Memorial Day

On the evening before Memorial Day, we headed to LA Canada Park, Flintridge to watch their firework display. They started about 20 min. late; and the girls were getting impatient. It was more of a goofy impatience than being cranky. They had just come back from playing in the playground and kept their energy as we waited. The fireworks were about to start when I got out the glow necklaces. Ooooo! To our disappointment, they didn't even work:( I had a package left over from last year and apparently glow things have an expiration date. So, on with the show!

On Memorial Day, ALL of us dressed in our red, white and blue. After making my husband feel guilty to show respect and wear the colors; he then participated. We went back to the same park, where they had FREE activities. The girls enjoyed playing in the bouncers, blowing bubbles, coloring, the petting zoo and the playground. We had a picnic lunch and paid $3 for snow cone treats for the girls. For dinner, we BBQ'd hamburgers at the house. Yummo!

April Fools Dinner

My girls loved the April Fools dinner I gave them last year, which was an Oreo cookie dinner with a breakfast for dessert.

This year, I wanted to do something a little different using the same concept. My 6 year old wanted a fruit salad to be apart of the special dinner. I couldn't believe my ears. She actually asked for something healthy to eat. I made sure to incorporate a fruit salad into the dinner. Here was the dinner menu.

Appetizer: Fruit salad (bananas, apples and strawberries over angel food cake, covered with whip cream.

Dinner: Eggs (melted marshmallow with a yellow M&M in the middle) & bacon (a mini Milky Way smashed and stretched out. This idea was from Family Fun. (Picture above shows different ingredients to make the same dish)

Dessert: Scrambled eggs and an English Muffin

April Fools!

Happy St. Patrick's Day - Eating Green

I'm trying to come up with some green meals, well actually a dinner to help celebrate St. Patty's day and make it a little fun for the girls. So far, we had Lucky Charms for breakfast. No wait, we had the frugal Lucky Charms version - Magic Stars. Tastes and looks about the same.

Lunch, I didn't pack anything special but green grapes.

I am part Irish and my mom used to serve the traditional St. Patty's dinner of corned beef and cabbage. Yuck!! That just made me dread the holiday. So here's MY plan for a green dinner. For my husband and I, I'm planning to have a 3 cheese ravioli dinner with pesto, green salad with broccoli and maybe cucumber if I have it. I also made some bread that tastes just like the one they serve at Romanos Macaroni Grill. It is YUM-O! I'll post the recipe another time. I'm looking forward to eating that the most. It really has nothing to do with green. Although it does have green rosemary inside. So, I guess that counts. I was just craving to eat it with the pasta dinner.

I'm stuck on dinner for the girls. They will not eat pesto, the green part of the dinner. Maybe, pasta mixed with green food coloring. Haven't tried it; so I'll see how it turns out.

For dessert, I might take advantage of the Free green ice cream at Chick-Fil-A.

President's Day

The Ronald Regan Library normally has a couple good free events during the year; so we thought we check it out for President's Day. It was not a good event in terms of free activities for kids. I guess that was not the emphasis though. The main attraction was the museum; which we don't visit. Because what 6 & 3 year old want to visit that?

If you don't get there when the event starts, then you will have to park down the hill and wait for a shuttle to pick you up. Well, we got there about an 1 1/2 later and we had to park at the adjacent park. It took about 25 min. for the shuttle to pick us up. Luckily, we were at a park, so the girls could just run around. They were also entertained when the family in front of us found a caterpillar. Finding a caterpillar is very exciting when you're waiting in line that long.

Finally, we get there and there is a huge line waiting to get into the museum.
I think some people thought it was free; but it wasn't. We found the activities for kids and were disappointed. There were 2 crafts to make a president's hat and a penney necklace. There was also a table to make a Lincoln log cabin. The girls had fun making the 2 crafts and then we sat and ate our sack lunch while listening to George Washington tell his life story, followed by a jazz band. The highlight was making the Lincoln log cabin.

I could have just bought some Lincoln logs at the store and used some construction paper to make the crafts at home. If it wasn't as far, I wouldn't have minded because I like to just get out of the house and do something different. Now, I know for next time, that the museum is the main attraction on President's Day. I'll stick with coming back for their 4th of July event.

Candyland-Japanese American Museum

The Japanese American Museum's Target Free Saturdays have not failed us yet; so we had to check out their candyland event. No, not the candyland board game - just a bunch of free candy to help celebrate Valentine's Day.

