Fall Fun at High Hill Ranch Apple Hill California #AppleHill #CA

To celebrate our 14 year wedding anniversary my family and I decided to take a day trip to Apple Hill CA. My husband and I had not been there for over 10 years and it was well over due. This was our son's first trip up there and he loved it.

We only had a few hours for our trip so we selected one farm/ranch of the many in Apple Hill to visit, High Hill Ranch. I selected this place since it was one my husband and I visited many years ago and there is a cute fishing pond there.

When we arrived we could smell all the delicious apples and cinnamon in the air. Its beautiful up in the mountains with huge evergreen trees among the apple orchards. Fall is in full effect in Apple Hill!

We fished for a while, did not catch anything but just relaxing by the water spending time as a family together was priceless. We walked around looking at the craft booths and eateries. We decided on getting Apple Donuts, a specialty at High Hill. The funny part was when we were looking for the donuts to buy we wandered a bit then realized we were being followed by many more people following the aroma of the sweet treats. We were first to the counter and when we turned around there were literally 15 to 20 people in line behind us in a matter of moments. The treats were reasonably priced and we were able to enjoy them on the picnic tables near the pond.

There is an area the kids could play in among hay stacks and other fall themed stuff along with grassy areas among the big trees. It was a perfect place to spend our anniversary with our son.

We would have stayed longer but we had a funny not so funny moment on the way driving up. About 40 minutes into our drive my husband looked over at me and asked, "Did you turn off the oven?" I kinda flipped out and said " Are you joking right now?!?!" We went back and forth a bit about who should have done it and turns out it was kinda on me. I was on edge of tears and wanting to go back home when we saw the Apple Hill next exits signs. My husband being the practical one reminded me he cleans the oven all the time, there is nothing in there and a few hours it on would be like Thanksgiving turkey time and we would be okay if we hurried. I agreed and we had fun but with a hurry up a bit on our minds. When we got home my husband rushed inside to see if it was on, turns out it was off! He smiled and said "Happy Anniversary".

Six Flags Discovery Kingdom Cirque Dreams Splashtastic Show and More!

Six Flags Discovery Kingdom is our favorite place in Northern CA to visit. It has all the things that make an amusement park fun, rides, animal shows, good food and a friendly staff. The main thing we are looking forward to for our trip is the new Dolphin Show  Cirque Dreams Splashtastic. 

I was very excited to see the new show in the dolphin arena. I read about the show less than a month ago and have been waiting to see it. It is created by a Broadway Director and the creator of Cirque Dreams. The cast of the show are from 9 countries to create a well rounded and entertaining show. 

The show was great! The costume and set design were very colorful and entertaining. The aerial acrobatics were amazing, there was a woman on a high rope swing and woman doing super cool hula hoop tricks. The was a set of men that were doing feats of strength! It was neat to see how strong they were. There was a balancing act that was neat to see but when on a bit too long. My son was losing interest and asked where the dolphins were. It was a great show, a nice addition to the park. I only wish there was more dolphin action. We sat too close to the speakers and did get a bit blasted by the music, next time we will sit higher up. It was fun to see, I am glad we took the time to see it.

My son LOVES animals so each time we saw one, he would ask for another one. We saw sting rays, seals, walruses, penguins and sharks!

One show we have not been able to see is the Elephant show. There are so many cool shows if you plan your day right you can see many of them. My son always asks about it and this time we set our phone alarm to make sure we saw it. Before the show we were able to see the trainers give the elephant a bath, we were so close to the elephant it was amazing!

Of course one of the cool parts of an amusement park is the RIDES! We stick to the kid rides as my husband and I are not thrill ride kinda people lol.

