tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30182160665252167522024-03-08T03:33:19.109-08:00Stay N Abroad7 Kids and Traveling - Tips From a Resourceful MomAnonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16440928674396578227noreply@blogger.comBlogger59125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3018216066525216752.post-45390802104471433762015-11-12T22:12:00.001-08:002015-11-12T22:12:03.867-08:007 Books that make Perfect Souvenirs<span style="font-size: large;">Books, Books, Everywhere</span><br />
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When I went to Boston, I found myself picking up books everywhere--one on John Quincy Adams after going on the John Adams house tour, one on Judge Sewall after seeing the famous mural in the state capital. I even read <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1118277600/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=1118277600&linkCode=as2&tag=stnal-20" target="_blank">Make Way for Ducklings</a> to my children before visiting the statues in Boston Common. I realized I was grabbing books from the library about the Revolutionary War, the Pilgrims at Plymouth, and the War of 1812 (thanks to a trip to the USS Constitution) for my children at different age levels. <br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>Wait. . .I'd done this before?</b></span><br />
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When I got home, I realized that this was not the first time I had bought books from different places on different vacation. Books made perfect souvenirs and enhanced the experience of the vacation. Most of the books were educational (often science or history based) or historic fiction, but a few were just plain fun. And for my toddler aged children, the books were powerful memory makers as I would read to them and say "remember when. . ." <br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>Top 7 List</b></span><br />
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1--<a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1602190038/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=1602190038&linkCode=as2&tag=stnal-20" target="_blank">Good Night Boston</a>--this series includes many major cities like New York and Washington DC as well as more generic destinations like the beach. This is my favorite "remember when we saw..." books to read to my toddlers.<br />
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2--Magic Treehouse--This series has a book for just about every destination including Earthquake in the Early Morning (San Francisco); Buffalo Before Breakfast (Native Americans); Civil War on Sunday including Clara Barton; Revolutionary War on Wednesday: Twister on Tuesday (Westward Expansion); Thanksgiving on Thursday; High Tide in Hawaii; A Good Night For Ghosts (New Orleans) just to name a few. In addition to the fiction series, they also offer companion books that teach the history including Abraham Lincoln, the American Revolution, and Colonial Life of the Pilgrims.<br />
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3--The American Girls Felicity Series and A Haunting in Williamsburg by Lou Kassem--When visiting the historic triangle area of Virginia, these books enhance the experience and make a historic site a virtual playground.<br />
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4--Witch of Blackbird Pond by Elizabeth Speare and The Slave Dancer by Paula Fox. If you are bringing middle schoolers on your vacation, these Newbery Award books provide a teens view into colonial life including the dangers and hardships of life.<br />
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5--Capital Mysteries--If you are visiting Washington DC, these mystery books can add a dash of excitement and silly for kids around age 7. But beware, these are whacky and adventurous plot lines, not award winning literature.<br />
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6--Curious George and the Hot Air Balloon--In this classic book, Curious George inadvertently flies over Mt. Rushmore. For a family with younger kids, this is a must pick up souvenir when visiting the famous monument.<br />
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7--Wonders of America Series--From the Grand Canyon to Niagara Falls and everything in between this series offers a book on dozens of famous sights at a beginning reading level. Geared for ages 4-6, these book give the educational background easy enough for a preschooler to understand. You can pick up a book before you go to prepare your child or afterward to preserve the memory. These are the preschool version of the Good Night books featured earlier in this post.<br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>To Deepen and Remember</b></span><br />
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Books can deepen the experience of many vacation destinations and help preserve memories. They can help kids prepare for a destination. They can be educational. They can add a bit of whimsy or mystery to the vacation. And they can provide a memory to be shared every time they read that book again including to their own kids decades from now.<br />
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My list includes books we read on our cross country trip. What books would you recommend?<br />
