The Crazy Crouts: August 2013

Friday, August 23, 2013

Bowl N' Stuff

Way back at the beginning of summer I signed up for a program called "Kids Bowl Free". Every day of summer you can bowl two games each for free. Well, we finally got around to doing it today. Now the games might be free, but the shoe rental is $4 a pair. Perhaps we could bowl every day if you owned your own shoes, but there are just too many other fun things to be done.

Anyway, back to the bowling. Nathan was the bowler of the day. Even though he had bumpers to assist him, he really was a pro. I on the other hand had a horrible game- yikes!

Right next door to the bowling Alley is Boomers. We had some points left on a couple of cards and decided to go over and use them up. We ended up having a blast. The boys went on the bumper boats (and got very wet), played arcade games and did some kiddie rides too. We stayed long enough to pick up Dan after work- this turned out to be another great summer day for the Crazy Crouts!!

Nathan, Ryan Ochoa, Jason*

*Right before we left I recognized this young gentleman. He is an actor on a Disney show called "Pair of Kings". The boys love this show! He was super nice to all of us and agreed to take a picture with the boys. He was a class act!!

Thursday, August 22, 2013

Beach Fun with Wades

Today we went to Emerald Bay (2nd time this week). It was a beautiful, sunny day (as opposed to the overcast day we had on Monday). We were accompanied by my dear friend, Janice, and her sweet daughter, Alexa. Alexa and Nathan were in preschool together. When I met Janice 7 years ago we both felt like we had met before- we hadn't, but a deep friendship has grown through the years!!

A year ago we were at Emerald Bay together around the same time and I was sporting a bald head. I am so glad that, that is over and that I have the energy and hair to enjoy my beach days!!

Back to today- when we first arrived we noticed a huge pelican chilling on the shore. The kids and Janice went over to say hi. Amazingly, he let them get pretty near. We thought he might be hurt, but later he joined his friends in a fishing frenzy in the ocean. Watching 6 pelicans dive bombing the water looking for fish was the most entertaining part of the day- awesome!!

Nathan was the Pelican Whisperer

My handsome surfer boys!

Look how clear the water is (really cold though)

Nathan was hamming it up for the camera

Nathan~Jason~Alexa

After a wonderful beach day!

Wednesday, August 21, 2013

A New Diet for the Crouts

Whole Foods? This is the food I am starting to prepare for our family. I am not being as hard core on the kid's diet since one of them is so picky already and I just need him to eat, but I am adding or replacing certain things that are better for them. As for me and Dan (more me than Dan), I am trying to eat no Gluten or even no grains most of the time). It is all about natural food that is unprocessed- lots of veggies, fruit and protein (organic, cage and hormone free). Below is my shopping cart for the week. I just had to take a picture- it was so fresh. I did buy some whole grain items for the kids!!

I am wrapping my mind around cooking for my picky family and still love a quick meal. In comes the juicer!! I fill the container with lots of dark green lettuce (kale or spinach), fruit, nuts, flax seed and water and what do you get- a green machine drink. They are growing on me, but Dan is not a fan (hence the picture below). Dan is not a fan of veggies. Now to be fair, there are a handful that he will gladly eat, but I am adding more than he ever dreamed of having. We are cutting out refined sugars and flours. My man loves his cookies and snacks so we are trying to be creative. I hope we can keep it up because I already feel better. Happy Eating!!

Monday, August 19, 2013

Home Away From Home- Soak City

Well the boys and I have spent a lot of time at Soak City this summer- almost once a week. Besides going to church each Sunday, our time at SC is the most regular thing we have done this summer.

Today we went for 5 hours and had a blast. Many schools are back in session so the place wasn't as crowded as it was at the height of summer. Jason and I went on several rides together which was a treat for both of us. Usually I chill by our stuff (reading a book) and the boys run all over the place making new friends, but I know our time here is wrapping up and I didn't want to miss the chance for some water fun with my boys!

A highlight of the day was the boys getting to have a funnel cake (a Knott's classic). They enjoyed every finger licking moment of it. We are planning on going back a few more times before the place closes for the season. We all agree (even Dan) that getting passes to Soak City was the best money spent. We plan on doing it for years to come!!

Friday, August 9, 2013

More Fun with Good Friends

We spent another great day with dear friends whom we just don't get to see enough. The Hansen family was up in Corona Del Mar- so we joined them for some fun at the beach!