While us gals were enjoying some bridal shower fun (see the awesome flower bow favors), Hot Hubby took Eli out for a Guys’ Day at the beach.

The boys stumbled upon the Ocean Institute in Dana Point during a search for a fun beach. Our pirate obsessed son was drawn in by the Pilgrim, a tall ship parked in the harbor.
They paid admission ($4.50 for Eli and $6.50 for Daddy) and got to explore the institute! First was the octopus who was surprisingly more active that usual… or so they were told!

Petting the starfish and exploring the pirate ship! (FYI- Don’t be late for the 11:45 tour! They got there at 11:47 and had to jump a gate to get in.)

Eli wants one of these at home. I guess the t-ball cannon isn’t cutting it anymore!

Daddy let Eli do whatever he wanted… which was throw rocks. Oh to be a 3-year-old boy!

It was a good day!

What better way to top off the Guys’ Day than dinner at Red Robin…

As if you need another reason to live in Orange County… check out this sky.

 Eli starts his first T-ball team next month. Hot Hubby is more than excited!

Cora could care less.
Our tee is from Nannie and Nonno… we mostly use it as a pirate cannon!

I’m sure you’re wondering why the kiddos aren’t wearing Lids… they are in the laundry! They are washer/dryer safe, you know!

Happy Earth Day 2010!
I thought I would share a little Earth Day fodder…
*If you’re a OC local head on over to the etnies company store and buy a pair of shoes.
Why? (you’re thinking)
The answer:

I had the chance to visit etnies about 6 months ago and I can honestly tell you that the founder/owner, Pierre Andre Senizergues, of etnies has a passion for the environment that is infectious! My favorite quote from Pierre that day was,

WOW! I had never thought about that! When we buy organic, we assume the factory making it is Green. That may not be the case!! etnies switched factories and was able to decrease 20% of their carbon emissions! Check out their Eco-Audit here. It will make you proud to buy the shoes! Plus they are really cute.
See:

*You all know I’m big on saving. I really believe every penny counts!! Show your kiddos with Pennies for the Planet that even one person donating one penny can make a big difference for the environment.

Funding from this year’s Pennies for the Planet program will protect endangered coastlines, including:
~Safeguarding Louisiana coastal marshes and helping to support the scientists and volunteers restoring them
~Protecting nesting shore birds like the Western Snowy Plover that live on California’s sea shores, and
~Restoring Florida’s Panther Island to improve the water quality and habitat for endangered Florida panthers, wood storks, and gopher tortoises.
This program is geared for school age kiddos (starting with 2nd grade) but I’m sure you can still donate. You probably won’t qualify for the prizes… BUT it’s not about the prizes anyway… it’s about teaching your kiddos that they can have a positive impact on the environment! Visit Pennies for the Planet for all the info!

If you wear a Summer Lid…

No one will notice you’re in your underwear…

(Eli threw up before before coming into the Swapper so Hot Hubby stripped him down and came in anyway. We fit right in. How great is that Lid!?!?)

More Wordless Wednesday fun at Angry Julie Monday.

Hello my friends!
We had a blast at the Swapper yesterday!
I’m pretty tired today… so tired that I let the kiddos eat fruit snacks for breakfast.
REALLY!
Here is a whrrl overview of the OC Marketplace and a bit about Claim Jumper’s awesome customer service last night!! 
Wow… impressive!!

More to come!
 
But while you wait for the post comment on this story about how I dealt with Eli and Cora Jane’s first bully at Chick-fil-a over at the Orange County Moms Blog. 
Warning: I won’t be getting the Mother of the Year award.

A perfect brisk Spring walk needs:
Lids…

…Leggings… (get em’ here)

…and Snap Peas!

Visit Angry Julie for more Wordless Wednesdays!