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08006421213613931529noreply@blogger.com16tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3018216066525216752.post-89242902370664603542015-10-11T22:53:00.001-07:002015-11-25T21:48:50.543-08:00Cleft Baby at Disneyland--7 Steps to a Happy Baby Disney VacationTaking a 7-month-old baby to Disneyland requires extra planning and at least a little bit of an adventurous spirit. Taking that same baby with a cleft palate requires a lot of extra planning and gutsy parents (bordering on daredevil recklessness). But with an extended family vacation planned for over a year, we didn't have a choice but to pack up and make it work. And we are so GLAD we did. Here are 7 tips that made our Disney vacation with baby so much easier:<br />
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1--The Shows Are Equal to the Rides--this is true whether you have a baby or not. Planning on a few shows and street performances not only gives you a break from the rides but allows you access to Disney quality productions. We watched the electrical parade (thanks for blowing a kiss our way, Elsa), the fireworks, World of Color at DCA (my boys went crazy when BB8 came on), and my favorite, Aladdin. The Genie was a stand up comedian with zingy one liners that even my teens were quoting all week. Add to that the incredible costuming and special effects and we just saw a performance equal to the price of admission. The theater was air conditioned (did I mention it was 95 when we went) and gave everyone a much needed break in the day.<br />
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2--Pumping in the Park--in previous blog posts I've mentioned breastfeeding throughout the parks (its not hard). But with my cleft affected baby, I exclusively pump. I found trying to find an outlet when it was pumping time to be difficult (probably because I was chasing toddlers). My backpack pump has a battery operated adapter, which was a life saver. That meant I could pump in the middle of a playground (we love Redwood Creek Challenge and Goofy's house) or even when standing in line. The 10 minute wait to get into the park became a prime pumping opportunity. I just recommend wearing your easiest pumping shirts. For those a little more timid, both parks have amazing child care facilities where you can pump or feed baby including an assortment of baby food and formulas for sale. I did pump at DCA's baby center while my kids indulged with Dad at Ghiradelli's. It was kind of a win-win.<br />
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3--Cover those Ears--many of the rides are too loud for baby. We just put our hands over baby's ears and let her enjoy the moving parts at half the volume. Parents with sensitive toddlers might want to consider bringing ear plugs.<br />
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4--Bring a Sling and a Stroller--Disney without a stroller isn't adventurous, its just plain crazy. But in addition to a stroller, a good baby carrier can make life much easier. Strollers don't go in lines and baby may want to be held from time to time (they are funny like that). With younger babies, I use a bjorn but I've heard positives about lots of wraps. For a 5+ month baby, I use a seven sling (www.sevenslings.com). It folds into my diaper bag and costs around $12 with a coupon code. My baby probably averaged 6-7 hours in the sling. The sling also kept me be hands free.<br />
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5--Lower Your Expectations--Disneyland is suppose to be the happiest place on earth but based on some people's faces, they need to add xanax into the drinking fountains. The problem is unrealistic expectations. We managed not only to have near record heat, but also near record crowds for a late September Wednesday. On a day the park should have been empty, it was packed and humid hot. It was so busy, Disney extended park hours (I didn't know they would even do that). Did this ruin our vacation--of course, not. We had a general plan and changed it up as necessary. With a baby in tow (and we had 3 kids age 4 and under), you have to be flexible and not try to see and do everything in one trip. Relax, enjoy it. Go on a few rides, watch a few shows, take a break and come back or sit at a playground.<br />
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6--Extra Outfit--With any baby this is a possibility, but our little cleft cutie has a way of spitting food out her nose. Between that and the unpredictable diaper region, an extra onesie (or two) in the diaper bag is just common sense.<br />
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7--Shade Oriented--Whether it is hot or not, Disney is almost always sunny and younger babies can't wear sunblock. I found myself constantly positioning baby to be in the shade (fortunately plenty of shade abounds). This included where I parked my stroller and how I stood in line. Some babies do great in a hat (mine yanks one off and screams). And don't forget to watch for little toes that stick out of baby carriers and strollers--those little piggies could get sunburn. With a good afternoon nap, we were able to stay up late (who wants to miss fireworks anyway) knowing baby was safe with the sun already set.<br />
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Do you have any baby tips?Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08006421213613931529noreply@blogger.com62tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3018216066525216752.post-15281044112995311892013-08-07T16:23:00.000-07:002013-08-07T16:23:14.462-07:007 Ways Disney World is Better than Disneyland<span style="font-size: large;">A "Tail" of Two Disney's</span><br />
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I love Disneyland--love it. I can't wait to see the new Cars land with my 4-year-old boy. I love how intimate and compact Disneyland and California Adventures are and the number of kid rides in Fantasyland, Toon Town, and throughout the DCA park. I like the weather in California and the less crowded, more laid back atmosphere.<br />