We had a WONDERFUL time at Six Flags Discovery Kingdom. I love going several times a year since they are constantly having theme days and new events. We feel lucky to live close enough for a day trip to a Six Flags park. Its family friendly and we always have a great time having fun. This time I took my mother in law with us. She has never been to the park and was amazed at how much there was to do there. She rode many of the kid rides and even got on a horse on the merry go round. She said she had not been on a merry go round since my husband was a little kid. I love that at Six Flags even Grandma can become a kid again!

Anytime my son spots one of the Looney Toon characters we must stop to talk to them, give them a hug and take a picture. So cute!

*This is not a paid post. We were guest of Six Flags Discovery Kingdom for the day.

Memorial Weekend Ideas: Family Fun at the Sacramento County Fair

Wow what a day!!! My family and I went to the opening day of the Sacramento County Fair held at Cal Expo. We had so much fun. We rode the rides, we had all sorts of fair food, saw some really fun shows, danced to cowboy music, my son went on a pony ride and he even was in a show as a kid cowboy. We had a day filled with fun and made many great memories.

This show was fun! This husband and wife team had a great act that finished with juggling fire while riding unicycles. 

My son rode every kid kid at least 10 times lol He kept saying Wow Cool this is Awesome! 

The kids tractor area had little tractors to ride, a mock cow to milk wooden cows to rope and even a kid tractor pull contest.

We always have to get Tri-Tip at a fair! We had a big dinner at the Big Bear BBQ stand. So good! 

We met the nicest couple while riding the FREE Train ride! She was a sweet lady who told us about the cool stuff at the fair, her family and gave high fives to people as we rode around on the train. The Western Express train was so fun my son did not want to get off. They were nice enough to let us ride for a while so we could rest our legs, get some shade from the warm day and my son could drink his Slurpee. Thanks to Sleep Train and the Sacramento County fair for inviting the Western Express to come to the fair and give out free train rides.

This was so funny! A Cowboy Clown on stilts lifted my little guy up.

One of my husbands favorite parts of the fair! The gardening and the animals. We were able to pet the cute little farm animals, learn facts about them and my son was even able to sit on a cow. The junior handlers for the livestock were such great kids. They were nice to us and helped my son learn more about the animals they were showing.

This goat had the cutest big floppy ears!

My son wanted to see the Wild West show with Cowboys and Horses we had walked pass but missed the first showing of so I set my phone to remind me of when the next show started. Oh my am I glad I did that. This was the cutest show ever! It is even called the Cutest Show on Earth! The show has a story line that the host carries out but includes kids from the audience. Such a cool idea! My son was the coolest little rootin tootin cowboy of the show. He got on stage and was the star of the show for about 10 minutes. She asked him questions, showed him how to use his "five" shooters and he was able to be a cowboy on stage. He said some silly things, was a little confused but it made it even cuter. My husband and I were giggling so much and he had the biggest smile on his face. I definitely recommend attending the Cutest Show on Earth if you bring your kids to the fair.

Riding the Merry Go Round for the 20th time lol

We had a ton of fun! We did so many things there is not enough room in my post to include all the great pictures. I also recommend the ride wristband. It was a big savings to be able to ride any of the rides we wanted and not have to worry about how many tickets we had left. My son rode his first big roller coaster this year with his Dad. He had a look of oh my on his face but was yelling this is so cool and told me he wanted to do it again as soon as he got off. There is also an indoor play area that is air conditioned if you need a cool down filled with interactive areas like giant bubbles, building blocks, giant chess and checker board and more.

We had a wonderful time filled with memories that we will have forever. Its an affordable fair since kids 12 and under are free and everyone else is only $5 with $10 parking.

If you are looking for something FUN to do this Memorial Day Weekend I suggest the Sacramento County Fair.


*This is not a paid post. We were guest of the Sacramento County Fair.

