Long Beach - Mud Mania at Rancho Los Cerritos

My family and I had the most fun on Sunday August 21st, 2011. We dressed in our best play clothes and headed to Long Beach to play with mud. Mud Mania event at Rancho Los Cerritos happens only once a year. So we got there early enough to be in front of the line. With our money in hand and our towels in another. We signed up for all the events. Here is a list of what we did that day:

Build a house with mud and bricks
Shell decorating
Paint a Clay wiggles
Make your own fossil
Make a nature crown
Plant a tree with Tree Lovers
Make a clay house
Learn about rocks and stones
Paint your own t-shirt
Crush seashells to coat and cover an Adobe Oven
Race to make a brick from mud
Throw tennis balls with mud
Run and walk in the mud

The entire family got to participate in all the events and got creative. The day flew by so fast that when we finally got to seat under a large tree to listen to live music. Our feet hurt so bad from walking all day long.  As we sat there, we enjoyed watching the butterflies that flew above us. There was the yellow Mimosa Butterfly, Monarch Butterfly and others I had never seen before. The beauty of the ranch is in the fruit trees and rose bushes. It is like a little forest in the middle of a large city. You can feel the history that once lived there. This place holds secrets from the past.  Everyone should go there to sit and listen to the wind run through the trees.

http://www.rancholoscerritos.org/visitor.html

Important Dates In The History Of Rancho Los Cerritos

2000-3000 BC	Native Americans live on lands that become Rancho Los Cerritos. Little is known about these peoples, however, eleven cogged stones from this period were discovered at Rancho Los Cerritos in 1930.
500-1769	Tongva people (Gabrielino Indians) live on lands later known as Rancho Los Cerritos; village of Tibahangna said to be north of present ranch house.
1769	First Spanish settlement in California at San Diego
1771	Mission San Gabriel founded
1781	El Pueblo de Los Angeles founded
1784-90	Spanish soldier Manuel Nieto receives land encompassing about 300,000 acres; this is reduced to 167,000 acres
1804	Manuel Nieto dies; his land is inherited jointly by his four surviving children
1821	Mexico achieves independence from Spain in 1821, California comes under Mexican rule
1834	Mission lands are secularized and the missions are closed
1834	Nieto’s land is formally divided into smaller ranchos. Daughter Manuela de Cota receives the 27,000-acre portion known as Rancho Los Cerritos
1834-35	Manuela and husband Guillermo Cota build a small adobe on the Rancho Los Cerritos for their family.
1843	John Temple purchases Rancho Los Cerritos from the Cota family in December 1843 for $3,000
1844	John Temple builds the present two-story Monterey-style adobe as headquarters for his cattle-ranching operations, and stocks the land with as many as 15,000 head of cattle
1846-48	Mexican-American War
1848	California becomes a U.S. territory
1848	Gold is discovered in northern California
1849	The Gold Rush begins
1849	Benjamin Flint comes to California to seek his fortune in the gold fields
1850	California becomes a state
1851	Thomas Flint and Lewellyn Bixby arrive in the gold fields
1852-53	John Temple successfully defends his title to Rancho Los Cerritos before the U.S. Land Commission
1852	Jotham and Marcellus Bixby, brothers of Lewellyn Bixby, arrive in the gold fields
1853	Benjamin and Thomas Flint, and Lewellyn Bixby, form Flint, Bixby & Co. and bring sheep to California
1861-65	Civil War
1862-64	Period of severe floods and droughts in southern California that devastate the cattle industry
1866	John Temple sells Rancho Los Cerritos to Flint, Bixby & Co.
1866	Jotham Bixby and his family move to Rancho Los Cerritos to manage Flint, Bixby & Company’s sheep ranching operations
1869	Jotham Bixby buys a half interest in Rancho Los Cerritos and forms J. Bixby & Company
1874	Jotham Bixby buys an interest in Rancho Palos Verdes
1877	Reverend George Hathaway, Jotham Bixby’s father-in-law, and sister-in-law Martha Hathaway move to Rancho Los Cerritos
1878	John Bixby, a cousin of Jotham and Lewellyn Bixby’s, leases Rancho Los Alamitos
1881	Jotham Bixby and his family move to Los Angeles
1881	J. Bixby & Company, together with John Bixby and I.W. Hellman, purchase Rancho Los Alamitos
1881	Jotham Bixby provides lease with option to buy of 4000 acres to William Willmore for the founding of a town, Willmore City, and agricultural community
1884	William Willmore is unsuccessful in promoting his town, but the Long Beach Land and Water Company purchases his option and renames the town Long Beach
1884-85	Jotham Bixby family moves back to Long Beach and builds a home on Ocean
1887	Long Beach is incorporated
1897	7,000 acres of Rancho Los Cerritos lands sold to Senator from Montana; later becomes Lakewood
1906	1440 acres of Rancho Los Cerritos lands sold; City of Bellflower founded
1930-31	Rancho Los Cerritos is remodeled by Llewellyn Bixby, Sr. for a family residence
1942	Llewellyn Bixby, Sr. dies
1955	Rancho Los Cerritos is acquired by the City of Long Beach and opened to the public as a museum
1970	Rancho Los Cerritos is placed on the National Register of Historic Properties and is also designated a National Historic Landmark
1979	Rancho Los Cerritos is designated a City of Long Beach Historical Landmark
1988	Rancho Los Cerritos is designated State Historic Landmark No. 978

My first field trip.

