socal pt 3:

We've hit the ground running since returning, so the vacation feels so long ago!  But as always, I have this obsession with doing things in chronological order, so it continues...

The next couple days we went to Sea World and the SD Zoo, just as we did when Lucas was a baby, except this time, I slept more than 3 hours each night and Lucas is fully potty trained.  There were also some changes at both attractions.  At Sea World, they have Dolphin Encounter, where guests can get up close and personal with the dolphins at no extra charge.  I'd like to get in the water with dolphins.  They're my favorite animals.  They're currently Naomi's favorite marine animals, and she also said she would love to do that someday.  At the exhibit, we got to watch them eat, swim (of course), and jump in the air.  So we didn't feel the need to watch the dolphin show, which helped us with time.  We did watch the Shamu show, which has a new theme and choreography since we last visited.  But just like last time, Naomi sat in the one area of the splash zone that did not get wet.  She was disappointed.  The section to her left got soaked, and the one to the right of her got soaked four or five times.  I was okay with her not getting wet, though.  We really enjoyed the sea lion and otter show.  This time the theme was all the reality shows and competitions.  I think we would have liked the dog show as well, but we couldn't see everything.  We went to the Sesame Street Bay of Play twice in the same day.  Naomi wanted to get on the Rockin' Eel ride again.  We got to meet Elmo, but Naomi wasn't into taking the picture with him and Big Bird.  She's outgrowing character greetings.  She outgrew the tidepools as well.  It's always a new experience taking her anywhere.  

Manny figured the zoo was going to be our hard day, because it was last time, but it was actually very relaxed.  It wasn't too hot, and the kids were in good spirits the whole time.  Lucas was a little nervous around the animals, and sometimes wanted to just move on.  We saw a lot of animals, so I won't be posting all the photos.  Naomi got to ride on the two rides there, which made her happy.  The zoo now has a stroller area now for the bus tour, so we didn't have to collapse and lug our Sit n Stand on board.  We only took the bus one more time, and after that we just walked.  We saw the main animals we wanted to see and skipped the rest.  Last time we had to wait a long time to see the panda, and this time there was no line.  We ate at a restaurant with fresh local food, and it was really tasty.  It was also really empty, which made Lucas very happy.  That and the world music they played.  We finished off the day by going on the aerial tram.  I was worried Lucas would be scared, but he was delighted.  I, on the other hand, am very afraid of heights and ended up being the only nervous one.

Naomi summoning the dolphin.

At the Shamu show.  Lucas and I sat high up, and Manny and Naomi went down to get wet (but didn't).

Kissing whales.

Lucas was happy to see Elmo and hug him.  Big Bird was chopped liver.

We laughed a lot during the sea lion show.

We saw several sharks swim over us in the shark tunnel.

Sea turtles.

Bouncing around in the Bay of Play.

The amazing harpy eagle.

You can take photos with any statues you want, even the grumpy ones.

Getting ready for our bus tour.  Lucas was happy to be on the upper level.

Naomi and me with the flamingos.  I didn't see the pellet dispensers this time, and noticed it smelled a lot less as well.

The monkeys, orangutans, and gorillas entertained as always.

The panda in the hammock.

The people mover helped a lot, and satisfied the kids' fondness of rides.

On the wooly mammoth.

Climbing on the sabre-toothed cat.  Getting braver!

Looking down from the aerial tram.

Manny had a photo on this turtle as a kid, then Naomi did, and now both kids do (Lucas tired of photos).

socal part 2:

We were really blessed with great weather the rest of the trip.  On the third day, we had a healthful organic breakfast at the popular Naked Cafe, but the wait was very long for the table, the atmosphere was a bit too hipster, and it wasn't cheap.  It was unique food, though, and I liked my egg white veggie scramble with quinoa and more veggies on the side.  After breakfast, we went to Batiquitos Lagoon for a short hike.  Naomi brought along binoculars Grandma gave her, and we spotted an oriole, a yellow finch, and a lizard!  I really wanted to see the jumping fish, but we didn't get to that day.  Naomi and I liked looking at the wildflowers.  Lucas kept running back and forth till he was worn out.  The kids know the drill from our nature walks.  I like the kids to appreciate natural beauty and find balance in how they learn.  It's easy to be fed and even bombarded as a child.  We can learn so much simply by exploring the world around us.  Manny wasn't as enthusiastic at first about hiking because we had a full day planned, but he came to appreciate it, especially when we were climbing up a steep hill on our way back to the parking lot.  Lucas slipped, so I almost fell trying to hold him up.  So then we could call it an adventure!

