Enter to Win Tickets to Wild Rivers Waterpark Winner will receive a four-pack of tickets to Wild Rivers, the new waterpark in Irvine. Wild Rivers opens on weekends in May, and daily starting May 29, through the summer. Pictures should capture your little one(s) being "in the moment" - it...
POC Community Facebook Julie Gimeno, of San Juan Capistrano Children: Luke, 9, Tyler, 5 Favorite thing about being a parent: “Being a parent is the most fulfilling experience of my life. Being able to walk alongside your children and see life’s joys, excitement and challenges through their eyes has brought...
POC Community Facebook Rae Ann Armstrong, of Tustin Children: Junia, 2.5, Naomi, 1 Favorite thing about being a parent: “My favorite thing about being a parent is being able to watch my kids experience new things!” Words of wisdom to offer other parents: “Parenting is hard. Don't think for one...
POC Community Facebook Laura Graham, of Rancho Santa Margarita Children: Evelyn, 3, John, 2 months Favorite thing about being a parent: “Having fun with my children. The smallest things like baking or jumping or taking a bath are so much fun for them and I love the reminder to enjoy...
POC Community Facebook Zabina Bhasin, of West Hills (Anaheim native) Children: Imara Ahuja, 5, Zane Ahuja, 3 Favorite thing about being a parent: “I am growing up all over again with my kids. Today with new technology and the latest education, I am re-educating myself along with them. And as...
POC Community Facebook Jenneffer Vazquez, of Santa Ana Children: Everett, 5, Caspian, 11 Favorite thing about being a parent: “Seeing life in a new light through the eyes of my little humans. It’s easy to get lost in what is not working in the world, but children’s natural joy and...
POC Community Facebook Name: Kim Gratton, of Laguna Niguel Children: Isabella, 8, Luca, 5 Favorite thing about being a parent: “Watching the learning about the world through their eyes and their voice. As an adult and a parent, I tend to forget what it’s like to be a child and...
POC Community Facebook Karen Cervantes Jimenez of Buena Park Children: Savannah, 6, Sebastian, 6, Samantha, 10 Favorite thing about being a parent: “A big part is watching my kids smile and laugh. It brings me great joy to see the simple things they laugh at.” Words of wisdom to offer...
"My 2-year-old, Burney, caught me by surprise when he started leading the way through the rocky tide pools looking for starfish and crabs." Words by Do Viet Duong and Photography by Olivia An Nhien Nguyen, of Oran
“1-2-3, jump and squirt!” Words and photography by Melanie Chu, of Lake Forest
"Angelo having fun on the boat! Looking forward to see dolphins and whales!" Words and Photography by Carol Gutierrez, of Lake Forest.
"Monarchs in the fairy garden." — Words and photography by Ana Tran, of Portola Springs
“Spending time in the sun, enjoying pool time and painting!” — Words and photography by My Linh, of Anaheim
“We are doing everything from arts and crafts to science experiments — and currently working on a movie starring our turtle, Ninja.” — Words and Photography by Elaine Sotelo, of Fullerton
“She loves reading, but between school and sports she doesn’t have much time. Quarantine took care of that and now she reads anywhere she can.” — Words and Photography by Diana Juaregui de Sevilla
"You never know what will happen when taking family photos with a 1- and 3-year-old. We didn’t end up with a Christmas card photo with everyone looking, but the kids sure enjoyed playing on the Aliso Creek Trail." Words By Jaclyn Coy, of Laguna Hills, Photography by Meryl Orr
“We were going along Beach Boulevard in Huntington Beach and found this great spot to skate at for a bit and my son ended up doing his first-ever successful Ollie! He was so stoked and we’re so thankful we captured it on camera!” Words and Photography by Shyra Mix of...
"Boys can be wild, but at times they know how to enjoy the tranquility." Words and photography by Michelle Pak, of Yorba Linda
"My son Jaxon’s first time visiting the tidepools at Heisler Park in Laguna Beach." Photography and words by Diana Rivas, of Santa Ana
"Superheroes spotted in Huntington Beach? AJ prepares to join his best friend, Elise, as she lifts off into the air, so together they can save the day!" Words and photography by Lisa Budianto, of Huntington Beach
"Enjoying a relaxing ride over the water before the busy school routine kicks in!" Words and Photography by Ila Cho, Irvine
"Only a summer trip to the beach can put a smile like that on my daughter’s face!" Words and photography by Amy Vega, La Mirada
"My son, Bodhi, throwing rocks into the stream while hiking in Silverado Canyon. This is one of his favorite things to do! We spotted newts, frogs, lizards, birds and squirrels during our visit. We are so lucky to live in Orange County where there are so many open spaces to...
"My son, Logan, at the Irvine Regional Park. Just enjoying the weather, having a good time." Words and Photography by Jessica Torres, of Mission Viejo
"It’s refreshing to simplify things, let the children play outdoors, and watch their fascination with simple wonders, like the magic of blowing bubbles." Words and Photography by Dr. Mark Dimalanta, of Santa Ana
"When there’s no snow Max uses leaves to make an angel." Words and Photography by Olivia Kasa, Lake Forest
"Our 1-year-old, Brynlee, loves our 11 ½-year-old doggie, Marley, sooooo much. " Words and photography by Rosetta Jasperson, Trabuco Canyon
"We just gave this [Stitch] toy to her for the first time while we were in line [at Disneyland] to meet him in person and she gave it a sweet cuddle…" Words and photo by Allison Sanger, of Placentia
"Our sweet daughter, Lyla the reindeer, all pooped out from the Christmas party!" Words by Chanel Anderson, Irvine Photography by Jay Cruise, jaycruisephotography.com
Two sisters at play in captivating waves on shore at Crescent Bay, Laguna Beach. The boat that happened to be at sea in the background added to their simple pleasures on a sunny, summer day at the beach. Words and photography by Patty Ng, Irvine
"Carter is now one year old. This photo was taken when he was one month old last October. Both I and his daddy love traveling and we want to instill in our son the same passion at a young age. My sister knew our love for travel and surprised us...
