July 27, 2012 - Big Bear Day Trip

Auntie Leah invited these three bears for a day trip to Big Bear.  After a pit stop to Starbucks, we began our 1 1/2 trek that would take us through hairpin turns.  The kids enjoyed those turns, as evidenced by their, "Whooooos" and "wheees."  My stomach, on the other hand, was not enjoying it. A long trip paired with winding roads, of course, resulted in a roadside hurl :/  What's a little hurl when the outcome is quality time with an awesome friend and play time for our kids?

  

July 26, 2012 - Universal Studios

 Daddy with Doc - one of his favorite 80's movie characters

We decided to put those annual passes to use today.  No rides for us on this visit. We spent our time taking pictures with favorite characters, seeing the Water World show, and enjoying the Curious George area.  The latter was the perfect place for the boys on this hot day :)

Us

 

Zipline Anthony





 

 

Looking at "the world" - (Anthony)



 

Cooling station smiles








 

Shrek





Daddy pelting unsuspecting people with nerf balls

Zipline Daniel





July 21, 2012 - Shoreline Sure is Fun

There is always so much to do at home, but gorgeous weather beckons my soul to seize the day.  Off to Shoreline Drive we went to enjoy a day in the sun.  We rode a surrey down the bike path, took the Aqualink to Los Alamitos, and had dinner at Chilis.  I love summer :)

Wanna go?

July 19, 2012 - Museum

It has been a while since we've been to the La Habra Children's Museum.  So, having nothing planned for today, LHCM became our destination. The exhibit changes every couple of months, so it is always exciting.  The current theme is a bit too science centered for my taste (never been a fan of science) but fun for them, and that is what counts.
~ They never tire of certain areas  ~

July 16, 2012 - Super University (VBS #2)

The boys attended Granada Heights' VBS again this year. I love that their annual theme ties into what is currently of high interest to kids.  This year's theme was Super University piggy backing on the idea of super heros from the movie The Avengers.  The stage in the sanctuary and the lobby were decorated with everything superheros.  The VBS attendees were proudly wearing capes and clothing depicting superheros.  They learned Bible verses (We are the light of the world, Let your light shine before others...), sang songs of praise, colored, watched live mini-plays about King David, and played.  What a blessing for them to learn about God in such a fun way.  It was a fun week for them, gave Little Daniel the opportunity to speak more, created a pocket of alone time for me, and it was FREE! :)

July 14-15, 2012 - Weekends Were Made For Fun

It is summer vacation, so technically every day is the weekend. This official one started with the usual of Anthony's karate class.  The remaining musketeers strolled over to Starbucks for a java and frapuccino jolt.

The boys expressed that they wanted to go to ride their bikes in the park and go to the movies.  Obliging parents that we are, we did just that except in reverse.  The movie gods were shining down on us because a chick flick and a pirate movie were starting at the dollar theatre within 10 minutes of each other.  Daddy saw the pirate movie with the boys, and Mommy saw a chick flick across the hall :)  Afterward, we headed to the park for some bike riding practice :)

After church on Sunday, Lowes was our destination for the kids' workshop.  The Kung Fu Panda spinner was a hit with the boys :) I need to iron on their completion patches.

July 12, 2012 - The Circus is in Town!

I read on a mommy site I visit frequently that the Ringling Bros. Barnum & Bailey Circus was going to be at the Staples Center this week. I immediately found myself on the phone with Ticketmaster.  Using the promo code "Mom," I scored some great seats 10 rows from the front.  We went to the pre-show which afforded us the opportunity to interact with the performers and see a few acts up close and personal.  Minus the lady in the wrong seat, it was a good time.

July 6 & 7, 2012 - Play Dates

Play date - n. an appointment made by parents for their children to play together. 
This is a relatively new concept to me. In the past, my outings were usually just with Leah and her kiddies. However, our buddies have enrolled in sports, so our excursions have dwindled significantly. The socialization, though, brought on by pre-school and karate has caused this word to now become part of my mommy vocabulary. These glorious days of summer and Splash memberships lend themselves to convenient opportunities for the boys to have such dates with the children of my gal pals and also their new friends.  This week we met up with my pal Liz and Baby Andrea for Starbucks and yummy yogurt at Yogurtland.  Saturday we met with Arthur, Anthony's karate friend, and his mom at Splash.


Anthony and Arthur



The Buzz LightYear pose



Funnel cake is fingerlickin' good! :)



July 4, 2012 - Happy Birthday America!

The Uptown theatre was playing Rio, so we took off to see the famous macaws Jewel and Blu on the big screen.  Yes, we own the movie (a gift from Auntie Leah) but there is something about the movie experience.  You have the huge screen, surround sound, and of course, POPCORN!  I have to say, though, that I just caught that the movie uses the word "idiots."  Needless to say, the boys have used it since this recent viewing, and Mama is not too thrilled :/

Post movie cupcake making and decorating with Anthony

Happy Birthday, America!!!

July 3, 2012 - Playdate with Miss Cora

Splash was the location for these kidddos to have their playdate today. Kids are so simple...sun, water, and friends. What else do they need?

Friends like their mommies!