Baby's Day Out

We usually spend Sunday afternoons at my parent's house {Nana and Papa's}, but they just got back from Hawaii {lucky ducks!}, so we are going to let them rest and visit them tomorrow. So that left us free without plans. It was far too gorgeous of a day to let it go, so I packed up Carter and we headed out for lunch and water play.
Our first stop was lunch at Johnny Rockets. I had a coupon for a free kid's meal...so EVEN better!


Yummy yogurt!

Our next stop was Barnes N' Noble's. My incredibly sweet husband gave me a gift card on my last day of the school year, so I decided to go and take a peek. It's too bad I've become so addicted to my Nook. I even stopped and asked how I could use my gift card to buy books on my Nook...when did buying the real deal become such a thing of the past for me?! I forced myself to look through the REAL books {especially all of the fun summer reads so perfectly laid out on the tables} and decided that even though my Nook is convenient, easy to read and instantly gratifying, REAL books just can't be replaced. I love the smell of new books. I love books period and I hope if I can instill anything learning/teacher/education wise in my son, it is to love to read. Hence, our visit...our BRAVE visit mind you {have you ever let a one year old out of his stroller at a bookstore before?}. Haha. I laugh NOW, but I'm sure I had that nervous, apologetic look on my face, our entire visit, as Carter screamed in pure excitement at the very sight of books. For some people, they're not sure what to think. Some even go as far to reassure Carter it's okay. "No, no", I reassure THEM, "he's just excited." {Those of you that know Carter, know this scream...it's not always the most pleasant sound. He just gets VERY excited and hasn't learned the slightest thing about "inside voices" yet...Mom's fault} ;).

Look at all of these books Mama!

Our next stop was to play in the water fountains. Once the weather turns warm, the Shoppes at Chino Hills has water play for the kids. I strolled by the kids playing in the water a few weeks ago and Carter almost broke out of the stroller, trying to get to the kids. I figured we would give it a go, but I wasn't sure if Carter would love it as much as he thought he would. I mean, often the water shot out from the ground RIGHT when he looking down and he got soaked...but he LOVED it. Every moment of it. He loved it so much in fact, I had to drag him away kicking and screaming. Not my favorite moment, but we had so, so much fun! I plan on taking him back next week when Daddy's off, so he can see him in action!

Water Dude

Our last stop of the day was Panera Bread for my free treat. If you sign up for a Panera rewards card {it's free and we go there every week after Gymboree}, you rack up points and get free stuff like cookies, pastries, smoothies, lattes, etc. I've only had it for about a month and every other week, I have something free on the card. It is awesome! I am obsessed with these shortbread flower cookies with lemon icing. Now, if I want to put on a bathing suit in front of anyone but my husband this summer, I really should NOT be eating these...so Carter was the lucky one today! {But, I did end up nibbling off a petal...YUM. You must try!}

Ahhh, to be a kid again!

It was overall a GREAT day. I sometimes complain and pout about Justin missing the weekend festivities with us, but I am grateful for days like this, when Carter and I can share memories and have our special time together. Happy summer!