Easter is almost here and for families like ours, the season isn’t complete without a trip to the Shops at Mission Viejo to take photos with The Easter Bunny! It’s an annual tradition for us.
Guests can visit the Bunny at The Shops at Mission Viejo now through Saturday, March 26. The Bunny is located on the lower level, near Nordstrom. (Just look for the adorable garden setting that he sits in.) 
We actually reserved a spot with The Bunny online before heading over. It was so convenient and helped alleviate some of the wait time. Reserving a spot ahead of time is optional and guests may visit The Bunny anytime. To reserve your spot with The Bunny, click here. 
We love The Bunny at The Shops at Mission Viejo because he’s very interactive with all of the kids and we saw him waving to children in the mall when he wasn’t busy.. My daughter likes that he wears glasses, just like she does! 
The Bunny at “our mall” is also really fun and after we finished taking the photos for our package, he took a couple of extra fun ones with us. 
Noerr Programs runs the Bunny Photos and offers several options for photo packages available for purchase. It’s really easy to select your favorite pose and have them printed out in a package, right on the spot. 
Have you visited The Bunny yet? If not, you’ve still got a little bit of time left but make sure to get there before March 26 cause he’ll be hopping away after that!
3rd Annual Truck Adventures benefiting Make A Wish Foundation Greater Los Angeles
It’s almost time for the 3rd Annual Truck Adventures benefiting Make A Wish Foundation Greater Los Angeles! This year, the event will be held on Saturday, April 23, 2016, from 9am to 3pm at Santa Anita Racetrack. 
The event is designed to be a memorable experience that will allow children to see, touch and explore vehicles of all types such as fire trucks, police cars, construction, military vehicles and many other vehicles. 
This unique, fun filled event, allows children of all ages to get up close to and even sit in more than 90+ trucks and vehicles that they see on the road everyday. Some of previous year’s participants include Kraft Foods Oscar Mayer Wienermobile, Harley Davidson, LA County Fire Dept Shakey Quakey Van, Nickelodeon’s Sponge Bob Car, Fedex, Hertz, LA Port Authority TransPORTer, City of Hope, Colgate, Time Warner, DirecTV, AAA, City of Arcadia Police, Fire & Public Works depts, Sunstate Equipment, Quinn Rental, Caltrans, Los Angeles Police Department SWAT, DEA, Brinks Armored Trucks, US Forestry, Waste Management, Republic Services, US Navy, Army, Air Force, and Marine Corps, California National Guard, HD Forensic Scientific Investigation and many more. 
Some of the other fun activities for kids at the event will be provided by Home Depot’s Kids Workshop and Dave & Busters. Food trucks will also be available.
To purchase tickets in advance, click here. Tickets may also be purchased on the day of the event.
Santa Anita Racetrack is located at 285 West Huntington Drive, Arcadia, California. The event will be held next to Westfield Santa Anita Mall. Guests should enter through gate 3.
Connect with Truck Adventures on Facebook and Instagram.
My Perfect Celebration: A Disney Birthday Button and Dinner at Steakhouse 55
One of my most favorite annual birthday traditions is to get a Disney birthday button and celebrate my day at Disneyland Resort. The most special part about getting to wear one of a birthday button around the parks and the Resort, is that Cast Members everywhere will continue to wish you a “Happy Birthday”! Some may even catch you by surprise when they call you out by name! 
This year, my birthday was a little different though because we had to be out of town (for a cheer competition) on my actual day. My daughter was so sweet as she insisted we stop by the Resort on our way out of town, just to grab my button and spend a little time in the parks. We only had a few hours to do so, but we made every minute count and got to:
- grab my 2016 birthday button
- go down Main Street and give a bunch of High 4’s to Cast Members
- ride the Matterhorn Bobsleds
- hang out with Farley the Fiddler
- grab a Matterhorn Macaroon for the road
As we drove away from Disneyland Resort that morning to get on the road, my daughter said, “Mommy, I’m sorry we barely got time to celebrate your birthday in the parks today.” 
