Pink Flamingos

Well, there was one little pink Flamenco dancer, see - on the left there. We went to the library to see the Flamenco dancers. It was ok. Just ok. Didn't know it was to showcase how the little kids were doing in the school. But it was still interesting. Learned a few "must knows" about the art/history of Flamenco. Like these facts:

1. Originated around 300 years ago in Spain.

2. If you see castinets - it's not Flamenco. Then it is considered Spanish Folk Dancing.

3. The dancer doesn't dance to the music, the musicians play to the dancers. (????)

4. Roots are from Gypsies and North Africa

5. I don't like it......H/R didn't either.

Only one missing - Willi Wonka

Ethel, Candy Factory Supervisor and Lucy

Rachel, Hannah and Jordon at the Cerrita Candy Factory in Glendale.

We went on the "tour" of the chocolate candy factory today. It was more fun for me because the episode of the "I Love Lucy " show titled: "Job Switching", which originally aired in 1952 is an all time favorite of Lucy fans and those of us who have manufacturing backgrounds.

Our own tour of the gift shop was fun too.....

They have Polar Bears in Arizona?????

Well, maybe just this little one.

Supposedly the second largest Polar Bear to have ever been shot as the sign proudly boasted. We almost walked right by it too without noticing it....I know, I know (doh!). This one was found in the back of an antiques shop in downtown Glendale.

The Beach

One year ago we were on our vacation in France and since then we have enjoyed many terrific memories of that really fantastic trip.

In about three weeks we will go to Oceanside, California for the whole month of July. Here are photos from our 2nd floor terrace at the condo we are renting:
















I am really looking forward to having that private terrace over the beach. At high tide the water comes right up to those rocks. What you can't see is that there is a private sandy area just in front of the rocks where the deck, outdoor shower and bbq area is located.

If you click on either picture you can see the enlarged view. In the first picture you can see the Oceanside Pier on the far right of the picture.

Dinos Alive - in 3D

We went to see Dinosaurs Alive in 3D today at the Imax Theater. All I can say is, "Wow!"

We really liked it. The 3D was so much more "in depth" than the 3D in the movie, "Up". Sometimes you felt like the dino was going to land in your lap, we kept reaching out to touch the image. It was fun.

"Twilight" update: I think they are about to finish it. Then we will see the movie. I'm really looking forward to seeing it with them after all of us having read the book. Should be fun.

**New "Twilight" update***
At about 10:30, Hannah finished and 15 minutes later Rachel finished. They read it in under 3 days. Then we had a book discussion and that was enjoyable for me since I have read the book too. So now we can see the movie. Good job girls!

Great Report Cards

Well, well, well.....looks like we have two straight A fourth graders!! Congratulations H/R! Your hard work and diligence shows.

You are really great kids!!

I Never Thought my Daughters would ask ME to turn the Volume Down

Well, after several years of trying to not become the TV Nazi by being overly strict with regards to tv watching, H/R have asked ME to lower the volume because they are reading. I feel I need to clarify - THEY are chastising ME regarding the tv because THEY are reading......Not the other way around!!! Haha....who would have ever thought.

So if you're wondering what it is that they are reading that has them at it today for over 5 hours already it's the first book in the Twilight series, in fact the title is "Twilight", by Stephanie Meyers.

I told them that they could see the movie only if they read the book so we bought two copies yesterday and they haven't put them down. I don't even think the motivation is the movie, I think they are really enjoying the book.

We've been enjoying (sort of) summer break which I describe as time where we get to do some fun things interspersed with longer moments of boredom. So I am very happy that reading is filling in those moments.