Gorgeous Weather- check. Lazy Sunday afternoon- check. Ready to go out on a family excursion- check! Both Michael and Claire had a four day weekend at the end of April. We really didn't ask why- instead we just enjoyed it. At the beginning of the month, Damien and I tried to decide if we wanted to do something big with that weekend, or just stay near home and enjoy ourselves. We looked at going to Disneyland, but after realizing that we would have to spend $2000+ to spend 12 hours in the car with our three kiddos and thoroughly exhaust ourselves, we decided to put it on the back burner. So, a long weekend at home was in store for us!!
There is this fabulous non-profit theme park less than an hour south of us that we have enjoyed for the past few years. It used to be called Bonfante Gardens, but has since changed it's name to
Gilroy Gardens. The theme park is designed to educate guests and to foster a greater appreciation for the environment and horticulture. It has about 40 rides, a water play area, educational exhibits, and is all surrounded by beautifully lush and gorgeous foliage. There are really interesting trees, flowers, and bushes that make you forget that you are at a theme park and instead help you to relax and just enjoy the day (while the kids have a blast!).
The kids had an absolute ball! We went from ride to ride without any arguing and really had a great time. Matthew enjoyed all the rides as this was really his first time at a theme park. The kids rode roller coasters, merry-go-rounds, and ran through the various water play areas. All this with 85 degree weather. It was seriously perfect.
One great thing that was new for us at the park was realizing that Michael and Claire are now old enough to go on rides together without us. Take for example the Garlic Bulb Ride (The town of Gilroy is the garlic capital of the world). Basically this ride is just like the Teacup ride at Disneyland. It spins and spins and spins and neither Damien nor I had any interest in going on it. So, Michael and Claire went along and spun and spun and Damien and I smiled. A new milestone for us as parents. Getting to choose what rides
we go on! All in all, the day was wonderful. We topped if off by stopping by Straw Hat Pizza (a blast from the past) on the way back and casually drove home feeling really good. We have season passes there and are looking forward to spending a few more hot spring/summer days enjoying time as a family.
Gorgeous Weather- check. Lazy Sunday afternoon- check. Ready to go out on a family excursion- check! Both Michael and Claire had a four day weekend at the end of April. We really didn't ask why- instead we just enjoyed it. At the beginning of the month, Damien and I tried to decide if we wanted to do something big with that weekend, or just stay near home and enjoy ourselves. We looked at going to Disneyland, but after realizing that we would have to spend $2000+ to spend 12 hours in the car with our three kiddos and thoroughly exhaust ourselves, we decided to put it on the back burner. So, a long weekend at home was in store for us!!
There is this fabulous non-profit theme park less than an hour south of us that we have enjoyed for the past few years. It used to be called Bonfante Gardens, but has since changed it's name to Gilroy Gardens. The theme park is designed to educate guests and to foster a greater appreciation for the environment and horticulture. It has about 40 rides, a water play area, educational exhibits, and is all surrounded by beautifully lush and gorgeous foliage. There are really interesting trees, flowers, and bushes that make you forget that you are at a theme park and instead help you to relax and just enjoy the day (while the kids have a blast!).
One great thing that was new for us at the park was realizing that Michael and Claire are now old enough to go on rides together without us. Take for example the Garlic Bulb Ride (The town of Gilroy is the garlic capital of the world). Basically this ride is just like the Teacup ride at Disneyland. It spins and spins and spins and neither Damien nor I had any interest in going on it. So, Michael and Claire went along and spun and spun and Damien and I smiled. A new milestone for us as parents. Getting to choose what rides we go on! All in all, the day was wonderful. We topped if off by stopping by Straw Hat Pizza (a blast from the past) on the way back and casually drove home feeling really good. We have season passes there and are looking forward to spending a few more hot spring/summer days enjoying time as a family.
1 comment:
I love the picture of the 5 of you. What a darling family.
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