Our Easter

Hope you all had a blessed Easter! We had a wonderful day. First we enjoyed a few goodies from our Easter basket before getting ready for church. Instead of chocolate bunnies, we each got a Russell Stover chocolate Jesus Fish, which I thought was so neat! I also picked up these vintage Minnie & Mickey stickers at a little shop with vintage postcards, stickers, print etc. My husband was sure to choose the purple Peeps for me, and I was sure to get him some Whoppers Robin's Eggs (which he gets every year all to himself as I hate those things)! We also each got a mini milk carton of Reeses Pieces, some mini caramel eggs and an egg carton of chocolate marshmallow eggs to share. The rest was just misc. fun sized candy, which were all layered at the bottom of the basket. ANd speaking of this basket, I picked it up a couple weeks ago and a thrift store and absolutely fell in love with it!


Church service was lovely and the message was inspiring. The pastor spoke out our hope as Christians in the afterlife, which was appropriate since our pastor lost his wife to cancer exactly one year ago. Afterward we headed over to my sister's for Easter dinner with the family. I made some deviled eggs and a strawberry cake (which I will post the recipe to tomorrow). We also played a fun new game called Likewise. You write answers on dry eraser paddles and try to match answers with other players for points. It's one of those great party games that is quick to learn, like Apples To Apples. I highly recommend it if you are looking for something new to play with family and friends!


We also made some time to watch a few Easter specials and decorate. Here is a photo of our media stand with these little bunny houses I picked up at Goodwill. Some of these items I even picked up at the dollar store, but I liked how they had a bit of vintage style to them. I don't have much Easter decor, but it's amazing how much you can do even on a budget. I also got some adorable pastel colored egg lights (not pictured) from Target for only $3 each!!


I'd also be remissed if I didn't mention pulling out one of my favorite Easter records, Here Come Peter Cottontail by The Mr. Pickwick Players And Singers. It is hard to find on vinyl, but you can purchase it on mp3 from Amazon. It's a collection of fun little songs, including the title track, The Bunny Hop, Easter Parade and some other little songs not directly related to Easter, but still fitting. It also features a short reading of a story about Peter Rabbit. Definitely worth having for kids and novelty record enthusiasts.


Well, that's about all for us this year. It was a special time, reflecting on both the fun and spiritual aspect of the holiday. Enjoy the rest of this beautiful Spring as we turn to thoughts of Mother's Day and Memorial Day in May!

The Best Haunted Attractions in America

Who doesn't love a good scare? If you're anything like us, then you've made it a yearly tradition to seek out the best scares in your area. Well if you're really in the mood to get your blood running, do we have the list for you! Below is a list of some of the most terrifying, bone chilling and exciting haunted attractions across America. Some are hosted by world class amusement parks, some are put on by local businesses or even private companies made up of individuals who just have a passion for fear. Enter at your own risk, and don't say we didn't warn ya!

ALABAMA

The Haunted Lester Hospital (Lester, AL): Enjoy exploring a haunted hospital with paranormal scares around every corner


ARIZONA

13th Floor Haunted House (Phoenix, AZ): Featuring two attractions that thematically span classical horror to modern day zombie apocalyptic carnage. 60,000 square feet of Halloween terror.


CALIFORNIA

Pirates of Emerson (Pleasanton, CA): Enjoy a haunted trip back in time to the 15th century where pirates ruled the seas. enjoy tunnels, vortex mazes, strobe lights and a pirate ship.

Knott's Scary Farm (Buena Park, CA): California’s largest, most haunting Halloween experience. 160 acres of horror with a series of over 1,000 monsters, 11 mazes and a series of scare zones!

Mickey's Halloween Party at Disneyland (Anaheim, CA): Held on select nights and continues past regular Park hours. Dress up and trick-or-treat at the ultimate neighborhood. Also enjoy select entertainment and events.

Halloween Horror Nights at Universal Studios (Hollywood, CA): Survive all-new haunted houses, spine-chilling street experiences, outrageous live shows, and more.

Los Angeles Haunted Hayride (Los Angeles, CA): LA's most buzzed about Halloween Attraction. Located at Griffith Parks OLD ZOO, the grounds here are reported to be really haunted!

The Haunted Hotel (San Diego, CA): The Haunted Hotel, located downtown in the Gaslamp District, is the longest running haunted house in San Diego. It was named by Haunt World Magazine as one of the top 13 haunted houses in America and has been featured in “America Haunts IV” on The Travel Channel in 2009.


