Monday, May 9, 2011

Annual Duck Race

We went to the Annual Duck race at a local park. We had the chance to catch one a few summers ago in Aspen, CO and the kids thought it was the coolest thing. This was neat because they had more than one race. They would collect the ducks after every race so not only could you see the duck race more than once during the day you had more than one chance to win. That didn't help us though. We didn't win a new car.


The kids had a blast doing the games, etc.






The lollipop tree, maybe the top-greatest game for the kids. They're always a sure winner.



Moss Landing

We went to moss landing near Monterey with the intention of renting a kayak but we found out that kids had to be at least five years old. Evie said we can just leave Ethan in the van. I guess they do a family day where kids under five can go but only on Sunday's. We had a great time walking around the beach and exploring none the less. Ethan is watching the otters swim.


The water was a bit rough so the waves were pretty with whitecaps.

Just chilling. Not a bad way to spend the afternoon.




The otters sunbathing
A dock of Sea Lions - they were soooo loud and smelly but fantastic to watch


The kids liked the Sea Lions. Even though we were behind a railing the kids would jumped back when one dove into the water.

Sunday, May 8, 2011

Happy Hallow Park and Zoo

The kids had the day off school so we drove to San Jose (about 45 minutes from SC) to Happy Hallow Park and Zoo. It was a fantastic way to spend the day. The rides were totally age appropriate and it wasn't too busy.





Taking a little lunch break after riding the rides. There were no lines. We were able to go from ride to ride, which was nice.

Check out his massive play structure. The area was fenced in so I parked in the middle near the exit and just let the kids run. The kids had fun playing which was a nice break for me too.

peek a boo
Ethan loved crossing this rope bridge. It was super wobbly.

As we were walking towards the zoo part of the park Ethan flipped his hat and said "this is how boys wear it." and growled like a monster.
Evie had fun brushing the goats.

The kids loved pumping the water.

Ethan was totally into feeding the goats. Evie didn't care to so much. She was busy brushing them.


Ethan totally surprised me. He followed this goat around for quite awhile. He fed it and now he's chilling with it, just petting it.

The last stop before leaving was a carousel ride. On our way out we traded in our day tickets for a season pass. It wasn't much more and the kids had so much fun that I knew we'd be back soon enough.

Technology

Sometimes I see the kids with our gadgets and I can't believe how much technology has changed since I was a kid. Ethan is listening to music on Joel's phone and navigating himself around Joel's playlist. I remember how cool it was to have a record player. Oh how times have changed.

Easter party at school

At the Easter party Ethan's class got to have a little parade around school and sing a song for the principal.

And it's a dash to gather Easter eggs...

Evie was so happy to find an egg with pink hearts on it.

Joel was able to take an early lunch from work and join the party for a bit. Ethan was soooo happy to see Joel. He stayed glued on his leg for a long time.

Evie and her best friend Peyton


Evie having a marshmallow treat at one of the games

Joel obviously won the water balloon toss...

Easter veggies for school...

Evie helped put together the veggie plate for her Easter party at school. The kids are both really helpful with preparing food. I love their help in the kitchen. Evie took such time and care arranging the veggie flowers.