Happy New Year 2012!

Enjoy your evening, be safe and have a wonderful New Year!

Your Soaring Mama,

Mandy

Friday's "Soar & Explore!"

This week my family "soared" about an hour and a half north of San Diego to the Discovery Science Center in Anaheim, Ca. Too bad we didn't have land speeders or we would have been there much sooner!

Currently there's an "out of this galaxy" exhibit going on, "Star Wars - Where Science meets Imagination".

From the science center's website, here's a description of the exhibit:

"Star WarsTM: Where Science Meets Imagination explores the fantasy technologies in the Star Wars films, the science behind them, and current research that may lead to real-life versions of these technologies. Learn how technologies work in the Star Wars universe through film clips and over 80 props, models and costumes. Then, discover how ideas become technologies in real life through hands-on exhibits, immersive experiences, and cutting edge innovations."

Our family really enjoyed seeing all of the movie props; life size costumes, miniatures used for filming, light sabers, Luke Skywalker's landspeeder and other floating vehicles used in the movies. We loved seeing all of the costumes of our favorite Star Wars characters like Chewbacca, Darth Vader, Clone Troopers, and Yoda to name a few.

There were also several interactive parts of the exhibit that my two, or I should say three (if you include my husband) enjoyed. The personal hovercraft looked like fun, but since we were there the week after Christmas the lines were all very long, so we skipped that one for next time. There was a "Maglev Engineering Design Lab", where one could design a mini car that "levitates" via a magnetic track. A Robot engineering design lab, and building communities with virtual reality software. As I mentioned it was a very crowded day the day we were there, but fortunately the exhibit lasts until April 15, 2012 so we most definately will be back.  There is also a Millenium Falcon Experience available for an additional cost of $5. From the website, "Experience a virtual jump to lightspeed in a full-size replica of the cockpit of Star Wars Episode IV’s Millennium Falcon as a multimedia presentation explores what we know about our own galaxy in a breathtaking ride to the edge of the Universe." Much more information about the exhibit can be found on the website.

Another fun exhibit going on while we were there was the "Science of Gingerbread". There were many creative gingerbread creations made by children to enjoy (not eating) but seeing! More pictures from both the Star Wars exhibit and Gingerbread exhibit can be found here on my flicker group. Enjoy!

This one lasts until January 1st, so hurry if you want to see it before it's over!

May you all continue to soar and explore....

in beautiful, sunny San Diego (& beyond)! 

Your Soaring Mama

Mandy

Soaring on a Sunday

Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays to all our readers! We hope you enjoy this lovely, sunny San Diego Christmas day with loved ones.

 Love and much joy, 


 Your soaring mama, 


 Mandy Sicard

Soaring on a Sunday

How's your weekend going? Been a bit drizzly here in San Diego, but that doesn't stop the fun! This photo was taken at a Disney event during the holidays. Disneyland, just 1-2 hours north of San Diego, in Anaheim is a lot of fun during this time of year. During "Holidays at Disneyland", the park is lit up with beautiful holiday decorations, a beautiful Main Street Christmas tree, thousands of Christmas lights and a special holiday fireworks show. Something you don't want to miss!

If you're not up to the drive, there's still lots of great holiday activities right here in San Diego county! Here's just a few of them. Be sure to also check out our facebook for frequently updated posts!

Monday, December 19 | 12pm–3pm, Holiday Celebration, Free with paid admission at
The New Children's Museum, San Diego
Join us for a special entertainment, workshops, and holiday activities. Toddlers can learn hip-hop moves in a dance class with Culture Shock Dance Center at 12:30pm. Camp Glee Club goes on at 1:30pm, followed by the Monarch Steel Drum Band at 2:30pm

Wednesday, December 21, 6:00pm - 7:00pm. GingerBread House Decorating, Mission Valley Branch Library.
Come and decorate a gingerbread house! The house and frosting will be supplied - all you need to bring is a bag of candy to decorate and share with the other decorators. Space is limited; sign up early. Reservations will be taken at the Checkout Desk. Mission Valley Branch Library, 2123 Fenton Parkway, San Diego. 858-573-5007.

Wednesdays, 11 am. Crafts at Playtown, El Cajon. Kids and parents make a themed craft every week using the child’s handprints. $4 plus admission. $8 per child; adults and kids under 9 mos. free. Play Town, 858 Jackman St., El Cajon.

Through the first week of January. Fri.-Wed., 10 am-4 pm; closed on holidays. Poinsettia Display at Balboa Park. The 25th Annual Poinsettia Display turn the historic Botanical Building into a glowing tribute to the holidays. Free. Botanical Bldg., Balboa Park.

Santa vs the Snowman, Ruben H Fleet Science Museum, IMAX theater. See Calendar of Events for movie times.

Through December 26th. Gingerbread Mountain Village. A must-see attraction made of more than 300 pounds of gingerbread dough, 400 pounds of sugar icing and 18 pounds of chocolate! Free. Park Hyatt Aviara Resort, 7100 Aviara Resort Dr., Carlsbad.

Poinsettia Bowl Gaslamp March. The marching bands from each of the competing schools in the San Diego County Credit Union Poinsettia Bowl face off in a musical showdown on Fifth Avenue just two days prior to the big game at Qualcomm Stadium. This thrilling battle of the bands will have you riveted, so be sure to snag a spot on a fabulous Gaslamp patio and watch the commotion - the March is scheduled to begin promptly at 6 pm, so plan ahead and get to the Gaslamp Quarter early! Free event.

Enjoy the season and....

Keep Soaring and landing safely

in Beautiful (mostly) Sunny

San Diego!

Your Soaring Mama,

Mandy

Friday's "Soar and Explore!"

From Dec 16, 2011

Last weekend we went to the Children's Discovery Museum in Escondido. It's been re-opened and has moved across the street from Grape Park. Here's a photo a took there when it "snowed".

What wonderful place in San Diego did you visit this week? Feel free to share a link in the comments section.

While the museum's not completely finished, there's lots of fun hands on things for the kids to do. The plans for the future indoor and outdoor area look really great and we look forward to returning when they are.

Here's a few others from the day:

The ship they were working on while we there, and appears it will be ready very soon!

Enjoy your weekend and....
.

May you all continue to soar and explore....

in beautiful, sunny San Diego!

