mcfam's Passport
 

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Member since:
27 May 2010

Icon_superoo_orangeSuperoo '11, '12

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About Me & My Family

My husband and I have 4 kids... 3 boys and then our girl. We homeschool them all and travel when possible. We just started letterboxing and are finding ourselves a little obsessed with it.
Our Family's Travel Personality
adventurous, curious, structured, relaxed, simple, independent, spontaneous, easy_going
We Just Got Back From
Zion and Bryce National Parks
Our Favorite Vacation Spot
Camping in Kings Canyon or Yosemite
A Place We'd Love To Visit
The Redwoods in Northern California
Favorite Vacation Memory
Walking the meadows of Yosemite with my family. The quiet, the sparkling water, the rustling grasses, and a dip in the river made for an amazing day.
Worst Travel Moment With My Kids:
Anytime throw up is involved. Especially when one kid triggers another. And when we are in the car. And when they choose to use the box that is holding all their library books and toys.
Websites I Like:

Mother's Day Family Fun & Brunches in San Diego, CA

Looking for that special place to take mom for Mother's Day.  Here are some ideas for the San Diego area.  Enjoy celebrating mom!

Updated for May, 2012

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1549 El Prado
San Diego, California

Comment:
The Spreckels Organ Society will host Carol Williams, Civic Organist, at the Balboa Park Organ Pavillion on May 13 for a special Mother's Day presentation.


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5610 Paseo Del Norte, Suite 100 B
Carlsbad, California

Comment:
Enjoy the Sunday brunch from 10am - 2pm with complimentary champagne. After brunch, the Carlsbad Outlets offer superb shopping. The beach and the Flower Fields are also nearby.



2965 Historic Decatur Road.
San Diego, California

Comment:
Moms eat free on Mother's Day at the Corvette Diner, Indigo Grill, Blue Point Coastal Cuisine, and The Gaslamp Strip Club La Jolla. Mom's entree is free with the purchase of 2 additional entrees.


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5704 Paseo Del Norte
Carlsbad, California

Comment:
Enjoy the last day of the season this year on Mother's Day, May 13. Shower mom with beautiful flowers and a pleasant walk through the fields. Open 9am - 6pm. Prices: $11 for adults, $6.00 for children.

reviewed on: May 02 2011

"Fields of Fun!"
I was really curious as to what was offered inside the gate of the Flower Fields at Carlsbad.  Driving by it on the 5, I was always impressed with the colorful rows of flowers.  It looked pretty, but I thought looking at the rows of flowers was all there was to it.  Maybe we'd be done in less than an hour.

I was surprised and pleased right after we walked through the gates.  A pleasant woman handed all of us a Stamp Passport titled "Fields of Fun!"  The goal was to find all 8 stamp locations around the flower fields and "stamp in" on our passport (reminded me fondly of letterboxing!)  The stamping stations were not difficult to find because they were marked with a high flying orange flag.  My kids were so excited and motivated to go to all the locations and collect stamps.

The favorite location of all was the sweet pea maze.  It reminded me fondly of harvest corn mazes but the sweet smell and pleasant flowers made me rejoice in the Spring!  The kids loved running through the maze and my 10 year old was smart enough to solve the maze on the paper first so that he could find his way on foot (4 times!)

We visited the poinsettia display, the rose garden, artistic garden, and the sweet pea maze before we hiked up the hill to the viewing area.  As we climbed the hill we stopped for many pictures among the stunning flowers (ranunculus... which are grown for their bulbs).  We saw the fun tractor ride but we ran out of time.

Because we got all 8 stamps, we got $1.00 off at the Sluice Mining Attraction.  My 8 and 10 year old really liked swishing their sluice box of sand in the water to find the gemstones. (It was obvious to me that they were planted in the bucket of sand... but who cares!)  The gemstones/rocks were polished and are now resting in their treasure boxes on their dresser.  A great souvenir.  

Due to it's popularity and short season, I recommend visiting the Flower Fields early in the day or not on a weekend.  When we left the fields at noon on the Saturday of our visit, the large parking lot seemed completely packed with cars still filing in, searching for a spot.  Many people were enjoying the beautiful day!  

