Happy Birthday Ellie!

Ellie, the little sis of Parker's best pal, Tyler, had a birthday party and Parker was invited. With gifts, toys, food, and a bounce house -- everyone was all smiles. Except Hello Kitty, I guess. She probably had the worst job at the party.

Sorry Kitty.

Hate to say it...

...but I told you so.

Not you specifically, though.

Maybe about a year ago, Thommy and I were heading to my place when we say these guys trying to drive up this hill. Now this hill is steep. Really steep. But you can imagine the dumb asses who were daring each other to do it, can't you?

Thommy and I had to pull over and watch the stupidity. We felt that any moment something terrible was going to happen.

Well, I guess we were wrong. Things didn't go wrong in moments...rather in months. The car overturned near the base of the mountain after rolling downhill 500+ feet, leaving a trail of glass and debris down the mountain.

Yup...YARD SALE!

Believe it or not, the occupants walked away with scratches and bruises.

That's right...the gene pool lives to continue on.

The Party Continues

So, we figured for Parker's 4th birthday, we'd do a big party -- one where we invite all his friends from daycare. That said, we couldn't have it at the house; I mean who's really going to drive their kid that far for a party? So, as I mentioned in an earlier entry, we decided to have his party at the Kidspace Children's Museum in Pasadena.

What a great place for a party. Not only do the families get to go to the museum before (and after, if it were still open) the party for ''free''. But they have people running the party, keeping things fun and entertaining for the kids. I love it! And so did the kids. They got to see and learn about turtles and tarantulas. Plus they got to play the kiddie party favorite -- parachute game -- plus an cruise ship favorite -- limbo. How low can you go?!

The best part, no clean up! :o)

Santa Anita

Santa Anita,
originally uploaded by Car2nGrl.

What would St. Patrick's Day be without the races?

BC, Aimee, Geof, Larry, Pete, Ravi and Chris' mom joined us this year.

The big winner? Larry who hit the trifecta in the last (or was it next to last) race.

The big loser? Hey, when friends get together there is no loser. :o) At least that's what I tell myself to make me feel better.

Dinner with Oscar

So in honor of the Oscars, we headed over to Thommy and Geoffrey's house and feasted on items inspired by the 5 movies nominated for best picture.

We started by snacking on chocolate -- Cadbury (Frost/Nixon), Ghirardelli (Milk), and Scharffen Berger (The Reader) -- as we got dinner ready. We then started with samosas (Slumdog Millionaire). We then followed that with some delicious gumbo (The Curious Case of Benjamin Button) that Geof made from scratch.

After a break where we watched a bit of the Oscar ceremony, we then had bratwurst and sauerkraut (The Reader).

More of the Oscar telecast and then we had dessert -- Watergate cake (Frost/Nixon), which was again made by Geof from scratch, and ice cream and rainbow sherbet (Milk).

Looking back on it all, it was a whole lot of food but fun nonetheless. It'll be interesting to see what we come up with next year.

Nothing Yet

I guess I've been letting myself get a little isolated out here on maternity leave as three people inquired about whether or not Piper had arrived yesterday.

First, there was my sister, who suggested that maybe we should give up on calling her ''Piper'' and name her after the new incoming president. Barack Trillo anyone? How about Obama Trillo? Any takers for Hussain Trillo?

The second came from Aimee -- via text message.

''Any Piper news? :-)''
''Still holding. I think she's afraid to come out in a world with Bush in charge. But his farewell might confuse her -- people say goodbye when they're leaving...right? Just don't tell her he's still here for a couple more days.''
''Hahaha...just chant 'barack is our rock' over and over and maybe she won't notice that other guy slipping out the rear exit...''
''My sister things I should call the baby 'Barack' instead of 'Piper'. :)''
''Well, she's a girl, so maybe go with 'baracka' instead (pronounced like 'erica')''
''Sounds more like 'Chewbaca'.''
''Then lets hope she's not too hairy when she gets here.''

Actually, now that I think about it, ''Baracka'' also sounds close to Mr. T's character's name on the A-Team. Yeah, again, I don't think I'm quite sold on the name change.

The third came from Thommy. Of course he called while Paker was having a fit -- we had just watched a few episodes of 30 Rock (one of the few shows we can both agree on) and he wanted more...not the quiet -- TV free -- time I had just imposed. Yup, can't wait for another one to add to the mix. Actually, he did eventually quite down with the introduction of playdoh. To bad we just cleaned the kitchen floors today. I guess I should have taken a picture.

