Packing Lists

I went on a women's retreat recently and had such a wonderful time. I realized however, how bad I am at packing for a short weekend away. I have great packing lists for longer trips but not for the short trip. I will fix that, but meanwhile here are my kid's packing lists for different ages. I have become more of a minimalist over the years and this reflects that. However, babies and toddlers simply need more stuff. Those lists are pretty comprehensive of all the things I could think of for a trip. You can also tells we try not to use technology much as we travel, but you may want to add that to the list.

Tween Packing List

Kid Packing List

Preschool Packing List

Toddler Packing List

Baby Packing List

Fall 2022 Snapshot

 

With a new job for my husband and a new school for one of my kids as well as a busy season for my job, it has been a crazy fall at my house. I shared a few things we did over the summer, but not many hikes which was disappointing.  Hopefully we will get some hikes in over the school year. 

Favorite New Product: Waterloo 

I am loving Waterloo seasonal flavors: Spiced Apple and Cranberry! I got them at Costco in November.

Life Hack: Meal Planning 

It has been a crazy fall and I have appreciated the habit of creating a meal plan for the week, then doing the shopping once (hopefully) for that week. I got started a while back after my friend Paige recommended creating a theme for each day and finding meals to fit that theme (Mexican, meatless, soup, salad, Asian, Pasta, etc). My family especially loves fun Fridays: Hamburgers, Hotdogs, Tortilla Pizzas or Nachos.

Click the link above for this printable meal planner.

Last Book I Finished: Project Hail Mary by Andy Weir

 I never read the Martian and science fiction is not my genre, but the Modern Mrs Darcy and multiple friends recommended this one so I gave it a try. I really can't describe the plot without giving too much away, but I loved the abundance of convincing scientific detail and the relationships involving the main characters. 4 stars only because it took my awhile to really get into the story.

Life Project: LinkedIn Learning  

Having finished my master's degree, this summer, I have been playing catch up with all the house and life things that I put off in the last year. I have also been taking advantage of the free LinkedIn Learning through Western Governor's University as an alumni perk!

What we are eating today: Navy Bean Soup with leftover ham from Christmas dinner

Related Links:
Winter 2022 Snapshot
Fall 2021 Snapshot
Summer 2021 Snapshot
Spring 2021 Snapshot
Winter 2021 Snapshot
Fall 2020 Snapshot
Summer 2020 Snapshot
Spring 2020 Snapshot
Winter 2020 Snapshot
Fall 2019 Snapshot
Summer 2019 Snapshot
Winter 2019 Snapshot
Fall 2018 Snapshot
Spring 2018 Snapshot

Holiday Events 2022

It's the Most Wonderful Time of the Year! Here is our annual roundup of all things Christmas/holiday/winter! My original post about advent with kids is here. 

Ongoing:

Pictures with Santa at La Cumbre Plaza from 12/1 until 12/24 (11am/12pm- 6/7pm)

Pictures with Santa at Paseo Nuevo from 11/25 until 12/24 (11am/12pm/1pm-6/7pm) as well as (fake) snow at 5:30pm and 6:30pm. 

Lane Tree Christmas Lot has trees for sale, but also a corn maze, hayride and farm animals to visit. 10am - 8pm 11/25 until 12/20.

The Trolley of Lights is already sold out, but you can find space on the Rockstar Trolley December 3rd-December 24th at 5:30pm, 7:30pm or 9:15pm or you can make your own tours using these directions (updated 12/5) A house on Carlisle in Goleta have longer light shows with music (tune in on the radio).

Santa Barbara ZooLights 4:30-8:30pm daily Advance tickets $28-$32

By Date: 

Let There Be Light at Westmont College Wednesday November 30th 5-7pm  Photos with Santa, hot chocolate, Christmas carols, and the lighting of Kerrwood Hall!

