A couple of times of year we enjoy taking the kids on our "big vacations". Usually one in early spring and one over the summer. As a homeschooling family, we are blessed to be able to travel on dates where places will, hopefully, be less crowded. We aim for missing spring break and travel late in the summer when back to school has already happened. 

For our summer vacation this year, we enjoyed 5 days on Mission Beach and then decided to spend 3 more days up the coast in Carlsbad. We have been wanting to take Greyson, who was about to turn six, to Legoland California but wanted to go when we knew he could ride most of the rides and when he would appreciate the park. 

I have shared our favorite rides, eats and features below as well as the not-so-favorite-parts as they pertained to our particular family dynamic. We traveled in August with a 6 year old (he turned six the day we went! a super fun birthday day!) and our 1 1/2 year old daughter.  Read below and then comment your most and least favorite aspects of the park below too. 

I'm sorry, but would this be Nosh & Nurture if I didn't mention the theme park food FIRST? I mean I know travel is BIG around here, but food, namely SAFE and HEALTHY food is where it's at for us, so let's get into it. 

WHAT WE LOVED: Ok, I have to give Legoland MAJOR PROPS because I wasn't expecting much (Disney knocks it out of the park with allergy-friendly options so I knew I had high standards) but Legoland EXCEEDED my expectations. They not only had gluten-free and vegan options at almost EVERY eatery (and there are TWELVE!) but they had HEALTHY options at every one too. The restaurants were clean and beautiful and their market-style Urban Kitchen in Fun Town was a farm-to-table dream. 

The small snack kiosks and  markets were also a favorite. We sipped Suja juices when we got warm and enjoyed peanut- and inflammatory-oil free almonds and cashews and fruit cups. 

For lunch we dined at the Pizza and Pasta Buffet in Castle Hill. The chef prepared my gluten-free and dairy-free spaghetti bolognaise separate and I felt so safe. For dinner we could have snagged gluten free gourmet burgers in Mini Land, but instead went back to our hotel for cake to celebrate the birthday boy. 

WHAT COULD USE IMPROVEMENT: Honestly, I can't knock a darn thing. The special order pasta did take an additional 30 minutes to make, and the kids got quite antsy waiting for me to eat after they had eaten, but it was worth it to feel safe. I wouldn't say that was a CON, just something to keep in mind for timing with your party. 

Again. Exceeded my expectations. I felt like there was so much to do, and with it still being summer the park was quite crowded. It was nicely spread out so it didn't FEEL busy, but the wait times were 10-25 minutes on the small rides and up to an hour for the bigger thrill rides. 

​WHAT WE LOVED: That there were so many options and various ride levels for big kids and adults. Grey and I LOVED riding the Coastersaurus. It's one of three thrill-roller coasters that aren't TOO scary for little ones but fun enough for the older set to enjoy. Grey's favorite ride was Driving School. Kids ages 6-12 can drive their own Lego-inspired car around a little city. It gives them freedom and fun all in one. Kids 3-5 can drive the Junior Driving School track version too! The boat rides were SO fun for the whole family, exploring Mini Land and Fairytale Brook, it was a nice relaxing and shaded ride we all enjoyed. 

WHAT COULD USE IMPROVEMENT: The rides are where we were let down the most for OUR particular family set up. There were only THREE rides in the whole park Lexi could ride. Being not yet 2, she was too short to ride even some of the tamer rides because of the way they have the seats set up. We made the most of the day and she loved just seeing all the Lego statues because they were her size, haha! We probably won't return until she is older/taller and they can experience rides together. We took turns riding the rides with Grey while she played. Also, the toddler train ride is the shortest, saddest ride in the park. Lexi was so excited to ride something and it was super hard to find, went in one circle and even she was disappointed. 

A MUST SEE: You HAVE to explore the Adventure's Club. Before we went I thought it sounded kind of boring, haha, but seeing it and exploring the different rooms, they did SUCH a good job and we all LOVED the walkthrough, immersive experience. 

The activities did make up for some of the lack of rides we were able to enjoy. 

