Scandinavian Festival

I debated whether to write about our Scandinavian Festival adventure because I just didn't care too much for the event. It would be great for Little Buckaroo when he gets older though. The festival was last weekend at Cal Lutheran University in Thousand Oaks. I took Moorpark Road, a small road that cuts through Moorpark into Thousand Oaks, to the campus and observed a sign that's probably been there for years but I just finally noticed stating that I was on the Historical Norwegian Grade. The campus is beautiful and the day was sunny with a nice little breeze so it was a great day to be outside. We parked on campus for free but I had to pay $7 to enter but my Little Buckaroo was free. As we entered we walked down the pathway to a Viking Village.








There was a whole village with real people playing the roles of that period. Of course with my Little Buckaroo being a curious climber he immediately went to the village dining table and benches and tried to sit on the rustic three legged bench. I tried to stop him but by time I got to him the bench fell over and I had a 6' 3" long blonde haired Viking standing over us. He preceded to tell me several times not to let climb on the display and after about the third time I snapped at him and told him that I heard him the first time. Then realizing I was irritated he elaborated that they had a cast member fall from the chair also. So in my head I was thinking...Why in the heck is this bench out here then!!! I picked up Little Buckaroo and moved on to the booths spread out throughout the huge campus.

One of the first booths I came to was the SACHF which explained that the Historical Norwegian Grade was built from 1900-1911 by Norwegian immigrants as a path to get supply's to the farming areas of Oxnard. Also explained the question of why there is a festival in the first place, the festival is a celebration of the founding of the college and the history of the Conejo Valley which was settled by Norwegians in the 1800's.

After a brief history lesson I moved on to Nordic shopping booths where we strolled past booths filled with arts and crafts.















The smell of food lured us over to the food court where Little Buckaroo and I shared a Viking Dog and Swedish Pancakes.















After a quick bite we played some Dala Horse Croquet and visited the Viking Village again. This time we were greeted by a pleasant family of Vikings and a Viking Soldier that demonstrated his war weapons.
















By this time Little Buckaroo was getting cranky and in need of a nap. So we left before getting a chance to see the Maypole Raising Ceremony and Folk Dancers. I think that we will wait a few years before returning so Little Buckaroo can participate in the activities, he was just too small or young this time to do anything.

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Tinker Bell Half Marathon

Today the newest RunDisney event is revealed on Facebook, The Tinker Bell Half Marathon a 13.1-mile course through Disneyland® Resort and the City of Anaheim, California.  I have been wanting to do a Disney run on the Disneyland resort but this is going to be a great challenge and adventure. I thought about taking the easy route for awhile by doing The Never Land Family Fun 5K but decided that I needed a challenge. I've been struggling to get back into shape after having my Little Buckaroo, now just over two years ago so I'm hoping the Sassy, feisty, and fun loving, Tinker Bell will sprinkle some of her fairy dust on me and get my booty in gear. The furthest I've ever run was 10 miles about four years ago (in shape and before the baby) and that run was painful...during and after. This run is scheduled for January 29th, 2012, giving me plenty of time to train. There will be events going on that whole weekend, including The Never Land Family Fun 5k and the Disney kids' races. I recuited my best buddy Jen to run with me. She has already given me the "I'm not dressing up in costume" warning...oh, she knows me too well. Now its time for me to step it up in the gym and buy a good jogging stroller. Wish me luck!

Easter Egg-stravaganza

I love it when local shopping center's put on free events for kids, especially The Lakes at Thousand Oaks. This wonderful destination is known for its fun entertainment all year long, such as Kids Club, movies in the park, and wine tastings in the summertime and an ice rink in the winter! Though there are just a few retail stores and a couple of restaurants, its just right for a simple afternoon. So I was thrilled to hear about the Easter Egg-stravaganza they were putting on and all we had to do is show up with a basket and camera.

Thank you Easter Bunny!

 

Little Buckaroo giving me a kiss kiss.

Waiting to for our turn in the petting zoo. 

Mikey is always so gentle.

Petting the mini pony.

 

Waiting for the egg hunt.

The egg hunts started off with the 2 and under kids and progressed in age every 20 minutes. My Little Buckaroo's group was the first group to go...Yeah!

The hunt was on.

Mikey collected lots of eggs.

Mikey with his egg hunt prize...skittles.



Simi Valley Farmers Market

Spring is here in Ventura County and the Farmers Market's are back. On the way home I pass by the Simi Valley Town Center so I decided to take my Little Buckaroo out for a stroll through their Friday Farmers Market.




I like to walk through the outdoor market once and taste a few samples before making my first purchase.




There is lots of fresh fruits and vegetables to choose from.







Along with all the fresh fruits and vegetables, there was lots of sweet goodies from the local bakeries and fresh cut flowers from the local fields. You can't beat the price, only 5 bucks for a vibrant bouquet of flowers.




We picked up a few Asian pears and dried apples then stopped to enjoy the music from a local artist. We threw a few bucks in her guitar case and after a few songs we finished strolling through the market.