After that we went to the Flower Fields, as we did five years ago with Manny's parents and sister.  It had warmed up quite a bit, and the parking attendant said it was the most crowded he'd ever seen it.  Maybe it was because the rain finally let up, and people wanted to visit before spring break was over.  We didn't do the tractor ride, and we were all pretty tired by the end of it.  We bought some groceries and headed home to eat and rest before the first big day at Legoland.

One of the best parts about the trip is that we got to know Lucas better.  He's a quiet and timid little fellow, but he came out of his shell many times this trip.  He's three-and-a-half, and definitely maturing.  Even though at this age, I was teaching Naomi to read, I've really come to appreciate how different the kids are, and how Lucas really needs to take his time.  Legoland is great for Naomi and Lucas's age range, not just in that they both like Legos, but also that the park has many independent rides for small children (as long as they are over 34" tall, preferably 36"--poor Naomi couldn't get on anything when she was barely 2).  They have cars that kids can drive around themselves (not bumper cars), with an easier version for 3-5 year-olds.  However, perhaps due in part to how few can board each ride, many rides have poor throughput.  Even on an empty day, the wait could be about 45 minutes.  One of the rides has a waiting area for little ones to play with Legos while the parents "hold their spot" in line.  It's brilliant, although there aren't very many pieces and stations to go around, and I kept thinking germs germs germs.

We also went to the new (to us) water park.  It was only about 70-73 degrees out, but the water was heated, and the sun was out, so we were fine.  The kids had long-sleeve rashguards.  They were cold at the end of the day, though.  The park has these family dryers, where you pay $5 and everyone gets in this open room and gets blown dry from all sides.  We didn't do it because of the price, but I always enjoy seeing what's new.  Amusement parks seem much more baby-friendly now than I remember as a kid.  Usually the little kids' section was confined to the back of the park, and I don't remember buildings dedicated to nursing/changing infants.

We didn't know there was a cafe in Legoland that served local fresh food and went for the usual overpriced fried fare.  We were in need of a more balanced dinner.  When we returned for a second day, we found the cafe very much enjoyed our stir-fry.  The portion was enough for two people, and it was loaded with white meat chicken and a satisfying variety of vegetables.  We were still on vacation, though, and definitely ate our share of goodies that week.

Glad to have my little girl, who also enjoys looking at wildflowers.  Also glad to have the internet to look up some of the plants--San Diego has a huge variety!

A nice man offered to take our photo.

A tender father-son moment while Naomi played in the playground.

Family photo.

None of us are pirate fans, but--hey, a Lego character!

Put Lucas in the driver's seat and he's good to go!

Great idea for a ride with terrible throughput--a waiting area for the kids where they can play with Duplo (if they're lucky enough to find an open set).

Cool ride where kids can drive around a little city.  Naomi stopped at all the stop lights and signs and obeyed traffic laws.  She always stayed on the right side of the road (this photo was taken when she first got into her car).  Good going, Naomi!

Pumping away in the Rescue Academy race.  This ride was one of Lucas's favorites, and we worked really hard to drive us where we needed to go.

Can one float down a lazy river with Legos?  No problem!  

Lost count of how many times she went down the slides.

Aw, isn't she cute pretending to participate in a violent collision sport?

Kids reviewing the park map back at the hotel.  :)

socal vacation part 1:

We went to Carlsbad and San Diego last week before visiting our parents.  This was sort of our spring break between very busy months.  My mother-in-law is doing well and looks great after her operation.  

Manny got a very good deal on tickets from work.  The first couple days it rained off and on, so we had to keep an eye on the weather.  However, the rest of the week was beautiful and the temperatures kept rising.  By the time we got to Grandma's, it was 100 degrees outside!  We had a lot of luggage, but I'm glad we overpacked.

