Carlsbad Premium Outlets

We visited Carlsbad Premium Outlets last weekend. Check out the lovely glittering stars which Darius loved. We rented a stroller car for him thinking that we will get to shop in peace.. haha.. but this didnt last for long. He struggled to be let out of the stroller car right after the first shop we visited. Arghhh...

loved the over-hanging aeroplane & train inside Ruby's cos this keeps Darius entertained

yummy food

one of the best kids activity pack we received so far

Mickey Mouse Bib

Darius got to know who is Mickey Mouse character for the first time through this bib...

Thank you Derrick GorGor for having Darius in mind when you visited Disneyland... Hugs Hugs fm Darius :)

Cool shots from Angeline JieJie

Sharing some COOL shots of Darius captured by Angeline JieJie

Thank you so much for all the lovely pix... Muack Muack from Darius

Oops! Darius ran off in his huggies limited edition denim diaper after his diaper change

thought the huggies demin diaper matches well with the hay grass

giant pumpkin

this giant pumpkin cost US$35

Yucks!! Mommy, I don't like hay grass..!!

Winnie the Pooh costume

Big hugs to JieJie Irene who bought for Darius his first costume as a very lovable Winnie the Pooh ~ Darius will have so much happy moments to remember by when he grow up & see all these photos... thanks :)

there's very little pix of Darius with the Pooh hoodie cos he keep pulling it off

Mommy & Darius

Irene JieJie & Darius

Winnie the Pooh makes us smile...

In this case, Darius never failed to make us smile...

Darius's magical moments with Disney Winnie the Pooh

Walkabout @ San Diego Bay

Halloween nite @ downtown

Spontaneous crowd dressing up for Halloween..!!

Here's some of the character whom we met... Cookie Monster & Oscar, Ernie & Bert, Streetfighter Chun Li, Zorro, little wich, Pac-man, devil & angel, pirates, little red riding hood, snow white, Austin Power & Dr evil etc etc

everyone on the streets was really friendly & having loads of fun!

We truly enjoyed our halloween nite experience too! Darius was wide awake & curious with all the costume wear ~ people watching & not even afraid of the most ghastly costume patting on his shoulder to say Hi ~ but I decided not to post those pix as this is a child friendly blog :)

Walkabout @ Little Italy

pasta & pizza = authentic Italian cuisine

discoveries @ little Italy

green, white & red stripes flag = Italy

fine architecture = tasteful Italians

fast automobiles = rich Italians

Robert Deniro = a very successful Italian actor

Halloween festivities for the kids

Soaking up the halloween festival @ liberty station

all kids play like pumpkin patch, hay rides, giant balloon house for kids to bounce around, face painting & balloon sculpting

balloon sculpting artist at work!
and, Darius got a butterfly balloon for the day!

kids gymnastic performance

sale of pumpkins & shabby chic furniture...?? :>
well, October is harvesting month for pumpkins & 31 Oct is halloween which explains why we have so much photos with the orangey fruit lately

My first lollipop

We got this free lollipop from our visit to the Bank of America & decided to let Darius have a taste of the lollipop on his own... Mmmm... this is really YUMMY

Halloween treats by the Bay

Mommy & Darius attended our 1st Halloween treats organised by our apartment committee on 23 Oct 09. (Daddy was at work & couldn't make it.) It was a simple get-together for the residents with lovely spread of lasagne & salad followed by pumpkin pie & cupcakes. I was chatting with a Japanese lady resident & she said this is the first time that our apartment has orgainised such an event. It was all quiet for the last couple of years that she has lived here. Well, guess we sure are lucky on our first year here :)

Noelle & his brother David

posing with the pumpkin patch
Darius joining in the fun!

but he is eager to get out from the pumpkin patch

Darius crying for mommy to get him out from the pumpkin patch..

arghhhh... didn't manage to capture any nice pix of Darius

Pooh bear finally meets tigger

witches & fairies theme costume are popular among the girls

boys usually dressed up as superheroes i guess...

there's even a lady with her magical ball & tarot card to help unveil your readings..

hahaha.. attractions for the teenagers only

Darius & Noelle

check out Noelle & her fairy wings

and magical wand... a star & butterfly combo

Noelle trying to show Darius her collection of candy treats

A very happy Olivia meeting her best friend Noelle

The girls posing for the camera while Darius stood down cos there's a pumpkin balloon under the table that caught his attention. After this pix, he actually walked closer to the table & stood down again. He is very observant of the surrounding around him.

boy in ninja turtle suit

David smiling sweetly in his stroller

the only 2 blocks from our apartment that has bay view facing

Olivia dressing up as fairytale character Mu Lan

Olivia posing so sweetly

and enjoying her treats

group pix of the kids - take ONE

take TWO

take THREE

Still couldn't get any perfect shot!

