Spring Has Sprung

Although I love the snow and winter, I’m ready for the flowers to bloom and the new season to spring up. Punxsutawney Phil, the groundhog, did not see his shadow this year so supposedly there is to be an early spring.

I’m looking forward to tidying up my garden and planting a new crop of sweet fruits and veggies. Berries are my favorite fruit and I’m planning to plant some strawberries this year.

The new season also means that our local farms have many more choices for fresh produce at the Farmer’s Market, which is located in the Staples parking lot every Friday afternoon. Or you can pick your own fruits and veggies at Underwood Farms. This is an activity children really get a kick out of.

Easter is also around the corner, and I really enjoy taking my daughter, Kaila, to the annual Easter egg hunt here in Moorpark. I won’t be able to run alongside her quite as fast as usual as she sprints to gather as many plastic eggs as possible, due to my burgeoning belly, but it’s really a wonderful city event that we all look forward to every year as a family.

Spring-cleaning is also another tradition us stay-at-home moms often begrudgingly partake in. I’ve already started by cleaning out my storage closet and consolidating items while getting rid of things we don’t need anymore. Our big project this spring is preparing for our new baby, so we will be painting both kids’ rooms and turning our office into a nursery.

Luckily there are some fun activities that can get you out of the house and your mind off of the to-do list. The recent deluge of rain has dampened our transition to spring, but the sun's back out and there are many fun family events to look forward to this season in Moorpark.

•  The Moorpark Arts Festival will feature handcrafted arts and crafts, hands-on art activities, performing arts, visual arts, and more. The 2011 featured artist is Wes Van Dyke. It's scheduled for April 17 from 11 a.m. To 4 p.m. At the Moorpark Civic Center and on High Street. Admission is free. For more information, call 517-6300 or visit moorparkartsfestival.com.
•  The City of Moorpark presents the annual Easter Egg Hunt, which will feature pony rides, carnival games, crafts and more, on April 23 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Arroyo Vista Park. General admission wristband are $5 and include egg hunt plus bonus game and attraction. All-access wristbands are $10 and include egg hunt, six games and three attractions.
•  Easter on the Farm at includes Easter egg hunt, egg dying, Easter bunny visits, baby animals and more. It takes place April 23 and 24 from 9 a.m. To 6 p.m. The farm is at 3370 Sunset Valley Road. Admission is $5, children younger than 2 are free. For more information, call 805-529-3690 or visit the website.
• America’s Teaching Zoo at Spring Spectacular is in its final weekend. This year, the theme is “Once Upon a Twisted Tail.” It runs from 10 a.m. To 5 p.m. and admission is $5 for kids and seniors, $10 adults. It features animal shows, games and a kid zone. A VIP tours is also available. The zoo is at 7075 Campus Road. Calll 805-378-1441 or visit the website for more information.