The Summer of Fun

As a tradition at the beginning of each Summer we sit down together as a Family for FHE and hold our official Summer Planning Meeting . As Co-CEO of the Clifford household I take my job seriously. We create a special calendar and entitle it "The Summer of Fun." Each family member picks a few activities that they would like to do together. Luckily there is a lot to do in our area and it definitely pays to be a So Cal resident when it comes to the "Annual Pass."
I love that our Relief Society designates a day to meet at the beach and pool. It is actually on our R.S. "Keep in Touch" calendar. The Moms can chat and the kids have plenty of friends with whom to play. A lot of visiting teaching went on at the beach this Summer. We women like to multi-task.
I will dedicate another post to Beach days with Cousins and Friends. Too many photos.

Our Community sponsored Concerts and Movies in the Park. All we had to do was pack up our blankets, beach chairs and snacks. I don't think Emily ever made it through a movie without falling asleep.
Our City offered free movies at the actual Theatre. I was surprised that Andrew would actually sit through a movie.

Did I mention that Legoland is near our home. This is where the "Annual Pass" starts to pay off. On warm summer days the kids would wear their swim suits to play at the
Soak-N-Sail Pirate Ship which features interactive gadgets and devices pumping and spraying hundreds of gallons of water.

Sea World is another place we could wear our swimsuits. It didn't matter if we had to sit in the "Soak Zone" at the shows. Although, we soon got smart and joined (leached off of) our friends who had premium passes and could sit in the "Preferred Seating" area for every show. The Dolphin Show surprises me every time. And when I leave the Shamu show I "Believe." Sorry, I digress.
The girls favorite rides are the "Shipwreck Rapids" and "Journey to Atlantis." Oh wait, did I write the girls? I meant Chad. He started bringing his swim suit as well.
Andrew enjoys the new "Sesame Street Bay of Play." It is a two-acre play area that includes rides for smaller children and appearances from the Sesame Street characters.

One activity that I had to beg my family to do was visit San Diego's Old Town. I guess it doesn't sound very exciting...."Ooooold Town." It has been almost 8 years since we visited last. On our last visit we went with my parents and sisters and took old fashioned portraits dressed like we lived in the Old West. One day we will have to take some updated photos because it was so much fun dressing up and laughing at ourselves and each other. For now we will just have to smile pretty with some of the town folk.
We ate at the Mexican restaurant and walked around the shops and old buildings. Everyone had fun. Sometimes Mommy just has to put her foot down. My turn!

The kids turn to choose. What? Chuck E. Cheese. Are you sure? Really? Chad and I smuggled in our Subway Sandwiches. I was pleasantly surprised at how big and nice the C.E.C is in Vista. We all had a good time. Just have to keep an eye on Andrew. He likes to hop on the rides that are moving with whomever.

I saved "The Happiest Place on Earth" for last. Mom and Dad's house! Oh, did you think I was referring to Disneyland?
I grew up 15 minutes away from Disneyland so whenever we visit Mom and Dad in the O.C. we manage to squeeze in a trip there. We have learned that it is better to hit Disneyland first because if we stop by Grandma and Grandpa's house the kids have a hard time leaving (me too). We take Andrew to D.L. for a few hours then I take him to Mom and Dad's house for the rest of the day. We usually stay the night and spend the next day together. Their home truly is the happiest place on earth.
Kate and Emily started to collect pins. They were thrilled to find out that they would receive "The Year of a Million Dreams" complimentary pin. Love a freeby. Also, the Girls and Chad have a new favorite ride. It is the "Toy Story II" ride. It is interactive like the "Buzz Light Year" ride but it is even more fun.
Have you heard of Disneyland's "Hidden Mickeys?" Basically, it is a partial or complete image of Mickey Mouse that has been hidden by Disney's imagineers and artists in the designs of Disney attractions, hotels, restaurants and other areas. These images are designed to blend into their surroundings. I had heard about it growing up. My brother told me that there are web sites dedicated to finding the Hidden Mickeys around the resort. It is Disneyland's Best Kept Secret. Or, at least that is what the title of our book reads. Kate suggested we buy a book about it so that we could go on a scavenger hunt and search for the Mickeys. Fabulous idea! The Guide Book gives "clues" and "hints" to where they can be found along with a scoring system. Some Mickeys are easier to find than others so their value increases. You have to be sharp-eyed. It can be competitive. The history of the hidden Mickey's is interesting. I'll have to dedicate a post to our adventures. The hunt is on.....
Needless to say we had a very enjoyable Summer.