dbxcakes

Heading home from our fourth Dodgers Spring Training in Arizona. Last minute, we left Thursday evening to get a head start. We stayed in Tucson which made us a bit closer to Chiricahua National Monument for a hike.  Saturday and Sunday were spent in Phoenix. We checked out a new Cactus League stadium on Satuday, as we often do, to see the Mariners in Peoria. Unlike the Dodgers stadium, they are surrounded by restaurants and shopping. It was convenient as I need to feed myself quite frequently. The same day we were at Camelback Ranch for an evening game against the White Sox. Sunday's game was back at our home stadium with the Cincinnati Reds. Niner did a great job of choosing comfy, shady seats each time. And I love how small the stadiums are that you can see so well wherever you sit. Always a good time with our boys in blue!  Each Spring Training is always a little different. LODGING Red Roof Inn, Tucson : We did a same day reservation via Priceline's express...

My little family went on vacation this past weekend. Nacho visited his friends at Petsmart and Niner and I went to our third Spring Training in Phoenix. Our first game on Saturday was against the Indians at Goodyear Ballpark. There was a lot of action near the end when the Indians caught up and tied the game. There was a Mister Softee soft serve truck and Niner tried a Guinness Blondie at the beer cart. That is a nice ballpark and we had a cute time. I even got Ethier's autograph on our Cactus League ball.    We had time for a nice hike and dinner after the game. Niner introduced me to Native American fry bread which was delicious. Sunday we started off with a nice brunch at Province downtown. The game was at the Dodgers' (and white Sox) Camelback Ranch. It was a hot, sunny day, but fun nevertheless. It was lovely to get away for the weekend and we did so much! Can't wait for baseball season to start! We got a mini season plan t...

Finally saw Sam Smith at the Forum. He was amazing! <3

Mama and I ran the first San Fernando Valley YMCA 10k which was cosponsored by West Hills Hospital. It took place at the very south of Reseda at Mulholland Gateway Park. We ran/ walked through the uneven trail with some of our West Hills friends. It was fun and I'm so proud of Mama taking the step to do something active. She was pretty excited about joining as well.

For the third year in a row now, Ryan has celebrated his birthday at the Alpine Village for Oktoberfest. It's always a good time for everyone! Happy 32nd birthday Ryan!

Niner and I just finished our first 5k together and how perfect that it was the Dodgers 5k!  It was so much fun. We even got to walk around the field afterwards with our medals. :)

We went to the Hollywood Bowl last night for a second visit this summer. A couple weeks ago we saw Kool and the Gang and Gladys Knight with Moo. This time Marlaina got free tickets from Ze Frenchman from CDD who she volunteers for. We saw Buddy Guy who was quite entertaining with his guitar playing shenanigans. The main act was Peter Frampton. I only know one song but the whole show was fun. He had guest musicians, including Randy Bachman who he played "Taking Care of Business" with. Lots of guitar solos and lots of great musicians last night. 

Florentijn Hofman's giant rubber duck has traveled around the world and made a stop this week at the Port of Los Angeles. Niner and I took Emma, Marga and Len to the Tall Ships Festival today to see the 60 foot tall duckie.  Niner and I also went on the USS Iowa. And I took this port view from the SS Lane Victory. Nothing like a big bright yellow rubber duck to bring everyone together! :)

Another great weekend. It's also nice that we're starting to get more of a routine going. We can more easily relax and enjoy the weekend.. Friday we went to see The Fault in the Stars at the Arc Light in Sherman Oaks. We both enjoyed it. Although we were both surprised that Niner allowed herself to cry more than I did. Of course all the little girls in the room were crying out loud even before the movie started!  After the movie we made a last minute donut run in honor of National Donut Day. We headed out to DK's Donuts in Santa Monica. There was a long line but it was worth it! The Ube and red velvet donuts were so good! We each saved cronuts to have for breakfast the next morning. Since Nancy was down the street, we made a delivery and she was impressed as well. They ran out of the ube cronut, so we must go back for that!  Saturday we slept in which was glorious! The rest of the day was spent at LA Pride. We enjoyed just walking around, looking at all the co...

At the Memorial Day Dodgers game with my love to end a lovely calm weekend. Thanks to those who have served and sacrificed for us, especially my Niner. <3

As a gift from the lovely ladies of BHC, Niner got a pair of Dodgers Stadium tour tickets and gift cards to Chego in Chinatown. The stadium tour was so much fun. We learned about Dodgers history, got to see areas of the stadium we normally wouldn't, and we hung out in the dug out.  View from the Vin Scully press box. The golden glove awards. The old visitor's club house. Sitting in the dug out. Now we're spending this beautiful day eating ooey gooey fries, chubby pork belly and tres leches cake. It's always nice when Niner's birthday gift becomes mine too! :)