Your Soaring Mama

Mandy

Soaring on a Sunday

Snow in San Diego? Well, we do get it up in Julian and Mt Palomar, but this week we also had it at several other spots in San Diego. This shot was taken at the San Diego Children's Discovery Museum in Escondido. Dr Bronner's Magic Soaps, an eco-friendly, organic and fair trade soap company provided the snow at the Museum's open house on Saturday. The children's museum will be officially re-opening on Tuesday. The museum moved across the street from it's prior location at the Escondido Center for the Arts to 320 N. Broadway, Escondido, across the street from Grape Park. While not completely finished yet, it has a lot of great fun going on inside and much more to come!

Also, happening this week is:

Thursday, December 15th, 1-2pm. Holiday Harmonies Christmas Concert by the Carlsbad Choraleers. Free concert open to the public. 799 Pine Ave, Carlsbad.

Thursday, December 15th, 11am. Story Time with the Gingerbread Queen at the Mission Valley Branch Library. Free. 2123 Fenton Pkwy, San Diego.

Wednesday, December 21st, 6-7pm. Gingerbread House Decorating at the the Mission Valley Branch Library. Free, but space limited, so sign up at the checkout desk. 2123 Fenton Pkwy, San Diego.

Through January 1st, outdoor ice-skating overlooking the Pacific Ocean at Hotel del Coronado.

December 8-23rd, 26-30th, 5-9pm. Garden of Lights, San Diego Botanic Garden, Encinitas.

December 13th-January 1st, 530-10pm. Holiday of Lights at the Del Mar Fairgrounds.

December 16th, 4-9pm, and December 17-19th, 1-9pm. Poway Winterfest at Poway Community Park, Poway. Outdoor skating rink, arts and crafts, karaoke, snow hill (18th) and more.

Sunday, December 11th and Sunday, December 18th, 530-9pm. San Diego Parade of Lights, the Port of San Diego.

Sunday, December 11th, 1pm. A Very Beary Nutcracker puppet show at Space4Art, by the SD Guild of Puppetry, 325 15th St, San Diego.

Through December 18th, The Nutcracker by the San Diego Civic Youth Ballet at Casa Del Prado in Balboa Park.

Through December 18th, Santa Claus vs the Martians by the SD Junior Theatre at the La Jolla YMCA Firehouse, La Jolla.

December 9th-11th, 16th-23rd, 7pm. Holly, Jolly Trolley Tour, Old Town Market.

Other places in San Diego where snow can be found are:

SeaWorld, Dec 11, daily December 17th-January 1st.

Legoland, through January 2nd.

Nightly Musical Snowfall at Village Walk at Eastlake, Chula Vista. December 1-24th at 6 and 7pm.

Much more is posted weekly on our Facebook page. Join for frequent updates!

Happy Holidays !

and Keep Soaring

and

Landing Safely

in beautiful, sunny San Diego!

Your Soaring Mama,

Mandy

Soaring on a Sunday

From SDFS Day at the Zoo, 2011-11-29

Lots of holiday activities going on that you can refer to in our previous posts and on our facebook page, but there's also many secular activities going on as well. Lots of stuff going on today, if you're still looking for something on this beautiful, cloud free day!

Today, Liquid Glass Company is having an open house, which includes a glass blowing demostration in Ramona.

Just south of the border is the Rosarito Art Fest Art Bazaar going on today at the Rosarito Beach Hotel from 12pm-5pm.

Riverdance, Irish Music and dance at the San Diego Civic Theatre today, 530 pm

Today, 10am to 730pm, Fantasy on Ice Outdoor Ice Skating Rink at the Horton Square in San Diego.

Today, San Diego Pottery Tour in San Diego, 9-4pm. Free self-guided tour with 11 stops at ceramic studios in San Diego.

Battle of San Pasqual at the Old Town San Diego State Historic Park in San Diego, today 10-330pm. Battle reinactments at 1130 and 2pm.

Skating by the Sea, Make a Wish foundation benefit at Hotel del Coronado today 11am-9pm.

Today is Family Free Art Day at the Oceanside Museum of Art.

I'll be posting more this week for next weekend, but feel free to check out our Facebook page for frequent event posts.

Keep Soaring and landing safely,

in Beautiful, Sunny

San Diego!

Your Soaring Mama,

Mandy

Friday's "Soar and Explore!"

From SDFS Day at the Zoo, 2011-11-29

This adorable little Fennec Fox is an animal ambassador at the zoo.

This week we went to the San Diego Zoo with a group of friends. We saw many of the exhibits we hadn't seen in the past. They will also be having "Jungle Bells" at the zoo, which is a holiday celebration with lights starting December 9th and going through January 1st.

Here's just a couple of photos that I took while there.

From SDFS Day at the Zoo, 2011-11-29

The meerkats are one of my favorites and this little guy didn't mind posing for me.

From SDFS Day at the Zoo, 2011-11-29

From SDFS Day at the Zoo, 2011-11-29

From SDFS Day at the Zoo, 2011-11-29

The skyfari aerial tram allows for some beautiful views from above, you can even see incoming planes flying over the California Tower on the Museum of Man building. This weekend the zoo is allowing round trip tram rides for $4 during the Balboa Park December Nights Celebration on Dec 2nd & 3rd starting at 5pm. It'll be a wonderful experience to be able to view all the lovely lights in Balboa Park from above. They'll also offer Santa's Express Miniature Railroad, by the zoo's exit with rides for $3, which is a 3 minute holiday ride.

There's always so much to see while there, you can't possibly see it all in one day so it's nice to buy their annual passes so you can come back as frequently as you choose during the year. The passes are also good for the Safari Park in Escondido, which our family loves to go to frequently!

We saw some colorful birds and flowers as well, while there.

From SDFS Day at the Zoo, 2011-11-29

From SDFS Day at the Zoo, 2011-11-29

Try not to miss the Jungle Bells this season. There's lots of great activities going on at the zoo and also at Balboa Park.

Here's a little video from the zoo's website about the upcoming "Jungle Bells".

Enjoy the holidays and....
.

May you all continue to soar and explore....

in beautiful, sunny San Diego!

Your Soaring Mama

Mandy

Soaring on a Sunday

"Sunbathing Santa" taken at Legoland in 2010.

(Well, why wouldn't he be sunbathing? He's in San Diego!)

