Review: Childcare at 24 Hour Fitness

I've been trying to get back into shape for doing triathalons, etc.  It's been rough, since I don't feel like I've ever gotten back my strength since having EG, let alone feeling like I've got it since having Ocho.

So, I did something a bit crazy.  I signed myself up for personal training sessions at 24 hour fitness.  I'm thrilled with my trainer, but I'd be lying if I said it was going as well as I thought it would.  It's not.  It's so hard with Ocho's unpredictable sleep schedule to feel good, arrive at a pre-determined time with Ocho happy, etc.  But, I have been very happy with my trainer, and with the childcare facilities at the Hermosa Beach 24 hour fitness.

The facility is actually very nice.  They have a huge indoor play gym, sort of like McDonalds.  Then they have a great floor space.  They have a nice are set-up for the babies/crawlers so they can make sure that they aren't getting trampled by the older kiddos. 

They have a flexible rotation of people, and they have a limit of 24 kiddos that they can have with two staff members.  The interesting thing is that my child (any baby under 24months older than 6 months) is considered three children.  A child under 36 months counts as two children.  So they can call additional staff if needed to add more children.

It's $5 for two hours per child for drop in care.  Or you can sign-up for a month of care for $25, where you can drop off your child as much as you want. I signed Ocho up for the full month, but I don't think I've gotten my money worth yet.  They won't change diapers, and they won't keep your kiddo if they are crying inconsolably.  I totally understand both of those things, but it makes it a bit tricky and expensive if you have to leave your training session to come get your baby.

In  order to check in they have you put in your pin, your fingerprint and they attach a sticker to your baby.  You have to be the same person who picks up the kiddo, so it's not like you and hubbie could switch off.  They won't be responsible for giving kiddo to someone else.

However, they do allow you to store baby stuff there in a set of cubicles, and as you can see behind her, they are happy to keep your carseat too, so if baby is still sleeping it's totally fine.

They have a large selection of toys, and they also do some themes and crafts depending upon the holiday. Can you tell I took this picture in February and it's taken me this long to write up this post?!?  They almost always have a movie playing, which I don't love, but it's totally appropriate for the age range.

Overall I'm happy with the care provided. And here in the beach cities I didn't even tell you the best part.  Right across the way is a My Gym, so if you have an older kiddo who might be too old for this daycare space, you can register them in a drop-off class at My Gym while baby brother or sister plays at the fitness center.  Both kiddos taken care of.

The hours are 8-1pm, then again from 4-6pm.  I've never been turned away, but it is a first come first served place. The only other odd thing is that they only allow one adult dropping off a child in their space at a time for safety reasons, but of course they don't have that posted anywhere....

A Review: South Bay Adult School

Since Ocho was about 3 months old inside my tummy I've had her registered for the South Bay Adult School Parent Education program.  I had planned to just take her for the first three months of my maternity leave, not planning to be off for so long.  I had wispy daydreams about my boss letting me take that day as a work from home day, and taking Ocho to the classes as a benefit of my new job.

Alas, things were very different than I had planned them to be.  But, in this case, it worked out nicely.  My first class with the SBAS was the week after my mother passed in September.  And I was sort of a wreck.  I remember that one of the moms shared that she was from Belgium, and the hardest part of motherhood so far was that her mom left to go home.  I remember crying so hard...

But enough about me- let's talk about class.

The 411:
-Offered on various days of the week, morning or afternoon.  We take Wednesday morning 9:30-11:30am
-Parent Education.  They really mean this.  It has some elements of a mommy and me, but it's really about educating parents.  We have guest speakers on everything from sleep to saving for college.
-Format: 20-24 caregivers with their kiddos.  Twins and triplets welcome, as well as dad's and grandmas.
-Morning chat time, singing, snack, then discussion about the topic of the day.

In the beginning the time was spent really chatting as parents, since the kiddos slept basically all the time.  Ocho didn't really have much say, we just went to class, hung out, and I met a lot of great moms.

As time went on, the kiddos started to have a bit more fun...

