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....

Starting Drumline

Darling Minnie

Drumming Mickey

Howling

Waving bye-bye to Donald Duck

Ariel

Mary Poppins

Another 'Magical Moment' at Disneyland shared with my Little Buckaroo.

Wordless Monday

Ka-chow

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 have a friend family like Jen.



 



Wordless Wednesday

1st Sword pull. Love it.

Almost Wordless Wednesday

Thinking this could be Little Buckaroo's Halloween costume this year.


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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.

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.

Almost Wordless Wednesday

Me and Little Buckaroo on one of our adventures.