California - To the Coast Part 2

So after a breakfast at our hotel and a morning of chilling.  We packed up our gear and drove up the coast to Santa Cruz and half moon bay.  The kids were asleep when we arrived at the boardwalk in Santa Cruz and it was a bit chilly and foggy so we went on to half moon bay.  We stopped at a few spots along the drive to see the view while the kids slept. We ate lunch first at some ridiculous fancy restaurant with a name that made you think it was kid friendly.  Jones naked kid spaghetti was $17 and he ate like 4 noodles.  Regardless to say we regretted that stop.  After that we went to the beach.  Jones was still not into walking on the sand or wear his water shoes.  But he did enjoy sitting in the sand and playing with it.

We put Theas feet in the sand and let the waves run up and she enjoyed it until a big wave came.  We even fed her on the beach while she watched Jonesy get excited about seagulls.  

We cleaned up then headed back to San Jose with a stop off at the store and the goodwill.  It was a good trip to the beach although I would like to take the kids to a warmer beach or perhaps to the UP soon I think they might enjoy that.  

13 - Traveled Map

We got a free map recently at Cracker Barrel.  Actually Jonesy brought it home. When we got it home I was like "Ahhh hah! We need this!"  Well I hung it in the hallway and used a highlighter to highlight places The kids have been I am not yet sure if I want to add mine and Dustin's states as well yet - I only have 4-5 left.  But jones is Blue and Thea is pink.  When I got Thea's written up I was a little  sad that she hasn't been many places yet but all the more reason for a map - a goal list! 

California - To the Coast Part 1

While on our trip to California we took the kids on a day trip to Monterrey then stayed in a hotel half way between Monterrey and Santa Cruz on the way back.  Jones loved staying at the hotel because pool and just lots of things to explore.

In Monterrey we hit the aquarium, I am all for these types of places but I must say at $50 for adults I would have skipped this if we went again because seeing the wildlife in the wild was just as fun to Jones and I actually enjoy that better.  But it was overcast and foggy when we got to Monterey so it gave some time for the haze to burn off while we toured the aquarium.

Jones liked the otters the best, well that and the little kid play areas.  Thea she just wanted to be carried so she could see things and stuff. 

After some quick lunch at what proved to be an overpriced so so taco place we went to see the sea lions on the coast guard pier.  Jones loved this he was so excited to watch them however we wished we had brought the stroller because he needed carried on the way back.  

We stopped at the beach and stuck our toes in the ocean Jones was so excited for this right up until his feet were mushing in the sand and then he was a not so amused.  Thea she slept thru it!

He did like picking up the sand however and was thrilled with seagulls.

As the kids napped we headed up the coastline to our hotel it's a beautiful drive along route 1.  We stopped at Swanton Berry farm and bought strawberries and stretched our legs it was actually a good pit stop with the kids even there was a groundhog that entertained us and the cutout strawberry for entertainment, as well as a little vintage you area inside.

And we also saw Pigeon Point Lighthouse.  It was a gorgeous day by the lighthouse we even saw a surf off the rocks nearby.

And then we hit our hotel, ordered pizza and took a dip in the heated pool, we had the place to ourselves which was nice.  We may have gone to bed super early too like 9:30.  

Aunt Thea and I did a similar drive with similar stops way back in like 2010 or 2011 as well - however now that I'm looking to find this post I can't find it.  But it's still fun with kids and if they were older they may have enjoyed it more as well.  

Part 2 coming soon.

16 - Play date 2 - Ahhh Museum

We have probably had several other play dates I forgot about but let's consider this play date 2.  At the museum (getting as much use as possible from our passes).  The boys are getting bigger now and more adventuresome.  They were running around more and trying more things.  Buttons, ball machine and sand being hit items.  

Jones loved the climbing structure this time and climbed up to the very top on his own and then back down (Ewan was less of a climber).  They were so cute exploring things.

Like 18 months ago we took them to the museum for the first time and they rode the chilulily wheel and so we recreated this.

Thea even got to play a little. She sat up for like 15 seconds before diving for this ball.

And then we said goodbye in the parking lot. Jones waited until we walked away and said "thanks for museum Ewanie". And holly gave me a photo of the boys for the wall.  It's so fun to have a friend with a kid the exact same age as my kid.  

loves to party

This boy loves to party!  Ever since he attended Kathleen's birthday in April he's been very excited for parties.  Since his actual birthday was on Father's Day we scheduled the party for the following week.  But on his birthday we did make sure and complete his birthday list which included - pizza, cupcake, pool, and balloons.  Easy enough right.   

We took him to Garfield Park for pool.  It has a nice splash park and kids area and he even went down the little slide several times he loved it.  When he got sooo tired he could barely walk we headed out for napping.  

We got him balloons and cupcakes and ordered pizza.  He was so excited for all these things and with his cake he attempted to eat all the sprinkles off and then was cradling his cake before he actually ate it.  So funny to watch.  

He had such a good time he asked to do it again the next day.  And then the following week we had his real party.  We invited friends and family and just had it at the house.  Naturally it was the hottest day so far this summer.  But we made things work.  I originally was doing a camping theme but abandoned that when I couldn't find any camping things and we just had a colorful summer theme.  Jones had trouble wanting to nap before the party so he was asleep when guests arrived.  I woke him up though.  We had a pizza photo booth, a clown game, toys, and food and funfetti cake.  

He loved having his friends over.  He was thrilled for balloons and pizza.  He loved playing both inside and outside.  He was so excited about cake.  He wanted to play with all his presents.  He especially loved going for a dip in his new pool after the party.  He was a party animal.  

I asked that everyone so outdoor toys since the house is becoming cluttered.  That's pretty much what he got including pool, mower, soccer set, baseball etc. We got him a scooter, helmet, pajamas, and a outside basketball hoop.  He loves every bit of it. 

It was a good birthday and when everyone left he started to cry he wanted "more party".  My little Jonesy every day can be a party if you make it so.  Every day.