Now it's a ton of fun for each of us.  I really enjoy the new toys that Ocho gets to play with, and watching her interact with other babies.  It's great for her socialization.  I have to admit, the discussions don't usually much interest me.  While the class is made up of all types of parents ( and grandparents!) the structured discussions don't usually seem to mean a lot to me as a second time mom.  However, the random chatting is absolute gold.

If you live in the South Bay (Westchester to PDV) it's a great place to think about meeting some new moms, and really getting to know a community.  Best part- the classes continue beyond this age range into drop-them-off preschool.

The BIG Announcement

Well, I think it's time that I shared the big announcement.  Immediate family already knows, so do jobs and schools, etc.

We are moving to Orange County.

Yup, out of the LA/South Bay area, and into the OC.

And while I'm excited, I am, I'm also a little sad.  I've loved having my kids and starting our family here in the South Bay.  It's been a wonderful community for us- both our neighborhood, our friends, and the jewish community that we are a part of.

But here comes the next chapter.

Working Dad got a great brand new job in Aliso Viejo.  And it's great because we both grew up in the OC, and have so much family down there.  Cousins, grandparents, Uncles, Aunts.  They all live down in the OC.  We travel down there almost every weekend, and this puts us even closer to by beloved Sister in Law and her 6 adorable kiddos.

Leaving this area is going to be hard.  One of the things that I've loved about writing this blog has been that it's been a hub of information for the South Bay Jewish community.  We are sort of a bit of a step-child when it comes to the greater Los Angeles community.  It's rare to find any of the JCC's or the Jewish Federation, never mind the PJ Library hosting anything in the South Bay. 

Which is what made it fun for me to connect all the South Bay jews together.  TO get us out there to all the different events.

Well, we're not leaving today, but soon.  I'll keep you posted as we start to explore the Orange County area.

Passover Fun at Manhattan Village Mall

Wow- a whole new spin on fun in the mall.  I'm so excited to announce that this year the Manhattan Village Mall will be hosting a Passover gathering, rather than just it's usual Easter Bunny Tea party.

So come on down on Sunday, March 29th to join in the fun.

This might seem a bit stupid, but I'm beyond thrilled that they will be doing this project this year.  While the December dilema is published everywhere, and we do a lot to try to take care of it.  The mall has a chanukah night, and there are menorah lightings at most of the major city halls.  But come Passover and Easter, it's a different story.

Rows and rows of candy greet your children in the grocery store.  Then each and every store has out adorable white and pastel colored dresses with big Happy Easter labels.  Even good old Parents Magazine- which promises 'Spring Fun' really means Easter...

Now, to be fair, they do have a single Passover recipe in the back, but far be it from them to include that on the cover....

So, here's to you Manhattan Village Mall- thanks for making space and time for everyone this holiday season.

Passover Cooking Class

RSVP for The Seder Made Simple A Pre-Passover Workshop and Cooking Class

******************************************************************     Join the Rebbetzins of the Beach Cities JCC for an enriching and entertaining evening of quick yet delicious Kosher-for Passover recipes. This workshop will give you all the skills and recipes you need to know to help bring the Passover story to life. Make this year's Seder an unforgettable experience.

Date: Tonight March 24, 2015 Time: 7:30-9:30 p.m. Location: The Jewish Community Center 2108 Vail Ave. Redondo Beach  Fee: $20   Click here for more information or to register  Looking forward to seeing you!

Dear Disneyland

I think it's time that I wrote to you to express my thanks.  I've been extremely impressed with how you've handled yourselves when it comes to dealing with tiny children. As a mother of two, under two, I feel like I'm your target audience.  I've got two girlie girls who want to dress up like princesses, but still want to fight the good fight as a Jedi Knight.  And you've got me covered there.

Each time I've gone into a restroom I've been pleasantly surprised by freestanding changing tables, equipped with extra paper towels, toilet paper, and a trashcan literally inches from where my baby is.  I can throw away a dirty diaper without ever taking my hands off my kiddo, and that's aces.

We've been bringing both kiddos together, which is a lot of work.  However, despite the fact that my littlest is just a tiny tiny, you've managed to have enough for her to enjoy, even from the seat of her Lillebaby carrier.

