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| Little Buckaroo's face cracks me up. He loved it and asked it go again. |
Wednesday, August 17, 2011
Wednesday, July 27, 2011
Did you see my Guest Blog for the Moorpark Patch?
I love my local e-newspaper, Moorpark Patch, so much that I guest blog for them every now and then. Click Here to check out my latest blog for the Moorpark Patch.
Almost Wordless Wednesday
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| Tummy Buster...fried chips from the Tropical Daze Music Festival in Thousand Oaks. |
Friday, July 22, 2011
Burbank's Party of the Century
I went to Burbank's "Party of the Century" with big hopes and expectations of having a Disney moment outside the park. The flyers for the Burbank's 100th birthday celebration highlighted the fact that Mickey and Minnie Mouse were to be there to present the delicious Portos cupcakes. I was excited to get a chance to take pictures of the duo outside of the park and hoped to take one with my son, plus the had cupcakes from my most favorite bakery, Portos.
I got to the event early to make sure I got a good spot close to the main stage. I endured sitting in the direct sun and dealt with a cranky two year old just to get those seats. The presentation began and dragged out due to the fact they were held up for live taping on the local news station but I was to invested to walk away now. I figured any moment Mickey and Minnie were going to make their way to the main stage. After Fritz the weather man directed everyone to focus their attention to the steps of the adjacent City Hall, I realized that my prime location was about one of the worse spots I could be in to see the duo. I scrambled as fast and as close as I could with Little Buckaroo but the crowd had already shifted and I was stuck at the back of the crowd.
Mickey and Minnie came out, waved a few times, took a few pictures with the Mayor then dashed back inside.
I then fought my way through the crowd to stand in line for a cupcake. I finally made it up the steps of the city hall with about 10 people in front of me and they ran out of cupcakes. It just wasn't in the cards for me.
I decided that the crowds were a bit too much for me and Little Buckaroo, even with my friend there to help out. There was too many things going on and too many people for such a small space.
As we slowly maneuvered the stroller through the crowds and as we did we got a chance to take some pretty cool pictures.
We made it through the worst of the crowds and ended up on a smaller street that was less crowded. The end of the street had a dance floor with a 50's style band playing. Little Buckaroo and I busted out some dance move on the dance floor and finished off the party with a cool refreshment.
For those that stayed around to bear the crowds and heat, they had a chance to stand in the long lines for free stuff given out by the local businesses. The celebration lasted into the night and ended with a fireworks show.
I got to the event early to make sure I got a good spot close to the main stage. I endured sitting in the direct sun and dealt with a cranky two year old just to get those seats. The presentation began and dragged out due to the fact they were held up for live taping on the local news station but I was to invested to walk away now. I figured any moment Mickey and Minnie were going to make their way to the main stage. After Fritz the weather man directed everyone to focus their attention to the steps of the adjacent City Hall, I realized that my prime location was about one of the worse spots I could be in to see the duo. I scrambled as fast and as close as I could with Little Buckaroo but the crowd had already shifted and I was stuck at the back of the crowd.
Mickey and Minnie came out, waved a few times, took a few pictures with the Mayor then dashed back inside.
I then fought my way through the crowd to stand in line for a cupcake. I finally made it up the steps of the city hall with about 10 people in front of me and they ran out of cupcakes. It just wasn't in the cards for me.
I decided that the crowds were a bit too much for me and Little Buckaroo, even with my friend there to help out. There was too many things going on and too many people for such a small space.
As we slowly maneuvered the stroller through the crowds and as we did we got a chance to take some pretty cool pictures.
We made it through the worst of the crowds and ended up on a smaller street that was less crowded. The end of the street had a dance floor with a 50's style band playing. Little Buckaroo and I busted out some dance move on the dance floor and finished off the party with a cool refreshment.
Wednesday, July 20, 2011
Almost Wordless Wednesday.
I want to remember him as this little boy.
- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone
- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone
Tuesday, July 12, 2011
Pioneer Jamboree
Little Buckaroo and I took a step back in time at this years Annual Pioneer Jambore at the Stagecoach Inn Museum.
This California Historical Landmark (#659) in Newbury Park was once known as the Grand Union Hotel, which was a Stage Coach Line stop for passengers travelling from Los Angeles to Santa Barbara. After the drought in 1887 the hotel went through several owners then later deeded to the Conejo Recreation and Park District. The hotel was moved in 1966 with the treat of demolition to where it sits now.
As we walked up, we were pleasantly greeted by several smiling docents who eagerly explained the days activities.
Though you could not climb on them there were several stagecoach's around to look out.
The porch of the Stagecoach Inn had demonstrations of yarn spinning and a signing quartet.
Little Buckaroo really enjoyed the spring horses and panning for gold.
After collecting our gold flakes we headed to the basement of the Stagecoach Inn were Little Buckaroo and I got a chance to play with hand crafted wooden toys made by a Gene West, a local toy maker.
We peeked inside the Stagecoach Inn, only because I was afraid that Little Buckaroo might try to touch everything or worse, break something. Little Buckaroo was able to get more hands-on inside the Conejo School replica, where he got to pull the rope to ring the bell and draw on the chalkboard tablet.
Then we walked through the Heritage Memorial Rose Garden down a trail were we were able to walk through a pioneer home and taste fresh turned butter. The fresh butter was aboulutely delicious that we went back for seconds.
It was great to step back in time and appreciate the comforts that we have today. We had a great after noon playing and enjoying the history of the past.
This California Historical Landmark (#659) in Newbury Park was once known as the Grand Union Hotel, which was a Stage Coach Line stop for passengers travelling from Los Angeles to Santa Barbara. After the drought in 1887 the hotel went through several owners then later deeded to the Conejo Recreation and Park District. The hotel was moved in 1966 with the treat of demolition to where it sits now.
As we walked up, we were pleasantly greeted by several smiling docents who eagerly explained the days activities.
Though you could not climb on them there were several stagecoach's around to look out.
The porch of the Stagecoach Inn had demonstrations of yarn spinning and a signing quartet.
Little Buckaroo really enjoyed the spring horses and panning for gold.
After collecting our gold flakes we headed to the basement of the Stagecoach Inn were Little Buckaroo and I got a chance to play with hand crafted wooden toys made by a Gene West, a local toy maker.
We peeked inside the Stagecoach Inn, only because I was afraid that Little Buckaroo might try to touch everything or worse, break something. Little Buckaroo was able to get more hands-on inside the Conejo School replica, where he got to pull the rope to ring the bell and draw on the chalkboard tablet.
Then we walked through the Heritage Memorial Rose Garden down a trail were we were able to walk through a pioneer home and taste fresh turned butter. The fresh butter was aboulutely delicious that we went back for seconds.
It was great to step back in time and appreciate the comforts that we have today. We had a great after noon playing and enjoying the history of the past.
Wednesday, July 6, 2011
Thursday, June 23, 2011
Magic Moments - Disney Blog Hop
As most folks, when I walk into Disneyland it's always a magical moment that lifts my soul. Now that I get to share that with my son, Little Buckaroo, makes it even more magical.
My main objective in our June trip was to see Mickey's Soundsational Parade, making it Little Buckaroo's first Disneyland Parade. I wasn't sure if Little Buckaroo would make it through the wait for the parade so I waited till almost the last moment to look for a spot to watch the parade, making me nervous that we wouldn't even find a good spot for my little guy to even see it.
Luckly for me I was able to find a couple that was standing up and had plenty of space in front of them and they kindly let us sit in front of them. Almost instantly Little Buckaroo began to fuss about, fortunately the sound to the drums in the distant caught his interest.
Then shortly we were both enjoying the parade....