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But Disney World is quite different. It offers four main parks to California's two. It covers significantly more acreage and is practically it's own city with multiple resorts and a ginormous Downtown Disney, not to mention two water parks. Disney World is grandeur. Not everything at Disney World is bigger and better than it's Californian brother (or sister?), but some things definitely are.<br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">#1--Epcot</span>--really this should be reasons 1-3. If Disneyland had Epcot, I would never travel to Florida again (at least not for Disney parks). Epcot has two innoventions where families can explore and create all sorts of technology including designing and then riding their own roller coaster. It offers rides/shows on imagination, hydroponic farming (my husband was so inspired he experiments in our backyard as seen at <a href="http://youtube.com/geekgreens" target="_blank">geekgreens</a>), energy, space (you might want to ride Mission: Space before lunch), and history. There are plenty of hidden, interactive playgrounds (anyone want to try their hand at virtual surgery?) largely found at the end of major rides. The rest of the park exhibits countries from around the world including native street vendors and acts demonstrating each culture. Not to mention the sheer number of characters including Mexico Donald Duck (our 8-year-old's favorite). Our family loved eating our way around the countries--cheese and bread in France, sushi in Japan, dumplings in China, and don't forget you can try FREE soda flavors from these countries at Club Cool located in the West Pavilion. On our trip, we spent two days at Epcot and still didn't see everything. One note: many blogs rave about the passport stamps little ones can collect from the Epcot countries. We did not see the fun in that as it was just a cardboard bear with stamps and was just another thing to carry around. <br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">#2--Water Parks</span>--My children's favorite part is usually the motel swimming pool. And frankly, after a few days in the parks, I'm ready for a day of swimming and relaxing pool side. The Water Parks offer the relaxing experience and so much more. Typhoon Lagoon has an incredible kiddie area and monster wave pool, not to mention the shark snorkel tank for older kids/adults and endless sand for the younger crowd. Blizzard Beach is an older elementary child's dream with plenty of slides, a ski lift, a family raft ride, and a long lazy river. Add to that the bucket of ice cream (large enough to feed an entire family) and you have the perfect break.<br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">#3--Hollywood Studios</span>--For movie buffs, this is a must and combines some of the best of Disneyland and DCA. Rides include the famous Rock n Roller Coaster, Tower of Terror, Star Tours, Pixar rides, and hollywood movie making shows and rides. The Car Stunt Show is legendary and breathtaking. The evening show, Fantasmics, is my personal favorite. Plus they have Star Wars weekends in May which is one of the few times adults are allowed to come in costume to the park. The good (and bad) of this park is the shows are amazing so your plans revolve around show times with rides and character greets as secondary. Another hidden gem is the Bug's Life playground which encourages exploration and is a needed break from sitting through shows or waiting in lines. <br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">#4--Surrounding Parks</span>--both Southern California and Central Florida boast an extensive list of non-Disney parks (some are at both locations some are at only one) including Sea World, Universal Studios, Knotts Berry Farms, Legoland, Busch Gardens, San Diego Zoo, Kennedy Space Center, etc. For many families (especially those with animal lovers or teens) will want to spend some time at these other locations. Why does Florida win this round? Primarily because of Universal's Islands of Adventures (Harry Potter World and Marvel Island), Sea World's Discovery Cove, and the Kennedy Space Center (though pricey is unlike anything in California). <br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">#5--Dining</span>--My biggest complaint about Disneyland is that it does not have a dining plan. It also has vastly fewer dining options that Disney World. Disney World's dining plan (which is often free in September) takes a lot of the hassle out of eating in an expensive amusement park. Instead of sweating the cost of a character dining (14 options in Florida compared to 5 in California), the table service dining plan covers it as well as a plethora of other options. The real highlight is dining inside the iconic castle with all the princesses! Setting aside the dining plan, the options at Disney World are incredible. Epcot in particular features food from around the world and a large food court called Sunshine Seasons (one of our favorite spots). Tusker House at Animal Kingdom (which is not well rated but our family enjoyed it) offered a mix of American food and African specialties. However, for those who like to eat off property, Disneyland's smaller size and proximity to Anaheim restaurants make it easier to dine elsewhere especially since a large number of motels offer a complimentary breakfast (mediocre food but good on a budget). <br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">#6--Character Experiences-</span>-My biggest surprise at Disney World compared to Disneyland was the sheer number of characters signing autographs and posing for pictures. Our family places rides and shows (and even shopping) above meeting characters, so our son only had a couple of autographs outside of a character dining at Disneyland. However, he collected several signatures with little effort at Disney World. Aside from Star Wars characters we saw on Star Wars weekend, our favorite was Balloo and King Louie from the Jungle Book found at Animal Kingdom.