Tag Archives: out & about

Nov 22 2010

We Love The Aquarium

Some friends have season memberships at the aquarium and invited us to go along.  There was a special Members-Only night event this past Saturday.  Even though it was going to rain and a bit of a drive Paul agreed that we should go.

Aquarium tank with coral

The aquarium was open to members and their guests that evening starting at 6:00 pm.  I had trouble getting the kids down for naps that afternoon.  I fell asleep with Sean on his bed.  When I woke up it was nearly 5:00!  I called to confirm where we would meet and quickly dressed the kids and packed a bag.  We didn’t even get a chance to have dinner because we needed to get going.  Luckily, Paul knows the area better than I do so he drove.  I would have had a difficult time in the dark.

Kids looking in the tank

Audrey & Sean at the aquarium

The kids were thrilled to be at the aquarium again.  We went once when we first moved and were only there for about an hour.  It’s a little pricey, so having two guest passes really made this trip affordable.  We spent almost two hours looking at everything.  I was too busy trying to keep track of the kids to take a lot of photos.  After I took the photo above I realized I needed to turn the flash off to get better pictures.  The kids had a great time and when we came out it was raining.

We stopped at McDonald’s on the way home to get some dinner.  The kids were super excited for their Happy Meals, especially since they were very hungry.  We had a nice meal (children behaved well) and got ready to go to the truck.  As we packed up to leave Paul directed my attention to the rain outside.  Not just rain now, but a downpour.  We carried the kids to the car, pelted by huge rain drops.  We were soaked, but it was worth it. What an adventure to the aquarium!

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Oct 28 2010
MOPS Logo

MOPS

I was invited by a friend to join MOPS (Mothers of Preschoolers).  I’ve been trying for several weeks to make it to a meeting and finally did today.

If you are not familiar with MOPS it’s an international organization with groups throughout the country.  MOPS provides a chance to relax, make new friends, enjoy adult conversation, learn a new skill or craft, and be encouraged.  There is also Christian scripture and a little prayer.  They provide child care for the duration of the meeting so moms can have a break and focus on the fun of the day.

In the meeting I went to we started with some socializing, some tasty food and then a short scripture reading followed by a prayer.  Then the meeting moved to the topic of the day–finances!  The speakers talked about budgeting, how to make coupons really work for you and financial goals.

I was really enjoying the talk but had to leave early because Audrey was having a meltdown in the childcare room.  We’ll try again at the next meeting.

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Sep 24 2010

Double Trouble

I finally got a double stroller for the kids.  (My mom got it for me – Thanks Mom!)  This thing is a miracle.  It’s not fancy,  just a standard one from Babies R Us, but it has been great!  I wish I would have bought one back when Audrey was born, when Sean was less than 2 years old.   

 So what’s so great about a double stroller?  Obviously you don’t have two young kids if you are asking that question.  Have you ever tried to take two kids shopping to a store that doesn’t have carts.  Yes, at times I must venture out beyond Target and the grocery store.  Two kids under 4 years old are not to be trusted in a clothing store.  Even when I only need to grab a couple T-shirts and go taking the kids along is a major hassle.  I pick up a shirt and one is under a display table.  I start chasing that one, and the other is pulling on the necklaces on the rack–ooh, shiny!  

Kids running at the park

That's right, run your hearts out. Maybe then you will nap!

I now have the control and ability to take them to those kinds of places.  I also have the option of walking to the neighborhood park, which involves crossing a heavily trafficked road.  We stroll out to the park and I get exercise on the way there and back, and the kids get to burn off energy on the slides and running the paths.  It’s a wonderful thing.  

Best of all, the stroller is coming with us to Disneyland next month.  This will be the kids’ first trip to the Happiest Place on Earth and I hope they have fun.  I will be glad to have the new stroller to haul our gear (snacks, water and diapers!) and a place for tired little feet to take a break.  Wish us luck!

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