My main objective in our June trip was to see Mickey's Soundsational Parade, making it Little Buckaroo's first Disneyland Parade. I wasn't sure if Little Buckaroo would make it through the wait for the parade so I waited till almost the last moment to look for a spot to watch the parade, making me nervous that we wouldn't even find a good spot for my little guy to even see it.
Luckly for me I was able to find a couple that was standing up and had plenty of space in front of them and they kindly let us sit in front of them. Almost instantly Little Buckaroo began to fuss about, fortunately the sound to the drums in the distant caught his interest.
Then shortly we were both enjoying the parade....
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| Starting Drumline |
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| Darling Minnie |
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| Drumming Mickey |
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| Howling |
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| Waving bye-bye to Donald Duck |
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| Ariel |
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| Mary Poppins |
Another 'Magical Moment' at Disneyland shared with my Little Buckaroo.
Wednesday, June 22, 2011
Thursday, June 16, 2011
Family isn't always necessary blood
Family isn't always necessary blood. Being a single mom has been the hardest thing I've ever done and I've done a few things in my life time. Before having my son I was surrounded by folks that wanted to hang out and go places.
Well, I quickly learned who my true friends were after having my beautiful boy, Michael. Though I stayed away from the outside world for awhile after having Michael, it was a lot for me to handle on my own especially leaving the house with a little baby. I have to admit I lost many a friends during that time in my life. It truely opened my eyes to the true meaning of friendship.
That brings me to my friend and Michael's God Mother, Jen. She was timid around Michael at first but she stuck it out with me and has become part of our little family.
Jen has embraced both of us and has reached out in times that I needed someone there. Even during the toddler meltdowns and mommy breakdowns she stood by with a helping hand. She indures my many trips to Disneyland, even buying a annual pass so she can help out and take pictures of Michael and I.
I am truely blessed to havea friend family like Jen.
Well, I quickly learned who my true friends were after having my beautiful boy, Michael. Though I stayed away from the outside world for awhile after having Michael, it was a lot for me to handle on my own especially leaving the house with a little baby. I have to admit I lost many a friends during that time in my life. It truely opened my eyes to the true meaning of friendship.
That brings me to my friend and Michael's God Mother, Jen. She was timid around Michael at first but she stuck it out with me and has become part of our little family.
Jen has embraced both of us and has reached out in times that I needed someone there. Even during the toddler meltdowns and mommy breakdowns she stood by with a helping hand. She indures my many trips to Disneyland, even buying a annual pass so she can help out and take pictures of Michael and I.
I am truely blessed to have
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Wednesday, June 15, 2011
Tuesday, June 7, 2011
Almost Wordless Wednesday
Thinking this could be Little Buckaroo's Halloween costume this year.
- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone
- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone
Sunday, June 5, 2011
Aloha from Java Kai in Moorpark
I'm a true believer in shopping local, especially if there is delicious coffee and food involved. I took an early morning walk down to my local coffee shop, Java Kai, located in Moorpark, CA.
I've never been disappointed with the coffee and just recently started ordering food there. Last time I was here I ordered the scrumptious Kauai Waffle, which is a waffle topped with banana slices, macadamian nuts and whipped cream. This day I enjoyed a Surfer Sandwich, fresh Orange Juice and a Mocha Anu, which is a creamy blend of espresso and chocolate. Java Kai is a local merchant particapant in the Shop Moorpark program so after I ordered I recieved a ticket for an opportunity to win $100 dollars in a drawing.
The shop has a Hawaiian theme and relaxed feel to it, emphasized by it's tropical lounge area with a beach mural and soft music playing in the backround. I sat inside for a little while enjoying my breakfast and watching the owner, Mark Howe, behind the counter greeting most of his customers by their first names. As I looked around the shop I saw drawings by local kids hanging on the wall and a community board full of Thank You cards and letters to the shop for their community support. The shop owner, Mark, didn't seem bothered by my son wondering around the seating area but rather made us feel welcomed.
