Ladd Photos

Gavin wanted to start his birthday in the pool, so the boys and I had a lot of fun swimming together at the hotel. Then we headed out to walk around downtown San Luis Obispo.

We stopped by Cal Poly to take a photo in front of the entrance sign, and in the process I had to save a poor college girl who was being accosted by two wild turkeys. I don’t remember turkeys existing on campus back in my day, but I managed to scare them off.

We finished off Gavin’s 11th birthday by eating pizza at Klondike, a favorite of ours in Arroyo Grande. Then we had some birthday cake back in the hotel room.

We started off the first full day of our trip by showing the boys around Cal Poly, where Aliciana and I went to collage. Then we went for a hike through Poly Canyon and up to the top of the mountain containing the “P”.

The hike was beautiful but a bit longer than I remembered. We saw tons of wildflowers along the way, along with wild turkey and some cows. The views from the top of the ridge are amazing!

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.

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.

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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:

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.