Our family was travelling this Thanksgiving Holiday week. We went to beautiful Sedona, AZ. Have you been there? Definitely, should be on your "go to" list! We traveled on the Kumeyaay highway 8 east through San Diego and Imperial counties, driving over the Laguna Summit at 4000 ft elevation, through the Anza Borrego desert where we saw the sand dunes and beautiful ocotillo and other cactus lovelies, over the Colorado river in Yuma, through some small but interestingly named towns like Coyote Wash and Gila Bend, and then through some beautiful desert in AZ, through Phoenix, then upwards to Sedona. And, wow! When you get to Oak Creek and start seeing those beautiful red rocks, it just takes your breath away. I'll be posting more about our trip over at "2nd to the right", my personal blog (since it's not technically "San Diego") but will share a link here this week.

So, where did your family spend Thanksgiving? Did you go anywhere special, or stay home and enjoy the consistently enjoyable weather here in San Diego! I hope it was great!

Now, on to what's happening here in San Diego this week. Lots of great things to do with the family with the holidays quickly approaching.

Through January 2nd, Holiday Snow Days at Legoland! The Park has everything that’s merry, including twinkling lights and bright decorations. A life-sized LEGO brick Santa and Reindeer make the perfect family photo. Search for miniature Santas and reindeer delivering toys throughout Miniland USA.

Weekends Nov. 19-Dec. 11, and daily Dec. 17-Jan 1st, SnowWorld at SeaWorld. Shamu's special Christmas Show and play in the snow at SeaWorld!

Friday, December 9th,k 4-8 pm, Jungle Bells at the San Diego Zoo.

Friday, Dec. 2, 5-10pm, and Saturday, Dec. 3, noon-10pm. Balboa Park December Nights. Participating Balboa Park museums open their doors free of charge from 5-9 pm both evenings and more than 300,000 visitors are expected to experience the joy of San Diego’s largest free community festival. Those who attend will participate in a truly multicultural experience, enjoying food, music and entertainment from around the world. Revelers can watch top-notch musical and dance performances, enjoy delicious and diverse food choices and help spread a heavy dose of holiday cheer. Some of the more well-known traditions include food from around the globe at the International Christmas Festival at the House of Pacific Relations Cottages; the annual Santa Lucia Procession at the Plaza de California; unique gift shopping at the museum stores and with the artisans of Spanish Village; and musical and dance presentations from the San Diego Junior Theatre, San Diego Civic Youth Ballet, Del Cerro Baptist’s Christmas Story Tree, and more.

December 2, 12-7pm, Coronado Holiday Open House and Parade. 3:00-8:00pm Recreation Department's Snow Mountain at the Ferry Landing. 3:20pm Santa arrives at the Ferry Landing Marketplace. 5:30-9pm Merchants Open House on Orange Avenue. 6:00-7pm Chamber of Commerce's Christmas Parade down Orange Avenue. 7:00pm Lighting of the Rotary Park Christmas Tree. 7:15pm Coronado Community Band Concert in Rotary Park. 7:15pm Concert at 9th & Orange - Live Band

December 3rd, Encinitas Holiday Parade.Thousands of people will be on floats and in bands with tens of thousands more cheering them on as the 2011 Encinitas Holiday Parade rolls along Coast Highway 101 on Saturday, December 3rd. The 5:30 pm parade is preceded by a 5:00 pm treelighting ceremony at the Lumberyard (near Starbucks).

December 3rd, 9-4pm, Summer's Past Farm's Antique and Craft Fair.Over 60 fine craftsman and expert artisans can be found at this event. Crafts, collectibles, antiques, and a garden sale all on our spacious lawn area. Enjoy your day shopping for the holidays at this great outdoor event.The coffee bar will have drinks and snacks.

November 25th through December 23rd, Oma's Christmas Trees Patch. Tuesday-Friday 2pm-8pm; Saturdays 10am-7pm, CLOSED Sunday & Monday. Pay to Play is $5.00 per child 1 yr. and older. Includes water bottle, candy cane and all the fun activities that the pumpkin patch offers. All adults are free.

Through January 1st, Holiday of Lights, Del Mar Fairground. The Holiday of Lights at the Del Mar Fairgrounds
is the largest animated drive-through light show on the West Coast. More than 400 twinkling, lively displays located around the Del Mar Racetrack will delight your family. Make it your holiday tradition. Holiday hay rides on Friday, Nov. 25, Dec. 2, 9 and 16.

Sunday, December 11th and 18th, San Diego Bay Parade of Lights. Fireworks and Light parade.

December 4th, 2-5pm. Holiday Wonderland in Del Mar Village. Free. Photos With Santa • Holiday Arts & Crafts • Music Performances • Dance Performances • Snow • Fun Zone • Cake Walk • Horse & Carriage Rides • Face Painting & Henna Tattoos • Restaurant Tastes & Much More!

December 4th , 2pm. La Jolla Christmas Parade and Festival.

So many great things to choose from to get you in the holiday spirit!

Anything going on in your area of San Diego that you'd like to share about, holiday or non-holiday related. Feel free to share in the comments or on our facebook page here.

Enjoy the Season and continue to....

Keep Soaring and landing safely,

in beautiful, sunny

San Diego!

Your Soaring Mama,

Mandy

Friday's "Soar and Explore"

This week Tiffany Gonzalez submitted some beautiful photos taken at the Torrey Pines Natural Reserve. Here's what she had to say about her visit there with her family earlier this week.

"We started our day with a visit to the Torrey Pines State Natural Reserve. We loved the visitor center and the "please touch" signs they had up near the animal bones. We chose to hike the Guy Fleming trail for its access to an ocean viewing area. We stared out into the horizon for what seemed like hours. After our hike we drove back down to the beach to meet our friends and play in the sand until sunset. It was one of the most beautiful sunsets I've ever seen. We will definitely be back for a visit real soon."

Thanks for sharing your photos with us Tiffany! You can visit Tiffany at her blog over at Gonzalez Adventures.

If you'd like to participate in our Friday's "Soar and Explore", please share a photo with us next week by sending a .jpg image to Mandy at mandaroo63@yahoo.com or an accessable link (accessable to download or share via html) by next Thursday evening.

May you all continue to soar and explore....

in beautiful, sunny San Diego!

