Since we are in a drought, the rain sounds like such a welcome relief. I just wish there was more of it! We baked chocolate chip cookies and the kids arranged their babies with “stadium seating” so they could watch Berenstain Bears together.

Last week we went to Taco Bell at 7 a.m. to try Taco Bell’s biscuit taco for free. To be honest, it was not very good. The biscuit was thick and crumbly and just did not work as a taco. The amount of sausage was ok, but the bacon was quite measly. I am really not sure how this passed through the product development testing. It was kind of fun to go out for breakfast on a weekday, however.

This is a belated post, but D and I celebrated eleven years of marriage last month. Our friend who was at the wedding and videotaped our rehearsal and ceremony, had the VHS transferred to DVD and sent it to us as an anniversary present! The kids watched some of it and made a lot of funny comments. For our anniversary dinner, we went to Mick’s Karma Bar. Not fancy, but it was good! We also stopped by 85 degrees and picked up a mango pudding along with some other goodies.

After cheering on n at his soccer game, we went to the annual International Fair at Soka University in Aliso Viejo. I obtained a free parking pass from OC Register (otherwise it is $10). Admission is free. I’ve always been curious about this university that is founded on “Buddhist principles”.

The campus is dominated by a HUGE fountain feature in the middle. It is quite impressive. There are signs that say not go in the water, but I saw plenty of people dipping their feet.

There were several booths selling food and other items. We had already eaten lunch, and it was too early for dinner, so we just bought boba tea and a shaved ice. I had a good laugh at the booth selling stretch jeans–“One size fits all!”

One of the highlights was going to the Performing Arts Center. We were able to see two acts. The first was Instant Radio of Soka University. They performed “Beat It” and “Uptown Funk”.

The second was Mei-Ling Lee Chinese Dance Group. I enjoyed this, and the kids were able to see a glimpse of the Chinese side of their heritage. 🙂

I liked how the performances were continuous throughout the day, and you could come and go as you pleased.
We had the kids collect stamps in a mini passport at various booths throughout the festival. I thought they would just get a mini mascot prize. However, when we turned in our completed passport, the people at the booth seemed surprised that we had finished it. The kids received the mascot and shared a gift basked donated by the City of Aliso Viejo Environmental Services (aka trash pick-up). This was a nice surprise!

The contents were actually not too exciting (dog waste baggies, anyone?), but there was a light-up yo-yo, which was a highlight. They were also quite happy about the bookmark with all of the presidents of the United States. I also wanted to note that n was wearing a shirt that he had decorated earlier that day at the Superhero-themed birthday party he attended. He drew Thor and a bunch of hammers!

Last Saturday, D took n to a birthday party while I took k to ChocXO to take a tour and win free OC Fair tickets. We had gone to the grand opening event a few months back, but were not able to take the tour at that time. On the tour, we learned about the farm-to-factory process and tasted a liquid chocolate shot at the end. We also took home a few samples.

This morning, D ran the OC half-marathon and set a PR: 1:46:17. As has become tradition, the whole family celebrated by going to In-N-Out for dinner! D even treated himself to a chocolate shake.

n started playing soccer for the first time with Irvine Slammers. It is a real time commitment, since he has a clinic, practice and game every week. n waivers between liking it and not wanting to go to practice. I think he looks really cute in his shin guards and cleats. He is learning a lot, and even scored a few goals! We only have a few more weeks left in the season, and then on to k’s basketball summer league!

After lunch we ate at the “casual” restaurant at Pebble Beach Lodge. There is a kids menu, so the kids had chicken strips and macaroni and cheese.

Afterward we walked around a shopping area called “The Barnyard”.

This place has easy parking and never seems crowded. I am not sure how the businesses stay in business, but they have beautiful landscaping!

On Friday morning, we took the kids golfing at a nine hole golf course called Peter Hays. It is nice that Pebble Beach has this option, since its other golf courses are outrageously expensive. Here, adults pay $30, and kids are free with a paying adult. It was very low-key and not crowded first thing in the morning. None of the holes are more than 100 yards.

There is even an ocean view…

…and grazing deer.

The kids did pretty well, considering they have not taken any lessons and never practice!

After we went to Pinnacles, we drove to D’s parents’ house in Pebble Beach. We ate dinner at home and then took a walk to the ocean.

We caught some of the sunset.

I’m not quite sure what was so funny!