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Old Nevada

Bonnie Springs Ranch Old Nevada

Bonnie Springs Ranch Old Nevada

While we were in Las Vegas with the grandparents, they insisted the kids needed to see this cute little ranch – Bonnie Springs Ranch’s Old Nevada Town, a replica of an authentic 1880’s mining town. This quaint little town originally opened in 1958, takes you back to the old west with shows, shops, snacks, live …

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Categories Train Ride, Trains, Travel Tags Bonnie Springs, Old Nevada, Things to do with kids Las Vegas Leave a comment

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Jenn Willey

Jenn Willey

I am a Stay At Home Mom of two, wife to a High School Teacher/Coach in the OC. Now that the kids are getting older, we're trying to find balance amongst our busy schedules while sharing adventures thru Orange County and Beyond.

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Balance The Chaos is at Starbase Los Alamitos.

5 months ago

Balance The Chaos
A day in the life of a Substitute Teacher:Today I had the opportunity to take a group of 5th graders to Starbase at the Joint Forces Training Base in Los Alamitos. A great day with the kiddos learning elements and atoms, tinkering with mini bit electronics and dabbling in computer design.#starbase #fieldtrip #dayinthelifeofasub #substituteteacher #worldpod ... See MoreSee Less

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Balance The Chaos is at Zait and Zaatar.

5 months ago

Balance The Chaos
Last week we were invited to check out a local eatery in Anaheim. Zait & Zaatar is an authentic Lebanese restaurant and bakery that offers traditional Lebanese cuisine.We love this location as it had an indoor and outdoor eating area where we could relax and enjoy the ambiance of the evening.I was especially delighted that they invited me into the kitchen to see some of our delicious plates as they were being made.We started off with the Akawi a delicious flatbeead with Akawi cheese and spices that included sesame seed and black Caraway seed. Combination of the cheese and spices were a perfect way to start our meal. We also enjoyed their hummus with garlic lemon juice tahini sauce and olive oil and split a bowl of Tabouleh salad, made of parsley tomato onion bulgar, olive oil and a blend of Mediterranean spices.Their new menu items, the Lebanese Arayes with beef was delicious with the garlic and yogurt dipping sauces.We also loved the Beef Shawerma Arabi, thinly sliced beef wrapped up in a freshly made tortilla which tomatoes onions turnips and Tahini sauce was plated with delicious French fries and other sides. It was a great dish to share and I even saved a little for lunch the next day. Everything from Zait & Zaatar is made fresh, in house and a few doors down they have a brand new bakery that will be opening very soon that offers a variety of Baklava, called CheeSweet.We cannot wait to stop back in and their wraps, sandwiches and Zbowls too. Zait & Zaatar is located at510 N. Brookhurst St. AnaheimWith another location in Aliso Viejo.#lebaneaecuisine #zaitzaatar #flavorsoftheworld ... See MoreSee Less

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NDA Nationals in Florida: This year our Songies c NDA Nationals in Florida:

This year our Songies completed at NDA - National Dance Alliance. Their Nationals takes place in Florida each February.  It was a whirlwind on a weekend with so many highlights. 

🌟 Getting ready in the Hilton Lobby

🌟 The Magic Kingdom

🌟 Dinner at Disney Springs

🌟 3 Chick Fil A Meals

🌟 Daily Visits to Publix

🌟 Hip Hop Makes Day 2

🌟 Jazz Makes Day 2, Top Spot

🌟 Valentine's Dinner

🌟 Hip Hop Takes 2nd Place

🌟 Parent Pool Time

🌟 Universal City Walk

🌟 Jazz-s National Championship Win

🌟 Breakfast at The Diner

🌟 Finding a Safe Spot For the Trophy To Travel.

Core Memory: The girls taking the NDA stage for the first time in the history of the program and coming home with:

1st Place Jazz Intermediate Large Group

2nd Place Hip Hip Intermediate Large Group. 

So incredibly proud of them. And special thanks to Coach Sierra for her dedication, love and faith she puts into our girls. 

Next up: USA Varsity Spirit Nationals this weekend in Anaheim. Come watch them take the stage at the Convention Center:

Pom at 6:23pm
Jazz at 10:30pm
While in Florida for the NDA Competition, we visit While in Florida for the NDA Competition, we visited Disney Springs and had a "Songie Family" dinner at Paradisio 37. It is a Pan-Latin restaurant overlooking the water with gorgeous sunset views. 

I tried the filet and linguica sausage pinchos. So delicious!!! Filet minion bites paired with Brazilian linguica sausage pieces with grilled sausages, cilantro rice and fresh vegetables topped with a chimichurri sauce.
While in Florida, our Songies wanted to do Disney, While in Florida, our Songies wanted to do Disney, so naturally, the Magic Kingdom was our first adventure as soon as we got off the plane.
Did you know that The Saw Dust Festival offers art Did you know that The Saw Dust Festival offers art classes throughout the year? Last week my friend and I were invited to take an class working with cyanotype. Cyanotype is a 19th century camera-less photographic printing process that produces cyan- blue prints using UV light. 

We took used watercolor paper and lightly painted the cyanotype. Then we arranged stencils, flowers, or leaves onto the wet paper. We sprinkled a little salt, for added texture to the artwork. 

Next, we placed the paper in the sunlight for uv exposure. Direct light works best as it develops quicker. The cyanotype turns a beautiful shade of blue, and the areas covered remain white. Then we rinsed off the cyanotype, leaving the vibrant blue. 

