Month: August 2019

Knott’s Berry Farm – Ghost Town Alive, National Cowboy Day, & Summer Nights

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I can’t even say how much we love Knott’s Berry Farm. It’s hard to explain. I’m sure everyone that has a season pass feels the same way. They’re always on my highly recommend list for any family or friends that are visiting. The western entrance and that tree and gravel parking lot are by far our favorite, if they’re open.

Ghost Town Alive happens every single summer. We absolutely love it! Just about every shop in Ghost Town is open with someone inside ready to greet you. The streets are flooded with the Ghost Town folks running around interacting with each other and YOU. If you’re lucky they might even send you on some errands up and down the roads and shop-to-shop in Ghost Town. Seppe’s had to run some errands in the barber shop a couple of times (you can find those adventures on my Instagram) — this time the barber shop had the kids deliver some clothes to City Hall because the mustache appointments were all filled up. When they got back they were ready to choose their mustache. They chose some real fine ones for the Whiskerino Contest. Speaking of fine, Seppe wore his finest vintage Roy Rogers shirt to celebrate National Cowboy Day. He joined the rest of the kids dressed up for a picture in front of the Calico stage. They had special Wanted poster props up for National Cowboy Day. The kids were treated to Calico Ghost Town bandanas right before the hoedown. Giuseppe chose me as his dancing party and what a grand ol time we had. One of the citizens of Calico asked Laney to dance. Seppe even had me do the dance with him when we got home.

When night falls Knott’s turns into Summer Nights. This is the first year for this block party bash. With bands taking the stages all over the park — there’s a party around every corner. Lights strung up all over the place. We continued our tasting card experience with kettle corn, chili, and a fudge dipped apple. Most of my adventures to Knott’s include a Calico Soda from the saloon — it’s a MUST! Seppe took his first ride on the scrambler — he loved it!

Let’s talk about their amazing show — Beach Blanket Beagle at the Charles M. Schultz Theatre. I love Frankie Avalon and Beach Blanket Bingo. This swingin 60s show was packed with ALL the good tunes! The show must have been really good because it kept Seppe watching and dancing. They performed all the hits like; Fun Fun Fun, California Girls, Beach Blanket “Beagle”, Yellow Polka Dot Bikini, and I sang really loud for that Chubby Checker classic, Let’s Twist Again. Snoopy did some killer surfing. The amazing Hawaiian fire dancer was the hit of the show. Snoopy came out as King Kamehameha. The SET — the whole entire set was GORGEOUS. Definitely their best show and set to this day! I know Christmas is a big hit but this took the cake. I don’t think they’re going to be able to top it.

Can’t wait to see what’s in store for Knott’s Spooky Farm. We were there the other day and seen they were getting the spots ready for the mazes during Scary Farm. All of the decorations will be going up rather quickly in the next couple of weeks. I wonder who the Peanuts Gang are going to dress up as this year?

Visit the Farm yourself — knotts.com — and if you have any Knott’s questions, planning, or need a tour guide — let me know!

Ready Or Not

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I’ll start this movie adventure off with letting everyone know that I got carded to see this movie. Dropped our toddler off at my mom’s house to catch the last showing of the evening, midweek. Our local theater is usually pretty empty weekdays– so empty that they don’t even sell tickets in the box office — instead you have to go inside and up to concessions. My significant other turns to me and asks, what’s the name of the movie again? I said, Ready Or Not. The girl behind the counter says, the one that’s like hide and seek? Yes, that one. See asks, can I see your IDs? Well, since I wasn’t paying or driving I didn’t bother to even bring my wallet. I said, oh, well, I didn’t bring my wallet. She tells me it’s okay since he’s over 21. I joked that I was so happy that my other half, the father of our child, the man that is 4 years younger than me — the woman that is pushing 40 — can get me into the movie. Seriously though, they’re really cracking down on this, can’t go into a Rated R movie without someone that is over 21, and if you’re 6 and under and you’re with your mommy and daddy — forget about it — you’re all walking your asses back to the car (been there, done that). I’ve heard a few times it’s from noise complaints, that goes for little kids as well as teenagers. I guess that’s a good thing — and that’s why we do the drive in most of the time with the kiddos now.