<br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">#7--Shows</span>--Part of the magic of Disney is that they are more than just rides, they have plenty of excellent shows. While at Disneyland, we enjoyed the afternoon parade and evening show and Jedi Training. There were also a couple of other shows that we passed on. But at Disney World, we had to schedule some of our days around the shows, especially Hollywood Studios, because the quality and number of shows were too amazing to pass up. My personal favorite was the Lion King show at Animal Kingdom (think circus acts). Hollywood Studios is know for the Car Stunt Show, Indiana Jones Stunt Show, a broadway style play--Beauty and the Beast when we visited, and Fantasmics at night (not including two parades and an evening Star Wars dance show). The other parks were similarly filled with show options that had to be weighed against dining options, rides, shopping, pin trading, and bathroom breaks.<br />
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Even for those who live on the west coast, a trip to Florida is well worth it especially when Disney World is offering deeply discounted rates. Just don't make the mistake of comparing Magic Kingdom to Disneyland. The real magic in Florida (compared to California) is found in the other parks. Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08006421213613931529noreply@blogger.com20tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3018216066525216752.post-61124648004765633662013-07-31T23:44:00.002-07:002013-07-31T23:44:37.537-07:00The Unofficial Guide to Disney World and Disneyland--A ReviewAny serious Disney vacation requires planning and there is no better place than the <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1118277562/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=1118277562&linkCode=as2&tag=stnal-20">Unofficial Guides</a> series. Don't let the size of these books scare you (close to 400 pages for Disneyland and over 800 for <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1118277562/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=1118277562&linkCode=as2&tag=stnal-20">Disney World</a>). Instead, let their size inspire you. They provide a comprehensive look at every ride, show, restaurant, shop, and more in amazing detail. The first chapters include powerful insights on when to take a vacation (beat the crowds and the heat), how to prepare (start walking now), and how to make your vacation enjoyable (so everyone's not crying at the parks). Later chapters explain how to plan your touring schedule (i.e. your rides, parades, and shows) to maximize your time and minimize your line waits and provides exhaustive detail about each ride to help you determine if you should add it or skip it on your family's itinerary (including reasons why you might want to skip the Snow White ride). And because these books are unofficial, they have no agenda in promoting a specific part of Disney. They even include chapters on the competition. <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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When I planned my family vacations, I heavily skimmed these books, but did not read every word (I'm not even crazy enough to read 800 pages). The obvious boast of the books is the touring plans that help you avoid crowds so you go on far more rides than the average line-waiting tourists. Even for those who have been to Disney before, these touring plans will change the way you look at the parks. They offer quick maps with the order of rides easily listed as well as long explanations in the chapters on how they created their tours and ways to adapt them. Because they offer more than one touring plan, it is easy to find one that works for your family. They even have a late start plan for Disney World for those of us who suffer from the time zone (its impossible to wake up earlier than the European vacationers but easy to stay up later). </div>
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The touring plans alone are worth the read but are really only half the value of the book. The tips on food, motels, and time of the year can significantly change the outcome of a Disney vacation. Many of my friends see Disney as an overpriced, overstressed vacation because they go mid-Summer with no plan for rides which means long lines, hot and tired children, constant arguments over the map as to where to go next, and poor motel accommodations or dining options. A simple read of this book would avoid most if not all of those problems. Especially for those who go to Disney World on the Dining Plan, you need to read through your meal options and make at least some reservations, especially character dining. Otherwise, you will miss some of the best experiences the parks have to offer. </div>
