2019 Holiday Events in Southern California

As a mom of two, I am always searching for new places to take my rascals, especially during the holidays and their winter break. Here is our roundup of a few festive events for your family to experience this winter season.

Now – Jan 6.

“A Christmas Fantasy” Parade

Disneyland, Anaheim

www.disneyland.com

Now – Jan. 6

Knotts Merry Farm

Knotts Berry Farm, Buena Park

www.knotts.com

Nov. 29 – Dec. 23

Christmas Train Rides

Irvine Park Railroad, Orange

www.irvineparkrailroad.com

Nov. 30 – Dec. 24

A Christmas Carol

South Coast Repertory, Costa Mesa

www.scr.org

Dec. 1, 7, 8, 14, 15, 20, 21, 22

“Winter Fantasy”

Sawdust Art Festival, Laguna Beach

www.sawdustartfestival.org

Dec. 2

Tree Lighting and Community Sing

Civic Center Sunken Gardens, Westminster

www.westminister-ca.gov

Dec. 3

Holiday Sing and Tree Lighting

Cypress Civic Center, Cypress

www.cypressrec.com

Dec. 5

Tree Lighting Celebration

Civic & Cultural Center, Brea

www.ci.brea.ca.us

Dec. 6

Christmas Tree Lighting & Sing-along

Tustin Library Courtyard, Tustin

https://www.tustinca.org

Dec. 6

Tree Lighting & Santa’s Arrival

Laguna Beach City Hall, Laguna Beach

www.lagunabeachchamber.org

Dec. 6

Seal Beach Christmas Parade

Main Street, Seal Beach

www.sealbeachlions.org

Dec. 6 & 7

Merry-Achi Christmas

Cerritos Performing Arts, Cerritos

www.cerritoscenter.com

Dec 6, 7, 13, 14

Boat Parade of Lights

Dana Point Harbor, Dana Point

www.danapointharbor.com

Dec. 7

Boat Parade of 1,000 Lights

Shoreline Marina, Long Beach

www.shorelineyachtclub.com

Dec. 7

Tree Lighting Ceremony

Recreation Center, Fountain Valley

www.fountainvalley.org/856/Special-Events

Dec. 7

Nutcracker for Kids – Pacific Symphony

Segerstrom Concert Hall, Costa Mesa

www.scfta.org

Dec. 7

Belmont Shore Christmas Parade

East 2nd Street, Long Beach

www.belmontshore.org

Dec. 7

Christmas at the Mission & Tree Lighting

Mission at San Juan Capistrano

www.missionsjc.com

Dec. 7

Santa’s Village by the Sea

San Clemente Community Center

www.san-clemente.org

Dec. 7 & 8

Breakfast with Santa

Children’s Museum of La Habra

www.lhcm.org

Dec. 7 & 8

Holiday Treats for the Animals

Aquarium of the Pacific, Long Beach

www.aquariumofthepacific.org

Dec. 7 – 24

The Nutcracker Ballet

Golden West College, Huntington Beach

www.gwctheater.com

Dec. 8

Christmas Walk & Entertainment

Village of Corona del Mar

www.cdmchamber.com

Dec. 8

Tree Lighting & Choir Procession

Old Towne Plaza, Orange

www.cityoforange.org

Dec. 8

Light a Light of Love Holiday Parade

Downtown Huntington Beach

www.surfcityusa.com

Dec. 8

Handel’s Messiah (Pacific Symphony)

Segerstrom Concert Hall, Costa Mesa

www.scfta.org

Dec. 13, 14, 15, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22

The Nutcracker (American Ballet Theatre)

Segerstrom Concert Hall

www.scfta.org

Dec. 14

Naples Island Holiday Boat Parade

Canals of Naples Island, Long Beach

www.naplesca.com

Dec. 14

Laguna Niguel Holiday Parade

Laguna Niguel

www.lagunaniguelparade.com

Dec. 14 & 15

Huntington Harbour Holiday Boat Parade

Huntington Harbour, Huntington Beach

www.hhboatparade.org

Dec. 14, 15, 20, 21, 22

“The Nutcracker” – Long Beach Ballet

Terrace Theatre, Long Beach

www.longbeachcc.com

Dec. 15

Dry Land Boat Parade

Villa Park

www.villapark.org

Dec. 17 – 23

Philharmonic “Cruise of Lights” Boat Tour

Huntington Harbour, Huntington Beach

www.cruiseoflights.org

Dec. 18 – 22

Newport Beach Boat Parade

Newport Harbour, Newport Beach

www.christmasparadeboats.com

Dec. 19

Fiesta Navidad

Segerstrom Concert Hall, Costa Mesa

www.scfta.org

Dec. 19 – Jan. 5

Winter Fest OC 2019

OC Fair & Event Center, Costa Mesa

www.winterfestoc.com

Dec. 20 & 21

Dave Koz & Friends Christmas Tour 2019

Center for the Performing Arts, Cerritos

www.cerritoscenter.com

Dec. 22 & 23

Tis the Season (Pacific Chorale)

Segerstrom Concert Hall, Costa Mesa

www.scfta.org

Dec. 31

New Year’s Eve Celebration

Queen Mary, Long Beach

www.queenmary.com

Dec. 31

New Year’s Eve Celebration

Avalon, Catalina Island

www.catalinachamber.com

Dec. 31

First Night

Downtown Fullerton

www.cityoffullerton.com

The Winter Roundup of Holiday Events for Families

Resources from our friend Sachi Tanimoto, mother of two rascals.

