Pinole's Most Wanted

 I came home from Bootcamp to find Luvey dressed like a bandit. It was one of the cutest things I had seen Amara do in a long time. (For those who don't know, Luvey and Elli, have been Amara's constant companions since she was just 6 weeks-Luvey- and 8 weeks-Ellie old.)

Even more adorable was how Amara had dressed up. I love the imagination and creativity that seems to be coming forth from her more and more as she grows.

ArtCentric

Too often, our children are given art projects at school or camp that are of a cookie cutter model. My Girl Scout co-leader Nancy and I have an aversion to that type of art. Yes, it's necessary at times but we know that having access to one's own creative flow is important to one's Being.

With that in mind, we took our Daisy Troop to a fabulous art studio in Bencia where they got to let their creative juices flow.

Each girl got to choose from a few styles of mugs or plates and painted as they  felt drawn to. The parents were asked to leave ("We don't want it becoming the parents work" said Aileen, the owner, when I called. That statement alone had me sold on her studio!) and the girls had well over an hour to do their work.

The photos of the girls deep in concentration and creativity speak for themselves and in a couple of weeks the girls will have their pottery, a reminder of their time in the studio.

Here is a link to ArtCentric for more information on this sweet art studio. I highly recommend it to local folks. It is well worth the drive.

http://artcentricbenicia.info/

Amara's Car is Awesome!

 If you have seen the Lego movie, than you understand my use of 'awesome' (for those who have not seen it, the main song basically goes like this, "Everything is awesome." Sure there are other lyrics but that is all ya hear after the fifth time!) But anyhow, when we went to Legoland, Don bought the girls each a lego set. Havana bought a 

friends set (not surprising there; its sweet and very girly and has two doll characters.) Amara, she wanted something from the movie. It took a good while to decide  but Emmet and Wyldstyle were included in only one set, so that was that. Ms. Independent, Super Focused Amara decided to make the cop car on her own. Three days later and here she is; proud and happy.  I suspect this is the first of many more complicated Lego projects. We have done many a free style and simpler projects but I guess at 6 1/2 she is stepping up her game. And I love that both my girls are into lego play. I see alot of boys we know  interested in Legos but not that many girls. We are definitely not parents who do 'boy'or 'girl' toys or colors for that matter. 

Anyhow, here is Amara's work. It seems so simple when done but I will tell you it was hard work with a lot of  frustration as well. But she did it!  And she did it well!

                                                                                               

Sister Stylist

I just love this tender moment when Havana was doing her big sister's hair! 

Legoland

I used this photo in yesterdays post but it is so cute and appropriate that I am using it again today!

It was Star Wars weekend at the park. The girls were not familiar with the characters but were curious. Havana wouldn't get up close but Amara did with some time. Now we will have to watch the movies!

This was from the movie set of the Lego movie.

Amara was so thrilled to 'drive' that she talked her Papa into getting her a (toy) driver license complete with her photo and name.  (it wasn't hard to convince him!)

As Amara gets older we are discovering how much she loves to primp and pose! (that's her license around her neck)

Legoland is designed to be so kid friendly. There are plenty of rides but also play structures; play areas, water parks and other things to keep the little people engaged and entertained.

Amara and I got drenched on this ride!!

Getting wet at the water park.

Havana isn't too keen on the fast, thrill type rides. This horse ride was just her speed. She went on three times!

Emmet from the Lego movie. This character Havana was happy to meet!

I left our long weekend quite impressed with Legoland. The layout of the park was easy enough to figure out and venture through, the variety of choices for the kids rides and play areas was well thought out and designed, and the ease of getting in and out of the park made it easy (we stayed across the street and it was about 5-7 minute walk). The park was busy but it didn't have nearly the crowds as the larger theme parks so it was not overwhelming or to overstimulating. We also made our way into the aquarium which is literately a few feet from the Legoland gate. It was a small but sweet aquarium that was a nice break from the park. I am not sure we would go again (there are other places on the holiday list) but it is a spot I would definitely recommend going. It's a perfect place for the little people to explore, have some thrills, let their imagination go and to just be kids. 

Weekend Getaway

 Our family enjoyed a fun filled weekend at Legoland down in Carlsbad. There were several factories that could have prevented us from going. (Amara was sick the week prior, then it was Havana's turn and it turned out she had an ear infection, Bodhi cat had a UTI and our hotel reservations got mixed up.) But alas, we packed up our car and headed on down to Southern California.

We arrived at dinner time; I took the liberty to order room service (there was no way  we were going to get back in the car again!) After dinner on our balcony over looking the Pacific in the distance we put on our swim suits and enjoyed some pool time! 

A perfect way to unwind from the long drive (which thankfully went remarkably smooth and easy.)

California is not a warm climate (despite what the Beach Boys and Katy Perry sing about). It got cool quick but there was a fire pit at one of the pools, along with s'mores. The girls warmed up and enjoyed a rare treat.