FAMILY FUN WEEKEND APRIL 29 - MAY 1

Get ready for another family fun weekend. As usual in San Diego, there are a ton of events going on all over town. I know you work hard all week and want to relax, but just think about all the fun family memories you can create! It's worth it!

Seaworld Viva La Musica Weekends April 30-May2 2 - Get out those Seaworld fun cards and head to the fun. The return of the fiery Latin music festival is back at Seaworld San Diego. Fill you senses with all the sights and sounds and taste of this vibrant culture. Enjoy live concerts by today's hottest acts, plus favorite local entertainers. All concerts are included with your park admission.

Don't Miss it!

Friday 4.29.11

Not much going on this Friday, however if you don't feel like staying home on a Friday night and watching all of the Royal Wedding coverage that I am sure will consume the night, there are 3 great movies still playing in theaters that your kids will love.

Saturday 4.30.11

27th Annual Children's Book Party Spreckels Organ Pavilion in Balboa Park (830am-1030am) - Parents can bring their children (grades K-12) to attend a children's book party where everything is FREE! There will be delightful performances, refreshments, and tables stacked with new books. Each child that comes to this event can pick out two new books to keep for their very own. http://www.childrensbookparty.org/

38th Annual Roots Fest & Healing Arts Fest (Saturday and Sunday 10am-7pm)  The Roots Fest features five stages of musical entertainment; folk, Cajun, country, gospel, jazz, blues, and bluegrass. There's a beer garden, a separate beer-tasting area, tantalizing food, and merchandise. A Healing Arts Fest accompanies the Roots Fest with health-related products and services. http://www.adamsavenuebusiness.com/  Mission Federal ArtWalk (Saturday and Sunday 11am-6pm) Little Italy presents an adventurous art walk that showcases visual and performing art such as paintings, sculpture, photography, digital art, mixed media, music, and dance. Works are displayed in tents and shops with performances along the way. A fun Kids Walk accompanies the event. Live on the Seaworld Viva La Musica Stage - Los Tucanes De Tijuana is a Latino Regional Band founded on April 13, 1987 by Mario Quintero Lara and a group of talented friends in the City of Tijuana, Baja California, Mexico. From humble beginnings, starting their musical career by playing at nightclubs they rose to become the most successful and sought after Norteño Band in Mexico, Latin America and the United States. They are by far the global ambassadors of Norteña music and Corrido ballads.

Sunday 5.1.11

2nd Annual Asian Cultural Festival of San Diego
This festival showcases Asian culture in a big way. You'll experience a full day of costumed performances and exceptional music. Enjoy martial arts and cooking demonstrations, cultural exhibits, craft-making, and merchandise booths. There's also a food court, picnic area, and a playground

28th Annual Fiesta Old Town Cinco de Mayo (Saturday and Sunday)
This popular Cinco de Mayo celebration has on-going sizzling flamenco beats and Mariachi music. Visitors can have an adventurous shopping experience in the bustling Mercado, take a stagecoach ride, sample high-end tequila, eat zesty foods, and see gravity-defying hydrolic cars in the Lowrider Lane

San Diego Ho' Olaule'a/Keiki (10am-2pm) - Observe long sleek Hawaiian outrigger canoes on the waters of Mission Bay where a regatta is taking place. In aloha spirit, paddlers strive to get their boats to win the race as onshore hula dancers sway to the sound of music. This event is in conjunction with the "Ho' Olaule'a/Keiki Festival". http://www.ikunakoa.com/

16th Annual Fiesta de los Penasquitos (11am-5pm) Ranch Penasquitos is alive with a festival of fun! It's a day to showcase the musical talents of local bands, artists, businesses, schools, and service organizations. Come to enjoy music and dance performances, go on carnival rides, shop for merchandise, and sit down to a tasty lunch. http://www.fiestapq.com/

