We wanted to go on a little vacation before the arrival of baby Ava, but it had to be somewhere drive-able. We were considering Las Vegas, but decided that Legoland would be a better place for Erin. We spent two nights in Carlsbad so we didn't have to rush and could take our time. Turned out to be more than enough time for us. We had time to visit the outlets as well. I've been to Legoland once before when I was in high school, but it was the first time for both Ken and Erin.

Planning tips:

1. Prices at the Legoland hotel are pretty outrageous, so we booked a hotel (Courtyard Marriot) about 2 miles away and shuttled (free) it to the theme park each day. 
2. We bought park hopper passes through Ken's work (roughly $72/per adult), so we were able to visit the Aquarium as well. You will save money this way. Buying at the park is pretty ridiculous so make sure you purchase tickets ahead of time. They charge $93 per adult at the door (only for one park and for one day)!
3. Bring snacks. The food there isn't all that tasty and it's overpriced. If no snacks, bring your own water/drinks at least.

My thoughts about Legoland:

• Besides it being freezing cold while we were there, overall, it was a decent experience. I think Disneyland spoiled us. I had high expectations or something. Legoland is a very different type of theme park. It was definitely less crowded, not as clean or friendly, but super chill. 
• I'd say the ideal age to bring a kid to Legoland is between 4-12. Erin was a little too young, but I think she still had some fun. She was just tall enough to ride on the little kid rides (34 inches). There are a lot of areas for children to just run around and free play with legos everywhere.  I liked that aspect of the park.
• I only have one food recommendation, Granny's Apple Fries. Other than that, there's really nothing special or tasty at Legoland. 
• Miniland is pretty awesome. They've got a Star Wars Miniland that is pretty darn cool. 
• We stayed mostly in Heartlake City and Fun Town. It was the most age appropriate for Erin. Warning: there will be tons of kids just running around.  
• Because it was still considered the holiday season, they had fake snow and some holiday performances. Erin enjoyed it.
• The aquarium is very small. Took us maybe an hour to get through it. 
• They advertise a firework show at night during the holiday season, but it's literally a maybe 3 minute show and it's nothing special at all. If you end up going during the holidays, I wouldn't recommend sticking around for it. Oh and during winter, the park closes at 7pm. A little too early in my opinion. 
• Would we go again anytime soon? No, probably not. I don't mind waiting another 5+ years before going back. I think Erin and Ava would enjoy it a lot more when they're older. 
• I'd also like to mention that Legoland isn't all that fun for adults. Or maybe it's just me??

Gift Ideas for 2 Year Olds

Christmas is just around the corner! Some last minute gift ideas for your little one.

1. Puzzles. Erin has been really into puzzles lately. As soon as she turned two, it just started to click and she was able to figure out how to do them. I especially like the puzzles from Petit Collage. Very age appropriate and they've got some really cute designs your kids will love.
2. Books. Erin still loves her books. I love the babylit series by Jennifer Adams. I almost have the entire collection. I just discovered the books by Ashley Evanson, which have a similar concept (early learning concepts with really colorful illustrations), but with a cities theme.
3. Pretend play. Erin loves her babies. Pretend play is important for a child's development and I'm so glad she loves playing with her babies. We thought she'd love a little bed for her baby. She's getting one for Christmas. The Ikea one is simple and very affordable.
4. Cash Register. Erin has been fascinated with our credit cards/money and always wants to hold it and "use" it. I think she's understanding that we use credit cards to purchase things, so I'm sure she'd love a cash register.
5. Building toys. It was really kool watching Erin's lego skills progress. Trial and error. As time went on, she was able to build more complex things. Building toys are great for encouraging your little to think outside the box and build creative things. Legos aren't just for boys!
6. Dolls (Tsum Tsum) What kid doesn't love Frozen? Erin is no exception. She loves all doll-like things in general. I got her her first tsum tsum (mickey mouse) a few months ago. She loved it. So of course, I got her a few more. At one point, every night she'd have to make sure she had each one of them in bed with her. I'm sure she'd be trilled to have a tsum tsum collection of the Frozen characters. She currently has 11.. I think.

Some gifts ideas if you wanted to splurge:

1. Dollhouse
2. Reading Chair
3. Magnetic Tiles
4. Tent/Teepee
5. PlasmaCar

I hope everyone is enjoying their last week of 2015!

28 Month Update - Erin

Girl is almost 2 1/2! Time is seriously flying by. So much has changed since she's turned two. It's really amazing what she's capable of understanding now. 