April 27th Local and Free Mother's Day Card Decorating Event in Roseville

If you are a local Sacramento, Roseville, Citrus Heights CA reader I have a FREE and FUN event to share with you. Nordstrom in the Roseville Galleria Mall Kids Dept will be hosting a Mother's Day event on Saturday, April 27th starting at 11am. Bring the kids in to have them decorate a Mother's Day card. With the decorating of a card your kids will earn you a free sample goodie bag from the Nordstrom cosmetics department, one goodie bag per Mom.  (While Supplies Last)


If your a local fan of Roseville Galleria Nordstrom you can follow them on Facebook and Instagram.

Family Fun Mini Golf

For Valentine's Day we went on a family fun day. We went to play mini golf and arcade games.  We had a wonderful time. My son is great at golf and this was the first time we have taken him to a mini course. He has played in the house since he was old enough to walk! We watch it on tv all the time too. He smiled the whole time and when we told him we were going to play golf he squealed and yelled "YES!"

We will definitely be going back here soon!

Wondering where his ball went!

We played 18 holes and he was so well behaved.

Watching his shot 

What family fun activities do you do with your kids on sunny days?

Six Flags Discovery Kingdom Holiday in the Park

Have you heard about the Holiday events going on at Six Flags?? I had no clue that there was winter activities at Discovery Kingdom! They have snow sledding, cookie decorating, some of the rides are still open, a winter wonderland and a tree forest. Sounds super fun! Plus all great food and the shows with a holiday theme. We went for the Halloween event and loved it, I am sure this Holiday in the Park event will be amazing. I can't wait to see the huge Christmas Tree and the park lit up.


 Holiday in the Park at Six Flags Discovery Kingdom!

A winter wonderland experience at Six Flags Discovery Kingdom

From Now Dec. 20th  to January 6, Holiday in the Park turns Six Flags Discovery Kingdom into a magical holiday adventure. The best holiday festival in Northern California features beautiful décor, charming family activities, delicious treats, enchanting shows, dreamy rides, and lots of holiday cheer.

Stunning Decorations At Holiday in the Park, Six Flags gets lit up with over a million colorful twinkling lights wrapped around trees, buildings, and rides. The highlight of our seasonal décor is the large 65-foot-tall Christmas tree that towers over the main plaza and ignites the park.

Joyful Activities Our playful Holiday in the Park activities will trigger your imagination and bring out the kid at heart. Take a slippery slide down the snowy Blitzen’s Wonderland Mountain, brighten your mood with a stroll through the Main Street Festival of Lights, toast up by the Holiday Fire Pits, drift into dreamland on Candy Cane Lane, meet your favorite gifts in Toy Land, wander through the inspirational Christmas Tree Forest for an elegant display of holiday spirit, and embrace the season in Winter Wonderland. You can also make a visit to Santa's Workshop and the Reindeer Village to meet Santa, Mrs. Claus, a few friendly elves, and the nine magical reindeer. Don't forget, you can also create your own sweet treat in the Cookie Decorating Room.

Holiday Shopping Make your list and check it twice, because Six Flags Discovery Kingdom is also a great place to complete your holiday shopping. You can find unique holiday gifts, including apparel, decorations, and park souvenirs, at the Kingdom Market, Sea Riggin’, Land Fitters, or Sky Supply.

Festive Foods Mrs. Claus and the elves have been working hard in the kitchen to concoct lots of delicious goodies. In addition to your traditional favorites, like funnel cakes, ice cream, hot dogs, burgers, barbeque, and pizza, Holiday in the Park will feature some of your favorite seasonal treats. Warm up with flavored coffees, hot chocolate, cider, or soup and chili in sourdough bread bowls. Indulge in sweet snacks like caramel apples, candy canes, kettle corn, and cinnamon-roasted nuts. Other holiday food favorites include roasted corn on the cob, smoked turkey legs, creamy eggnog, jumbo soft pretzels, chowder, and churros.