Soooooo onto the movie. We left the kids behind on this one because we weren’t really sure what to expect. I’m familiar with Samara Weaving from the movie The Babysitter (it’s on Netflix and it’s a good one if you haven’t seen it). Andie MacDowell, from one of the most amazing movies EVER, Groundhog Day (which is also on Netflix right now). I loved the board game idea — my brother and I grew up playing a lot of games with our parents and babysitter while growing up and it’s something that I love doing with my son as well. The film is very witty straight out the gate. Funny little lines and faces thrown in before getting to all the chuckles tossed in with the blood bath. I thought it was a fantastic film with a fantastic ending. Thumbs up.

Lance Burton @ Fantasy Springs

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I found out about this Lance Burton show from seeing his billboard on the way to Yucca Valley. Luckily I was driving because I screamed and flipped out. The last time I saw a Lance billboard was on the way to Las Vegas when he had his ongoing show at the Monte Carlo. I thought I was seeing things. I was delighted to hear that he was touring.

Where to start? This was my 2nd time seeing Lance perform. I’ve loved him for years — grew up with his poster on my wall. In 2006 I took a trip to Vegas to catch his show and The Briefs at Punk Rock Bowling. I caught The Briefs first and this was the marvelous day that they asked me about touring with them. AND then I got to turn around and see Lance in his grand show at the Monte Carlo. I bought merchandise — obviously.

This was my 3rd time catching a show at Fantasy Springs. I saw The Monkees 4 year ago when I was pregnant, and just barely showing, with Giuseppe. Last year, right before my grandpa passed, he babysat Giuseppe so we could catch Peter Frampton. I got in to that show thanks to his tour bus driver, my friend, Mark. Who, at one point, was also the tour bus driver when I was on tour. What I like about this venue is that it’s a completely different building away from the casino. Perfect to bring children to and you don’t have to smell all of the cigarette smoke.

This was our date night but when we saw the amount of kids that were there we felt guilty that we left ours behind. I should have known because Lance always chooses kids to help with his act. Our seats were pretty damn amazing — 10th row back and aisle seats. Lance is still hilarious. He always has guest magicians that come out and damn, was I laughing — I don’t think the ladies behind us stopped laughing. Lance did some big tricks and would end up in the crowd — how the hell does he do it? He did some little tricks that he showed everyone how to do. He talked about the event/person that made him want to be a magician when he was a little boy.

Being a person that used to sell merch a favorite trip of the night for me is checking out the merch table. It didn’t look like much but I loved how he does it. Pictures of all of his stuff on a few pieces of laminated papers. There was one with a variety of posters and another with goodies like a program. There was a tshirt display on the table for people to check out and touch the quality and designs of the shirts. All while everything was nicely tucked away behind the table. I love this idea because you don’t have to worry about stuff getting stolen, people setting stuff on the merch, spilling stuff on the merch, and endless touching and moving items. What you see is what you get. I bought a shirt that I will wear proudly.

And then — I heard the MAGIC words — signing after the show. SHUT UP! I got in line and I spotted Mr. Electric – Marvyn Roy. He was heading for the door and I had to step out of line to go up to him. He was a lovely man. He said that the phone was magic. I said, and I’m going to pop it up on the internet in 2 minutes and that’s ultra magic. I was told about Marvyn’s Magic Theater opening mid-September. Really looking forward to that. Some old guy sized me up about who and what I know about magic. I had to get back in line for Lance’s signing which meant I was last. Took about an hour and a half to finally make it. I was sweating because I was nervous. So nervous I couldn’t say anything. He asked if I enjoyed the show but I was too busy dying. He let me come behind the table for a picture and I was going to say that I was dying — but I couldn’t. You always worry about what your favorite people will be like in person. You hope that they’re nice. Lance, you are an amazing human being. Can’t wait to take the kids to the next show.