Little did I know, just as soon as we returned home from our road trip that Sunday afternoon, I’d be swept away from home and back to do some more celebrating! This time, we had a reservation at Steakhouse 55 at the Disneyland Hotel! Wow, what a special birthday treat!
Steakhouse 55 is one of my favorite places to dine at the resort. The menu offers so many delicious choices but I’m such a creature of habit that I always end up ordering practically the same meal, beginning with a celebratory glass of wine. 
I can’t get enough of the Steakhouse 55 Wedge Salad. It’s topped with cherry tomato, bacon lardons, candied pecans, and the most amazing blue cheese vinaigrette. Although I’ve never actually asked for it, I’ll bet the recipe for the dressing is a secret! 
The Center-cut Filet Mignon at Steakhouse 55 never disappoints. Neither do the sides you can order to compliment your meal. We went with some Yukon Gold Mashed Potatoes, which are topped with traditional brown gravy and green onion, and some Steamed Local Asparagus, complimented with olive oil hollandaise and Maldon-flaked Sea Salt. 
By this point, I was extremely content and almost too full for dessert…almost! I felt extra special when our server, Cast Member David, brought out a special dessert just for me. Mickey was right there on top, along with a single candle to make a birthday wish. 
I can’t tell you what I wished for because it won’t come true, but let’s just say it was Disney-related! 
My birthday dinner at Steakhouse 55 was so Magical. I’m happy that my family closed out my birthday weekend by surprising me and taking me there! It was delicious and the service was wonderful. Have you gotten to eat there yet? If not, I highly recommend making a reservation soon!
Let’s Peek Inside the Newest LEGO® Friends Rooms at LEGOLAND® Hotel!
So exciting! Only a couple more days until the first guests will have the opportunity to stay in one of LEGOLAND® Hotel’s newest themed rooms! If you haven’t heard, beginning on March 10, guests can book a stay in one of their The LEGO® Friends themed rooms at LEGOLAND® Hotel at LEGOLAND® California Resort! Guests are invited to take an adventure with their families and discover Heartlake City in a new way. How fun is it going to be for guests of all ages to step inside a room that’s straight out of Heartlake City? 
Each of the 11 themed rooms, as well as one suite, that are available to stay in, are filled with 12 LEGO® models inspired by Heartlake City. Guests will be able to spend a night like Emma, Mia, Andrea, Stephanie and Olivia. Kids will recognize Goldie the Bird, Scarlett the Dog and Felix the Cat in LEGO form as they enjoy sleeping in bunk and trundle beds themed as the Friends Tree House. Plus, kids will have their own TV, games, LEGO bricks and a treasure chest hidden just beneath a LEGO themed tree! Parents will also sleep in style with their own themed version of Heartlake City Stables and families will enjoy getting ready for their day at the Park in Stephanie’s Beach House themed restrooms. 
These rooms are the perfect setting for the “Ultimate BFF Sleepover”, don’t you think? 
The new LEGO Friends fully themed rooms are now available to book and on March 10, 2016, guests can begin their LEGOLAND California Resort adventure by spending the night in the newly themed rooms all before heading into the Park to enjoy the day in the land of LEGO® Friends Heartlake City. 
For Hotel room rates, ticket prices, operating schedule and additional information, visit http://www.LEGOLAND.com or call 760-918-LEGO (5346).
I Braved The Howlin’ Tornado at Great Wolf Lodge!
As soon as we had dates for a stay at Great Wolf Lodge’s newest location in Southern California for the official Grand Opening weekend,my daughter immediately went online to their site to research all of the things she wanted to do during our “staycation” there. 
She let me know all about her hopes and expectations, and specifically challenged me to a biggie: to ride the Howlin’ Tornado with her! Well, I guess that’s do-able for a mom, if you don’t mind dropping into “the six-story funnel of fun” (as Great Wolf Lodge describes the slide). 
