As we were driving back from the birthday party in my last entry, I kept noticing the gorgeous yellow wildflowers. Some growing along the median, along the hillsides that lined the freeway – they were everywhere, they were uber spectacular, and I could not stop talking about them for the life of me. It’s no wonder Scott finally suggested we pull over and try to find a field. (Either that or I somehow uncontrollably veered off the road into one.)

I’ve been admiring all the beautiful wildflower sessions so many photographers have been doing recently and have been obsessed with finding the perfect field of flowers. This one we stumbled upon was pretty amazing. A huge field of tall flowers, a gorgeous mountain backdrop, and a dirt parking lot allowing you to pull right up to the field! We ran around for a bit taking some fun shots with a tripod, dubbing them “self-engagement photos” (maybe the next big trend? [note to Mom: we are NOT actually engaged]) before heading back to the car. We were about to head straight home, but the little cluster of stores across the street from the field caught our eye and we ended up making a last minute decision to check it out.

And there begins the next adventure. Tom’s Farms is like Disneyland for people who like Trader Joe’s. A fruit/vegetable stand, wine & cheese shop, candy store, pizza parlor, a bunch of small booths selling jewelry, belts, and other knickknacks. We loaded up on chips & fresh guacamole, vegetable focaccia, fudge, rocky road, and bunches of other sweets and grubbed on them in the little park area, complete with a pond, carousel, and bright yellow train. Definitely need to make a trip back there sometime, especially since we didn’t get to hit up “Shed World” (Scott’s eyes lit up when he saw it as if it were Tomorrow Land.) Anyway, a definite stop to make if you’re ever in the Corona area!

Some pictures chronicling our adventures…

Setting up the tripod…

Strange field wildlife.

Jumping for joy! This shot took about 12 times to get. Scott got air every time but I kept looking like I was just standing in the flowers with my hands above my head.

>Tom’s Farms!

Picnicky area…

Inspired by Kaga Takeshi (of Iron Chef fame)

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Speaking of Disney/Disneyland, this past Saturday marked a very exciting opportunity for me. Blogging will come soon, but until then here’s a little hint…

What were all the things that made a birthday party awesome as a kid? A jumper slide was one. Lots of bubbles was another. A personalized cake that you can dig your fingers right into? Doesn’t get much better than that!

I had the honor of photographing a party on Saturday that had all of this and more! Twins Christian and Brooke were turning the big TWO and had a spectacular party to celebrate, full of family and friends. Those two are lucky to be born into such a cool family – everyone was super friendly and always making sure we had enough to eat and drink – they even packed us plates full of food and cake to go!

It was an awesome party and the fun of the day spilled over onto the drive back, as we happened upon a couple exciting places, but that shall be saved for a separate entry. Until then some party pics!

Some details… I love the green theme!

Balloons galore:





Meet Christian:



Fervently comparing chip size…







Meet Brooke:









The jumper slide!


Grandma has a go :)



Some goodies…





A few more fun moments…

Brooke looks a little disconcerted in this photo, but she’s really in the midst of saying “cheeeeeese!”





Time for the cake! This one’s for the guests…



…but Brooke & Christian get their very own!





The damage:

Long fuzzy socks. Check. Big puffy jacket. Check. Drumsticks. Check. Spent Thursday evening packing for the Chicago/Iowa trip my taiko group took last weekend. And seriously, no matter how organized I am (I make lists and everything!) I always feel like I’m forgetting something, and it didn’t help that as I ran out the door my roommate yelled, “what about your passport??”

Right after I snapped this pic Jason goes, “wow, that’s like a legit barn!” (please excuse the glare)

Enough stoplights?

Maz practices in the green room (red room?)

Tabi + jeans are the latest trend.

Our sweet accommodations at the atrium-style Radisson. They had sleep-by-number beds!

Corn oil!! How awesome is that?

Sears Tower. We spent some time going, “Is that Sears Tower..? It’s pretty tall… Is it the tallest building in the U.S.?” Aya’s phone had all the answers.

Mmmm…

The set list.

Group shot with members of the Midwest Buddhist Temple. Thank you!!

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In other news, a photo I submitted awhile back to air space magazine, an online photography magazine, was published in Issue Five! Check em out – it’s a very cool magazine with a different cool theme for every issue. It’s really fun to see all the different interpretations!