L.A. Story

One tweet says it all

losangelesstory@gmail.com (L.A. Story) — Fri, 17 Jul 2009 20:33:00 +0000

A Farmers Market and Grove double feature

losangelesstory@gmail.com (L.A. Story) — Fri, 17 Jul 2009 05:58:00 +0000

We celebrated the L.A. Farmers Market's 75th anniversary today by heading over to 3rd and Fairfax to take in the festivities and nose around for any leftover cake.

We missed the official birthday ceremony this morning at 8 a.m., which was hosted by comedian Jeff Garlin and included the USC marching band and clock tower cake presentation. But we did make it for the Nickelodeon Barbershop Quartet, who strolled through the market as we ate our chicken tacos.

We also got to experience Gwendolyn and the Good Time Gang, who were performing for the weekly Kids Club event at the Grove. And we even bumped into fellow LA Moms Blog contributor Kim from House of Prince.

CC got to dance some more and walked right up to the stage to get a little closer to other kiddies and the Gang.

This time, however, I put her in a dress so as to avoid any, ahem, wardrobe malfunctions.

The 75th anniversary celebrations continue through Sunday, July 19.

CC gets a little too jiggy with it at L.A. Zoo

losangelesstory@gmail.com (L.A. Story) — Thu, 16 Jul 2009 05:53:00 +0000

CC and Paddy's Pig at the L.A. Zoo from LA Story on Vimeo.

CC danced her version of an Irish jig before hitting the Polynesian party at the Los Angeles Zoo's World Music Night on Tuesday.

I'm so happy I got video of her dancing. You can't beat a hip-shaking toddler with no fear of YouTube.

What I didn't catch on video -- but which is burned into my memory forever like a bad prom dress -- is my child dropping trou during a performance from Paddy's Pig. Yeah, that was embarrassing. And I thought her having a full-on, screaming, lying-on-the-floor tantrum at Target was bad. (OK, that was bad, too. But at least she kept her clothes on for that one.)

If anyone reading this was there, yes, that was me rushing down the aisle to pull up my child's pants and rush her out of the crowded scene faster than you can say Paddy or pig.

Fortunately or unfortunately -- I haven't decided yet -- I didn't capture the de-pantsing for posterity. I'm convinced I would've won some sort of America's Funniest Home Videos award, if that show is even still on.

In the meantime, I'm sure Music in the Zoo will never be the same. I know I won't be.

After we had some dinner at one of the internationally themed food stations around the zoo, we joined a fellow mom (Hi Janice from MeetUp.com's Studio City mom's group!) and her 20-month-old daughter for some Polynesian dancing, courtesy of Island Inspirations.

Not only did we get music made famous by the likes of Don Ho ("Tiny Bubbles") and Israel Kamakawiwo'ole, aka Iz ("Somewhere Over the Rainbow"), the lovely ladies even invited the kiddies -- or Keiki, as they're called in Hawaii -- to show off their own moves.

CC bolted for the little wooden gate that had since been separating her from hula greatness.

But come to think of it, as I'm watching the below video for a second time, I think I see my child about to go trou-dropping again. The first time I watched this, I wasn't really paying attention to what the lead dancer was saying as she taught zoo visitors how to shake their groove thang.

What she's saying is, "Take it (or shake it) all the way down!"

Have a look at what that means to my daughter. I can only hope she resisted in the end to spare her mom a second humiliation.

CC dances Tahitian style at L.A. Zoo from LA Story on Vimeo.

AdventurePlex: I kinda want to play there, too

losangelesstory@gmail.com (L.A. Story) — Wed, 15 Jul 2009 05:40:00 +0000

Yes, my child is in there somewhere. I promise. Granted, she tried to lose me several times, but CC is definitely in there.

On Saturday, we drove down to Manhattan Beach for an open house at AdventurePlex -- a children's indoor/outdoor wonderland if there ever was one. I was almost waiting for Willy Wonka to pop out and offer the kids an endless supply of guilt-free sweets because it was that kind of kid-friendly experience.

There wasn't a fountain of chocolate, but there were $1 hot dogs. And, yeah, we doubled down on those.

The open house offered visitors free access to classes such as Moms & Daughters Yoga, Tae Kwon Do and AdventureTots. Guess which one we chose. (Truthfully, opting for the Meaningful Manners class wouldn't have hurt, either. Just sayin'.)

So I handed over $5 (under 3 years old), which covered two hours of free play in that mammoth structure you see above, plus a 1/2 hour session of AdventureTots.

When we arrived for the class in AdventurePlex's multipurpose room, CC didn't hesitate to start crawling through the collapsible tunnels, rolling around a few huge bouncy balls and basically just running free with the other tots.