COLORADO

Curse of the Slaughterhouse Gulch (Aurora, CO): Jason, Freddy, Mike Myers, Leatherface and more are all waiting for you at the slaughterhouse since they have been cursed to live there for eternity.


FLORIDA

Mickey's Not-So-Scary Halloween Party at Disney World (Orlando, FL): Don your favorite costume and get ready to trick-or-treat at this Halloween-themed event held in Magic Kingdom theme park.

Halloween Horror Night at Universal Studios (Orlando, FL): Survive all-new haunted houses, spine-chilling street experiences, outrageous live shows, and more.


GEORGIA

Netherworld (Norcross, GA): Netherworld haunted house is a walk through dark attraction filled with live actors, special effects and incredible monsters.


ILLINOIS

Eleventh Hour Haunted House (Melrose Park, IL): Voted #1 Halloween event in Illinois 4 times in the last 5 years!

Realm of Terror (Round Lake Beach, IL): Defy fear, and attempt to escape the haunted house that is recognized by the world as one of the most "Over-the-Top" Haunted Houses to ever exist.


INDIANA

Haunted Hotel 13th Floor ( Huntington, IN): Explore this haunted hotel that has been scaring people for over 45 years. 


MARYLAND

Bennett's Curse Haunted Attraction (Jessup, MD): The legendary Bennett's curse boasts three terrifying haunted houses under one roof.

Nightmare Screamplex (Boyds, MD): Enjoy the Nightmare Forest, Lost Asylum  & Field of Terror.


MICHIGAN

Erebus (Pontiac, MI): Erebus is a 4 story Haunted House that was entered into the Guinness Book of World Records as the World's Largest Walk-Through Haunted Attraction from August 2005 - September 2009.


MINNESOTA

Scream Town (Chaska, MN): Experience a nuclear power plant going up with ooze and fumes.


NEVADA

Asylum & Hotel Fear ( Las Vegas, NV): See why were are SCARIEST Haunted Houses in Las Vegas! Asylum is the longest continuously running Haunted Attraction in Vegas, The Hotel Fear is the second!


NEW JERSEY

Bane Haunted House ( Rockaway, NJ): The newest, most terrifying haunted attraction in NJ!

Night of Terror (Mullica Hill, NJ): One of New Jersey's Premier Haunted Attractions, Night of Terror creates an unforgettable experience.


NEW YORK

Headless Horseman (Ulster Park, NY): Headless Horseman Hayride and Haunted house has over 6 haunted houses, a mile log hayride and much more.

Bayville Scream Park (Bayville, NY): Terrifying attractions such as terror in the woods, Zombie pirates, Funhouse of Fear and more.


OHIO

Cedar Point's HalloWeekends (Sandusky, OH): The spooky chills of Halloween combine with the thrills of the world's biggest collection of rides and roller coasters. 10 haunted houses and tremendously terrifying nighttime attractions, a parade and lots of daytime fun for kids, special entertainment and decorations.

OREGON

The House of Shadows (Gresham,OR): Get scared in the Maze of insanity and Psycho's Crypt in one of Oregon's top haunted attractions.


PENNSYLVANIA

The Bates Motel (Glen Mills, PA): When you check in to the Bates Motel, be prepared for the creepiest trip you'll ever take. Whether exploring the hotel's gruesome interior of computerized lighting and high-tech special effects, hopping aboard the 20-minute haunted hay ride through a forest of nightmarish ghouls, or getting lost in the spine-tingling aisles of the corn maze, visitors are sure to be spooked.

Eastern State Penitentiary (Philadelphia, PA): Six haunting attractions behind the walls at Eastern State Penitentiary.

ScareHouse (Pittsburgh, PA): A team of Pittsburgh haunters work year round to create one of America's Scariest Haunted Houses. ScareHouse has been ranked as one of "America’s Scariest Halloween Attractions" by Travel Channel and featured in multiple online and print publications including USA TODAY, Forbes, AOL News, Yahoo, Funworld, and Money magazine.


TEXAS

ScreamWorld (Houston, TX): Houston's longest running haunted attraction and has been voted Houston's scariest haunted attraction. It is comprised of 5 attractions, which include many animatronics and highly detailed scenes.

Hangman's House of Horrors (Fort Worth TX): Based on the legend of "Hangman," a 19th-century murderer who killed his victims by hanging them along the banks of the Trinity River until he was killed by an angry lynch mob ... or was he? When the gravedigger arrived to bury his body, it was nowhere to be found. Hangman's House of Horrors features 3 additional attractions: The Cirque de Fantomes, Hillbillies Revenge and the 3-D Funhouse.

