Spring Break 2013

This year for spring break we headed out to San Diego for a week of sunshine and fun. It was nice to escape the cold weather and bask in the sun for a week. Between Sea World, Safari Park, Legoland and the beach we had many adventures and created some lasting family memories.

Our pit stop on the way out to California was a small ghost town near Barstow, CA called Calico Ghost Town. It is a fun little tourist trap where we toured an old silver mine, peeked into an old school house from the 1880's, and saw a house made out of bottles! It was a great place to stretch our legs and get a bite to eat on the long drive.

Next stop: Sea World in San Diego. We had fun watching the Pets Rule show of cats and dogs. Each of the kids had a turn on the Atlantis roller coaster with Daddy (in the back row in photos below). Lots of rides, lots of shows, and lots of sea life to view - a good time was had by all.

Next stop: Safari Park in Escondido, CA. This was probably my favorite park since the main attractions were animals instead of rides so there were almost no lines! We started at the carousel then to the Petting Kraal where the kids enjoyed brushing the goats. We played on large animals at the playground, fed ducks at the ponds, and fed birds at Lorikeet Landing. We saw some beautiful butterflies and saw tons of hoofed animals from the Africa Tram ride. Most amazing was watching a cheetah run at top speed, they are fast! This was especially exciting for Rachel since the cheetah is her favorite animal.

Next stop: Legoland in Carslbad, CA. Fortunately we planned a rest day between Safari Park and Legoland so we had some time to recharge our batteries. The kids loved the rides at Legoland - we started with the more mellow rides but by the end of the first day Daddy convinced us to try some roller coasters which turned out to be great! Just the right size for little ones and wimps like me. We also had a chance to build with Legos in several different areas which the kids loved. Carson loved the Star Wars exhibits in miniland, he knew all the planets and battles and could have stayed there all day.

Early Spring 2013

We have had a funny spring in terms of weather - warm spring days at the end of March, then back to cold and snow in April. It has been nice to get out to parks and playgrounds during the sunny days.

We celebrated Carson's 6th birthday in March and much to our surprise this year he was more interested in Mega Bloks than Legos! Mega Bloks are very similar to Legos, but made to look more like military vehicles instead of Star Wars starships.

The kids both participated in a karate tournament recently here in Utah and it was a lot of fun. They competed in two categories - sparring and forms. They each took home a trophy, much to their delight.

Rachel doing her form (kata 1) during the competition.

Rachel after winning a trophy in the form competition. 

Rachel is in the red helmet, doing a great job sparring her opponent!

Carson is in the black helmet, in action and about to spar.

Carson with his Sensei after winning his sparring trophy.

The kids with their Sensei in the middle after they finished their competitions.

We were very saddened and shocked to hear about the awful events at the Boston Marathon. Our thoughts and prayers go out to those that were effected.

Happy February

Even though February was cold and snowy, it finished on a warm note with a hint of spring in the air and the start of some much-needed melting. The kids enjoyed their school Valentine's Day parties and brought home lots of candy to add to their candy bags (candy is rationed at dessert time). Mommy celebrated a birthday in February and the kids were a big help blowing out the candles and eating the cake.

Carson shows off his tongue after eating some green candy.

Love this picture of Rachel, she's getting so big!

Cake anyone?

Mommy's birthday dinner at a Chinese restaurant.

Sun out and snow melting - park weather!

  

Rachel and Carson tested for their purple belts and after two hours of doing karate, they qualified for their purple belts! We are so proud of them.

   

A well-earned treat after getting purple belts.