I have to say, it's totally absorbing to watch your child in these situations, because you get to really see just how athletic or agile they really are. And I have to admit, my daughter is no slouch.

(Side note: One day the three of us were sitting on the couch, when CC decided to leap over the back side of it. She landed on her feet and just smiled at Ian and me. We were totally shell shocked on several levels, but mainly because it happened in an instant. Our first response: We do NOT leap over the couch! Our second response: Wow, that was really athletic. Our third response: Where did she get that, because it didn't come from either of us?)

During the open house, the AdventureTots instructor was available, but it was more of a Q&A opportunity than an actual class. So we didn't get to experience what it would be like for CC to focus on movement, listening skills and games -- which is what the class offers. Instead it was more of a free play. And the more I saw CC wanting to jump and run and chase babies who were just learning to walk, I decided the indoor chutes and ladders (rightly named the Adventure Room) was more up her energetic alley.

And, man, did she play. And play. And play.

At one point, I looked up -- literally craning my neck -- and thought, "What if I have to go up there and get her?" (Luckily, parents can crawl in there, too.) My other thought was, "She's rocking out, like, two stories above me. And she loves it!"

It took a little coaxing, but after some serious playtime, she did make her way down to the main floor, where her mother stood eyeballing every slide down the slide, every step down the stairs and every (quick) step through the indoor romper room.

And, let me tell you, nap time was a cinch.

AdventurePlex
1701 Marine Avenue
Manhattan Beach, CA 90266
310-546-7708

What's your L.A. Story, Debi Derryberry?

losangelesstory@gmail.com (L.A. Story) — Mon, 13 Jul 2009 15:45:00 +0000

What's your L.A. Story, Debi Derryberry? from LA Story on Vimeo.

Part II:

What's your L.A. Story, Debi Derryberry? Part II from LA Story on Vimeo.

If you're a parent -- and maybe even if you're not -- you've probably heard Debi Derryberry's voice in your home a million times. And not in a stalker kind of way. She's the talent behind "Jimmy Neutron: Boy Genius" himself, as well as characters on "Oswald" and "Curious George."

But the voice talent and singer/songwriter is also mom to 8-year-old son River and has recently launched her newest children's CD, "Baby Banana."

Debi talks road trips, museums, piano lessons and the trio of chickens she shares with son River and her art consultant husband, Harvey Jordan, in the latest installment of "What's your L.A. Story?"

To check out more of Debi's work, order her CDs and see her event schedule, visit www.mybabybanana.com

Thanks again, Debi! Had a great time chatting with you!

LA Moms Blog: Moms under Super Why! spell

losangelesstory@gmail.com (L.A. Story) — Sat, 11 Jul 2009 15:33:00 +0000

Check out the joint Los Angeles Moms Blog and Silicon Valley Moms Blog post about our recent chat with PBS KIDS and the creator of tot show "Super Why!"

It's interesting to see how each of the moms responded to the event and how their kids got involved with the at-home "tool kit."

CC learned a lot during that 5-day process. I was truly amazed and wrote about it here.

She still asks to hear the "Alpha Pig song," aka the Alphabet.

The circus comes to town, and it's magical

losangelesstory@gmail.com (L.A. Story) — Fri, 10 Jul 2009 01:45:00 +0000

The magic words at last night's Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey circus opener weren't the usual hocus-pocus. There wasn't even an abracadabra in shouting distance.

It was Zing, Zang, Zoom all the way, and, man, did it captivate my daughter. And yes, me too.

I haven't been to the circus in *cough* decades *cough*, and have since become a little jaded. (Or maybe that's just because I watched HBO's Carnivale.) So I was eager to see what CC would think of her first trip to that traveling childhood attraction.

During the pre-show at Staples Center, which started an hour before the main event, we got to walk around the floor and get an up-close glimpse of what it's like to be a tightrope walker, an aerialist and one of those colorful, crazy clowns. There was even a Technicolor motorcycle that CC tried to climb on and ride out of town. (I had to judiciously pull her back under the velvet rope.)

For CC, this seemed to be a crowded but unintimidating play land that she's come to navigate effortlessly. (That's a whole other blog entry -- how CC is becoming a kids' event veteran.)

But once we got to our seats, and the lights came up, she was dazzled. Nonstop. But, seriously, how can you argue with ponies and zebras and elephants and clowns, and more elephants (CC loved them!) and the newest addition to the circus: Magic.

As I wrote in an earlier post, Ringling Bros. has re-imagined the circus this time out to include some sleight of hand on a massive 360-degree scale. Alex Ramon, our energetic 24-year-old Zingmaster, oversaw such tricks as making an elephant disappear and turning the night's pseudo-villain Mr. Gravity, into a tiger.

