Splash Park (Alga Norte)

I've been looking for a safe, clean, and fun place to take Jo swimming. He loves the water and as much as I would love to hop in the pool and swim with him, Addie would never last. So if I do go to the pool or the beach I have to bring the hubby with to make sure he can swim with Jo while I splash with Addie on the sidelines. After looking around a bit, I found a few pools or parks that offer kiddie water areas, but this one is by far my favorite. It's called Alga Norte Aquatic Center in Carlsbad. 

It boasts four water areas, a recreational pool for all ages, a lap pool, a hot tub for adults, and the splash park. We go for the splash park and it occupies and wears Jo out easily. I, on the other hand, can sit nearby in a shaded area with Addie and watch him run and play. There is a lot of room to set up for the day or just for a few hours and you can bring your own lunch and even chairs, but the center offers pool loungers, lunch tables, and plenty of shaded areas. They even have a concession stand if you don't feel like packing your lunch. Life vest are offered but if your child is

more comfortable in their own floatation device, it will be permitted as long as it is USCG approved. There is an admission fee, (for most accurate pricing click here), but it is no more than $5 for an adult. They also have spectator prices for adults who aren't swimming. I usually get in for the spectator price at $2 and Jo gets in for $3, Addie is of course, free. So for our family, we can go to a mini water park for about $10! It's an awesome way to get out of the house, get some sun, wear the kids out, and not break the bank- that's got my name written all over it! When the day is done and you're ready to get out of your wet clothes, they have a locker room for each sex where you can shower off and change. It's a great amenity. If  you are in the SoCal area or just looking for something fun to do for the day but don't feel like spending and arm and a leg, I would definitely suggest coming here. It is so much fun and its hassle free. 

The Aquatic Center is a part of the Alga Norte Community Park which boasts 32 Acres of sports fields, skate parks, picnic areas, dog park, and so much more. These parts of the park are free and are just as clean and safe. For more info on the park, click here. 

If I had known about this place sooner, I probably would have planned Jo's birthday here. It's about 30mins from my home in Oceanside, and a lot of our friends are coming from the area we used to live in, San Clemente/Dana Point, and it would be about an hour and half from them, so we opted for something closer. We did look into the birthday party packages and they are incredible! They have party packages for all ages and reasonable rates. All the packages include a covered/ shaded area with tables, chairs, and your choice of color coordinated table cloths and balloons. Each party also gets a personal POC for the day so you have someone at your beck and call. It's pretty awesome. I can't remember all of the different packages but some include inflatable bounce "houses" and slides, pool of balls, and then the splash park. We were looking into the splash park package and it was the cheapest package starting at $100 for 75mins of play and the aforemetioned details. 

Overall, it's an awesome place! We took our friend's kids there when were babysitting and they loved it as well! My favorite part? Every time I leave, the kids fall asleep as soon as I pull out of the parking lot. Summer and Motherhood just got a ton easier because of this place. Woo-Hoo!!! 

Biggest tip when coming here... bring your camera. The kids faces lighting up when playing in the water is priceless. Hope you enjoy the pics! Let me know if you're headed over there, we will meet ya! 

The water in all the pools and water features is heated. It's not super warm, but its not freezing cold.

Because there are so many places to swim and play here, it's never really too crowded. Plus, when you are at the splash park, the kids don't usually last more than two hours, so there is always people coming and going. 

The first day I came I packed my own lunch, but when we brought my friend's kids we bought from the concession stand and it was 'bleh.'  The food isn't anything grand, it's kid/ amusement park food- nachos, hotdogs, pizza, etc. I did pack my own healthy snacks and drinks though, so our food bill that day was only $25 for hotdogs and fries. The kids obviously loved it, but I cringe at the thought of feeding them junk. From now on, I think I'll just pack my own food to save money and our arteries.

 

Ok you get it, we had fun. So get off the computer and GO HERE! I'll say it again... clean, fun, and CHEAP! 

Summer 2014

Ok I finally have a minute to actually sit down and post pictures from Grammy's visit and some thing we've been up to. Summer is officially in full swing here in California and we've kicked it off with lots of time in the sand and sun. 

