iFly Hollywood

If you've ever wanted to jump out of airplane, but were too scared to try (or your mommy said you were much too young), then indoor skydiving simulates the free fall experience without the danger. Almost everyone can skydive at iFly Hollywood, an indoor skydiving facility where experts and beginners can experience the thrill of jumping out of an airplane. From their website: "iFly Hollywood's 800 hp vertical wind tunnel generates a wall-to-wall cushion of air, on which you safely float. There's no parachute, no jumping and nothing attaching you to planet Earth."

One of the few regrets that I drag with me from my pre-mommy days is never having taken the jump from a plane. Now I have to wait until Serene's 21 years-old to give it a try. (Maybe, I'll take the kids with me.) When Alex's buddy invited him to a birthday party, Alex didn't quite know he'd be floating in the air. But, he took in stride and had a great time. 

Universal Studios

At Universal Studios Hollywood, Alex mingle with minions, Scooby, Curious George, Sponge Bob Square Pants, and Optimus Prime. Our annual pass has made the repeated trips to the theme park extra easy this year.

Lots and lots of Water!

Stuck in Jaws mouth at Universal Studios.

Shooting Megatron!

Despicable Me!

Jaws!

Waterworld!

Fountains at Universal City Walk.

One of the great things about living in Southern California is the annual theme park pass. SoCal residents can pick up passes at most of the parks - Universal, Disneyland, Knotts, Six Flags, Legoland, and Sea World to return day-after-day all through the year. (Black out dates apply.) 

Alex celebrated the end of the school year at Universal Studios Hollywood where he splashed in the City Walk fountains, at the Adventures of Curious George Splash Park, on the Jurassic Park water ride and sat in the soak zone of the Water World: A Live Sea War Spectacular. He spent most of the day soaked, but the hot California sun kept him warm.

Universal Studios: Transformers

For an anniversary, most couples celebrate with a romantic dinner and a weekend away from the kids. We went a non-traditional route and snuck away to Universal Studios to take in the big kid rides while our children were at school to celebrate our 10 years of marriage. On an early weekday morning, before the summer rush, we were able to ride several rides (multiple times) without any wait-time. Our favorite: Transformers!

Universal Studios

View from Universal Studios to Burbank

Alex and Bumblebee

Universal Studios

King Kong Destroyed Studio Tour Tram

Wisteria Lane, "Desperate Housewives"

"War of the Worlds"

Director and Producer of the Year