We enjoyed late night dinner at POM Restaurant. A really yummy spot. We always talk about how our kids would love hanging at the little eatery strip upstairs. The spots include a Pizza Kitchen, Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory, and Starbucks. We also took a gander at the Fresh Grill Buffet but we didn’t have enough time before the show and it was closed by the time we got out. Lique is located at the entrance of the bowling alley and it’s a mod looking soda shoppe. The bowling alley also has a snack bar and arcade.

I give Fantasy Springs 2 thumbs up for shows. 2 thumbs up for food options for every occasion. 2 thumbs up for parking. 2 thumbs up for that Vegas feel. 2 thumbs up for being family friendly.

Want to see Lance Burton yourself? lanceburton.com

Thinking of taking a trip to Marvyn’s Magic Theater? marvynsmagictheater.com

Want to know more about Fantasy Springs? fantasyspringsresort.com

They have a lot of upcoming shows with some big names. fantasyspringsresort.com/entertainment

Scary Stories To Tell In The Dark

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I grew up reading these books over and over with my brother. Every time our cousins came over to visit we would all sit around in the middle of the night and read them and scare the shit out of each other. I have some pretty good stories of how I, the little one, was always ditched when things got too scary.

Of course hearing about this movie coming out was exciting and of course I thought — FINALLY! Buttttt there are so many good stories, the way they are told, and the pictures that went along with them. It left me wondering what stories they would cover (which were revealed in the previews) and why this one, this one, and this one weren’t covered. AND would they be told how I always pictured them.

Obviously I was bringing Giuseppe to see this with me. I wasn’t expecting too much scare with a PG-13 rating. Giuseppe sat through the movie calling out every jump scare he thought was coming and questioning everything he saw. He did well for a pretty packed theater.

Giuseppe left the theater obsessed. We’ve now moved on to the books (he loves the pictures). When we can’t read them we do the audio listening on YouTube which has some great narrating on some. Every time we pass the theater he points out that Scary Stories To Tell In The Dark is there. He thinks his nana and papa are taking him to see it again. He draws the pictures and thinks he’s writing — Scary Stories To Tell In The Dark is so awesome.

Side note: I like the year it was set in

Once Upon A Time In Hollywood

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I feel like every time I see a Quentin Tarantino film I tend to miss his older films. The excitement hearing that a new one is coming — longing for it. Then it’s here — and then it’s gone. It’s like separation anxiety. Then I have to movie marathon all of them and re-ask friends and family members what their favorite Tarantino film is. Older family members choose Reservoir Dogs, men choose Kill Bill, and the ladies choose Inglourious Basterds. Unless you’re my dad and you choose Death Proof because of the girls. Me, I am one of those ladies that chooses Inglourious Basterds and if you’re thinking I’m here for the men — you’re right — especially if his name is Eli Roth (I’m bias)

Brad & Leo are mom’s dream duo — and what a perfect duo they are. We ditched the kids and made a movie date out of this one. I’m not here to write a review because I’d just give it all away — but I do recommend it! I really enjoyed it. Always looking forward to the next!

National Night Out – SilverLakes, Norco

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My favorite event since having a child. There are a lot of great events happening all the time and every year that we attend — BUT this one just gets better and better.

Ours took place between 6-8pm and 2 hours wasn’t long enough to get everything done. We’re in Jurupa Valley and ours joins forces with Eastvale, Norco, and Riverside so that’s why it was so huge.

There were meet-n-greets from Riverside County Sheriff’s Department, Jurupa Valley Sherrif’s Station, Norco Sherrif’s Station, CAL FIRE, Riverside County Fire Department, California Highway Patrol, Riverside Probation Department, Riverside County Humane Society, Riverside County Mounted Posse.