Acrobats twisted, swung and flipped from all sorts of moving objects, and a couple of daring artists balanced on spinning wheels, which seemed to be a mile above the audience.

When two women were shot out of twin canons across the stadium, I thought my heart would stop.

After intermission, I noticed that nets had gone up all around the floor's perimeter and a mechanical device descended from the rafters revealing a circular chain-link fence. This was actually the first time I had felt any sense of real terror at an animal show.

Maybe it's because we're living in a post-Sigfried & Roy world. I mean, when did I think a tiger could really maul you in the safety of an urban convention center, much less the intoxicated Sin City? Don't they go out for drinks after the show, too?

But this time, with my 2-year-old in tow, I was kinda digging on all the safety precautions.

The show concluded with another parade of CC's fave elephants, and it was a little hard to leave. The circus hasn't connected with me in a long time, and I was happy that it didn't disappoint.

"Did you have fun tonight?" I asked CC on the way out.

"YEAH!!!" she yelled, eyes gleaming.

And with her head resting on my shoulder, looking back at the dark floor that was shutting down for the night, she said, "Bye-bye, Circus."

Truly magical.

Zing Zang Zoom
Staples Center: July 8-12
Honda Center, Anaheim: July 15-26
Citizens Business Bank Arena, Ontario: July 29-Aug. 2
Tickets $12-$90
For more information or to purchase tickets visit www.ringling.com

**SPECIAL PRICE**

A four-pack of tickets are $44 when you enter the code "MOM" on Ticketmaster.com or when you purchase tickets at arena box offices.
* The code must be entered in the "MC Promotion Box," and you must purchase at least four tickets for the price to be valid. Each additional ticket purchased is still priced at $11.
* Not valid on circus celebrity, front row or VIP seats, and facility fees still apply.

Coming Attraction: Free Family Day at Japanese American National Museum

losangelesstory@gmail.com (L.A. Story) — Thu, 09 Jul 2009 23:16:00 +0000

The Japanese American National Museum in Little Tokyo will be hosting a free family day on Saturday, July 11, thanks to the support of Target.

This month's focus is on books, so not only can kids create their own notebook, bookmark and origami tome, they can also listen to master storyteller Rodney Kageyama read Allen Say's "Under the Cherry Blossom Tree."

If kids want to tell their own stories, they can also create their own kamishibai -- a form of storytelling that originated in Japanese Buddhist temples in the 12th century.

So say "Konichiwa" to this downtown museum if you haven't already stopped by. After all, you can't beat the price.

Japanese American National Museum
369 E. 1st Street
Los Angeles, CA 90012
213-625-0414
11 a.m.-4 p.m.

Video courtesy of the Japanese American National Museum

Coming Attraction: Music in the L.A. Zoo

losangelesstory@gmail.com (L.A. Story) — Wed, 08 Jul 2009 19:26:00 +0000

The Los Angeles Zoo will be rocking out twice this month, with World Music Night and Classic Rock Night headlining Music in the L.A. Zoo.

The first installment, World Music Night, kicks off at 6 p.m. after the gates close on Tuesday, July 14, and will play host to an international medley of musicians. Polynesian, African, Irish and Latin bands will tune up under the stars, while zoo-goers can picnic or partake of the available Hawaiian Luau among the park's permanent residents.

Classic Rock Night takes the stage Friday, July 24, and will feature cover bands of music by The Beatles, The Grateful Dead and Bob Dylan, among others. Look for good ol' American BBQ to be served that night.

Both World Music Night and Classic Rock Night will also include 10 interactive animal education and conservation stations located throughout the zoo, staffed by zoo docents as well as 60 mom-and-daughter volunteers from the Glendale chapter of the National Charity League.

World Music Night focuses on international animals, while Classic Rock Night focuses on animals native to California.

Look forward to seeing what the zoo inhabitants are like after hours and which animal-monikered band they prefer -- Paddy's Pig from Ireland or the music of the all-American Eagles?

I have to give a special shout-out to Ian's mom, who gave us a zoo family pass while she was in town. Thank you, N!

Music in the L.A. Zoo
World Music Night: July 14, 6-9 p.m.
Classic Rock Night: July 24, 6-9 p.m.
Admission for members: $12.50 (adults); $7.50 (ages 6-15)
Admission for nonmembers: $16.50 (adults); $10.50 (ages 6-15)
Children 5 and under: Free
5333 Zoo Drive
Los Angeles, CA 90027

Photo courtesy of the Los Angeles Zoo

Los Angeles mourns Michael Jackson

losangelesstory@gmail.com (L.A. Story) — Tue, 07 Jul 2009 16:03:00 +0000

There's a certain irony in the fact that CC's and my planned trip to the Staples Center today for a circus-related event was postponed.

