Southern California OC Fair Discounts

The OC Fair is in town from July 12th through August 11, 2019.  We want to help you save on your summer fun.  There are several ways to save on your admission and the rides. With careful planning you can save money, help the community and have fun all at the same time. Keep reading to find out how to save!

DAILY SAVINGS:

Active Military & Veterans

Active-duty military and veterans receive free OC Fair admission and are eligible to purchase half-price general admission tickets. Promotion is valid all 23 days of the OC Fair. Military ID is required. Free admission is not applicable for spouses or dependents. A maximum of six half-price general admission tickets may be purchased.  This offer may not be combined with any other offers.

San Diego / San Bernardino / Indio / Ventura & OC Fair Bounceback

Save your San Diego County Fair, Riverside County Fair, San Bernardino County Fair, or Ventura County Fair ticket stub for one FREE admission at the OC Fair, July 12-Aug. 11.  Ticket must be surrendered at the gate to redeem offer.

Save your 2019 OC Fair admission ticket for one FREE admission at the 2020 Riverside County Fair (Feb. 14-23).

Read & Ride

Bookworms ages 5-11 can read two books to earn three free carnival rides!

Download the book report form. Completed book report forms can be redeemed for ride tickets at the Kidland Information Booth during Fair hours. Tickets are valid July 12-Aug. 11, 2019, only. Excludes Titan ride.

Super Pass

The 2019 OC Fair Super Pass is available for purchase online at ticketmaster.com and at the Pacific Amphitheatre Box Office. 

General (13-59)     $40

Senior (60+)          $33

Youth (6-12)           $33

Wednesday Drives (12-3 p.m.)

We Care Wednesday's offers an opportunity to donate to help our community and visit the OC Fair. 

Donate on the specified dates listed below for FREE general admission to the OC Fair and one carnival ride per person. Offer valid noon to 3 p.m. General admission tickets may not be used on any other day. Donations are accepted at public entrances (Blue Gate, Yellow Gate or Green Gate). Donations are not accepted at Gate 5 off Arlington Drive, and FREE admission will not be honored after 3 p.m.

July 17, 2019 - Bring School Supplies (NEW School supplies with receipt) to receive free admission. Value must be $5.00 or more. NO workbooks or color books. (Share out Shelves)

July 24th, 2019 - Bring (5) Cans of food to receive one free admission. (Second Harvest and OC Food Bank)

July 31st, 2019 - Bring (3) New or almost new books children's books. No workbooks, color books or audio books. (Think Together)

August 7th, 2019 - Bring (5) New or almost new clothing items. (Goodwill)

Please remember that the item above must be in almost new or almost new condition. With the school supplies they are requesting the receipt. Must arrive between 12:00 p.m. -3:00 p.m.

$35 Unlimited Ride Wristband

Ride until 8 p.m., sold until 5 p.m. – includes 2 free games and 1 ride on the Titan; all other rides are unlimited.

THURSDAYS

$3 Taste of Fair Food (12-4 p.m.)

Enjoy $3 samples of select Fair treats. Valid noon – 4 p.m.

Kids Day

Children 12 & younger receive FREE Fair admission all day.

$35 Unlimited Ride Wristband

Ride until 8 p.m., sold until 5 p.m. – includes 2 free games and 1 ride on the Titan; all other rides are unlimited.

FRIDAYS

Seniors Day (60+)

$5 Senior admission plus FREE Ferris wheel and merry-go-round rides all day.

$2 Rides, $2 Games until 4 p.m. (Excludes Titan ride)

Ride the spectacular new Titan for ½ the tickets!

WEEKENDS

Best Deal Ever!

Half-price general admission ($7) and carnival rides are half the tickets to ride – from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Saturday & Sunday 

Sundays only: $35 Unlimited Ride Wristband available – ride until 4 p.m., sold until 1 p.m. Includes 1 ride on the Titan; all other rides are unlimited. 