Thrillvania (Terrell, TX): 4 haunted attractions to enjoy such as the world famous Verdun Manor, Cassandra's Labrinth of Terror, Sam Hains trail or Torment and Thorn Hall to scare you this Halloween.

Screams Halloween Theme Park (Waxahachie, TX): A full night of chills, thrills and guaranteed moments of terror for one price, featuring 5 Haunted attractions which are all included in your admission price along with live music, Scary-Oke and roaming characters that may find you anywhere! Plus, we offer games, human-powered rides, food & drink, and much more.


VIRGINIA

Howl-O-Scream at Busch Gardens (Williamsburg, VA): Haunted houses, monsters, shows and Halloween scares in Busch Gardens!

Nightmare Mansion (Virginia Beach, VA): A walk through haunted house located in the strip of Virginia Beach. A very intense haunted experience.


WASHINGTON

KUBE 93 FM Haunted House at the Georgetown Morgue (Seattle, WA): What could be more sinister than a Morgue at night? How about one filled with anguished spirits and frenzied fiends and enough blood to start a bank?

WISCONSIN

Wisconsin Feargrounds (Waukesha, WI): Named the Number 1 "Must See" Haunted House in America by Haunted Attraction Magazine for 2011. The Wisconsin Fear Grounds consist of 3 Haunted Houses, Morgan Manor, Torment and Unstable.


If you know of an exceptional haunted attraction in your area that you'd like to have added to this list, contact us by email and let us know about it!

Apple Picking + New Poll

There are many fabulous Fall traditions we love to take part in. One such tradition is definitely apple picking. Nothing beats hitting the orchard and selecting your fruit fresh from the tree. We enjoy them just as they are, but we may prefer doctoring them up a bit by making pies, sauce, jelly, butter and dripping loads of gooey caramel over them. Ever wondered which apple to choose for your desired snack and when it's best to pick it? Here is an excellent website with all the information you will need to fulfill your apple picking needs!

http://www.pickyourown.org/apples.htm

Now that you've done a little research, let us know which apple variety you like best by voting in our recent poll (located on the left sidebar)!

Have A Great Memorial Day Weekend!

Memorial Day weekend is upon us, which we basically view as a blast off into Summer! The temperatures around the country have certainly been reflecting that sentiment, with many areas getting past 90 degrees, so I can only assume that most of you have already pulled out your Summer clothes and are ready to fire up the ol' grill. 3 day weekend, here we come!

In many ways this holiday is celebrated much like our Independence Day, except without fireworks. Traditionally we tend to spend our Summer feast with family at the park, or even camping. But like the Fourth Of July, let's be sure to also take time out to remember those brave soldiers who died while serving in the military. Sure, we all enjoy an extra day off of work and hanging with loved ones, but the purpose of the holiday is far greater than just having a BBQ. It's another opportunity to celebrate our freedom and honor those who made it possible!

Beat The Winter Blues

If you didn't get the memo, that darned groundhog is predicting six more weeks of winter! So, what do you plan to do with all that time? It's so easy to get cabin fever this time of year, as most of us spend the days endlessly pining away for a spring thaw. Well, don't let the winter blues get you beat, there is plenty to do that will not only get you out of the house but keep you warm in the process. Here are some ideas of ways you and your family can still enjoy yourself through the remaining winter months.

BOWLING

Bowling is a great game to play in large groups! It's easy to learn and it's fun no matter what your skill level or age. Playing in groups also leaves time to be social between turns. Most alleys also have pool tables and darts to mix it up and make the fun last! Think you're a pro? Consider joining a league to play on a regular basis. Visit GoBowling to find an alley near you!


SKATING

Most towns have a roller skating rink or indoor ice skating rink. This is a great way to get moving! Sure, it might be a little difficult for beginners, but the learning curve is fairly quick. For those who have significant others, it's a great romantic activity as well. Nothing beats cruising in the dark while holding the hand of your sweetheart. Check your local rinks for open skates and special themes such as family skate and adults-only.


ARCADES

Arcades have come a long way since the 80's! Although they usually carry most of the classics, technology has advanced considerably and have made games much more interactive. Places like GameWorks and Dave & Buster's have perfected the adult appeal to game playing, and then there is the classic Chuck E. Cheese for the kiddies. All arcades contain some games for the little ones and they will love working for tickets to redeem prizes. Adults will especially enjoy racing and target shooting games. Like bowling alleys, many contain pool tables and air hockey, which is just another great way to go one on one.


