Easter Fun

Easter is almost here and many places offer Free or inexpensive family activities.

We decided check out the Granada Hills Rec. Center for their Easter activities. They had an Easter egg hunt, Bounce house, Face Paint and Pictures with the Easter bunny as well as a magic show. The kids were not too interested in the magic show; so we went to see the Easter Bunny. My oldest had no problems going up to sit on the bunny's lap; but the youngest didn't want to get near him. She had no problem saying by to him though. Normally, I try to get a picture even if they are crying; ( yes, I'm one of THOSE moms) but I just didn't want to deal with that. So, off we went with a picture of just 1 child and the bunny.

Next, was the Easter egg hunt. After ready, set, go, ran a hundred or so kids with their parents in the small roped off area. Plastic eggs just disappeared in about 2 minutes. My oldest was able to get a few eggs. My 2 year old still stood at the starting point. I think she was scared of the mob of people flying past her. The oldest was nice enough to let her have a couple of her eggs. After the 2 min. chaos; they traded their eggs for candy.

We then moved on to the Bounce house. The kids got about 5 min for $1 to bounce. Most of my 5 min. watching the girls was spent listening to a 6 year old chat my ear off. By the end, she knew my name, I knew her mom's name, the dance classes she took and a detailed version of the cake she was going to eat at home. I'm sure she mentioned more; but tuned her out after a couple minutes.

We had 1 ticket left to do face paint. The line was really long; so we didn't do it. I asked the girls if they wanted to go in the bouncer again; but they said they would rather play on the playground instead. Go figure. Overall, It was a fun 2 hour outing for only $5

Travel Town

It was finally a nice day out, so we decided to go to Travel Town. The kids had not been there in probably a year. The $3 donation is well worth all the time the kids can spend there.

They had so much fun climbing up trains, pretending to be a conductor and playing in Holden's Corner. Holden's Corner is a small play area for kids. They have activities like coloring and stories for younger kids on the 2nd and 3rd Sundays of the month from 12-4. Our girls can't get enough play time at the train table. They only have a few toy train cars to play with; so if your kid gets one, they better hang on to it or it will get snatched once you let go. Some kids, including ours have learned that lesson the hard way.

They have a running train there; but we opted not spend the $10-$12 on that. Instead we got the girls an ice cream treat. They were equally happy with that and I think it lasted longer.

Then, they wanted to go in the gift shop. Oh no, not the gift shop! We hesitantly gave in. Then it started. Mommy, I want this and that and that. Finally, they saw another train table to keep them occupied for another 30 min. before it was time to go. Then, on the way out it was the familiar sounds of mommy, I want this and that and that. We did not give in and left the town being out of pocket $7 from our donation and ice cream treats.

Homemade Diaper Wipes

I have been making diaper wipes for 5 1/2 years since my oldest was a baby. Making wipes for 2 kids has saved quite a bit of money. I started making wipes when I heard that the alcohol in most diaper wipes was not good for newborn baby's skin. I used non alcoholic wipes before I came across how to make my own wipes. The recipe was so easy and inexpensive that I have never bought any wipes. So here's the recipe.

I roll of Bounty (this brand is the best)

Cut the roll in half. (An electric knife works great)

Take the cardboard out of rolls

Put rolls side by side in container. ( I use a salad spinner)

In a bowl, mix 2 1/4 cups of water, 2 tablespoons of baby shampoo, 1 tablespoon baby oil

Pour mixture over paper towel rolls so they are moist.

Rip apart each paper towel square and fold in half.

You can store make wipes in previously used diaper wipe containers.

The cost to make is about $1 for about 120 wipes.

Chinese Lantern Festival & McDonalds

Today was another gloomy, rainy day. The girls had a surprise visit from their uncle who brought a McDonalds breakfast for them. They were very excited and almost getting spoiled since this was their 2nd McDonalds breakfast ever within 2 weeks.

After their smorgasbord, we were debating on wheather to leave the house due to the rain. I did not want to be stuck inside the house all day. The weather in L.A. seemed to have better weather; so we ventured out to the Chinese Lantern Festival. We have been there a couple times during nice weather and it is pretty fun. When we got the general area, we made our usual rounds to find the cheapest parking price. After about 10 min. we settled on a $5 parking area. We walked a couple blocks to the event. The kids 1st discovery were bounce houses. I was not going to pay a ridiculous amount for them to jump and quickly lured them to the FREE crafts and entertainment the festival offered. My oldest was not very happy that she could not bounce; but after about 15 min of sulking she gave in to making a craft. The youngest was very excited to make a tiger puppet because it required using a glue stick. She also helped make a lantern by scribbling on the paper and me doing the rest of it. My oldest made a couple crafts and got her face painted. There was entertainment outside; but it was too cold to stay.

Was this event worth the drive, looking for cheap parking, walking in the cold, listening to my daughter sulk to make a couple crafts worth it? Probably not; but I got out of the house! As well as trying to do some frugal family fun.