Independence Day Weekend in California

Matt had Thursday, July 4th off this year, so he worked 30 hours Monday through Wednesday, and on Thursday morning we took off as early as we could manage (which isn't nearly as early as we could've left without two little ones). The girls did pretty great for the five hour car trip to Matt's parents' house in California.

on the road

Charlotte and Grandpa
Happy Fourth!

We loved the weather and the backyard!

Check out that huge, orange dragonfly and the beautiful water lily.

Charlotte and Daddy 

Elise loves going to Grandma and Grandpa's house.

Grandma and Charlotte 

trying a carrot right out of the garden

Now, that's a fun way to get kids to eat more vegetables!

Elise pulling up carrots with Grandpa

She loved the cherry tomatoes.

Charlotte enjoyed the peas

Grandpa and Charlotte napping

Grandma and Elise playing

I loved watching these two together.

A friend of Matt's parents let us use her pool while she was out of town. It was so nice!

Elise, of course, loved the diving board.

We also had some fun in the kiddie pool in the backyard.

Elise loved playing with the apples that had fallen from the trees.

We also ate way too much delicious, homemade cherry pineapple ice cream.
So yummy!

saying goodbye

Bad traffic on the way home, 20mph on the freeway, was a little rough on everyone, but we made it!

This was such a fun little weekend trip. It was so nice just to visit and relax together. Thanks, Patti and Craig, for having us!

Amazing Show

We got to go see Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Presents Built To Amaze! in Phoenix at the  U.S. Airways Center. What a great show! The girls had so much fun. Charlotte liked it even more than I expected her to, and she was clapping throughout. Elise is still talking about it.

Savannah and Elise

Charlotte enjoying her glowing bracelet

amazed

at the beginning of the show

Elise loves to talk about the really tall guy who walked on "sticks."

tigers

seriously amazing acrobatics

The elephants are always a favorite.

I didn't get pictures of some of my favorite things because I was too busy watching, but we had a great time! Tumblers, elephants, human cannonball--they had it all!

About Feld Entertainment: Feld Entertainment is the worldwide leader in producing and presenting live touring family entertainment experiences that lift the human spirit and create indelible memories, with 30 million people in attendance at its shows each year. Feld Entertainment's productions have appeared in more than 70 countries on six continents and include Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey^®, Feld Motor Sports, Disney On Ice and Disney Live! plus the upcoming Marvel Universe Live.

I am a Feld Family Ambassador, and in exchange for my time and efforts in attending shows and reporting my opinion within this blog, as well as keeping you advised of the latest discount offers, Feld Entertainment has provided me with complimentary tickets to Feld shows and opportunities to attend private Feld pre-Show events.

Even though I receive these benefits, I always give an opinion that is 100% mine

Going to See the Greatest Show

We're excited to be going to the circus this week! If you missed my last post, here is the ticket info.

Don't forget to use the code MOMSAVE for $5 off $20 or $25 tickets (no double discounts, valid on all shows and times except opening night, because opening night is already 50% off except front row and VIP seating).

TICKETS TO RINGLING BROS. AND BARNUM & BAILEY^®              PRESENTS BUILT TO AMAZE!^SM  GO ON-SALE MAY 20^TH

All-New Circus Spectacular Custom Built For Family Fun

By The Greatest Show On Earth^®

Comes To Phoenix June 26 – July 1, 2013

Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey® Presents Built To Amaze!, is an extraordinarily engineered circus experience where Children Of All Ages® find out what it takes to build The Greatest Show On Earth®. The foundation is set and the rising anticipation of high-energy, high-jinx and hilarity is ready to be transported by colorful circus machinery and unleashed from shipping crates right before the audience’s eyes from Wednesday, June 26 – Monday, July 1 for ten performances at the US Airways Center.

Tickets for Built To Amaze! go on sale Friday, May 20^th; ticket prices range from $20 - $95 with special Kids discount tickets available for only $10 each* and are available for purchase online at Ticketmaster.com, charge by phone at 800-745-3000 or visit the US Airways Center Box Office.

*some restrictions apply

Built To Amaze! opens with the All-Access Pre-show where everyone is invited to join the fun and meet the Built To Amaze! international cast of performers as they prepare for the show. The Ringling Girls and Barnum Boys encourage kids to participate in a tug-of- war and kick off what will soon become an epic battle of girl power versus boy power in Built To Amaze! Audiences also can pick up some hip dance moves during the dance party, try on custom designed costumes, learn circus skills like juggling from the famous Ringling Bros. Clown Alley and even have the opportunity to witness and win a one of a kind masterpiece created by Asia, Ringling Bros. very own painting pachyderm!

Andre McClain, Ringmaster and America’s favorite cowboy takes the Ringling Bros. reins and accompanied by his horse Comanche, leads his Built To Amaze! funny and mischievous super circus supervisors, to construct The Greatest Show On Earth. A fantastic design with more than 110 of the world’s best performers representing 17 countries along with 95 exotic and domestic animals will be assembled, creating never-before-seen heart pounding performances.

