Rancho Los Alamitos

This fun group of kids took an outing together to visit a historical place right down the street from our house.  It is called "Rancho Los Alamitos".  We spent an hour touring the restored barn, grounds and wonderful gardens for FREE!  This shire horse (Valentina) gave birth in June to a colt named Preston (not seen very well).  He weighed 180 pounds and now exceeds 400; talk about rapid growth.

 The rabbits were a hit and have names such as Patches, Duchess and Petey (looks just like our Puffball, but is a lop)

 Ducks that lay eggs (we felt the eggs)

 Several chickens (including these rescued ones that were forced fed  for eating).  We also saw their eggs.

 These horses we were able to pet.  They came over and wanted attention.

It was a gnarly experience (sorry for the pun).  So impressed by the gardens; I forgot to take pictures.  We ended our hot (literally in this heat) time with Slurpees from 7-11.
The docents were all patient with the million questions that were being asked.  If you need something to do in Long Beach...

Frustrated by Technology

I am excited to have so many gadgets to be let down that they won't play well together.  Since my blog is under a different e-mail/user name than my Google account...it won't sync with the photos on my phone.  It is supposed to be easy.  Yeah right!

Brooke's blossoming Writing Talent

I love how at barely age 8, she is not slowed down by spelling.  It is encouraging that only 3-4 sentences were required and she kept going.  When I questioned her about the length, she told me that her teacher says to give plenty of details.  Do you think she did?

I hope you are able to enlarge this scan of her writing like I can...

Giving my heart away...nope giving my hair

Before

On Feb. 7th, she cut off 9 inches to be donated and then they styled (textured) and colored my hair.

After shots

Feeling a little dizzy with such a light head!  Not to be confused with just air up there :)

A visit to the Symphony...not quite yet

Sage and Libby were scheduled to go the a symphony performance today.  This is very special at their school because they ride a bus and get to wear fancy clothes (special since they normally wear uniforms).  They prepared the night before and woke up early to make sure they looked their best.  I drove them to school instead of the usual bike riding.  Well, the bus didn't come because the office had made a mistake and the symphony is tomorrow!  150 5th graders will be dressing up again TOMORROW!  

This hair (all of this thick hair took 45 minutes to straighten and then curl) do was a first today :)