A day out with Thomas

This afternoon, after my five minute appointment at the doctors, the boys and I headed to Fillmore to check out the life size Thomas the train.  They had tents set up to color, play on train tables, story telling, meet sir topham hat and a 25 minute train ride aboard Thomas the train. We bought our train tickets, walked around a little bit, and then it was all aboard Thomas for an exciting adventure! William was pretty excited to go on a train ride with Thomas and the interactive ride to find "a special" was quite entertaining.  We were looking for something big, shiny & beautiful.... soon after we got our clues, one of the train conductors came down the aisle holding a big diamond. We had collected our special and headed back to the station. I think the boys enjoyed the train ride, it sure was a nice day for it.

When we got home I shuffled down to the river to swim in the cool water. The rest of the neighborhood was down there too since it was in the 90's back in the canyon today. It felt really good on my body to get in the water, I haven't been in the water my entire pregnancy. My doctor has been telling me to get in the water because of my veins, so now that I have 2 1/2 weeks left.... finally followed doctors orders :) I'm sure I'll get in tomorrow too.

Play group

Today was our weekly outing to play group. With the new month, we were at a new park and the boys really loved it there. We will be meeting at Bella Vista park for the month of April. It's right in between DP and the old El Rancho school and it's a big park! Lots of trees and grass to romp and explore as well as a nice play ground.
One of the girls in the playgroup suggested we have an Easter egg hunt today to lead into Easter weekend. It was a huge hit! There were so many kids that showed up today and they were all pumped to look for eggs in the grass, trees and picnic areas. It was so fun to watch them go. I don't think my boys have ever had the experience of searching for eggs but they knew just what to do :) They both filled their baskets and were very happy hunters.
I am going to do my best to not eat all their candy over the next few days.... I love Easter candy!

Fun little breakfast

William was sitting next to me a week or so ago as I was flipping through a parenting magazine and he saw a picture of a fun looking breakfast. He asked if I could make that for him, so I did my best. I baked up some zucchini muffins and went off that. He was so happy to eat his breakfast that next morning :) Zachary enjoyed it as well, but he just loves food period.

Ellwood Mesa

On Thursday morning I had one of those annoying 5 minute doctor appointments. I took the boys, who did great because they love checking on the baby, and then promised a fun adventure afterward. I packed a cooler of drinks and food and we drove out to Ellwood. As soon as we pulled over on coronado by the trail to the Monarch grove we were surrounded by butterflies. It was such a warm sunny day that all the Monarchs were very active. The boys ran up the trail and followed the signs to the grove, picking flowers and playing in the dirt along the way. There were butterflies galore once we got inside the eucalyptus grove, it was magical. It had been a little while since I visited there during the peak season. The boys really enjoyed watching all the butterflies flutter around as we sat on a fallen tree and had a snack.

When they were ready we continued our hike out to the open mesa and walked to the cliff to admire the sparkling ocean. William was very concerned that Zachary was going to fall off the cliff once we got close and bear hugged him so he couldn't move until I picked him up. It was very sweet. They played in a tree cave, climbing on tree branches and swinging sticks. We spotted county fire engine 11 parked out on the mesa and all the "guys" exercising on the trails. William wanted to go check out the engine so we made a big loop to walk by the fire truck and touch it. William and Zachary walked & ran the whole way back to the grove and then back to the car. We could not have asked for a better day to enjoy nature and the beauty around us.

Rancho Oso

On Thursday I didn't want to drive anywhere. I had driven down into town everyday for at least a week straight and I just needed a break. So, about 2 miles from our house is Rancho Oso. There you can find the biggest pig you will ever meet in your life. I don't know how many 100's of pounds it weighs, but it's huge. There is also a barn & stable full of other exciting animals, so that is where we decided to go for a little adventure on my no driving day.

Both the boys enjoyed chasing the chickens, petting the horses and staring at the big big pig. We also found a barn cat, goat and cows. Hooray for a fun & close by source of entertainment.