Live on the Seaworld Viva La Musica Stage - Intocable
is a Tejano/Norteño musical group from Zapata, Texasthat was started by friends Ricky Muñoz and René Martínez in the early 90's. Within a couple years as a band, Intocable had already risen to the top of theTejano and Norteño fields with a musical signature that had fused Tejano's robustconjunto and Norteño folk rhythms with a pop balladry. Currently, Intocable could very well be the most influential group in Tejano, and their tough Tejano/Norteño fusion has become the blueprint for dozens of Tex-Mex groups

Help Support The San Diego Kidney Foundation

This year, I will be walking to 2011 Kidney walk WITH and on behalf of my good friend Ray who is living kidney disease. Our goal is to raise at least $200 for the San Diego Kidney Foundation. I know times are really tough for all of us, but if you have the means, please consider a small donation to the Kidney Foundation. Every dollar counts and is very much appreciated by all those that are dealing with this disease. If you would like to make a donation today,

 CLICK HERE. 

And Thank you so much in advance for your generosity. 

Me & Ray showing off our wedding rings at Ray's wedding

SAVE THE DATES! Upcoming events
-May 5 National Day of Prayer 
-May 8 Mother's Day
-May 14 San Diego Walk for Kidney's
-May 27 SeaWorld - One Ocean dress rehearsal show
-June 4 "Elmo's Healthy Heroes" 
-June 10 Opening Day at the San Diego County Fair - DISCOUNT TICKETS ARE ALREADY AVAILABLE AT COSTCO.
-June 10 Cars 2 Tour (Location TBA)

**Daddy Challenge: Every time you kiss your wife this weekend, kiss you kids. 

If you're already a friend on Facebook, Thank you!

and if you're not...find us!

 SAN DIEGO DADDIES OF PRESCHOOLERS

Mother's Day for any budget

Mother's Day is right around the corner. The one day a year that we pay tribute to the women in our life that either gave birth to us, gave birth to our children or any woman that plays a motherly role in our life. If you ask me, I think everyday should be Mother's Day, because there is not subsitute for a mother's love . If you have not yet made your plans for Mother's Day, you better start NOW! Aside from Valentines day, Mother's day is one of the hardest holidays to get any kind of reservation for at the last minute. And our Mom's deserve a well planned celebration!

Now, I know times are tough for all of us. And as much as we would want to, we may not be able to afford the type of celebration for our mom's that we would like. But remember, it's not about how much we spend or how extravagant our celebration is, the true meaning is really just to show mom how much she means to us. It's always the thought that counts and you can make Mother's Day special, no matter what your budget is. To help you with your plans, I have put together a list of kid friendly suggestions that my family and I have tried over the years.

Mother's Day for any budget

$ = $0 - $15 per person

$$ = $15-$30 per person

$$$ = $30-$40 per person

$$$$ = $40 more per person

$$$$ - SeaWorld Mother's Day Brunch with Shamu - Relax and be pampered while you dine poolside and experience the magical bond between our killer whales and their young. Mother's Day Buffet Brunch is $59.81 per person; $29.36 children age 3-9 and 2 and under eat free.

**RESERVATIONS ARE REQUIRED CALL 619-226-3901 PARK ADMISSION IS NOT INCLUDED.

$$$$ - Albert's Restaurant Mother's Day Buffet at the San Diego Zoo - Treat Mom to a day she will never forget at the San Diego Zoo Mother’s Day Brunch Buffet. Experience the sophistication of the Treetops Banquet Room as you make selections at their omelet bar or when you choose from many generous entree choices, including slow-roasted turkey and pepper-seared salmon. Continuous seating begins at 11 a.m. Mother's Day Buffet Brunch is $38.95 for adults and $17.95 for children (3–11), plus tax and gratuity. Seating is limited; Maximum party size is 8. 

**RESERVATIONS ARE REQUIRED CALL 619-557-3964 between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. daily PARK ADMISSION IS NOT INCLUDED.

For more information click here

$$$$ - The Prado at Balboa Park - The Mother's Day Prado celebration has been my wife's favorite for the last 2 years.  Set in the rich landscape and finely manicured gardens, the Prado Restaurant is located at the historic House of Hospitality in the center of San Diego’s famous Balboa Park. If the setting wasn't enough, the food is also amazing. The restaurant does not require a dress code, however I would suggest business casual or church attire. The Prado is owned and operated by the Cohn Family restaurant group.