LASER TAG

Ever dreamed of hunting your friends down like the animals they are? Laser tag is a pretty harmless way to get into the action without risking bodily harm. Unlike games such as paint ball, the only thing you'll feel is the weight of the laser vest on your chest and shoulders. The game consists of a small group of people chasing each other around in a glow in the dark room and shooting with laser guns. Every time you hit a target on another person you are awarded points. But don't turn your back or someone will sneak up and pulverize you!


ENRICHMENT CLASSES

You may notice a booklet that comes in the mail every season with a list of adult enrichment classes. This is your opportunity to learn something new and what better time? How about ethnic cooking or cake decorating? Music lovers will enjoy dance classes or learning beginner guitar and piano. Crafts such as sewing, quilting, knitting and scrap booking are a relaxing way to pass the time. The athletic types will enjoy martial arts and defense classes. If you want to learn something you can put to use in your career, then consider a software class. No matter what you choose, you will learn a new trade and have fun doing it.

FITNESS CLASSES

Along with Enrichment classes, you can take many types of fitness courses to fulfill that New Year's Resolution. You can choose classes on aerobics, pilates, yoga, cycling, aqua, cardio and more! Whatever your interest, there is sure to be a class you would enjoy. The most important thing is that you sign up for something you know will keep you motivated to come back. If you get bored with one class, don't hesitate to switch. Find what works for you! Visit GymTicket to find a workout facility near you.


INDOOR SPORTS

Many sports can be played indoors, so if you're more interested in games to fulfill your workout, look to indoor activity centers such as a local business, gymnasium or YMCA. There are many facilities designed specifically for basketball, volleyball, batting cages, golfing, hockey, tennis, racket ball, ping pong, lacrosse and soccer. Just because there is snow on the ground doesn't mean you can't still take part in your favorite activity! You'd be surprised how many options you have in your own town if you do a little research.


POOLS & WATERPARKS

Love to swim? Well, it's not just for summer! Consider taking the family to an indoor pool, or better yet, an indoor water park. These water parks are becoming very popular in the North and Midwest and seem to be popping up everywhere! Most are associated with a resort, so you can even make a weekend of it. If you're looking to save a little money, check out evening sessions as they usually shed a few dollars off the cost of admission. Many times these water parks contain the usual favorites such as top notch water slides, surf simulators, wave pools and lazy rivers. But if you don't have the luxury of living near an indoor water park, any pool will make a nice, relaxing get away!


MALL WALKING

If you're short of cash and still want a good work out you're in luck! A popular growing trend is mall walking. Get your running shoes on and get moving. People all over the country are taking to the mall to get out in a nice setting without having to brave the cold. At night it is also a safer alternative with its bright lights and strolling security. Who knows, you might even get some shopping done in the process. Oh wait, weren't we trying to save money?


LIVE SHOWS

If you're tired of going to the movies, because it's always the old standby, consider purchasing tickets to a live show instead. Not only is it more exciting, but you feel like you're part of the action. Some ideas to consider would be concerts, plays, musicals, stand-up comedy, ice shows, the circus, sporting events and talent shows. Do a search on Ticketmaster for a list of upcoming events or check your local paper for performances held at more intimate venues.

BOOK CLUBS

Are you more of the literary type? Perhaps a book club is just what you need! What better time of year to curl up with a good book? It would certainly be an added bonus to talk to others about it and share your thoughts afterward. One of the benefits to book clubs is that many meet in cozy little coffee houses, which makes for a great social setting. Grab a cappuccino or latte and prepare for a good discussion. Perhaps Reader's Circle would be a good website to begin finding a group that's just right for you. Even if you don't think a book club is your thing, it can be just as enjoyable to stop into your local Public Library, Borders or Barnes & Noble to catch up on your reading or studies.


POLITICS

Did anyone else notice that there is a mid-term election coming up? Get involved in a cause that means something to you and get your voice heard! Big things are happening in this great country of ours and things will only get better if good people take a stand. Whatever the issue, volunteers are sure to be needed and it's also a great way to meet new, like-minded people while contributing in a very critical way. You will also demonstrate to your family the importance of getting involved in the government process and how people can make a difference!