Seasonal Shows You can also sing and dance to your favorite Christmas carols in our delightful holiday shows. Enjoy a joyful dinner theater presentation in Happy Holidays, party with pop versions of classic holiday hits in Jingle Bell Rock, dance with the characters in Looney Tunes Christmas, watch our Dickens-style Discovery Kingdom Carolers, taunt with the E. Ben Geezer Puppet Show, or end the day rocking with Cool Yule. You can also catch our exciting animal shows as they celebrate the season in A Dolphin Holiday and the Sea Lion Express shows. When it gets dark, don’t forget to dazzle the night with the electrifying Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony or stunning pyrotechnic spectacular on New Year’s Eve.

Chilling Rides And of course, don’t forget to fly like Santa and take a cruise through the sky on Kong, Medusa, SUPERMAN Ultimate Flight, or V2: Vertical Velocity. You can also feel the chill of the night like you are on a magical sleigh ride and soar 15 stories up on the SkyScreamer. The adrenaline rush is sure to warm your heart and pump you up for a day of winter fun.

What’s your favorite part of Holiday in the Park?

You can buy your Tickets or find info on tickets here


Holiday in the Park Schedule:

THU, DEC 20

Open 2p to 8p

• Holiday in the Park →

FRI, DEC 21

Open 2p to 9p

• Holiday in the Park →

SAT, DEC 22

Open 2p to 9p

• Holiday in the Park →

SUN, DEC 23

Open 2p to 9p

• Holiday in the Park →

WED, DEC 26

Open 11a to 6p

• Holiday in the Park →

THU, DEC 27

Open 11a to 6p

• Holiday in the Park →

FRI, DEC 28

Open 11a to 6p

• Holiday in the Park →

SAT, DEC 29

Open 11a to 6p

• Holiday in the Park →

SUN, DEC 30

Open 11a to 6p

• Holiday in the Park →

MON, DEC 31

Open 4p to 12a

• Holiday in the Park →

• New Year's Eve Celebration →

TUE, JAN 1

Open 11a to 6p

• Holiday in the Park →

WED, JAN 2

Open 11a to 6p

• Holiday in the Park →

THU, JAN 3

Open 11a to 6p

• Holiday in the Park →

FRI, JAN 4

Open 11a to 6p

• Holiday in the Park →

SAT, JAN 5

Open 11a to 6p

• Holiday in the Park →

SUN, JAN 6

Open 11a to 6p

• Holiday in the Park →

* I was not paid for this post. We will be guest of Six Flags Discovery Kingdom for Holiday in the Park.

Fright Fest Halloween Fun at Six Flags Discovery Kingdom

Do you live in Northern CA or planning to visit during October? I have an fun and spooky idea for you! Visit Six Flags Discovery Kingdom in Vallejo CA (near San Francisco) for Fright Fest. Fright Fest is when Discovery Kingdom is turned into a spooky frightful theme park! They have all the great rides and shows but with an added thrill!

I laughed when I read some of the Tips for Family Fun for Fright Fest.
Some of them are:   
-Our park is a smoke-free facility. This is a safety measure — smoking attracts demons and werewolves!  
- Weapons are not allowed in the park so please leave wooden stakes, silver bullets, garlic and holy water at home.

This Saturday Six Flags Discovery Kingdom is having a special day. October 6th is Resident Evil day!

 Special Event Admission Ticket – ONLY on October 6!
Pre-order or purchase the new Resident Evil 6, available October 2, 2012, online or in-store at GameStop and receive an exclusive ticket offer for Six Flags Fright Fest on October 6 – Resident Evil 6 Flags Night!  Ticket benefits include access to an Exclusive Ride Time event, a voucher for one free haunted attraction and a special admission discount!** Present your specially marked GameStop receipt at designated Resident Evil 6 Flags Night ticket booths at Six Flags to redeem your offer.
Valid October 6, 2012 ONLY.


Experience Resident Evil 6 at Fright Fest
All guests on October 6 who are age 17 or older can play the new Resident Evil 6 game live at Six Flags at our In-Park Game Zones.  In a first for the franchise, Resident Evil 6 sees series favorites Leon and Chris come together to face this unprecedented threat. They will be joined by new characters, each with their own unique perspective and involvement, in this relentless dramatic horror experience enacted on a global scale.