It was such a fun morning of creativity. They also had light snacks and coffee as we worked.

Want to take a class? The Sawdust offers classes in drawing, painting, clay, glass blowing, photography and much more. Visit their website for more information and how to register.

#sawdustfestival #art classes #lagunabeachart
The Lechon Benedict at Habana in Costa Mesa was fa The Lechon Benedict at Habana in Costa Mesa was fantastic. Tender meat on a baguette, smothered with a fried egg and Hollandaise sauce with a side of fresh potatoes and salad. 

#cravings #lechonbenedict #habanacm
Over the weekend I had a lovely birthday Brunch da Over the weekend I had a lovely birthday Brunch date with amazing friends. Excited I get to celebrate alongside my beautiful friend, Nerissa, we enjoyed a delicious brunch at Habana in Costa Mesa, followed by the musical, stage play version of the Notebook.

It was a fabulous day with special friends. Thanks to you ladies for celebrating us. 

#birthdaybrunch #habanacm #costamesa #segerstromarts #friendshipgoals
Winter Formal 2026 Winter Formal 2026
Gotta love a good seafood boil. #seafood #seafoodb Gotta love a good seafood boil.
#seafood #seafoodboil
@joes_crab_shack_official_site
Here we go! Senior Season! Photos by @flixbyalan Here we go! Senior Season!
Photos by @flixbyalan
Our last regional competition was a clean sweep: C Our last regional competition was a clean sweep:
CheerPros Championships

Varsity:
1st Place Jazz
1st Place Pom
1st Place Hip Hop

Junior Varsity:
1st Place Jazz
1st Place Pom

Varsity also had the highest score of the evening at a 96 for their Pom, crowning them "Grand Champion" with a $$ prize award...Just what the girls needed to help them get around Nationals in Florida.

Additional shout out to our beloved Coach Sierra, who was one of the 3 finalists for Coach of The Year! You are #1 in our opinion!!!

Next stop...NDA Nationals in Florida!
The Crispy Chunrse Dumpling Salaf at CPK is so tas The Crispy Chunrse Dumpling Salaf at CPK is so tasty. It's a new, popularand trendy salad combining warm elements with fresh veggies and spicy-sweet sauce.

Fried crispy chicken dumplings are the centerpiece of this dish with Napa/red cabbage, cucumber, carrots, scallions, cilantro topped with a honey-miso dressing, sesame seeds, and Mr. Bing Chili Crisp for a savory, crunchy, Asian-inspired salad. 
 
It was the perfect light menu items for late night, after competition cravings. 

#cpk @cpk #crispydumplings #crispydumplingsalad
Another regional competition for Cypress Song and Another regional competition for Cypress Song and they were amazing. 

1st Place Intermediate Med Jazz
1st Place Intermediate Med Song Pom

Special thanks to friends and family who were able to make it out to Brea to support our dancer. 

Next up...Cheer Pros.
What do you get someone who never really wants any What do you get someone who never really wants anything but a winning season??? Welp, I figured out he needs a new hobby, and he's killing it. Since Jan 2nd we are 5 loaves in and he is perfecting this new skill. We are loving it!

#sourdoughbaker #newhobbiesarefun #shareyourtips
We finally took an idea out of messages and made i We finally took an idea out of messages and made it a reality. Our ultimate girls trip was a blast! Wishing we had a little bit more time to explore all of the activities and events the Quantum of the Seas had to offer, but isn't that always the case.

We laugh, ate, walked, roller skated, sang, and danced the two and a half days into amazing memories, and ran into several friends along the way.

Until next time my lovelies!! Love you bunches.

#bestiescruise #findingnemo #getoffthewall #wheredidshego #disappearingact @royalcaribbean cruisinwiththebesties
A few nights ago a friend of ours had a unique the A few nights ago a friend of ours had a unique themed get together: "Where something you have nowhere to wear." So much fun chatting and  karaoke singing while snacking off of this delicious 3ft charcuterie board.

Oh, and what did I end up wearing? Swipe to find out. 

#goodtimeswithfeiends #karaokenight
Finally!!! Dinner with the Smithharts Finally!!! Dinner with the Smithharts
Hope you have a wonderful Christmas like we did wi Hope you have a wonderful Christmas like we did with the ones we love. 

#Christmas2025
Ever had a friend bake you a homemade carrot cake Ever had a friend bake you a homemade carrot cake loaded with walnuts for Christmas? Deliciousness overload! 

Thank you @kristine133123 we are in heaven!
Over the weekend I had a chance to go out with the Over the weekend I had a chance to go out with the girlfriends and check out the Mariah Carey Holiday Bar in Los Angeles. It is a festive pop up at the Skybar Mondrian.

If you're a fan of Mariah carey, you might want to check it out. Music's playing snow is falling, you can even hop into the pool or hang out at the bar and grab a couple cocktails and some appetizers. It's a great place to celebrate the holidays with special friends. 

We certainly had a great time. 

#bucketlisters #MariahCareyHolidayBar #MariahCareyPopUp #skybarla #skybarmondrian @skybarla
And we are back in competition mode. Today we kick And we are back in competition mode. Today we kicked off the season with USA Regional at University High School. The Varsity Song team killed it today, leaving it all on the floor, coming home with two 1st place awards. So proud of them!
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