Water Lantern Festival

The Water Lantern Festival is a fun and meaningful experience that you can share with the entire family. The crowd itself is pretty diverse—there are families with children, couples on date night, and groups of friends. For each person, the event may mean something different and that’s part of what makes it so beautiful to see. This can be a wonderful way for kids and teens to express themselves creatively through their art or their words. This might be especially helpful for kids and families who might be struggling with grief related to the loss of a loved one. The lantern festival provides an opportunity for a meaningful way to honor your loved one.

For your creative kiddos, you may want to pack an extra set of markers to decorate the lanterns. Whether you choose to write about hopes and wishes for the future or emotions and words of gratitude, it can be a time to talk about these topics with your kids and help them see they are part of something larger.

The symbolic meaning of floating lanterns differs depending on culture. It may represent worshipping gods, wishes for the future, or guiding souls that have passed into the spirit world. Regardless of your personal reasons for partaking in this celebration, it is a magical event that brings people together and creates a shared experience with family and friends.

Our family and friends have gone to the Water Lantern Festival in Whittier Narrows Recreational Area in South El Monte, CA for the past two years. It is an enjoyable affair, especially for the children. I recommend getting there early to find good parking, get your lantern kit, and secure a good spot by the lake for picnicking before the lantern release. There are food trucks on-site with a good variety of foods, although the lines are usually really long. We have found it easier to bring our own food so we can really enjoy spending time with our loved ones. We let the kids join in the decorating to include some of their hopes and wishes for the following year, along with some creative drawings and designs. The water lanterns are not released until it gets dark so the kids have time to eat, play, and finish their designs. Once the sun starts to set, people gather around the lake with their lanterns. Everyone then takes turns lighting their lanterns and setting them in the water.

Watching all the lanterns slowly float in the water is a beautiful sight. Whether it is your first time experiencing this event or you have participated in this celebration before, it is truly awe-inspiring to witness first hand.

Written by Michelle Urriquia, mother of two rascals, ages 2 and 6 and Tricia DeLa Cruz, mother of two rascals, ages 2 and 6.

Little Free Library

“The more that you read, the more things you will know. The more that you learn, the more places you’ll go.” —Dr. Seuss

Take a book. Share a book. It’s a pretty simple concept that has swept the nation. The Little Free Library was a program that started to help children who may not have regular access to books. Now, the Little Library program offers free books to both kids and adults!

In neighborhoods throughout the world (91 countries to be exact!), individuals are setting up free little libraries in their front yards, community spaces, and outdoor parks where people can either take a book or share a book. There are no fees to borrow a book. If you are lucky enough to have a personal collection of books, consider donating any gently used and loved books to your nearest Little Free Library. Below are our 4 favorite little library designs.

The community of Little Free Library locations is growing, with over 90,000 libraries up and running. Take a search through their World Map below and find your closest library. Find your local Little Free Library and send us a picture the next time you visit.

Written by Crystal Zeyen, mother of 1 year old rascal. Photos: The Little Free Library.

Clothespin Airplanes

My boys love anything they can throw around. If it can fly, well, that is even better! We made these clothespin airplanes with a few supplies from the craft store.

Supplies Needed

• 1 Clothespin

• 1 Wooden Bead

• 2 Wooden Popsicle Sticks

• 2 Mini Craft Sticks

• Markers or Paints/Brushes

• Glue or Hot Glue Gun

• Washi Tape

Instructions

Color the clothespin and sticks with markers or paint. You can also use washi tape to decorate as well.

Place a dot of glue in the middle of the 2 large craft sticks and the sticks on the top and the bottom of the clothespin. This creates the wings of the plane.

After the wings are dry, glue a mini craft stick on the back for the tail. Then, glue the wooden bead onto the middle of another mini craft stick for the propeller and let it dry.

Hold the plane up and glue the propeller on the top opening of the clothespin. You may have to hold it in place until it dries.

Written by Ngoc Nguyen Lay, Head Rascal. Mother of two rascals, ages 4 and 6.

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Rabbit Ladders

When we first visited Rabbit Ladders at The Point in El Segundo, I was immediately drawn to this shop’s unique selection of books and toys. My rascals could not wait to get inside.

The mission of Rabbit Ladders makes us at Hello Rascal Kids cheer! It’s “a kids’ store built for kids, aimed to empower and enrich the lives of its customers.”

Wendy Goodman and Ben Goodman are mother and son business owners, based in Los Angeles. The idea for Rabbit Ladders was born from Wendy’s childhood and the wild imagination of her youth. Here’s an excerpt from their website that best exemplifies their mission:

“[Wendy] was always an entrepreneur with a vivid imagination. At five years old, Wendy saw that there were rabbits in her family's Detroit-area neighborhood. In an attempt to help friends and neighbors better play with these furry strangers, she decided to walk door to door and sell imaginary Rabbit Ladders for the rabbits to climb through the kitchen windows and eat carrots from the refrigerator. With a crayon drawing of her concept in hand, she was able to sell her creations for a nickel a piece. It's this kind of imagination, creativity, and child-like whimsy that Rabbit Ladders is all about.”