CHARITIES & MINISTRIES

Last, but certainly not least, a perfect way to utilize your time during the Winter months is giving back to your community and to others. Perhaps now would be a good opportunity to donate your time to a favorite charity or help out in a ministry at your church. With the recent earthquakes in Haiti, there are plenty of ways to get involved. In your local community you could be a part of bringing cheer to nursing homes and hospitals, after all if you're feeling the winter blues imagine how it is for these people! If you are an animal lover, the Humane Society is always seeking volunteers. If you're not really sure where to start, call your church or check one of the many organizations we list on the website. Get a little reward for your time by taking part in the Give A Day, Get A Disney Day program. What better way to celebrate your child's efforts than with a free trip to a Disney park?

If after all that you still can't think of something to suit your taste, try browsing the MeetUp website. There is something for everyone, no matter how obscure their interests! Don't forget to also check your local publications for upcoming events. If you can't leave home but still want some ideas of things to do, why not host a theme night with your closest friends? Game night, movie marathon, karaoke, crafts, baking, sporting events...the possibilities are endless! Just remember, no matter what time of year it is, there are plenty of fun things to do, you just have to let those creative juices flow! While you're at it, take a moment to let us know what kind of things you do to chase away those winter blues.

Baking Up A Storm!

If you haven't already started your Christmas baking, chances are you will be getting to it soon. This past weekend we decided to turn our kitchen into a war zone and take our oven hostage. Here are some pictures highlighting the results, along with the recipes for those of you looking to try something new. All of these are quite simple and for the most part require ingredients found around the house. Enjoy!


THE BEST ROLLED SUGAR COOKIES

Ingredients: * 1 1/2 cups butter, softened * 2 cups white sugar * 4 eggs * 1 teaspoon vanilla extract * 5 cups all-purpose flour * 2 teaspoons baking powder * 1 teaspoon salt

Directions: 1. In a large bowl, cream together butter and sugar until smooth. Beat in eggs and vanilla. Stir in the flour, baking powder, and salt. Cover, and chill dough for at least one hour (or overnight). 2. Preheat oven to 400 degrees F (200 degrees C). Roll out dough on floured surface 1/4 to 1/2 inch thick. Cut into shapes with any cookie cutter. Place cookies 1 inch apart on ungreased cookie sheets. 3. Bake 6 to 8 minutes in preheated oven. Cool completely.

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SUGAR COATED NUTS

Ingredients: * 1 egg white * 1 tablespoon water * 1 pound preferred nut * 1 cup white sugar * 3/4 teaspoon salt * 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon

Directions: 1. Preheat oven to 250 degrees F (120 degrees C). Grease one baking sheet. 2. In a mixing bowl, whip together the egg white and water until frothy. In a separate bowl, mix together sugar, salt, and cinnamon. 3. Add pecans to egg whites, stir to coat the nuts evenly. Remove the nuts, and toss them in the sugar mixture until coated. Spread the nuts out on the prepared baking sheet. 4. Bake at 250 degrees F (120 degrees C) for 1 hour. Stir every 15 minutes.

Note: I chose to make 1 pound of mix nuts, although the original recipe calls for pecans. Any of your favorite nuts will work though!

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THE EASIEST PEANUT BUTTER FUDGE

	Ingredients: * 1/2 cup butter * 2 1/4 cups brown sugar * 1/2 cup milk * 3/4 cup peanut butter * 1 teaspoon vanilla extract * 3 1/2 cups confectioners' sugar
Directions: 1. Melt butter in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Stir in brown sugar and milk. Bring to a boil and boil for 2 minutes, stirring frequently. Remove from heat. Stir in peanut butter and vanilla. Pour over confectioners' sugar in a large mixing bowl. Beat until smooth; pour into an 8x8 inch dish. Chill until firm and cut into squares.

Note: I melted a bag of milk chocolate chips and spread it on top, for the final effect.

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CHEWY CHOCOLATE GINGERBREAD COOKIES

Ingredients: * 1 1/2 Cups all-purpose flour * 1 1/4 tsp ground ginger * 1 tsp ground cinnamon * 1 tbsp baking cocoa * 1/2 cup butter, softened * 1 tbsp freshly grated ginger * 1/2 cup packed brown sugar * 1/4 cup unsulfured molasses * 1 tsp baking soda dissolved in * 1 1/2 tsp hot water * 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips * Sugar for rolling

Directions: 1. In a medium bowl, combine flour, ground ginger, cinnamon, cloves, nutmeg and cocoa. Set aside. 2. In large mixing bowl cream together the butter and fresh ginger. Add brown sugar and beat until fluffy. Add molasses; beat until well combined. Beat half of flour mixture into butter mixture. Beat in baking soda mixture. 3. Stir in remaining half of flour mixture until just mixed. Add chocolate chips and stir until blended. Cover bowl and refrigerate for 4 hour or overnight. 4. Preheat oven to 325 degrees F. 5. Roll dough into 1 1/2-inch balls and roll in sugar; place 2-inches apart on baking sheets. Bake for 11 to 15 minutes or until the surfaces crack slightly. Let cool 5 minutes, then transfer to wire rack to cool completely

Note: Recipe attained from the Gold Mountain Manor Bed & Breakfast in Big Bear, CA.