FREE Off-Site Parking (Saturday & Sunday)

Free parking and shuttle service is available on Saturdays and Sundays from the Experian parking structure located off the Bristol Street exit of the 405 Freeway. Follow the signs to “Experian.” The shuttle operates from 10 a.m. to 1 a.m. Saturday & Sunday only.

Wednesday–Friday Single-day admission General (13-59) – $12 Senior (60+) – $7 Youth (6-12) – $7 Children 5 and younger are free Buy Now

Saturday & Sunday Single-day admission General (13-59) – $14 Senior (60+) – $7 Youth (6-12) – $7 Children 5 and younger are free Buy Now

Disclaimer: All the information was gathered from the OC Fair website. Please go to their site for more information. https://ocfair.com/oc-fair/buy-tickets/admission/

Summer Field Trip - Blackberry picking in Southern California.

U-pick farms is one of our favorite ways to buy fresh fruits and vegetables. It is  also a great way to connect with nature. We visited Greenspot Farms this past weekend for an opportunity to pick blackberries. The season is just getting started, therefore, in the coming weeks there will be a lot more fruit on the vines. Address: 10133 Ward Way, Mentone, CA 92359 

Greenspot Farms has many activities for you and your family including a playground for your kids and farm animals to keep them occupied. Our kids absolutely loved feeding the animals and would love to come back. Our favorite area of the farm was its' little market. It had several fruits from the farm for sale and refreshments to help keep cool. We recommend wearing light clothing such as shorts, t-shirts and make sure you put on sunscreen.  The summer heat is coming, wearing light clothing will help you face the hot weather this summer.

The blackberry bushes are near the farm entrance. There are two sections of blackberry bushes that extend about 30 - 50 feet. You may have to bend down to find the sweetest, ripest berries. As you can see in this picture, the ripe berries are hiding under the leaves. Picking fruit is about being patient and using your detective skills. The bushes, as you know, have thorns and kids under 10 should be supervised to avoid getting scratched and poked.

This farm has a little of everything. We found avocado trees, Christmas trees, apple trees and plum trees. Their store sells locally grown oranges and honey as well. Bring cash to pay.  There is no cashier on site and based on the honor system.  In order to help keep this amazing farm open to the public, please make sure you pay the correct amount or donate a bit extra.

We got found ourselves just sitting by the picnic tables enjoying the sound of the birds and the gently blowing wind through the beautiful trees surrounding. The farm is really quiet and it was quite hot the day we visited. It was a really beautiful day on the farm.  We hope you enjoy your visit!

Greenspot Farm is located at 10133 Ward Way, Mentone, CA 92359. Can not make it to Greenspot Farm? Consider visiting the farms Listed below for raspberry and blackberry picking:

Julian Mining Company 

4444 State Hwy 78 - Julian/Wynola CA 92036

Telephone: (951) 313-0166

Underwood Family Farms

5696 Los Angeles Avenue, Somis, CA, 93066

Telephone: (805) 386-4660

Tips from Pick Your Own Org website and a few of our own:

1. Call before you visit. Times and availability might change at any time. So before you drive a distance call the farm and confirm they are open and have fruit on the vine.  
2. Bring cash. Some farms do not have debit or credit card machines. 
3. Arrive early because during the weekends the fields might be picked clean by noon.
4.  Never leave without sunscreen and water. Bring a snack or picnic lunch because picking your own fruit does work up your appetite.
5. Follow the farm rules. Most farms offer buckets or baskets to collect your fruit. Prices and picking rules are usually posted by the entrance. Please follow the rules and use the containers they provide.
6. Do not wash berries until you are ready to eat. 
7. Do refrigerate your berries and cover them to keep them fresh. 
8. Take lots of pictures and share your experience with friends and family. These small farms depend on word of mouth to keep them open. 

Always call before you go to the farm - And when they are in season, a large turnout can pick a field clean before noon, so CALL first!

image: http://pickyourown.org/strawberries/wabusyday.jpg

image: http://pickyourown.org/strawberries/wabusyday.jpg

Leave early.  On weekends, then fields may be picked clean by NOON!  

