Ice Cream Museum

Back in May Michael took us to the Ice Cream Museum in the LA arts district. This is a traveling museum that has made its way out West. 

In almost each room ice cream snacks were provided. This was the second room.

The sprinkle room was something to behold. We were all taking sprinkles out of various places for the rest of the day including taking some home. If the museum comes to your town it is worth a visit.

Garfield Get Together

At our annual block party our car enthusiast neighbor asked Jacob if he wanted to take a ride in a Ferrari. It took much prodding on Jacob's part but we convinced him to go.

Jacob experienced zero to sixty in three seconds and a top speed of one hundred and one. I don't know where in Venice this is achieved as it takes me twenty minutes just to get to Ralphs grocery store. He came back in one piece so I didn't worry.

JPL Open House

JPL open house, Disneyland for geeks.  We headed off 8 AM in the morning for a 9 AM open house.  We figured we have plenty of time but what we didn't know was that everyone else had the same idea.  We got to La Canada Flintridge in 30 mintues and then promptly waited in traffic for over an hour.  We finally decided to park in the surrounding neighborhood and walk in.

We and throngs of others had the same idea.

This was one of the few exhibits that we could get into.  The lines were very long.

We were told by JPL employees that they were expecting 65,000 people for the open house.  I think if we had know we would have stayed home.  We met up with some friends and had a good social visit but we did not see much of JPL. Jacob did not sleep well the night before.  I think the heat and walking wore him out but he will swear that he did not fall asleep.

CicLAvia

SO. MUCH. FUN.  We participated in CicLAvia this year since it was in our own backyard.  It was titled Culver City meets Venice.  The route was from Venice Blvd, to Centinela to Washington Blvd and ended at National Blvd.  We took it from Lincoln then went East to National and back again.  We skipped going down to the beach.  

This is the intersection of Sepulveda and Washington Blvd.

The end and our turn around site.

Venice Blvd free of cars. Jacob took a video of the experience under the freeway and uploaded it to Youtube.

Santa Monica Beach Day

We went to the beach with some friends recently.  Jacob had his hole digging agenda set before we got there.  The goal was to make it big enough for one of the kids to fit into.  

Jacob managed to get some help from the other kids and indeed you could fit a kid in the hole. We had him fill it in before we left so no one would trip.  We have vowed to make more trips to the beach this summer as our record has been pretty low.

Part 2 Mount Pinos

Our friends sent us some pictures of our hike, he used a GoPro with a wide angle lens.

Jacob smiles when other people take pictures:)

Nice clouds.

Nice 'smore.

Yum.

Picture taking of picture taking.

Mount Pinos Frazier National Park

We were invited by some friends to go hiking, so off we went to the mountains in Frazier National Park.

Getting started.

Reluctant Jacob stopped to pose for a picture.

Rock climbing.

The kids found the only patch of ice around.

Top of Mount Pinos.  Great view.

Rare family photo.  It was nice to have a friend to help with pictures.

'Smores sans fire.  We didn't notice the no fire signs coming in and all the fire pits were taped up.  Dry weather has banned camp fires.  The kids didn't seem to mind.

Pizza after the hike.  It was nice to get into a warm place as the temperature started dropping quickly as evening approached.  We really enjoyed the fall weather, hike and time with friends.

Death by Chocolate

Chocolate, coffee, graham cracker crust what could be better.  I had originally planned this for Valentine's Day but ended up making it on Sunday.  Scott joined us for dinner and this coffee s'more pie from Bon Appetit got thumbs up from all.  http://www.bonappetit.com/recipe/coffee-s-mores-pie

I'm Just Here For The Food

In the Saturday addition of the LA Times Michael found the recipe for Clementine's Whole Grain Muffin with Plump Dried Cherries.  I was happy to comply with making them. A trip to Sprouts was needed for ingredients but well worth the trip.  Thumbs up all around.  

Scott came over to BBQ and Jacob's request was for ribs.  Everyone was happy with dinner.

 

Meyer Lemon Cheesecake with Meyer Lemon Curd was also a big hit.  Jacob said it was too lemony but there was not any left on his plate:)  http://carnaldish.com/recipes/dessert/cheesecakes/meyer-lemon-cheesecake/

Making New Memories

We spent the day helping Thea with some house projects.  Jacob got the job of decorating the tree which he did enthusiastically.

Thea continues with the sisters are forever theme.

Thea's new stocking.

Jacob's favorite ornaments.

The finished tree looked quite festive.

After we were finished with our chores Jacob finally sat in the Papasan chair.  Thea put the bean bag on top of him.  We all had a good time making this house a home.  Thea gets her new furniture Monday.