Couple of Mall Firsts

Maya, Shamai, Grammy B., and I went shopping this evening to avoid the sweltering Valley temperatures. It was 108 degrees outside, so the cool, recycled air of the mall was extremely inviting. The goal was to grab some dinner, take a quick walk, then head home; however, as most plans go, this one changed. When we entered the mall, there was the two-story carousel, towering over us little people, and playing that oh-so-enticing music. I had vowed, that at $3 per two-minute ride, I was never going to be a patron, but alas, Maya thought otherwise. Through the kindness of Shamai, we bought a token, stood in line, and boarded the carousel. The giraffe figure seemed most inviting, so I belted Maya in, and held on to her as she took her first carousel ride...awake.






After the carousel ride, we took on the adventure of shoe shopping (not for me, but for Maya Rose). Stride Rite was our first stop based on their 80-year old good reputation. Maya was not a happy camper, so it was just one pair of shoes that we tried on...I guess she didn't get my genes in the shoe department. Pretty pair of white shoes bought and off we were to other mall adventures. Maya's first shoe experience was quiet a good one.

One, Two, Three...Surprise Shappy!

My Dad (Super Sal/Shappy) turned 70 on June 8th, and my Mum and I decided to throw him a very special surprise party. This was a great undertaking because in involved secrecy, lies, and the attempt to keep all our stories straight. Thanks to the unwavering strength of Bubu, Betty, and Auntie Al, we pulled it off and successfully surprised him with a Hawaiian-themed party at Bubu Villa, on Saturday. He was so stunned and definitely showered with love from friends, family, and co-workers.
Saturday was the beginning of our heat wave here in the Valley, so the prepping of a Hawaiian party was no small undertaking. Thanks to Bubu, the yard was manicured, landscaped, and "tikkied-out". Here is the fun we had, in pictures.

Fathers' Day Train Adventure

Since Brad is now a full-fledged member of the Los Angeles Live Steamers Club, we decided to take the fathers down to the train club and ride on the rails for a bit. Our friends, the Coombs' joined us with their little girl Ava. Brad got to debut his new toy, a red speeder, which pulled us around the rails after the public rides were done. We started off with a Yaki's burger lunch and then took one round on the public rides. Then, Brad brought out his speeder and took us for a spin. What a nice day it was, riding free on rails.

Trains, Trains, and More Trains

Well, I succubmed to Brad's fantasies (get your mind out of the gutter!) and we are now the proud members of the Los Angeles Live Steamers club (www.lals.org). In a few weeks, we will be the proud owners of a "speeder"...you will have to ask Brad what that is, as I am just an innocent bystander. Today, we took advantage of the beautiful weather and packed Maya and Grammy B., and took off for the train club in Burbank. It was great to be on the "inside" and enjoy the perks of the membership. We got to ride the trains without waiting in line, had a great lunch, and met some interesting people. Maya got into the trains and waved to the people going by. Here are some pictures of our day.

Maya's Sixth Month

Well, so much as happened since I last blogged. Maya turned six months, and celebrated her half birthday along with her Dad. She is developing well and doing everything that a six month old should. Solid foods are not the order of the day...vegetables and fruits. Thank God, Maya is open to all tastes, and has no food allergies. She devours her vegetables and when she finds some fruit mixed in with her morning cereal, she is pleasantly surprised. Maya is now 14lbs and 27 inches long. She is lighter than most babies her age, but is taller than them as well. Our little baby has turned into the littlest girl, with a bit of a tomboy side. She's adventurous, funny, curious, daring, and most of all just precious. Her Dad has found a very huge soft spot for her, especially when she squeals upon him entering the house. Maya is sitting upright; she is in the beginning of her crawling stage, and has developed an acute sense of sight. Suffice to say, she is keeping us on our toes. Thanks to her Disney-loving Daddy, Maya has now visited Disneyland three times and has made her acquaintance with Pinnochio, Donald, Goofy, Mickey, Minnie, and Eor. She loves the rides, but tends to fall asleep on some of the really exciting ones. Maya also loves the water...swimming is second nature to her. Well, we're halfway there...Go Miss Maya Rosie Nosie Gosie!

Our Garden Fairy

Thanks to the Green Thumb Grannies, Maya loves the garden. She is curious about the flowers, the bugs, and the trees. Since the weather is beautiful outside Maya has been spending more time in the garden, smelling the roses and admiring all the flora. Grandma Betty bought us a big flower pot from Costco and along wit it came a Garden Fairy...imagine that!

Maya's Encounter with Mr. Leno

Brad decided to take Maya down to a classic car show that was close to our house, so that he could share with her his love for all things cars. It was a hot day, but it felt great to be outside. After slathering Maya with sunscreen, putting on her little blue hat, and shading her pram, we walked through a quarter mile of classic America cars, some from as far back as 1932. We saw Fords and Chevys and Buicks and thanks to Jay Leno, we saw a classic Dusenbergs. Mr. Leno was the guest of honor at this charity car show and was as gracious as ever, talking to his many fans, signing autographs and taking pictures. This was the one day that we forgot our camera, so we have no pictures of the event; however, Brad asked Mr. Leno to sign Maya's blue hat, which he graciously did. After a meal of hot dogs and hamburgers, and some organic lemonade, in the shade, the car show came to an end.