Your Soaring Mama

Mandy

Soaring on a Sunday

Lots of tree lighting ceremonies this week and next as well as some Holiday crafts fairs, holiday themed plays and musicals. So many fun events to chose from. What will you be doing? Feel free to share your favorite holiday events to go to in San Diego with us here in the comments or on our facebook page.

November 29th-December 31st, 11am, 2pm & 5pm. Dr Seuss' How the Grinch Stole Christmas at the Old Globe Theatre in San Diego Balboa Park.

November 25th-27th. Santa's Coming Arts and Crafts Fair at Bates Nut Farm, Valley Center.

November 24th 7am. O'Side Turkey Trot at Oceanside Pier. 5K and 5 Mile run/walks. 1 mi for kids.
November 23rd-January 1, 2012 2-5pm and 6-9pm. Ice Skating by the Sea, The Del, Hotel del Coronado.

Starting December 1st - 24th, Nightly Tree Lighting at Legoland. Also, enjoy Holiday Snow Days at Legoland through January 2nd.

Weekends through Dec 11th, daily 17th-Jan 1st. Christmas Celebrations. Snow World and Polar Express 4D at Seaworld.

Starting December 11th. Jungle Bells at San Diego Zoo. Nightly tree-lighting ceremony, bell ringers filling the air with music, and lighted animal figures dotting the grounds. Dr. Zoolittle has an interactive "Night before Christmas" show, and you can make some new friends during "Animal Magic for the Holidays" critter presentations. Munch holiday specialties, take a "Candy Cane Lane Magical Journey," and experience even more seasonal cheer—Zoo style

Sunday, December 4th, Tree Lighting Escondido Center for the Arts

Sunday, December 4th, 2pm. Center for the Arts Annual Concert Meals on Wheels

Saturday, December 3rd, 4-730pm, Little Italy tree lighting, San Diego.

Saturday, December 3rd, 3-8pm, Gourmet Trucks and San Elijo tree lighting in Santa's Magical Village in San Marcos.

December 5th, 9-12pm, Pups on Parade and Tree Lighting Ceremony
Spend a weekend in Carlsbad this holiday season with a puppy christmas parade and tree lighting ceremony. There will be fun and games for the kids, shopping, food and drinks and of course the puppy parade.

Enjoy your holidays and...

Keep Soaring and landing safely,

in Beautiful, Sunny

San Diego!

Your Soaring Mama,

Mandy

Friday's "Soar and Explore!"

From catching up with daddy...

It's Friday already?!! This week has just "soared" by! Today is Soar and Explore and I 'm posting a photo I took at beautiful Dos Picos County Park in Ramona. I was there recently for a photo shoot of a friend and her family. It was such a pleasure to take their family photos this year, something I enjoy very much whenever I get the opportunity.

Feel free to contact me for your family photo needs via my email at mandaroo63@yahoo.com.

What has your week looked like? Hope you enjoyed the brisk, cool days. There's so many great places to go in San Diego, even when it's drizzly, the museums are always a great place to stay warm and dry.

Please share a photo with us next week by sending a .jpg image to Mandy at mandaroo63@yahoo.com or an accessable link (accessable to download or share via html) by next Thursday evening.

May you all continue to soar and explore....

in beautiful, sunny San Diego!

Your Soaring Mama

Mandy

Soaring on a Sunday

We're coming up on the holiday season and many local San Diego towns are having their Holiday Lighting Ceremonies in the next two coming weeks, along with fun activities for the family. Here are just a few as well as some other fun family activities going on in your area.

Tuesday, November 15th, 7-9pm. Lecture on Luiseno Indians at Mission San Luis Rey, Oceanside. Free.

Tuesday, November 15th. Open Tower Day at Cabrillo National Monument, Point Loma. One of only two days each year where the tower to the lighthouse is open to the public.

Friday, November 18th 530-830pm. Santee Holiday Lighting Celebration. Live entertainment, carriage rides, Santa Claus, kids crafts, cookie decorating, ice skating and more.

Saturday, November 19th, 10am-4pm. San Elijo Holiday Boutique, San Marcos. Arts and crafts, vendors, food, entertainment, free children's craft area.

Saturday, November 19th, 6pm. Santa Parade and Tree Lighting at Otay Ranch Town Center, Chula Vista. Parade, entertainment, bands.

Sunday, November 20th, 6pm. Old Globe Christmas Tree Lighting at Copley Plaza. Free, but limited amount of tickets, visit their facebook for details .

Sunday, November 20th, 10am. Mother Goose Parade, El Cajon. Family friendly parade.

Sunday, November 20th, 9am-4pm. Street Faire and Fall Festival in Encinitas. Vendors, arts & crafts, antiques, clothing, entertainment.

Sunday, November 20th 12-5pm. Free Family Day & Festival at SD Museum of Art in Balboa Park.

Have a great week!

And, don't forget to:

Keep Soaring and Landing Safely

in Beautiful, Sunny

San Diego!

Your Soaring Mama,

Mandy

Friday's "Soar and Explore"

From Dragon and the heart by Erika Perkins

This week's photo for Soar and Explore was contributed by my good friend, Erika Perkins, who captured this beautiful image of the clouds recently. If you'd like to participate in Soaring over San Diego's Friday weekly meme, "Soar and Explore", please send a .jpg image of a place that you've recently visited in San Diego to Mandy at mandaroo63@yahoo.com by Thursday evening.

Erika shared, "This is from the San Diego FunSchoolers Cloud Appreciation Peculiar Park Day and I love the image of the Dragon holding a Heart in his mouth. Such a wonderful day and such a beautiful image that, for me, highlights strength, love and beauty...three things we all need in our lives."

Thanks for sharing it with us Erika!

May you all continue to soar and explore....

in beautiful, sunny San Diego!

Your Soaring Mama

Mandy

Soaring on a Sunday

Rainy days and chilly nights.....looks like the winter months are approaching! Time to light the fireplace and have some hot cocoa. But, if you're still in the mood to get out and about on the sunny days in between, that we still tend to get in San Diego, (or maybe even on the rainy ones), there's still plenty to do!

Here's just a few:

Friday, November 11th, 11am-4pm, Matayum: A Cultural Gathering of the First People at the Old Town San Diego State Historic Park in San Diego. Free. Step back in time as you learn about the rich history of Native American culture through exhibits, storytelling and demos.

