Embrace the Camera: April 21st

We finally made it to the opening of the Butterfly Pavilion at the Natural History Museum, and the moment we entered the exhibit Lily was in awe of fluttering wings. Everywhere we looked there were beautiful butterflies flying above our heads, landing on people, and eating while the paparazzi snapped away.

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This was by far one of our favorite butterflies, we almost missed it because it blended so well to the flower it was feeding off of. It actually looked at me at one point and twisted its antennas.

Not sure it was a good sign...

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Most of the butterflies had damaged wings such as this one, not sure what causes that. The eyes on this one creeps me out a bit, but they are quite blue and beautiful...sort of.

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At a close range this little guy looks like an owl to me, its face turned individually from its body like an owl too. It was definitely one of the furriest ones there, and its wings were nearly gone.

It was over 90 degrees that day,

and moments after these images were taken we headed indoors seeking AC.

There she is walking along side her daddy...again, in awe of everything. At this point, you may want to count the amount of times you see this expression run across her face. I counted 4+

We entered the slide show room (I really don't know what's it's called), and they both stood there watching videos of underwater life. The video is displayed in 360 view, so no matter where you sit you basically have front row seat. Sweet!

This family of 3 has never been to the snow, so this is the closest we have gotten to ice. I can always open the fridge and get creative, but something tells me it's just not the same.   

As we were making our way out she ran towards this telescope, and made every attempt to look through it. I eventually picked her up and showed her the sights below. At this point I also noticed the map on the floor, and pointed out our house (it wasn't really our house, but I'm sure it was someones house)

...she was captivated by this idea.

 I really wish I had edited the video of this working sculpture, we must have been playing with it for a good 15 minutes. It's meant to work like a giant telephone...you stand on one end while someone else stands on the other end...and even a small whisper can be heard. Yet, with Lily all you get are screams or a loud 'Heeeeeeeeellllllllllllooooooo!' 

 We finally made it to the attached Aquarium, and by the looks of her expressions

...this is her absolute favorite part.

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This was our end...and my absolute favorite image of the day!

Embrace the Camera: April 14th

My Water Lily...

     A few days ago we took her to visit the USC campus in hopes of picking up new gear before the football season begins. Yet, the moment we get there all she can focus on are all the fountains. Every turn we took displayed one fountain after another.

I kept her at a safe distance...obviously I'm the boring parent.

So she asked her dad to give her a closer look...

My husband had a good hold of her, otherwise we would likely become one of those parents who everyone stared at because they allowed their kid to fall into the fountain.

Plus, I've seen a dog pee in that fountain years ago...

that kind of stuff stays with you.

Oh lookey here...she found another fountain. Yup, there she goes.

You would think that after spending quite some time on campus looking at water...well, it would become boring. Clearly I'm wrong because look at that face, you would think my daughter had never been introduced to water. Come to think about it, this is the kid that will ask...no, beg you to take her a bath.

She has nearly cried for one on a few occasions.

Little Foot here found a giant leaf and that was our cue to distract her enough to pull her away from the fountains. It took her a minute to realize what was happening, and she made a scene I would rather not document. Let's just say she caught the attention of a few college kids, and I felt SO much like that parent.

Fortunately, she forgives and forgets quite easily. The tears left as fast as they came. Then I proceeded to tickle and chase her all the way to the car. Please ignore my face in the images above and just focus on her (oh, and my wrinkled sweater).

Embrace the Camera: April 7th

     We had been having a rough 3 months, and it seemed as though we were experiencing one thing after another. Through it all I kept a pretty positive outlook and tried to remind myself that I should focus on the blessings in my life rather than the negative. There was the incident where our car got rear-ended, the trip to the ER when Lily's fever wouldn't subside, and the tsunami/radiation scare we had here in California after the earthquake in Japan. I told myself that the car can be fixed and everyone was fine, Lily's fever was gone the next day, and though my heart goes out to all the victims of Japan's earthquake...it's another reminder to cherish life because we are not guaranteed another day.

     So I am focused now even more than ever to cherish every day...the mundane...every moment. I have also learned that Mozzarella sticks makes everything better!

Embrace the Camera: Mar. 16th

This weekend my parents gave me a gift...the gift of relaxation. They watched Lily most of the morning, taking her on walks and trips to the store. I had just gotten out of the shower when I heard Lily reading my dad a book...or at least HER version of the book (it changes from time to time). They were also stacking blocks, so I ran and grabbed my camera.

My dad can stay in this position for a pretty long time, most people can't and I'm always impressed. Lily laughed at some point at her own story, and my dad said something that made me realize two things...

1. Lily brings him joy

2. My dad is very sad

He said, 'Ay, chiquita...con tu riza se me va toda la tristeza'.

Translation: : 'Oh little one, with your laughter my sadness goes away'.

My heart beamed and hurt.