La Arcada Walk Photos with Santa, Christmas goodies and carolers Wednesday November 30 5-8pm

Silent Night, Silent Disco at Paseo Nuevo with World of Dance December 1st 5:30-7:30pm 

 

Downtown Santa Barbara Christmas Tree Lighting and Block Party Friday December 2nd 5-8pm

 

Rudolph (State Street Ballet) at the Lobero Saturday December 3rd 2pm, 6pm

Christmas in Narnia at El Montecito Presbyterian Church Saturday December 3 10:00am- 1pm

  

Carpinteria Holiday Spirit Parade  Saturday December 10 at 3pm

Candy Cane Train  at the South Coast Railroad Museum Saturday December 10 and Sunday December 11 11 Hours not announced $5 in the past

Holiday at the Ranch at Stow House Holiday crafts, caroling, hay rides and tours. Saturday December 10 9-4 pm $10/$5 Buy tickets in advance 

 

Goleta Old Town Parade Saturday December 3rd 16pm Rescheduled: Saturday December 10 6pm

 

Milpas Holiday Parade Saturday December 10 5:30-7:30pm

Nutcracker at the Arlington (Santa Barbara Festival Ballet) Saturday December 10 2:30pm and 7pm,

Santa Barbara Wharf Parade of Lights Sunday December 11 5pm, Boat parade at 5:30pm

Hollister Village Holiday Photos with Santa, carolers, arts and crafts  Saturday December 17 12-2pm

Nutcracker at the Granada (State Street Ballet) December 17 2pm and 7:30pm and December 18 2pm

 

Goleta Valley Library Festival of Trains Saturday December 17 10am-5:30pm and Sunday December 18th 1-5pm

Goleta Valley Library and Inspire Dance Clara and the Land of Sweets Tuesday December 20th 11am 

Free skating at Ice in Paradise with your Goleta Valley Library Card Friday December 30th 9-11 or 1:30-4:30.

Past events that may happen again: 

State Street (Santa Barbara Parade) is not happening 2022.

Snow Leopard Festival at the Santa Barbara Zoo not currently scheduled

Did I miss anything? What are your favorite local holiday traditions?

Fall Events 2022

Lane Farms

It is so great to bring you a fall events list again!

All Month Long:
Lane Farms has a pumpkin patch with hay ride and corn maze open from the last weekend in September through Halloween. Hours are 12pm-7pm  (10am-7pm weekends) (corn maze closes 6:45).

Big Wave Dave's has kids games and plenty of pumpkins. It is open 10am-9pm through Halloween.

San Luis Obispo's Avila Valley Farm has a fall festival too! There is a hay maze, hay rides, and pony rides. Check the website since each has different hours. 

Apple Picking at SLO Creek Farms

Moorpark's Underwood Family Farms has a fall festival worth checking out. Starting the last weekend in September, they are open 9-6 and have a tractor ride, corn maze, pig races, an animal center and much more. $14 per person weekdays/$28 per person weekends.

Local Events:   

October 21-23

Boo at the Zoo takes place October 21, 22 and 23, 28, 29 and 30 and is special hours from 5-8. There are characters and animals roaming the grounds, a hay bale maze, costume parades, themed train rides and of course trick or treating. $20/$15 for members

 Dia de los Muertos Family Day at the Santa Barbara Museum of Art Sunday October 23 11am-4pm FREE 

 

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October 27-30

Fall Festival at Anthem Chapel Anthem Chapel in Goleta Friday October 28 from 5-7:30 with a a rock climbing wall, petting zoo, bouncers, face painting and bull riding. Family tickets $$40/$30 or $12/$10 a person

Boo at the Zoo takes place October 21, 22 and 23, 28, 29 and 30 and is special hours from 5-8. There are characters and animals roaming the grounds, a hay bale maze, costume parades, themed train rides and of course trick or treating.  $20/$15 for members

Community Covenant Church of Goleta hosts a FREE fall festival Saturday October 29 from 4-6:30. There are jumphouses, hay rides, mazes and more!

Harvest Block Party hosted by Downtown Santa Barbara FREE music, games, prizes and more Thursday October 27 5-8pm

Free Methodist Church of Santa Barbara has a FREE fall festival Saturday October 29 11:30-2:30 with trunk or treat, games, crafts, face painting and bounce houses.

Mesa Fall Trunk or Treat at Santa Barbara City College Thursday October 27 5-7pm FREE  Trunk or Treat, games and costume contest

MOXI Member event with costumes, experiments and trick/treats throughout Saturday October 29 8:30-10.

Monster Mash at Paseo Nuevo FREE Trick or Treating Saturday October 29 3-6pm.