Rabbit Ladders provides an interactive shopping experience for both you and your kids. You can book personal shopping time, buy unique gifts, and find items that will delight even the pickiest rascal.

There are not many kid-friendly stores, even those aimed at the younger crowd, that cater to kids’ energy and imagination. But at Rabbit Ladders, you can truly let your (and your rascals’) imagination run wild!

Written by Head Rascal (Ngoc Nguyen Lay), mother of two rascals, ages 4 and 6.

Pumpkin Mummy Crafts

Last Halloween, my family had a pumpkin carving night but, as you may have guessed, my husband and I ended up doing all the work. This year, I wanted to create a super easy rascal-friendly craft to do with the pumpkins we brought home from the pumpkin patch. Mummify your doorstep with this no-carve pumpkin decorating idea. All you need are some strips of gauze and googly eyes to make a spooky pumpkin King Tut would be proud to call his own.

Supplies

• Glue Dots

• Gauze

• Googly Eyes

• Scissors

• Markers

Instructions

1. Use glue dots to secure one end of your gauze to the pumpkin.

2. Wrap the gauze around the pumpkin and glue again to hold it in place.  Repeat.

3. Attach the googly eyes with the glue dots and use a permanent marker to add a mouth.

Enjoy your festive no-carve pumpkin!

Written by Head Rascal (Ngoc Nguyen Lay), mother of two rascals, ages 4 and 6. Photo by Simply Adri Photography. This post was sponsored by Glue Dots.

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Pumpkin Patch Fun for Everyone

On one particular fall day, I was carrying giant orange gourds through the pumpkin patch, trying to keep up with our very excited rascals. Having underestimated the excitement our boys would show in picking their precious pumpkins, I laughed a little, and walked a bit faster to keep up with them.

It's our tradition to go to pumpkin patches in the fall. There’s something lovely about all of the little orange blobs scattered across an open field while kids and parents mill about looking for the perfect addition to bring home to decorate their home for Halloween. Some may end up being carved, painted, or left in their full, round, pumpkin glory.

Two years ago when we took AJ and Ben (then 2 and 4), they picked small, petite pumpkins - easily carried as the boys ran about. Fast forward to last year, we realized the boys had new pumpkin picking expectations - which left us struggling to carry the biggest pumpkins we’ve ever seen back to the car.

This year I was prepared. Speaking from our experience, let me share with you the top 5 ways to make the most of your fall pumpkin patch visit.

1. Use the pumpkin patch as a way to talk about seasons

This may seem like an odd place to start, but it’s been a great conversation moment in my house. We live in Southern California, where the weather is a chilly 60 degrees in the winter (okay, perhaps that is a little bit of an exaggeration, but still fairly true). Visiting the pumpkin patch is our way to signify fall’s arrival, even if it is still 85 degrees outside.

Each year, I’ve had a conversation with my boys talking about what seasons are, what they look like, feel like, and sound like. It’s a conversation that lets me ask them questions and hear their perspectives. Before going to the pumpkin patch, talk to your kids about seasons and what they might experience on your fall adventure. Some good questions to ask might include:

• Do you know what seasons are?

• Do you have a favorite season?

• What is fall/winter/spring/summer like?

• What does fall/winter/spring/summer taste/look/feel/smell/sound like?

• How do you know it’s a new season?

• What kind of things to do you enjoy doing in fall/winter/spring/summer?

Now, both my rascals loves fall. Once they hear we’re going to the pumpkin patch, they immediately start to look forward to everything they know happens in the fall season. I recommend asking these questions every year, as their answers may change as their interests grow and they learn more about seasons and family traditions.

2. Timing is Everything

This isn’t where I tell you when you go. There are lots of great times for the pumpkin patch! I do recommend, however, that you think about what your family enjoys before scheduling your trip.

For example, if you and your rascals want to avoid crowds, you might want to go on weekdays or off-times. Your local pumpkin patch should be able to advise you of those “down times” if you’re unsure. Or, if you have a tight budget, try going later in the season, when pumpkin patches have already had their rush and you might be able to get a deal.

3. Bring a wagon, a dolly, or a donkey

Basically, anything to help you carry those bad boys. Take a word of advice from me- we almost forgot our wagon when we went to the patch this year, and it would have been another disastrous mistake. While I might be able to carry a large pumpkin for a short time, there is a time limit before my arms get tired and my patience is tested. It’s advisable to think ahead and plan out the way to carry the pumpkins back to the car. If you don’t have a wagon or dolly at your disposal, you can tell your rascals that they can choose any pumpkin that they can carry themselves, and as they get older they can choose to get larger and larger pumpkins. This is a way to give them the freedom of choice, while also the responsibility of care.

4. Logistics can sink ships

Parking is always the overlooked hurdle. Some parking situations are very easy, while others may throw you for a loop. Make it easy for yourself and your little ones by figuring out the parking logistics before you arrive. Try to find information before you leave, either with the Google Maps street view at the patch location, their personal website, or other social media posts about the location. Identifying your parking preferences or special needs/accessibility of the location in advance can both alleviate stress and set expectations for your arrival.