Today Los Angeles is mourning the death of pop legend Michael Jackson, who passed away here June 25. The Staples Center is hosting the memorial service, which has been the subject of so much talk and general hysteria for the past week. First there was the confusion about where the service would be. Then there was the heated fury of trying to get tickets in an online lottery. Next there was the announcement of the lucky 17,000 who could attend, and then the terror of navigating Tuesday traffic downtown -- if you were allowed down there at all.

And today is the day.

I will always remember Michael Jackson from 1983, when I was in third grade and, along with my friend Alana, was totally enamored of his music. I owned his record (yes, record) "Thriller," listened to it religiously and even had the misfortune of trying to moonwalk.

He was talented, fun, adventurous and had effing amazing songs you could rock out to. He was "It," and what he had was magical and infectious.

What happened to Michael Jackson between that golden year (for me) of 1983 and 2009 is a mystery for so many. And I don't think I'll ever wrap my head around it.

I didn't write about his death on June 25 because everything about it seemed to be a, well, circus. And that's too bad. It wasn't the kind of circus I wanted CC to remember.

When another music "King" Elvis Presley died in 1977, I was 2 1/2 -- CC's age. What I know of Elvis is based purely on the breathless memories of others. Forget his downward spiral. Forget the drugs. He was the King.

So, CC, when you're older and discover the truly awesome music of Michael Jackson, I hope you appreciate the good stuff and rock out like your mom did.

As if there weren't enough chocoholics

losangelesstory@gmail.com (L.A. Story) — Tue, 07 Jul 2009 04:37:00 +0000

Death by chocolate? OK, so maybe not death -- but something along the lines of diabetic coma is what happened after baking semi-homemade Sprinkles Cupcakes on the Fourth of July.

And I mean that in a good way.

Instead of making that ubiquitous flag cake with the red and blue berries, I decided that CC and I would spend some mother-daughter time baking cupcakes. My friend Laura had given me a sleek canister of the Sprinkles mix a while ago, and it was time to grab all the necessary ingredients to make the dark-chocolate goodness a flag-waving reality.

The canister ($14) consists of the cupcake mix, the signature modern dots, instructions and a recipe for frosting. And it's work, lemme tell ya. So not only do you get the cachet of making "Sprinkles" cupcakes, but you also put enough of your own energy into it to safely call them something very close to your own.

So after getting the milk, unsalted butter, huge bar of bittersweet chocolate to later melt, eggs, vanilla, powdered sugar and huge dose of stamina to psych myself up, I called my 2-year-old into the kitchen to add that extra je ne sais quois to the recipe.

Yes, there was spilled milk. There was also chocolate batter smeared all over my child's face and clothing (the bib went on a little too late). Throw in a little yelling and chasing. Not to mention chocolate-smuggling by a certain pint-sized bandit. (That kid is fast!) And you get a recipe for one of the most natural of disasters -- me in the kitchen with a toddler.

But it was worth it.

In the end, we created 12 amazingly delicious, chocolate-y -- probably the richest I've ever tasted, and Ian agrees -- bundles of sweet Sprinkles joy.

Which is better than a flag cake any day, even on the Fourth of July.

'Cloudy With a Chance of Meatballs' trailer

losangelesstory@gmail.com (L.A. Story) — Mon, 06 Jul 2009 20:27:00 +0000

Sony Pictures Animation has just released its second -- and I think better -- trailer for its first 3-D animated movie "Cloudy With a Chance of Meatballs."

The movie, which boasts a voice cast including Bill Hader, Anna Faris, Andy Samberg and -- wait for it -- Mr T. (!), opens in theaters Sept. 18.

The story, based on the children's book by Judi Barrett and Ron Barrett, revolves around a town so down on its luck that its residents have to eat sardines. And because sardines are "super gross" (and super cheap, too, I'm guessing), a kooky inventor figures out a way to make cheeseburgers and pancakes fall from the sky like rain. Mmm, pancakes. But flying ginormous food turns out to be another problem in and of itself.

Wonder if Sony can compete with the likes of Disney/Pixar and DreamWorks Animation in the 3-D department. We'll see.

In the meantime, while you wait for September to roll around, Sony has created an online game where you can have a food fight with Steve the Monkey (voiced in the movie by the awesome Neil Patrick Harris).

This could get addictive. After all, who doesn't enjoy throwing cherry pie and whipped cream at a monkey?

Happy 4th of July!

losangelesstory@gmail.com (L.A. Story) — Sat, 04 Jul 2009 16:46:00 +0000

Hope everyone has a happy and safe 4th of July!

As I posted before, the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum is firing off the huge sparklers for free tonight, but here's a link, courtesy of the Los Angeles Times, to a list of other events around Southern California.

Happy Birthday, America!