Mother's Day Buffet Brunch is $59.95 per person; $16.95 children age 6-12 and 6 and under eat free. Click here to view menu 

**RESERVATION ARE REQUIRED CALL 619.822.1858

$$$$ - Humphreys Restaurant - Savor the experience of Humphreys' award winning brunch as you enjoy the water front views in the company of family and friends. Indulge in an endless selection of mouthwatering creations, delectable desserts, and free-flowing champagne. Mother's Day Buffet Brunch is $39.95 per person; $19.95 children age 4-11 and 3 and under eat free.

**RESERVATION ARE REQUIRED CALL 619.224-3577

$$$ - 94th Aero Squadron  - The 94th Aero Squadron from the outside, may not look like the type of place you would take Mom for a nice Sunday Brunch, but don't be fooled the food is fantastic. Located inside a replica of a World War I French farmhouse, the restaurant sits overlooking Montgomery Field Airport, and is packed full of military memorabilia, antique farm implements, and aviation relics. The interior is cozy and romantic, with huge stone fireplaces, masses of hanging green plants, dark wood paneling, beamed ceilings, and old airplane wings hanging over the dining area. There are even headphones at some of the tables for diners to listen to the FAA control tower. On warm evenings and at lunchtime you can sit outdoors on a grassy embankment at umbrella topped tables and be surrounded by an old model airplane, an army jeep, and a duck pond. Mother's Day brunch is $25.95 per person. Kids ages 3 and under eat free.

For more information CLICK HERE

$$ - The Hash House A Go Go - A  San Diego favorite. They keep the fun in food while pulling from the experiences of farm fresh agriculture, live stock, and old recipes with a twist. Before sure to try the award winning meatloaf sandwhich. For reservations call 619-298-4646. For location information Click Here

$$ - El Torito - Feeling like a south of the border brunch? The El Torito Sunday Brunch offers a breakfast buffet and wide variety of Mexican specialty items, complete with taco bar and handmade tortillas. Mother's Day Buffet Brunch is $15.99 per person; $5.99 children age 12 and under.

For location information Click Here

$ - Family House of Pancakes - This family owned, Chula Vista favorite, has been serving their famous mega omelets since 1964. The portions are large and the price is friendly. The original FHOP is only open from 6am-2pm daily, however the newest location (Plaza Blvd) is open all day.

For location information Click Here.

$ - The Broken Yolk  - Serving Comfort Food since 1979, the Broken Yolk Café has become a favorite among San Diegans and hungry travelers a like. The Broken Yolk Café offers a large selection of home cooked meals in a comfortable and casual atmosphere. There are over 20 different omelets to choose from as well as a wide variety of other breakfast favorites which include pancakes, waffles and French toast. For location information Click Here.

$ - Sunrise Buffet - What mom doesn't like Chinese food! Sunrise Buffet offers over 100 entrées including delicious Hawaiian Barbecue, tantalizing dim sum, a vast array of perfectly cooked vegetables and fresh seafood galore. For location information Click Here

$ - Hometown Buffet - The newly remodeled Hometown Buffet features not only an updated décor, but much broader menu choices with an international flair. Food stations for Asian, Mexican, Italian and classic American dishes, for example, as well as a fresh bakery area, expanded salad bar and soup station. For location information Click Here

Free things to do on Mother's Day

Mom wants to sleep in? How about breakfast in bed?

Breakfast in bed on Mother's Day—it may sound like a cliché, but it will truly warm any mom's heart. Whether it's an elaborate feast prepared by experienced cooks, or simply a plate of buttered toast delivered by excited little hands, there's no better way to let Mom know that she's loved and appreciated, right from the start of her day.

Plan a picnic! - Put together a picnic or bbq and head out to one of the many San Diego beaches or parks. Spend the day hanging out with the family and just let mom relax.

 

Other Mother's Day Specials!