From parades, to rides, she has a ton of fun.  Even when she's sleeping she can still go on It's a small world, and nursing in the darkness of Pirates is a truly awesome experience.

While you have candy looking at my kiddo at every turn, I've been impressed with the meal selections for the little ones.  While I generally hate on kids meals, you have them including carrots and apple slices, as well as a milk option at every restaurant we've been to, so you get some kudos there as well.  Ample high chairs means we've never been stuck waiting while everyone else is eating.

Then there's the kiddo corner at the end of Main Street.  Since discovering this spot, it's been the talk of the town for my older daughter.  She's potty training, so she loves to insist that we go to the 'her size' potty.  And since it's so centrally located we can walk over in between a ride on the carousel and waiting in line for Dumbo without much fuss.  It's such a cozy space for my nursing baby too- comfy wicker chairs, and those coat hooks for mommies- almost perfect in every way.  The staff is great, it smells nice and seems so clean.  Books and a cute movie in the A/C- perfect on those hot days.

But then we get to Disney's California Adventure- and everything takes a step back.  I'll hand it to you- you were really smart when you decided to put Frozen Fun in DCA.  It meant that a trip to D-land virtually has to include DCA if you really want to 'Let it Go'.  And when it comes to that-you  did it right.

The way you orchestrate the visits with Elsa and Anna- pure genius.  My little girls feel loved, and honored and like they are the most important people in the world in that moment.  Really, they do.

It's just such a shame that you totally screwed it up in terms of amenities.  Let's chat for a moment about the Kids support area in DCA.  It's a mockery of the Disneyland version.  You walk inside and it feels cold, and hollow.  A mishmash of inconsequential furniture, without a care to the love of kids.  No books on the tables, no cozy kids size rocking chair here...

Then we get to the changing table area.  Smell and dirty feeling.  The worst version of a cheap Craigslist changing table I can imagine.  Practically not sturdy enough for my little 7-month old, let alone how I would feel about putting my almost three-year old on it.  Then I need to nurse, and it just gets worse.  Two chairs behind a gross shower curtain.  That curtain the only thing separating me from the kids potties.  

Picture this- me, my baby, and a 3 year old screaming his head off about wanting to try to aim his pee himself.  Don't worry- he can do it!  But me, I just can't.  The smell, the noise- just horrendous.  I feel like I'm nursing in a bathroom.  I'd rather be in the heat then trying to make this work out.  The chairs are the worst version of awful too... whoever bought those must never have been a nursing mother.  Armrests in exactly the most annoying spot possible to make it uncomfortable to hold up a child to the breast.

So, Disneyland- we will keep on coming, and DCA (aka the unloved step-child), I will try hard not to hold it against you.  

Lets hope that at some point you decide that DCA matters too, and spread a little bit of the charm it's way....

Purim Parties of the South Bay

Lots of Purim Parties coming up next week and weekend.  Here's what I have for you to consider:

Temple Menorah- Dr. Seuss Party
Wednesday March 4, 2015
6:30pm Megillah reading
$20/family for dinner

Sunday, March 8, 2015
Purim Carnival
11:30-3pm

JCC- Beach Cities- Brooklyn Party
Wednesday, March 4 2015
5pm for Dinner & Megillah reading
$20/person for dinner
$10/child kids ages 3-11 (prepay)

Congregation Ner Tamid- Back to the Future
Wednesday, March 4, 2015
6pm Dinner and movie screening
$5/person for dinner

Temple Akiba- Traditional
Sunday. March 1, 2015
Traditional Purim Carnival
Tickets needed for game booths.

Congregation Tikvat Jacob
Wednesday, March 4, 2015
6:30pm for dinner & Megillah reading
Dinner included.  Costume contest for Kids and adults

Temple Shalom of the South Bay
Sunday, March 1, 2015
Community Purim Party

Shul Shopping: Congregation Ner Tamid

We've still been Shul Shopping in the South Bay area.  It seems like just when we might have crossed a place off our list, they go and change something significant.  Like a cantor, or their building.  So, we're still criss-crossing around the South Bay, trying to find a spiritual home.