Photo credit: © MAXFX - Fotolia.com

Langer's made me a convert

losangelesstory@gmail.com (L.A. Story) — Sat, 04 Jul 2009 05:13:00 +0000

I always used to think of hot pastrami as liquid meat. You know, something red and tangy that you'd pour onto a potent slice of rye bread.

In other words, I'd never had it.

So when my friend Mike from Franklin Avenue invited me to join his fam and Variety pal Justin for lunch at Langer's, I was intrigued but nervous. My taste buds, although adventurous, are known to have a mind of their own.

So yesterday, I brought CC along for the ride and had my first hot pastrami with cheese on rye at the deli nestled on Alvarado Street just south of the infamous MacArthur Park.

I have to say: It was amazing. I'm talking Meg Ryan in "When Harry Met Sally" deli scene amazing. That's what the pastrami sandwich on perfectly crisp rye bread brought out in me. And I might have reacted in the same orgasmic fashion had I not had an over-hyped toddler on my hands who rivaled Curious George in the mischief department.

Admittedly, I had to wake her from her nap so we could head out on our pastrami adventure, and she's always hyperactive if she doesn't get all of her zzz's, but this was insane.

CC kept leaping on Mike's patient -- and very pregnant -- wife as well as on his adorable son, aka "Blogger Preschooler." She even tried to literally climb the walls -- the trellis-like wooden dividers behind our back corner booth -- before I tugged on her hips and pried her little toddler hands from the furniture.

Justin was game, as always, having experienced CC excitement before. And Mike and his family were completely gracious, although Blogger Preschooler looked eager to make a run for it.

And after we stuffed ourselves, I brought CC home, and she collapsed on the bed, perfectly willing to resume the sweet slumber I'd selfishly interrupted.

I, on the other hand, was ready for a cocktail.

What's your L.A. Story, Tina Thompson?

losangelesstory@gmail.com (L.A. Story) — Thu, 02 Jul 2009 15:45:00 +0000

I had the opportunity this week to chat with WNBA basketball player and mom Tina Thompson, who this year kicked off her first season with the Los Angeles Sparks.

Despite being a native Angeleno -- having played hoops for Morningside High School and USC -- Tina began her professional career with the Houston Comets, where she played for 12 years.

Now she's back in town and making life in the city work as a pro basketball player with a 4-year-old son. Tina talks about traveling, balancing work and motherhood, family and how she's eager for her little boy to become a California kid.

That's in addition to offering some friendly mom advice to new mother -- and fellow Sparks teammate -- Candace Parker, who recently gave birth herself and showed up to her first post-delivery practice during our interview Tuesday. (You can hear Tina give a shout-out to "Can Can.")

***

Before I chatted with Tina, I got the chance to watch the L.A. Sparks trounce the Seattle Storm at the Staples Center on Sunday. My friend Kathy, who blogs at Variety's Season Pass, CC and I enjoyed the lively but laid-back atmosphere, which included dance numbers, hoops contests and sports celeb sightings -- Hello L.A. Dodgers' Matt Kemp and L.A. Lakers' Trevor Ariza!

The season runs through September, so we'll definitely have to go again.

To make it a little easier on the wallet, the WNBA has generously offered a 15% off discount code for readers who want to catch a Sparks home game.

* For the July 5 game vs. Phoenix, here is the link:

http://www.ticketmaster.com/event/09004273AAC15738?artistid=805963

Enter code: 3SPARKS

* For the August 4 game vs. San Antonio, here is the link:

http://www.ticketmaster.com/event/09004273AAC45744?artistid=805963

Enter code: 4SPARKS

* And for the August 6 game vs. Seattle, here is the link:

http://www.ticketmaster.com/event/09004273AAC55748?artistid=805963

Enter code: 4SPARKS

Thank so much, Tina! And good luck with the rest of the season!

Photo courtesy of WNBA

Coming Attraction: Free movies at the Grove

losangelesstory@gmail.com (L.A. Story) — Wed, 01 Jul 2009 17:47:00 +0000

If you missed movies like the original Transformers, Iron Man, Shrek or Wall-E in the theater -- or just wanted to relive the magic in the great outdoors -- you can bring a blanket (sorry, no chairs allowed) to The Grove on Thursdays for free alfresco movie night.

Beginning tomorrow at 8 p.m. with Michael Bay's Transformers, the outdoor mall kicks off its summer family-friendly film series, which runs through Aug. 27.

Bring your own grub or pre-order gourmet picnics from any of the restaurants at The Grove.

The Grove
189 The Grove Drive
Los Angeles, CA 90036
323-900-8080

Coming Attraction: Fireworks at the Coliseum

losangelesstory@gmail.com (L.A. Story) — Wed, 01 Jul 2009 15:21:00 +0000

July 4 is this Saturday, and there are tons of events around town to celebrate the occasion.

