Schooling: Field Trip 2014

My little princess and I went off two weeks ago to join the school’s field trip. Seriously, I’m starting to become an expert on field trips. There’s even one itinerary that we visited for 2 consecutive years already (for different schools).

If there’s one thing I realized too from these activities is that we will never be the early bird. Call time was just too early for this poor soul plus I stress over things to bring in the morning even if I already stressed over them the night before. I just needed to make sure I have everything for the trip – pocket money, credit cards, health cards, baby book, insect repellent, barf bags just in case, meds, sunblock, first aid kit and all other 'just in case' stuff. Of course, lots of snacks and water for the trip. Like we will go to far off place where there's no source for any of these which is, of course, not the case. 

Here’s sharing our itinerary during Sophie’s field trip. 

San Gregorio Farm, Bulacan

I only learned about this place when I received the letter about the field trip. Honestly, the place is quite nice and seem to have everything in one roof. Nice for family day tour, not too far from the city. 

The students got to milk the cow. Visitors with cough or cold were not allowed to come near the cows as the management is careful not to get the cows sick. Sophie was starting to have a cold that day so I didn't let her join. 

Zipline and Wall Climbing which my daughter both tried for the first time (with a little coaxing from Mom). She was scared to try at first but after her first try, she wanted to go on and on. ‘It was so much fun Mommy. Again, again!’, she squealed after her first try. 

The farm also sells frozen fresh cow’s milk and other milk products in different flavors. We took home the chocolate flavored cow's milk and my kids chugged the whole liter the following day.
Visit the farm's FB page if more info. 

We also visited Creamline factory but unfortunately they have no ice cream production that day so there’s nothing to see. They gave each one an ice cream drumstick, though. We’ve been here last year so it didn't bother my little girl the she wasn't able to see ice cream making but I totally get the parents’ grunts and complains. This trip was paid anyway.

Dino Island

Last and being the highlight of the trip (although my daughter wants to stay at San Gregorio Farm for the rest of the day).

We saw animatronics of dinosaurs and visited a mini dino fossil museum. It was a good trip but a little dusty and hot because we got there after lunch and the place was packed with visitors from different schools.  

Click the link to see the dinosaurs in motion. This is a hit with the kids. 

http://www.clarkfreeportmarketing.com/amusement_parks_in_clark/dino-island-park-clarkland.html

entrance to the park 

my little photographer

I took videos of some of the dinosaurs and showed it to Sam when we got home from Ate's field trip. He couldn't wait to go there as he's so into dinosaurs, meteor showers and the whole Big Bang phenomenon right now. So now you know where we'll be on his birthday :)

Visit: http://clarklandph.com/ for more info.

Disney Frozen Theme Party: Our Behind the Scene Story

My daughter celebrated her 7th birthday last Saturday, January 25 and the party was a huge hit with guests! The food, the decor, the entertainment were all being raved about even after the party. Most importantly, the celebrant herself gleamed with happiness! :)

It was really overwhelming to receive positive comments and praises because this celebration was truly a labor of love. 

Just a background story. The original theme was Under the Sea, my daughter being such a fan of the adventurous Ariel the mermaid. So here's the inspiration board I created for the suppliers as early as November last year. The concept actually got across the suppliers already. 

Aren't they the daintiest? Can I just say how much I appreciate Google and Pinterest on occasion like this? It's got all the inspiration and guide you need to conceptualize a creative party.

Anyway, on with the story. Late November, my kids found out about Disney's Frozen. We were able to watch it a few weeks after it's opening night but even before that my daughter already memorized Let It Go, thanks to YouTube. When we finally got to watch it on big screen I remember her whispering, 'There it is Mommy, I get to see it without stopping (she meant buffering :)).

So, the Under The Sea theme was totally scrapped. After the movie, she wants a Disney Frozen theme with matching snow. Ayayay!

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First on the to-do list was find inspiration for this party theme so I went back to Google and Pinterest for concepts on winter theme parties. You see, the idea is it has to be winter-y but not Christmas-y and the colors of Anna, Elsa's sister, has to be incorporated. 
Once I have the new inspiration board, I emailed and contacted all suppliers to tell them of changes. It was almost Christmas then and some suppliers are on holiday mode or already out on vacation but they responded promptly to my emails and texts. 
I'm so glad I stuck with suppliers who are easy to deal with because we have to go through colors of the table cloth and napkins, the flowers, cake and cupcakes design and all the itsy bitsy details al lover again. 

I'm a working mom and only have weekends and after work to take care of the preps so I need suppliers who immediately respond and follow through. 

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More of our inspiration board. I wanted the stage to be a little different than what we usually see in birthdays and I'm so in love with all the decors at Kara's Party Ideas. Of course, eventhing has to sparkle. 

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Disney's Frozen is new and already a big hit with kids and adults alike. Being fairly new, it was hard to find supplies locally that goes with the theme. After several days of checking online, I finally found one onlin shop that sells a few Frozen stuff. For the rest of decor, we decided to DIY so except for the balloons, everything was labor of love from family and friends from the candy buffet to the icicles on the stage. Her gown was, of course, made by her very talented lola Ninfa (my mom).

I'll share more of the pics of the actual party next time. Have a wonderful Monday everyone.