​WHAT WE LOVED: Grey LOVED being able to build Lego at every turn. From building our own Ferrari's we could race to building a rocket ship he could "send to space", the park isn't short on hands-on-activities for kids. And since little ones can't ride many rides they do have an epic toddler play town and splash pad area. 

WHAT COULD USE IMPROVEMENT: I think activity wise, it was pretty well thought out and well executed. 

As someone who visits Disney parks on the regular, I am used to seeing A LOT of staff and a very clean park, so again, high standards when I visit other parks. 


​WHAT WE LOVED: The park was very well-kept and clean. I felt safe letting my kids walk around and play, and the staff we did encounter were very nice. 

WHAT COULD USE IMPROVEMENT: There didn't seem to be much staff around aside from those operating rides and eateries. I got lost once and wanted to ask someone for direction and I was on my own for quite a while. 

We so enjoyed our one-day in Legoland. I would suggest making it a two-day adventure if you have older kids or would like to get in all of the rides.

One day was perfect for us with our kids at the ages that they are. We even had time to shop (for way to many Lego sets) before leaving the park. 

A very fun, well-rounded, tiring day at a new, fun theme park we plan to visit again.

Have you been? What did you think? I'd love for you to share your park tips and favorites with our readers below! 

The Spring of 2021 brought such an exuberant breath of fresh air when we started to travel again. We bought our first RV, (YAAAAAAAAY!) and were able to take Lexi on a few of her first few vacations! 

2020 felt like such a pressing year. One of refinement and frustration with many days of cabin fever and travel dreaming. 

Even through the hardships, there were also many moments of gratitude and family connection. We welcomed our sweet daughter, celebrated her first holidays, celebrated Grey turning 4, celebrated Grey graduating Pre-K and beginning our homeschool elementary school journey and many more sweet moments in between. 

Once the temps started creeping up in Phoenix, it was time to head North for some  cooler weather and I wanted to share one of our very favorite spots. 

Williams, AZ has so many things to do for families with kids of all ages. We call it our destination for nature, nostalgia and nurturing connection with one another. Below I share my Top 10 Activities to do in Williams, where we stayed and a collection of our favorite photos! 

We stayed at the Williams Circle Pines KOA with our RV and though it wasn't a top favorite on our favorite campsite list - it did have quite a few fun activities for kids!

Some of the activities include: miniature golf, big jumping pillow, playground, bike trails, gold panning, go-kart racing and an on-site store and eatery. 

Just make sure you check the schedule of events of when you are staying as some of the activities have odd days and hours. We thought we'd be able to Go Kart race during our four day stay and we unfortunately were unable to try that out. It's definitely on our list for our next trip as Grey is old enough and tall enough to ride and we think he would LOVE it. 

Have you made a trip down Route 66 or visited Williams, AZ with your family? We would love to know your favorites that we may have missed before we head back!

This past weekend we were invited to the leading daytime dining concept, First Watch. And it didn't disappoint. In fact, their attention to detail, safe kitchen practices for our food allergy and sensitivity concerns, customer service and taste quality were unmatched. 

With locations nationwide, First Watch mixes fresh, premium, better-for-you ingredients with a true farmhouse feel throughout their establishments and we can't wait to go back!

Below we reviewed the entire new seasonal Spring Menu as well as listed our favorite GF/DF selections. 

Available through May 29th, 2022 the Spring Menu is a drool-worthy selection of decadent brunch favorites. Additions include:
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• Chorizo Sunrise Sandwich
• Crab Cake Benedict
• Million Dollar Bacon
• Shrimp and Grits
• Pineapple Express 
• and more! 

We sampled the entire Spring Menu and nothing disappointed. We each had our own favorite! Our son Greyson (5) loved the Million Dollar Bacon and snagged some to accompany his pancakes. My husband now craves the Chorizo Sunrise Sandwich and I could drink a Pineapple Express every day. It tastes like a spring sunrise in a glass.  

Even our sweet babe Lexi (1) kept asking "more 'tatoes! more 'tatoes!"

As someone who is gluten-free and dairy-free I was pleasantly surprised not only by their selections, but my server and the kitchens knowledge of how to safely prepare and handle my food. 