We got there and immediately stood in a line to get to the candy buffet table. They had an assortment of candy from different countries around the world. The girls got to pick 3 pieces to put in a box. If they wanted more, they could get back in line. As the line got shorter, we went back a couple times so they could get candy that is not very common to get in US stores. It was fun to try candy from the different countries. A favorite was the Taiwan(I think)Jello type candy.

The girls had fun making candy leis using 8 pieces of candy, a long cello bag and some yarn. They also made a cupcake flower using paper cupcake wrappers and a pipe cleaner. Last, was the sweet message box, where they took a wooden circle to decorate and wrapped it like a piece of candy, put it in a box to decorate to give to their Valentine.

They snuck in something healthy among the candy fest. How dare they! A table to make your own fruit kabob lined the wall. It was full of bananas, apples, strawberries, and pineapple. My youngest, who loves fruit, put everything on her stick and gobbled it right up. My oldest, who is not a fruit eater, just made hers from apples, took a couple bites and gave the rest to me.

Another highlight was the photo chocolate lollipops. We stood in line to have the girls picture taken, then we could watch as they printed their picture with edible ink onto chocolate lollipops. They girls have not eaten their faces yet. They look to cute to eat.

The last treat of the day was a Japanese dessert called Mochi. He demonstrated how they make it and gave out samples. It is made from rice and looks and tastes like a rainbow marshmallow. But unlike marshmallows, I could only handle eating just one. The 1st one tasted good; but not so much after that.
The girls only had one complaint with their fun filled candy day. Which was, I want more candy!

Winter Wonderland or Not

We decided to check out a free event in Castaic which they titled winter wonderland which consisted of games, crafts, snow, food and Santa. When we got there, there was no snow, no games and no food; unless you count the boxes of chocolate bars that were just sitting on the floor assuming you could take some. They did have Santa, which the girls sat on his lap and took a picture. Craft materials were on the tables to make a paper plate wreath, popsicle stick picture frame, and pipe cleaner candy canes. They also had face painting which there was no line for since there was not a lot of people. The girls had a good time making their projects. It was a rainy day; so it was nice to get out of the house and do something indoors.

Thanksgiving at the Japanese American Museum

Target hosts free family Saturdays at the Japansese American Museum. We have gone before to the Easter activities and wanted to check out the Thanksgiving activities. The girls had fun making turkeys out of a platic cup and using contruction paper and traced their hand to make feathers. They also weaved placemats and made centerpeices with a paper plate, pinecones, plastic corn and silk leaves. They had a weaving class for my oldest daughter to go and learn to weave and they also got to make cookies that looked like corn wrapped in a fruit rollup husk. It was very cute and delicious!

Haunted Jailhouse and Festival

I have heard about the Sheriff Station's Hunted Jailhouse; but never had gone; but decided to this year. They charged $1 admission and had various game booths, fire trucks, police cars, the maze, etc. We went to check out the maze; but when we got there they said they just closed for about an hour to let the volunteers have lunch. I didn't want to pay their prices for the games or bounce house. We decided to leave and go to a Halloween event at the Granada Hills Community Center. We went last year and the girls have fun.

The Community Center had a bounce house with free admission and low budget games that are very inexpensive to play. The kids get candy and win tickets to get cheap prizes. They also have face paint and a craft. After a couple hours, we headed back to Santa Clarita so we could go into the haunted jailhouse. We go there just in time because they had closed it off right after we got in line. The girls got a plastic ax to defeat a dragon and save the princess. It wasn't really worth going back to do that; but now we know for next year.

Later that night, the girls went trick or treating for a couple hours. My oldest wanted to re-used her Sleeping Beauty costume from the year before and my youngest re-used one of my other daughter's old Care Bear costume.

Halloween Event and Scaryface at IHOP

I came across a local Halloween event at the community center and decided to check it out. We were greeted with a free pumpkins to decorate. Inside they had tables of scraps the kids could use to decorate their pumpkin and enter them in a contest. They provided free hotdogs, chips and drinks. They had a costume parade a magic show and a haunted maze. My oldest was getting bored from waiting for the magic show to start and apprently was not interested in watching it; and my youngest woke up cranky from a nap. We were going to check out the maze; but the line was about 45min. long and we were not going to stand in the cold for that; so we left.

