Adventures in Chino and Ontario

With this uncharacteristically warm winter weather, it is hard not to enjoy all things outdoors and exploratory.  We had my father-in-law come into town and wanted to show him a fun time, so we planned a great day in Chino and Ontario.  This is definitely an all day event, so you can easily break this up into a few adventures if you would rather.  We started off our morning at this great little mom and pop breakfast place down by Chino Airport called Flo's Airport Coffee Shop.  If you enjoy biscuits and gravy, this is the place for them.  They have great omelets, pancakes, and fantastics pies and cobblers to boot, so come hungry!
Following our mammoth meal, we went down the road to the Planes of Fame Museum where we got lost in the history of the planes and artifacts in this working museum, T was in absolute Heaven.  We spent hours just wandering around, looking at the planes, playing in the interactive room, and speaking with old pilots.

After we finished with the museum, just up the road is a really great educational farm called Amy's Farm where you can see animals in action, pet them, speak to the farmers about the animals, and buy produce that comes straight from the farm.  Unfortunately, we were not able to visit the farm today since they are closed for the holiday season.

Since we were in the area, we stopped by Hottinger's Meat Shop to pick up dinner.  The have the most amazing selection of beef, chicken, pork, and so many other meats.  We got the Santa Maria Tri Tip, our absolute favorite.  Naturally, we had to stop by the side of the road and pet some cows since we were in Chino and there are more cows than people.

Our final stop was to Logan's Candy Shop in Downtown Ontario where T got to watch candy canes be made for the very first time, and made his very own!  We had such a fantastic day, and all we did was drive down Euclid to get to all of these little gems.  I know we will be frequenting each of these places more often.

Learning about Botany at the Arboretum

If you are looking for something fun to do with the little one, your family, or to just go somewhere and enjoy the serenity and peace of beautiful gardens and landscape, consider going to the Arboretum in Arcadia.  Admission for adults is $8.00 and children under 5 are free.  The variety of plants that the Arboretum has on display is so beautiful and a walk through the various gardens is peaceful and educational!  I was able to teach my little man all about how different plants thrive in different climates, and how those climates will determine leaf shape, thickness and color.  We had such fun walking around the gardens and learning about the plants that now every time T and I are out and about, he loves to stop and look at the plants around us and make predictions about what kind of plant it is based on the leaves (shady or sunny).  If you don't have anything planned, I suggest taking advantage of one of these beautiful sunny days, pack a picnic and go enjoy yourself.

Let's All Go Out to the Movies!

With so many amazing movies out this summer, and with the blistering heat in full effect, take a break and go see one of the many awesome films in theaters now.  I must be honest, I really only know about the ones rated G and PG, as the hubby and I only make it out the the movies when we can take T.  Currently, Epic and Monsters University are both playing-Monsters University was definitely worth the chaos (we saw it opening weekend).  Coming to theaters this month are Turbo and Planes, I guarantee we will be heading to the theater to see both films, and T is already excited for Planes!  He has been talking about that movie since we saw the first trailer in DECEMBER!!!

Summer Fun in So. Cali

Summer is the greatest because it gives me the opportunity to let loose and enjoy all of the wonderful things that So. Cal has to offer- and not for very much money.  This is a biggie for me considering that I am a teacher and don't have an income during the summer months. Our adventures this summer so far have included some of our usual spots like the Mt. Baldy Waterfall and the LA Zoo, but a few new ones as well.  The two that I want to share today are the Aquarium of the Pacific in Long Beach and the Santa Monica Pier.  You can pick up a coupon for the aquarium at Denny's (free child's admission with paid adult-expires August 30) and you can also get a coupon for the Pier at Wahoo's ($15 unlimited rides wristband for entire day-expires July 2)  Both are sure to be amazing days, and saving money is always helpful anytime of the year!