Sons, daughters dedicate the day to their mothers

Whether they spent the day shopping or having a picnic on the grass, visitors at the Americana at Brand paid tribute to moms on Mother’s Day, as they packed the outdoor mall on Sunday.

Hundreds came for brunch, while others strolled around the Americana for the first time.

West Los Angeles resident Alison Decadenet and her 10-year-old son, Aidan, came to see “Son of Rambo.” Earlier in the day, Aidan treated his mother to breakfast.

“We are spending the day together,” Decadenet said.

Aidan took the opportunity to tell his mother how he felt about her on Mother’ Day.

“Happiness,” he said. “Mom means love.”

Sitting on a blanket on the grass, the Johnson family of Burbank spent the afternoon eating lunch picnic-style.

Nancy Johnson, her husband Ian, and daughters Zoe, 3, and 16-month-old Lily, ate hot dogs and snacks.

“We are going to hang out here and have a picnic,” Nancy Johnson said. “It’s a cozy spot.”

Other families decided to let their mother come up with ideas as to how she wanted to spend her day.

Burbank resident Michele Mucha and her family came to buy patio furniture after Mucha suggested they take a look at their options. But before venturing out on their shopping excursion, the Muchas found a shady spot and ate sandwiches and fries.

“My dad made pancakes for my mom,” said Matthew Mucha, 6.

Matthew knew the significance of Mother’s Day, he said.

“It’s a day to be nice to my mom,” Matthew said.

Lisa Anderson of Pasadena and her daughters, Hannah, 8, and Tatum, 4, waited for their father to join them. The trio sat on the grass, and the girls ate ice cream.

But before going to the Americana, the two girls treated their mother to a homemade breakfast.

“I made her a fruit plate,” Hannah said. “And gave her a card.”

Tatum also contributed to the Mother’s Day festivities.

“I gave her flowers, but they had bugs all over them,” she said, with a face full of ice cream.

Some mothers, including Burbank resident Bridget Spangler, preferred to keep the day low-key so she could relax with her family.

Spangler came to see the Americana with her husband and two children.

Madeline Spangler, 4, gave her mother a gift before they came to the outdoor mall to relax on the grass.

“I gave her presents, a necklace,” Madeline said. “I made it out of beads.”

Madeline and her 2-year-old sister, Phoebe, decided they should be on their best behavior for Mother’s Day.

“Today is about being nice to Mommy,” Madeline said.

?ANI AMIRKHANIAN is a news assistant. She may be reached at (818) 637-3230 or by e-mail at ani.amirkhanian@latimes.com.