At first glance, the Howlin’ Tornado can be a little intimidating. Ok it can actually be really intimidating. You can’t really see much of the waterslide from inside of the waterpark but when you drive up to the resort, you can see it from the outside, because it’s so gigantic that the main part of its structure is located outside. (although it’s completely enclosed so you’d never know that when you’re on it.). 
Let me just tell you a couple of things about myself as relating to water and swimming and waterslides…I actually DON’T usually do water. 
I’m like a cat! I don’t like to get wet. I’m not super adventurous. Although I can swim, I just don’t favor it, which is ironic because my daughter is a swimmer and on a competitive swim team. 
I knew I needed to make a point of not only honoring my daughter’s wishes, but also to show everyone that I can be brave and conquer the Howlin’ Tornado.
So…I did it! Yep, on the first night we were there. It’s a very popular waterslide so we waited until after “Story Time” in the lobby because that’s when a majority of the resort goes to bed and the waterpark becomes less crowded. It took a bit of coaxing from my own “pack” to get me ready for the fun! 
The raft seats 4 and each person actually has their own little compartment to sit in, complete with handles to hold onto. I really didn’t expect what came next. Pretty much as soon as we took off, it felt like the floor just dropped out from underneath us! Your tummy feels like it would if you were riding on a rollercoaster that just took a big drop! It was crazy-amazing! It was also scary! I will say that I held onto the handles like we were about to go over Niagara Falls or something! Hehe! I think we were up on the sides of the walls, I’m not sure! At some point, I may have closed my eyes and just held on. A combination of laughs and screams could be heard coming from our raft though. 
Howlin’ Tornado was so much fun! I was so proud of myself and my “pack” was too! They even took me out for some ice cream afterwards at Bear Paw Sweets & Eats, which is right inside of Great Wolf Lodge! 
I think I spent the next two days bragging to my family about it because I was so proud of myself! I really just wanted to be able to share that experience with my daughter though, which was my biggest motivator. I do think there comes a certain point in your adult life when you stop doing those types of things. I guess I haven’t reached that point in my life though. 
I can’t wait to go back to Great Wolf Lodge and ride Howlin’ Tornado again! Perhaps they should make stickers or buttons for brave moms like me who ride it! What do you think? Have you ridden it yet?
Connect with Great Wolf Lodge Southern California on Facebook..
Look Who’s Drinking Milk Again: THIS Mom!
This post was sponsored by a2 Milk® as part of an Influencer Activation for Influence Central. I received complimentary products to facilitate my review
Up until about a month ago, I hadn’t been able to drink milk for a really long time. It was something I stopped drinking on my own and not by doctor’s orders, but I pretty much self diagnosed myself “unable” to drink it because the after affects weren’t pleasant! (aka I would experience “Post-Dairy Digestive Discomfort”)
As a kid, I LOVED drinking milk every day, even multiple times a day. I literally had milk with every meal! I’ve raised my own daughter to have a love of milk, too. I’d be lying if I didn’t tell you that I get been pretty jealous watching her drink milk on a daily basis. 
I recently tried out a2 Milk® pure farm fresh milk after I was selected to be part of the a2 Milk® Ambassador Program. (By the way, I’m super excited to be a part of this ambassador program!) From the very first sip, I just knew it was going to be game changer for me! 
Have you heard about how different from ordinary milk it is? Basically, ordinary milk contains an a1 protein, which is the cause of “tummy troubles” related to milk drinking. An independent study actually showed 1 in 4 Americans have discomfort after drinking milk, so I know I wasn’t imagining when I knew something was going on in my body after drinking ordinary milk. Scary enough, the a1 protein is found in all conventional & organic milks on the U.S. market. a2 Milk® only comes from heirloom a2 cows that produce milk which is naturally free from the a1 protein type. 
If you are wondering about the taste of a2 Milk®, it doesn’t taste anything other than delicious! My daughter can’t even tell that I swapped it out in our fridge! I was pleased to find that you can purchase a2 Milk® in all of the varieties because we’re a fat-free milk type of household!
I am beyond ecstatic to be able to enjoy milk again without any of the symptoms! Yay me!