5. Abandon your expectations

This is supposed to be fun! It’s hard for a planner like myself to sometimes abandon my expectations. But if you have little ones, it will be especially important to be flexible. You might want that perfect pumpkin, perfect picture, or perfect moment. Yet, despite these expectations, kids are wildly unpredictable, as are the crowds and the pumpkin patch experience. You can plan for hours and still not be able to do all that you wanted. Just remember to enjoy your time together and know there’s always next year.

This year, we took the boys back to our favorite pumpkin patch, the Cal Poly Pumpkin Patch. It’s been our tradition since before our boys were born. I took my own advice and considered all of my five tips before arriving. We had a blast and even invited some friends to join. Hopefully you can do the same.

Good luck, dear readers!

Written by Head Rascal (Ngoc Nguyen Lay), mother of two rascals, ages 4 and 6. Photo by Simply Adri Photography.

Painted Pumpkins

In our house, we like to celebrate Halloween all October long. With two young rascals, we keep the Halloween scare factor to a minimum and focus our decor on the joy of pumpkins, pumpkin patches, and dressing up as our favorite characters.

Our first visit to a local pumpkin patch is usually the first weekend in October. We then continue to visit pumpkin patches all month long! We bring home tons of pumpkins - tiny ones as gifts for teachers, white ones for decoration, large ones for carving, and small to medium sized ones for painting.

The beginning of October is usually still summer in Houston, so our first pumpkin purchases cannot be carved, as they would not last the entire month. Our yearly tradition of painting pumpkins started at a friend’s birthday party one year and is now one of our favorite Halloween traditions.

Reasons painting pumpkins is a great activity for your rascals:

The mess factor is minimal.
No special tools or templates are needed.
Painted pumpkins will not rot as quickly as carved ones do.
And, most importantly, the pride your children will take in their masterpiece is second to none.

Supplies Needed:
- paintbrushes
- acrylic paint (this one is my favorite)
- paint palette (AKA paper plate)
- cup of water for rinsing paintbrushes
- something to cover your workspace (newspaper, drop cloth, sheet, or butcher paper all work well)

Once you set up your supplies, it’s time to let your little artist get started. Not only is this a great time to let them get creative, but it is also a learning experience. With my older rascal, we predict what will happen when we mix colors and then I let him experiment. When their masterpiece is finished & dry, be sure to showcase their pumpkin in a prime location amongst your Halloween decorations.

TIP: I recommend clothes you don’t mind getting dirty because I find acrylic paint to be pretty unforgiving on fabric. Designating an old oversized shirt as an artist’s smock can help minimize damage to your rascals’ regular wardrobe.

Written by Brandi Stanton, mother to two rascals ages 2 and 3.

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Toddler Trail Mix

Toddler trail mix is fantastic! Not only because kids love to make and eat it, but also because you can change the ingredients based on the season. You can modify the recipe to your kids’ changing tastes and also exclude allergens. You can make a huge serving or a small portion. You can use just about anything to make it (hint… hint… use whatever is in your pantry and cupboards)!

And… my kids will try NEW foods if they are in the trail mix. What?! That’s a huge added bonus!

This week, my rascals put together their very own trail mix. I even let them select ingredients at the grocery store.

This week, they chose Cheerios, Chex, yogurt covered raisins, marshmallows, chocolate chips, plantain chips, and peanuts. It may be tempting to have two dozen ingredients, but I caution against overwhelming the mix. I try to stay around half a dozen ingredients with a balance between fruity, salty, and sweet.

The ratio of each ingredient is completely up to you. To decide on portions, consider the total amount of trail mix you are making, whether it is a healthy choice (and that is completely subjective), and how it best complements the other ingredients.

If you have a learning tower at home, now would be a good time to bring it out.

Combine all ingredients into one bowl.

Then mix! (Check out my youngest rascal navigating the learning tower and kitchen utensils!)

And you’re done! You can pre-package the trail mix into individual sealed bags, serve it on a playdate with small cups, or munch on it while watching Mister Roger’s Neighborhood on Amazon Prime.

If you aren’t sure which ingredients to use, check out the list of suggestions below:

• dry breakfast cereal

• dried fruit

• raisins

• chocolate or yogurt covered raisins

• peanuts and other nuts

• chocolate chips

• marshmallows

• pretzels

• beans

• Goldfish crackers

• veggie sticks

Make sure to consider these points when selecting your ingredients:

• avoid choking hazards if you are serving to young kids

• find a balance between sweet and salty items and consider limiting them

• include a dry cereal that is high in fiber

• include fruits and veggies (typically dried is better than fresh)

• mix it each time you serve, as heavier items sink to the bottom of the bowl

Written by Brandi Stanton, mother of two rascals ages 2 and 3.

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Slime Art

It’s a slime party or, rather, a slime art project. We know kids love slime, but in addition to playing with the gooey stuff, you can also turn them into beautiful artwork.