My first field trip was very exciting.  I received a field trip slip to take home.  I was so nervous because I wanted to go.  I knew my parents would say, "no" if it involved money.  We were on a tight budget and the answer to everything was "no".  As I gave the paper to my mom, I felt scared. I wanted to go very badly that I did not make a big deal out of it.  As I handed the permission slip to my mom, I remember saying "My teacher said I had to go".  What a big lie!  My teacher did not know my home life and did not care about me.  She was busy with all the other kids that had moms who volunteered.  She barely called on me or made an effort to get to know me.  It was okay because I was afraid of her anyway! She yelled all the time. A field trip would mean she would yell less. Yeah!

My mother took the permission slip and looked at me with a sad disappointed look.  She asked how much it would cost for this trip.  I told her it was free. She just needed to sign the permission slip.  She looked embarrassed, but signed it, right next to the big "X".  What a relief.  For the first time I would get to go with the class and be like the other kids. 

The Los Angeles Zoo was a field trip that made a world of difference to me.  On the day of the field trip, I got up extra early.  I got myself dressed and walked the (3) miles to my school.  At the age of (7) seven, I was very independent.  I knew to get up and go to school on time.  I was the first in line to get my free breakfast at school.  I had dressed in yellow this morning because I was so happy.  As everyone started to line up, I noticed the room moms, active parents and new parents lining up with us.  I realized that parents were coming with us. I suddenly became aware that I did not have my parents with me.  I told myself that it did not matter.  I was going to the Zoo.  I would see animals I had only read about in books.  I would be with my best friend Susan Kim.  Her parents were not coming either.  So it would be Susan and I holding hands at the Zoo. We had each other.

Los Angeles Zoo 

The Zoo turned out to be so much fun.  We walked and talked about the different animals that they had at the zoo.  The elephants were the most funny because they took a big poop when we arrived.  The entire class laughed and giggled.  Some of the kids were shocked at the size of the poop?  The sound that it made when it hit the ground was loud and scary.  For weeks, our class talked about this moment.  

Lunch was fun too because the teacher brought brown bag lunches from the cafeteria for all of us.  We all got to have a picnic and enjoy the zoo grounds. What a treat to eat in a different place other than school.  It was a beautiful day. One of the things I enjoyed the most was the teacher was not yelling.  She seemed more free spirited then her usual self. 

The bus ride home our entire class was full of energy and ready to tell our parents what had happened at the zoo.  It felt as though the ride home was long and we were never getting home.  My friend Susan and I were the first ones to jump out off the bus.  Her mother picked her up and off she went.  I walked home and waited for my parents to come from work.  Three hours later, I told my zoo stories to them.  We all had a good laugh.

Backyard Learning - Bugs and Lizard

This week we started to say good bye to summer and began learning about bugs. We took to a friends backyard and explored the gardens to find the creatures that live near us. To our surprise they were willing to be photographed with us.  Here is what happen:

A baby lizard made himself available to the kids in the backyard. He jumped on Issac's leg and would not let go.  Issac was able to calmly bring him inside the house to show us what he had found. Of course, I jumped and screamed like a little girl. But soon realized I was the adult. So I quickly escorted the lizard outside to be free. But the (4) boys playing outside want to get to know him more. So I began to discuss the lizard. How long was his tail. How did his skin look and feel. Why was he a sun worshiper. What do baby lizards eat?  Each boy held the lizard and asked questions. Until someone set him down and the baby lizard ate an ant in front of the boys. Then it was decided that it was time to let him go. But it was lots of fun for the boys to have held a lizard for a little while.

Then came the grasshopper. He was tricky. He jumped from place to place and would not let the boys catch him.  Watching the boys try to come up with the plan to out smart the Grasshopper was pretty cute.   Here he is before jumping off....

He was later spotted in his home which is the  Oregano planter. Can you spot him?

Playing in the backyard was lots of fun for the boys. They had hoped to find a ladybug, but not this time.

 Books that you can read to your kids to help them understand Bugs. They both have great pictures and kids love to hear the stories. Use a fun voice when you read it with them. Have fun reading and learning along side your kids.

Field Trip Mom

A Letter for you...

