Posts Tagged ‘family vacation’

Books on CD

Thursday, June 21st, 2012

Where have you been all my life, Books on CD?

I had been dreading the prospect of this week and next, when Olivia and I must drive long hours to and from a series of appointments she needs. But that was before I stumbled upon the “Books on CD” shelves in the kids’ section of our public library and discovered the dozens of stories waiting to be heard. A revelation, and a revolution. Never again will I view a car trip in the same way.

Monday through Wednesday, we listened to Cheaper By the Dozen, by Frank B. Gilbreth, Jr. and Ernestine Gilbreth Carey, read by Dana Ivey.  As a 244-page book, this is not a selection Olivia would ever read.  But Dana Ivey is a wonderful actress and Cheaper by the Dozen a hilarious and very well-written tale. Olivia loved it. We both did.   

Today, we start on another classic, Old Yeller. I’ll let you know how it goes.

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Spring Break in San Diego, Part 3

Thursday, April 14th, 2011

 

Our kids have never been to Disneyland or Disney World, so for them, Sea World is the ultimate in fantastic. For as long as possible, I plan to keep it that way. Not because I have anything against Disney, but because for me, Sea World is big enough to navigate, thank you very much. We have spent the past two days there, and will go back again. What can I say? Olivia and Mateo love it.  For anyone who is planning a trip, two words: Season pass and free parking. Invest in both of those things, and you may break even.

Remember to wear a hat. Even when it’s overcast, the San Diego sun is strong. Bring lots of water. And raise the white sugar flag, because cotton candy is just part of the deal. (I’m sorry.)

Our favorite show is Pets Rule, which is exactly what you imagine it might be. Running around and banging on things is also fun.

Mateo on percussion.

The new spectacular, Blue Horizons, features singing, diving, dolphins, and trapeze artists. This show has it all, even birds.

Our family reflected in a fun house mirror.

On to Day 3!

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Spring Break in San Diego, part 2

Tuesday, April 12th, 2011

Is there a more kid-friendly city in the United States than San Diego? Everywhere you look there’s something for children to do, and a lot of it costs nothing. Yesterday, while my husband gave a lecture to medical residents at Balboa Naval Hospital–before he joined the staff of the University of California, Tim served in the Army–the kids and I checked out the spectacular playground in Balboa Park. The day was warm, the sky was blue. Because we’re in San Diego! That’s one reason why we love this place!

San Diego is home to a large Latino community; shown below are mural details from the facade of Balboa Park’s Centro Cultural de la Raza. The Centro’s mission is “to create, preserve, promote and educate about Chicano, Mexicano, Indigenous and Latino art and culture.” The kids had too much energy to go inside, but they liked looking at the giant coyote, ram, and oversized ear of corn. And nothing like seeing cactus up close to realize that yes, those thorns are really pointy.

 

Last night, I met with my sister’s book club–thanks, sis!–and this evening we’ll have dinner with my parents and brother. But right now, we’re off for more adventures outside. Ta-ta for now~

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