Liver spots

I recently got blood work done to check on my liver enzymes and the results were frightening!  My ALT levels more than double since November!  The doctor said not to worry and I'll get blood work done in another four mouths, but just days after getting the results, I noticed these spots on my left shoulder.  The first thing that popped in my head was that they had to do with my liver and indeed, they might.  I think they are liver spots, but the doctor thinks otherwise.  We'll see! 

Santa Monica Fireworks

Santa Monica holds its annual Fourth of July celebration the weekend before the holiday weekend for some strange reason, but it's always really fun.  We went a little later this year, but managed to find an awesome spot in front of the stage and in the middle of the football field.  We ran into Lydia's friend Sofie, and Sophie's friend Kylie's family joined us; so the girls were nice and occupied.

A grand Santa Monica affair

The girls and their buddies

One of my favorite parts of the fireworks show

Karate Outdoors

The weather has been really nice lately, so Master Temple has been holding karate classes outdoors.  The girls still enjoy the class and Sophie has even stopped complaining about being tired halfway through each class.  I think getting their belts and temporary uniforms helped too.

Tug of way with boys versus girls

TrueCar's Annual Summer Pier Party

When Trung received the date for his company pier party and it landed on the Friday that my brother's family was still in town, we naturally decided to invite my niece and nephew (RSVP max of 6 people), so Jimmy and Cora could have a little date.  We all left the house at around 9:40, dropped Jimmy and Cora at the movies, and continued our walk down to Pacific Park.  We hit all the big rides first and were even the only ones on the roller coaster at one point in time.  With what felt like endless amounts of pre-paid money cards to play games, we walked away with a huge bag of stuffed animals and other prizes.

I've never seen it so dead

The grand prize for the raffle was a canary yellow Fiat

Roller coaster goofiness

Chinese Cowgirls

Jimmy's family went to hang out with Mike's family in Orange County for the day while the girls and I took on some auditions.  I seriously couldn't stop laughing at the idea that the girls and I were dressed in Western attire for our family audition.   I think casting was just humoring themselves.  :P

Howdy!

Sophie has taken up drawing the casting workers

San Diego Zoo Safari Park

Jimmy's family, the girls, and I spent the day in San Diego exploring the safari park and meeting up friends for dinner.  It was a blistering hot day, but we cooled off with frozen lemonade treats.  The park was interested, with animals roaming freely, but I'm glad I had a livingsocial deal; I probably won't be coming back until the kids are older to appreciate it more.

Californian (and Texan) condors

Getting ready to watch the bird show

A little birdie helps make donating so much more fun

Sophie was a little afraid of the bird and wouldn't keep her arm out

Jimmy had a great view of the cheetah run

Eat, rest, eat

I think one of the main reasons Jimmy's family likes to come to LA is to eat...and we sure did plenty of it!

Din Tai Fung for lunch

Louise's in Santa Monica for dinner

A day with Wendy

Wendy's family came up from San Diego to Santa Monica for the day.  We had a shabu shabu lunch and then walked the Promenade all the way down to the pier.  It was great catching up with them and for the kids to reacquaint.

Pit stop at Yogurtland

Hop skip down to the Flagship Apple Store

Finally to the beach where Wendy's kids got drenched, but had oh so much fun!

From recital to party

Today was a very busy day with Sophie' dance recital and Alexis' 3rd birthday party at Mike's house.  Though the recital really isn't a huge ordeal, Jimmy's family came and watched with us; Sophie was really happy that they went since no other family has ever seen her perform.

 Sophie front and center

Doing her thang

Trung said Sophie has the best technique  :P

Our little ballerina

With Uncle Jimmy and Aunt Cora

After some lunch and a quick break at home, we headed to Mike's house to celebrate Alexis' birthday.

 Trying to get all the kids to look, much less smile

The Ly Family, minus Mom and Dad

Happy birthday, Alexis!

Last Day of School 2015

Last day as 1st and 3rd graders

Sophie was very sad and crying when I went to pick her up.  Good thing Mrs. Lynch will be around next year for Sophie to drop by anytime to say "hi".

Mrs. Israel was one of Lydia's all-time favorite teachers and we are lucky to have had her.  We are hoping that Sophie will get her in 3rd grade in a couple of years.

Sophie and Sofie

Lydia's friend Sofie, who has been coming over for playdates on most Tuesdays, joined us at Kidspace this month.  It was her first time back in years and it was neat watching her rediscovering the museum.  We went to La Grande Orange Cafe for dinner as usual; I'd like to think she had a pretty good time for us today.

Sofie and Sophie

Sophie decided to do all the grunt work later

Not your typical eye appointment

The girls had their annual eye exam today and passed with flying colors.  Our optometrist, also a father of two girls, was even nice enough to let them play with his exam chair.  

The optometrist told me to take a picture of this.

Kids and moving chairs