I often look in the mail with the hope that someone has sent my kids or me a letter. Thank God my mother-in-law still believes in writing. She often sends us care packages and letters. Her letters talk about her weather and what is happen in her community. My kids enjoy the fun stories and sometimes share them with their friends and teachers. Like the time their grandparents wrote about the snow and the deer in their home. That was the topic of conversation for months. Now they ask to visit the snow all the time. I feel that the art of writing letters is slowing dying. It does make me sad to know that no one writes letters as much, because I won't get to read, save or put great letter on a frame to remember. So I decided to do something about it.  Today I am asking everyone who reads this post to please write someone you love a letter. Here is my letter to you:

Dear Friend,


I would like to say thank you for being so supportive of my blog. Without you it would be very hard to have made it this far. It really warms my heart when I know that I am sharing my experiences with you. Your response to my ideas and stories has been great. I really enjoy all the support that you have given me through Facebook friends, Meetup and Twitter.  My hope is to inspire you to explore the community you live in with your family and friends.  In doing so, you will find that there are wonderful people living right next door to you.


Field Trip Mom Blog will visit  hidden treasures and well known places for families, caregivers, grandparents and educators.  I will help you find the child like beauty of exploring amusement parks,oceans, state parks, towns and even your own backyard. After you will see that you are a great listener, teacher and playmate to your child. Continue to follow me, together we will make this community a better place for children. I look forward to a future with happy children and more great adventures.


Sincerely,


Alma

“You have to take risks. We will only understand the miracle of life fully when we allow  the unexpected to happen.”

Paulo Coelho quote

Pomona, CA - Los Angeles County Fair 2011 - Fairplex

 Opens September 3rd - October 2, 2011 at the Pomona Fairplex

Los Angeles is one of the largest cities in the United States with 3,792,621 people living here. So when the fair comes to town it is a must see.  Comfortable shoes are a must!
It is located in the city of Pomona. Nearby cities are Diamond Bar, Covina and Chino Hills. It's main freeway access is the (10) Interstate highway.  The best advice is to arrive early and bring lots of snacks and water. Have a plan as to what you want to do first and where you want to eat. Once you get there and see the great places, your plan may become blurry.  Here is a checklist of things you might want to bring:

• Camera
• Water
• Fruit Snack
• Hat, sunscreen
• Sun Glasses
• Child like imagination
• Fun comfortable clothes
• Print Map on the LA Fair website: http://www.lacountyfair.com/2011/planyourvisit/admission_promotion.asp
• Pre-purchase tickets (Costco) Costco Fair Savings Pack Available beginning Aug. 15 at participating Costco stores for just $54.99, includes four any-day Fair admissions, one parking pass and 44 RCS ride/game tickets. Rides and games require multiple tickets. Click here for a list of participating locations.
• Review the food locations online http://lacountyfair.com/2011/eatshop/ViewFoodVendors.asp
• Discounts:

  Opening Labor Day Weekend, Saturday, Sept. 3-Monday, Sept. 5 Admission Opening Weekend Saturday, Sept. 3-Monday, Sept. 5 $1 admission 10 a.m.-1 p.m. only 1 p.m. to closing $17 (ages 13+) 1 p.m. to closing $12 (ages 6-12) Beverage 22oz. soft drinks, just $1 at all food & beverage stands, 1-4 p.m. Ralphs Any-Day TicketG0 to any participating Ralphs grocery store beginning Aug. 22 to purchase admission tickets for just $10 for adults and $6 for ages 6-12. Presented by Ralphs. Each Ralphs adults and child any-day admission ticket comes with an exclusive unlimited ride carnival wristband offer (purchase required, restrictions apply)

The first thing you will do once you arrive is find parking.  Know that you will find a spot and that there are shuttles to take  you to the gate. Continue on your fun jouney and head to the gate. You won't have to wait long because you have pre-purchased the tickets. You may need to grab a map, if you forgot to print it at home.

Second head to your favorite event or show first. Make sure you check the times for attractions, competititions, concerts and show. Plan around your favorite event times to maximize your fun. Be flexible and on time. So you get seating or a good view of the event. Most of all have fun and enjoy yourself. Try to see all the fun exhibits that people have worked so hard to put together. My favorite is the Family Fun Days.

Who has the most talented or artistic family at the 2011 L.A. County Fair? Which family can create the best Pumpkin Boat or Recycled Castle? Enter one of our Family Fun Day competitions and get the whole family involved in something creative.

Family Portrait Painting
Family Recycled Robots
Family Pumpkin Boats
Family Talent Show
Family Pumpkin Decorating Contest



By the way you sometime see TV stars walking in the crowds at the fair. So hope to see you there this weekend.

Field Trip Mom

Wordless Thursday

Part II Long Beach, CA - Aquarium of the Pacific

.

Learning about Ocean Science has never been so much fun. Throughout the Aquarium of the Pacific we are reminded to be mindful of where we dump our trash. Why we should care about the Ocean and what we can do to help. Kids are shown through video and shows that we can make a difference. As well as through art throughout the Aquarium.  Change is necessary to keep our Earth healthy.