You can only experience this design of excitement at Ringling Bros. Presents Built To Amaze!  

Get your tickets for super circus fun today!

For more information, visit www.Ringling.com or visit us on Facebook, Twitter and YouTube.

About Feld Entertainment: Feld Entertainment is the worldwide leader in producing and presenting live touring family entertainment experiences that lift the human spirit and create indelible memories, with 30 million people in attendance at its shows each year. Feld Entertainment's productions have appeared in more than 70 countries on six continents and include Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey^®, Feld Motor Sports, Disney On Ice and Disney Live! plus the upcoming Marvel Universe Live.

I am a Feld Family Ambassador, and in exchange for my time and efforts in attending shows and reporting my opinion within this blog, as well as keeping you advised of the latest discount offers, Feld Entertainment has provided me with complimentary tickets to Feld shows and opportunities to attend private Feld pre-Show events.

Even though I receive these benefits, I always give an opinion that is 100% mine

Built to Amaze!

I am excited to get to bring Elise to the circus again this summer! And this will be Charlotte's first time. If you're in the Phoenix area, here is the info if you want to bring your family.

Experience The All-New Design Of Circus Excitement

Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey^® Presents BUILT TO AMAZE!

Coming To Phoenix June 26 – July 1, 2013

(Phoenix, AZ) - Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey® Presents Built To Amaze!, an extraordinarily engineered circus experience custom-built for family fun where Children Of All Ages®  find out what it takes to construct The Greatest Show On Earth®. The visionary blueprints have been assembled with a contemporary toolbox of unparalleled imagination that will be unleashed from shipping crates right before the audience’s eyes for the all-new circus spectacular Built To Amaze! at the US Airways Center from June 26 – July 1.

Ringmaster Andre McClain takes the Ringling Bros.® reins accompanied by his horse Comanche, to lead his funny and mischievous circus supervisors to construct a fantastic design of heart-pounding and wondrous performances sure to amaze and thrill audiences.  With more than 110 of the world’s best artists & athletes representing 17 countries along with 95 exotic and domestic animals assembled together, Built to Amaze! is highlighted by several unique acts this year including:

v  Nine-time international award-winning comedic animal presenting duo Alex and Irina Emelin of Russia introduce their uniquely-designed brand of magic and humor with their remarkable trained animals including poodles, ferrets, rabbits, snakes and more!

v  The Trampoline Tower Tumblers, a troupe of ten competitive aerial athletes from the Ukraine who launch themselves from trampolines to scale, repel and pass through a three-story high translucent tower

v  The popular King Charles Troupe hailing from New York City brings one-wheeled excitement to the ring with a spirited and comedic basketball competition featuring ten whirling unicyclists

In addition, the show features the electrifying high-wire acrobats, daredevil stunts on The Steel Vortex, the youngest female Human Cannonball, remarkable hand-balancing duos, the always hilarious Clown Alley…and of course no Ringling Bros. circus experience would be complete without our four-legged star performers including the majestic Bengal tigers presented by the charismatic “Taba” and a fun-filled Asian elephant dance party.

Be sure to come out one hour early to each performance to meet our performers and animals on the show floor, try on costumes, learn dance moves and more at the interactive All Access Pre-Show, FREE admission to all ticket holders.

WHEN:            Wednesday June 26 – Monday, July 1

Wednesday, June 26                        7:00 PM

Thursday, June 27                        11:00 AM

Friday, June 28                         11:00 AM & 7:00 PM

Saturday, June 29                          11:00 AM, 3:00 PM & 7:00 PM

Sunday, June 30                        12:00 PM & 4:00 PM

Monday, July 1                        11:00 AM

WHERE:            US Airways Center – 201 E. Jefferson Street, Phoenix AZ  85004

TICKETS:             Ticket prices are $20, $25, $45 (VIP), $60 (Front Row) and $95 (Circus Celebrity)

                        Kids (ages 2-12) tickets available for only $10 each on all weekday performances (including Wed. 7PM, Thurs. 11AM, Fri. 11AM, Fri. 7PM & Mon. 11AM shows; not valid on VIP/premium levels)

            Save 50% on Opening Night tickets (select seating only; not valid on VIP/premium levels)

                        All seats are reserved; tickets available thru Ticketmaster.com, charge by phone at 800-745-3000 or visit the US Airways Center Box Office.  

Special discount:

$5 Off with code MOMSAVE

·         Valid on $20 & $25 tickets only

·         No double discounts

Valid on all show days and times EXCEPT Opening Night (Opening Night tickets are 50% off, excluding front row and VIP seating)

Tickets can be found at www.Ticketmaster.com. 

