Monday Morning Madness

I have a toddler son and Mondays are not my favorite days. The house is a mess from having the hubbs and my son run around everywhere and get everything possible out of it's "place". The laundry is backed up because I didn't do any on may "day off" chuckle chuckle. What day off right?

My son does not understand this...

Somehow Mondays seem to be his MOST energetic mornings...or maybe that's just because I'm so tired?

To avoid frustration/yelling/becoming the crazy parent I don't want to be we take off on Monday Morning adventures. We used to attend a Gymboree class on Mondays but we're taking a break from that to try a new Saturday class. The budget can only handle so much and BOY do I miss Gymboree! (and the guaranteed naps that follow)

I'm looking for a new Monday Morning Adventure right now and realized I didn't post on last week's morning out at Gull Park, Foster City.

Gull Park is a great little cove near the San Mateo Bridge. It has everything a toddler could want in two play structures, a big grass area and, drumroll please, a tiny beach. The problem with the little beach is that, well, the water SMELLS. Smells like something you DON'T want your kids to play in with sand toys. Maybe it's the old advice that you should only be around/in/drink running water? I don't know but needless to say it was a battle I wasn't willing to take on especially on MONDAY morning. My son was insistent on playing near the water and it's not just because he's a boy. We had a playdate with a toddler girl who was all about going in the water despite her very frilly princess attire. If you visit the park get firm on the rules or stay away all together! I made my son get right in the shower once we were home but I'm also THAT kind of Mom...

Park Improvements in RWC

I know many, many parents have been frustrated with the caution tape at Maddux and Stafford parks this Spring/Summer and I admit that I have been one of them. Put up some caution tape and it's bound to attract every curious toddler's attention! I am grateful though that we have a city who is testing the sand and looking out for the health of our children (and parents for that matter!) E.coli is no joke and I don't want my son rolling around in sand containing it....

With that said, when will these improvements show some signs of WORK and COMPLETION? I was at Maddux park last night with the hubbs and little guy and am happy to report that all the sand was removed, Yeesssssssssssss! While online this morning (looking to register for a class with the hubbs for a future date night) I saw a link for park renovation updates - I love it! Check it out and let's get out and play together.

Park Improvement Projects include:
Maddux Park - Sandbox replacement
Stafford Park - Sandbox replacement
Red Morton Park - Picnic Area
Hawes Park - Synthetic turf field, new bleachers, score booth, restroom, etc.
Dove Beeger & Westwood Park - New play equipment and ADA accessibility
Fair Oaks - Child care play equipment

Lemos Farms, Half Moon Bay

As promised we hit the 92 early this morning after soccer practice to beat the traffic to HMB. I don't know if it's because this was the first pumpkin patch we ever took my son to but it's definitely become the sentimental favorite. There's definitely enough fun for a full day but what toddler and matching parent last ALL day? :)

Lemos Farms

Last year at around 13 months my son enjoyed:
*trying to "climb" on pumpkins
*train ride w/ parents
*music from the live band
*pumpkin pie

This year at 2 years:
my son enjoys all this place has to offer - his favorites include:
*the pony ride (who knew that he'd allow a stranger "cowboy" lift him on? No parents allowed inside the ring!)
*the hay ride (much longer than the train ride)
*the train ride (despite the very scary skulls/mummies etc...I think the live chickens make up for that)
*train and pumpkin bounce houses
*bikes to play with
*live music to shake his booty

Bring your cash or checkbook - no cards accepted here. I highly recommend that if you have a 2+ year old do the day passes so you don't have to worry about tickets and "budgeting activities". $15 child / $5 adult all day - yes kids are more $$$ :) And - if you fall in love with the place you can host your child's next birthday here - either a train or pony party for a whoppin' $275.

Pumpkin Patch Time!

Where is your favorite pumpkin patch? If you are in the south bay - or just looking for a little road trip, definitely check out Uesugi Farms, there's a ton of fun things for all ages! Don't forget your cash though, all the little attractions add up from $1 - $5.

We're looking forward to what Half Moon Bay has to offer this weekend - stay tuned!

Smithsonian Museum Day

Been itching to get out to your local museum? Smithsonian has a free museum day today and your local museum just might be on their list! Some of the major attractions are already sold out and/or may have long waits but plenty of smaller museums will be easy to manuever with the kids.



Check it out for your free ticket!
*Includes museums nationwide!

Kidaroo Music Festival

Saturday 9.25.2010
11-5
Music festival all day for kids!
Red Tricycle is giving away a 4 pack of tickets - check them out!
General Admission $20
Family 4 pack $60

Disaster Preparedness Day ~ San Mateo County

6th Annual Disaster Preparedness Day

Free Admission
Free Hot Dogs
Free Soda
Free Gift for the first 500 families!

Saturday 9.18.2010
10am-2pm

US Geological Survey Campus
345 Middlefield Road, Menlo Park

Emergency Kit and Disaster Plan Instructions!
First-Aid, Police, Fire & Emergency Equipment Demonstrations