One free event is the fireworks display at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum in Exposition Park.

The plan is to start lighting up the nighttime sky at 9 p.m. and keep the fireworks going for a full hour. (Unfortunately, that's a little too late for my little munchkin. Sigh.)

Keep in mind that although the event is gratis, parking most certainly will not be. There are plenty of lots around Expo Park, however, including a structure at 39th and Fig.

Have a safe and happy 4th!

Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum
3911 S. Figueroa
Los Angeles, CA 90037

Photo courtesy of Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum

William S. Hart Ranch & Museum: It's hot!

losangelesstory@gmail.com (L.A. Story) — Wed, 01 Jul 2009 02:40:00 +0000

This weekend CC and I risked heat stroke to visit the William S. Hart Ranch and Museum in Newhall -- a particularly desert-y patch outside of Los Angeles. And I'm still hot just thinking about it.

The ranch, which sits on 265 acres, served as the home of silent film star and director William S. Hart after he retired from showbiz. The site offers tours of his home, pictured above -- which sits on top of a gorgeous hill overlooking the vast, parched landscape -- as well as an enclosed barnyard full of ducks, pigs, chickens and deer; picnic tables; and a smaller ranch house that has kept many of Hart's belongings intact.

When we visited on Saturday, the place was far from bustling. There were a few families, but we had most of the place to ourselves -- including the smaller ranch house, which was eerily empty except for the sound of an informational film playing at the end of a long, narrow hallway.

Once CC and I toured that -- and frankly, I was eager to get the heck out of there despite the fascinating accoutrements of a man clearly enthralled by the cowboy way of life -- we hit the barnyard and watched as pot-bellied pigs sought comfort in their little homes. CC enjoyed gobbling with an over-sized turkey who was hangin' with the chickens.

On our way up the long and winding hill to Hart's stunning and well-preserved mansion, we visited the graveyards of his dear horse, Fritz -- complete with white picket fence -- and that of his two dogs -- which just had the sign "Dogs Graveyard." There was also a smaller bunk house, where I wanted to sit and drink a gallon of lemonade. (Note to self: Next time, bring a gallon of lemonade. Maybe two.)

When we made it up to the main house for the tour, I was ready for some serious air conditioning. Thank God they installed that, or I might have keeled over on the late actor's doorstep.

The mansion/museum is amazingly well cared-for. The second-story living area, above left, barely showed its age. Interesting note: The Kodiak bear-skin rug was a gift from fellow cowboy entertainer Will Rogers. Apparently, the two were good friends.

Despite the raging heat, I was glad I took CC to see a different side of Southern California. (She rarely makes it past the 818 area code, as we're 323'ers ourselves.) It wasn't hard to imagine what life might have been like so far away from Hollywood. (Just walk up that hill in late June carrying a toddler without the benefit of a water bottle, and you get the idea of ranch life instantly. Only without the horse.)

Next time, though, bring liquid refreshments. And lots of them.

William S. Hart Ranch and Museum
24151 Newhall Avenue
Newhall, CA 91321
661-254-4584

LA Moms Blog: Beware of mother bears

losangelesstory@gmail.com (L.A. Story) — Mon, 29 Jun 2009 16:52:00 +0000

Check out my latest LA Moms Blog post: "Beware of mother bears -- you might find one in the mirror."

I never thought I was the kind of mom to yell at another child, particularly in a public place -- until a little boy smacked my daughter in the park.

It was a strange moment, yet totally instinctive.

How I spent my first "real" day of summer

losangelesstory@gmail.com (L.A. Story) — Sat, 27 Jun 2009 06:10:00 +0000

I know, I know. The official season opener arrived on calendars across the country last Sunday, but it's not until I catch that first scent of chlorine and feel that jarring splash of cold pool water that I can personally confirm that summer -- in all its glory -- has officially begun.

This afternoon, CC and I met Pat of Eating L.A. fame in South Pasadena to try out their pool ... and the high school (aka SouthPas) track.

CC had a great time. Not only did she practice navigating the stairs leading down into the actual pool, she also tested the lifeguard's patience as she leaped off of said stairs into her mother's or Pat's arms. Needless to say, there was lots of lifeguard bullhorn usage.

After we left the pool, we walked next door to the high school track and just let CC run. And run. And she kinda got stuck in the soccer goal. (Adding new meaning to the phrase "Nothing but net.") Wide open spaces for CC are like donuts for her mom: Worth the obstacles and totally priceless.

And once we got home, she sacked out for three hours.

Oh yes, summer is here.

