Olvera Street

After the search for the Norwalk Bee we headed out to LA to the Ronald Reagan Building for some Apostilling. By the time we were finished it was getting into peak traffic hours, so we opted to spend the rest of the afternoon at the historic Olvera Street in downtown LA. Kellee has always wanted to go and since we were so close it seemed like a great time to make our way over there. After we got there, we were a little disappointed that we didn’t opt for the two hour traffic jam.

I had been to Olvera street about a year before, walking through with some friends as we toured the city. I wasn’t impressed then, but thought that we had just gone on a bad day. It must have been their equivalent to a farmer’s market; letting all the vendors put out their products. However, to my chagrin this was not a one-time event or a weekly happening, this is Olvera Street. The place looked like a swap meet or as some of my Hispanic co-workers called it "little TJ". This is a little surprising to me since this is the place where they have so many marches and speaking engagements. Why wouldn’t LA make this street the pride of LA’s Hispanic community? Why wouldn’t you put in better eateries, art galleries, stores that sell current Hispanic fashion and crafts? Instead we get rows and rows of easy-ups with 98cent store trinkets. In my opinion, San Diego’s old town is a much better time with their many scrumptious Mexican restaurants and old style feel.

This is not to say that everything is bad about this historic area of the city. You can tour the first house in LA for free, it has an excellent court yard where musicians can often be heard, and some of the places to eat are probably pretty good (at least they smelled that way) just not the bland one we went to that day.

Overall though, I wish we would have by passed this street and moved on to Chinatown.

Norwalk Bee

A couple weeks ago we had to drive out to Norwalk and LA to take care of some of Faith’s post-adoption paperwork. This is usually time consuming and ends up taking our entire day to complete. This time around we decided to take a couple trips off the beaten path to break up the monotony. In Norwalk we went out in search of the elusive Norwalk Bee. The Giant Bee was not where we were told it would be, but with some clues and determination we found him located in the Ride In Share/Bus Terminal parking lot.




To our dismay however, we arrived during the early afternoon, thus not a parking space was to be found. After going around and around the lot, I decided to take the chance that the lot security would be gracious and went for the ever-unpopular double park. Kellee and Faith were troopers and ready for the game plan. We exited the truck and took the pictures below and then re-entered the truck and we were off so quickly that it would make any NASCAR pit crew proud. Way to go A-Team!

Glen Ivys Hot!

For our Birthdays my parents got us gift certificates to Glen Ivy Hot Springs in Corona, CA.. This is our second time going to GI and we have loved it each time. I was going to take a lot more pics but was just too relaxed. Besides it would be too hard to try and take a picture with red clay mud all over or trying to snap a pic while getting a massage. Anyhow, most guys will think this is something more for just the ladies, but you would be way off base. The spa's are relaxing and incredible, nice cafe on site, relaxing atmosphere, stimulating steam rooms, and serene pools make for a nice getaway.

Crystal Cove...The sand beneath my wings

The last time the Deane's came out it was just Jonathan out for a wedding. So me, him, and our friend Ben decided to meet up and hang out for a day. It started out with the idea of going to LA again and seeing the Dali exhibit as well as a list of other activities. The idea got scrapped and at Jonathan's behest we opted to stroll on the beach of Crystal Cove, go to Ben's shop and then head out to dinner at a fabulous Japanese place. I didn't take pics of us smoking cigars and eating cow tongues; for some reason I didn't want to bore you.

I know three guys walking on the beach is... well, you know the stereotype. However, I had good time taking pics and thinking that I would like to take my daughters and wife here. For someone that lives in So Cal, I am the first to admit that I am completely ignorant of the beaches we have here. I really only have two spots that I go when I head to the beach: Newport or Huntington. So to find another beach that is close and somewhat isolated is a nice find in my book.

Also, the state parks have taken over the cottages at Crystal Cove. So you can rent one for a couple days or so, but I'm told they have a 6-8 month waiting list. For all you lady readers, you'll be intrigued to know that one of the houses was used for the movie Beaches.

Lastly, Ruby's diner has a little spot at the top of the hill that sells some incredible shakes. I stuck with a traditional Orange flavor, but you offer a variety of flavors including a date shake.

Tunnel Leading to the Beach

Overhead view of the cottages

Combing the beach

The "Beaches" House Really just a runoff, but JAD and Ben thought it funny because the guy is one of the wealthiest people in Irvine.





Outside Eating area of the Ruby's Stand

The Getty Villa

We headed out to Malibu to broaden our horizons while taking in the wonderful sights of the Getty Villa. The Museum is designed after historic Roman architecture and is dedicated to the study of historic arts and cultures of Rome, Greece, and Etruria.


Overall, it was a beautifully designed museum, along with plenty of artifacts to take in. There were a couple of rooms that had crafts for kids so that they could interact and be part of the whole experience.

Faith's silhouette as a little warrior




Kellee Posing Pregnant

Faith kickin' it with her buddy.