After finishing breakfast I moved to their outside sitting area that has a view of the local memorial rock water fountain. I sat outside with the other locals and their dogs enjoying the sunshine. Java Kai took me on a mini vacation with minimal cost and travel. Another bonus to hanging out out Java Kai is the free Wi Fi and the occasional local artist events.
When I got home I got a chance to check out the Java Kai webpage that stated "It's the combination of year round warm, sunny weather, rich volcanic soil, clean tropical air, rolling hillsides, tranquil trade winds and raindrops from the heavens that make Hawaiian coffee the best in the world" and that they emphasize on the value of family. I was sold before checking out their webpage but knowing they value family hit the mark with me and makes me a customer for life.
Saturday, June 4, 2011
38th Greek Festival
"There are two kinds of people - Greeks, and everyone else who wish they was Greek" a quote from one of my all time favorite movies, My Big Fat Greek Wedding. I've seen the movie too many time to count probally because I'm facinated by the large close family lifestyle and it's also super funny.
With the 38th Annual Valley Greek Festival going on this last Memorial Day weekend, I couldn't pass on an opportunity to emerse myself in the Greek culture and possibly get a chance to shout 'Opa".
The saying of never judge a book by it's cover definately falls true for the Saint Nicholas Greek Orthodox Church where the festival was being held. The church is on the corner of a busy intersection and set ontop of a hill only giving the view of the plain white plaster church dome with a cross on each side but once inside I was struck by the beautiful stained glass and murals inside.
I tried walking around the outside grounds of the festival with Little Buckaroo and quickly pushed my way through the crowds, passing by booths filled with Greek art, clothing and jewerly. I realized it was just too crowded to allow Little Buckaroo to walk around.
I found a spot to stand where we would have a view of the dance floor knowing that the dancers were about to perform.While wiating for the performance we were entertained by folks circle dancing.
Before leaving I wanted to try a few snacks from a few of the many food booths, most had a line that was just too long for me but I managed to find a short line for the Calamari (a Greek seafood delicacy) and Baklava and Kataifi (sweet pasteries). We found a quite spot away from the festival too enjoy our srumptious snacks.
Everyone at the festival seemed to really be enjoying themselves but a bit hard to move around, especially if you have little ones. Those there didn't seem to mind the crowds and long food lines. So, if you plan on going next year make sure to give yourself plenty of time to sit and enjoy the atmosphere because it was definately one of festing, drinking, talking and dancing.
With the 38th Annual Valley Greek Festival going on this last Memorial Day weekend, I couldn't pass on an opportunity to emerse myself in the Greek culture and possibly get a chance to shout 'Opa".
The saying of never judge a book by it's cover definately falls true for the Saint Nicholas Greek Orthodox Church where the festival was being held. The church is on the corner of a busy intersection and set ontop of a hill only giving the view of the plain white plaster church dome with a cross on each side but once inside I was struck by the beautiful stained glass and murals inside.
I tried walking around the outside grounds of the festival with Little Buckaroo and quickly pushed my way through the crowds, passing by booths filled with Greek art, clothing and jewerly. I realized it was just too crowded to allow Little Buckaroo to walk around.
I found a spot to stand where we would have a view of the dance floor knowing that the dancers were about to perform.While wiating for the performance we were entertained by folks circle dancing.
Before leaving I wanted to try a few snacks from a few of the many food booths, most had a line that was just too long for me but I managed to find a short line for the Calamari (a Greek seafood delicacy) and Baklava and Kataifi (sweet pasteries). We found a quite spot away from the festival too enjoy our srumptious snacks.
Everyone at the festival seemed to really be enjoying themselves but a bit hard to move around, especially if you have little ones. Those there didn't seem to mind the crowds and long food lines. So, if you plan on going next year make sure to give yourself plenty of time to sit and enjoy the atmosphere because it was definately one of festing, drinking, talking and dancing.
Wednesday, June 1, 2011
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