Chester's blog

To celebrate Rachel's birthday (the fifth of march), we had a nice dinner at the famous japanese restaurant, Yamashiro (means a mountain fortress), which is located at Hollywood. The nightscape of Los Angeles from the patio seat is awesome and the waiter serves us everything nicely. We had hot sake(japanese traditional liquor) and got good mood after a long time ago. Thanks, mother-in-law's taking care of Stella. Rachel likes to have raw oyster, sashimi, sushi as well as king crab when I liked steamed rice and miso soup. ;) We picked up a small piece of cheese cake factory and celebrated my beautiful wife's birthday again with all my family at home, later.

By just ten minutes drive to the north of Valencia, we can reach Lake Castaic which is biggest lake around here. This Lake consists of upper lake and lower lagoon. The lagoon side is small but it has more shores and picnic areas. It's also popular place to refresh ourselves whenever Rachel and I are tired of the small town life. We've usually gone there at late nights but decided to check it out during day time. It was worthy to be there just before the sunset since nobody is wondering but we could enjoy ourselves the peaceful time.

After long waiting, the little Stella has arrived on 12th of January, 2009 at 12:52pm as 7 lbs. She's really good at eating, sleeping and crying. I just assembled the swing which Gene gave me to start playing with my daughter. ^^

During the winter, there're couple of times chances that I could see snow on mountain top around Valencia. These are the scene within 2 miles of my commuting. Isn't it cool?

Last weekend, Rachel & I went to Sequoia National Park which is about 3 hours north from my place. I didn't know the national park is that close to me but it's a gorgeous place to be. Rachel always wanted to go somewhere has nice trees and water stream. Sequoia is exactly a place which fulfills Rachel's needs.

The day after Fourth of July, Joey, Rachel and I went to the Lake Casitas on Ojai, California. The lake is located at a little bit north of Ventura and about an hour driving distance from my home, Valencia. This lake has lots of interesting points. There's a big water park for kids and adults, huge camping grounds for overnight staying and various types of boats to enjoy the lake. The grass is also big and lots of trees make shade for midsummer day's napping. We really took a nap after the tough sailing with a small motor boat. The weather is as hot as Valencia, over there but it's relaxing to take a short day trip for certain weekend with friends and family.