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The authors also include candid complaints about their books from readers. The most common is that families with <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1118277600/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=1118277600&linkCode=as2&tag=stnal-20">small children</a> cannot possibly follow the touring plans--too many bathroom breaks and the time required to parent swap which means going on large rides twice. I found the complaints to be helpful in my own planning as I saw how real people felt about different parts of the advice and then better decide what would work for my family. Also, they recognize that not everyone can take advantage of their ideas and try to offer tips on how to still have an enjoyable vacation.<br /><div>
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And you must get the latest edition! I cannot stress this point enough. Disney is constantly changing with new rides and new rules--especially for fastpass. That means last year's book is already outdated and will only give you a general idea of how to navigate the park better than your fellow mouse enthusiasts. Frankly, with the addition of a new Fantasy Land at Disney World's Magic Kingdom and Cars Land at Disneyland's California Adventures, the latest edition is more necessary than ever.</div>
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Finally, this series does more than merely cover the parks themselves. They also provide incredible insight into the surrounding area. For Disneyland, most guests stay off property, so the chapter comparing and reviewing motels is significant. Once again, the latest edition will best guide you in what motels are under new management or have undergone a remodel in the last year. For Disney World, the surrounding parks (including Universal) are covered extensively. For my family, Universal's Islands of Adventures (think Harry Potter World) was more important than Disney properties and I found this Unofficial Guide to be invaluable. </div>
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You cannot beat this book in planning your next Disney vacation. Even if you only grab one the night before and look at the map with the rides in a suggested order you will have a more enjoyable vacation. But to plan a successful Disney trip, grab a book a few months in advance and enjoy reading it while you plan and anticipate your upcoming trip. </div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08006421213613931529noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3018216066525216752.post-84874366621292597182012-08-07T20:32:00.006-07:002012-08-07T20:32:38.089-07:00Taking Kids to Yellowstone--10 things to see and doMy husband loves Yellowstone National Park, it's probably his favorite national park. I have to admit, it offers a stunning variety of things to see and do. But it is a lot of driving (which can be hard on little ones). It also takes several days making it a vacation in itself rather than a weekend or a stop along the way (I think that is why my husband likes it so much). National reviews frequently pit Yellowstone against the Grand Canyon as the two best parks in the states and possibly the world. The argument is always the one hit breathtaking grandeur versus the multiple unique features Yellowstone offers. And Yellowstone offers a staggering number of things to see and do. Here are some of our favorites.<br />
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#1--Mammoth--ever changing, these hot springs sculpt step like formations into the soft limestone. The hot springs flow differently from moment to moment much less year to year, so you will never see the same formation twice. Even the colors change.<br />
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#2--Old Faithful--Erupting every 60-90 minutes (be sure to check the schedule in the visitor center), this is the most famous of the geysers at Yellowstone. Along the boardwalk are several other geysers, many of which erupt most days. Down the road is my husband's favorite, Grand Primatic Spring. The sheer size of this geyser is incredible with plenty of colored and boiling pools to see as you explore this area (little ones should be strapped in strollers, tightly tethered, or in a sling as this area is very dangerous for those who wander a few steps off the boardwalk). Yellowstone has roughly 60% of the world's geysers with miles of boardwalks to wander.<br />
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#3--Upper and Lower Falls--with multiple viewing areas, these grand falls with incredible elevation drops have inspired artists and tourists alike. Keep your eyes open for large birds (such as eagles) and their nests. <br />
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#4--Swimming at the rivers--Yellowstone boasts two swimming holes which quickly became our kids' favorites. The first is by Mammoth and is where the Boiling River meets the icy Gardner. Parking is near the 45th parallel sign (a fun fact in itself). The walk is close to a mile but is more of a nature stroll than a hike. The fun of this place is finding the spot where the two meet to form warm water. The other spot is along the Madison River in western Yellowstone. Though a little chilly (even in July), this spot offers a large stretch to play with plenty of shallow shoreline. There are changing rooms in the bathrooms and be sure to bring your own towels.<br />
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#5--Wildlife--Buffalo, elk, and deer are frequent sights with bears, moose, and eagles (or other large preying birds) a possibility. And, of course, the baby animals are adorable. The Lamar Valley (in the northeast) and Hayden Valley (in the east) are great areas to see the elusive bears. Watch for people with scopes set up (many of them will let you take a peek). The Madison River and Yellowstone Lake also offer good wildlife viewing opportunities. Did I mention elk love the Mammoth area? Frankly, it is hard to visit Yellowstone without seeing wildlife. <br />