Most growers furnish picking containers designed for raspberries, but they may charge you for them; be sure to call before you go to see if you need to bring containers. 
If you use your own containers, remember that heaping raspberries more than 5 inches deep will bruise the lower berries. Plastic dishpans, metal oven pans with 3 inch tall sides and large pots make good containers. I like the Glad storage containers like the one at right.

Bring something to drink and a few snacks; you'd be surprised how you can work up a thirst and appetite! And don't forget hats and sunscreen for the sun. Bugs usually aren't a problem, but some deet might be good to bring along if it has been rainy.

Read more at http://pickyourown.org/raspberries.htm#AVbKW3bSRC453J7M.99

Ice Cream and Shave Ice dessert places to visit this summer.

ICE CREAM!!!!!  We are big fans of ice cream, shaved ice and frozen yogurt. Our summer goal this year is to visit fun dessert eateries that offer yummy frozen treats.  We love shaved ice with a scoop of ice cream or an ice cream taco dessert. Planning our visit to the creamery shops is a joyous family event because it is a sometimes food. This summer, we plan on having more scrumptious moments in the hopes of capturing the perfect ice cream experience. We are sharing some of our favorite places we have visited in the past and a few new places we will be visiting this summer. Follow us on Instagram and Facebook to get exclusive information as we go on the hunt for the BEST Ice Cream / Shaved Ice / Dessert place.

Places that we have visited and love:

Baskin Robbins - Baskin-Robbins has more than 1,300 ice creams in its flavor library, and also offers custom ice cream cakes, frozen beverages and the Polar Pizza™ Ice Cream Treat. They are located throughout Southern California.

Cauldron Ice Cream - They have the most beautiful designed Ice Cream Flower with a waffle. They offer locations in Chino, Convoy, Irvine, San Jose, Santa Ana, Temple City and Torrance. 

ColdStone Creamery  - The secret recipe for smooth and creamy ice cream is freshly handcrafted daily in each store, then, customized by combining a variety of mix ins on a frozen granite stone.

Creamistry - At Creamistry®, specially trained Creamologists use liquid nitrogen to hand-craft premium ice cream, one scoop at a time! They don’t make it until you order it – it doesn’t get any fresher than that!

Dairy Queen - Dairy Queen offers a variety of treats and products including burgers, chicken strips, chicken sandwiches, artisan sandwiches and the famous DQ soft-serve that is part of a variety of unique treats only found at Dairy Queen restaurants. They have been in business for over (75) years. Their best selling item is the famous "Blizzard". Try the Reese's Peanut Butter Cup Blizzard treat.

Foster Freeze - The Banana Splits are super yummy. This store is located in Lake Forest inside the Wienerschnitzel. They offer a drive thru for parents who are in a hurry.  Drive Thru - 20652 LAKE FOREST DRIVE, LAKE FOREST, CA 92630

Eiswelt Gelato - Frozen Gelato treats are scooped and then formed into pigs, teddy bears, doggies. The dessert shop serves about 22 rotating flavors of gelato, including strawberry, matcha green tea, birthday cake and red velvet. The gelato is made in-house, nightly. Their shop is located at: 9605 Bolsa Ave, Westminster, CA 92683

Honeymee - Kosher Dairy with a drizzle of fresh Raw Honey makes for a delicious summer treat. This cream shop offers delicious Ice Teas as well. They have several locations Southern California. 

Snow Monster - Snow Monster offers made-to-order and customized Macaroon ice cream sandwiches, Wild Cotton Candy, Thai Ice Tea in a fancy Monster cup, Shaved Ice and Boba Drinks. There are several locations throughout Southern California. 

Sweet Rolled Tacos - A thin waffle cone rolled into the shape of a taco with scoops of ice cream and toppings. This place is usually busy and there is a line, so plan ahead and go early.  Bring a camera because you will want to take an Instagram of this frozen treat. 