I enjoyed a Traditional Breakfast with my cage-free eggs scrambled, breakfast potatoes, bacon (seriously, we couldn't get enough of their bacon!) and gluten-free  toast! 

It was the details for me. 

I ordered coffee to accompany my meal and they brought me, not only a dairy-free creamer, but one of the BEST coffee creamers available. So good, I had to snap a picture. 

At First Watch, it's about so much more than a meal. It's about atmosphere, detail, kindness, service and warmth. 

The food just also happens to be incredible. 

Have you enjoyed brunch at First Watch? What will you be sampling first off of their Spring menu? Let me know in the comments below! 

Darling Disney fans! 

Hello hello! This is my first official Disney post since launching our Disney IG 'Mini Ears Travel' and I am EXCITED to get back to traveling with our sweet family and taking you all along for all of our adventures. 

Today I wanted to bring you a guide to all of the YUMMY and DELICIOUS gluten-free finds at Disneyland's California Adventure Parks Food and Wine Festival. 

And for you who are here for all things travel and can partake in ALL the goodies - I have my husband and sons favorites mapped out below as well! 

But I know you didn't come here for the romantic flashbacks, you came here for THE FOOD. So below I have compiled a list of what us gluten-free foodies can safely enjoy at the festival going on from March 4th-April 26th as well as what each member of our family is MOST excited to try! 

I can't go on with what we are most excited to try without mentioning the Sip & Savor Pass. Getting the most value and allowing you a "passport" book if you will to try multiple items at a lower cost, its the best deal. It includes eight entitlement tabs redeemable for select food and nonalcoholic beverages at Festival Marketplaces and tasting-size portions at participating dining locations.

Guests 21 and over can also choose to purchase an array of creative and artistic alcoholic beverages as well. 

Ok, now on to what we will be trying on our trip! And make sure you follow along on Instagram at @miniearstravel to watch our adventures and hear our food reviews! 

We are SO excited to take you along on our adventure, make sure to follow along March 27-30th to see us sip and savor all the goodies live! 

Are you in the parks for the festival this year? Is so, we'd love to see what you loved. 

Leave in the comments below what you want to see us try! 

Traveling with a baby or young children always poses a new set of scenarios to work through when it comes to packing and planning. Where will baby sleep? Do we bring the crib, rent a crib or co-sleep at our hotel? Will I have the right layers for baby if the weather changes? Did we pack enough diapers? Will the destination have foods our baby and toddler will eat or do I need to pack meals? The list can be lengthy.

One of the biggest questions that we found the perfect solution for was, "what is the best way for baby to get around that also allows us to get around with ease?" 

And don't just take my word for it, even Lexi had a few sweet words to say about it. 

​But seriously, look how compact!

We recently took the Ergobaby Metro+ Stroller to a local resort for a poolside weekend staycation and it was wonderful to navigate the restaurants and resort grounds. I loved that it took up very little footprint of our hotel room and was a soft, cozy place for Lexi to sleep. The adjustable leg rest turns the stroller into a perfect portable sleeping space and the large sunshade gave much needed shade from the sun. 

We are excited to take it with us this summer to the beach and on our many adventures! I will share our adventures along the way right here on the blog! 

This past weekend, our family celebrated summer with delicious dining, adventure and fun in the sun at the newly reimagined We-Ko-Pa Casino Resort. We wanted to share our experience, and this gem in the desert, with all of you. 

You can read all about our first stay at the AAA Four Diamond Hotel when it was just the three of us here. 

Located right outside of Fountain Hills, AZ in Fort McDowell, the location has stunning mountain views and is far enough from the noise of the city that it feels like a real retreat. 

On Friday evening, we checked in to the lavish atrium lobby and we were greeted by the friendliest staff, snacks and water. You could hear tropical sounds of live music by the pool which transported us right into our weekend staycation away from home. 

​Our Junior Golf Suite was spacious and beautiful and it's the perfect room if you're traveling with a family or small children. With a mini kitchen - complete with a refrigerator, microwave, dishwasher and coffee maker, it made it so easy to eat a few of our meals in the room, reheat leftovers or store milk for the baby. 