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#6--Visitor Centers--The fact that Yellowstone offers 3 major visitor centers (each with a different emphasis) shows how varied and large this park really is. For museum kids (like mine) that like to learn, explore, and touch, these visitor centers provide an incredible education and an air conditioned break from walking along boardwalks or riding in the car. Some even feature a junior area for younger children with plenty of hands-on opportunities. Ambitious families can do the junior ranger program (which is more difficult to earn here because of the vast park size) including attending a ranger program (which can be highly enjoyable). <br />
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#7--Chief Joseph Plaque--this is one of the many hidden gems of Yellowstone (the petrified trees, horseback riding, the obsidian cliffs, the 45th parallel line sign are other great ones). This particular plaque made my list because it highlights the peoples of Yellowstone. Learning of Native Americans growing up, I had heard the story of Chief Joseph but as an adult I could better appreciate the cat-and-mouse game between the army and his people through the canyons and geysers of Yellowstone (with 2000 horses). As you drive through, be sure to stop at a few of the signs to learn what most people miss.<br />
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#8--Firehole Drive--Another of my husband's favorites, this loop is located in the geyser basin and takes you to some of the lesser seen geysers. Many are small with plenty of variations in color and size. The sheer number of geysers you pass as you drive (and you are welcome to stop and stroll along the boardwalks) is impressive. This is also a nice way to stay in an air conditioned car, not waking the sleeping toddler, and still enjoy Yellowstone.<br />
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#9--Hiking/Nature Walking--Like most national parks, a few hikes allows a more intense exploration of nature. Yellowstone offers plenty of family friendly hikes including the miles of boardwalk along the geyser basins, Norris, and mammoth, hiking to observation points of upper and lower falls, the mud pots, the artist paint pots, the boiling river walk (with swimming at the end), and too many to list. <br />
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#10--Mud Pots--As if geysers, grizzly bears, and waterfalls were not enough, watching boiling mud that smells like a boys locker room is truly something else. <br />
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08006421213613931529noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3018216066525216752.post-41981342556988985812012-07-21T03:55:00.006-07:002012-07-21T04:08:19.439-07:00Top 10 Attractions at the Wizarding World of Harry Potter<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">The Wizarding World Of Harry Potter</span><br />
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Though most blogs will tell you to visit Harry Potter at the end of the day when crowds have died down, I knew I wanted to be there for several hours, so that meant rushing early in the morning. Because we went in May (off-season), we only had moderate crowds (around 20 minute waits for most major rides). And I am glad I didn't wait until the end of the day because we were there for 5 hours including lunch. There is just too much to see and do to try to rush through the last two hours before park close. Afterwards, I practically wanted to frame my receipts--The Three Broomsticks, Dervish and Banges, Honeydukes, Filch's Emporium. It was the best commercial day of my life which is why I have a top 10 list for this park within a park.<br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">#1--The Castle</span>-- I forced myself to walk to the castle past the enticing shops, into Filch's emporium, through the locker room and right into the inside line for the castle (the outside line is technically for the lockers though sometimes employees force everyone to wait in it). Why didn't I need a locker? With a baby, we were always using the parent swap, so all our bags just hung from the stroller throughout the day with one parent or the other (everyone else will need to store their bags and with too few lockers, that can add to your wait times). If you think the castle looks extraordinary from the outside, wait until you see the inside. Knowing I wouldn't have time to do it twice, I took my time moving through the tour, allowing impatient groups to go ahead. There are mandrakes in the greenhouse, potions in Snape's dungeon, a sorting hat, and more. And then there is the ride at the end of the tour. Shaped like a broomstick, you fly through various of intense adventures from the book (I only screamed when the giant spider moved). My only disappointments is the ride is very jerky (more than one patron has lost his butterbeer on the ride) and the interior castle is dark enough that it is difficult to make out all the fine detail or take good pictures. As for the mom swap room--air conditioned with a continual loop of Potter movies.