Thrifty's Old Fashion Ice Cream - Growing up my folks use to take me for a scoop of Thrifty's Old Fashion Ice Cream. The ice cream shop use to be inside the local drugstore. We would shop and at the end we would get a scoop to go. Now, Rite Aid sells Thrifty's ice cream inside their stores. It is usually very inexpensive and served the same way they use to many years ago. Some of the favorite flavors are Pineapple and Coconut, Strawberry and their famous Chocolate Malted Krunch. Everyone should try a scoop of this ice cream at least once in their lifetime. 

Ice Cream posts 

Creamistry - Please take a minute to find out about our first visit to Creamistry.
https://www.fieldtripmom.com/2015/03/creamistry-customize-your-ice-cream.html

Kream Kong- Food truck. Have them come to your next event and enjoy delicious Ice Cream.
http://www.fieldtripmom.com/2018/09/kream-kong-ice-cream-is-making-people.html

4th of July Public Fireworks for Orange County

Fourth of July is approaching fast. There are several places in Orange County that will be putting on a fireworks display. The Orange County Fire Authority has a list of places that have approved fireworks. Just click on the link to get a list of places to visit this 4th of July:  2019 4th of July Public Fireworks Displays

2019 4th of July Public Fireworks Displays

ALISO VIEJO Grand Park 

Aliso Viejo Community Association 2

6703 Aliso Creek Road 

LAKE FOREST 

Lake Forest Il Sun & Sail Club

24752 Toledo Way 

MISSION VIEJO 

Lake Mission Viejo 

BUENA PARK 

Knott's Berry Farm 

8039 Beach Boulevard 

RANCHO SANTA MARGARITA 

Lago Rancho 

Santa Margarita 

Beach Club 21472 

Avenida de los Fundadores 

DANA POINT 

Dana Point Harbor 

Doheny State Beach St. 

Regis Monarch Beach Golf Club 

1 Monarch Beach Resort 

SAN CLEMENTE 

San Clemente Pier 

IRVINE 

Woodbridge Village Association 

31 Creek Road 

Irvine High School 

4321 Walnut Avenue 

SAN JUAN CAPISTRANO 

San Juan Sports Park 

25925 Camino del Avion 

SANTA ANA 

Centennial Park 

3000 West Edinger Avenue 

LADERA RANCH LARCS Founder's Park 

28275 Avendale Boulevard 

SEAL BEACH 

Old Ranch Country Club 

3901 Lampson Avenue 

LAGUNA HILLS 

Laguna Hills Community Center 

and Sports Complex 

25555 Alicia Parkway 

LAGUNA NIGUEL 

Laguna Niguel Regional Park 

28241 La Paz Road

LAGUNA WOODS 

Laguna Village Golf Club 
24112 Moulton Parkway 

TUSTIN 

Tustin High School 

1171 El Camino Real 

YORBA LINDA 

Yorba Linda Middle School 

4777 Casa Loma Avenue 

Disclaimer: All opinions are all my own. This is from the Orange County Fire Authority. Please check times with each each city to make sure there are not any changes to the schedule. 

California grows delicious CHERRIES!!!

We hit the road to Leona Valley this weekend. Our goal was to have some weekend fun picking cherries and eating them on the way back home. Yes, we hauled several pounds of freshly picked cherries and we ate lots of them on the way home. We wish we lived closer to the cherry farms because we would visit every weekend. It is so magical to pick and eat your own fruit. We hope that everyone reading this post gets an opportunity to experience the same fun day we had. Keep reading to find out where to go and how to get there......

CASH ONLY!!!!!!  The cherry farms are usually cash only so bring enough for $7.00 per pound. Some farms charge less others charge more but the average is $7.00. Due to the weather some of the smaller farms will be closing early while the larger farms will stay open until the end of June 2019. Most cherry farms have websites and Facebook pages where you can check on their availability. We highly recommend that you check their operating hours before you road trip.  From Orange County, you can bank on a 2 to 2.5 hour drive and dependent on your location in Los Angeles County 45 min to 2 hours.

