we waited for our food, Sara helped you draw with crayons.

Cute family shots. . .


Before we left the restaurants, you took one last photo with Sara and Scott. It was late, so we rushed home to put you to bed.

The next morning, I asked Auntie Carrie if you could borrow a Halloween costume - you will look so cute as Mickey Mouse!

After breakfast, you wanted to play on the piano. Maybe someday you will take lessons?

We said goodbye to your cousins on Monday morning and drove to your grandparents' house in Oxnard. On the way up there, we stopped at the Camarillo outlet mall - you took a ride on the horse. Wheeee! Giddy-up, horsey!

Hal-mo-ni (which is Grandma in Korean; you call her "Hal-mi" for now) was so excited to play with you. You really impressed her by saying the alphabet and making all of the animal sounds.

Next, you played the piano with Hal-mo-ni.

The next morning, we took a walk to the park with Ha-ra-bo-gee (which is Grandpa in Korean; you call him "Ha-bo-ji" for now). You played on the swings until we forced you out.

Daddy took you on the bridge - at first you looked scared because the bridge was a bit wobbly.

Next we went on the merry-go-round. Gosh it has been years since I have been on a merry-go-round.

After your nap, one of Hal-mo-ni's church friends came over to see you. This lady just loves to play with you especially since she does not have kids of her own. She brought you a small sheep that plays a tune and also bought you a white hat.


The next morning, we left Grandma and Grandpa's house to fly to Minneapolis to visit Daddy's family.