Brian Stow Support Night Wednesday April 27th, 2011

cordially invites you to

Bryan Stow Support Night

Chili's Grill & Bar and the Bryan Stow Family

are teaming up in support of the mounting medical expenses of Bryan Stow, who was severely injured at the

Dodgers/Giants game.

Bring this flyer (CLICK HERE) to any Chili's in California on Wednesday, April 27th, 2011, from 11am - 10pm, and 15% of your bill will be donated to Bryan Stow and family for his medical expenses.

We look forward to seeing you!
Remember, To-Go orders count too!

Happy Hoppity Family Weekend April 22-24

He is not here: for he is risen, as he said. Come, see the place where the Lord lay. ~Matthew 28:6

Happy Easter to each and every one of you. For most of you, the celebration of Easter is immediately followed by the return to school and then end of Spring Break. So make the best of this weekend and enjoy it with the entire family.

There are so many Easter events going on all over town this weekend. Be sure to  CLICK HERE to see a complete listing of Easter events all over San Diego county.

Friday  4.22.11 "Happy Earth Day"

Earth Day - African Cats: An epic true story set against the backdrop of one of the wildest places on Earth, "African Cats" captures the real-life love, humor and determination of the majestic kings of the savanna. The story features Mara, an endearing lion cub who strives to grow up with her mother's strength, spirit and wisdom; Sita, a fearless cheetah and single mother of five mischievous newborns; and Fang, a proud leader of the pride who must defend his family from a once banished lion. Disneynature brings "The Lion King" to life on the big screen in this True Life Adventure directed by Keith Scholey and Alastair Fothergill ("Earth"). An awe-inspiring adventure blending family bonds with the power and cunning of the wild, "African Cats" leaps into theatres on Earth Day, April 22, 2011. Rated: G

Remember!!! If you and your family watch "African Cats" this weekend,  Disney will make a donation to the African Wildlife Foundation.

Saturday  4.23.11

Sante Lakes Eggstravaganza (9am-3pm) - The Easter Bunny hops to the lakes with a fun filled day full of Egg Hunts (first come, first served), Primo DJ, Carnival Rides, Pony Rides & Petting Zoo, Photo with Live Bunnies, Food. Parking $5. Activity & Ride tickets 50 cents each (cash only). Santee Lakes, Lake 5 - 9310 Fanita Pkwy - Santee CA 92071

Liberty Station Spring Fling (Noon-5pm) - Liberty Station will be transformed into a land of Springtime pleasures. There will be an inflatable slide, bounce houses, games, giveaways, a scavenger hunt, food, music, and raffle prizes. The Easter Bunny will be there as children of all ages fill their baskets during the huge 20,000-egg hunt. There will also be a chance to take instant bunny photos, which will be provided for free. Liberty Station - Point Loma, San Diego CA
2624 Historic Decatur Rd, San Diego, CA At: NTC Park & Ingram Plaza near Cushing Rd.

2011 Beach Soccer Jam (Sat & Sun 10am-4pm Fiesta Island): If you enjoy sun, sand and surf with your soccer - get ready for the Ultimate Beach Soccer Jam Event!! This FREE event showcases the popular beach soccer and also includes a fun zone for all to enjoy. Don't miss the main stadium field at Fiesta Island on Sunday April 24th as Brazilian Productions performs and bring Brazil to you. Dancers will perform a show for all Beach Soccer Jam players and families, the show will follow the San Diego Sockers Legend Game. http://www.beachsoccerjam.com/

Sunday 4.24.11 Happy Easter

Balboa Park’s Sunrise Service. Easter message by Rev. Chris Lenocker of Faith Presbyterian Church and musical performances. Today, 6:30 am. Free. Spreckels Organ Pavilion. 858-454-7324.

Padres vs. Phillies / Padres Kid Sunday - First 8000 kids 14 and under get a free baseball glove



SAVE THE DATES! Upcoming events

-April 30 Seaworld Viva La Musica
-April 30 Roots Festival
-May 5 National Day of Prayer
-May 8 Mother's Day
-May 14 San Diego Walk for Kidney's
-May 27 SeaWorld - One Ocean dress rehearsal show
-June 4 "Elmo's Healthy Heroes"
-June 10 Opening Day at the San Diego County Fair - DISCOUNT TICKETS ARE ALREADY AVAILABLE AT COSTCO.
-June 10 Cars 2 Tour (Location TBA)

**Daddy Challenge: Take your child or children out on a date this week. Just you and them.

If you're already a friend on Facebook, Thank you!

and if you're not...find us!