Villa Del Sol 

6989 Elizabeth Lake Road Leona Valley, CA 93551

(661) 270-1356

Directions:

From Los Angeles:Take the 5 Freeway North to the 14 Freeway. Continue North and exit Palmdale Blvd. Turn West/left onto Palmdale Blvd. 

This turns into Elizabeth Lake Road.

Continue on 5-7 miles and watch for the "first cherry stop on the right".

Villa Del Sol is at the intersection of Elizabeth Lake Road and Godde Hill Road in Leona Valley, CA.

Copeland's Cherry Ranch 

9611 Leona Ave 

Leona Valley, CA 93551

Copelandscherryranch@gmail.com

Directions:

From Los Angeles, Take the 5 Freeway North to the 14 Freeway. Continue North and exit Palmdale Blvd. Turn West/left onto Palmdale Blvd (going west). 

Take Palmdale Blvd which changes to Elizabeth Lake Road at 10th Street West. Continue towards the country to 90th West (approximately 11 miles).  At 90th West (stop sign) turn left.

Turn right at the next stop sign - Leona Avenue

Copeland's is half a mile down on your right.

Rolling Thunder Cherry Ranch

U-Pick Cherry Ranch in Leona Valley, CA

Cherry orchard opening for cherry season June 21st.

6/21 and 6/22: 10am-3pm

6/23: 11am-3pm

$7 per lb. CASH only.

(661) 270-9688

Cherry Hill Farm 

39300 Bouquet Canyon Road Leona Valley CA 93551 us

https://www.cherryhillfamilyfarm.com/

From Los Angeles and the Valleys

5 FWY N to the 14 FWY N

Exit Palmdale Blvd Left

Palmdale Blvd turns in to Elizabeth Lake Road

Continue on Elizabeth Lake Road for about 8 more miles

Turn Left on Bouquet Canyon Road

Make a left after the first curve on Rogers Creek Road. Its a bumpy dirt road so go slow. About a half mile down you will see our orchard and sales booth on the right. Park on your left across from the sales booth.

WINDY RIDGE CHERRIES

9811 Leona Avenue

Leona Valley, CA 93551

(661) 270-9106

http://pickcherries.com/about-us/

Tip: When you exit the freeway there is an Albertson's Market where you can pick-up sandwiches and drinks to enjoy a picnic at the farms. We also suggest to use their restrooms there because the farms only have portable bathrooms. Safe travels!!!

Disclaimer: All opinions are all my own. Please do not use our photos without permission. Not a sponsored post. 

Universal Studios Hollywood is a great place to spend your staycation.

We participated in a Staycation this Spring Break. It was so easy and relaxing. It all started one perfect Sunday at 8:00 AM. We drove to Universal Studios Hollywood, about an hour away from our home. The kids had never visited before and they were curiously excited to get on the rides. The minute we arrived and parked the car, it was clear, we would have lots of fun. We could see and feel the excitement of season pass-holders as we watched them running to the front entrance. Once we got inside the park, we immediately headed toward the Kung Fu Panda Adventure ride.  Continue to read this post to find how to get discounts on Universal Studios Hollywood admission prices.

The kids were excited when we used our upgraded Express Pass to enter the Kung Fu Panda multi-sensory attraction. It was our first time visiting Universal Studios and using express passes therefore we did not know what to expect. Quickly, we realized that EXPRESS was the way to go. 

This benefit is well worth the additional ticket price as we were able to save time in line allowing us to enjoy more of the theme park in less time. We highly recommend your family upgrade your ticket(s) to include the Universal Express Ticket. 

The ride invites you into a waiting area where Poe and all of his Kung Fu friends entertain you on screens above the main theater entrance. When we entered into the main theater, sat down and started the ride, we got a case of the giggles. The ride hit our funny bones as our seats swished and swayed along with the movie on the screen. The motion made it feel as though we were on a raft riding over waterfalls and fast moving river rapids. Water droplets sprayed us from the ceiling as Poe was guiding us down the rapid river. It was exhilarating. We laughed the entire time.

