Our San Diego Families

Thank you to the local moms who responded to our request for favorite ways to spend Mother’s Day. We hope you have a wonderful celebration this year!

My family spends Mother’s Day at Gator by the Bay. It’s a fun annual festival for all ages with live music, dancing, activities for kids and delicious Cajun food. Our whole family goes to celebrate together. Every year great memories are made! ~Jenn Coleman of Point Loma; mom to Connor (3) and Rocco (6)

Parents Know Brain

When your child struggles with focus and anxiety, you know how hard it can be to find the help they need. Brain Balance parents report a 53% improvement in their child’s happiness and academic follow-through using our all-natural, whole-child approach.

Ask About Our Summer Intensive!

Every year I do three things for Mother’s Day: I make my mom an orchid corsage to wear, my family goes strawberry picking in Carlsbad, and I take my daughters to the Carlsbad Flower Fields. I love seeing all the flowers with them! Last year my son-in-law joined us, so that was extra special. Another favorite spot to see flowers is the Balboa Park Rose Garden. ~Sheri Sleger of Point Loma with daughters Rilynn (4) and Kaycie (24)

My family brings me pancakes, hugs and kisses every Mother’s Day and my husband helps the boys make me a Lego flower bouquet! ~Mariecel OcádizGaron of San Marcos; mom to Liam (2), Owen (4) and Noah (7 mos.)

Last year we spent Mother’s Day at Orfila Winery. They had games for the children on the front grass which was a special treat. We listened to live music, ate fresh woodfired pizza, and I enjoyed a glass of wine! ~Melissa Varela of Rancho Peñasquitos with Sophia (10), Luke (4) and Andrew (6)

Have you had a chance to check out the new issue of Flourishing Families? We’ve published the most comprehensive guide to date, offering 1,350 resources for families with special needs. Discover tips on how to enroll in self-determination programs, find services, specialized doctors, camps, social groups, therapists, advocates and much more. www.SNRFSD.org

My EXTRAordinary Mom, written by Dani Vee and illustrated by Alexandra Colombo, is a sweet

Free National Parks for Military Families

Through the America the Beautiful program, military families have access to a free National Parks and Federal Recreational Lands Pass. The passes provide free access to more than 2,000 federal recreation areas, including national parks, wildlife refuges and forests. There are two options:

• Military Annual Pass –Available to current U.S. military members and their dependents

• Military Lifetime Pass –Available to U.S. military veterans and Gold Star Families picture book that follows the everyday adventures of a mom who dances to the beat of her own drum. She encourages her daughter to try new things, embrace community and be herself as they explore, discover hidden treasures and learn life lessons together.

Learn more about these passes (and others) at www.nps.gov/planyourvisit/ passes.htm.

Parents, Feeling Stressed?

Parents who need to discuss issues regarding their children are encouraged to call the Parent Stress Line, a tollfree, confidential helpline available 24/7 through Parents Helping Parents. Trained volunteer counselors offer empathy, encouragement, information and referrals. For anonymous support, call 1-800-632-8188. To learn more, visit www.parentshelpingparents.org/ stressline.

Seedless Lemons? When I first heard about Wonderful Seedless Lemons two years ago, I thought, “No way. They can’t be natural.” Now that I know they originated from an Australian farmer and are a Non-GMO Project Verified fruit, I can’t get enough of them! Who knew that using lemons without seeds would be so exciting? If you haven’t tried them, do it before the season ends the third week of May. Find Wonderful Seedless Lemons at Trader Joe’s, Ralphs and Food4Less. Learn more at www.wonderfulseedlesslemons.com.

Calling all Expecting and New Parents

The Prego Expo is the nation’s largest event for new and expectant parents—and it’s coming to San Diego on May 27. Discover and shop for recognized baby brands and local services, attend parenting seminars, enter contests, play games, make new connections and more. Town and Country Resort, 500 Hotel Circle N, Mission Valley, Noon–5 p.m. Ask about VIP admission and early entry. To learn more and purchase tickets, visit www.thepregoexpo.com/events/san-diego-2.

Do you ever need help getting the kids out of a grumpy mood? Check out the book Pout Party, written and illustrated by Sarah McColl, a wonderful and relatable story for kids and adults alike. Read about Rue, who wakes up in a bad mood, and the unconventional way her spirits are lifted with the help of friends. Kids will be giggling by the end of the book!

Summer is a time to play without limits, to have a blast getting better at your favorite sport. Become more passionate about your sport this summer by improving your fundamentals and gaining more confidence alongside our top Nike Sports Camp coaches. Work on every part of your game at our day or overnight camp options across baseball, basketball, cross country, football, golf, lacrosse, running, soccer, softball, swim, tennis, volleyball, and more!