 SAN DIEGO DADDIES OF PRESCHOOLERS

APRIL FAMILY FUN WEEKEND PLANNER 4-15 / 4-17

We are thick in the middle of Spring Break 2011! Many kids are on vacation and this coming week, even more kids will be out of school. With Easter being little over a week away, the Easter festivities are in full swing all over town. For a complete listing of Easter in events in San Diego, CLICK HERE

Friday  4.15.11

RIO - When Blu (Jesse Eisenberg), a domesticated macaw from small-town Minnesota, meets the fiercely independent, as well as last female of his species, Jewel (Anne Hathaway), he takes off on a fun filled adventure to Rio de Janeiro with the bird of his dreams. Their goal: Save their species from extinction. This 3-D animated flick -- from the Ice Age series' co director -- will certainly be a crowd pleaser. While the story lacks suspense, the film packs in vocal talent. Plus, a few infectious, Latin-flavored musical numbers spice things up. Rated: G


 Next week Friday 4.22.11 is Earth Day. DisneyNature will be releasing their second film titled "African Cats". Watch this movie with your family between opening day (April 22) and April 28th, and Disney will make a donation to the African Wildlife Foundation.

An epic true story set against the backdrop of one of the wildest places on Earth, "African Cats" captures the real-life love, humor and determination of the majestic kings of the savanna. The story features Mara, an endearing lion cub who strives to grow up with her mother's strength, spirit and wisdom; Sita, a fearless cheetah and single mother of five mischievous newborns; and Fang, a proud leader of the pride who must defend his family from a once banished lion. Disneynature brings "The Lion King" to life on the big screen in this True Life Adventure directed by Keith Scholey and Alastair Fothergill ("Earth"). An awe-inspiring adventure blending family bonds with the power and cunning of the wild, "African Cats" leaps into theatres on Earth Day, April 22, 2011. Rated: G

Saturday 4.16.11 -
NATIONAL PARK WEEK 4/16-4/24 - ALL PARKS & HISTORIC SITES OPERATED BY THE NATIONAL PARK SERVICE ARE FEE FREE STARTING THIS WEEK.

Lakeside Western Day Parade & 47th Annual Lakeside Rodeo 

The Lakeside Western Days Parade has been celebrating Lakeside’s Western heritage since 1965. This family fun tradition is hosted by the Lakeside Chamber and helps promote this community and supports the annual Lakeside Rodeo. A festive parade filled with one of the largest equestrian participation on the West coast, Bands, Clowns, Classic Cars, Off-Roaders, Queens, Princesses and local dignitaries. Lakeside’s Western Day Parade rolls out along Woodside and Maine Avenue, preceded by a pancake breakfast sponsored by the Lakeside Historical Society at the Historical Church on Maine Street.

After the parade, more rodeo performances will take place, as well as stick horse races for young cowboys and cowgirls ages 3-6. Sunday rounds out with Cowboy Church at the rodeo grounds, a complimentary breakfast, and another full day of rodeo performances.

Other highlights of the weekend include appearances by the Victorian Roses Riding Society, Hole in the Wall Gang staging reenactment of a shootout, Rainbow Riders Mountain Drill Team, rodeo clown and barrelman Kevin Higley. In addition, Miss Rodeo Lakeside 2011 Elisa Swenson and Jr. Miss Rodeo Lakeside Rachel Owens-Sarno will reign over the events.

The Lakeside Rodeo Grounds are located at 12584 Mapleview Street in Lakeside, one block east of Highway 67. Tickets range from $10-$15 for adults, $5 for children. For more information visit the official website at http://www.lakesiderodeo.com/

YMCA Healthy Kids Day - (11am-2pm): YMCA Healthy Kids Day is a free, fun-filled day of activities designed to promote healthy kids and families in spirit, mind and body.