We exited the Kung Fu Panda Adventure ride and headed straight to the Harry Potter Wizarding World. There we splurged on candy, shopped the stores and drank Butter Beer. The Harry Potter section of Universal Studios is extraordinary because it makes you feel as though you are inside the movie. You have to see the picture below to understand what we mean. Our boys jumped on the Flight of the Hippogriff, Universals first outdoor roller coaster. We ended our tour with a stop to enjoy the Frog Choir, watching in amazement of some Wand Magic and taking photos in front of the train station. 

After taking in the view of the castle and all other things Harry Potter, we briskly walked to the Despicable Me Minion Mayhem ride. My husband and I realized we had turned into teenagers as we were pointing and planning the next ride we would all enjoy. Minion Mayhem was my favorite because I really enjoyed the series of Despicable Me Movies. For this ride, we needed 3-D Glasses as we went on another adventure with Gru and his Minions attempt to turn us humans into Minions to help with his new thievery plan. 

Our visit continued with the classic and great experience of the Universal Studios Tour featuring a tram tour of the back lot where you can experience movie making at its finest. From an earthquake simulation to a speed expedition with Fast and the Furious, the Bates Motel of Psycho and Jaws, the tour gives you a detailed experience in movie making. Our day rounded out with taking rides on The Simpsons Ride, joining Optimus Prime and Bumble Bee for a fight against the Decepticons on Transformers the Ride 3D, a thrill ride on Revenge of the Mummy, experiencing movie magic in the Special Effects Show and rounding out our adventure at the highly exhilarating and absolutely adventure show, Waterworld! Unlike any other theme park, Universal Studios brings the fun to you with a completely different and exciting spin to adventure. 

The theme park is spread out over a very large area. We walked over 17,000 steps or the equivalent of 8.7 miles the day we visited. Honestly, there was so much to see and do, we really didn't notice until we looked at our step counter during dinner at Universal City Walk. The City Walk has a huge selection of eateries including Pinks, Panda Express, Pizza, Voo Doo Doughnuts and greats like the Hard Rock Cafe and much more. Retail stores line the City Walk for those that need to get their shopping in. Universal Studios has excellent and abundant parking structures and best of all, you can get a great evenings rest with the nearby Sheraton and Hilton Hotels. Enjoy one of the best vacations ever with a Staycation at Universal Studios Hollywood.

Disclaimer: All thoughts and opinions are all our own. Travel, Food and all other incidental items paid by Field Trip Mom. We were invited as part of media. We did not receive any compensation. 

Deals and Discounts:  If you are a Costco member, check out these two amazing ticket discounts for your whole family to enjoy.

https://www.costco.com/Universal-Studios-Hollywood-3-Visit-Ticket,-eTicket.product.100483504.html

https://www.costco.com/Universal-Studios-Hollywood-18-Month-Pass-eTicket,-California.product.100483582.html

Wordless Wednesday

#wordlesswednesday
#Family
#Universal Studios

Silva's Fresh Eatery & Churrascaria

Are you looking for an amazing Brazilian BBQ Steakhouse, also known as a Churrascaria, that won't break the bank?  If you are a meat eater, you are in luck because we are about to embark on a foodie's dream.  Even if you have a family member or friend who is vegetarian, you can feel good about your restaurant of  choice.  That place is Silva's Fresh Eatery & Churrascaria!  Come one, take a tour with us.

