Blizzard In Pasadena?!

Can you believe it?! Snow blanketed our neighborhood in Pasadena yesterday. This house is just two blocks from us. It looks like Christmas in Indiana! Or Connecticut! But not Pasadena...

Okay, so it wasn't real snow. It was a movie that's filming in our neighborhood. Our neighborhood has been the scene of lots of movies and TV shows. The TV show Brothers & Sisters films in our neighborhood. The Father of the Bride movies were shot three blocks away. The Changeling was filmed here, too...and many more.

So, our neighborhood is often chock-full of production vehicles and Star Wagons. This was the scene yesterday as we made our way over to the Huntington. Not exactly blizzard weather:



It was a balmy 85 degrees. Paprika had to roll up her sleeves as she tossed rocks into the river...



And played in the sprinklers and water misters...



She ran through the tunnels, of course!



She laughed in the miniature house made of leaves and trees...



And played pretend in a magical garden with a door just her size...



Meanwhile, Ginger dreamt the day away, fast asleep in her favorite spot!



The End!

A Night To Remember

Last night I joined Mr. Mustard for a Cast & Crew screening of Disney's A Christmas Carol. It was at the El Capitan Theater in the heart of Hollywood.

Being back in Hollywood brought back many memories. It was kind of like going home. I spent the first four years of my life in LA living in either Hollywood or West Hollywood...so it was truly the old stomping grounds. I got so nostalgic for the glitz and glamour of the neon at night that I almost forgot what that place looks like during the day. ;-) It sure is pretty at night, though!

Back to the screening...it was really exciting! There was a strict "no cell phone, no camera" policy (they were checking bags and wanding people at the door). I respected that- although I was on pins & needles because it was our first time leaving Ginger with a babysitter! My friend Jessica watched the girls, which I thought was pretty appropriate because Jessica was also Paprika's first babysitter.

The movie was exquisite, magnificant, gorgeous, and thrilling. I sat there feeling like this was how people back in the 1920s felt when they first saw The Jazz Singer. It felt revolutionary. The 3D animation is so gorgeous, and it felt so appropriate and tied to the story. Even though A Christmas Carol is a story I know well, the film felt new and current. The script was true to the original, yet exciting and fresh. Awesome is the one word I can think of to describe it and even that doesn't really come close.

It was truly a night to remember! (And in case you're wondering, Ginger did great...)

UPS, Park, Thigh-High Boots!

Monday was busy. We waited around most of the day for UPS to arrive with my new camera. I have been waiting for months and months for a new camera...and missed the delivery on Friday, so Monday was supposed to be the day. So we waited by the front door but UPS didn't come. Turns out that over the weekend someone at UPS accidentally "misplaced or damaged" the package (translation: stole it!), so now I am still waiting for my new camera. I swear I'm going to have my same 'ole Rebel XTi forever. Everytime I try to get a new camera, something goes awry!



Undaunted, I packed everyone up for a trip to the park. It was a gorgeous day and an afternoon well-spent. Ginger slept in the Baby Bjorn while Paprika had her run of the park.



Then, I took both girls dress shopping with me. Yup, I had to find something to wear because I am going to a fancy Hollywood thing with Mr. Mustard. He is always going out to parties and premieres and mixer-doodles...and I am always (okay, not always...but mostly) stuck at home. So this time, I am getting out!

I didn't end up finding anything to wear, but I still have time. The good news was that despite my fears, both girls were sooooo well-behaved at the stores. The highlight was when Paprika tried on some brown leather knee boots that went up to her waist and modeled them for everyone in the store. It was pretty aweseome! I so wish I would have had my camera on me!

4 Months!

Yesterday, Gingery turned 4 months old! We were out and about at a baby shower for my friend, Devon. Ginger was a great guest. She barely made a peep the whole day and was all smiles.



Paprika stayed home with our sitter, Claudine.

She made art...



and played with blocks (in my T-shirt...her idea of a "dress")...



And overall had a great time! So, I didn't feel too guilty leaving her at home while I took Ginger to the baby shower.



Happy 4 months, Ginger! I can't believe that four short months ago, I held you in my arms for the first time. It feels like you've been our baby forever. Love you so!

Lazy Saturday Morning