The Soo family has moved!

In mid-June, we relocated from Fullerton to Sierra Madre, which is about 35 miles north. Phil is thrilled to be only 8 minutes from work and loves coming home for lunch with the family. Sierra Madre seems to be quite a green and lush place compared to most of LA, probably because of its microclimate.

Our new place is a house built in 1945, and so is quite a bit older than our previous condo. Yet, it has a charm all of its own. Hue appreciates that there are no stairs to contend with and the kids enjoy having a little yard to run around in. Below, you will see some of the photos we shot with Hue's phone before signing the lease.

Before we moved, we had the chance to explore Sierra Madre Vista Park and the downtown area. The downtown area has character, with lots of small boutiques, coffee shops and gourmet restaurants. It is a nice change from the franchise-dominated landscape of suburban Orange County.

Now we just need to figure out what to do with all of the junk we've accumulated over the 7 years we lived in Fullerton.. : )


A view of our backyard.


Our living room.. no carpeting in this house!


Guest bathroom.


The kitchen gets plenty of sun.


Designated play area for the kiddies.


Master bedroom.


Master bathroom.


Kids' room.


Joshua and Sophia trying to help unpack.


Joshua posing at downtown Sierra Madre.

Trip to our local Farm

After reading about Clifford and his friends going to the farm, mommy decided to take Joshua and Sophia to Tanaka Farms. It was a nice warm sunny day and we got to experience yummy fresh, organic vegetables while riding on a tractor ride. We tasted raw celery, spinach, green onion, carrots, and cilantro. Joshua and Sophia's favorite was the celery (believe it or not!).

Afterwards, we went to picked some yummy strawberries. Mommy said they tasted a little oniony (because they grow green onions with the strawberries to ward the bugs off). Sophia just loved picking strawberries no matter what colors they were (green, pink, red, small, large). Joshua, enjoyed looking for red strawberries and filled up a whole basket by himself! Unfortunately, because mommy only had two hands (and both were occupied holding baby and strawberries), we don't have pictures of the berry picking experience.



Two tired kids patiently waiting for the tractor.



Yummy veges!!

Shopping Helpers

Recently, we went grocery shopping at our local Henry's.  Boy was it fun with Joshua being such a great helper and Sophia our cheerleader.  We had a nice picture list, where Joshua made sure mommy didn't stray away from.  The only exception was two smoothies - one for us as a treat for our hard work and one for daddy because daddy works so hard!

Not only did Joshua help mommy find the items from the list but he also helped pick out fruit.  When picking pears and apples, he learned to pick heavy ones with no soft spots.  Overall, we had a great time!

Oahua - Family Vacation

We spent the first half of our trip in Oahua, staying with our friends, the Yees. Most of the trip was relaxing at home and taking a short excursion each day. We went to Ko Olina (SW Side of Oahu) for one day and North Beach on another day. We also visited Chinatown on the first day and the Dole Plantation on the 2nd or 3rd day. We enjoyed some YUMMY pineapple soft serve. We also made our own at home from frozen fresh pineapple. Unfortunately, we don't have pictures from these two trips =(

Joshua and Sophia loved reading with Zachary and his daddy (Galen).

Building a sand mound at Ko Olina Lagoon.

Giddily playing in the water!

Sophia fascinated by a new discovery.

Silly Chinese smile!

It was a very nice, secluded beach. Not like Waikiki.

Silly faces while waiting for Thai food.

More silly faces!

Of course, we couldn't leave North Shore without trying some yummy shave(d) ice with macadamia nut ice cream!

We also got a chance to visit our outer friends - Monica, Steve and their two kids. It was great to be able to visit all our friends on the Hawaiian Islands.

Maui Family Fun

The family spent 5 days in Maui.  The first was just to relax at our Ohana and get settled in.  We had dinner with some friends on the island.  It was a very festive affair.