an hour later, Darius probably feeling abit tired from all the walking & mingling around

taking a peep into the tea lights

a smiley jack-o=lantern paper bag

Finally managed to pull the winnie the pooh bear head gear on for Darius. He is tired & we headed home with a free pumpkin plus our leftover pumpkin pie & cupcake. Darius seems to love the pumpkin pie & finish half by himself then mommy gotta stop him from eating more cos we gotta go home for his proper dinner.

our lovely cupcake

our complimentary pumpkin

Universal Studio @ Los Angeles

Darius visiting Universal Studio @ Los Angeles

Some retail shops inside Universal Studio with different cartoon character theme

Some retail shops & restaurants outside Universal Studio

i-fly indoor sky diving. this is located outside Universal Studio

carpark entrance

18 month old

Darius offically turned 18 month old. It is definately a milestone for little one. He has grown up so quickly from a tiny little newborn baby to a toddler boy now. Look at him carrying a backpack & cruising around at home. We are sure proud of you. Well done!! Does mommy & daddy deserved a pat on the shoulder as well?

Fall 2009

The weather is truly unpredictable! Sometimes it is bright & sunny in the day & yet it can also get really cloudy & foggy. See below last photo showing the poor visibility of San Diego Bay Bridge.

When we were in Los Angeles over Columbus Day long weekend, it is much colder than San Diego. We happened to chance upon a little cute hat from Gymboree outlet mall at Desert Hill & we just have to buy it to protect Darius from the chilly cold wind. It comes with matching hand gloves too. Luckily, he is willing to wear it for a short while before trying to pull it off.

Pumpkin Patch

Mommy & Darius visiting little pumpkin patch @ Victoria's Gardens

what an orangey pumpkin world

mock-up scare crow in farmer's wear & straw hat

little Darius truly amazed with all the pumpkins scattered around him

pony rides for the kids

curious Darius can only watch from outside

luckily, we found this mock-up pony made out of hay grass that is good enough for Darius

delightful Noelle petting a bunny

close up pix of bunny

Darius watching on a sleepy goat

Noelle have moved on to petting bigger pet goat

watching the swaying ducks

another goaty came along for Noelle while Darius just stood & observe

little corn maze amusement for the kids

Vanda & family enjoying a hay ride tour

an array display of pumpkin in all shapes & sizes

Darius @ pumpkin patch

resting on a pumpkin

tall pumpkin

big & small round pumkin

lined up pumpkin for sale

what an eventful day for us... yeah!!

Herbal Garden

Mommy & Darius visited this little cosy herbal garden for our afternoon tea with Vanda & family, Agnes & daughter Alyssa & Ivy

the front entrance that greeted us

Inside a scented soap shop, we found this decorated tree with tiny pumpkin ornaments cos October is pumpkin festival & Halloween by end of the month. A much celebrated festival with the Americans. Most retail outlets are already selling Halloween costume, snacks, party wares.

outside the scented soap shop with Vanda's mummy & little David

Darius having a rest at the steps.. probably exhuasted after playing sand with the kids

Colourful tiny butterflies which Darius loved. Add into any flower pots & it sure brighten up your plants.. Well, just that we don't have any potted plants at home for now...

And, even bigger butterflies as hanging ornaments

colourful ceramic mushrooms to add into potted plants as well

this is another shop that sells bric-a-brac to beautify your home

the kids having some sand play...

now... who's looking at who ya..

potted herbs & flowers for sale... anyone?

rustic bunny tap fountain

blooming flowers for sale

here we are.. outside the scented soap shop. it sure smells nice!

caught Darius petting a flurry big cat

apple tree

tiny red apples

we even pluck 2 tiny red apples home

Darius meeting his friend by the Bay

Watch Darius's expression. So cute!!

He is so thrilled to meet his friend Dominic. Both boys having the same car.

Darius trying to ask Dominic to look at Mommy's camera

We'll make a playdate appointment next week ok?

Random pix

Mommy specially liked this candid pix capturing Darius relaxing moment... with his out-stretched hands. Did you noticed the gentle breeze blowing his hair as well.. Haha.. what a lucky young man..

We met these 2 gentle big & tall dogs having their walk by the bay.. the owner says they are only puppy.. Mmm..

Another candid shot of Darius... loved this pix!!

Daddy bought this car for me to cruise around... yeah!!

Darius simply couldnt sit still at the library. He is all over the kids section. It is tough trying to borrow some books for him.

