I’m Cyrus.

In case you haven’t noticed, my mom hasn’t been writing much lately.

Since it’s pretty much my fault she’s so busy, I thought it only fitting that I help with the “to-do” list and finish a post (she has about 10 half written ones).

 I’m a lot of work. I mean, it takes me 45 minutes to eat and I’m hungry every 3 hours on the dot!

Just a minute…

…my tummy feels a little funny…

 Ahhhhhhh, much better!!

Did I mention I go through like 15 diapers a day????

Anyway, my mom says she has some fun stuff cooking over at Eli’s Lids (she is sewing up a storm) and I know she truly misses all her usual blogging buddies.

As soon as I start sleeping more she’ll be back on her game… until I start crawling!

(drum roll)

Rachel from The Dalai Mama

Congrats!!

You win $75 cash your choice of 1 Eli’s Lids and one of our new Sun Shirts!

The sun tee is our new loose lightweight tee perfect for a little guy or gal to put on while at the beach or pool. The light blue tee will protect them from the sun without being too hot or so tight it will rub off sunscreen!.

If you didn’t win this month you’ll have another chance at Blessed Nest on September 6th!!

Today’s post is the second part of Aracely at Daytripping Mom’s theme park  series… (check out awesome part one about what to bring to a theme park.)

 

Now on to the other question- How can I make my visit stress free and as smooth as possible?
1. I think the most important thing to do is to be prepared and do a little research- Make sure to visit the theme park’s website or blog. They usually have useful tips and some blogs can tell you about the the crowds the day before your visit. This is usually a good indicator of the crowds on the day of your visit.
2. Get there as early as possible. You’ve heard the saying “the early bird catches the worm” and this holds quite true with theme parks. . You will be able to make the most out of your day this way.In my opinion it’s the best time of day to ride your favorite attraction-you usually won’t have to wait in line and if you do- you won’t usually mind because it will be nice and cool.
3. Pick up a map/event guide at the front entrance- The first thing I do is try to plan out my day as soon as I have the map in my hands. Head to the most popular attractions first and plan out your day with the help of your map/event guide.
4. Avoid the lunch time rush. I would try to stay away from eating between 11am to 2pm. Usually the lines to attractions are shorter at this time because everyone is heading out to lunch. If you can, try to eat before 11 am and after 2pm.
5. Avoid attractions between 2 to 4 pm. This is usually peak time at a theme park. We usually use this time to grab a bite to eat and catch a couple of shows. Most restaurants and shows are air conditioned and it’s a great time to take a break. If you have little ones- it’s the perfect time to catch a snooze in the stroller.
6. If you can, splurge on a VIP or front of the line pass – They are usually more expensive but well worth every penny. If you are at any of the Disney Theme Parks take advantage of their Fastpass system.
7. Keep hydrated. Most theme parks have a souvenir cup deal- where you can buy a souvenir cup and either get free refills or very inexpensive refills throughout the day.
8. Make sure your family is well rested the night before and also well fed before you arrive at the your park of choice. There is nothing worse than dealing with cranky and hungry kids. 9. Last but not least- Enjoy yourself- Don’t feel rushed. If you’re visiting on a super busy day- odds are you probably wont’ be able to take everything in one day and that’s fine. It will give you the perfect reason to come back- or even better- upgrade your pass to an annual pass and come back as often as you like.

… Daddy thinks of fun things to do.

Like play with water…

 On the counter…

 “Can we just get our toes wet?”

 Guess we don’t need baths tonight…

Dads are way funner than moms!

 

Don’t forget to enter MOMday Morning. New extra entry methods added yesterday!

Today’s guest blogger is Aracely from Daytripping Mom. Aracely is most definitely the go-to-mom when it comes to where to take your kiddos in Orange County (probably LA too!) and I love that I can say she is my friend in real life! We have done some Daytripping of our own and I’m sure there are many more daytrips in our future!

 

With summer upon us and kids out of school- one thing is certain – It’s theme park time. Our family usually pays a visit to one of our local theme parks at least once a week. Through trial and error, I have learned what it takes to have a fun and stress free day at any theme park. I wanted to share with you the two most popular questions that I’m asked about theme park visits.
I’m usually asked- What do I bring with me? Followed by – How can I make my visit go as smooth as possible?

 
What do I bring with me??
1. You need a good backpack – I’m usually prepared with a great backpack- I never leave home without one .
2. Bring a stroller if you have small children. If you can, make sure to bring a light or umbrella stroller. They are easier to fold up and store- and this is always a plus if you have to take some sort of tram to the theme park entrance. Make sure to have some kind of labeling on you stroller to help yours stand out in the sea of strollers.
3. Make sure to pack a jacket /sweater/blanket. – I’ve left home without one thinking that there was no possible way that I would be cold on a summer day. Boy was I wrong!! The nights cool off and there is nothing worse than shelling out $50.00 for a cheesy sweatshirt because your three year old is cold. Trust me on this one!!
4. Pack a swimsuit. Many theme parks have water fountains or water play areas. Your kids will want to dive in and there is nothing worse than having to say no because you are not prepared. I always pack an extra set of clothes and a swimsuit.
5. Make sure to bring cash. While most theme park restaurants accept credit cards- some of their vending carts do not. I hate paying for ATM Fees – I always bring cash in hand.
6. If you have little ones make sure to pack a couple of snacks. I usually bring a baggie or two of goldfish and fruit snacks. Just keep it simple.
7. If you can bring a bottle or two of water. I usually freeze mine the night before and throw them in a Ziploc bag- I pack them in at the bottom of my bag and they have been a lifesaver!!
8. Bring baby wipes. I always carry them even if I don’t have my youngest with me. They are great for sticky hands and clean ups. I think they are a necessity!!
9. Last but not least -Bring your camera. You want to make sure to capture your fun filled day.

