Great busy tool for the car

We spend a crazy amount of time in the car which means I am always looking for ways to keep the little busy.  I recently saw a fun puzzle project idea-you hot glue magnets on the back of puzzle pieces and use a cookie tray to keep all the pieces in one place in the car like this:

We tried it this last trip and it did not work out so well. I tried it with the thin puzzle pieces and they seemed to curl and crack. I think this is a wonderful idea if you had thicker pieces and maybe used something other than hot glue. Have any of you tried it? We will try it one more time as I think having puzzles in the car would be time well spent!

Battleship USS Alabama

As we continue our journey to all 50 states we decided to visit Alabama this week. The top stop on our trip was the USS Alabama . During each trip we try to pick something not only fun but educational. This was going to be our history portion of the trip. We began at the monument at the beginning of the park to prep our daughter about what we use the ships for and the importance of each room.

It was nice to see all of the flags and explain a bit about our history in a way she could appreciate the "big boat" we were about to board.  My favorite part of the tour of the ship was the clearly labeled color lines. We could pick our path and work at our own leisure instead of being rushed on a group tour.  We were there on a rainy, cold day so there were only two families on the entire ship which made for a nice family experience.

Each room was very detailed and really brought the ship to life. We were not only able to explain in words what it was like but our daughter was able to get a picture of what it actually looked like on the ship. She was surprised by the lack of space especially since the ship seemed so big on the outside.  All in all I would say it is a great place to stop for a day with the family. If you work at your child's pace you should easily be able to get through the entire ship. There are many levels to climb which may be difficult for some but there is plenty to see on the main floor.

Easter in the Gardens

We are just a few short days away from Easter in the Gardens! Each year I take my daughter to explore the gardens, meet spring animal babies, and of course see the Easter bunny! The gardens are full of great things to do including an Easter egg hunt (each child can pick a certain number of eggs), games, potting your own plant, and a scavenger hunt. We have gone every year for the past 7 years and have never been disappointment. I would arrive early and wait in line a bit as it does get crowded quickly. Looking forward to seeing some of you on Friday!

Easter is on its way!

We are a few short weeks away from Easter which means egg hunts! I found a great idea this year of putting glow sticks in and around the yard for a nighttime hunt.  We are also going to get the solar paint and make a small mark of some of the eggs to light up the eggs a bit more. I would love to hear what interesting ways you have done egg hunts!

Mini vacation weekend-Atlanta, Georgia

This weekend we are in Atlanta, Georgia at the World of Coca-Cola!

I was not sure that it would be great for our six year old but we took the chance and could not have been happier. After watching a short film you are released into the rest of the building to explore on your own path. Our first stop was to see the Coca-Cola polar bear-he was so realistic and spent time with each child...it was the highlight of my trip watching my daughter interact with the life like bear.

After a short visit it was time to visit another area to see how things are bottled and prepared-my daughter had a ton of questions and was very intrigued to see how things were done in the past. In another room we also were able to hold the Olympic torch which is such a special treat! My husbands favorite room by far was the vault:

We were able to explore and learn more about the trusted secret along with an art room and many other rooms filled with facts and information-who knew a soda factory could be so fun!  After a day of exploring it was time for our final stop-the tasting room. It is a large room of soda from around the world that you can try along with the new free style machine.

We had so much fun comparing sodas from all over the world and picking our favorite! It was such a fun family day full of interesting facts and memories. My daughter still talks about my husband "setting off the coke alarm" in the fault room-if you visit be sure to stay off the yellow line! 

Valentine's Weekend

Can you believe we are only a few days away from Valentine's Day! I know some of you are still looking for a few last minute crafts. My daughter and I decided to create this adorable and simple craft. If you do have any puzzle pieces laying around you can always trace some on cardboard. Have a wonderful Valentines Day!

Disney on Ice-Let's Celebrate is coming to town!

Can you believe it is that magical time of year when we can step into Disney without leaving our very own town?

This year Disney on Ice is presenting Let's Celebrate- here is what they have to say about the show:

"It’s one colossal party on ice, with all your favorite Disney friends at Disney On Ice presents Let’s Celebrate! Presented by YoKids Organic Yogurt. Join Mickey Mouse, Minnie Mouse, Donald and Goofy as they celebrate a Very Merry Unbirthday Party with Alice and the Mad Hatter; a Royal Valentine’s Day Ball with your favorite Disney Princesses, including Cinderella, Ariel, Belle and Tiana; a Hawaiian luau with Lilo & Stitch; a whole new world with Jasmine and Aladdin; a winter wonderland with Woody, Jessie and Buzz Lightyear; a Halloween haunt with the Disney villains and more in a magical medley of holidays, celebrations and festivities from around the globe. Come join the celebration you’ve been waiting for when Disney On Ice presents Let’s Celebrate! skates into your hometown!"

I am most excited for the vilians!

 

It is not to late to get your tickets online or at the box office-see you at the show! 

Betty Crocker cookie time!