So, we went over to the children's playground

easily contented

Mid-Autumn Festival

We had a small gathering at the clubhouse with some families to celebrate mid-autumn festival. The kids get to soak in some fun & the adults get to enjoy some mooncakes & hot tea as well. Yeah!! Special thanks to Vanda who organised this get-together & bought all the lovely mooncakes & lanterns for the kids. We also have home-made cupcakes from Ivy & sweet potatoes dessert from Rachel... thanks thanks!! Mommy only bought some Ben&Jerry's ice-cream & kids fruity packet drinks to go...

hand-in-hand

Darius 1st mid-autumn playing with lanterns. Think he is too pampered by us & didnt want to hold onto his own lantern. His 1st lantern got caught by the candle flame & was burned. Aunty Vanda is really nice & came to our rescue. Putting out the flame quickly & even replace another lantern for Darius.. naughty Darius just ran away... trying to catch up with the 2 older girls.. aiya..

Little David is 14mth old

the kids trying to find the darkest spot behind the stairways

little David is really smart holding on to his lantern on his own

Olivia & Noelle

We proceeded to indoor as it was getting cold outdoor

Nevertheless, the kids still get to create play without their lanterns

USS Midway Museum

Darius went on board the USS Midway CV-41 Carrier for the first time

future command chief in the making

home sick sailor romancing his beau

one family pix for the album

San Diego Zoo

cute polar bear

Darius loved walking around

Mommy, what is this?

cute panda bear

panda zhen zhen

another cute soft cuddly panda

mini panda for our album

Soccer day

Daddy is playing soccer at nearby Tideland Park. So, I am here with Mommy to play with my soccer ball. And, running around the field

Break time!

Balancing act!

Met a boy at the park & I borrowed his car. He has ran off with my soccer ball too.

Mommy, is Dominic coming back for his car?

Hi, this is Dominic. He is 21 mth old & live in our neighourhood. Next time, we can play together again. He loved my soccer ball too!

Mommy says he has gorgeous hair & see if I can keep my hair like that

Darius & his new friend Dominic

Labour day long weekend to Las Vegas

Excalibur.. this is the hotel that we stayed in... looks great outside but the hotel is probably very old. They do not provide any kettle in the room & only have disposable plastic cups. Daddy have to rush off to buy a kettle so that we can prepare hot water for Darius. Wonder if all hotels are like that?? Mmmm....

Las Vegas Boulevard, the new strip

take a slow stroll along vegas new strip & it is enough to keep you busy all evening

Daddy & Darius dressing alike in tees, bermudas, converse sneakers & cap

Thank you GorGor Derrick for sharing the car road trip with us

Our slow walk towards the Hoover Dam...
the rest of the khakis have already proceeded way ahead of us

isn't it spectacular?

Does it refresh your memories from Transformers?

what a cool scenic view

Stopover @ Hoover Dam

This is where Transformers was filmed!

Our long long drive to las vegas is welcome with scenic view of the mountains and nothing else. It is really HOT towards Neveda. Special thanks to GorGor Derrick who alternate driving with daddy. Mommy is busy at the back seat entertaining Darius with feeding, snacks in-between, playing & changing disc from Darius portable dvd, playing stickers & balloons with Darius etc etc. Thank god, Darius was quite well-behaved on our 1st road trip.

My current favs

still trying to get use to my cap & sunglasses

favourite things to do at home ;
squeezing in & out of this plastic box we got to hold Darius toys
he find it funny & always empty the contents in the box & climb in to sit

Random pix

instant attraction to the soccer ball but....

oh NOOOOO.... no... to stepping on grass just yet!

deep in thoughts.....

great view but jucuzzi pool crowded with too many navy hunks huh?

view from Pacific Beacon

Heng & Angeline working hard cooking up a feast for us all

dipping in the jucuzzi

Jiejie Olivia @ Jucuzzi

Uh..ng.. daddy, i think i need new shoes cos all my old shoes doesn't fit anymore

my favourite toy at this moment

my humpty dumpty ladder

strolling @ Carlsbad outlet

having joy ride in my diaper while waiting for daddy to buy a new pair of shorts for me

cos my diaper overflow & shorts is all wet!

Cool BIG round chair that Darius love

my hair raising experience after a good afternoon nap!

breakfast @ MacDonald's

mommy say I must get used to wearing a cap in this super SUNNY weather & daddy specially bought this little Gap cap for me

visiting Ikea to get some toys for me

here's Jiejie Angeline & me @ Bank of America

they have a whole shelf of model airplane & helicopter display

Mmm... i loved them ALL!!

I was very busy walking around the bank & making mommy very busy as well

Viejas factory outlets & casino

We are outside Viejas casino & Darius get to visit the casino as well cos kids are allowed inside the casino but definately not near any gaming table. He is quite facinated with the lights & music from all the jackpot machine. Definately an eye opener for little Darius...

some of daddy's pals at work