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Where has the time gone?? I can't believe that we're entering the end of August and Buzz will be starting kindergarten in another week!! Life has just been speeding by, good days and bad days. The kids have been going through another bout of tantrums lately. The last one was unleashed on us by Buzz. Although it has been at least close to a year since he's thrown such a tantrum, it was still unacceptable. I lectured him in Chinese and read to him an ancient Chinese stories about Kong Rong. In addition I punished his selfish behvior by taking away all screen time for three days. He didn't even complain once about the punishment which tells me that he realized that his behavior was unacceptable.

Getting back to how quickly time has been going by, I am just getting around to posting pictures from a birthday party we attended two months ago! One of Buzz's friend had a 5th birthday party at the Aquarium of the Pacific. It was one of the most unique birthday parties we've ever attended. Most of the kids' parties we've attended have been at venues like Pump It Up or Scooters Jungle Gym. But this party was held outside the Aquarium of the Pacific and they gave everyone free passes to the aquarium! In addition, they hired people dressed as characters from Game of Thrones and played games with the kids. We spent all day at the party and then the aquarium. The kids also got tons of party favors, including dragons and swords. The production of this party rivals a small wedding.

Each child got to do a sword fight with John Snow.

Buzz put up a good fight.

The actors put up a good jousting show .

The kids showing off their treasure hunt loot.

Ahgoo loved her dragon.

A dragon girl and the mother of dragons.

Guess who enjoyed the birthday party most?

The awesome birthay cake.

A boy and his dragon.

All the brave knights.

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Posted August 19, 2015

on our recent trip to DTLA, we also ventured a little off the beaten path and discovered this amazing book store called The Last Bookstore. This place is simply amazing! I don't even know how to describe it except that you have to see it for yourself. The main floor is huge a has a whole section dedicated to old records. The second floor is a mix of the bookstore and art galleries/retail. The second floor of the bookstore even contains an actual vault that has the bizarre and strange books. I could've spent all day in there if it weren't for the kids. I can't believe that I've never heard of this place until recently. Again, if you find yourself in DTLA, go see this bookstore!!

A section of the main floor.

A view of the main floor from the second story.

One of the art gallery/stores upstairs. Too bad it was closed. I love all the magnifying glass hanging on the window. It was beautiful and creepy at the same time.

Part of the art gallery on the second floor.

The second floor hallway was lined with quaint galleries and stores.

The second floor of the bookstore. It was like a maze up there.

The arches of books! You can actually walk through it to get to another section of the bookstore. You can also see the "vault" on the right.

Walking through the book tunnel.

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Posted August 10, 2015

I do love LA. One of the biggest reason is that there are so many things to do and places to explore. Even when you think you've seen it all, you discover little gems here and there. Last month, we took another little Saturday adventure to Downtown LA (DTLA) to take the kids to the Central Library. The Central Library is an architectural little gem. I haven't been there since the late 90's and Mr. BAW and the kids have never seen it before. I was hoping that there'd be a story time or something for the kids. But the times just didn't work out. But the we all still had a wonderful time. The kids especially enjoyed riding up and down the escalators at the center of the library. In addition, the children's section is absolutely adorable, like a beautiful college campus library.

On the walk from our parking structure to the Central Libraby, we accidentally walked through the historic Biltmore Hotel which was home to the Academy Awards during it's Golden Age in the 30's and 40's. The hotel is absolutely stunning.

Next time you find yourself near DTLA, go see the Biltmore and the Central Library. :-)

The gorgeous restaurant inside the Biltmore.

Evidece of Hollywood are present everywhere at the hotel.

The ceilings are amazing.

The main hall inside the Central Library. Mr. BAW, Buzz, and Ahgoo are all on the escalator. Can you find them?

The view of the escalators from the bottom floor.

The beautiful dome at the entrance to the children's section.

Children's library.

There is a little theatre in the back section of the children's area. Too bad we missed the puppet show.

The kids reading.

Ahgoo picking out a book.

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Posted August 9, 2015