To find a store near you that sells a2 Milk® products, click here. Connect with a2 Milk® on Facebook and Twitter.
‘Frozen – Live at the Hyperion,’ Set to Open at Disney California Adventure Park on May 27, 2016
Exciting Disney news today….“Frozen – Live at the Hyperion”, a new musical based on Disney’s animated blockbuster film “Frozen”, will open at the Hyperion Theater at Disney California Adventure Park on May 27, 2016. Audiences will be immersed in the emotional journey of Anna and Elsa with all of the excitement of live theater, in an entertaining musical adaptation that includes elaborate costumes and sets, stunning special effects, show-stopping production numbers and unique theatrical surprises.
Disney Creative Entertainment, the arm of Walt Disney Imagineering responsible for live theatrical entertainment at Disney Parks, is producing “Frozen – Live at the Hyperion” with all of the creativity and resources of its predecessor “Aladdin – A Musical Spectacular” which ran for a remarkable 13 years, with a total of 14,000 performances to 13 million park guests at the Hyperion Theater. The 1,873-seat Hyperion is equipped with a backstage facility to support a production of the kind that plays in any venue of that size in the world, as well as the full creativity of Walt Disney Imagineering.
“We know that for many in the audience — adults and children alike – this production will be a first or rare theatergoing experience. We undertake this responsibility with seriousness as we adapt the film to the stage.”
The new musical is based on the Walt Disney Animation Studios’ film “Frozen,” which is the No. 1 animated feature of all time and among the most critically acclaimed animated films. It is the winner of two Academy Awards (2014), for Best Animated Feature and Best Original Song. It features music and lyrics by the creators of the film score, Kristen Anderson-Lopez (“In Transit,” “Up Here”) and Robert Lopez (“Avenue Q,” “The Book of Mormon,” “Up Here”), and is adapted from the screenplay by four-time Tony® nominee Chad Beguelin (“Aladdin – A Musical Spectacular” at Hyperion Theater; Broadway: “Gotta Dance,” “Aladdin,” “The Wedding Singer,” “Elf”). And as would be expected from Walt Disney Imagineering and Disney Parks, new technologies – especially with projections, fabrics and special effects – will delight audiences in new and unique ways.
Who’s even more excited to visit the Disneyland Resort now? I can’t wait until May 27th! Will you be there?
Our Pet Adoption Story
Last Fall, we had to put our precious, almost 19 year-old, cat “Baby” to sleep, after she became very ill. She was the sweetest, most gentle and loving black cat there ever was and lived a good, long life indoors. She snuggled, she played with my daughter, and they had grown very close in their years together. 
Her passing left a giant hole in our hearts and an absence in our home and we miss her every single day! Baby the Cat was our “person”. 
As Thanksgiving neared, I realized that this would be the first holiday season in 19 years, that we would be pet-less. My daughter has been extremely emotional about the loss of our cat and began asking for another cat, specifically a kitten. I even overheard her ask Santa for one. Luckily, Santa told her that a kitten was a gift that she’d have to ask her parents for. 
I couldn’t see any reason NOT to get another cat and I really wanted to adopt one because there are far too many animals sitting in shelters and rescues that need a good home. I’ve always taught my daughter about the importance of animal adoption. 
If you are looking to get a new family pet, there are numerous shelters and pet rescues to turn to. I would definitely say that it’s not easy or quick to do a pet adoption, but it’s totally worth it when you do! 
We were so blessed to find “Mrs. Donner” in our local animal shelter, right before Christmas. She was found on the streets as a “stray cat”. We knew she was the one because she “talked” to us through her cage when we walked by.
She has the cutest voice and is definitely a talker. She also has the most beautiful green eyes, don’t you think? What we didn’t know at first was that she had recently delivered a litter of kittens. (that’s a whole other story) 
After we put in our application to adopt “Mrs. Donner” we had to wait a couple of weeks to be able to bring her home until all of her milk was dried up AND until she was spayed. We continued to visit her in the shelter on a daily basis though. We spent time with her in one of the rooms because we wanted her to know us and our scent. We wanted her to know we were now “her people”. 