We also sometimes travel with our teenage niece to allow her to travel more before she begins college and she loves playing with and helping out with the kids. While the living space was a great place for us to watch movies and play board games - the large pull-out sofa in the living area was super comfortable and the perfect place for her to sleep and have her own space.

The king bedroom was large enough to accommodate our family of four (our kindergartner sleeps with us and I brought the babies crib) and the bathroom was spacious with a great shower and high end amenities to make you feel pampered. 

Below is a room tour to give you an up-close feel. 

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While the room gave us a home away from home, it was the activities and dining that made our weekend truly stellar. Aside from the activities I'm going to speak on below the resort is first and foremost known for their newly redesigned We-Ko-Pa Casino which enjoyed its grand reopening October 2020. 

The stunning smoke-free casino is open 24/7 and features 850 multi-dimensional slot machines, a 400-seat bingo hall with 50-inch monitors, 22 action-packed blackjack tables, and a spacious poker room featuring five tables with live games and tournaments. 

..."to provide livelihoods for their tribal members". It is the heart of the company and the family feel that really shined for us. We were given a tour by the Executive Director of Resort Operations, Ricky Borja Jr. who drove that point home even further. 

As we wrapped up our thorough tour he said, "We are presenting luxury as it pertains to each individual. Whether that means white glove, in-person service or automated service where the consumer can feel empowered to check themselves in and have a distanced digital experience - the freedom of choice to the consumer is the ultimate luxury, and that's what we offer."

I was also in awe of the various projects and branches of the We-Ko-Pa company and family and the way they secure work for so many members of their community. More on this can be found at www.FMYN.org. 

Also known for their WeKoPa Golf Club, which features two award-winning courses, incredible live music and various activities through Fort McDowell Adventures, there are so many options to building an itinerary no matter the season your family is in. From the youngest visitors to the more mature audiences, there is truly something for everyone to enjoy. 

While traveling with little ones (our kids are young, 4 1/2 years and 7 months respectively), my husband and I always try to squeeze in one adult activity. Whether that means having someone watch the kids so we can grab a drink or enjoy a high-end dinner, or take turns with the babies to allow the other to take an hour or so away, it makes our vacation still feel luxurious while not having to leave our family for too long. 

As for my activity this trip, I chose to get a massage at their boutique spa - Amethyst, named for the gems mined in the nearby Four Peaks Mountains. My therapist, Loree, was incredible and made me feel relaxed for the rest of my stay. You can choose from a menu of services from reflexology and massages to facials and nail services. ​

As for my husband, he revisited Fort McDowell Adventures and opted for a 3-hour ATV tour to which he says "was thrilling and so much fun!" He mirrored the same to me, in that the feeling of friendliness and care of the customers experience was  apparent and valued. 

Other adventures include horseback rides, cowboy cookouts, desert Segway tours, kayaking, and guided mountain bike and hiking tours – there is even an authentic City Slicker Cattle Drive.

We have shared a small snippet below of Doug's day in the desert with Fort McDowell Adventures - more information on booking your own  personal or group tour can be obtained at www.fortmcdowelladventures.com.  

Our favorite family activity during summer travels is always the pool! Cool inviting waters are always the best way to beat the heat in the summer. The live music was fun and transported me back to cruise ship living and the Caribbean while the smoothies from the drink bar kept us cool. Make sure to hit the pool early on warm days to snag a seat! We got to the pool around 1pm after lunch and we got the last chairs available. 

The sparkling water was so inviting, and you can also find putting greens and cornhole. I wish we would have had more days to lounge, swim and enjoy! It was a true haven from the intense heat of June in Arizona.

Also, how adorable in Lexi in her resort pool wear?

Saving the best for last, the dining was exceptional! With many on-site dining options from their casual quick-serve market inside the casino to the high-end Ember, it was fun to try out and visit all the spots!