MATERIAL

• Elmer's white School Glue

• Baking Soda

• Contact Solution

• Popsicle Sticks

• Food Coloring

• Containers

• Glitter (optional)

• 5x7 Canvas Board

• Pencil

DESIGN THE PAINTING

Use the pencil to lightly draw your design on the canvas. Get inspiration from a favorite cartoon character or things your rascals love to do. You’ll need to know what color you want in the painting to prepare the color slimes. Keep the design simple and no more than 5 colors.

MAKE SLIME

The slime we’re using here will be slightly stickier than what you might be used to so it will stay on the canvas, but it shouldn’t stick to your hands. You can add shaving cream for a puffier look or glitter for a shimmery look.

STEPS

1. Pour glue into containers

2. Add desired food coloring and mix well using a popsicle stick

3. Add baking soda to the glue and mix*

4. Add a little contact solution (a few drops at a time) and mix until it gets gooey

5. When the mixture becomes clumpy but still sticky, the slime is ready

6. Repeat steps 1-5 until all the colors you need in the painting are created

*For every 4 fl oz Elmer's white school glue, mix 1/2 tbsp of baking soda and 1 tbsp of contact lens solution

INSTRUCTIONS

Use your fingers to scoop out a small amount of slime and then mold and shape the slime to fill in the space on the canvas as if you’re coloring. Start with the biggest areas that are the same color. Add small details by pressing them onto the canvas Keep the canvas flat until it dries (about 1 hour).

Written by Tina Li of In The Cloud Events. Mother of two rascals, ages 6 and 8.

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Candy Lab Toy Cars: Toy Review

Does anyone else wish these cars were life-sized so we could go for a ride? We love the nostalgic 60s vibe that Candy Lay Toys created with these colorful CandyCars. Every part of my childlike nature wants to immediately jump in and immerse myself in my kids’ CandyCar playtime. Toys are enjoyable by both parents and kids, and it’s so fun to find things both parties can cherish.

One of the best things about these cars is that they come wrapped in individual nondescript packaging so you can’t see what’s inside. It’s like opening a beautiful mystery present every time! There’s so much more to love about these colorful wooden cars as well - they’re durable, wash easily, and are often carved from one piece of wood, which helps avoid the danger of possible pieces breaking off.

CandyToy originally started as a Kickstarter, and judging from the success of their company, their designs truly resonated with a number of parents. My personal favorites? The taco truck and the taxi. The rascals’ favorites? Well, I don’t think they could pick just one - or two, for that matter!

Reviewed by Head Rascal (Ngoc Nguyen Lay) Mother of two rascals, ages 4 and 6.

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Cat Inspired Party

We’re not Kitten you, this cat-themed birthday party with pretty pastels, tasty treats, and an adopt-a-cat station is so adorable, even all you dog lovers will drooll.

Pretty pastel balloons and flowers (accompanied by pops of gold accents) are the purrrr-fect backdrop to a sweet little one’s Big Day.

Creating a fun and interactive “take home” station is one simple element of any party that can leave a lasting impression on your guests. This “Adopt-a-Cat” station is paws-ibly the cutest take-home ever.

Guests were treated to a Meow Mix Bar that included different treats to help make a delicious snack bag. With a party this sweet, cute, thematic desserts were also a must.

Each invitation and place setting was selected reflect all things cats! Yarn balls and milk jars make any cat super cool.

Vendors:

Photography: Eileen Liu

Styling, Concept & Design: Danielle Keene & Kinada Events Co., Fleuretica, & Oh Shiny Paper Co

Balloon & Fringe Garland: Kinada Events Co., Fleuretica, Oh Shiny Paper Co

Cake & Desserts: Danielle Keene

Signage: Droptop Backdrop

Florals: Lovesome Blossoms

Stationery: Paper Sandwich

Party Shop: Oh Shiny Paper Co

Party reviewed by Crystal Zeyen, mother of one rascal, 9 months.

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Our Favorite English - Spanish Books

A fairly common sound in our house is an almost-two-year-old and a three-and-a-half-year-old naming items and counting in Spanish. It is the cutest thing ever! Now, as with most young kids, the sounds of language are not perfect and are usually interpreted best by the caregivers, but this mommy knows her kids are counting to ten in Spanish, naming trucks and pieces of clothing in Spanish, and describing items by their color in Spanish.

Much of our Spanish practice happens naturally throughout the day. We count our steps in Spanish. We say the colors of toys in Spanish. We identify animals by their Spanish words and their English sounds. We name the vehicles we see driving around town and on the highways using Spanish words.

My youngest has 3 favorite books that he turns to again and again. He consistently selects these books from the bookshelf of nearly 2 dozen English - Spanish books and toddles over to my lap and asks me to “wead it.” Together, we point at the pictures and name the items in English and then in Spanish. And, as often as I can remember - because, you know, mommy brain is a real thing, I try to review those words with him in real-world contexts.

Here are a few of our favorite English - Spanish books:

1. Bright Baby Animals (Animales) by Roger Priddy. The pictures of the animals are realistic, the pages are colorful, and the layout is simple.

2. Very First Words in Spanish by Usborne. Though this exact title is no longer available, Usborne’s list of English - Spanish books is extensive. Usborne books are vibrant with realistic illustrations.