I had read a promotion where IHOP was giving away Scaryface pancakes to kids; so we took them to IHOP for dinner to eat their Scaryface pancake. I thought they got the ingredients to decorate themselves; but it came already decorated. The girls didn't care. They were just happy to eat it!

Fright Fest -Magic Mountain

Magic Mountain gave free friend passes when you buy a season pass. I gave my friend pass to my husband so we could all go and check out Magic Mountain for halloween. We went with the girls during the late afternoon and just stayed in Bugs Bunny World where they had some halloween themed crafts to make such as masks, and jewerly. Then, at a certain time the kids can go trick or treating around the rides in that area. After about 5 min. the candy is gone and you can resume with your day.

Happy 4th!

Today, we are celebrating the 4th at the Ronald Regan Library for their free family event. We went there last year and the kids had a great time. If you don't get there early, you will have to park way down at the bottom of the hill. Of course, we did not get there early and parked at the bottom. Fortunately, they have a shuttle to take you up to the top. We got very lucky, because we just got out of the car ran to the shuttle a few cars down and off we went.
We get to the top and the 1st thing the girls see is a bounce house obstacle course. My 2 year old was a little small; so daddy had to do the obstacle with her. She had fun; but daddy got very tired after a couple times.
The girls did a couple crafts like making a flag with tissue paper and a USA beaded necklace. Their favorite activities were the games and then getting a small prize after each play. By the time they were done, I had quite a collection of patriotic pencils. We played a water balloon toss and then the girls played another game where you can collect as much candy as they could. Just what they need - more candy!
They also had free all you can eat watermelon. My youngest ate about 4 slices. She loves that stuff. My picky 5 year old had issues with a seedless watermelon because of the little white seeds. She insisted on picking those out which just took forever for her to eat.
We saved money on lunch by bringing our own and sat at their tables. We enjoyed listening to the band playing music while we ate. My youngest like it so much she started dancing and put on a show for the person next to us. She just added more entertainment and was quite comical.
This event really wears the kids out and they knocked out in the car on the way home. I knocked out at home. An hour later we had to be up and ready for a BBQ at my parents house. We stayed there for a little while, came home, bathed the kids and rushed off to see fireworks at the local mall. We always go to McDonalds for the $1 sundae to eat while we wait/watch for the fireworks. The line was out the door this year; so we decided to go after. Luckily,I bought some pop snaps for the kids to throw to keep them occupied while we waited. I also got them glow in the dark necklaces at the dollar store. I mad a note to try to sell these next year. People were asking where we got them and someone was actually selling the bracelets. After the show we made it to McDonalds. They barely let us in because they said they closed at 9:30. What kind of McDonalds closes at 9:30!? I think they just wanted to go home early. We did get our sundae but they eventually kicked us out to close their doors. All in all it was a fun 4th!

April Fools!

I'm not that great at coming up with good April fool's day jokes; especially for 2 young girls. I did come up with something the whole family would enjoy - Breakfast for Dinner.

My girls LOVE pancakes and eggs; so I knew they would be excited to eat their surprise April Fools dinner. I made a egg and bacon pie/quiche for my husband and I to give breakfast a change from the ordinary. I called everyone for DESSERT. They were confused as to why dessert was being served. Where's dinner? 1 chocolate chip cookie sat on a plate at everyone's place setting. This was a bit odd for everyone; but nobody complained about having a dessert to start. After everyone was finished eating their cookie; I served them their dinner breakfast. The girls were so excited to see pancakes and eggs for dinner! My 5 year old, can't wait to have another April Fool's dinner again!

Breakfast items such as eggs and pancake mix are very low cost and can make for a great change of pace for dinner!

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

Celebrating Valentine's Day

I had to work on Valentine's Day; so we celebrated on Saturday instead. I told the girls they could go to McDonalds as a special treat for lunch or dinner. My oldest said, How about breakfast? I agreed to breakfast. Both girls were so excited. It was like Christmas morning to them. I don't even remember the last time I went inside a McDonalds for breakfast. They received McDonalds gift cards; so their breakfast was free! The girls loved their pancakes and egg breakfast but were anxious to go to the play area.

For the frugal fun challenge outing, I chose to take them to the Japanese American Museum. They had a Valentine's event where kids got to decorate a cookie, make a tissue paper flower, create Valentine's Day cards, learn to make an oragami heart, listen to a Valentines' Day story and eat a delicious cupcake. Everything was free and the kids had a fun afternoon outing.