So anywho...that's were we currently stand...nothing yet. Still waiting for Piper.

2008, A look back

Well, it looks like I hit my resolution of out blogging 2007. With 163 entries, I even out blogged 2006! Currently, I also seem to be on track to out blog 2008. ROCK ON!

I did end 2008 heavier than I started it...but then I am pregnant. At a current weight of 188 , I guess the important thing is to end 2009 considerably lighter than how I started it.

I would say a few highlights from last year would include:

• Burns Night: Nothing better then having your baby rocking out in a bar!
• Pouring the Slab: The stalled shed project takes off again!
• The Road Ahead: New year, new job!
• What's Wrong With This Picture?: This maybe more of a lowlight but one can't forget the car accident Parker and I had last year that total the Saturn.
• Happy Birthday, Paarrrrker!: Parker turns 3!
• New Car: With the totaled car comes the new car.
• Death Valley Birthdaze: Parker's first camping trip and he loved it!
• Project Garden: Parker's garden was a total success -- providing pounds of delicious tomatoes, herbs (some of which are still hanging in there even after our recent bout of snow!), and even a couple of pumpkins!
• Welcome Dean: Dean joins the Trillo household. I can't believe how small he used to be!
• Go Baby, Go!: Official confirmation that Parker would soon have a little sibling!
• Baby's First Scan: Our first look at Piper!
• It's Time!: Parker ditches the diapers
• Morro Bay: Great family get-away to Morro Bay. Hopefully, it will become an annual tradition.
• Palin and Clinton on SNL: This isn't Trillo related but you've gotta love Tina Fey as Sarah Palin.
• Halloween 2008: How could Halloween NOT be a highlight, especially with Parker dressed as Woody.
• Yes We Can!: I was obsessed with the entire campaign but the most important thing is that the right man -- Barack Obama -- was elected as President.
• Snow Days: Everyone (at least hear in Acton) will be talking about the show of 2008 for years. It was totally awesome! Glad to have been stuck at home rather than stuck unable to get home (like Chris...but that worked to his advantage as he was able to NOT miss any work)
• Sledding: And of course, Tahoe is always a highlight.

Book2Movie Club

This month the feature was Journey to the Center of the Earth, which we were able to catch in 3D over at Universal Citiwalk.

I though Parker would be able to sit through it but the man-eating Venus flytraps were just too much for the little guy so we had to leave the theater. But about 15 minutes later he was brave enough to venture back into the theater so we could finish the rest of the movie.

So I have to admit...I didn't make it through the original novel. There's definitely a different sense of timing. It takes them about a third of the book just to get to the volcano where they journey into the center of the earth. I couldn't help but get a bit impatient.

I did catch the 1959 movie with the boys (Chris, Parker, Thommy, and Geoffrey). It had Pat Boone so you know it would be a ''classic''. Plus, with that cast you know there would be a couple of songs to be sung by the crooner. The best part was either the rear projection ''giant lizards'' (which scared Parker) or the dolls that represented our heroes as they escaped. Then again, it could have been Pat Boone's Scottish accent. Like I said...''classic!''

It's Not Too Late to Plan That June Wedding

''SAN FRANCISCO - California's Supreme Court declared gay couples in the nation's biggest state can marry...In its 4-3 ruling, the Republican-dominated high court struck down state laws against same-sex marriage and said domestic partnerships that provide many of the rights and benefits of matrimony are not enough.''

Finally a bit of sanity from our courts! I can't believe it's taken this long for California to recognize the legalize same-sex marriage. This state led the way with inter-racial marriage; you'd think it would be right up there with this similar issue. We've known for decades that separate is not equal. Why would this be any different?

Well Thommy and Geoffrey, no pressure but there's plenty of time to plan a June wedding. I'm sure we can easily find a tux for Parker if you need him to be the ring bearer. (And you already have that big screen TV, so I believe you don't have any other excuses for postponing the event!)

In serious need

In serious need,
originally uploaded by Car2nGrl.

...of a pedicure. I'd normally blame improper footwear but he's the Hulk. He doesn't wear shoes.

Now I believe because of those skanky feet, Parker did not want to get anywhere near the Hulk. Sure, you don't want to make David Banner mad. But you really don't want to upset Parker. That can really ruin an afternoon.

And no one wants that because were at this theater on a mission...to see Iron Man.

Noodles anyone?

