Boys and Their Legos

Legoland, California


We spent half a day in Carlsbad visiting Legoland. The park was thoroughly entertaining and these two and a half year olds (Bean and his Buddy) could not get enough. Only because of pure exhaustion (on the part of the 2 year olds as well as the moms) did we finally leave. The rides were fun, but it was Miniland that was by far the favorite of the boys. (Ok, and the moms too.) Miniland is an area filled with architectural replicas where moving cars, trains, trolleys, trucks and boats roam through each town and city. We spent nearly an hour looking around every nook and cranny of Miniland as the boys followed their favorite modes of transportation. Look closely and you might see where Bean finally cannot restrain himself any longer and tries to climb over the fence to get his hands on the Legos. Great park, great family fun!

Photo and video editing at www.OneTrueMedia.com

Kidspace Museum

The Kidspace Museum in Pasadena is a day well spent. There is something for kids of all ages. Check out what a 1, 2, 3 and a 4 year old liked on our excursion:

We let Bean drive up to Pasadena. Don't worry, we just took side streets.

Parking was a bit of a problem, but he found a spot.

An archaeological dig

Traffic school

There is lots of great water play and participation fountains. Note to self: next time take a change of clothing. For everyone.

"Excuse me sir, but I believe I ordered the poo poo platter."

Bean playing at the Bug Diner.

There are lots of bugs and critters to see up close

The Kidspace Museum is located next to the Rose Bowl. And there is actually plenty of parking. There are many interpretive projects and displays in the museum that allow a lot of hands on play and learning for all ages. There is a Wolfgang Puck catered deli, but the lines can be long so I recommend packing a lunch if you have squirrely kids.

www.kidspacemuseum.org

Travel Wish List

Newport, Rhode Island is on my list of places to see. Our good friends Chris and Linda took this trip to Newport last summer. They have graciously allowed me to share their photos of this destination. Maybe they will comment and add a few details...but their amazing photos tell a great story...

Southern California Christmas

SoCal may not have the ideal white Christmas, but this year it was cold and festive nonetheless. (Temps in the 30s and 40s is cold to those acclimated to this climate!!) After visiting Disneyland at Christmas time, I hope to make it one of our family traditions. Granted, my son's first experience with "snow" was on Main Street with softly blown snow-like bubbles and magical music. But his eyes lit up just the same. The decorations, music and holiday altered attractions make a visit to Disneyland in December even more special than the rest of the year.

Doing a little window shopping

Visiting Mickey's House with a toddler only works in short spurts with us because a 3-4 hour nap in the middle of the day tends to disrupt our outings. This trip, Bean's first somewhat meaningful visit, was crazy busy. So we rode the train around the park...which is a huge hit for a 2 year old boy. We rode the Winnie the Pooh dark ride and visited Toon Town. And of course the batteries in my camera died about two hours in, so there is a sequential gap in the photos, so I actually watched what was going on with my own eyes instead of the through the lens of my camera.

Visually, no one does it like Disney. The scale, the design and sense of place is perfect. But this place is extra special because of the music. The music on the rides, attractions and shows are always outstanding. But the area music gives the place warmth and gives guests a rise of emotion that enhances their experience. Some of the area development music is piped in...like when it snows or in special areas or corridors of the park. But much of the music is live. Amazing musicians are around every corner. Bean especially enjoyed the ragtime pianist we heard on Main Street...

Some of our other favorite Christmastime traditions in OC (which I will try to post more photos for the next Christmas season) are seeing A Christmas Carol at South Coast Repertory Theater (though kids need to be at least 4 years old to attend), the Newport Beach Boat Parade, Irvine Park Railroad, Metrolink's Christmas Train with Santa (various stations in SoCal), Twas the Night Before Christmas at Roger's Gardens in Newport Beach, and Zoomar's Petting Zoo Live Nativity in San Juan Capistrano.

Roloff Farms

I don't watch much reality TV. But after visiting their small farm, it is easy to be enamored by the Roloff family of TLC's Little People Big World. The Roloffs have a beautiful farm in Hillsboro, Oregon. We were fortunate enough to visit this year during pumpkin season.

Roloff Farms offer hayride tours of the farm. We saw their beautifully remodeled farm house, barns, sports court and fields. Owner/farmer/father/reality star Matt Roloff along with his father have built an amazing town (Destination, a mini western town), a castle for one of the daughters (still in progress), a pirate ship and a tree house.

Guests get to wander around the western town. Bean found a piano in the saloon.

Matt Roloff's mom, welcoming guests to Destination (I am sure the woman has her own name, but half the time I am called "Bean's Mom," so I figured what the hay).

Matt Roloff's Dad, the sheriff of Destination

My grandpa had an old plow like this when I was a kid (I've been informed that this is a buck rake. Good to know.)

Pirate Ship

Tree House

Hayride tractor and wagons

Taping TLC's Little People Big World

Matt Roloff working under pressure. As we were leaving the farm, there was a line of cars a mile long waiting to park and visit the pumpkin patch.

Guests who are familiar with the show enjoy the tour and glimpses of the Roloff kids running around, working or riding their bikes. Local kids and friends of the family are the hayride tour guides, and give some amusing commentary. It was fun to see the Roloff's beautiful farm. Bean especially liked the tractor ride, trying to move pumpkins around the patch, and the Pumpkin House, a homemade theme park-like dark show set/walk through. The Roloff's have an inviting, charming place. I will have to tune into the show and check it out.

Favorite Preschooler Hang Out

Trains. A favorite of Preschool boys. At least once a week we head over to the Capistrano Depot to watch the trains and hear the conductor shout "All aboard!"

(Of course I have no actual photos of when the Pacific Surfliner or a Metrolink train come into the station, because I have a 2 year old clinging to my neck with all his might. But it is exciting every time the railroad crossing sign chimes and the train rolls in.)


But San Juan Capistrano has many attributes. The Los Rios Historic District is just across the railroad tracks and is the oldest neighborhood in California. It consists of 40 structures that were built in the late 1700s and early 1800s to house families for the mission. The buildings are homes and businesses. Great restaurants and shops. My personal favorite is the Los Rios Tea House when I am with girlfriends. Across the tracks, we have enjoyed breakfast at Sarducci's with kids. The patio has a great view of every train that stops or passes by. (For a two year old, pancakes and a real train is like dinner and a show for me.)

Los Rios Historic District

We also love Zoomar's petting zoo in Los Rios. Pony rides, feeding bunnies and guinea pigs, and a little choo choo for the kiddos.

More Horse Drive Photos

This is Maynard the mule.

The Wick Brothers

Don

Jerry

Doc



Wendell

Headin' out for the third day of riding

Tony

Cooper the trusty trail dawg

One of the guests drove this mustang to the horse drive

Donkeys on vacation from donkey basketball & baseball

Back to the ranch

Tack room