Silva's Fresh Eatery & Churrascaria has been open for about a year and brings fresh and delicious to the table until you throw in the towel.  Let's start with my favorite part of this experience, the Churrascaria.  Behind the buffet counter, you will find the Master Chef awaiting your selection of deliciously cooked meats including sirloin, veal, chicken, ribs and sausage.  The chef pulls the rack of meat off the oven, brushes it with the restaurants secret blend of spices and slices it to perfect right before your eyes.  The juices of the meat are running as the chef carefully slices your serving.  Don't worry, pick 2, or 3, or maybe a sampling of all of their meats because these plates can hold enough for an army.  And for you meat eaters like me, don't worry, there's another fresh plate with your name on it because Silva's Fresh Eatery & Churrascaria is all you can eat.

Now, we can't forget the most important part of the meal because no human can live by meat alone.  Let's talk about the fresh part of this eatery.  Made from 100% Organic, Locally Sourced and Locally Grown vegetables, the side dishes are a meal in itself and will be the delight of your vegetarian family member or friend.  Silva's has everything one could imagine.  As you walk up to the start of the line, there are a host of salad options and ingredients to custom make the salad of your dreams.  From lettuce, broccoli, red onion, hard boiled eggs and more.  This is a salad bar dream.  Next you will round the corner of the buffet to find amazing Brazilian dishes that compliment every plate regardless of your dietary needs.  Cheese rolls, beans, Brazilian beef stew, roasted salmon, curry cauliflower, rice and so much more.  You have to try just a little of everything on the first plate but save room to go back to enjoy your favorites.  For me, it was hard to choose a favorite, I loved everything!

Finally, let's get to the best part, the price.  Silva's Fresh Eatery & Churrascaria is reasonably priced and nearly half of the other Brazilian BBQ steakhouses in the area.  With a full bar as well as kitchen menu that offers a wide range of alternative meal options in case you don't have a stomach for all you can eat service.  The restaurant has a beautiful dining area and the staff was amazingly nice.  Everyone from the front of the house to the back were focused on the most important piece of the business...their customers.  Great service, excellent food and prices that won't break the bank.  

Silva's Fresh Eatery & Churrascaria is located at 3672 S Bristol St in Santa Ana, CA.  The restaurant is on the north side of the strip mall close to the LA Fitness.  We recommend exiting the 405 Fwy at Bristol, travelling north on Bristol.  At McArthur Blvd, make a U-Turn and pull into the shopping center just past Chase bank.  The restaurant faces McArthur Blvd.  Although a bit hard to find in the shopping center, the food is well worth finding this amazing eatery.  They have plenty of space for large parties however it is recommended you make reservations for Friday, Saturday and Sunday.

Disclaimer: All thoughts and opinions are all my own. We were guests of the restaurant. All travel, tips and additional expenses were covered by Fieldtripmom.com 

Family Trip to the Los Angeles Zoo for Spring Fling!

At the end of March, we visited the Los Angeles Zoo and Botanical Garden. It is one of our favorite places to visit during Spring because it is peaceful and full of beauty. The first exhibit we saw was a lovable seal named Ziggy and his friend. Their home is right near the Zoo entrance. As we approached the glass the seals began to come closer in our direction. Standing there we could see how playful they were being with one another. It was relaxing to watch them play. For a few moments everything is forgotten and your mind wonders off into the beauty of nature.

After we finished visiting with Ziggy, we ran towards the Flamingo exhibit. There, we all pretended to stand like a flamingo on one leg. It is very funny to  try that pose. These flamingos are, of course, the yoga masters of the zoo and they make it look easy. Next time you visit the zoo try standing  on one leg without falling or  shaking while sticking your head in the ground. Now you see why we call them Yoga Masters. 

The next adventure was going to visit the American Black Bear who lives in the back of the Zoo. He is an animal that we admire because he is so adorable from far away but very dangerous up close. (Don't ever mess with bears of any kind!!!! ) This time around, the bear was just sleeping, tucked away near by. We could see his paws and the top of his head that stuck out from behind a rock. We said our good-byes and told him we would return soon and waved.

The next place we went was to see the lions. WOW! They were eating lunch when we arrived. The kids were amazed at the powerful jaws they have for eating their food. YIKES! Our boys loved every minute of the visit with the lion.  