I'll be frank about it- as much as I love Growing Garden and the JCC we are not an Orthodox family.  We don't want to spend services split by a Mechitza.  That's not to say there's anything wrong with it, it's just not for us. 

This past Friday we went to Jammies and Jeans at Congregation Ner Tamid.  This wasn't our first time attending, and you can read more details about that service here, and here.

The first thing you notice about Ner Tamid isn't the beautiful building, or the gorgeous sanctuary, but it's the amazingly friendly people.  Within minutes of our arrival at least 5 people had welcomed us to the temple, to the service, to the community.  We'd been a few times before, and it was just do amazing to be welcomed so warmly.

The service with the kiddos is nice.  They bring out the torah, the rabbi tells a little story usually complete with some kids acting and a nice puppet (Rabbi Jr.).  Though I will say the story of Moses was a touch interesting for EG to listen to. The Rabbi started by saying that Pharoah doesn't like the Jewish people, and EG got all serious and concerned and asked my why he doesn't like us.  That was quite a moment for me....but back to the Congregation.

They serve a delicious dinner of pasta from their in house chef.  Yup- in house chef!  And it's quite delicious.  And free.  Which is wonderful because after racing home from work, getting everyone in the car, driving the 20 minutes (from North Redondo) the last thing I want to be thinking about is how to feed the brood before a 5:45pm service.

During the dinner for the kiddos there is a regular adult service, which I find wonderful as well.  Since my mom has passed I've been trying to say Mourner's Kaddish at least once a month.  This allows the kiddos to play, eat, enjoy.  Then I stay a bit later than them and attend the adult services.

I talked about the amazing people, and maybe you are thinking that it's just because of the toddler service.  But when I went to the full service later that night, I was basically just balling about my mom.  I was alone, since the girls and Working Dad had gone home for bed.  And the woman in front of me turned around and comforted me. Then when we sang Adon Olam she insisted that I join her and her husband 'We've adopted you!"

So there's our review.  I wish I had more pictures, but as a conservative synagogue it didn't seem right to take them when Shabbat had already started.

Stats:
Conservative Congregation
Established in 1961
Current Rabbi: Brian Schuldenfrei
Cantor: Marla Barugel
Affiliation: United Synagogue of Conservative Judaism

They have a 'new members/young members' membership fee of about $1000, and their regular full membership is about $3000 for a family.  Of course, they stress that membership dues are flexible if you have need.  They have a sisterhood, men's club, young mens club (AMEN), young womens group (z'havah), Hebrew School (CLAL), Daycare for kiddos 2-5, and lots of other activities.

Ways to check them out:
Shabbat in the AM on Saturdays has free childcare for ages 2-10 on the 1st and 3rd Saturday morning from 10am-12:30pm

Shabbat in the PM on Friday night has Jeans & Jammies with dinner on the 2nd Friday of the month.

Wednesday morning playgroup for cargivers and babies, 9:30am ages 3months to 2 years.

Chanukah Happenings

There are lots of fun Chanukah events happening around the South Bay and the Los Angeles area.

Red Tricycle has a listing of things in the greater LA area, and I've compiled some of the more local stuff here:

Monday, December 8th: Temple Shalom, How to Make Latkes 4:30-5:30pm
Tuesday, December 9th: Rabbi Silver (Temple Menorah) is reading stories at the Barnes and Noble off of Rosecrans
Friday, December 12: Temple Shalom Latke and Kugel cook-off 5pm tots, 6:30pm dinner, 7pm services
Sunday, December 14th: 11am-1pm, Roy Carrol Holiday Drive, JCC Beach Cities


Tuesday December 16:
           5:30pm, Redondo Beach Civic Center corner of Diamond and PCH
           5:30pm: Del Amo Fashion Center, near AMC Theatres
Wednesday, December 17: 4-6pm, Manhattan Village Mall
Thursday, December 18: 5:30pm, El Segundo City Hall 350 Main Street
Sunday, December 21: 
          10am- 2pm: Manhattan Torah Center, Chanukah Extravaganza
          4-6pm, Hermosa Beach Pier Chanukah Extravaganza

  
          5-6pm, South Bay Galleria Mall 3rd Floor
Monday, December 22:
          10am- 2pm: Manhattan Torah Center, Chanukah Extravaganza
          5:30pm Plaza El Segundo, in front of Anthropologie
Tuesday, December 23:
           10am- 2pm: Manhattan Torah Center, Chanukah Extravaganza
5pm: Chanukah on Ice at the Toyota Training Center

Temple Menorah is also having a Chanukiah making contest (or a Menorah contest for those of you confused)...

