Ladd Photos

The two new baby elephants, Zuli and Kaia, are a lot of fun to watch run around and play.

For the first time in a long time, I was in the same city as my parents, brothers, and sisters for a family holiday. We all gathered in Portland at my Mom and Dad’s house to celebrate Thanksgiving.

My brother Nick came down from Seattle and cooked a delicious Turkey. Connor and my little sister Michalea made a cake for my niece Camdyn’s birthday. The house was packed with food, family, and dogs!

We were given some Legoland tickets a while back, so we decided to use them to check out the holiday decorations.

Although the boys have outgrown most of the rides, they still had a good time. Especially at the end of the night, when we rode the Ninjago ride over and over, until the park closed.

After only 3 months of once-a-week classes, the band was ready to put on their first concert. They sounded great!

Some of the songs they performed:

During the holidays, the Zoo celebrates with Jungle Bells, where it decorates with light displays and remains open late so visitors can enjoy them.

The animals were all asleep once the sun went down, so there wasn’t much to see besides the lights, but it was an interesting experience.

I’m amazed any of my photos turned out, because I was shooting in the dark with no flash.

Another nice and sunny San Diego Christmas. In the morning, the boys opened their presents. Then we headed to Eddie and Sally’s house in the afternoon, for Christmas dinner and a few more presents.

We started off the afternoon looking at some beautiful gems on display in the Nat’s new minerals exhibit. Then we went up to the roof to check out the view, which was open to the public for the holiday week.

Next, we headed across the plaza to the Fleet, to play with electromagnetism. The boys learned how a telegraph works and practiced their Morse code skills.

On Sundays you’ll usually find us down south, letting the boys run around at their grandparent’s backyard. Hector was there this weekend, to play with his two favorite cousins.

Gavin had his first scrimmage of the season (it went only 3 innings). He got to pitch the first inning, and did well: He struck out 3 while only giving up a walk and a single. He also got a long single and a stolen base.

The whole Loera Clan headed to Loma Linda to visit Walo, who turned 91 years old a few days later. The kids all helped sort his recyclables and do some yard work.

The last photo is of La Gota Cafe, a restaurant in Redlands that Aliciana’s Great-Grandparents (Walo’s parents) owned during the 1950’s through the summer of 1980.

Poor Connor was sick and had to miss the run. I stayed home with him so Aliciana could still go help, and take a few photos of Gavin sweating. I still don’t understand how Fun and Run can go together.

Thank you to all the family and friends who donated to the boys! Turtleback Elementary raised a lot of money to fund their science programs and technology improvements.

Both boys had 8am games, at different sports fields, so we had to split our coverage. I saw Connor’s first game, but had to miss Gavin’s, so it was his turn for me to spectate.

Gavin spent the game playing 3rd base and right field. He got a walk, 3 stolen bases (including home), and a single. He didn’t get to pitch this game, but he has 3 games next week, so I’m sure his arm will get a work out soon.

We took a peaceful stroll among the cherry blossoms at the Japanese Friendship Garden in Balboa Park.

I was busy doing pitch count duties during Gavin’s game, but was able to get a lot of good shots while Connor’s team played.

Connor and Gavin were both lucky enough to get their buddies Josh and Justin on their teams, who are also brothers. During Connor’s games, Justin and Gavin can always be found holding their own mini-practices nearby.

Connor had a lot of fun in the field, especially doing a great job at first base. He also went 5 for 5 at batting. His facial expressions while fielding are priceless.