Friday-Sunday, November 11th, 12th & 13th, Disney's Mulan at The Church at Rancho Bernardo. Tickets $10 and children 5 and under are $5. Contact Jayne Howard at jayne@thechurchatrb.org.

November 11, 12, & 18th 7pm, Nov 13 2pm, Nov 19th 2 & 7pm, "Aladdin" by CYT-San Diego.

Be swept away on a magic carpet ride in this tale of courage, magic and love. Tickets $10-15.

Tuesday, November 8th, Tots and Tales at the San Diego Humane Society & SPCA in Oceanside. Storytelling for preschoolers, crafts, and animals. $3 per child. Reservation required.

Thursday, November 10th, 1030 am, Nature & Me Storytime: Spiders at the SD Natural History Museum, Balboa Park, San Diego. Free with admission to museum. Ages 1-5 with adult.

Friday, November 11th, 230-430pm, Check Out Local Tide Pools in La Jolla.

Aquarium naturalists lead this nature adventure when you can discover the world of tide pools teeming with native marine life such as hermit crabs, sea hares and sea anemones. Nov. 11, 2:30-4:30 pm at Dike Rock & Nov. 25, 2-4 pm at False Point. $12. RSVP required. For ages 2 & up.

Thursday-Sunday, November 10-13th, Discovery Days: Festival of Flight at the SD Zoo in Balboa Park. Fly on over to the Zoo and celebrate the centennial of naval aviation and the acrobatic beauty of birds in flight. Encounter beaked and billed creatures, listen to naval aviators’ tales of amazing feats, see exhibits, watch macaw flyovers and more. Visit website for hours. Free with admission. $30-$40. San Diego Zoo, Balboa Park.

Friday-Sunday, November 11-13th, Head to Toe Women's Expo & Girls on the Go 5k Run/Walk at Del Mar Fairgrounds in Del Mar. Mothers, daughters, and girlsfriends weekend of inspiration, education and entertainment. See website for details.

Wednesday-Sunday, November 9-13th, Peter & the Wolf, Marie Hitchcock Puppet Theatre, Balboa Park. $3-5, under 2 free.

Tuesday-Sunday, November 15th-20th, 10am-5pm, Roots of Reeds, Museum of Making Music in Carlsbad. $5-7, ages 5 and under free. Explore the beginnings of modern reed instruments, their adaptations in Europe and their evolution within American culture.

Enjoy your week and don't forget to join us on Friday's "Soar and Explore!". Just email your photo as a .jpg file taken at a spot you've been to in San Diego during the week by Thursday night to Mandy at mandaroo63@yahoo.com.

Meanwhile,

Keep Soaring and landing safely in

Beautiful, (mostly) Sunny

San Diego!

Your Soaring Mama,

Mandy

Friday's "Soar & Explore"

"Free Flight" by Valerie Schwinn

Welcome to Soaring over San Diego's Friday "Soar & Explore"! This week we have a beautful photo submitted by Valerie Schwinn taken at Free Flight in Del Mar, a sanctuary and rescue shelter for exotic birds. It is one of her son's favorite places to go, and I can see why with such a beautiful bird as this!

Thanks for participating Valerie!

Join us next week by submitting one of your favorite photos from the week taken in San Diego. You can submit by sending me an email with a .jpg file to mandaroo63@yahoo.com or posting on our facebook page at Soaring over San Diego

Meanwhile,

Keep Soaring and landing safely,

in beautiful, sunny

San Diego!

Your Soaring Mama,

Mandy

Happy Halloween

Have a Happy & Safe Halloween!

Your soaring mama,

Mandy

Soaring on a Sunday

From San Diego Safari Park

With Halloween almost behind us there's lots more Fall/Winter activities coming up over the next 2 months. Holiday Craft Fairs, Holiday Open Houses, Fall Festivals. Now, go out there and have some fun!

Coming up in November we have:

November 10th, 5-8pm, Holiday Open House at Summer's Past Farms. Beautifully decorated in an old-fashioned Christmas theme there will be special holdiay soaps and other gifts available for purchase. Bring your favorite homemade cookies to share and there will be Christmas music and hot wassail to enjoy. See website for more details.

Sunday, November 6th, 8am-4pm, Carlsbad Village Street Faire. Exhibitors, international food, live entertainment, and children's rides.

Sunday, November 6th, 11am-4pm, Gaslamp Quarters "Fall Back, The Children's Historic Street Faire". Free admission, some fees for some activities. Old Fashioned festivities such as ice cream and pie eating contests, pony and wagon rides, historical recreations and demos with 19th century blacksmith, prospectors teaching kids to pan for gold, butter churning and candle dipping and a Wild West Shoot out. Sounds like so much fun!!! See website for more details.

Saturday & Sunday, November 5th & 6th, 9-430 & 9-330pm, Christmas on the Farm, 2011 Arts 'n Craft Fair at Bates Nut Farm in Valley Center.

Saturday, November 5th, 9am-4pm, Taste the Coast, Oceanside Pier. Eat and Browse at Taste the Coast. Great local food, sports and service booths and music. Will be the finish line for Bike the Coast bike tour. Event is free.

Thursday, November 3rd, 430-730pm. Reach the Peak, run or walk at Black Mountain Open Space Park in San Diego. Different races to pick from including trail races, endurance race, adventure race, king or queen of the hill or JUST for fun! Register day of and recieve lots of great SWAG!

Friday & Saturday, November 4-5th, Mira Costa's Stargazing Party, Mira Costa College. See hundreds of stars through telescopes at the baseball fields at Mira Costa College. 8pm-10pm.

Saturday, November 5th, 12pm, Heritage Park Fall Festival, Oceanside Heritage Park. Children's games, chili cook-off, live music. 12-3pm.

Have a great week and....

Keep Soaring and landing safely

in beautiful, sunny San Diego!

Your Soaring Mama,

Mandy

Friday's "Soar & Explore"

Blue Bird in Aviary at SD Zoo Safari Park by Mandy Sicard

I've decided to create a new meme here at Soaring over San Diego, "Soar & Explore"! If you'd like to participate, please send me a photo of a fun place in San Diego that you've been to during the week with your family, or just with the kids, with a caption indicating where it was taken. I'll post the photos here on Fridays with your photo credit and feel welcome to link to your blog if you like. You can post your photo on our Facebook page or email it to me at at mandaroo63@yahoo.com. I've started it off this week with a photo I took at the San Diego Zoo Safari Park in Escondido taken this week and I look forward to seeing where you've 'soared and explored' to and share it in next week's post!