My dad’s birthday is soon arriving, and though it marks another year blessed with his presence…it’s also a reminder of his age. He wants more than anything to stop time, and be able to feel how he felt a few years ago. He fears many things that naturally come with age, and at this point in his life…Lily is a welcomed distraction. This little girl…the last grandchild (for now)…does not know the power she has.  

Soon we were off to dinner, but those thoughts lingered. The memories of my childhood with my dad played all through the afternoon and into the night. I smiled with a lump in my throat to know what a great dad he has been, and what an even greater grandfather he has become.  I refuse to look into the future, and wonder what will become of my dad in years to come. He’s here now, healthy and able to feel how much he is loved. As his birthday arrives, I will continue to feel blessed.

Embrace the Camera: Feb. 24th

We spent our 3day weekend with family and friends, yet before we wrapped up our short vacation...we took a trip to the Natural History Museum. We were there to visit the 'Dinosaur Encounters' exhibit, but mainly to see Lily's expression as she walked through the museum. 

The moment we arrived she began pointing and naming everything in sight. The place was crowded, but she managed to drag me from one spot to another. I can't even count the number of times I bumped into someone, and apologized along the way.

The exhibit on the 2nd floor had an entire room of display bones, furs, and stuff animals...this was better than Chuck E Cheese. No, really.

The white (or yellow in this case) polar bear was the main attraction, and here I was with a prime lens and was only able to capture half his body.

Petting the giant lizard, I say this because to be honest I'm not quite sure if it's a crocodile or an alligator. I should know this, I mean there was a sign and we were there to learn...but obviously I wasn't paying attention.

Looking out the 2nd floor window

I had to hold her closely because she wasn't quite sure what to make of the dinosaur display.

This is the only shot we successfully took of the 'Dinosaur Encounters' performance. The room was SO hot and SO very crowded...the price you pay to get front row seats for your child! 

This is a perfect display of what my daughter does...she tells me what things are, when she wants to go, and where she wants to go. Don't try telling her different, this girl is independent.

My husband took most of these shots, but I have to say this is hands down one of my favorite. Of the day that is...

Whale

Amazed by the size of the whale above us.

My favorite exhibit has always been the 'Insect Habitat'...check out these bugs!

I keep telling my husband how the spider on the right looks like a teddy bear. Look at that face...without the scary limbs it would be so cuddly.

It only took 2 hours to visit every part of the museum, but by that time we were exhausted. Lily fell asleep before we got to the car. It was a great day!

Embrace the Camera: Feb. 3rd

Come on grandpa, let’s go!

A daily request from Lily…a direct demand some people would say. She always knows what she wants, and is never hesitant to announce it. Most days all she wants is to be with her grandpa, and as his daughter I completely understand why. Though he gives you a sense of security and strength, you can also sense an amount of love so deep you would never witness its end. My father beams when Lily is present…and laughs louder than anyone at her shenanigans.

Recently, they have been spending time together fixing up the old patio table and benches. He’ll work carefully under the table, and she follows in tow. She’s a mirror to anything she sees, and she’s determined to do the job just as well…making her grandpa pretty darn proud.  

She was inspecting his work, and trying to figure out his every move, but I got caught trying to capture it. Cheese!

As she is too young to hold power tools, grandpa taught her how to use a screwdriver instead.

She practiced quite a bit...it took her about 30 min. to get it to her liking. It's safe to say that grandpa went back and finished that off. Not bad for her first day on the job...plus, it's free labor. What did you expect?

Let's remember she's a girl...well my girl, and she does not like to get dirty much. I don't know what it is with Lily, she loves to get into dirt (or wood chips in this situation)...but she complains later when she's already dirty. Knowing this, grandpa shakes it off and even has to show her that it has all been removed.

While she was hard at work I took this shot...I love it so much that I had to add it. Look at those lashes!

Embrace the Camera: Jan. 27th

We began our trip to the zoo with a family picture...Lily clinging to her dad as usual while I zone out looking up at the sky. We rarely get the chance to get a family shot during these trips, but I think this is a keeper.

Have you been to the zoo? If so, I don't need to tell you how awful the flamingos smell. You wouldn't know it, but I was holding my breath during this moment...it took skill to smile through the stench.

We went to visit the carefully hand painted statues which will be auctioned to raise money for the L.A. Zoo. They were located in the Elephants of Asia enclosure. Unfortunately, I don't know how long they will last since parents kept allowing their children to climb these statues and pretend to ride them.  

Petting the elephant on the left...attempting to ride the elephant with dad's help on the right. I really wish I would have thought to pan out more, but you get the idea.

I didn't catch any of the monkeys in this one (besides the two out of the enclosure), but this was taken minutes before a gorilla came up to the window to show everyone their urinating abilities. The kids loved it.

My favorite image of the day

The giraffes were extremely close to the public, if you were tall enough I can bet you would be able to touch one. The elephants spent their time either showering themselves with water...or dirt.

KIX!

Lily looks bored but I love this image all the same.

These little guys are a bunch of hams...they LOVE the cameras and attention.

A quick 'pick-me-up' and finally...she crashes. We loved the zoo!