Redondo Beach Ciivic Center 
Tuesday, December 16 at 5:30pm corner of Diamond St and Pacific Coast Hwy
Manhattan Village Shopping Mall
Wednesday, December 17 at 4:00pm - 6:00pm
El Segundo City Hall 
Thursday, December 18 at 5:30pm, 350 Main St, El Segundo Hermosa Beach Pier
Sunday, December 21 4:00pm - 6:00pm
Galleria Mall
Sunday, December 21 at 5:00pm - 6:00pm in Redondo Beach 3rd floor
Plaza El Segundo
Monday, December 22 at 5:30pm  (in front of Anthropologie) 

Rock N Brews

My husband loves beer.  He really really loves beer.  So much so that he has three different beers available on tap in the garage, and that doesn't include the bottled varieties.

So when we heard about Rock N' Brews in El Segundo, which claims to be a kid friendly establishment, and also right across the street from an actual brewery, we knew we had to check it out.  It's a bit of a chain, not really, since there aren't to many places, but a bit because there are at least 5 to 10.

It's an interesting place. It's claim to fame is a huge beer list, and a sort of 'rock n roll' vibe.  The one in El Segundo is a huge outdoor pavilion type place, and we went during their version of Octoberfest. 

And it was a great choice.  I took some photos, of course not thinking about a review on my blog, but I thought it would be a great place to talk about.  They have a great climbing space for the kiddos, and a nice kids menu.  The hot dogs are huge, and definitely enough to feed two kiddos off of one plate. 

And they are so friendly.  They have kids cups, let the kids run around like crazy.  It was the first time that EG got to play with Tegu, which was extremely cool.  

If you are into beer, interested in a decent (though not spectacular) dinner, it's a great place to check out!

Throwback Thursday: Natural History Musem

There were a lot of posts and things that I had been working on when things got thrown into turmoil and my mom passed away.  So, I've decided to share those things from earlier in the summer anyways in some Throwback Thursday posts.  This is the first installment....

Natural History Museum/Butterfly Pavilion
When the kiddos had the week off from School for summer break a few of the moms decided we would take the trek down to downtown Los Angeles to check out the Natural History Museum's Butterfly Pavilion.  And boy was I glad we did.

You have to sign-up for a specific ticket for the Pavilion, with a time stamp.  They only let in a certain number of people at a time, and it's only for a specific block of time.  We were lucky in that one of our group had a different time slot, but they let her come in with us anyways.

They don't allow strollers in the pavilion, which was a bit of a shock.  With all the stuff we brought for the day (snacks, diapers, etc.) it was a bit hard to just leave it outside.  Luckily I had brought the ergo carrier for Ocho, otherwise I'm not sure what I would have done to carry Ocho through the whole experience and keep a close eye on EG.  They had a security person outside, so our stuff was safe, but it was still a pain to get the tiny children out of car seats and into another thing.

You buy a ticket for the museum and a ticket for the pavilion.

The pavilion is made of lots of little pathways, and is fairly to very child friendly.  It's a bit difficult to follow all the rules (touch nothing, stay on the path, be sort of quiet, etc.) but if you are diligent and you have a child who listens, it's not to hard.

There are lots of little places for the kiddos to sit, and the butterfly's really are everywhere.

Our gang of kiddos was just the right size.  Enough kids that they kept each other occupied, but not to many that we had to wrangle them every which way.

They ranged in age from 21 months to 2.5 years, but it was good for everyone.  Both the boys and the girls enjoyed the butterfly's, and the eggs.

The butterfly's are really close to the pathways, so it's really easy for them to really see the butterfly's. They even landed on one or two of the kids at least a few times, which was really amazing to see.