Our condo was really nice and had a partial ocean view.  Many people would congregate nearby to watch the sunset each night.  The kids did so well on the drive.  I know they were hungry and a little scared.  We didn't stop to eat, and there was thunder, lightning, and heavy spray from adjacent vehicles.  Another vacation in the rain...but just for a couple of days!  :)

Heavy rains, fog, and even a little snow made for an interested drive with limited visibility. 

  

We checked into our hotel and headed out to dinner.   Lucas excited for pizza AND meatballs!  I was like that, too, when I got my seafood pasta.  :)

At the Corvette Diner in San Diego for lunch the next day.  It's a fun 50s-style eatery with a soda fountain and diner dancers.  I think some of Manny's relatives would love the decor!  Hopefully we can visit again.

They were going to put straws in Naomi's hair for her birthday, but that didn't work out.  It was nice of them to give her a free scoop of ice cream!

The same preschool area in the Fleet Science Center that we visited when Naomi was two.

Naomi climbing to the top of the geometric jungle gym.  I actually saw a couple guys from junior high there at the same time (no mistaken identity--I heard them saying their names).  I don't think they know me, though.  I wasn't very social back then.

Lucas en joying some popcorn at Balboa Park as we take shelter from the rain.

We came upon the Railroad Museum, which was a delight for the kids.

A giant watches over the mountains.

Extraodinary Desserts lives up to its name.

Watching the sunset on the beach in Carlsbad.

It was too cold to swim, but we still got in the hot tub.

your children want you:

A good read/reminder about what means the most to our children as parents.  Naomi said she agreed.  I like going to P.interest for ideas, but we sometimes create this artificial scale as moms for our parenting.  I think the article pokes fun at some of these mom creations, but I don't really judge mom who do all these things.  I personally have great admiration for the artistry and handiwork of many moms and would love to have those skills.  Even as Naomi's birthday party is coming up, I am delighted to have the opportunity to make fun displays of food.  It's just a reminder to not lose sight of the fact that the kids just need for me to be there for them.

easter sunday:

For the love of Christ controls us, having concluded this, that one died for all, therefore all died; and He died for all, so that they who live might no longer live for themselves, but for Him who died and rose again on their behalf.--2 Corinthians 5:14-15

Happy Easter!  He is risen (indeed)!  We went to church today and then had a special lunch afterward, before Manny and Naomi went on a father-daughter date.  We get out of church later than before, so we didn't make it down to Manny's aunt's house this year.  I was in the nursery today expecting a lot more kids, but I think because the pastor asked the people attending second service to try to attend first service, they (the first service nursery workers) ended up with more than a handful while we in second service got the light load.  A couple people came by the nursery who live by our church and just wanted to check the place out.  Even though I can be really nervous, I always feel so blessed and humbled in meeting people and welcoming them.  I know my social skills aren't always adequate, but God blesses in spite of me.  I'm very thankful I was well enough to be there today and yesterday.  I was sick this past week and the week before.  

It would be so cute if they matched, but I always go for the biggest sales or put them in hand-me-downs.

The basket that never got used.

hunt:

We held an egg hunt on Saturday for the community.  I just helped with crafts and field monitoring.  The very sad thing was that Manny and the kids were coming later, and I failed to communicate the logistics and was more focused on my own activities there, so they missed the actual egg hunt itself.  I did manage to get a latecomer bag for them, filled with jellybeans and fun erasers, and I told Naomi we'd do our own egg hunt at home sometime.  She seemed fine with it, but I know she was being forgiving.  I don't really know how much she would've liked it, because she's not a fan of free-for-alls, where kids are released to descend upon eggs or candy like animals.  She wanted to do a egg hunt like we do at our aunt's house, where we search in the backyard or the woods for eggs.  Still, she was most looking forward to doing it with her friends and missed out.  Anyway, I felt really bad, and it will probably go down in my list of not-so-great parenting moments.  Thankfully we had a nice day after that.  We took a walk, went out for some food, and cleaned the garage and patio together before having some turkey chili and cornbread for dinner.

Kids decorating their treat bags.

Several thousand eggs were snatched up in a matter of minutes.  Toddlers were allowed to go first.

The long line for eggs with golden tickets.