Check back Sunday when Aracely answers the other top theme park question: “How can I make my visit go as smooth as possible? “

 

Don’t forget to enter MOMday Morning! I just added 4 more extra entries!!

Follow OC Family on twitter and Like OC Family on Facebook. (1 entry each)

Follow Stringbean Company on twitter and Like OC Stringbean Company on Facebook. (1 entry each)

Our featured blogger this month for MOMday Morning is Soni, the owner of Stringbean Company. Her blog his awesome and her products… also AWESOME!

One of my faves are Skidnees…

Cora Jane wears hers all the time.

See…

 

 

 The lovely lil’ leggings even made pregnancy photo shoot cut…

 Skidnees are only $7.50 AND they are made in the USA!!

I love Mondays… well, I love the first Monday of the month because it means  MOMday Morning is back! August is our 4th month of spreading love in blog-ville.

Are you feelin’ it?

I sure am! MOMday Morning has been a huge blessing to us and I hope it has been for you too!

REALLY!

Watch our new (shorter) video with all the guidelines:

 

MOMday Morning Guidelines from Kara Noel Lawson on Vimeo.

This month we are featuring the OC Family blogging community and Soni from Stringbean Company blog…

•  Suz Broughton the lead blogger tells us a bit about the site…

What can readers expect to find at OC Family?

We have almost 30 local OC Bloggers who write about everything from Disneyland to how to do a strip tease for your husband. We’re really trying to make OC Family not only a resource for OC Families but also a place where readers can come to hear a good story, snag a good giveaway, or get a delicious recipe.

Do you have to live in the OC to “get” the site?

I don’t think so. We have bloggers who write about food, photography, beauty, politics, design and even manners. We’re not just mom bloggers either; we have two dad bloggers who bring their perspective to the mix. There is a lot of OC at OC Family, but we have much, much more.

• Soni from the Stringbean Company shares a bit about her blog…

What do you blog about?

I love to blog about issues I’m passionate about or issues that give parents and caretakers information and choices. I’m an advocate for doing what is best for your family, but educating yourself on all the options out there. I mix in personal stories (mine or somebody else’s) and I think humor and occasional silliness are crucial.
Three words to describe you and your blog…

Informative, Honest, Supercalafragilisticespialadocious
What are your four favorite posts?

I want my birth back

Third times a charm

Cloth diapering diaries (part 1,part 2, part 3),

Made in the USA: Why should you care?

Giveaway Time!!

The prizes are…

Eli’s Lid of your choice, and one of our new Sun Tees:

 AND $75 cash!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Win $75 cash & Eli’s Lids by spreading Summer love on the net for #MOMdayMorning http://tinyurl.com/25j58y2 @BlessedNest @BYOG & @ElisLids

I just added 4 more extra entries. Because I’m crazy like that!!

~Follow OC Family on twitter and Like OC Family on Facebook. (1 entry each)

~Follow Stringbean Company on twitter and Like Stringbean Company on Facebook. (1 entry each)

***Giveaway open 1 week! Ends MOMday (Monday) August 9th 9:00pm PST***

It’s no secret that I’m a huge fan of the blogshpere! I mean, I put together the whole MOMday Morning thing (along with Blessed Nest and B.Y.O.G.) just to thank all our blogging buddies for their support!

 I’m getting some lovin’ back from my buddies at Blog Crush as a featured blogger today. Check it out. And if you are in the OC – join! We are super cool. 🙂

 My post about perspective (my buzzword this year) went through some post editing and ended up on a new collaborative writing site called Smartly. Read it and cry… I do every time.

A picture of Cora Jane from twitter was featured over at Wright Creatively. It was taken while she was eating her after-shot-ice-cream. Kristen features a phone photo every Friday. If you have a fun one, send it in!

And now I have to figure out what to make for lunch:

Milk for Cyrus. Check.

Food for me and the kiddos… um. The fridge is empty.

REALLY.

What you don’t believe me.

Here is a picture to prove it…

Looks like cookie dough, spaghetti sauce, flax seed and condiments for lunch.

Or we can walk to subway.

Because I walk like 2-4 miles everyday. (Since 3 days ago)

I never got to tell you about our Father’s Day because my water broke the next day and I was a bit sidetracked with all things baby (and loving it!!).

 Our plan was to spend time with “Daddy.” We thought we would go out to breakfast then hit up the beach or Irvine Regional Park. But because of a work emergency Hot Hubby worked all night long (from 11pm to 4am). Needless to say, he slept in. I took the kiddos out for donuts and had an impromptu idea of making a small donut cake, complete with banners) and surprising my tired love with his favorite coffee.

The kiddos and a VERY pregnant me worked on this at a table outside the donut store and everyone who passed commented on how creative we were.

I wanted to say… “Um, if you think stacking donuts is creative, you should see my business!”

It really was a simple idea and it looked cute.

  Thanks Lover, for being the best Daddy to our kiddos ever! And for not caring if I don’t ever always make dinner. You are truly the most amazing man on the earth!!

Yep, I just typed that… and I mean it. How do you like them apples!?!?