The fire department put the kids up in the truck to check it out and take pictures. They loved that. There were a lot of local businesses as well. The kids got to go around from tent to tent and spin the wheel for prizes, play a game for prizes, or just pick out a prize.

Arrowhead Credit Union had a racoon character running around — Seppe loves characters. The Riverside County Mounted Posse had therapy ponies — an adorable hit. Norco college were handing out free ice creams. Home Depot were handing out bags of popcorn as well as promoting their monthly kids building workshops by giving out enamel pins and a build your own rocket pencil box. Norco Area Chamber Of Commerce let the kids rope a fake pony for a Ready Education stress ball — which they call a squishy. SilverLakes has a build-your-own smores with color changing cups and neon sunglasses. I even got a flier for some upcoming events at The Ranch that we’ll be checking out. For info visit silverlakespark.com/ranch

Giuseppe gained badges from; CAL FIRE, Riverside County Deputy Sheriff, Riverside County Probation, Riverside County Junior Humane Officer, Riverside County Junior Deputy Sheriff, California Highway Patrol Junior Officer.

Prizes they earned, City Of Eastvale Frisbee. Bubbles from a local dentist. New York Life Insurance water bottle. City Of Norco foam cowboy hat and basketball squishy. Western Community Energy light bulb squishy. Riverside County Library System book squishy. Enamel pin from Norco softball. Temporary tattoos from My Gym, KFROG, and US Bank. Coloring books from My Gym, City Of Norco, CHP, and California State Senate. Sports Nut Pizza had a spin the wheel for prizes they give at their restaurant, and Seppe won a sticky hand. Seppe spun the wheel and won chapstick from Boot Barn. Our Jurupa Valley Recreation & Park were there. Seppe does all of his sports through them — they gave him chapstick.

Mommy even picked up some goodies; charging cable, magnet, and chip clips from Western Community Energy. Chapstick, hand sanitizer, hand towel from Riverside Probation Department. Measuring tape from City Of Jurupa Valley. Pen and chip clip from US Bank. Hand sanitizer and chip clip from Pomona Valley Hospital Medical Center. First Aid Kit and pen from Norco Healthcare. Pen & notepad combo from iE Parenting Magazine, Chip clip from Hope Collabrative. Doggy bags from Riverside County Watershed Protection. Popsocket from Riverside County Film Commission as well as a super cool pamphlet about some of the films that were made in the area — check that out at filmriversidecounty.com. Pen and discount coupon from The Derby Room. Pens from Riverside County Sheriff and Arrowhead Credit Union.

Laney also got golfing gear and a ton of other things but that’s because she went around to every single tent.

The big hit for Giuseppe was the Jeep course from EcoKrawl. The wait was about an hour but he said it was amazing!

I also found out about the Martial Arts History Museum located in Burbank. They say to plan for an hour when you take your kids because it includes a tour and a scavenger hunt. MAmuseum.com for more info.

I got a $2 off coupon for La La Barn indoor play center. $13.99 child admission. lalabarn.com Anyone interested in joining us for a play date let me know.

I met our Jurupa Valley Rotary, they were lovely. I can’t wait to support them at Food Fest taking place on Saturday September 28th at the Jurupa Valley Spectrum. Tickets are $20 in advance and can be purchased at True Value Hardware and Jurupa 14. Gates open at 4:30 and food starts at 5:00. For my info visit jurupavalleyrotary.org/foodfest

Great news! We’re having our First Annual Fall Parade in Jurupa Valley!! So excited to hear about this — I’ve been daydreaming for years that we’d have a parade! Taking place on November 2nd at 9am. There will be entertainment, floats, horses, and bands. It’s to celebrate and showcase local buisnesses, groups, and schools throughout Jurupa Valley. They say that farms, ranches, and harvests have been an ongoing theme in our history books so we’re sharing our past and celebrating our future! I’ll have more info as it becomes available.

