Another Grunion Run

It's been a while since we last went for a Grunion Run.  Actually, our first (and last) one was back in June 2018. That was 3 years ago!  And we met up with Charlie's same school friend that was there 3 years ago as well.  How much they have both grown!

I'm so glad we actually met them there because the only grunion we saw was in their bucket!

I'm not sure what they did with it - I'll have to ask if they cooked it up.  Ha!

We did bring some other friends along for the Grunion Run this time.  It was a fun time as we didn't meet up until after 10pm, which was waaaaaay past everyone's bedtime!

You're not suppose to shine the flashlight on the fish, but there wasn't any bright natural light from the moon either tonight. So needless to say, we didn't catch anything.  And it was so crowded at the beach!  All those lights in this photo was someone's flashlight:

We ended up getting home around midnight.  And never mind that, we still had to clean up all the sand and wet clothes off the kids!  Someday we're going to see grunions just laying across all that sand.  Someday!!!

Archery update

 We've been continuing with the boys' involvement in archery. 

This month, Charlie had a chance to be at the private group lessons - thanks to Grandma and Pop-pop for his birthday present! He still needs to work on his aiming :-)

We went to visit an archery store in Fullerton to get our own arm guards and finger tabs:

I'm glad we didn't go home with one of these targets!

Woah... a bow for fishing?!

Too cool!  Maybe we need to take one of these to the lake next time :-P

We decided to get some lunch while in Fullerton.  We found an English restaurant/pub:

Unfortunately, it was a bit warm and the flies were also buzzing around outside:

But we powered through!... with chicken pot pie and fish and chips:

And also beans on toast!  Charlie LOVES beans on toast.  Ha ha!

After the sweaty lunch, we decided to go get some ice cream.  And while I was waiting for my iced coffee smoothie, the boys decided to start eating without me:

The trip to Fullerton was a success - purchasing our own arm bands and finger tabs ONLY.  Phew! Boys kept asking if they could get their own bows and arrows.  Perhaps in time.  But at least for now, they were able to shoot at the goblin at their lesson!

I think Graham was aiming at the groin area.  Boys will be boys.  LOL!!!

We also decided to take the boys out to the park to get some free shooting time (+ $5 equipment rental fee):

I'm so glad we were able to skip the safety class as that was 9am in the morning and we would have to be there early as it's first come first serve.  I'm glad I was able to gear up too and join the boys :-D

On our first trip, we were able to participate in the game of "Battleship" with one of the instructors.  That was quite fun although frustrating because it was really difficult to shoot those targets/submarines!

We actually had to cut our Battleship game short because we all had to eat a late lunch and the boys needed to get ready for their music Open Stage! (Will post about that later)

Daddy went to pick up some yummy food from a restaurant nearby.  Breakfast for lunch!

Ahhh... tired boys:

And this past week, we were able to score our shots:

Graham got over 200 points!  

Supposedly if you get over 180 points in 2 practice sessions, you can move into the Advanced class.  Although that means shooting from 18 meters with a smaller target, instead of 9 meters and a larger target.  I think we'd keep Graham in the beginner class for just a bit longer :-)

Charlie scored 105, although I'm not sure how accurate that was.  Quite a few of his arrows bounced off the target sheet.  And most of those he scored 9 or 10 points.  Ha ha!

And here are my scores.  It obviously took me a bit to warm up.  Plus, it's a lot trickier working with a sight!  When I joined the boys' class during the first class, we were using Barebows - meaning you aim with the tip of the arrow.  Anyway, that's my excuse :-P

After the beginner class was over, Graham and Charlie participated in the Youth practice.  They are getting a lot of practice!

Here's a quick video:

They even got to shoot "Spike" the Stegosaurus!

As per usual, Bobby goes out and picks up some food while we are shooting. This time it's pie time!  Maybe I'm being picky but I think the pies were just so-so.  Time to look for some more different foods around the area :-P

More tired boys.  I love how Graham hangs his glasses on his mask:

We'll probably try and get the boys at least one bow to share.  And I'm hoping that my sister will send over the bow that my dad had used back in his heydays.  And then... set up a shooting range in the backyard??!  :-P

Hummingbirds update

We finally put up a hummingbird feeder and have been happy to see at least 4 hummingbirds visiting the feeder. We're guessing 4 at this point - and have even named them: Brownie, Chubby, Squeaky (male and loudest wing flap!) and so far no name for the last one yet.  Could be Tiny as it seems to be a little baby one :-)

We originally had the feeder just above our outdoor dining table, but then figured that perhaps the hummingbirds would be too afraid:

So we moved it to a higher location, where there was already a nail in the wood.  It didn't take long for the hummingbirds to come over and visit!

Sometimes the birds would sit on the wire and we would all pretty much freeze up to watch them:

Brownie would mostly sit on our outdoor lighting, even when we're sitting at the table:

We recently bought a new feeder when we went to visit the Wayfarers Chapel yesterday:

So pretty with the metal peacock but this feeding part is leaking! Noooo...!!!

Hopefully it won't attract any ants on the table.  I'm still trying to fix it so hopefully it won't be too much of a mess.  Although so far, no visitors on this feeder.  Maybe I need to move it as well instead of being directly above the outdoor dining table (like the last one).

We do have the occasional blue bird that comes and visit too.  I think we named this one Jeff? I can't remember now.  Ha ha!

The only thing now is it's one more to-do task once a week or so, to clean out the sugar water.  As if there's not enough to do around the house, but we are totally committed now I guess!

Random photos

Just some random photos from our recent activities. This first one was taken when Graham and I were at the mall picking up some food.  And we noticed this little car called Solo:

It's it so cute!!! It's a one-seater... with a tiny trunk. All electric.  Could be a good replacement for a Vespa :-D

Charlie wanted some more clay after playing with some for Father's Day.  So we bought some more. Obviously a good option other than being on the computer!

But what exactly are these things for? Hmmm....

Loved how Charlie mixed up these colors and put patterns on it too:

We've been driving past the launch point of the Good Year blimp weekly.  Graham took this photo - not sure if the blimp is suppose to be pointing down like that??!

I  bought a Stamp Collection book for Graham.  We recently received some stamps from Cypress when I had written in to this company for some replacement parts for one of Graham's toys.  So glad they responded! 

I just couldn't throw these stamps out!  Maybe we should put Cypress on our To-Visit list :-)

Boys and I are on another errand and what do we find in the parking lot of the improvement store? A huge vehicle!

We're just going to stick to the back of our minivan for some lunch:

While I'm waiting to get some help at the store for a return, Graham and Charlie are wandering around the store and trying out the outdoor furnitures:

As Graham is nice and comfy on this swing/chair - here comes trouble a.k.a Charlie!!!

By the way, Graham got some new frames for his glasses.  They are metal and actually from the women's section.  I think they look so good on him!  Just hope he doesn't break or bend them. Knock on wood, almost 1 month later and so far so good:

And Graham took this photo of himself with his proud magnetic build:

At first, Graham took the photo while still in his underwear.  And then he realized he needed to be more decent so I can actually post these photos online.  Ha ha!

More random photos to come next time :-D