Once we had our time in the pavilion (30minutes) we went upstairs to level 2 and explored the Discovery Center. This was perfect for our rambunctious kids.  They had all sorts of fossils you could touch and play with, as well as magnifying glasses and microscopes.  It was bright, airy and an enjoyable time for everyone.

Best part for the kids- these movable chairs/building blocks. Totally fun for them to roll around the hall.  Very musemey....

Face to face encounters with animals was fun- some of them bronze statues, like the turtle below, and others actual taxidermy.  I was surprised that none of the kids seem scared of the taxidermy animals, because they can be sort of overwhelming and scary.

We also walked around some of the panoramas with the other animals.  That was a nice empty hall for the kiddos to run around and spy the different animals. 

We also ended up eating lunch at the restaurant, which was delicious. They have a good kids meal with a hot dog and applesauce for about $5.  That was really nice.  I wish I had a picture of it.  It was a touch crowded, and they didn't have a ton of high chairs. Fair warning- EG fell off the adult chair, so be careful!

Overall, a good experience.  I don't know if I would have made the trek if the pavilion wouldn't have been open.  The exhibits by themselves didn't do that much for EG.

Rosh Chodesh Classes

Starting tonight is the JCC Rosh Chodesh womens' class series. This series focuses on relationships. 

The first class is tonight, and I'll be there if anyone wants to come and check it out with me.

Last year's classes were well put together, thought out and really enjoyable for me.  Each night I would come home from class eager to share whatever insights I'd had with my husband.  It was a lateish night (class ends around 9pm) but totally worth it. 

This year, I'll be interested to see if it's a good class for a solidly married woman.

The class takes place at 7:30pm at the Manhattan Torah Center, 1003 Sepulveda Blcd (right by Baskin Robbins)

The class is supposed to discuss the root of love and marriage in Jewish thought.

Halloween musings.

Are you celebrating Halloween?  It seems to be bringing up some controversy this year.  I've written about it before, from the Jewish side of the holiday, but I've also been reading the Dear Prudence letter everywhere, and I have to say that I'm a bit disappointed with the responses.

I don't believe in leaving your neighborhood for Halloween.  Now, this is nothing to say about me not wanting to give out candy to anyone who comes to the door.  And where I live, we get a lot of kids from a neighboring area that isn't as affluent (aka Lawndale and Inglewood).  It makes no difference to me if they were from Hermosa Beach or Hawthorne.  My issues are with the fact that Halloween is a neighborhood thing.  Yes, there are reasons to leave your neighborhood, but there aren't that many in my mind.

1.  Visiting family or friends.  You, as well as everyone else, is entitled to visit anyone you want to over the holiday.  Sometimes that means Grandpa's neighborhood, or a friends.  Sure, come along.  Makes perfect sense.

2.  You live by a college.  This can totally stink for little kiddos when the neighborhood is made up mostly of college students.  They don't really do Halloween, and your kid might be all alone.  Totally get that- and not something you can change by talking to your neighbors.

3.  You live in an apartment complex.  Some of these are great.  Others, not so much.  Usually people don't trick or treat inside of an apartment complex, and if you live in a neighborhood of only apartment complexes (especially those with long hallways) it can be rough.

4. You live really rural.  I mean, farm country.  It's to hard to drive 4 miles away to each house.  That would take forever.  Then, by all means, go the nearest neighborhood.

5.  You are visiting an area known for it's festivity.  There was a guy a few blocks from my childhood home who had a full on haunted house.  Just like at X-mas where there are 'lite-up neighborhoods' the same thing happens with Halloween.  If you are headed to one of these places, that makes sense.


Reasons not to leave your neighborhood:

1. They have better candy elsewhere.  Dude- buy better candy.  If you set the bar high, they will follow.

2. It's not safe.  You are a part of your neighborhood. It would be wise to change your neighborhood, rather than abandoning it to it's difficulties.  It's just sort of backwards in my mind to abandon your own place, rather than make it better.