A few fun facts about Erin:

1. She is climbing everything. We even took her to the climbing gym and will probably take her again. She enjoyed it very much.
2. She's talking in full sentences. She actually talks quite a lot. Her favorite thing to ask right now is "What's that noise?". It's been fun hearing her tell stories about what happened at daycare.
3. This age has brought on bad listening. She is definitely a stubborn lady.
4. Once she turned 2, she started sleeping through the night. Her bedtime however became 9pm. We hit a little bump in the road when she got sick in November, but she's getting back to sleeping through the night.
5. She doesn't love vegetables anymore, but is starting to like all sorts of fruits.
6. She still likes Asian food the best. She really likes eggs at the moment.
7. She likes Disney characters, Elmo and friends, Puffins, and Bob the train.
8. She's real big on scolding us and tries to reason with us as well.
9. She's pretty darn scared of bugs.
10. She loves singing. Her current favs are: Itsy bitsy Spider, ABC, Twinkle Twinkle Little Star, It's a Small World and Let It Go.
11. We starting to potty train, but she got the stomach bug mid November and doesn't "like" the potty anymore. I think she associates the potty with bad memories now.
12. She still loves her books. Sometimes we purposely hide some books because she'll have us read the same one over and over (3+ times). Is that mean?
13. She's still not climbing out of her toddler bed. I wonder when she'll try. 
14. She really dislikes it when the sun is in her face. She'll say: "Too bright!" or "Go away!" I wonder if she picked that up from me. I guess I complain about it too when I'm in the car. Hah.
15. She's currently obsessed with her Batman shirt. It was a hand me down from her cousin. 

2015 Advent Calendar

With Erin being older this year, I was excited to plan holiday activities for her. I knew she'd be old enough to understand a lot more of what we're actually celebrating. I made a little (to-do) advent calendar with activities I thought our family would enjoy. So far, it's been a success. I think the funnest activity for Erin thus far was making the gingerbread house. She definitely enjoyed eating the icing. Sadly, we moved the house too soon after finishing and it completely fell apart, so of course Erin started to cry. We'll know better for next year (we were newbs)! The hardest activity thus far has been the one where we wanted Erin to pick out something specifically to give to someone as a gift. Of course everything she pointed to she responded with "Erin's!". I think she finally understood what we wanted her to do, but she had to buy a matching one for herself. I'm looking forward to how the rest of the month pans out. It's been fun teaching her about baby Jesus and why we actually celebrate Christmas and it's been so nice doing these short activities with her daily. She's grown so much!

1. Decorate the Christmas Tree
2. Read a new book about Jesus
3. Get a toy
4. Make an ornament
5. Visit Santa Claus
6. Buy a gift for someone
7. Make a gingerbread house
8. Nativity sticker activity
9. Put up some mistletoe and give out kisses
10. Color a holiday scene
11. Get a toy
12. Go get some hot cocoa
13. Go look at holiday lights
14. Read the Christmas story in the bible
15. Get a toy
16. Read a new book about giving
17. Help mom make gifts for daycare
18. Make holiday cookies
19. Make a holiday themed breakfast
20. Watch a holiday movie
21. Get a toy
22. Make Christmas cards and bracelets
23. Read a new book about Jesus
24. Get a toy/open one present
25. Christmas Day!

Here are some photos of what we've done so far:

Can't believe Christmas is almost upon us! Hope everyone is having a happy December.

DIY - Christmas Ornaments

What I purchased:

1. Plant Terrarium Candle Holder (glass). I also used acrylic fillable ornaments. Much safer to use with kids.
2. Aleene's Glitter Snow. I love this stuff.
3. Holiday miniatures. I bought a lot of it at www.factorydirectcraft.com. 
4. Ribbon. Joann's has a lot to choose from during the holidays for 50% off.

Tips:

• No need to purchase glue. The snow glitter can be used as your glue. It's wonderful stuff.
• Use a paintbrush when applying the snow glitter. The snow glitter dries fairly fast, but it comes off easily when you use water.
• Tweezers might be helpful.
• You can make it more festive by spraying on some glitter and/or adding in some wording using alphabet beads. 

Finished product:

I put them in a box, tied it up and added a gift topper. These ornaments are great for holiday gifts, because you can make them in bulk, they're easy to make, and it won't cost you a fortune. I'll be making more ornaments with Erin this month as an advent activity. Stay tuned.