On the day we got to bring our new kitty home, we showed up with a cat carrier to take her home. She was a bit skeptical and still doesn’t prefer loud noises but I swear she was smiling once we got her home! Actually, she smiles a lot! I think we really lucked out because she doesn’t use her claws AT ALL or bite. If she does grab on, it’s so gentle and just to play. 
We renamed her “Lucy Belle” and her nickname is “Luz”, which means “light” in Spanish. She’s adapted really well in our home in just a short amount of time. 
I don’t know if Lucy realizes what the internet even is, but I love to post lots of pictures of her on my Instagram because I’m so proud to be her owner! We want Lucy to be an example of how much potential a shelter cat has and hopefully inspire others to adopt. She also has her own Instagram and Twitter accounts because we want her to be a face for the animals who need homes since there are way too many! 
It wasn’t easy to adopt a pet and it definitely wasn’t a quick process. However, adopting an animal is the right thing to do and anyone wanting to get a pet should give one (or more) of these homeless animals a place in their heart and a place in their home!
Have you ever adopted a pet or considered doing so? It’s the best!
10th Annual Kids Summer Opportunities Jamboree at Discovery Cube on 3/5
Parenting OC magazine has partnered with Discovery Cube in Santa Ana to present the 10th Anniversary Edition of the Kids’ Summer Opportunities Jamboree! The event will take place on Saturday, March 5, 2016 from 10 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. at the iconic Orange County family destination and is free to attend. 
Discovery Cube, which expanded this past summer and doubled in size, adding the 10,000 square-foot Julianne Argyros Showcase Theater and other attractions, is the leading hands-on science center for families in Southern California.
The Jamboree event will take place in the Showcase Theater and feature over 60 exhibitors from:
- day camps
- overnight camps
- sports leagues and clinics
- outdoor adventures
- horse and cattle ranches
- surf and swim programs
- science and technology camps
The popular family event is designed to help parents plan their kids’ summer with one-on-one face time with camp director and program leaders. Moms and dads can research and get all their questions answered. 
One of several family fun attractions at The Jamboree event is Parenting OC’s “Cutest Kid Cover Contest”. The contest, which has been held every year for the past 12 years, includes four age categories:
- Baby (6 months to 2 years)
- Tot (ages 3 to 5)
- Kid (ages 6 to 9)
- Tween (ages 10 to 13)
The winner in each category will be photographed at the event by internationally-celebrated cover photographer, Ana Brandt. Each winner will be featured on the cover of the magazine, which has won national awards for its covers. All nominees are photographed at the event, and will receive a keepsake cover just for entering.
Families attending the event will also be able to have fun with:
- a Curious George meet and greet with photo opps
- Jedi Knights
- those oh-so-popular Frozen princesses
- hands-on opportunities with slithery snakes, giant frogs, hairy tarantulas and an alligator from The Reptile Zoo
- The Extreme Game Truck – In the parking lot, gamers can show their X-Box and Playstation skills in the Extreme Game Truck, a hybrid luxury limo-semi with mood lighting effects in the ceiling, 6 55-inch screens, surround sound and every major gaming console known to little mankind.
- The family scavenger hunt – There’ll be $3500 in prizes available to win by those who successfully complete the family scavenger hunt. Prizes include a week of summer camp (Camp James, Camp Galileo, Irvine Slammers Soccer), an OCSA class, $1,000 toward Smile Wide orthodontia and a two-year family pass to Discovery Cube. This event will be held on the exhibit floor.
Afterwards, families can head off for even more fun at the Cube. Free passes will be available to all children, ages 3 to 14, for admittance on the day of the Jamboree event. (Child must be accompanied by an adult.) The tickets (each valued at $12.95) can be downloaded from http://www.parentingoc.com.
The Discovery Cube is located at 2500 N. Main St., Santa Ana, CA, 92705. For more information, please visit http://www.parentingoc.com, or call 714-630-4510 x 6.