Around the corner from the lions was the Giraffe exhibit.  Across the way was a little cafe where you can sit and eat while watching these supermodels of the zoo. The wind picked up a little and it felt like a welcomed hug. We were hot from all the walking so sitting and eating while a gentle wind passed through felt perfect. 

As we made our way back to the front of the zoo, we stopped and visited more animals, birds, reptiles and botanical gardens. We enjoyed the trees and the gentle breeze that flowed through the zoo. It all felt like the perfect day. 

Just around the corner, among zoo visitors a beautiful peacock roamed freely. He loved posing for pictures as long as we kept our distance.  He was the perfect zoo ambassador. The kids named him, "Freebird".  Freebird gave us several picture opportunities before leaving public view.  

As we headed home, we participate in several spring activities while at the zoo: Native wildflower seed giveaway, Honey Tasting (additional fee) and Green-screen photo booth experience. We had fun taking pictures throughout LA Zoo, however because we had (5) people it seems as though every photo has someone closing their eyes. So to be kind to our kids, we can not share any of those pictures. (Imagine (5) people and one person is closing their eyes weirdly. Then all the others can't stop laughing because of it.) 

The LA Zoo is packed with fun activities this time of season because of all the fun activities it offers. Sharing with you a list of activities that you can expect at the LA Zoo this Spring season with the price of admission:

1. "Pollination Celebration” acrobat show at 1 and 3 p.m. 
2. Green-screen photo booth experience from 11:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. 
3. Roaming bee and butterfly puppeteers, 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. 
4. Earth Expo featuring favorite conservation and community organizations 
5. Planting for Pollinators and Bee & Butterfly crafts 
6. Native wildflower seed giveaway (while supplies last) 
7. Two special animal feedings  (see schedule)
8. Sustainable living 
9. demonstrations (see schedule) 
10. Chalk art educational activity 
11. Honey Tasting from 10:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. (for an additional fee)

To get more information on the LA Zoo and Botanical Garden, please visit their website: https://www.lazoo.org/

Disclaimer: All thoughts and opinions are all our own. We were invited as media to visit the zoo. All travel expenses were paid by Field Trip Mom ( meals, gasoline, tips for gratitude and fees for activities that are not included with admission.) No compensation was received.

Have I Ever Told You? by Shani King

When our kids were little, my husband and I would read them stories at bedtime. Some of our favorite books were funny and memorable. The titles were, "If you give a mouse a cookie?", "Horton hatches an egg." and many more. We would make funny voices as we read the books. As the kids grew-up,  we started having them read to us. One book that my son is reading to us is "Have I ever told you?" by Shani King. You are probably wondering why our son is reading this to us? 

We have the kids read silly and funny books to us to keep the magic of reading.  Of course, our kids are now reading more intense books that discuss history, politics and math. Some of their current reads are very boring but necessary for their education. Having our kids read to us books like, "Have I ever told you?" helps to make family time silly and yet educational.  As they read, this book actually sparked conversation about using uncomfortable words.  The book talks about doing the right thing and being brave to discuss any topic they have questions about.  As a result, our boys wanted to discuss why adults and some preteens / teens use foul language. We engaged in some very interesting and insightful dialog after reading the book.  

This book has a great message of be kind, thoughtful and you can achieve anything you set your mind to. The pages are filled with great reminders for both children and adults of what this world needs more of everyday. We hope that this books captures your heart just like did ours.

Amazon says:"This little book holds the message of dignity that every child on this earth needs to hear: You are loved. You matter. You make me smile. You make me the happiest person in the world, just by being you."

• ISBN-10: 0884487199
• ISBN-13: 978-0884487197

We are also reading, "Miss Pinkeltink's Purse." A story about a lady with no home but a big heart. A little girl will change her situation.  "Nobody is too small to do something BIG!"  

Another great book to read with your kids and teach compassion towards others. 

https://www.amazon.com/Miss-Pinkeltinks-Purse-Patty-Brozo/dp/0884486265