"This pic was captured when we hiked to the Hollywood sign during our 'staycation' in L.A. Beautiful shot of L.A. from the top of the Hollywood sign." Words and Photography by Aggie Yoon, Seal Beach
"This is the face of pure excitement of a literal kid in a candy store!" Words and Photography by Claire Sais, Aliso Viejo
Going swimming is probably my six year old’s favorite thing to do. But getting pruned beyond belief was almost more fun and definitely more amusing! Words and Photo by Laura DeShane, Laguna Niguel
"My grandson hit the ball and got to first base. Very exciting moment in his life." by Lauren Shindle
"My son’s first time at the Aquarium of the Pacific trying to have a posing competition with the penguin." Words and Photo by Mauricio Gaytan, father
"She was just enjoying an issue of Parenting OC before toddler story time at the library." Words and Photography by Lisa Budianto, Huntington Beach
"My son at Fullerton Arboretum. As a one year old, he has already mastered sharing with others, especially with mommy." Photo taken by Idalia Velazquez of Santa Ana
"I love seeing the smile on my daughter's face every time she goes to ballet class." Words & Photography by Ila Cho, Irvine
"My granddaughters capturing a moment with each other, playing “camera,” as I capture their cousin-love moment at a Seal Beach park." Words & Photography by Lisa Clair Lunger, Seal Beach
"Joy is as simple as playing hide and seek under balls." Words & Photography by Kim Pirruccello, San Clemente
"I was calling her home and she didn’t come at first, so I used the mom trick of ‘a big surprise’. She ran so fast she was floating in the air!" Words & Photography by Leonor Castillo, Irvine
"It was a regular check up, good timing before trick or treats. We were waiting for our turn with the dentist when she suddenly blurted to the room ‘My Je***, don’t let them hurt me!’" Words & Photography by Maguelina Mendoza, Anaheim
"We celebrated Elijah’s 3rd birthday with a golden safari theme at the Santa Ana Zoo this summer. Highlights of the day for Elijah was riding the zoo train and the tiger on the carousel. The combination of his zookeeper outfit and a big smile made it a memorable birthday!" Words...
We went to Doheny Beach on a whim in November. We didn’t realize it would turn out to be such a beautiful, relaxing, memorable afternoon. Words & Photography by Denise Damyen, Mission Viejo
"Evelyn and Peyton last week at our son’s first baseball game to celebrate his 2nd birthday. They even got to run the bases after the game! They had a blast and have been talking about it every day since." Words & Photography by Lauren Howe, Laguna Beach
"Caught these cuties hugging while waiting to eat at Sugar Shack. Perfect breakfast spot to fuel up before a day at the beach!" Words & Photography by Courtney Parker, Irvine
"I took my two year old daughter on a mini hike in the hills behind our home to see all of the beautiful wild flower blooms that Orange County is experiencing. What a great day to explore our own backyard!" Words & Photography by Christina Bunting, Lake Forest
"Four-year-old Selena loves all kind of animals, especially Dinosaurs. What better place to celebrate Easter and Earth month than Environmental Nature Center (ENC)." Words & Photography by Stephanie Stedfield, Newport Beach
"My little three-year-old daughter enjoyed sharing a cracker at the Art of Dr. Seuss, Laguna Beach." Words & Photography by Pauline To, Garden Grove
"Someone got into the Valentine’s chocolate a few weeks early!!!" Words & Photography by Jane Elizabeth Acala, Orange
My daughter enjoying the simple beauty of a day spotting crawfish in the lake. Words & Photography by Anne Chung, Rancho Santa Margarita
"They fight big, but love each other even bigger." Words & Photography by Sayda Alongi, Anaheim
"Here we are at Yukipa, Oak Glen. We try to go there as often as possible to hike, pick apples, raspberries & make memories. This was a great day of hiking together as a family. The air was soft & warm in the morning as we explored." Words & Photography...
"My boys are obsessed with sharks, so we decided to make it a family affair!" Words by Tina Lin, Irvine
"They’re the three best friends anyone could have." Words and Photography by Claire Sais, Aliso Viejo
"A touch of innocence." Words and Photography by A. Perez, mother of Aliyah
"Luke honors those who fought for our freedoms at Harbor Lawn-Mt. Olive Memorial Park." Words and Photography by Nadia Flores, Costa Mesa
"Both kids and Daddy were tuckered out after a long day at the pool." Words and Photography by Dawn Antis, Irvine
"I’ve tried to teach my kids to find joy in even the smallest pleasures. My mama taught me that beach days are the best days, so I was happy to pass that onto my kids. Seeing the bond they have, being together at the beach, makes us all happy." Words...
"Family time is important to our family and it centers around dinner. On nights I can’t cook we take my daughter to her favorite Italian restaurant. She devours every bite with passion. She was so in the moment eating butter noodles, I had to pause to enjoy it myself." Words...
"My kids have been obsessed with great whites and hammerheads and they asked if they could dive into the ocean to look for sharks! That wouldn’t have worked so I turned them into sharks instead." Words and Photography by Tina Lin, Irvine