For our breakfast dining and for our dinner the first evening we dined at Ahnala. We loved every dish and I've shared what we ordered below. I also made note of the dishes that were gluten and dairy free since that is what I always need when I'm traveling and what I always promise to bring to you all so you can feel safe traveling too!

On our second and last evening at the resort we headed to WKP Sports and Entertainment which was a contrasting atmosphere to Ahnala. Where Ahnala was serene and relaxing with views of the beautiful tribal-inspired atrium, WKP Sports and Entertainment was vibrant, fun and energetic. We enjoyed watching basketball on the big screen, listening to the live band rehearse and the food was beyond incredible for burgers and bar food. They truly took the burger and pizza experience to the next level and we are planning a trip back just to snag a burger and their sweet potato fries! 

Two wonderful experiences to mix it up on vacation!

Ember needs to be mentioned because if we had had the chance to have a grown-up dinner date, this would have been a top choice for dining. Exceptional wine selection (one of the best in the world with over 100 centurion wines in house!) - I would have opted for their Jerusalem Artichoke Soup and Filet steak. 

Overall a fantastic and well-rounded family vacation filled with adventure, relaxation, fun and good eats. A favorite stay-cation spot that we will visit again and again!

After months of closures due to the Covid-19 pandemic, theme parks across the country are starting to reopen with numerous safety precautions in place. It can be a lot to keep track of, so we’ve compiled a list of our most popular Southern California and Florida theme parks with reopening dates. ​


When will theme parks reopen?

With so many reopening dates announced, some pending approval, and other theme parks already opened, it’s hard to keep track of them all. We’ve put together a list of our most popular theme parks in Southern California and Florida to help you know when and where you can go. We’ve also included proposed dates that are awaiting approval for planning purposes. If a firm date is listed, that means the dates have been approved. We have listed all attractions in order of opening date - earliest to latest. 

To view the schedule of opening dates for Seaworld, Universal, Disney, Knotts and more click through to the full post of dates here. 


To get discounted tickets, rooms and vacation packages, visit my page on Get Away Today here. Use my promo code NURTURE10 for an extra $10 off any vacation package. 

There are many seasons in life that can put a pause on travel and taking adventures with our family. Pregnancy and the early days of newborn life, illness, finances or work obligations or if it's the Spring of 2020, a global pandemic that keeps us all home. 

During times like these, especially for a travel-loving family like ourselves, we like to get creative with ways we can still experience thrills and adventure right in our own home and yard, and today I'd like to share some of those ideas with you. 

​Finding Adventure Through Film -

​This is our very favorite way to visually experience adventure right at home. Movies have a magical way of transporting you to other worlds and time periods and spark the imaginations of young and old. Our latest adventure took place alongside Dr. Dolittle in the Dolittle DVD we picked up at Walmart. 

Dolittle allowed us to walk the rolling green hills of Europe, sail grand adventures in the sea aboard his ship and converse with majestic wild animals. My son, as well as the rest of our family, laughed, cried and had a true adventure in a whimsical world. 

Dolittle DVD is now available at Walmart and on Walmart.com on DVD or Blu-Ray +DVD + Digital Code. You can also grab your other movie essentials like popcorn, candy, meals and more. For busy mamas, you can use the Walmart Pickup Service too which is so easy to use!  We love this during any season of life and it's especially handy now. 

Other ideas to capture adventure include...

• Books That Transport You - Like film, books have their own way of transporting you to far off worlds, meeting strange and wonderful people and places. I love reading classic novels to even our little toddler to help him to develop a love for stories and adventure of all kinds. I also love to get lost in a good novel and always have at least 3 on my night stand at all times. 
  
  
• A Camping Excursion (Right In Your Own Backyard) - This is one of our favorite weekend activities when we can't go far. We are blessed to live on an acre of land at the new farmhouse, but your yard needn't be large to make this a fun and exciting adventure! Throw up the tent, put on a fire, roast some s'mores and come up with some fun stories to share. With the smell of roasting marshmallows, the blanket of stars above you and the cool chill of sleeping in a cozy sleeping bag, you'll feel as if you're really in the great outdoors. 
  
