Best Deal Ever for Angelino Parents and Our Weekend

This weekend we took Hank to LACMA again. We have yet to actually take in any galleries. We simply wander the grounds. It is such a great place to take kids. While we were there we discovered that kids under eighteen get what's called a NexGen pass. I love this deal. Kids with the pass get in free and they can take one parent/guardian for free as well! This program also has tons of events and classes for your little ones. The pass is good until Hank turns eighteen. I highly recommend any and all parents in Los Angeles to take advantage. 

We didn't realize the museum doesn't open until 11:00 am on Saturdays so we found ourselves wandering the grounds in order to kill some time and stumbled upon a huge dog adoption event. There were so many adorable dogs who needed homes. It took all of our strength to not to end up with a new dog or even ten dogs. I definitely think a dog is in our future but we aren't quite ready yet. 

The rest of the weekend was filled with birthday celebrations, friends gathering on our back porch, trips to the park, and bike rides around the neighborhood. Perhaps my favorite moment was this one I caught of Hank Saturday morning grabbing his very own broom and doing some cleaning. I have fully tricked this boy into thinking that cleaning is really fun! 

LA light

LA Light from Colin Rich on Vimeo.

The artist Colin Rich took six months to make this film. It sure makes Los Angeles look stunning.

Piano Ladies

Since I seem to be discussing talented piano-playing ladies today I thought I would remind you guys of this nineties classic by Tori Amos. For some reason it was playing last night at my local Trader Joes and while paying for my groceries I found myself silently mouthing all the words. So sorry nice woman standing behind me.

New Fiona Apple

I have always loved Fiona Apple. I think my college boyfriend endured listening to the "Tidal" album hundreds of times during driving trips on the Taconic between Poughkeepsie and New York City. I am pretty sure I sang along every time as well. Sorry Dan wherever you are.

Anyway we haven't really heard from Fiona in quite some time (I just looked it up and were talking seven years people). I had just moved to Los Angeles when she released her last album. Life has changed considerably but my love for Fiona remains.This song sounds a bit different than her last album but I am really loving it.

Perfect Solo Dinner

Photo of my dinner taken by my blackberry (not so great looking but it was delish) 

My husband is in Las Vegas until this evening for a quick guys getaway. Last night Hank and I had a fun afternoon of parent and me and other activities, but once Hank was asleep I knew I had to take advantage of my solo evening and make a delicious kale Caesar salad. I love kale but despite all my efforts my husband is not a fan. I was inspired by two recipes from: here and here. I think kale is the perfect vehicle for the anchovy and garlic deliciousness that is a Caesar salad.

Lake Geneva Heaven

Less than two hours from Chicago there is a magical town just over the border in Wisconsin that my family has been going to since I was little. Lake Geneva, WI has always been my father's favorite place, and over the years it's become my favorite place (and my brothers and sisters too). I spent so many weekends here growing up. When I was a teenager I didn't want to go as much for fear of missing out on fun weekends in the city with my friends but even if I protested a bit I would always end up having an incredible time (and this past weekend was no exception). The weather was very brisk and our visit was a lovely whirlwind but somehow we managed to slow down here for a few magical hours. Sunday Mike and Hank took their first solo trip back to Los Angeles together while I headed to nyc for the first time in ages to catch up with friends, meet new babies, and have a work meeting or two. It was wonderful and exhausting but the highlight was definitely spending a magical day/night at one of my favorite places in the world. I hope Hank loves it as much as I do someday. Here are some gorgeous pics my sister's boyfriend snapped:

My Brother David carrying my nephew Dexter and Hank and me during a walk

Making new friends 

Horse

My sister Tessa and her boyfriend Brandon (the photographer whose gorgeous pics I stole)

My adorable nephew Dexter says hello

Family Portrait 

Dexter and Evan 

Mike, Brandon, My brothers Evan and David ready to check out the hot tub

Caine's Arcade

My guess is if you've visited the internet in the last 24-hours you've probably come across this video. But just in case you haven't seen it yet I had to post it. It warmed my heart and made me cry. It pretty much restores your faith in humanity in under ten minutes. I visited Caine, his father and the filmmaker behind this extraordinary movie yesterday for a story I am working on and it was just as fascinating in person. Hope you enjoy it.