Universal Studio

We've been visiting many places like the tourists since Grandma got here. Surprisingly, Grandma said that she wanted to go to Universal Studio. Four of us got to have fun going to Hollywood last Friday. (Too bad, hubby needed to work.)

The weather was lovely and Grandma's special wheelchair pass was super. We didn't have to wait in line at all. The regular admission has gone up to $67 but with just $1 more (yes, $68), you can upgrade to an annual pass for year 2009. Of course, all of us got annual passes even though I don't know when I will get to visit again next year.

We met many characters inside the park. Grandma didn't know any of them but she had fun taking photos with them.

Basically we went to all the shows and non-aggressive rides. The new Simpsons ride is pretty cool and exciting but a little too much for Grandma. She had her eyes closed from the beginning to the end.

The Shrek 4-D movie is also one of the best. I loved it!

For best Grandma, the Oscar goes to......my grandma!

The park closed early at 6 during winter time. We then walked around the City Walk and headed for some hot ramen to conclude our day.

Trip to OC

I took a day off last Thursday to spend a day with my family and in-laws. Too bad hubby needed to work on that day. We took grandma to visit my in-laws for the first time. It was very interesting that we were all at hubby's house without him being there. We had a great time chatting like a tea party and also had a tour of the beautiful backyard. Then we went out for lunch and began our one day trip along the coast high way in Orange County.

Here are the places we visited:

Newport Beach/Balboa Island
We took the auto ferry for the direct route to Balboa Island. It was a short ride but the scenic crossing was very enjoyable.

Corona Del Mar
This place reminds me the sweet memory of the time when hubby and I started to date. Grandma laughed when I told her that hubby took me there to watch the sunset on our first date. Laguna Beach
Laguna is a very artistic city. The coastal scenery even makes it more attractive. A photo with my in-laws. It's a joy just to stand there to feel the sunshine and breeze on the face. Big Will finally gets time to have fun with us. =) Lovely couple.Dana Point
By the time we got to Dana Point, it was almost sunset. There're so many sailboats there in the harbor. It's a very romantic place....since hubby wasn't there, I'd just have to hold Zoya. heehee =P Meimei is my little precious!The view from the top of the hill is breathtaking. My favorite of the day.

Roger's Garden
This was our last stop of the one-day trip. The garden is free of charge and it's so pretty with all the sparkling Christmas lights and decorations. Grandma was super excited that she got to see all the Christmas trees and deco in different colors. Mom, Grandma, & Mom-in-law in the "color red zone."Ruth & Grandma standing next to this well decorated shiny tree.

Vegas

We had a trip to Vegas over the weekend. Even though we didn't watch any show or eat at our favorite buffet at Wynn's, we still had a good time, a time for just two of us. We actually happened to taste the worst buffet of the world at Caesars Palace. We just couldn't believe that we paid almost $60 for something worse than any restaurant you can think of. Well, if you're going to Vegas, eat at Wynn, Bellagio, Paris, or any other place, remember to stay away from Caesars Palace. heehee =P

I love the Eiffel Tower at Paris. I think it's the most beautiful landmark on the strip in Vegas. I wish one day I could stand in front the real one in France. 

We're Safe

Thank you all for your concern. Thanks for all the phone calls, emails and messages. We were at Vegas over the weekend, didn't know about the wildfire till our families called. We rushed back on Sunday morning and really thankful that our apartment is not affected. We're safe and our area is not under the mandatory evacuation order. Even though some roads nearby are blocked and it looks like we're very close to the wildfire from the map but we're actually not that close. But the air is pretty bad...terrible I should say. We have all the windows closed since yesterday. It's hard to breathe when we go outside.

It's just sad to see those who had lost their homes. May God comfort their hearts and give them peace, hope and strength to go on and rebuild their homes.

Song Practice

Our small group gathered together last night for song practice for Ricky & Katy's wedding. It was fun. The process is always filled with laughter and joy. It reminded me the time when we prepared for the "fan dance" for Chinese New Year. 

Take One

Take Two

Take ThreeThank God for our "Joy Fruit" small group. Everyone is so cute. I just can't stop laughing when I see these pictures! Look at the guys in the back......