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Day out with Thomas

I was nervous that the day was going to be a rain out since the weather man had forecasted thunder storms. So, I'm so blessed and grateful that the day turned out to be absoluetly gorgeous. We headed to the city of Fillmore, self named the last best small town in So Cal, for our Day Out With Thomas train ride.

Welcome banner at Central Park.

We got to Fillmore's Central Park early to give us a chance to play around with the train table stations.

Chugging along.

We loaded on to the train, opting to sit outside to enjoy the beautiful day. The ride lasted about 20 minutes which was perfect for Little Buckaroo's attention span. We got a chance to go through a tunnel and wave to folks as we crossed through the vehicle traffic.

Enjoying the ride.

Mikey being a ham.

After the train ride, we got a chanec to play around and on the trains stationed at the Fillmore and Western Railway.



Pretending to drive the train.

Striking a pose with my Little Buckaroo.

The Central Park next to the railways had additional family activities provided by the local businesses. We enjoyed our own free little private concert. Then bounced around in the bounce house for the first time ever, he had so much fun in there that I had to drag him out.  

"Twinkle, twinkle little star."

First time in a bounce house for both of us.

Of course, the day wouldn't be complete without meeting the Controller, Sir Topham Hatt, and taking a picture with Thomas.


Sir Topham Hatt

Thomas the train



Discovery Science Center

As part of my Little Buckaroo's week long 2nd Birthday celebration we payed a visit to Discovery Science Center, also known as "The Cube" due to it's cube structure, while down in Anahiem over the weekend. Thanks to the fine searchings of my dear friend Jen (a.k.a. Aunt Jen and Godmother to Mikey) we got in for free with showing my B of A credit card.

It happen to be the opening day of the "Bubblefest XV" so as we walked up bubbles were floating down from the top of the building. Along with the bubble activities, Discovery Science Center had "The Body" traveling exhibition presented by Sesame Street on display. Plus a meet and greet with Elmo. 

We made our way through The Cube stopping to play in the pretend store/restaurant first. Then we hung out in "The Body" exhibition for awhile. Mikey really enjoyed pretending to wash his hands and pushing the buttons on the gameshow display. Little Buckaroo had the blast talking into the voice toner and sitting in the earth quake simulator

Mikey is a bit obsessed with washing his hands.

The challenge was on, he won of course.

Listening to Mikey talk through the voice toner.

Mikey and I cracking up while sitting in the quake simulator.

La, la, la, la...Meeting Elmo.



Tickling the giant dinosour's belly.

Bubble making station outside.

All tuckered out.



If you get hungry from running around you can always stop by the Taco Bell inside near the front lobby and gift shop. The Discovery Science Center is a great hands-on place with plenty of things to discover. We will be back for "The Adventure's of Mr. Potatoe Head" during May 28-September 11th. :)

April Fools Day

I scheduled our April trip to Disneyland on my Little Buckaroo's 2nd Birthday (April Fools Day).  We started at the day with off with a Minnie and Friends Breakfast in the Park. This was my way of celebrating Little Buckaroo's big day and one of the main highlights of the day. I highly recommend doing a Disney Character Dining experience if you ever get a chance. Not only do you get to eat some decent food but you get your own personal experience with multiple Disney characters.

Minnie greeting us at the table.

Geppette

Eeyore

Gideon



After breakfast we made our way to King Arthur's Carrousel through Snow White's Grotto and we happen to pass by at a great moment that I'm sure happens quite a bit there, Kris had just proposed to Annie. The adorable newly engaged Orange County couple was gracious enough to let me take a photo of them. After taking a few pictures for them and congratulating them we moved on trying not to impose any more on their time.

Annie showing off her new ring.

I think Mikey could ride on King Arthur's Carrousel all day if he could but we opted for riding the merry-go-round twice so that we could make the most of the day. Lucky for us we found the Honorary Ambassador, "Jingles" the lead horse. I'm sure by time the year is over we will have ridden all the horses at least once.



My cutie riding Jingles.

With it being spring time, we got a rare opportunity to see some of the parks newest additions as they made their way through the park (Escorted by a Disney Cast Member of course).

Too cute.



The day was beginning to get hot so what better way to cool off without getting wet then with a ride on "It's a Small World". I love watching my Little Buckaroo's face as we cruise through the nation's of the world. He excitedly points out objects to me as he sways along to the music. This for me is another highlight of the day and makes me melt inside.

Mikey was to busy looking to pose for the camera.



I traditionally give Mikey a ride while in line so he can get a good view of the clock.

Continuing to escape from the heat we made our way to the "Enchanted Tiki Room" to enjoy tropical birds and flowers and their musical performance of "The Tiki, Tiki, Tiki Room". Afterward we strolled through the shop on Main Street to purchase a few mementos (pins and a pressed pennies). By time we made it to the end of Main Street, Little Buckaroo had fallen asleep in his stroller and that meant it was time to go.

All tuckered out. 

Our birthday/April trip went well. I have to thank Aunt Jen for going along and helping out so that I could have pictures of my Little Buckaroo's special day. 

Aunt Jen and Mikey.