3. Bright Baby Trucks (Camiones) by Roger Priddy. As a truck-loving boy, my youngest can look through this book and name each item in English and Spanish. His favorites are the garbage truck and the fire engine.

Happy reading!

Written by Brandi Stanton, mother of two rascals ages 2 and 3.

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Gardening with Kids

If you asked me just last year if I cared to spend lots of time in my garden, the answer would be an emphatic “No Way!”

But, I wanted to see improvement in my garden and the best way to create this change was to put in time and effort.

Instead of doing all the work on my own, I asked my kids to join me in the process. In preparation, I bought them each two simple supplies: a pair of gardening gloves and a gardening bucket. I knew that they could get to work without these, but sometimes I find that a new “toy” helps them to find extended interest in a new activity.

The next time I needed to do work outside in the garden I asked them to come along.

Each of my boys had a special task assigned to them, like digging a hole or pulling some weeds, while I worked on something else. They enjoyed using the water hose, sorting tiny rocks, and searching for rolly pollies. And I found a new joy of them of watching them use the water hose, sort tiny rocks, and search for rolly pollies. Most importantly, we enjoyed spending time outside- together.

It can sometimes be tricky to invite your kids into activities that you enjoy, especially when they’re task oriented. Having your rascals join you can be fun, but they can also slow you down or cause you to change your expectations for the outcome of your task or hobby. There are lots of ways that you can tackle this, and I’d like to share some tips and tricks that I used while working with my kids in the garden.

1. Give your rascals a specific task- that way they have a simple thing to focus on

2. Allow them to get dirty- you are outside, after all

3. Explain what you’re doing as you work with your kids- letting them know not just what you are doing, but why, will make a bigger impact and create more enjoyment

4. Get them their own tools- preparing them is the best way to encourage them to enjoy new tasks

5. As your flowers bloom or fruit grows in, make sure to let your kids enjoy the progress

Let’s be honest, half the time my rascals were just enjoying shenanigans in the sunshine, rather than remembering their tasks. I was okay with that. By letting them have space to explore their creativity outside, I’m finding that their own enjoyment in joining me has increased over time. They’re slowly starting to enjoy the actual gardening as a way to see things grow, feel accomplished, and get their hands dirty.

It’s pretty magical to work together with my kids towards a common goal, especially one that we can literally watch grow.

Photos by Simply Adri Photography. Written by Head Rascal (Ngoc Nguyen Lay), mother of two rascals, ages 4 and 6.

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Letters to My Future Self

The start of the school year has once again arrived, which means first day of school photos, backpacks, school supplies, and an opportunity to think about new traditions. For kids, their years do not start on January 1, but on the first day of school, and I take this chance to talk to my rascals about their new goals and dreams. This year, we’re starting a new tradition of writing “Letters to My Future Self.”

Every year I see “My First Day of…” pictures cross social media streams and I am excited about what that year could mean for each child. It’s a fresh start and an opportunity for them to dream big and cling to the hope that come with something “new.”

Personally, I’ve always loved the start of the academic year: fresh school supplies, connections with old friends, and, as someone who works in higher education, an opportunity to reset my own goals and dreams as well.

This year, I wanted my son to be able to experience the excitement of a fresh start and decided we would introduce a new tradition. I asked him to write a letter to his future self in hopes it would help him:

1. Create a goal

2. Practice self-reflection

3. Express his thoughts in writing

4. Have a tangible reminder at the end of the year

5. And because it’s darn cute to save as a keepsake

I prompted him to write the answers to two questions:

• What is one new thing you want to do in this upcoming school year?

• What is something you want to remember about yourself?

AJ is 6, so if you have younger kids, you can also have them draw their ideas, explain their drawing(s), and then you can help them fill in the words.

My rascal wrote, “love mom” and “have fun” in his letter. He also drew a picture of us together.

This was such a sweet moment, and it didn’t take very long at all. Now, AJ and I have not only a written memory, but a moment that we can share and relive all year long.

We love YayMail’s DIY stationery kits (below). It comes with everything you need and clear step-by-step instructions. Bonus fun: you can fold these with your little rascals. We folded ours into little ships.

You can also purchase these lego pens and letter set to begin your own school year tradition.

I can’t wait to put this letter in our mailbox on the last day of school for my son to read, not just this year, but every year to come.

Photo by Simply Adri Photography. Written by Head Rascal (Ngoc Nguyen Lay), mother of two rascals, ages 4 and 6. This post was sponsored by YayMail.

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The Day the Crayons Quit: Book Review

The Day the Crayons Quit is one of our rascals’ favorite books. Honestly, this might be one of my favorites too. In the story, a little boy named Duncan receives a stack of letters from his crayons. In the letters, each crayon shares why they are quitting and will no longer be Duncan’s crayon. This humorous view into the life of a child through their crayons will surely make you and your rascals smile.

I love the humorous letters from the crayons. The clever and witty reasons for quitting articulated by each crayon are relatable to both parents and kids.

I asked our rascals to explain why they like this book. They came back with a simple reply - because it says “naked.” Now let me explain, one of the letters is from the peach crayon, who complains that because his paper wrapping is completely ripped off, he’s now “naked.” My boys somehow find this so silly that when they hear the word “naked,” it makes them laugh. Oh kids!

