My favorite thing about the day was that their son wanted to wear his headphones and the parents let him… for the first 10 minutes:)  It’s so important to let your older kids (really any age) be who they are in family photos.  I know as a mom what it’s like to want those perfect family photos that show us all at our best.  But really, when it comes down to it… when your son is taller than you and you can’t remember what he even looked like as a kid unless you look at photos… you’ll want to remember when you look at old photos what he really looked and who he really was at that time.  Because trust me, you will forget.  I could go on and on about this (as I have teen boys who I can’t remember what they looked like as little kids) but you get the idea:)

I have to add that these early teen years are just as important as those baby years when changes seem to happen before your eyes. It’s amazing how much changes and how quickly in just a six month period of time, even as your kids get older. So don’t delay those family pictures because someone has braces or you might think it’s better ‘later’. Now’s the time… don’t miss this stage in your family’s life (trust me)!

After some relaxation, you may want to take advantage of the resorts many amenities.  The resort has a  full service spa, an Arnold Palmer golf course, complete tennis facilities, the Aviara Golf Club, which was honored in 2008 as Condé Nast Traveler’s number one golf resort in Southern California, even a Beach Butler to help you arrange your desired beach experience.  This complimentary service includes personalized transportation to Mooonlight Beach and all the amenities you could need: chairs, umbrella, towels, blankets, an afternoon picnic or a sunset snack.  The resort features three restaurants, a poolside bar and grill and a lounge in the lobby which hosts live entertainment Tuesday through Sunday nights.

To help parents enjoy the resort, they even offer Camp Hyatt for their most precious guests ages 4 – 12 years.  Camp Hyatt is a great place for your children to meet new friends as they play games and do art projects.  Camp Hyatt kids are able to utilize the 3.5 acre recreation lawn for a variety of fun activities, including:  kite flying, kickball, frisbee and scavenger hunts.  There is basketball, sand volleyball, tennis, as well as, croquet, bocce ball and badminton facilities.  In the afternoon, kids will walk to the Batiquitos Lagoon to learn about endangered species that make this lagoon their home.  The best part, Camp Hyatt is a complimentary service (except for the cost of lunch) to all their guests.  The Park Hyatt Aviara has taken no shortcuts to create a comfortable, peaceful place for your family to rest and play.  You can find all the information you need on their website at www.parkaviara.hyatt.com.

First up… how crazy awesome are these?  Why haven’t I bought two yet?

People who know me… I mean really know me, know I have a thing for cats (You might not have to ‘really’ know me to know that)
I also really love bows.  Unfortunately I’m passed the age where one can appropriately wear them (at least not this big). But I do love this tank.

And then there is this fabulous idea of organization.  I could totally do this.  It would save me quite a bit of guess work:P  For all I know, I am using a cup of olive oil instead of two tablespoons.

I do love me some greek appetizers.  Never thought of adding the cucumber.  Great idea for some crunch

This reminds me of my scrapbooking days.  I still can’t believe I pretty much abandoned this whole craft.  It used to consume me.  I still love stitching on photos and cardstock though.  Somethings will never die

I really need to put this together one day for Slater.  I bet my big boys would join in too.  Click on the link and you will see one freakishly darling party idea

I would love to incorporate something like this in my maternity sessions.  I have all the names we considered for each of the boys written down – Joe’s faves and mine (they never matched)

And last, this sweet little baby blanket.  I really hated everything being blue when I had my babies.  It was so hard to find anything but that.

October 17, 2011 marks a very special day for Chula Vista.  The city is turning 100 years old.  Although the history is richer and longer than 100 years, it was 100 years ago that an election was held to incorporate Chula Vista into the State of California.  A few years before incorporation, in 1888, the State Commissioner of Agriculture determined that citrus was the most fruitful crop in the area.  Lemon trees were planted in abundance and at one point, Chula Vista was the largest, lemon growing center in the world.  Today you will find many exciting places to visit in Chula Vista, including a nature center, Len Moore Skate Park, Onstage Playhouse and the Otay Valley Regional Park.

If you are in San Diego on October 15, 2011, you might consider a seven mile drive to Chula Vista to join festivities at the Chula Vista Centennial Celebration.  The celebration will be held at the U.S. Olympic Training Center from noon until 9:00 p.m. and gate admission is free!  There will be live entertainment feature Chula Vista locals, P.O.D., performing at 8:15 p.m.  There will be carnival games, face painting, a beer and margarita garden, a London Olympics Preview showcasing high flying BMX athletes.  There will also be a Lemon Tasting Area taking us back to Chula Vista’s roots.  You can also walk through Chula Vista’s history on the Centennial Milestone Path including a large classic car display.  The night will end with a fantastic fireworks display set to music of the decades.  For more information on the celebration, you can visit www.chulavista100.com and for information on the city, www.chulavistaca.gov.

San Diego Insider

On the trail, you will walk through canyons and hillsides.  You will be able to observe a variety of habitats and many areas provide a place to just sit and enjoy all nature has to offer.  There is an overlook where you can see the ocean and even a waterfall.  You can escape to any place in the world including the Tropical Rainforest, Undersea Succulent Garden, even South America.  There are so many different plants, trees and climates to learn about and enjoy.  The garden is deceptively large and includes the largest interactive garden on the West Coast, the Hamilton’s Children’s Garden.   This garden is complete with a playground, an area for kids to make potted plants out of newspaper and play music on earthy instruments.  Children will not want to miss the garden tree house or the Seeds of Wonder garden that features a miniature, working, Thomas the tank engine railroad.

Your entire family will enjoy a variety of special events in the Garden.  Currently, there is a “Sculpture In The Garden” exhibit which runs until April of 2012, where artists are allowing the gardens to provide a beautiful backdrop to their work.  The weekend of October 1^st and 2^nd is the annual Orchid Fair where countless varieties of orchids grace the grounds, some in exhibits and some for sale.  With great events throughout the fall season, be sure to check out their website.  You will not want to miss the month of December when the Garden becomes a “Garden of Lights”.   After dark, the Garden is transformed into a winter wonderland with over 100,000 sparkling lights illuminating the Garden for a magical holiday experience. You will be able to enjoy various activities including horse-drawn wagon rides, holiday crafts, marshmallow roasting, visits with Santa, live music, hot mulled wine, and refreshments.  The San Diego Botanic Gardens has a wonderful website, full of information, be sure to check it out before your visit.  http://www.sdbgarden.org/index.html

The San Diego Insider