</div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">#2--The Hogs Head</span>--this is my Potter hack. No need to stand in the blistering heat in a 45 minute butterbeer line. Simply waltz into the Hogs Head and order at the counter from a "gruff" barman. It comes chilled or frozen and you will probably want to sample both to see which you like more (I prefer frozen). Normally we drink water at amusement parks to save money, but here we splurged and let each child order their own (twice, once at the beginning of our Potter day and once at the end 5 hours later). Well worth the money. If you have bags on the stroller, go ahead and order one in a souvenir cup as a special memory (since storing it the rest of the day won't be an issue). Fortunately, our daughter found a recipe to replicate it at home. We also tried pumpkin juice (from an outdoor cart) which was only okay. Soda is not served at Potter World, but milk, juice (besides just pumpkin), and other approved Potter beverages like butterbeer are available. <br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">#3--Ollivander's</span>--a demonstration (show) rather than a ride, this magical shop allows one lucky participant to test out wands. The actor is extraordinary and sweetly spoke to my son (who had not been chosen for the demonstration) and helped him pick a wand as well. At $30, the wands are pricey but good quality with a staggering variety (both named wands like <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000BVYQ9Y/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=stnal-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B000BVYQ9Y">Hermione</a> or Bellatrix as well as generic wands). Both my sons picked generic wands and my only complaint is that they do not sell a Mrs. Weasley wand. This shop is connected to the owl post which will stamp and actually mail your postcards from Hogsmeade.<br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">#4--Shopping</span>--I spent over an hour going through the different shops looking at the shirts, toys (sneakascopes and the monster book of monsters are both big sellers), stuffed animals, wands, cups, movies, quidditch supplies, <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0545162076/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=stnal-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=0545162076">books</a>, scarves, robes, and more. The stuffed animal collection had my son enchanted--<a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B008CQ2R64/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=stnal-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B008CQ2R64">Buckbeak</a>, Scabbers, Hedwig, Pigwidgeon, Fluffy, Fawkes. There were plenty of items for each of the houses at Hogwarts and my favorite shirts--muggle and wizard ones (since I married a muggle). Outside the shops were dazzling animated window displays. The only problem is that the shops are small (authentic to the books) which makes them hard to navigate especially with a stroller and easily overcrowded. Filch's Emporium, which is the only exit to the castle ride is constantly wall-to-wall people. Also note, the stores along Universal's Citywalk carry many Potter items like wands for those wishing to pick up their items at the end of the day. <br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">#5-- The Three Broomsticks</span>--with the triangle symbol of three brooms, this cafeteria style restaurant is the obvious lunch stop. On a nice day, eat outside with a spectacular view of the lake and other islands. Kid meals (and frankly adults meals as well) are reasonably priced and the menu reflects a British diner--fish and chips, shepherd's pie, cornish pasties. This is not fast food with fairly large portions (I couldn't finish mine but then again I had already had two butterbeers). And you can't eat at The Three Broomsticks anywhere else. For Potter nuts, this is a must-do for lunch.<br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">#6--Honeydukes</span>--We spent a good deal of money here (in part because my daughter has a <a href="http://cooking.staynalive.com/2012/06/5-foods-in-harry-potter-world.html">cooking blog</a> with a review of Potter foods). We were full from our Three Broomsticks lunch so with the exception of a cauldron cake we packed these items into our suitcases. The Chocolate Frogs are gigantic and the most fun item to open and collect the cards but the chocolate is low quality and they are so large you can only buy one or two (let the fight for the cards begin). The Sugar Quills were gigantic lollipops (perfect a week later, at home). Every Flavor Beans were probably the crowd favorite with a good mix of delicious and disgusting flavors (ear wax flavor, anyone?). And Peppermint Imps were surprisingly delicious (wish we had bought an extra box of those). Our only real disappointment was the cauldron cake which was like an okay cupcake. They also sell a wide variety of other sweets including non-Potter related goodies like fudge. Though butterbeer was my favorite Potter treat, a few purchases in Honeydukes is a must (did I mention how much we liked the Every Flavor Beans and the Peppermint Imps?).