Your Soaring Mama,

Mandy

Oma's Pumpkin Patch in Lakeside

From SDFS Oma's Pumpkin Patch, Lakeside

If you're still looking for a great place to pick pumpkins and have some family fun go check out Oma's Pumpkin Patch in Lakeside. Just 35 minutes away from San Diego, this beautiful dairy farm has an annual pumpkin picking and lots of other fun stuff for kids to do through November 5th. Their hours are Tuesday-Sunday 10am-7pm, (closed on Sundays & Mondays).

From SDFS Oma's Pumpkin Patch, Lakeside

An admission fee of $7 for children, and one adult free per paid child, includes a hayride through the farm, a water bottle, Jack Patch Pumpkin and participation in all activities. Activities include a hay bale maze, a petting corral, the very popular (with our group that went) Cottonseed Mountain, playground, and lots of fun games like magnetic darts, shooting hoops, & tetherball. There's also a snack bar available with reasonably prices snacks.

Lots of great fall decorations as well as many pumpkins to choose from; Indian corn, corn stalks, gourds, and hay bales. There's also a lovely little gift shop with souvenirs, crafts, honey and more.

My girls had a fantastic time and we'll be sure to go again next year. The farm also has other seasonal events; Christmas Tree Patch, Spring Dairy Tours, Birthday parties and special events. See their website for more details.

Hope you're enjoying this Fall and all the wonderful activities happening this time of year!

Keep Soaring (and landing safely)

in Beautiful, Sunny

San Diego!

Your Soaring Mama,

Mandy

Soaring on a Sunday

Lots of great family friendly Halloween Fun happening this week. There's many carnivals, Boo Bashes, Trick or Treating, Haunted Spots, Dia de los Muertos events, and more. Here are just a few that I think look like great fun!

Saturday, October 29th, 330-9pm, Halloween Bash at Seaport Village. There will be a pet costume contest, live music, photo ops, and more.

Sunday, October 30th, 10am-4pm, Dia de los Muertos, Old Mission San Luis Rey. Honoring the deceased with mariachi bands, folklorico dancing, Aztec entertainers, altars, and more. Free.

Sunday, October 30th, 5pm-8pm, Once Upon a Hallowe'en, Old Poway Park. Carved pumpkin contest, costume parade, children's games, Edgar Allen Poe reading, ride the Halloween Express, treats. Some fees.

Saturday, October 29th, 1-5pm, Halloween Carnival in Grape Day Park in Escondido. Haunted house, costume contest, bounce houses, art displays, live music, and carnival games (small fee).

Saturday, October 29th, 2-7pm, Halloween on Elm, Carlsbad Village. Carnival games, costume contests, pirate show, farmers market.

Saturday, October 29th, 9am-11am, Trek 'n' Treat Walkathon, Oceanside Harbor. Walk for developmental disabilities.

And, if you're looking for some safe, family friendly trick or treating spots in San Diego, here's just a few that are all happening on October 31st, Halloween!


530pm-730pm, Trick or Treat on India Street, Littly Italy in San Diego.
During Trick-or-Treat on India Street, Little Italy businesses open their doors to make Halloween a safe and special night for our urban-neighborhood children.

530pm-8pm, Encinitas DownTown on South Coast Hwy 101, from Encinitas Blvd to K St is converted to Pumpkin Lane, featuring elaborately carved pumpkins at different viewing locations and the Queen's Court at the Self Realization Fellowship Bookstore, where the queen will be granting wishes! Kids Zone with games, music and activities.

5pm-9pm, Otay Ranch Town Center, Trick or Treating on Magic Street, Halloween Pet Costume contest, "Thrill the World" Performance, Costume Contest Parade!

330pm-530pm, Downtown Goes Ghostly, Trick or Treating on Orange Avenue 800 Block to Adella, Coronado. Merchants will be handing out treats and a Ghostly Goodies Give-away of $5 gift certificate to 15 lucky ghildren in the Rotary Plaza.

3-5pm, Trick or Treat at Carmel Mountain Plaza, Trick or Treating at participating stores, live music, balloons.

3-6pm, Pillage the Village, La Jolla Village, Girard Avenue at participating merchants. Will have a "Pillage the Village" poster identifying participating merchants.

3-6pm, Main Street Trick or Treating in Ramona. Main St (Hwy 67).

Please share your favorite places to Trick or Treat in your area of San Diego, be it the local neighborhood or merchant trick or treating!

Happy Haunting and be safe,

and,

Keep Soaring and landing safely

in beautiful Sunny San Diego

Your soaring mama,

Mandy

Destination Cozy Cone

This week at Soaring over San Diego, I'm happy to present to you a guest post from one of my favorite people and good friend, Erika Perkins.

Destination Cozy Cone
By Erika B. Perkins


“If you’re going my way, I wanna drive it All night long…”

Road Trips have been a way of experiencing the American Dream, one gas station and multiple bug splats at a time, since Henry Ford first introduced his novel little horseless carriage in 1908. Our family loves the road trip experience, we have our rituals for these long rides, for instance it’s the only time we buy beef jerky, and we love to listen to a good book or to blast some great tunes and it seems the random search on the iPod always brings us the best and most perfectly apropos road tunes.

We are also a car family and have always had cars that seem just perfect for eating up the miles and for cruising in style. We also love animation and even before our kids were born you could find us (perhaps the us was one dragging…encouraging…the other…ahem) in theatres for the newest animated adventure. Now we get to share those same passions with our kids and when a film about cars and road trips from the animation Gods at Pixar was announced you could count that we would see it! I have always had a soft spot for the Michael J. Fox movie Doc Hollywood and Cars most deftly hit those same buttons of learn to love yourself, learning to trust others and learning to work as a team and Cars was an instant hit, and favored tear jerker, in our family. It also sparked so many conversations and so much learning and my youngest son was astonished to learn that the Cozy Cone Motel, “newly renovated,” was actually based on a real roadside hotel located along Route 66, called the Mother Road in the Cars film, and even more astounded to learn that it was only two hours away from home.