To me, the dangers of these additional kids in my neighborhood seem to outweigh their need for better candy.  They drive in, have their cars in idle in front of my house, then keep on driving.  I just worry about the safety, since there really isn't a need for anyone to drive during the holiday.

If someone is really worried about the safety in their own neighborhood- why not take advantage of one of these programs:
Riviera Village Trick or Treating 4-6pm
Wilson Park/Torrance Recreation 4-8pm
City of El Segundo Halloween Frolic- 4-7pm
Lomita Park Halloween- 6pm

There are all public, no cost events that have tons of candy, invite all parties and can be really enjoyable.  So, hate me if you will, but I don't really think you should go somewhere else...

Anyways- HAPPY HALLOWEEN:

Pier Concerts

Have you been to one of the concerts on the Pier of Redondo?  What a fun family adventure.  Though they go a bit too late into the evening for our crowd to enjoy the whole event, the 6pm start time means you can grab or bring dinner for 5:30 and enjoy through the sunset. 

That's just what we did a few nights ago:

They have the band set-up on the largest part of the pier, away from all the shops and restaurants, just a nice wide open space.  They create a really nice dance floor area around the stage, so everyone can get up and boogie....

There was a nice crowd on the night we went.  The music is definitely kiddo friendly (no cursing, etc.) and enjoyable.  Lots of little ones doing the boogie.

EG and I hit the dance floor, really running and jumping around.  She was trying to play with the three other little girls you see on the right, but they were too wild for her.

We ate somewhere else, but these people had a great set-up. Nice lawn chairs, and a great little 'table in a bag' that they had gotten.  They showed us how to do it up nice.

We stayed until the sun went down, which was a treat for all of us, since we're usually at home for bath time before 7pm.  It did get a little chilly, but overall it was a wonderful little evening out, something I would definitely recommend.

They have the concerts going on through the end of August, just a few more weeks.  They had them in July too, but we were busy doing something else...

Have you been to one of the concerts on the pier?  What about Manhattan Beaches' concerts?  We've seen lots of people going to them, walking over to Polliwog, but never made it out ourselves...

Redondo Beach Fish Market

This past week we took  a walk on the wild side an took the whole gang to the Redondo Beach pier.  It's totally unlike either the Manhattan Beach pier, or the Hermosa Beach pier, in that it's a busy fish market, with a ton of stuff going on. It's a circular pier, and it's a wonderful place to visit.

When we go to the Redondo Beach pier our primary purpose is to eat at the fish market- which we totally love.  It's an amazingly good time, but certainly not something that everyone would take too. 

 This is our table, after dinner. We had a whole fish cooked to order, their vegetable side dish, and Working Dad bought some steamed squid.  Suprisingly the first time we came here, EG's favorite dish was the squid.  She wasn't so interested this time, but that may be the fault of the french fries. 

If you've never been there, you might be surprised/confused by the newspaper on the table.  You can see in the picture there are other tables with it.  This isn't 'gourmet' eating, rather it's messy and a touch gross, typically with crab shells or oyster shells all around.  Hence the newspaper, it helps keep the tables cleaner for everyone.

 Of course Ocho came with us- her first trip here.  She tried to sleep through it, but once she smelled the fish she was hungry too!

I should mention that there are at least three fish markets in the area, but we always eat at "Quality Seafood Live."  You go through and actually pick out your fish and seafood, from live oysters they shuck in front of you, to all sorts of fish and shrimp and crab.  Again, not much on service (you pick up your own food) but great on quality and price.

They also serve beer, so it's a nice place to sit, relax and people watch.

It draws a very interesting crowd.  If I'm honest, it tends to draw a large Asian and Hispanic crowd.  And they tend to be polar opposites of each other.  Above is a couple with a Louis Vuitton bag, eating sea aneome and crab.  Very posh.

But inches away are another family- coming with their bag from Walmart.  It attracts all kinds, and is really quite an interesting gathering of the people of Redondo and the surrounding area.

Here's our family photo- so adorable as we all enjoyed our night out at the pier/on the town.

And of course, no trip to this part of Redondo would be complete without a trip to the churro lady for a 'sweet' treat. Then a walk down the circular pier, that always completes the evening.