Christmas Festival & Parade Of Lights in Norco is happening Saturday December 14th at George Ingalls Equestrian Event Center on Crestview Ave in Norco. Breakfast with Santa is happening 8-11am. Christmas Festival is happening 8-9am. Illuminated Parade is happening at 5pm. For more info visit norco.ca.us

This is all the fun that I’ve found out at National Night Out. We also have the Jurupa Valley Tree Lighting Ceremony taking place at City Hall. Festival Of Lights happening at Mission Inn. Winder Wonderland and Tree Lighting Ceremony at Eastvale Community Center. I’ll talk about more events as they get closer. There are a lot of fun and exciting things happening in our neck of the woods. Join in on the fun!

Check out YOUR National Night Out next year — natw.org and save the date!

Clay Park & Sports 4 Tykes Soccer

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This is the 3rd recreational activity we’ve signed Giuseppe up for through Jurupa. At the beginning of summer he was in ballet/tap at the Veterans Memorial Community Center on Monday’s. Halfway through that session he started Sports for Tykes football at Agate Park on Tuesday’s and Thurday’s — we were a busy bunch of a while. Ballet/tap fills up quickly so we weren’t able to get another Monday spot — we were offered Thursday’s but that meant he’d either miss his first day of ballet/tap or the last day of football which was receiving his certificate. We passed on ballet/tap for the moment. Soccer was already filled up for July/August so we were put on a wait list. I decided to sign him up for Tee-Ball in August/Sept. We got a call saying there was an opening for soccer at Clay Park. Yay!

Sports 4 Tykes is really cool. Especially for Seppe. Tap/ballet was teaching them to listen and be focused. He was there for the structure, discipline, and balance. He did great the first month but then got really comfortable and decided he’d walk off to look out a window or lay down when they were on the floor stretching. Football was rowdy. Boys running around being goofy, making faces at each other, getting in trouble. During the weeks that we did both activities I think Seppe brought a lot of the football with him to ballet/tap.

All sports are 4 weeks long taking place every Tuesday and Thurday from 5:30 – 6:15. There are always 2-3 coaches on hand and are very kind but firm to the kids. All sports are taught with mini equipment and non-scoring. It’s teaching the little ones the basic of the sport, exercise, how to work with a group or one-on-one, waiting your turn. Each child receives a t-shirt when they sign up and the award ceremony at the end of the session.

The football group wasn’t that big. Soccer is double the size. Football only had boys. Soccer is boys and girls. The coaches remembered Seppe so it’s been very fun and comfortable for him.

The playground equipment at Clay is about as old as Giuseppe. It was being re-done when I was pregnant with him. Seppe has always been adventurous with this playground and ready to climb up the ropes, tubes, rock wall, bridges and I’ve always had to spot him. Now, he’s big enough to do it all on his own and wants to be timed. There are two slides in the big part of the playground for kids to race each other, a few ride on horses, and regular swings. The small part of the playground also has two slides for the littles to race, a little station where Seppe pretends that he’s serving food, moveable planet map, some steering wheels, baby swings, and Giuseppe’s current favorite — the mini monkey bars.

The only thing I would have liked to have seen at this park was covering over the equipment. It seems that the newer parks are being built with these. (there’s a brand new little secret hidden park down the street from us like this — I’ll be showing it soon)

https://www.jarpd.org/ – for information on sports, swimming lessons, list of parks, splash pads, and special events happening in the area.

Tonight Is National Night Out

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National Night Out takes place annually the first Tuesday in August. It’s a community event taking place between 4-8 pm all over the nation. It’s the opportunity for police and neighbors to come together in a positive atmosphere.

Last year ours took place down the street from us at our local community center/park. We didn’t know what to expect but the kids had a ball. There was a jumper, free food, lots of vendors with goodies for the kids to grab, police department, K-9 unit, fire department. The police finger printed the kids for ID cards.

Our city rotates locations each year; Jurupa Valley, Eastvale, Norco. This year ours is taking place in Norco. There are a few others happening in Riverside as well as Corona and Moreno Valley.

For more information visit natw.org and find an event near you!