  

My friend introduced me to this sling called the Sakura Bloom and I am infatuated! It's a simple idea and its so comfortable. I have been through every sling and baby carrier out there, and so far, this one is my favorite for everyday use. It is made out of linen, so it is sturdy yet breathable. Addie loves that she can sit close to mommy but can still move her head to look around at what's going on. You can get the Sakura Bloom here. I highly recommend it if you are looking for an easy, lightweight baby carrier. 

One of my favorite things about Summer are the warm nights. Bonfires surrounded by great friends and family are the perfect way to end a Socal Summer night. Addie was mesmerized by the blazes. 

During the day it was all about fun in the sun. Jo loves digging and I love soaking up the rays. So happy Shannon was able to snag up a beach cottage on base for his mom again. Although he was working during the days, he was still able to come home at a decent hour to have dinner and enjoy the sunset over the water. 

  

Jo loved following Uncle Jared around. We are sure going to miss his company when he leaves. 

 

I really hope the whole Summer last like this. This is definitely a great way to kick it off. I can't wait to make more memories with my littles at the beach. We are so fortunate to be able to live so close to the ocean and I don't take them enough. 

  

Lately In Our Hood...

Things have been an adjustment with nap schedules and bedtime since we've been home from 29 Palms. I had a great trip but I am glad to be home. I guess the desert really made me miss the ocean because of the first things we did when we got home was head straight to the beach. My mom, twin brothers, Shannon, and the kids and I had lunch at 333 Pacific, a steak and seafood restaurant in town and took a walk on the pier. If you are ever in the Oceanside area, I definitely suggest frequenting this local joint! They have an extensive vodka collection, great food, and a good atmosphere- my biggest suggestion while there, the calamari. It's to die for! Jojo just loved the pier, the people, birds, and surf. I've lived in California my whole life and I don't come to the beach enough. Today, I realized how fortunate I am to live in 75 degree weather all year-round.

First "Official" Family Outing With #3

We braved the zoo with three little ones. They woke us up bright and early to get there. Overall, it was a fantastic day. Have I mentioned how blessed I am lately....? 

 

 

Two Birthdays

Last weekend we celebrated my 25th birthday and the Marine Corps' 238th Birthday!

Our annual 'official' photo 

I am so fortunate to be able to share my birthday with the Marine Corps; it gives me the opportunity to feel fabulous. (Although this year it was a little hard to get into the glamour with a 7 month protruding pregnant belly). Every year my husband takes me to the Marine Corps Ball and there we celebrate the birth of America's greatest fighting force. All the Marines are dressed handsomely in their dress blues uniform and they are usually accompanied by their beautiful wives, girlfriends, and significant others in formal elegant ball gowns. It's the Oscars of the military, and its amazing!

This year the ball was in Las Vegas at the Paris Hotel & Casino, and when Shannon told me this, I was upset. Not just because I am 7months pregnant, but because I've never been a "Vegas-type" girl, (if there is such a thing), or at least I thought I was not the Vegas-type. From my understanding, Las Vegas was about indecencies, greed, and vulgar sex, all things which aren't high on my to-do/ bucket list.

However, Shannon assured me my birthday was not ruined, because we could "do Vegas tastefully."

Trusting him I prepared for our trip. Shannon had set up a wonderful weekend with fancy dinners and amazing seats at the 'O' show in the Bellagio. Once I heard this, I was excited and couldn't wait to get to Vegas! We dropped Jo off with my grandmother and Mom in Murrieta for the weekend. I was so nervous to leave Jo (we've never left him overnight with anyone), but now looking back it was harder on me than on him- he had a great time! After sneaking away from him, we sped off to the desert to ring in my quarter-century birthday and the Marine Corps' 238th. 

Bliss in all its grandeur

To my surprise, I had one of the best times of my life! I ate everything- that was my indulgence, not money or sex, but food! I have don't have a sweet tooth, I have a sweet mouth, head, and heart, so seeing the amazing restaurants- especially desserts- I was in heaven. Yes, I still saw the trashy, immoral side of Vegas but my husband delivered exactly what he said he would- a glamorous, tasteful, memorable birthday weekend. A part of me didn't want to leave, but I was excited to get back to our son, who I thought, by then wouldn't remember who we were. My mom insisted we stay another night and enjoy ourselves, but I as kid-sick and wanted to spend sometime with our son for my birthday too. Looking back my perspective on Vegas has changed and although I'm weary of it, I know there are things to like. I am so grateful and blessed for last weekend and I will never forget it.