handmade summer dress + ice cream social at the Heritage House

I finished this little sun dress just in time for summer's 100+ degree weather. This dress is my first attempt to make something for myself. It was a struggle at times. I ended up going to an Auntie's house for help with the blouse. I knew that I could muddle my way through, but having someone explain and show me what went wrong was helpful. I'm happy with how this dress turned out and I'm looking forward to sewing more. 

I wore this dress to the Heritage House ice cream social. The weather was a lovely 112 degrees, but with the breeze and large shade trees it was bearable. I have been wanting to tour this beautiful Victorian home, and thought that attending the ice cream social would be the perfect opportunity to check out something unique to my community. 

The house is beautiful. Everything has been well maintained, the docents were entertaining and knowledgeable. I wish that we had been allowed to go upstairs, however the second and third floors were off limits due to the heat. When the house opens again in the fall I definitely want to explore the rest of the house. 

Lucas wasn't thrilled to be out in the heat...or at a museum. However,  a bowel of chocolate ice cream did improve his mood.... a little. The Heritage House offered activities for kids- face painting (he didn't want to do that), games (he asked to go home), ice cream (he did say yes to ice cream), orange tasting from Citrus Park (nope, it wasn't orange juice...although I tried an orange and it was delicious) and recruitment into the Continental army. Lucas did "enlist" and actually enjoyed it. 

Aquarium of the Pacific and Harbor Cruise

Happy Sabbath.

This weekend Dadi and Dada treated the whole family with tickets to the Aquarium of the Pacific and  a cruise around the Long Beach Harbor. The kids and I have never been to the Aquarium or have gone on a harbor cruise, so this was a new experience! The kiddos and I had a blast exploring the aquarium. Lucas's three favorite exhibits were the Tropical Reef Dive, Water Conversation Exhibit and the playground. Alara enjoyed the Clown Fish Exhibit ("Nemos") and the interactive tide pools where she got to touch jellyfish and horseshoe crabs.

We wrapped up our day with a cruise around the Long Beach Harbor. The tour was about 45 minutes, which is plenty long enough with small children. The wind was blowing hard, so the kiddos ended up downstairs with the boys and Dada. Dadi and I stayed up top and enjoyed an afternoon at sea. The tour explored Long Beach's coastline, sailed past napping sea lions, the Queen Mary, a cruise ship, lots of cargo ships and several oil islands.

I'd love to return to the aquarium...  although on a less crowded and cooler day.  I felt like there was more to see and do. 😊

our summer to do list

This year we don't plan on allowing summer to pass without a few family adventures. This will be Lucas's last summer before kindergarten and Alara is now big enough to go on adventures. My husband and I agreed that this summer we would stay local. However, staying local doesn't mean no fun! While "swimming" that other morning, the kids and I complied a list of fun things that we would like to do. 

I thought I'd share our list. 

Here is our list of summer adventures.

• Take the train to the beach 
• Family trip to the San Diego Safari Park/Zoo 
• Day trip to the mountains for fresh air and hiking
• Try something new and unique to our local area 
• Go to a baseball game
• Go to a movie (this one is for Lucas since he has never been to a movie theater)
• Make ice cream 
• Go horseback riding at Grandma's house 

I'd love for more ideas - especially if it's local and or unique - let me know in the comments.  

happy birthday Alara

Happy 2nd birthday sweet baby Alara!

This year we kept things simple with just close family and a few friends. I chose to do an afternoon/evening party which gave the birthday girl plenty of time for her nap and post-nap-time recovery before her guests arrived.

*Note*

Having a post-nap-time recovery is important and highly recommended when hosting a party for a 2 year old.

Trust me.

We took advantage the beautiful June weather and late summer hours, giving the kiddos extra time to play. My wonderful husband was in charge of the BBQ, and grilled up his famous burgers and hot dogs for a delicious birthday dinner.

Alara had a great time turning two!

I couldn't have asked for a nicer evening filled with close friends and family.