Take a camera (a must), and wear good shoes.  We didn't mind the dust but my daughter complained many times about the tiny pebbles getting into her sandals.


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1500 Orange Ave
Coronado, California

Comment:
Enjoy the Mother's Day Brunch in the Ballroom or take a stroll on the beach and enjoy the sun. The brunch is on Sunday from 9 am - 3 pm. For more information or for reservations: 619-522-8490



1050 North Harbor Drive
San Diego, California

Comment:
Champagne Brunch Cruise on Sunday, May 13. Enjoy a delicious brunch, live music and beautiful views of the San Diego Harbor. Morning cruise from 10 am - 12 pm. Afternoon cruise from 2 pm - 4 pm. Prices: Adults: $64.50; Children 4-12 years: $37.50. More information or to make reservations: 800-44-CRUISE.



321 North Broadway
Escondido, California

Comment:
15th Annual Mother's Day Home Tour, Sunday May 13 from 11 am - 4 pm. Tour 5 historic homes in Old Escondido. Tickets are $20 prior to the event and $25 on the day of. More information: 760-291-7206 or visit http://www.oldescondido.org/Old_Escondido_Historic_District/Home_Tour.html



2216 Avenida de la Playa
La Jolla, California

Comment:
Moms kayak for free with a family of four on May 12 and 13. Reservations are required. Call 858-551-9510


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La Jolla Cove
La Jolla, California

Comment:
Grab a picnic lunch and head down to La Jolla and enjoy the tidepools. On a good minus tide (check tide charts) one can see sea stars or even an octopus but many other creatures such as anemones, sea urchins and tiny crabs can be found on most days. To access this tide pool go to the south end of Ellen Browning Scripps Park in La Jolla and go down the small cement stairway. Many other tidepools are in the San Diego area. Find one to enjoy with mom!


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4000 Coronado Bay Rd
Coronado, California

Comment:
Champagne Brunch featuring red velvet pancakes, omelets, seafood and prime rib. Two seatings at 10am and 1pm. Prices: adults $75 and children (4-12) $35. Color your own cards will be available to create a special gift for moms. More information: 1-800-23-LOEWS or visit www.loewshotels.com.



515 W. 13th Ave.
Escondido, California

Comment:
Mother's Day brunch with omelettes, waffle bars, carving station, champagne and more.


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2960 La Posada Way
Julian, California

Comment:
Mother's Day Brunch from 9 am to 2 pm. Prices: $19.95 for Adults, $12.95 Kids 10 and under. $5 for a high chair. Reservations Required (760) 765-1100, www.pinehillslodge.com


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230 Quail Gardens Drive
Encinitas, California

Comment:
A Chocolate Festival including entertainment, chocolate tastings, children's activities and Mother's Day gifts on Saturday, May 13 from 10am - 4pm. Free with admission. Go to: http://www.SDBGarden.org/chocolate.htm for a $1.00 coupon off of admission.


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2920 Zoo Drive in Balboa Park
San Diego, California

Comment:
Sleepover at the Zoo! Saturday, May 12 from 4 pm - 9 am on May 13. Ladies only, ages 21 and older. Meet the animals, enjoy entertainment and dinner and sleep in a provided safari tent. Take an early morning walk with a zookeeper for a behind the scenes look at the animals. Price: $149 per person, plus Zoo admission for nonmembers. Reservations: 800-407-9534. Mother's Day Brunch at Albert's Restaurant at the Zoo. Continuous seating at 11am. Prices: $39.95 for adults and $18.95 for children (3–11), plus tax and gratuity. Zoo admission or membership is required. Reservations and more information: 619-557-3964


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North Harbor Drive
San Diego, California

Comment:
Gator By The Bay & Blues Festival. May 11-13. A family-oriented Zydeco, Blues and Cajun Festival. http://www.gatorbythebay.com/ for more information.


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4470 Julian Rd
Julian, California

Comment:
The Sunday Farmer's Market is open from 11-4pm. Beer and cider tasting and unique shops and antique stores complete the outing. A patio and play area are available for children as well as live music.