Eco Station and Culver City w/ Uncle Ed

The STAR Eco Station was an interesting place - billed as an environmental science museum and exotic wildlife rescue facility (check out: http://www.ecostation.org/ecostation/about.htm).  We had a private tour through the facility and got to check out some of the rescued animals up close.  Garrett was super excited that he got to touch a lizard and turtle.  He was NOT super excited by the birds.  Brady didn't seem to dig the birds either.  I thought it was hilarious when they said "bye bye."  Garrett didn't quite understand the explanation about how they learn to mimic sounds and kept asking - "who said that?"

Fun at the park after meeting Uncle Ed for brunch afterwards . . .

(How funny is the difference between Brady and Garrett in the two photos above??!!)

Garrett was absolutely fascinated by this statue . . .

Pre-meltdown fun at the fountain (we were having so much fun we got a little worn out and had some problems leaving . . .)  I think Uncle Ed was happy he was past that phase and his little girls are all grown up.  We have learned that it passes quickly, so just hold on tight and enjoy the ride . . .

Plus, they are so darn cute when they finally pass out.

Peterson Automotive Museum

Cars, things to ride in and on, space to run around . . . what more do the boys need?

Plus, we all know how much mommy LOVES cheesy photo ops.  Very entertaining.

Who Needs Fancy Toys??!!

Not the Hauser boys . . .

Hammer Museum (and 800 Degree Pizza)

A little culture,

A little creativity,

A little running around outside,

And a little pizza.

Perfect.

Anyone Need A Handyman??!!

Who could resist?

Aillen and Kaela Roll Into Town

We loved seeing Aileen and Kaela - good thing I had that stuff stored at Aunt Mary's and good thing the girls were itching for a road trip!

We all hung out, went to see Garrett's school, played, went to the park, went swimming, and just had fun spending time together.

Check out the pix . . .

Judging by the last photo, I think we wore Garrett out . . .

We love and miss you guys (and Myk and Kelsey) and hope to see all four of you super soon.

xoxo

Rockin' Out

Brady, and Garrett, and Mommy went to see musician Martin Espino (http://www.martinespino.com/fr_introduction.cfm).

Martin brought hand made and unique musical instruments that the kids could play - Garrett got to use a drum (after being mad that he didn't get to do the maracas).  What a cool thing to have at the Galleria up the street - mommy got a crazy idea in her head and we all walked there and back - good exercise, but a little tiring.  Mommy especially liked the sounds of the bamboo flutes and shakers/maracas made from gourds.

Smart idea on the Galleria's part - their summer Sat AM concert series is a great way to encourage families to come and hang out - I'm sure more than one family stayed and ate lunch somewhere or bought something from one of the stores.  Mom wants to attend at least one more of the events in the series - maybe Burke Williams will donate another spa package to the raffle . . .

Plus - G got to see the fountain we are always driving by up close and personal.  Bonus.