Visiting the Getty Museum - Take 2

There is a saying in English that goes - "If at first you don't succeed, try try again." On Friday we  made a second attempt to visit the Getty Museum in just a three day span. Luckily, an earlier start from Claremont ensured that there was plenty of parking available for us.

A tram takes visitors from the parking structure up to the museum and gardens. The views on the way up are dramatic and include the breathtaking Pacific Ocean. Arriving at the top is like stepping into another world - gorgeous white buildings make a stunning contrast against the deep blue sky. Gardens, interspersed among the colossal structures, give visual relief to visitors. It is invigorating to spend the day around such powerful works - sculptures, paintings, sketches, architectural feats, and landscape designs. We were happy to have our friend Candace join our museum trip.

Michelle and Karen appreciating the stunning architecture of the Getty Museum buildings

The girls in front of stone sculpture

Taking in the complexity of the maze-like hedge in the sunken garden

We saw a special exhibit featuring the work of James Ensor, some of which was quite bizarre. We also some greats like Monet (haystacks), Renoir, Van Gogh, and Seurat. There were several lovely silver gelatin prints by Ansel Adams - some of scenes of the American West.

I don't recall ever having seen this type of plant/blossom.

Is it a leaf or a blossom? Love the color!

Our return trip took nearly two hours in the Friday rush hour traffic, and right after dropping Candace off, the van ran out of gas at the top of Mills. Thankfully, we were able to coast all the way down the road - even getting a green light at Baseline - and stop in front of Chaparral School, less than a block away from home! What luck :) Zach borrowed a gas can from Helen, put a bit of fuel in the van, and we were back in business. The girls worked and met with me about their blogs before Nancy came to pick them up around 8 p.m.

Of course, the house was quiet and lonely without Karen and Michelle.....

You may think this is a repeat photo - it's not. Prince found his way back to Karen's bed while the sheets were being laundered. 

We were excited to surprise Karen on her 15th birthday. When she walked in, Winona and I blew horns and yelled, "Surprise!" Poor Karen - I hope we didn't startle her too much.

Today is Karen's 15th birthday! We had a petite celebration with gifts, games, and small cakes.

Happy Birthday, Karen!!!