My friend from college, Esther, is in Fairfield for a few weeks for her residency, so we drove up to meet up with her on Sunday. We decided to visit the famous Jelly Belly Factory that is in Fairfield — I’ve always wanted to go, and this was the perfect opportunity to check it out! 🙂
Dan and Mio in front of the giant Jelly Belly.
We got there a little early, so we snapped a bunch of photos outside the factory.
Jelly Belly sign in front of the building.
This portrait of Ronald Reagan is made of jelly beans!
Meeting up with Esther outside.
I hadn't seen Esther in years, since I'd graduated from Tech. I was so happy to see her again!!!
Inside the Jelly Belly factory at Fairfield
Mio was wide awake the whole time we were at the factory.
Mio while waiting in line for the factory tour to begin.
We got Jelly Belly hats at the beginning of the tour, and even Mio got one to wear!
Her eyes twinkled as she took in all the candy around her. Too bad she can't eat it yet!
Our little family, as we entered the tour.
We weren’t allowed to take photographs during the tour, so I snagged a few online to show what the factory looked like. It was a forty-minute tour with videos, and we got to walk around to view different areas of the factory through glass windows and got to sample the jelly beans from each step of the process. It was really interesting to see all the steps involved in making Jelly Belly’s jelly beans — I never realized it was so involved and that it took over two weeks to make them! I’ve always loved Jelly Bellies, but I have an even deeper appreciation for them now!
The photo that was taken of us during the tour. Mio actually looked at the camera!
We received complimentary bags of jelly beans at the end of the tour, and they gave us one for Mio, too! No worries, Mio -- Mommy will make sure they don't go to waste! 😉
There was a "sample bar" where you could sample the various flavors, but I was not brave enough to try the more adventurous yucky flavors...
After the tour, we shopped around the souvenir shop. I didn't realize Jelly Belly made so much more than just jelly beans!
Mio looks a little overwhelmed by all the candy.
There were even Hello Kitty Jelly Bellies!
A cupcake made out of jelly beans!
My reflection in the funhouse mirror. It shows exactly how I felt when leaving after trying all that candy... Fatty McFat Fat.
With Esther outside the factory.
We had a fun time at the factory, but we were hungry for some real food afterwards so we headed over to get some sushi lunch at Yo Sushi.
Esther holding Mio at lunch.
A bright-eyed Mio meeting Auntie Esther for the first time!
Mio loved her! (Thank you Auntie Hyo for the adorable dress!)
It was wonderful seeing you again, Esther! Thank you for meeting up with us during your busy schedule, and good luck with the rest of your residency! 🙂
Aileen and Haruka visited us earlier this week. They’d already met Mio when she was about a month old, but they were sweet enough to think of us and stop by again on their way down from a weekend trip.
Thanks for stopping by, and for the delicious strawberries! We loved them!!!
There was a photo booth from Magnolia Photo Booth Co. at Jason & Tarrin’s wedding last Saturday, and we had a lot of fun with it! Such a great idea — a big thanks to the bride and groom for letting us indulge in it. Here are some of the memorable ones….
We were wondering what Mio would look like with a lot of hair. Now we know.
She’s doing the kissy-face, too!
Here I am as a jolly pirate (with a feather boa!) with my awesome coworker friends: Pharaoh Estella and adorable Sarah.
We decided we needed some more Allen family photos, so the three of us stepped into the photo booth once again… but Mio was sleeping. :(Â She retains the same face throughout with those bulldog cheeks, until the last one in which it crumbles from the frustration of disturbed sleep.
Estella, Mio, and I were lucky enough to get a photo opp with the lovely bride, Tarrin!
Our friend Stephanie was visiting the Bay Area this past weekend, and Mio and I got to have dinner and catch up with her on Sunday evening before she caught her flight back to DC. Thanks for making time to come see us, Steph! 🙂
Here is Mio in the adorable Paul Frank outfit that Stephanie got fir her! We love it. ♥
Our friends Jason and Tarrin tied the knot yesterday with a beautiful ceremony and reception at Mills College in Oakland. I’ve worked with Tarrin for the past four years and she is an awesome coworker as well as a wonderful friend. Tarrin and Jason are the type of couple everyone wants to be around — they are witty, fun, and oh-so-cute together. 🙂 We felt very lucky to be a part of their big day! (Even Mio was invited!)
Mio all dressed up for the wedding.
Thank you Megumi for the adorable dress! We love it!!!
Mio trying to eat her dress.
I love the embroidery!
Dan and Mio in the chapel, before the ceremony.
The ceiling of the chapel at Mills College. Beautiful!
Tarrin and Jason at the reception. I loved her dress!
Mio and I at the reception.
An apprehensive Mio.
With her big floppy hat.
My boss Emily holding Mio. For some reason, the way Mio has her hands clasped amuses me....
There was a photobooth at the reception, and we had way too much fun with it.
Max and I.
Dan holding Mio.
Us with the lovely bride and groom. Congratulations!
Estella and I with the gorgeous bride, Tarrin! 🙂
Brent trying to surprise Mio... lol.
The Waxcreative team (and babies) together.
Congratulations, Jason and Tarrin! We had a delightful time at the wedding, and look forward to many more years of continued friendship and memories with you two! Cheers to your happily ever after! ♥