What's your L.A. Story, Melissa Joan Hart?

losangelesstory@gmail.com (L.A. Story) — Thu, 25 Jun 2009 15:54:00 +0000

Part II:

Part III:

Yesterday I had the opportunity to chat with Melissa Joan Hart ("Sabrina the Teenage Witch," "Clarissa Explains It All") at her new treats shop SweetHarts in Sherman Oaks.

We talked L.A., motherhood and about life in the entertainment industry. Melissa was a gracious hostess and gave me the inside scoop on kid-friendly places she likes to take her two young boys, Mason and Braydon.

Ian and CC, meanwhile, were in the shop exploring the candy, frozen yogurt and cupcakes that help make the charming SweetHarts so, well, sweet. You can see them periodically in the background.

We had a great time -- CC was a fan of the strawberry gelato -- and we'll definitely be making a return trip.

Thank you, Melissa! And thanks for all of your insight into parenting and L.A.!

SweetHarts
13704 Ventura Boulevard
Sherman Oaks, CA 91423
818-788-5004

Coming Attraction: Children's Hour at the Levitt Pavilion Pasadena

losangelesstory@gmail.com (L.A. Story) — Wed, 24 Jun 2009 20:34:00 +0000

Tonight at 7 p.m. the Levitt Pavilion Pasadena kicks off its weekly Children's Hour series. This free summer event takes place every Wednesday beginning this evening through Aug. 26.

Performers ranging from puppeteers to musicians to storytellers are on board for the summer lineup.

Bob Baker Marionettes, which I've written about before, takes the stage tonight. Other performers such as Choo Choo Soul (pictured above), Silly Monsters and Habla Blah Blah are also on tap for future dates.

And, remember, it's free!

Thanks for the tip, Franklin Avenue!

The Levitt Pavilion Pasadena
Memorial Park
85 E. Holly Street
Pasadena, CA 91103

Super Why! gets kids down to the letter

losangelesstory@gmail.com (L.A. Story) — Tue, 23 Jun 2009 20:08:00 +0000

A couple of months ago, I was tapping away on the computer while my daughter was watching a show on PBS.

All of a sudden I heard her yelling out letters: E! I!

It was great, because we'd really started focusing on the alphabet, and I was eager to see which program was encouraging her to talk back to the screen -- in a good way.

I turned around and saw what I now consider to be the newest Fab Four: Alpha Pig, Wonder Red, Princess Presto and the front man, er, boy himself, Super Why!

So when PBS Kids organized a meet and greet for Los Angeles mom bloggers at its local outlet KCET, I was ready to jump in a Why Flyer with CC and make an afternoon of it.

The meeting was an opportunity to talk about the philosophy behind "Super Why!" and to offer feedback on what role media plays at home. It was also an opportunity to practice some "homework" to see just how educational TV can be.

If you're not familiar with the animated series, it's a program created by Angela C. Santomero about four fairytale characters who solve relatable childhood problems (such as bullying) with books, vocabulary and reading. They inhabit a universe filled with the Three Bears, Jack and Jill as well as Jack and the Beanstalk (Whyatt's, aka Super Why's, famous older brother).

Angela, alongside Senior Vice President of Children's Media at PBS Lesli Rotenberg, and KCET VP of Education and Children's Programming Joyce Campbell, chatted about building Super Why! based on a need.

"What do children at this particular age need to learn?" Lesli asked. "Literacy."

"We build a curriculum, then the show," she added.

Echoing that, Angela said, "We wanted to find the best educational curriculum and put it into a TV series."

One of Angela's inspirations was what happened after an episode of '70s sitcom "Happy Days": "When Fonzie got a library card on the show, library cards shot up like 500%," she said. "I want to do that for preschoolers."

After the presentation -- which also offered on-site daycare and fun character visits for the kiddos -- PBS outfitted each of the moms with an at-home toolkit for our kids. It was a five-day lesson plan based on one episode of Super Why! CC was supposed to watch the same episode each day and complete activities with varying degrees of difficulty.

I have to say, having a 2 1/2-year-old, albeit a brilliant one, I was skeptical as to what five measly days could accomplish. She's still young, and although we're making great progress on letters, she's not exactly ready for "Ulysses." (Heck, I'm not exactly ready for "Ulysses.")

And the first day reflected what worried me most -- CC becoming overwhelmed and frustrated. She was great watching the show, centered on the three little pigs, but when I confronted her with a full page of all 26 letters, she was easily distracted. She could pick out the correct letters if you gave her the option of just a few, but the whole alphabet was too much.

What she did love was saying "Affa Pig!" and raising her arm in the air. She also enjoyed calling out letters on the screen, listening to the music, and she really loved reading the accompanying Super Why! book about Jack and the Beanstalk. She brought it over to me several times for reading time.