YMCA Healthy Kids Day celebrates making fitness fun, and introduces kids to an array of YMCA programs and tools that teach healthy behaviors and healthy ways to play—an essential lesson in learning how to take care of themselves throughout their lifetimes. CLICK HERE for more information.

Seaport Village Spring Busker Festival - (Saturday & Sunday 12pm-5pm): If you visit Seaport Village this weekend, you'll find yourself among amazing street performers. You'll see the extraordinary, the unusual, and everything in between; acrobatics, fire-eating, juggling, contortion, stunts, music, and more. The performances are free, but tips are greatly appreciated. For a completed schedule of this weekends performances CLICK HERE

26th Annual Linda Vista Multi-Cultural Fair and Parade - (10am-5pm): Linda Vista is celebrating the diversity of its community with a cultural fair that offers food, performances, merchandise, climbing wall, and carnival rides. There is also a Kids Zone, World Arts Village, and a Teen Stage. This event is in conjunction with the "Linda Vista Multi-Cultural Parade". Linda Vista Road (between Comstock St. & Ulric St.) http://www.lindavistafair.org/

The Jack Hanna Show at SeaWorld San Diego -

 Friday, April 15, Jack will meet park guests at our Animal Connections exhibit from 11 a.m. to noon. He will then present his “Jack Hanna LIVE” animal show at our Pets Stadium at 5 p.m.
Saturday, April 16, Jack will meet park guests from noon to 1 p.m. and from 3:30 to 4:30 p.m. at our Animal Connections exhibit. He will then present 2 “Jack Hanna LIVE” animals shows at Pets Stadium at 5:30 p.m. and 7 p.m.

Sunday 4.17.11

Earth Day Fair - (10am-5pm Balboa Park): The world's largest FREE annual environmental fair and Earth Day Celebration! With 3 stages of entertainment and hundreds of  earth saving display and activities and a food pavilion, the San Diego Earth Day event attracts more than 60,000 visitors each year. This event is family/kid friendly for ALL ages and is FREE. For a complete listing of shows and exhibitors, including parking information, visit the official website. http://www.earthdayweb.org/

Fallbrook Avocado Festival (9am-5pm) - Everything you ever wanted to know about the amazing avocado will be revealed. There are tons of booths offering unique avocado merchandise and of course lots of avocado tasting! Part of the fun at the Avocado Festival is found in the various contests offered. There is a Guacamole Contest for both professionals and just "homemade". This year there will be a contest for the Largest Avocado. For the kids there is Best Decorated Avocado, Avo 500 (build and race a car made out of an avocado), and Little Miss & Mr Avocado. The Little Miss & Mr Avocado contest is for Fallbrook, Rainbow, and Bonsall residents, and the dress code is casual or sportswear (no swimsuits).

The Art of the Avocado is one more contest sure to please. Even though the works of art are judged at an art reception prior to the Avocado Festival, you too can vote the day of the festival. A "People's Choice" award is given after the popular votes are counted. The festival is held in Downtown Fallbrook, attracts more than 70,000 visitors and runs along main street. For more information and directions

CLICK HERE

SAVE THE DATES! Upcoming events

-April 22 Earth Day - Opening Day "Disney Nature African Cats"
-April 24 Easter Sunday
-April 24 Padres Kid Sunday (First 8000 kids 14 and under get a free baseball glove)
-April 30 Seaworld Viva La Musica
-May 8 Mother's Day
-May 14 San Diego Walk for Kidney's-May 27 SeaWorld - One Ocean dress rehearsal show
-June 10 Opening Day at the San Diego County Fair
-June 10 Cars 2 Tour (Location TBA)

**Daddy Challenge: Find some old pictures of you and your wife. Sit down with your kids and share your love story with them. Tell them how you and Mommy met and maybe how you finally popped the big question. If you have a wedding video, watch it! It's important for kids to see the love their parents share. 

If you're already a friend on Facebook, Thank you!

and if you're not...find us!

 SAN DIEGO DADDIES OF PRESCHOOLERS