The Day The Crayon Quit, by Drew Daywalt and Illustrated by Oliver Jeffers. Originally published: June 27, 2013.

Reviewed by Head Rascal (Ngoc Nguyen Lay) Mother of two rascals, ages 4 and 6.

Enchanted Garden 1st Birthday

Enchanted. The way every kid looks at the world.

This adorable Eagle Rock enchanted garden 1st birthday is fantasy come to life. Elements of wood, greenery, and other natural elements usher guests into a world full of imagination, with each detail helping the story unfold.

The impeccable details of this party tell the story of childlike delight and youthful wonder. Notes of well wishes fill jars with hope and promise for the one-year-old. Treats for every palette are plentiful, from a boba bar to a donut and dessert display. Watercolor designs and soft focus family portraits weave each element together in this fantasy-like theme.

Kids and parents alike are enchanted by this lovely and charming party design.

Vendor List

Planner, designer, stylist: Simply Sera Events 
Photography & photobooth: Erin J. Saldana 
Live watercolor portrait artist: Chasing Linen 
Venue: California Center for the Arts Eagle Rock 
Balloon Artst: Up Up and Away 
Boba: Home Brewed Bar
Cake: Elise Cakes 
Caterer: Hungry Bear Catering 
Backdrop: Iron Grace Rentals 
Lasercut name: Red Letter Jane
Donuts: The Donut Snob 
Floral Design: City Flower 
Vintage Rentals: Etablir 
Rentals: MTB Rentals
Paper goods & calligraphy: Made by Davina Kim 

Party reviewed by Ngoc Nguyen Lay, Head Rascal. Mother of two rascals, ages 4 and 6.

Auto Camp with The Lays

It’s a fact: our family is not the pitch-your-tent-camping type. But we did get outside and go camping, or as some might call it, glamping. We traveled to Northern California and stayed at Auto Camp in the Russian River, where we had access to an airstream trailer and tent.

It was time for the Lay family to have some “away” time from our everyday agendas. As the mom of two boys, I see them climb, jump, and run around all day. I am not much of a camper and “roughing it” isn’t really my style, but I don’t want my preferences to stop them from being able to get out and do all the rugged things they try to do inside our home.

We packed up the car and headed to Auto Camp, a camping-style get away with luxury airstream campers.

Airstreams are a type of travel trailer dating back to the 1930s that have a distinctive curved style and shiny exterior. Auto Camp has plenty of them and we were on our way to the Russian River to camp out in simplified luxury.

Once we got there, I thought the boys would all want to hunker down in the tent (which we also rented), but instead they immediately wanted to climb aboard the airstream and join us inside. Their excitement was delightful. Throughout our trip, we swam in the river, walked through the woods, and roasted marshmallows over the fire. Every activity was family-friendly, and easy for those who aren’t planners but still want to play outdoors.

Auto Camp makes it easy for every kind, and level, of camper to have a memorable vacation. It was like staying at a resort, but we were outdoors. Even as self-proclaimed “not outdoorsy” people, we never once felt uncomfortable in our surroundings.

See below for a sample itinerary for when you’re planning your own trip:

• Afternoon hike at Armstrong Redwood State Reserve

• Swim at the Local River (Johnson's Beach)

• Have lunch in Guerneville town

• Make a fire and roast nighttime s’mores

• Indulge in a tasting flight at Korbel Champagne Cellars (adults only!)

• Explore the Guerneville Bridge

This experience was a wonderful way to see my rascals play outside without restraint. If you are looking for a trip that allows parents to enjoy themselves as much as the kids in a fun and safe outdoors environment, I would highly recommend this vacation.

By Ngoc Nguyen Lay, Head Rascal. Mother of two rascals, ages 3 and 5 during trip. Photos by Jessica Collins.

DIY Felt Donuts

We love DONUTS! But this mom likes the felt ones; they have less calories! I have made these felt donuts for my friend’s daughter and wanted to share my DIY step by step instruction so you can create your very own set at home for your rascals.

Supplies Needed:

• 4-5 Felt Sheets (any colors you want for the donuts and icing)

• Embroidery Floss

• Embroidery Needles

• Hot Glue Gun

• Scissors

• Pen or Pencil

• Polyester filling

Instructions:

1.Have your rascals search for two round, donut shapes in the house— one that you can use for the approximate width of your donut and one that will be the inner circle. Often bowls and cups are a great choice.

2. Choose a piece of felt for the top of the donut and using your pen or pencil, trace a circle around the largest round item you’ve collected, creating the overall size of the donut. Then, trace the smaller item in the center of the large circle. (Insert photos of the traced pieces here, along with their “label” or what you’ll refer to them as throughout the rest of this blog) Repeat this step once more for the bottom donut piece.

3. Choose a new piece of felt for the icing, and follow the same steps in #2. Once the tracing is done, ask your rascals to help you cut out the icing in a squiggly shape (not a perfect circle). There is no perfection in this step, and whatever shape they cut in will work beautifully.

4. Cut the rest of the circles you’ve made on the other pieces of felt, following your tracing lines much more carefully, as these will become the donuts.