Thus a Road Trip was born! It took two years to actually get that two hour Road Trip planned and in that time Cars 2 came out, so who knows maybe our sequel will be a European one too! We started this Road Trip by way of Los Angeles and a great day with our local Unschool group the San Diego FunSchoolers (putting the FUN in UN!) exploring the world renowned Getty Museum (and if you have not experienced the Getty do put it on your Life To Do List!). From Los Angeles we drove down the 101 to the 210 and found our way to the famed Route 66 at the foothills of the San Bernardino Mountains on the border of Rialto and San Bernardino and we had finally arrived, after much anticipation, at the Cozy Cone Motel. OK, OK, they call it the Wigwam Motel but this is where the Cozy Cone Motel was born and this is where we had come to make a little boy’s dream come true.

The Cozy Cone Motel as portrayed in the Cars film is actually a blend of the Wigwam Motel, Blue Swallow Inn and Roy's Café and has been a historic Route 66 icon since it was first built in 1949. “The mastermind behind this retro motel was a clever man by the name of Frank Redford, who was heavily influenced by the native Indian culture. A total of only seven Wigwam Motels were built throughout the nation, of which three managed to remain preserved. Two of the last three remaining rest along historic Route 66 in the states of Arizona and California, while the other rests in Redford's home state of Kentucky.” The Wigwam Motel, just like Sally says about her Cozy Cone Motel, is “newly renovated” and has the funky appeal of every great roadside Americana attraction.

We were blessed to make the trip with two other fabulous families that are near and dear to our hearts, the Sicards from Ramona, CA and the Sabos from Corvallis, OR and we rented two Cozy Cones, excuse me Wigwams, and we stayed for two days, enjoying the incredible architecture of the Wigwams and the compact kidney shaped pool with waters as crystal blue as could be in the hot foothill sun. They also have lush grass covered rolling hills on the inner grounds of the Wigwam Motel that make for wonderful running, rolling and role play adventures. The current owners are also capitalizing on the Cars film and have many vintage cars on the property and some wonderful souvenirs in the Wigwam shaped lobby and it looks like more improvements are under way. Even in the individual Wigwam rooms you can see the angles in the walls that make up the unique Wigwam shape and you can choose from a Wigwam with two queen beds or with one queen bed and a loveseat and coffee table. The windows in the room are very low and are dressed with fun curtains and the kids loved looking out of the windows which seemed sized just for them. Rooms also feature flat screen TV’s and free wifi. The bathroom was also a huge hit for our family as the shower, which appears to be a combo of original architecture featuring beautiful colored red and white tile and an odd stepping into a water closet sensation, and a Motel 6 drop in half tub with a little seat. My youngest son took several showers and the fabulous funkiness was just another highlight for this incredible Cozy Cone Adventure.

We found that two Wigwams were perfect for three families and the kids enjoyed having two Wigwams to call their own and to move back and forth from! “Each of the 15 sleeping units is approximately 25 feet in diameter and has two windows. The exterior walls are painted white accented with a bright red jagged lower edge at the top of the cone, a bold zig-zag band encircling the building halfway up the wall, and a narrow zig-zag band with small triangles along the inner edge of the window openings and marks similar to exclamation points at the corners. In the narrow bathrooms created by a partition at the rear of the sleeping units, the floor is covered with red-and-white tiles and the walls and stall shower repeat the zig-zag motif. Four slender metal poles project from the top in imitation of branches of wood.” The owners were also very friendly and helpful, and extremely knowledgeable about the history of Route 66 and their energy and knowledge just added to the great experience. We even had a spontaneous pizza party poolside and the owner came out and sat with us for a bit and seemed genuinely happy to see so much Joy going down Wigwam style. You could feel the history of the place and it is a profoundly pleasurable awareness to know that our stay added to that exceptional history!

The town of Rialto/San Bernardino, where the Wigwam Motel is located, is culturally diverse and has tires shops sharing acreage with apartment complexes and every single person we met was kind and wonderful and if the Wigwam is indeed the Cozy Cone Motel than Rialto is indeed Radiator Springs. On the drive in from Los Angeles one of my tires decided to die and we used Latino’s Best Tires, which was recommended by the owner of the Wigwam Motel, and Luigi's Casa Della Tires better watch out because it was one of the best mechanic/tire experiences I have ever had. Latino’s Best Tires was run by two incredible women named Bertha and Linda (Luigi and Guido!) and they were fair, honest and best of all kind and funny. They were also very knowledgeable about the history of their tire shop, the second building constructed after the Wigwam Motel and once a Road House Strip Club and Bar, and it just proves that you are truly learning all the time. They also loved hearing the story of how the Cars movie brought us there and when I picked up my car at the end of the day I brought my son who inspired this great and grand adventure with me and they all came out and high fived him and made him feel so special. We also became regulars at the Coffee Nutzz Coffee House and they had a friendly and helpful staff and great coffee, featuring everything from soy milk to boba balls to fresh made muffins. While there one morning we even met the Chief of Police for Rialto! He was very kind to the kids and he did his department proud with his great energy, friendliness and genuine compassion. Go Radiator Springs…I mean Rialto!

So go make some popcorn, queue up the Cars film and then go fill up the tank, crank up the tunes and hit the road for Destination Cozy Cone! It will be a Road Trip that will be remembered for a lifetime and it is certain that you will make memories that are more colorful than any Pixar film could ever color in!

“If you’re going my way, I wanna drive it All night long…”

(all photos by Erika B. Perkins, all rights reserved)

Guest blogger, Erika B. Perkins, lives in San Diego, CA with her husband, two sons and more than the recommended daily allowance of cats. She owns and operates Entropy Squared Consulting Services, a professional organizing service. She is also the founder and owner of the Unschooling Adventure Group the San Diego Funschoolers (putting the FUN in UN!). A devoted Mom and a self-proclaimed Geek with great Geek offspring, she has more Star Wars knowledge than you can shake a womp rat at, has an enviable collection of cool t-shirts and know all the words to Dr. Horrible’s Sing- Along Blog.

Soaring on a Sunday

Sorry for absence this last week. It's been a busy, busy 2 weeks having fun with friends in addition to several field trips and road adventures! Back to business with providing you with all that San Diego has to offer this week and what's coming up soon!