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RED VELVET CAKE BALLS

Ingredients: * 1 box red velvet cake mix * 1 can cream cheese frosting (16 oz.) * 1 package chocolate bark (regular or white chocolate) * Wax paper

Directions: 1. Bake cake as directed in 13 x 9 pan, cool completely then crumble into pan or large bowl. 2. Mix thoroughly with 1 can cream cheese frosting. (It may be easier to use fingers to mix together, but be warned it will get messy.) 3. Freeze mixture for about 20 min. and then roll into quarter size balls by hand or with mini ice cream scooper and lay on cookie sheet. (Should make 45-50) 4. Freeze for several hours to harden. 5. Melt chocolate in microwave per directions on package. 6. Cover balls in chocolate and lay on wax paper until firm. (Use a spoon to dip and roll in chocolate and then tap off extra.)

Note: Only melt a few pieces of chocolate bark at a time because it starts to cool and thicken. It’s easier to work with when it’s hot. For more variations, visit www.bakerella.com


The final verdict? Everything turned out absolutely delicious, but if I had to recommend a particular recipe it would probably be the cake balls because they are so unique and highly customizable. But the addiction factor goes to the sugar coated mixed nuts. They are super easy to make and near impossible to put down, as I'm sure your guests will agree! Do you have a stellar Christmas cookie or candy recipe to recommend? Let us know about it!

Labor Day Weekend

Once again we have come to the close of another Labor Day, which for most working people means a 3 weekend.  Although its original purpose was to acknowledge the hard work and contributions of employees, it has also come to be the latter portion of a bookend with Memorial Day, marking the beginning and end of the Summer season.  For many this is an opportunity for a last hurrah before the colder months settle in.  We're really no different, although the warmer temps will certain sustain a bit longer.  Still, we thought we would make the best of the 3 day weekend and enjoy the bright sunshine.

On Friday my husband, Jess, was released from work early, so we decided to hit the beach and then have dinner at our favorite super salad bar, Souplantation.  We stopped at Blockbuster afterward, since they are both conveniently within walking distance, and picked up a movie to finish the evening off.  We chose Summer Rental, starring John Candy and directed by Carl Reiner, which seemed an appropriate choice to squeeze in before the end of the season.

On Saturday we woke bright and early to hit the swap meet and a couple thrift stores for their holiday sales.  Just when it seemed like we weren't going to have much luck finding anything particularly wondrous at the swap meet, we stumbled upon a vendor with a $1 table that contained some surprisingly nice things.  For starters I found a bag of nice misc. shells, a box of ocean theme potpourri and a large shell to hang on the wall.  These are perfect for our beach decor since I was still looking to add a few more things.  Later that night I was able to put it all together for my living room, bedroom and kitchen:







I also found a porcelain nativity for our TV stand, an adorable snowman ornament and 3 spinning ornaments that were originally sold at Blockbuster in 1999. I already had the Charlie Brown Christmas one, so I was happy to complete the collection by getting the ones with Rudolph The Red-Nosed Reindeer, Frosty The Snowman and Annabelle's Wish:



We spent the rest of the afternoon at the beach once again and had dinner at UNO's Chicago Grill.  On Sunday we decided to stay home and do some deep cleaning around the house and then went to the 5pm service at church.  Afterward we stopped into Trader Joe's for some peanut butter filled pretzels and hot fudge to make our own sundaes, then we cuddled up and watched Mutiny On The Bounty, a movie based on a true story and starring the amazing Clark Gable.  A truly great adventure on the high seas!



Monday was the actual holiday so we had to decide how exactly to spend it.  If I had my choice I would have loved to do some camping, but we just weren't prepared for all that.  Instead, we chose to go to a small waterpark in Vista, called The Wave.  What was also nice about making the trip up to Vista was the fact that it's so close to Oceanside, which has a great little fish and chips shack at the marina near the beach  We decided to have dinner there and walk around the shore a bit.



Overall, we had a wonderful time together and I was definitely sad to see it come to an end.  Hope you had a great one as well!  Summer isn't quite over, so I still have a few activities to look forward to yet, which I will post about in time.