On day two, we hung out at our friends' place where the kids got a chance to drink and taste some coconut water and meat.  It was a new experience for them to see the coconut get cut in front of their eyes.  Afterwards, they took us for a short hike to a waterfall.  The kids enjoyed it, especially Joshua, because of the water, the narrow pathways, the rock climbing. We also got a chance to see a crazy guy jump from a height of 20 feet into the pool.  That was scary to see.  (some of these pictures are from our friend, Anna).

Heading on the hike with energy and zeal!

Jumping like the Hulk (taken by Anna)

Reaching our final destination - we all relaxed and enjoyed the view and refreshing water.

Curious by what's inside a coconut  - Sophia takes a cautious approach.  Turns out later that she is allergic to coconut meat & milk (but not the water).

Coconut Hugger.

Coconut Lover.

Enjoying a little snack while watching a very captivating show on TV - don't remember what it was though, maybe Sleeping Beauty?

On day three, we headed to a resort in Wailea (SW part of Maui) to enjoy their shallow warm pools.  Sophia met her love (no, not Doug - the water).  Kids had a great time and adults got a chance to be kids again by sliding down the waterslide.  Pix by Anna.

Sophia shows her glamorous side with these hip glasses and no smile.

Joshua takes a little horse ride.

Aunty Andrea & Uncle Kieran Visits!

At the Santa Ana Zoo.. thanks to Andrea for narrating the kids antics!

Biking at Santa Monica. In the second part of the clip, I love how Andrea tries to change the subject while talking with Joshua on the bike.

Christmas & December Pix

December was fun filled with a birthday party, two baby showers, a visit from the Soo grandparents and of course, Christmas. We had a low key holiday in our home with a temporary housemate - Sweetie the dachshund. Sweetie was indeed sweet and the kids enjoyed her company (not sure how much she enjoyed theirs but she definitely enjoyed their mealtimes).

Siblings trying the new bicycle - ok, so it's still in the box, unassembled, but the box is always the fun part of the present right?

Cousin Kingston with his happy grandpa.

Sophia with her happy grandpa.

Yes, my head is flat enough to balance this block!

Yes, I know I'm cute too.

Ahh, the bike, fully assembled.  Sophia was definitely more eager to ride it than Joshua.

Joshua's new pajamas from Miss Alice.

Just loved this fish pucker, even if its blurry.

Just having lots of fun.

Sophia can really chow down sometimes!

"Toma!", don't know what this means but it's something daddy taught me to say and get into kungfu pose.

Our 3 1/4 old son attempting to climb something new and challenging.

Resting in "bed" after all the hard workout.

It's always great hanging out with grandma Soo.

Cancun

For Thanksgiving, we joined the Soo grandparents on a trip to Cancun (well actually, south of Cancun in the Mayan Riviera)!  It was a very fun and memorable trip.  Most of the time was spent relaxing in the luxurious Grand Mayan timeshare with a few excursions.  The kids had a great time!

Checking out the modern airport in Mexico City.

Joshua still likes the sling.

After a VERY LONG travel day, we arrived in "paradise". 

The dual master suites were AWESOME!

The Common area was AWESOME!

Relaxing in the patio with grandma.  Yup, Sophia has a buzz.

Joshua checking out the outdoors tub.


Joshua relaxing in one of the two jacuzzis inside.  Gosh, it's almost as if he's a natural at posing in the nude. 

Catching some rays by the poolside.

Enjoying a drink.  Life is pretty rough out here....


One of the excursions was a trip to Tolum, a seaside Mayan city.  Not very big but big enough for the kids.





Sophia says "Hi" from the sunny south.

One of the entrances to the city (city is surrounded by a wall).

Back at the resort, spending some time a the poolside practicing some "martial arts".

Building our own version of a Mayan City.

Connect 4, or 5? or 6?

We had no idea that our neighborhood Spiderman was also watching after us in Cancun!



Grocery store/discount store in Playa de Carmen...yes, it's quite developed here.