December

Since I'm so behind with blogging this post will cover the non-holiday part of December. After vacation life was a little crazy preparing for Christmas, but we still managed to have some fun. Here are a few pictures of some things Ava and I did.

One day I got out the leaf blower and made a big pile of leaves. Then Ava and I played in it. Ava loved running back and forth and throwing the leaves. It was a fun afternoon.

One day we decided to make cookies. Ava really wanted red cookies. We didn't have the time to make sugar cookies, so I got a little creative. We made red chocolate chip cookies. I just added some food coloring and Ava was happy.

Before Christmas Ava painted some ornaments for her Papas and Nonnas. She loves to paint.

Train Ride

Before we left Oceanside we decided to ride the train that goes to San Diego. Even though Ava was excited I decided not to ride all the way to San Diego because I was afraid of repeating our experience at Sea World. We rode the train half way and got off to have lunch. We enjoyed the little town and found a yummy Italian cafe to eat at. It was a wonderful outing and just the right amount of time. As we headed back to the train station we decided to double check on the track we needed to take. The person working told us what number so we headed down to wait. We only waited a few when we saw our train coming on the wrong track...OH NO!! The train is a commuter train and doesn't stop long, so there was no way for us to get up the stairs and over the bridge to the other side. When the train left without us I was not happy!!

The next train was not for another hour and a half. We didn't have anywhere to go and the idea of sitting at the train station with Ava was not appealing. We sat down and tried to figure out what to do. Most of the time was really spent grumbling and then we just decided to sit and wait. After about a half hour an Amtrak train pulled in. It was headed in our direction and was stopping in Oceanside. That is when I sprung into action. I ran over to one of the conductors and explained our situation. He was kind enough to let us ride for FREE to Oceanside. We were all so grateful for his kindness and to know there are good people in the world.

Sea World

I was looking forward to taking Ava to Sea World. I thought she would love seeing the Beluga whales because of the song "Baby Beluga". I also thought she would enjoy the shows and feeding the dolphins. Unfortunately, by the time we went to Sea World Ava was tired and overstimulated by our vacation that she did not have a good time and ruined it for everyone else. To be fair the day was not a couple loss and we did have a few good moments. I just had to deal with a lot of whining and fits, so we left early.

Ava and I watching the beluga whales. Ava is plugging her ears because there was some really loud music and sounds playing.

The walruses are behind us. Again Ava did not like the loud Arctic sounds being played in the exhibit.

Ava did not enjoy the animal close encounters. Here she is hiding from a gecko. I thought it was cool and was sad Ava was in such a bad mood.

Ava did like seeing the reindeer for about a minute.

Ava is clinging to me and telling me to go away from the llamas. I didn't listen and was determined to pet one.

Ava was not happy about going inside the penguin exhibit. Again I just made her tough it out. It is a neat exhibit, but the smell definitely let you know there were wild animals around.

At first Ava stayed in her stroller at the Turtle Reef exhibit. She didn't care to see the turtles until after we left the exhibit and then complained to go back in. I took her back in and then she was happy to see the turtles and "Nemo" and "Dori".

Ava waiting for the dolphin and bird show.

The dolphin feeding was closed due to construction, so I had to feed the sea lions. They were pretty loud and crazy. I also had to watch out for the white bird behind me. They snatch the feeder fish if you're not careful.

Exploring the Gardens with My Camera

These are some of the pictures I took with my macro lens while exploring Q.B. Gardens. The first two are my favorites. I especially love the first one.

There is a lizard in this picture.

Quail Botanical Gardens

We went to the Quail Botanical Gardens a couple years ago and liked it, so I thought it would be fun to go back. They have a big beautiful children's garden and play area that I thought Ava could better appreciate now that she is older. I also wanted to practice using my macro lens and this was the perfect place. Papa and Nonna played with Ava and I was able to roam around with my camera.

On top of the tree house in the children's garden.

Ava liked going back and forth across the rope bridge on the tree house.

Ava and Nonna building with foam blocks.

Ava's favorite part of the children's garden was the sandbox. We had to eventually drag her out.

We tried to race the boats, but there wasn't enough water to keep them going.

Ava found a worm.

In front of a beautiful tile fountain in the Mexican garden.

One of my favorite things are the plant people in the Mexican garden. I especially like the mariachi band.