About Feld Entertainment

Feld Entertainment is the worldwide leader in producing and presenting live touring family entertainment experiences that lift the human spirit and create indelible memories, with 30 million people in attendance at its shows each year. Feld Entertainment’s productions have appeared in more than 70 countries on six continents and include Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey®, Feld Motor Sports, Disney On Ice and Disney Live!.

For more information, please visit www.DisneyOnIce.com or look for us on Facebook and YouTube.

I am a Feld Family Ambassador, and in exchange for my time and efforts in attending shows and reporting my opinion within this blog, as well as keeping you advised of the latest discount offers, Feld Entertainment has provided me with complimentary tickets to Feld shows and opportunities to attend private Feld pre-Show events.

Even though I receive these benefits, I always give an opinion that is 100% mine.

California Vacation, May 2013

We had a fantastic vacation to California to visit Matt's side of the family. Matt's brother Mike and Mike's wife Amber were visiting from Florida, and Matt's sister Natalie was visiting from Utah, so the whole Asay clan was there at Matt's parents' house. We were grateful to get to visit with Matt's Aunt Ann and to see his Uncle George and Aunt Rachel and their boys. Family reunion!

First we did some visiting.

Elise enjoyed dressing up Grandpa and Daddy. Here she is coming to give me a lei too.

Grandpa having too much fun

Ann read and read and read to Elise. Thanks for all the new books, Ann!

Elise loved this little princess cot that she got to sleep on.

Mike playing with the cat, Toby, by getting him to chase a stream of water

Amber and Patti chatting

 New, matching bathing suits from Grandma! The girls loved this pool so much, Grandma and Grandpa sent it home with us.

Mike, Natalie, and Matt

Craig, Mike, Natalie, Patti, and 

Mike and Amber

our little family

 Elise adores Ann.

Charlotte and Natalie

On Friday, we went to California Adventure and Disneyland! It was the girls' first trip and my second. So much fun!

Grandma and Elise when we first got there

 The new Cars Land was so well done.

Luigi's Flying Tires ride

Elise got to ride once with them and once with us, right in a row, since Charlotte couldn't wait in line and we had a baby swap pass.

Then we rode the Little Mermaid ride.

 Elise really wanted to go on Mickey's Fun Wheel, so some of us went on that while the rest rode California Screamin'.

Charlotte kept sticking out her tongue to taste the wind when we were at the top.

My little daredevil loves heights.

After lunch, Elise fell asleep as we were heading over to Disneyland.

And then we saw two princesses. While Elise was sleeping. I almost took her picture with her in the stroller asleep next to Snow White, but I decided against it.

Snow White
(who had the most obnoxious voice ever, even though it was supposed to be in character)

Belle

the castle

 Then my camera died. So that was all the pictures that I got of Disneyland. We met up with Matt's Aunt Rachel. We ran off while the girls were sleeping and rode Indiana Jones, which I hadn't ridden before since it was out of service when I went last. Then I came back and went through Tarzan's Treehouse with Elise.  Then we all went on the Jungle Cruise. (Charlotte didn't like the boat much. I think she may have issues with motion sickness.) We split up after that, and Elise, Charlotte, Patti, Ann, and I all went to Fantasyland while the rest of the group did the Haunted Mansion and Pirates of the Caribbean. The Fantasyland group rode the carousel first. Then Patti and Elise rode the Casey Junior Circus Train while Ann and Charlotte hung out and I waited in line for the Dumbo ride. If Elise says she rode on the pumpkin, she means the Dumbo ride. I went to take care of Charlotte (I love the Baby Care Center at Disneyland, great for nursing moms), and the rest of the group got together and saw the parade. Then we all had dinner, complete with glow sticks thanks to Ann, and Elise, Charlotte, Matt, Ann, and I all headed home. Mike, Amber, Natalie, Patti, and Craig stayed a little longer.


Saturday we went to the San Diego Zoo. It was great. Elise is really into pandas right now, so that was perfect.

Mike and Amber consulting the map

cute Natalie

lots of turtles

my little monkey, hanging with the monkeys

swinging with Grandma and Grandpa

10-month-old panda cub

panda mother

enthralled

me and Charlotte with the flamingos

checking out the pelicans

egret

zebra ends

polar bears

They don't have these at the Phoenix Zoo. Wonder why.

koala sleeping

After the zoo, we went to Coronado Island. This was Charlotte's first time seeing the ocean and Elise's second time. Elise was a couple months older than Charlotte when she saw the ocean last.

loved the sand

tried to eat the sand

Aunt Natalie took the girls out to wade in the waves.

Craig and Patti staked out a bench for me to nurse on, and Patti helped make it possible for me to stay modest.

Sunday we took it easy and visited together. Mike and Amber parted ways with us after Coronado on Saturday, and Natalie had to leave in the middle of church on Sunday to catch her flight.

Elise swinging with Grandpa

somersaults!

Grandpa shared the few ripe boysenberries with Elise.

Monday we had to say goodbye.

The girls we tired. We all were.

Such a great trip and a fun time with family!