But by yesterday, the end of the five days, she found W-O-L-F in a matter of seconds on the page with 26 letters. She filled in word blanks with ease and had greater participation in the show itself. It was amazing to see.

As long as it didn't feel forced, as long as it was part of a fun day, and as long as she could learn incrementally, the setup was great. For a 2 1/2-year-old, I'm Super impressed!

And I'm so proud of my daughter, but then again, I always am.

Noah's Ark: We almost missed the boat

losangelesstory@gmail.com (L.A. Story) — Mon, 22 Jun 2009 16:13:00 +0000

Well, we're just gonna have to go back.

The plan on Friday was to navigate our way west on the 10 and north on the 405 to visit the Noah's Ark exhibit at the Skirball Cultural Center. Unfortunately, an accident on the freeway left us in a virtual parking lot for more than two hours, and we arrived only 30 minutes before closing time. Bummer.

But, let me tell you, my 2-year-old firecracker packed in at least an hour's worth of racing around the super kid-friendly exhibit and unleashed some, if not all, of the pent-up energy she had saved up while stuck in the backseat.

Noah's Ark is a huge, hands-on exhibit that allows kids to explore by touching, climbing and witnessing the visual wonder of animal puppets -- and the towering ark itself -- created from recycled materials and everyday objects.

In addition to climbing on the wooden horses that welcomed visitors out front, CC pumped her heart out on a wind machine that had leaves blowing around a plastic tube and scaled her way through a rope-encased maze (right). (It took a special kind of coaxing to get her out of there.)

She also pretended to cook up a meal fit for Noah and his passengers with the plastic fruits and veggies left on a galley table. It was too late for us, but kids can also craft art projects in an adjacent room that mirrors the great outdoors.

Like I said, we'll have to go back. It took an extra-special kind of coaxing to get CC to leave the premises. (No, not security, but close.) The attentive staff was always on hand to answer a question or give life to a hand puppet. The open nature of the exhibit allows kids to run free but also engages them with various hands-on activities.

I'm so happy that it's now on permanent display, because it truly is a must-see.

Remember, though, it's best to purchase your tickets in advance (which we did, but it's not required) to lock in a specific time for your visit. They offer tickets at 30-minute intervals, but you can stay longer than that. That way, you'll only have to share your Ark time with a set number of other visitors -- and you'll avoid being overcrowded.

So, when you go, allow for traffic. Allow for possible accidents to slow you down. But also allow for a wondrous time with your little ones.

Now for giveaway time!

The Noah's Ark winner (picked randomly out of an L.A. ball cap) is ... Mike from Franklin Avenue!

And the ZAP! POW! BAM! winner (also picked from the famous ball cap) is ... Prue from Spectagirl 365!

Congrats! And thanks to everyone for reading the blog and leaving a comment and/or tweet!

Skirball Cultural Center
2701 N. Sepulveda Blvd.
Los Angeles, CA 90049
310-440-4500

We were shark bait in Santa Monica

losangelesstory@gmail.com (L.A. Story) — Mon, 22 Jun 2009 02:24:00 +0000

Because of Ian's love/hate relationship with sharks, I decided on a fin-focused Father's Day celebration this year. That meant hitting the Santa Monica Pier to investigate a cozy aquarium tucked just below the carousel.

I actually had no idea the Santa Monica Pier Aquarium even existed until about a month ago (thank you, Twitter!). But it's an adorable little outfit that boasts a friendly staff, several touch tanks full of starfish, kelp and sea urchins, a play area for kids and the main attraction itself -- the open shark and ray tank. And a note to all you handsy folks out there (my child included): No shark-petting allowed.

The Heal the Bay-managed aquarium hosts Shark Sundays every week, and at 3:30 p.m. they offer an informative presentation to accompany feeding time. It was amazing to watch these guys circle the tank while sticking out their noses and jaws (yeah, I went there) to nab some afternoon munchies.

One of the staff members explained that no fingers are allowed in the tank not because the mini sharks necessarily want to bite you, it's more that they feel threatened and have nowhere to go, being in a tank and all. (And of course that goes double during feeding time!) No argument from me. My child, on the other hand, wanted to test out this theory. Luckily, we ended the day with all of our fingers and toes.

What's also great about the visit is that it's only $5 per person, and kids under 12 years old are free. Actually, that's the "suggested" price. The entry fee is a minimum $2 for the 12-and-over lot.

So 2 adults and 1 toddler: $10 (we paid the suggested price)
Parking at the Santa Monica Place mall: Free
Getting all touchy-feely with a sea urchin: Jumping the shark? (Yeah, I went there again.)
No, priceless.

Heal the Bay/Santa Monica Pier Aquarium
1600 Ocean Front Walk
Santa Monica, CA 90401
310-393-6149