If you haven't been to Disneyland Resorts Halloween Time fun be sure not to miss it! Wonderful Fall and Halloween time decorations, Halloween villains, the transformed Haunted Mansion which becomes a Holiday Haunted Mansion ala Jack Skellington and friends, more can be found over at my other blog Second to the Right. Many of the local amusement parks also have fun Halloween themed activities going on, see prior week's links for some of that.

On to some more great Fall activities and just plain old fashioned family fun in San Diego!

October 21-23rd, Borrego Springs has it's 46th Annual Borrego Days Desert Festival. This Family friendly weekend includes a parade, artists and vendor booths, live entertainment, food, beer garden, lots of activities for children; mini-carnival, face painting, pony rides, arts & crafts! Sounds like a great time!

October 21-23rd, Del Mar Harvest Festival, Original Art & Craft Show. Thousands of handmade arts and crafts, music, stilt walkers, comedy jugglers, children's art center and more. While there be sure to visit the Greyhound rescue adoption booth, a wonderful non-profit that finds home for retired racing greyhounds!

October 20-28th is the 12th Annual San Diego Asian Film Festival, held at the Mission Valley Ultra Star Cinemas.

October 16th, "Sunday, Crafty Sunday" Dia de los Muertos at Centro Cultural de la Raza in Balboa Park. DIY crafting table, DJ, food and vendors.

October 15-16th, Fall Tractor Show, Antique Gas & Steam Engine Museum in Vista. 50 Acres of ALL DAY fun! Working Antique Farm & Construction Equipment Demonstrations; N' Scale Model Railroad Exhibit; Weaving Exhibit, Demonstrations & Sales; Blacksmithing Demonstrations; Tractor Games: Slow Tractor Race, Pedal Tractors, Potato Race; Train Rides; Wagon Rides; Threshing Demonstrations; Grist Mill; Farmhouse Exhibit; School House Exhibit; Vendor Booths; Food, Drinks & Snacks; Museum Gift Shop and more!

Lots more great activities can be found on our Facebook group. Feel free to share about family-friends activities going on in your area of San Diego this week in the comments or the Facebook page.

Have a great week and go out and have some spooky fun!

Keep Soaring and landing safely

in beautiful, sunny San Diego

Your Soaring Mama,

Mandy

Soaring on a Sunday

Welcome to October! I love October for so many reasons! It's my birthday month, my husband's birthday month, our anniversary month & Halloween! I think Halloween's one of my most favorite holidays of the year. It's just so much fun to dress up, watch your kid's get excited about dressing up, choosing a costume, choosing another costume, and yet....another costume! Ha Ha...if your kids are like mine they go through several choices throughout the entire month!

There's many fun activities during this time of year. Not only Fall Festivals, Harvest festivals, and pumpkin patches, but fun spooky events going on throughout the month (I'll be blogging about our fun visit to Halloween Time at Disneyland Resorts and California Adventure later this week).

In the meantime, here are just a few more fun, family activities as well as some really great, spooky places to visit during this scary time of year! Hope you enjoy it.

Saturday, October 8-9th, 10am-4pm, Vista Fiber Arts Fiesta, Antique Gas & Steam Engine Museum, Vista. Weavers, basket makers, spinners, gourd artists, knitters, quilters, and felters. Free admission, free parking.

Sunday, October 9th, 10am-6pm, Little Italy Fiesta, San Diego. Food, music, cooking demos, historical installation, chalk art paintings, chalk art for kids, Kid's Fun Zone, Italian Motor Sports Exhibit.

Saturday & Sunday, October 8-9th, Pumpkin Patch Weekend, Summers Past Farms, Finn Springs.

Sunday, October 9th, 9am-5pm, San Marcos Harvest Festival, Old California Restaurant Row, San Marcos. Vendors, Beer & Wine Garden, live entertainment, carnival for kids, vintage car show.

Month of October, Kids Free at the San Diego Zoo & Safari Park.

Halloween Events:

Saturdays, October 8th,22nd, & 29th, 630pm-830pm, Haunted Trail Hike, Dos Picos Park, Ramona. A Spirit Guide will lead you on the haunted trail. This time of year, the woods are filled with spirits and creatures, natural and supernatural. Come join us if you dare! Volunteer ghouls and spirit guides needed! Free admission and free parking in the picnic day use parking lot. Meet at the restroom building where the light is.


Saturdays and Sundays in October, Brick or Treat at Legoland, Carlsbad.

September 16th-October 31st, Halloween Time at Disneyland, Anaheim.

September 23rd-October 31st, Halloween Horror Nights, Universal Studios, Universal City.

September 23rd-October 31st, Haunted Hotel, Gaslamp District, Market Street, San Diego.

September 23rd-October 31st, Haunted Trail, Balboa Park, San Diego.

October (various dates-see website for details), The Scream Zone at Del Mar Fairgrounds, Del Mar.

October (various dates-see website for details), Mira Mesa Monster Manor, Mira Mesa.

Dia de Los Muertos (Day of the Dead) events:

Sunday, October 30th, 10am-4pm, Dia de Los Muertos, Mission San Luis Rey, Oceanside.

Saturday & Sunday, October 29th & 30th 11am, 1pm & 3pm, Bus Tours of Dia de los Muertos alters in front of historic homes in Sherman Heights.

November 1st & 2nd, Dia De Los Muertos, Old Town & Fiesta de Reyes. The premier Day of the Dead event in San Diego County, Old Town’s Dia de los Muertos is designed to celebrate the history, culture and heritage of the region. Old Town’s predominantly Mexican, Spanish and Native American and legacy makes it the best site in San Diego to hold this special and beloved celebration. There will be a tour of more than 30 altars, a candlelight procession and live music. At Fiesta de Reyes in the state park, five life-sized Katrina dolls in historic dress will delight visitors as well as altars in nearly every store. Face painting and an after party are also planned for Nov. 1. This two-day-long activity will also feature workshops, performances and lectures


Other scary places to visit in San Diego:

Whaley House
El Campo Cemetery
Hotel del Coronado
Old Town

Please feel free to share your favorite haunted spots to visit during Halloween month, in the comments or on our facebook page!

Keep Soaring and landing safely

in beautiful Sunny San Diego

Your soaring mama,

Mandy