Weekend Party

My mom came at the last minute to visit us. I don't know if you read this blog Patty, but thank you for helping us get her on a flight :)  Alex was in heaven.  He must recognize her voice since I talk to her everyday and we Skype a lot.  He had entertainment for 4 days and loved every minute of it.  

It was great.  I could lay on the couch without him whining and go upstairs without him crying.  

Our first morning Al went on a long bike ride so I took my mom to one of my favorite breakfast spots called Julienne.

They have the most amazing creme brulee french toast

and their omelette's are so good.

My mom let Alex play with her phone until he basically thought it was his.  Now that she is gone I'm trying to break him of the habit from constantly wanting mine...lol

Al on his long bike ride straight up the mountain (there are mountains in LA too:))

We went on a Saturday morning walk around the Rose Bowl.  Alex wasn't having it about half way around so we ended up carrying him.

The fat I worked so hard at getting rid of is slowly creeping back. 

Later that day we went to Manhattan Beach.  Looks like I will be buying another beach chair because that was Alex's favorite thing to do while we were there.

Checking out the snack bag.

Al tried to take a nap, but Alex wasn't letting that happen.

Every time my mom or I got up from our chair, Alex ran over to steal it, so funny.

Claiming his chair with his sandy cookie that he kept eating.

That night Al and I got to go on a date and even better we didn't have to pay a babysitter, thanks mom. We tried a Japanese Steakhouse in La Canada called Sakura.  

Usually I can't eat half of what they give you, but I ate everything on my plate.  I don't believe when the Dr says your not really eating for two because in the first 3-4 months of pregnancy my appetite  doubles, it's crazy.   No wonder I gain weight so quickly.

This was one of Alex's favorite games to play with Grandma.  She would sit up and then he would push her back and she would pretend to fall over.  He seriously laughed for 20 minutes.

One day we took her to Balboa Island to walk around.

Ferry ride over to Balboa Island

The original plan was to ride bikes but I got nauseous so I had to sit down for awhile.

You can't got to Balboa without getting a Frozen Banana or Balboa Bar

So much fun at Balboa

Alex with his phone on the way home just chatting it up.

Serious conversation.

We went to dinner with my Uncle David at the most amazing Whole Foods.  I can't believe I've lived in Pasadena for 7 months and that was my first time.  I will post a picture next time I go....the salad bar is like nothing you've ever seen. AMAZING. 

Her last day in LA we went and walked around Old Town, had some spicy fruit for lunch, did a daily Target run, and went to the IE for my Uncle Ben's Birthday.  I had a bunch of popcorn and soda at Target before we went and while we were stuck in traffic it all came back up.  Talk about gross.  This throwing up everyday has got to stop and the worst part is I still gain weight, haha.  

Ben's wife Geisa made a yummy dinner and let me just say it is so nice not to cook right now.  I hate eating anything I have to make.  If you would like to cook me dinner just let me know :)

My mom with all of her brothers.  6 sisters are missing.  

Alex loved Cassie or maybe just her hair, it was cute.  

It was a great weekend that ended too fast.  Thanks for coming to visit mom, we miss you already.

Descanso Gardens

We have lived 10 minutes from Descanso Gardens for almost a year and just discovered it. Descanso Gardens is a 150 acre botanical garden. It used to be owned by Manchester Boddy who was an interior designer and owned the Los Angeles Daily News. There is a huge mansion you can walk through at the end of the gardens that Boddy used to live in. You can rent it out for weddings and parties, so fun. Everything was so beautiful.
In the rose garden there was an art gallery with artists painting pictures. Megan if you are reading this you should totally come here and paint a picture.
So many beautiful flowers. I wish I knew what they all were:) There is a mini replica of a Diesel train that takes visitors around a small section of the park. Al is lucky it was closed when we left because I totally wanted to ride it.
The flowers I'm standing by in the picture below smelled AMAZING.
I spotted a racoon in one of the rivers. He was tring to catch fish.
The Japanese Garden was my favorite. So pretty and peaceful.

They also had vegetables growing in some areas. I've always wondered how artichokes grow and here is a picture. I was soooo tempted to pick it!! I loved Descanso Gardens and want to go back on Easter weekend when they have an Easter Egg Hunt and tulips are in full bloom.
I made a Corn and Blueberry Salad today, compliments of Better Homes And Gardens. I must say it was pretty amazing since all those blueberries were hand picked by us and all the vegetables were fresh from the Farmers Markets. I highly recommend it!!
Corn & Blueberry Salad

6 ears fresh sweet corn, husked
1 cup fresh blueberries
1 small cucumber, sliced
1/4 cup finely chopped red onion
1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
1 jalapeño pepper, seeded and finely chopped*
2 Tbsp. lime juice
2 Tbsp. olive oil
1 Tbsp. honey
1/2 tsp. ground cumin
Directions
1. In Dutch oven bring salted water to boiling. Add corn. Cook, covered, 5 minutes, or until tender. When cool enough to handle, cut corn from cobs.

2. In a serving bowl combine corn, blueberries, cucumber, red onion, cilantro, and jalapeño. For dressing, in screw-top jar combine lime juice, oil, honey, cumin, and 1/2 tsp. salt. Cover; shake well to combine. Add to salad; toss. Cover and refrigerate overnight (up to 24 hours). Makes 6 to 8 servings.

3. *Hot peppers, such as jalepeños, contain oils that can burn skin and eyes. Wear plastic gloves when working with them. If using bare hands wash well with soap and water.