  
• Flavors Of The World - As a food creator with a little guy who loves to create alongside me, sometimes we make a themed menu to transport us to other cities around the globe. Try a Moroccan menu when you can eat with your hands and get a little messy. Or a Parisian menu for an evening of whimsy. Italian pizza nights are always a blast too! It's easy for kids to make their own pizzas or you can create your own pasta bowls. Get creative! ​You can even go a step further and play music to match your destination or decorate your living room or kitchen to have the vibe of the city you're "dining in".

Walmart also carries supplies for all of these adventures! From a large book selection for all ages, to camping gear and food items for any menu, it makes shopping for all of our adventures so simple. 
​

How do you find adventure with your family when you're home? I'd love to hear your ideas? If you try any ideas listed here, post your comments and photos below! I'd love to see! 

Last weekend we visited a REALLY fun spot in Arizona. We set out to take Grey because of his love of super heroes and Star Wars, but I was surprised with how impressed WE ALL would be. 

​'Comic X' Marks The Spot For Superhero Fun In The Valley! Their motto afterall is "Where superheroes grab a bite!"

The 8,000 sq. ft. venue displays life-size figurines of your favorite heroes and villains and the restaurant feels like a dine-in theme park. The creators of the Comic X space did it justice and didn't miss a detail which made it so fun! 

You can opt to dine downstairs in the eatery to be surrounded by the likes of Joker, Batman, Spider-Man and Slimer from Ghost Busters, just to name a few. Alternatively you can head upstairs to enter the planet of Tatooine and dine amongst your favorte Star Wars characters. Lastly, you can take a seat in the fully-stocked bar, where you will be transported to the Harry Potter train station and the gaming world of Halo. 

We ordered burgers and fries, but the menu is expansive! From pasta and steaks, to tacos and sandwhiches, there's something for every palette and the prices are reasonable. We expected to see higher prices for the experience factor, but were pleasantly surprised. They were GREAT with my allergy concerns and made me a burger with a gluten-free bun, no cheese, a safe salad and their fries are all GF-safe, made in their own fryer. 

They unfortunately got crummy reviews on Yelp which is why I really wanted to post our own experience. You may well have a different experience than I, however I really wanted to say we had a lovely time. It was clean, fun, magical for our 3 year old and the food was good. We will be going back! We may even host his birthday party there as you can reserve large tables in the upstairs Star Wars decorated section for parties of 10 or more. 

They are working to pare down their wait times by simplifying their menu, as it did take quite a while to get our food, but it was a happening place and there was enough to entertain us such as the decor and the super hero movies and cartoons playing on big screens throughout through the wait so we didn't mind! 

Have you been? What did you nosh on? What was your favorite part of your experience? If you haven't or don't live local, what is your favorite immersive dining experience for families?

Comix X is located in Desert Ridge Marketplace at 21001 N Tatum Blvd #95, Phoenix, AZ 85050. 

Hey fellow Disneyland goer, heeeeeeeeey! 

If you've landed here you either

A. Love Disneyland like we do and read blog posts about it like we do.

B. You are headed there and wanted to peruse a guide to dairy free treats in the park for ideas.

or 

C. You have food allergy kiddos, or have food allergies yourself, and you are seeking super safe ways to enjoy treats in the park.

While I wrote this post for all of the above, my heart writes these posts for the families who feel lost while traveling. Who don't know where to begin and need a friend - one who's gone there before and waded in the unknown waters of navigating menus and taking phone calls with park chefs and testing foods for safety. THAT'S where my passion for this comes from. My hope for you is that you will EMBRACE traveling yourself or with your kids. That you will find MANY options of food you can TRULY enjoy EVERY DAY. Not settling for the plainest one or two options on the menu like I did in the start of my journey.

Today, I'm writing a post on our FAVORITE dairy-free park treats and drinks! And because we are 100% gluten-free all of these items are that as well! A more comprehensive allergen-friendly park food guide is in the works, but we had SO much fun staying cool and sampling dairy free beverages, ice creams and treats in Disneyland and California Adventure that I had to share. 

All of the dairy-free delicacies are separated by park + land below to make it easy to navigate the parks with this guide.