Noodles anyone?,
originally uploaded by Car2nGrl.

Out on the town with Geof and we've discovered another good restaurant near Parker's daycare. Parker recommends the yakitori and the tempura.

Oh No...

Geof, Parker, and I had Korean for dinner, which meant Geof partook in a bit of the soju. What a shame. Such a huge bottle but no one to share it with. Where's Chris when you need him?

Have not fear; Parker's here to keep Geof company!

No. He wasn't drinking soju or any other liquor. Instead, he started with Pediasure and chased that with water until he drunk Geof under the table.

Cheers!

2008 Los Angeles Times Book Fair

As planned I attended both days -- Saturday with Parker, Geof, Thommy, and Aimee, and Sunday with just Thommy. It's changed a little bit but, for the most part, was everything as expected. Parker just likes getting out and seeing the world. Yeah, if you've played the video above, he REALLY likes it.

At lunch he was too excited to eat. All he wanted to do is just dance around and around.

Notice the wiggling fingers? Yeah, Thommy and Aimee are teaching Parker to say ''Red Rum''. Nice. Well, at least when incorporated into his interpretive dance moves comes across it's just less threatening.

The music by the way is ''Clap Your Hands'' by They Might Be Giants, off their ''No!'' album. With or without kids, I highly recommend it.

By the way, later on Sunday, Thommy and I stopped at Coco's for a late lunch and pie, of course. I opted for this Strawberry Banana Chocolate Cream pie. Delish! But I have to admit. It's a bit weird to discover your food looking back at you.

If this little just looked a little more like Jesus or the Virgin Mary...I'd be rich. But since it didn't, well, I ate it.

The Lesser Known Disneyland

Aimee's mom was in town that you know what that means...Disneyland! Now, we've actually haven't been there in a while so Thommy, Geof, Parker and I decided to join them. First stop...the newly converted Pirate Island (aka, Tom Sawyer's Island) where Geof steered us to his favorite spot...Dead Man's Grotto. What's with Disney and the word ''grotto.'' Geof loves it because he know I hate it. Plus, it made his mom scream in fear (a jump scare in the middle) so he knows Parker would love it Yeah...it made him cry. Once out, we spent a few moments on the other side of the island, decompressing. Parker's thought regarding the pirate ship that sailed by...''Mommy, that boat has a book on it.''

After Thommy's required fried chicken lunch, we headed to the Golden Horseshoe for ice cream and a floor show. Unfortunately, edging past Parker's normal naptime, the little guy went into tantrum mode as we waited for the show to start. Fortunately, he was mesmerized as soon as the music started. Surprisingly, the show was pretty entertaining.

From Dland, we headed to California Adventure where Thommy, our resident Pluto stalker, ''found'' Mickey's pet pal. It took three photos for Parker to finally warm up to him. Go figure.


Well, contrary to Thommy believe, we went to California Adventure to check out the Pixar Play Parade (no to stalk Pluto), which truly did not disappoint Parker. He saw all his favorites -- Lightning McQueen, Buzz, Woody, and Mater. He started the parade chillin' in his stroller and ended it on his feet, straining to see who else may come around the corner to squirt him with water.

Now I know what you're thinking...so what did Aimee's mom want to do...what? Okay, I guess, while writing this I see that we may have shanghaied their visit to Disneyland. I hope they didn't mind as we truly enjoyed spending the day with them.

Death Valley Birthdaze - Sunday

The next day we head out for the Valley floor. On the way, Chris keep seeing this red flower and we eventually had to stop to he could check it out up close. From what I can tell, it's called the Ocotillo, a.k.a. Chris' obsession. At Stovepipe Wells we hit sea level. Soon after that we hit the desert's sand dunes.



We soon discovered that sand was too hot for the puppies feet. So Robin and Chris took them back to the cars as the rest of us explored the miles and miles of sand. Aimee laid on the ground to take a picture of Nick. But my shot of her looks like she's taking a picture of a 10 inch person. Go figure.


After the dunes, we checked out the Harmony Borax Works. Am I the only person who remember Borax...that powdery soap dispensed out of public restrooms? Well, Aimee, Matt, and Erin weren't aware of it so either I'm way old or I spend too much time in public restrooms. Neither seem to be good options.


Last stop was the Valley's lowest point...Badwater. It's the hottest point in the valley and yet there's water just inches below our feet. Seeing that we were standing on a salt flat, though, you can easily see how Badwater got it's name.