Trunk or Treat at Santa Barbara Community Church 1002 Cieneguitas Rd Saturday October 29 3-5pm FREE

Trunk or Treat hosted by SB Parks and Rec with others at Chapala St. & Victoria St. Friday October 28th 5-8pm FREE

Spooky Train and Haunted Depot at the South Coast Railroad Museum on Saturday October 29 4-7pm. It is FREE  with trick or treating, the decorated depot and train rides. 

There is a Thriller Dance Event event hosted by World Dance for Humanity at the Sunken Gardens Saturday October 29 from 1-3. FREE

YMCA is hosting a Floating Pumpkin Patch with water activities and a pumpkin to take home! Friday October 28th 4-6:30 Members $5/Community $10.

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HALLOWEEN

Fall Festival at Calvary Chapel SB 1 N Calle Cesar Chavez  Monday October 31 from 4-7 bouncers, games and more! FREE
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November 4-6
Dia de Los Muertos craft event at Casa de la Guerra Sunday November 6 10am-3pm. FREE

Dia de los Muertos event at Pershing Park Saturday November 6 11am FREE 

Did I miss something? Let me know on FB or Instagram!

**** These events happened in past years and I updated the dates, but am not sure if they are happening. I will update as I see more info and feel free to comment below. ****

** Trick or Treat On Milpas Ave Monday October 31 from 2-5pm

Trick or Treat in Downtown Santa Barbara Monday October 31 from 3-6pm

Trick or Treat at La Cumbre Plaza Monday October 31 from 4-6pm

Goleta Mom's Recent Posts: 

Kellogg Park (Ventura)

Sky Zone (Ventura)

Inspiration Point

Kellogg Park in Ventura

 We stumbled upon Kellogg Park in Ventura when headed home from Camp Arnaz with the Girl Scouts. It is such a fun combination of elements. This park had so many elements we loved! Many things reminded us of Wallis Park but there were many other things noted below! Created in the Ventura Watershed, there are natural places to climb and for water to drain. It reminds me in this way of Creek Park in Carpinteria! (which apparently I still need to review!)

 

 

There are elements like Tomol Interpretive Playground in Carpinteria with a tomol, tree stump and rocks to climb.

Another familiar element is the sliding hill similar to the one at the SB Zoo!

And there are diggers--similar to the ones in Tierra de Fortuna Park in Isla Vista!

These petal spinners remind us of Willowglen and Hidden Valley Park! 

The spinner, chess tables and adult exercise set remind us of Wallis Park on S Kellogg Ave.

The park also has swings, two large play structures for 2-5 and 5-12,

There is also an amphitheater as well as bathrooms, picnic tables, benches, and even built in cornhole!

This is in a more industrial part of Ventura closer to the 33 highway. We loved it and will go again when we are in the area! More info: https://visitventuraca.com/business/kellogg-park/

Sky Zone - Ventura

 

**We never got to sky Zone on our Summer of Day Trips, but we went in August 2022!

Sky Zone is a trampoline park in Ventura--think Cloud 10 only larger with more variety. It has a variety of areas: a kids adventure zone, ninja warrior course, soccer and basketball areas, dodgeball area, zipline, a foam pit and arcade. It was so much fun for my almost 9 year old! Summer 2022 they had a deal for $74 which included the shirt and socks as well as 90 minutes each time. When we were there, the snack bar had pizza and snacks, but not the other food advertised.

Cost: $21 for 60 min. $26 for 90 min. $29 for 120 min, $33 unlimited (a pair of socks $5 and shirt $7 must also be purchased)  
Hours: M-Th 3-8pm, F 3-10pm, Sat 10am-10pm, Sun 10am-8pm (School Year Hours) 11am-8pm/10pm (Summer Hours),
Time: 60 minutes to "all day"
More information: https://www.skyzone.com/ventura/
Directions: 2825 Johnson Dr. Ventura      Take the 101S to the Johnson Dr exit (exit 63B). Turn left onto Johnson Dr. Turn left into the parking lot after half a mile.
Drive: 40 miles, 42 minutes.

Related posts: Summer of the Easy Day Trips

Ninja Warrior Course

Zipline

Kid's Adventure Zone

Basketball

 

Dodgeball

Foam Pit

Soccer

Wipe Out

Arcade

Snack Bar