5. Thread your embroidery needle with two strands of floss. Sew the outside curved edge of the icing to the donut shape using a fine running stitch. For beginners, replace the blanket stitching with a running stitch to make this project a little easier.

6. Place the donut top and bottom together and use pins or quilting clips to hold them in place. Blanket stitch around the inside circle ring of the donut, stitching the top and bottom together.

7. Blanket stitch the outside edge of the donut, stopping when you’re halfway around (but keeping the floss intact). Roll small balls of polyester filling and stuff them into the donut using a pen or pencil or similar tool.

8. Continue to sew and stuff the donut until it is firmly filled and completely stitched.

You are done! Create a number of different colored donuts for some pretend play with your little ones.

By: Ngoc Nguyen Lay, Mother of two rascals. Age 4 and 6. Donuts from Made By Claire Louise.

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Top 5 Museums for Rascals: Los Angeles

I love visiting museums, but I’m always nervous that my kids might not love them as much as I did as a child. While not all museums will be child-friendly, we have found a few that we can all enjoy together.

If you’re in Los Angeles, here are a few of the best museums approved, loved, and explored by our rascals. One note: these are not classified as children’s museums, but there is something you can find for each family member at these unique places.

The Top 5 Museums for Rascals: Los Angeles

1. Petersen Automotive

2. California Science Center

3. Natural History Museum of Los Angeles

4. Griffith Observatory

5. LACMA (Los Angeles Country Museum of Art)

Petersen Automotive

Photo by Meric Dagli

This may seem like an odd place to start, but if you have a car buff in your family, or just generally like racing, this is a must visit. Their website describes the museum as a place “to explore and present the history of the automobile and its impact on global life and culture using Los Angeles as the prime example.”

What is prime about LA? The movie industry! While the museum boasts all kinds of cars, it is the collection of well-known vehicles from various movies, stages, and times throughout America’s cinematic history that often impresses the younger crowd. My rascals’ favorite thing here happens to fit in that category, because the museum has a life-size Lightning McQueen on display.

There’s also an interactive center that allows kids to build their own lego vehicles and race them.

If you’re not that big into cars, it’s okay. We think you’ll still enjoy this museum, even if it’s a one-and-done stop for you.

Click here to plan your visit the Petersen Automotive.

California Science Center

As their website says, the California Science Center is “a dynamic destination where families, adults, and children can explore the wonders of science through interactive exhibits, live demonstrations, innovative programs, and awe-inspiring films.” They are correct on all accounts!

The first thing you should note,is that this museum was created with families in mind. Not only is general admission free, but they also have a number of family friendly options including special exhibits and IMAX shows.

Many of their exhibits are hands-on, allowing you to keep your young ones engaged and wanting to interact while simultaneously learning about the world around them. And since many of the exhibits rotate regularly, you can revisit your favorites while also having new things to see, learn, and do on every trip.

Click here to plan your visit the California Science Center.

Natural History Museum

The Natural History Museum is a beautiful stop in the middle of Exhibition Park in Los Angeles. The museum timeline starts from the beginning of the earth and covers exhibits including all types of mammals, gems, insects, and more. My rascals recommend the dinosaurs - with multiple exhibits such as Dinosaur Hall, historical fossils, and dinosaur bones, they are always their favorite part.

In addition to these fun exhibits, the Natural History Museum also explores the formation of Los Angeles. Not only is the museum housed in L.A.’s oldest museum building, it also has a whole presentation and nature garden dedicated to local history and emerging culture. 

Click here to plan your visit to the Natural History Museum.

GriffiTh Observatory

Photo by Hansel Wong

This is one of my favorite places. The Griffith Observatory is another free museum, located on a beautiful hilltop in the center of Los Angeles. It is the perfect place to look out and see all that L.A. has become.

Purported as “Southern California’s gateway to the cosmos,” visitors can look through telescopes, explore exhibits, and see live shows. There’s even an a view of the Hollywood Sign on a clear day! The best part for families is that this museum has plenty of room to run around. It will be a wonderful stop for you and your rascals to let off some steam and enjoy a perspective of L.A. that is sure to charm.

Click here to plan your visit to Griffith Observatory.

LACMA

Photo by Ruben Gutierrez

Los Angeles County Museum of Art is a gem. Many of the exhibits here may hold more of your interest than your rascals’, however, I have found that asking my kids for their thoughts, opinions, and interpretations of the art ends up encouraging them to enjoy the museum much more than I originally anticipated.

Our personal favorite exhibits are the Metropolis II and Rock of Ages.

Since the museum has modern art, there are several interactive exhibits where children can run and play. For example, the exhibit outside titled “Urban Lights” (pictured above) is both an interactive exhibit and a place they can relax. If you want something a little more structured, the museum also offers regular classes and storytimes aimed at kids to inspire them to be creative and make their own art.

There’s so much to do here; you will not be bored. As an added bonus, we love how inclusive they are with all of their programming. The website says it well: “Family is family—regardless of biology, residence, gender, or marital status.“

Click here to plan your visit to LACMA.

By: Ngoc Nguyen Lay, Mother of two rascals. Age 4 and 6.