The Getty Museum

Mom and Maren came to visit us in April for Mom's birthday. One of the funnest things we did was visit the Getty Museum in downtown L.A. The pictures don't do it justice. The artwork was awesome. We saw some VanGogh, Monet, and Rembrandt, to name a few. My favorite was Portrait of a Rabbi by Rembrandt (can't find the same one on google, sorry folks, so you'll just have to come visit us and see the real thing). The views from the Getty were breathtaking. All together, a very uplifting day.

Beautiful architecture and beautiful gardens.


This tree had bell flowers hanging from it. We just couldn't resist.


Paulo loved the gardens and running/falling down the hill (above). He also spent a lot of time in the children's room (below).

Hunter and Maren tested out their own artistic skills in this drawing room. Now we can say that Hunter has a piece of art hanging in the Getty :)

Andre's favorite part...the mirror in the bathroom. Eeee.

Playmates

I love that Paulo and Andre are beginning to play with each other...well, I guess it's more like they play along side each other. When they play together, Andre usually ends up hurt, or cries because big brother takes his toys away. I just love my little angels.



And some cute ones of my bunso.

New Idea for Chores

Last week, the boys and I went shopping at the Goodwill store. In addition to some pretty nice summer clothes for Paulo, we also found this gumball machine. I just couldn't say no to Paulo, because I remember how cool I thought gumball machines were when I was little. So I decided to incorporate it into our chores program. So, here's how it goes now.

Each time he does a chore (putting away utensils, watering plants or helping me make juice or mop the floors) he gets a sticker, usually only one per day, unless he wants to make up for missed days. At the end of the week, he gets allowance based on the number of stickers he earned (3 stickers = 1 quarter, 4-5 stickers = 2 quarters, 6-7 stickers = 3 quarters). On Saturdays, he puts the quarters into the gumball machine and gets to have a treat. And then at the end of the month he can spend his money from the gumball machine however he wants (i.e. buy something from the 99 cent store, or go on one of the big rides at the mall).

What do you think? Too complicated? Maybe. But I like how he gets rewarded each day, week and month. Seems like the reinforcements should be pretty compelling to establish the behavior in the beginning. Maybe later I'll have to fade out the candy so that he doesn't just do it for the reward. We'll see how it works out.

He's showing you here that he did five chores this week. Good job, my boy!

Grandpa Sebresos' Birthday

Hunter's dad's been in town because he had heart surgery here in L.A. He's doing really well. I'm grateful we've actually been able to help this time by providing him and Kathy a place to stay. Here's a picture of our little birthday celebration for Dad before he went into the hospital. Paulo loves birthdays, birthday cake, and he loves Grandpa Sebresos.

Car Curtains

The other day, Hunter mentioned that Nike had donated a bunch of fabric to Art Center and that it's up for grabs. I checked one day and there was a TON of fabric. I was able to get quite a bit--all for free!

I've been wanting to make some curtains for the kids' room to block out some of the summer sun/heat. But first I had some creative problem solving to do. I had to tie in the old orange theme:

...with these car sheets...

...and this Lightning McQueen bedding...

...so I made these (I've only completed one set so far).

I've hand stitched every car. Cute eh?