It's Spring!

Right? I mean, sure there has been a lot of rain and it has been cold but Spring is here!

I have some ideas to help get you into the Spring Mood and they include two very important elements on Springtime---Flowers & Butterflies!

First, you can't go wrong with the Flower Fields in Carlsbad. This is a seasonal event so enjoy it while you can. There are activities for the kids like a maze and Santa's Playground (Yeah, I have no idea what that's about either). I do think the event is pricey but no one has said that it wasn't worth it. It is $10 for Adults and $5 for Children ages 3 to 10. Children under 3 are free.

Next idea, the Monarch Program in Encinitas. Here you can visit an outdoor butterfly house and a greenhouse filled with the plants that butterflies love. You can have the opportunity to feed adult butterflies, touch caterpillars, and more. They are only open to the public from 10am to 3pm on Saturdays but it is worth the trip. Admission for adults is $7, $6 for teenagers, $5 for children 12 to 4. Children under 4 are free.

Finally, one more great butterfly opportunity, the Wild Animal Park! It is almost time for their annual Butterfly Jungle! I have been a number of times and it is amazing! The cost is free with admission so check out the butterflies and then cruise around the Park before the weather is too hot to enjoy it. (It is gets CRAZY hot out there in the summer). The Butterfly Jungle is open from April 9th through May 8th.

Here are a few of my own photos from the Butterfly Jungle:

Japanese Weekend!

The Beckoning Cats are....beckoning!

The Mingei Museum in Balboa Park is opening a new exhibit this weekend that will include some of my favorite felines. Over 150 Beckoning Cats will be on display along with information about their history and their lucky powers. I have a few in my house, including the ones pictured here so I definitely want to check this out.

Admission is:

$7 for Adults, $4 for Children (Ages 6-17), Free for Children Under 6

Also, this museum is free the third Tuesday of every month.

The exhibit will set up for months so don't worry if you don't make it on opening weekend. In fact I would suggest waiting until March 19th to check out these cats so you can get a double dose of Japanese culture.

On March 19th the Japanese Friendship Garden will be hosting the Cherry Blossom Festival. The event will include food, entertainment, and a tour of the cherry grove.

Admission is $4 for adults and children are free with a paid adult admission.