Want More?
Enter the Resident Evil 6: Fright Fest Getaway Sweepstakes NOW for your chance to win a fly-away trip to Fright Fest at the Six Flags Theme Park of your choice this year!  Getaway package includes airfare, hotel, tickets to Six Flags, front line privileges AND the new Resident Evil 6 game for Xbox 360®.***

Enter the Resident Evil 6: Fright Fest Getaway Sweepstakes for your chance to win.  And visit GameStop to purchase Resident Evil 6 and join us on October 6 for Resident Evil 6 Flags Night.
If you're 17 or older, you may enter once per person/per email address per day through October 14. Click here for official rules.
By entering, you agree that you are 17 or older and you agree to receive Six Flags email updates.


You can learn more about Fright Fest at Discovery Kingdom in CA by visiting the website, facebook and twitter. 


* I was not paid for this post. We will be guest of Six Flags Discovery Kingdom for Fright Fest.

Sacramento: Leatherby's Family Creamery Celebrates 30 Years

On a hot day ice cream is awesome! Its tasty and will cool you off. Recently a local family owned ice cream restaurant Leatherby's celebrated its 30 year Anniversary and the celebration of their 3rd store in the Sacramento Valley area. They hosted a party for ice cream lovers at all 3 stores. We visit one from time to time and decide to go to the Anniversary celebration.

My son got his face painted for free. He wanted a doggie. He sat so still I was impressed.

They had the whole area decorated for a fun party. I loved this ice cream cone with a cherry on top balloon display. I tried to get my son to pose by it but he started to get a bit ninja on it so we had to skip that idea. :)

I love the ice cream parlor feel to Leatherby's. The tiles floors, iron seats and huge ice cream portions. The cute couple sitting behind us made me smile. They looked happy, like they were not only enjoying ice cream but perhaps a fond memory of Leatherby's. My husband and I visited the Arden location one when we lived near that area and had a few dates there. The ice cream is delicious and the brownies were WOW good.

I love that this company is family owned. The servers were all super nice. My son was very distracted by the coin operated toy claw machines feet from us so it was hard to get him to want to be in the moment of ice cream eating. The employees gave him a hat, a free hot dog and sent over the balloon artist that made him a balloon dog. They each worked for a moment by that darn toy claw machine was all he wanted. Next time I will make sure we tell them the other side if the restaurant to avoid the temptation of the claw machine.



Here is a little bit of history about Leatherby's Family Creamery:

“Daddy Dave” Leatherby Sr. and his wife, Sally, opened the first Leatherby’s Family Creamery on Arden Way in 1982 and people from all over Northern California have flocked to the restaurant ever since for our sizable sundaes, great food, and exceptional family atmosphere. Dave and Sally’s son, Alan, is the general manager and part owner of the family creameries. Dave Jr. got the Elk Grove store off the ground in spring 2012. And with 10 children, 30 grandchildren, 25 great-grandchildren and counting, guests are bound to find any number of Leatherby offspring at work in our three restaurants on any given day, whether behind the scenes or serving customers. If they’re not at work, there’s a good chance they’re eating alongside the rest of the crowd in the original creamery on Arden Way.



Leatherby's takes pride in the fact that they make all their ice cream on site, using time-tested family recipes and the highest quality ingredients. They even grow our walnuts and pecans on the family farm north of Sacramento! Their ice cream has been named “Best in Northern California” by the local media each year for nearly 30 years. To top it off, Leatherby’s hand-made ice cream, sauces and toppings are available for purchase from at all three locations to take home in regular and bulk sizes.

If you are a local to Sacramento, Citrus Heights/Roseville, Elk Grove or just love ice cream you can follow Leatherby's on Facebook and Twitter.