I am not usually a big baker but this year my daughter has to bring in 4 dozen homemade treats for school-eek! So I began the search for something wonderfully simple that would make me look like I spend hours in the kitchen. Here is what I found:

The recipe can be found at Better Crocker here.  It is such a delightfully simple treat that looks beyond adorable! I cannot wait to show up with my two dozen brownies!

Now I also need two dozen cookies and found this little gem at Betty Crocker once again!

This one does not look as simple as a quick cut but we are going to try our best! What cookie recipes are your go to for the holiday season?

Perfect End to Black Friday Shopping

Have you ever tried Not Your Father's Root Beer? We stumbled across them at a local brewery show last year in Cleveland, Ohio. We were not lucky enough to have them in our area until I came across in our local Meijer! To make an end to a long Friday of shopping we decided to celebrate with root beer floats with a twist!

If you have not tried it is beyond delicious- a little vanilla ice cream and Root beer make the perfect grown up ice cream float!

Thanksgiving Table idea

As we approach the holiday I am always on the look out for easy ideas that make it look like I have it together! This year we are doing a "I am thankful" white paper table cover instead of the traditional table cloth. If you also are going this route look at the amazing crayon/marker holder ideas I have found!

Enjoy the holiday season!

Great Thanksgiving teacher gift idea!

As many of you know I love the holidays! My favorite part is trying to match the best gift with each person. This year my daughter has three teachers so we were looking for something affordable and unique for Thanksgiving.

Look what I came across: An entire site full of great affordable ideas!
http://thanksgivingcrafts.net/thanksgiving-arts-and-crafts-projects.html

I personally like the jar filled with candy-although I think we will do a mason jar and I will have my daughter write why she is thankful for her teacher on feathers.


Hope you have a wonderful Thanksgiving season!

Brick or treat Legoland Adventures!

It's my favorite holiday-Halloween! This year my little fashionista decided to Chesire Kitty from Ever After High.

We decided to visit Legoland this year for their annual brick or treat bash! It was a great time filled with dancing, music, candy, and awesome Halloween legos! Look at this amazing guy made from Legos:

My daughter's favorite part was Wanda's dance party in the sea life aquarium which is included in the admission price:

Overall the event was  a nice time. It was a bit crowded so if you are traveling far for this event I highly suggest getting all of the park done in the morning and just focusing on the Halloween events in the evening. The Lego Friends are even out at night for more one on one dance party fun!

It was a great trip for the memory books-a must see for all the lego fans big and small :)

Legoland Adventures

We are onto our next state California! Of course while we were in Anaheim we had to visit Legoland! My daughter absolutely loves Lego Friends and could not wait to get to Heart Lake city!  Upon arrival we were greeted by in her words "the most amazing thing on the planet!"

After that we made our way around the park and played a few games-I love how easy it was for her to win and did not feel it was a "money maker" like most parks. At the duck pond she picked up this adorable new friend:

You even have the option to trade in for a larger prize but we thought he was just right :)
 We then made our way to the race track where you can earn your very own drivers license and of course had the famous Granny's Apples! Finally after a day of adventures we arrived in Heart Lake City just in time for the live concert!

What a wonderful show-the girls even came down to dance with the kids and really make them feel special. We ended our time in Heart Lake city with a meet and greet- of course they made my daughter feel so special and even took time to help her name her new cat :)
 

  While at Legoland don't forget to grab some figurines to trade with staff members and at stations in the park-such a wonderful time! Stay tuned for my Brick or Treat coverage!

Disneyland Day 2

As we wrap up our Disneyland adventure I would like to share a bit from the main park. We were lucky enough to visit during Halloween and the 60th diamond celebration!

The park is full of so many wonderful things and was a great closing to our daughter's "princess phase". I loved watching her light up as we explored the castle and learn more about sleeping beauty-can you believe you get to go inside!

We were also lucky enough to be there for the Halloween party and experience the villains-what a rare treat for any Disney fan!

Between the parades, characters, and rides we were able to see that little magic spark inside come back in our daughter's eyes. She went from "Is that a costume" to "Oh my there is Maleficent".  Even if we only got to live in the moment for one day I am forever grateful to Disney and this experience for allowing her to be little if only for the day.  We did not check our phones, we did not play on any electronics, we did not read "big girl magazines" instead we both picked out a perfect set of ears and frolicked around the park looking for adventure. For one day we got the chance to believe in fairies and magical pixie dust and I would not trade a second. Until next time-enjoy your little ones they will never be as small as they are today!

Disneyland Travels-California Adventure Park

California here we come! Of course a stop on our list has to be Disneyland-more specifically Radiator Springs!

I am not sure who was more excited to visit my daughter or my husband and I! We absolutely love cars and Cars Land is a must do in my opinion!  The detail and time put into each area was amazing. We even had lunch at Flo's!

I think the highlight was seeing Mcqueen and Mater switch places and actually drive down the streets of radiator springs while pulling into the cozy cone!

We also had the chance to visit during the 60th anniversary which was amazing. The world of color show is incredible-hard to imagine it is water and lights-look at this amazing image from the show:

Overall the park was perfect. We had a short wait for all the characters and rides. Each section of the park offered just the right amount to do without being overwhelming. To end a perfect visit we even had a "sink" of ice cream-yours to keep!