<br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">#7--Flight of the Hipogriff</span> (Hagrid's Roller Coaster)--Meant to simulate Buckbeak's flight, this junior roller coaster was my 4-year-old's favorite ride in Orlando (including all of Disney World). In addition to being a great junior coaster, the line loops past Hagrid's Hut and Buckbeak's nest. This is also the only ride younger children (but no toddlers) can go on at Potter World and there is no playground. I recommended the talking at Lost Continent or Seuss Island to entertain little ones while older children experience the rest of Potter World. <br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">#8--Twin Dragons</span>--These full sized roller coasters (must be 55 inches to ride) are different from each other so both should be ridden. Unlike the fairly tame flight of a hippogriff, these coasters represent the power of two dragons--one Hungarian, one Chinese. Though they are no longer synchronized with the illusion of crashing into each other, these roller coasters still offer full sized thrills (the fireball was our favorite). <br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">#9--The Hogwarts Express</span>--at the entrance is the engine of the train with its own platform--9 3/4. Be sure to grab you photo with the conductor at this iconic scene. Lockers are also located here if you want to store your luggage. <br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">#10--Moaning Mrytle</span> (and other little touches)--Potter World is magical with incredible attention to details including snow on the rooftops, animated wanted posters of Sirius Black, and a famous ghost in the bathroom--Moaning Mrytle. Not only girls can hear her complaints as she splashes in and out of her toilet, but the boys get enjoy this ghost as well.<br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">A Note for Muggles</span><br />
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Those who are sadly not Potter fans will probably find this island overcrowded and easily completed in a couple of hours (I recommend the twin dragon coasters, castle ride, and a butterbeer to anyone visiting Universal even if they have never read a Potter book or watched a Potter <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B001UV4XI8/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=stnal-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B001UV4XI8">movie</a>). These guests (known as muggles) should visit this island at the end of the day when crowds have likely thinned. <br />
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As for the rest of us, the Wizarding World of Harry Potter is a well designed amusement park that quickly fills up and provides hours of enjoyment. From rides, to shopping, to food, this is one of the most amazing and magical places ever created allowing fans to step into the books in an extraordinary way. You will not want to miss it on your Orlando vacation. <br />
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<br /></div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08006421213613931529noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3018216066525216752.post-9710546608894964442012-07-14T18:48:00.000-07:002012-07-14T19:00:53.242-07:00Fire Knife Dancers--Hawaii's Best Secret<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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When you think of Hawaii, you think of white sand beaches, surfing, hula girls, and a luau. But the best part of any show is the <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jzDrbJjCDP4&list=UUHnWGrctCnWsHMhkFBSHTAQ&index=9&feature=plcp">fire knife dancers</a> (as seen in this youtube video). And no one knows fire knife dancing better than the Polynesian Cultural Center.<br />
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At their evening production of Ha Breath of Life, the PCC pulls out all the stops with world class dancers (including Tahitian dancers who are often a bigger crowd pleaser than the hula), music, and fire knife dancers (!!!). These men are daring as they sit on a bonfire wearing long grass skirts, twirl double ended fire batons, balance the fire on their feet, swallow it, and "play tricks" on the other dancers. Highly entertaining pyrotechnics that will leave you gasping and wishing for more.<br />
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And for a 2 day engagement, you don't have to go to Hawaii to see the show. It is coming to Utah at the <a href="https://www.facebook.com/polynesia2/app_422329331144088">West Valley Cultural Celebration Center</a>. And tickets are only $10 (far cheaper than the Hawaiian price). Many of these dancers are students at BYU Hawaii and are trained and costumed better than anywhere else in the world. <br />
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My only complaint is the plot only exists as a segue between dance numbers (though some audience members may appreciate a storyline rather than a dancing variety show). Frankly, fewer dance numbers and double the fire knife exhibition would be perfect (but probably overly taxing on the fire dancers). <br />
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Regardless, the fire knife dancers are worth the ticket price alone. <br />
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08006421213613931529noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3018216066525216752.post-88806940318603330542012-07-09T22:07:00.001-07:002012-07-09T22:07:09.502-07:00Universal Islands of Adventures--My #1 Orlando Park<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Disney World was amazing--a-maze-ing. But it is NOT my favorite park in Orlando. That honor goes to the Wizarding World of Harry Potter inside Universal's Islands of Adventures. I consider the mere 5 hours I spent at Wizarding World to be the happiest commercial time of my life. And the rest of the day wasn't too shabby either--Seuss, the Hulk Coaster, river rafts, playgrounds, and a little shopping.</div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">The Experience</span><br />
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Universal has all the magic of Disney (one of only a few theme parks that can make that claim). And frankly, Harry Potter World is so engrossing it outstrips Disney--which I didn't believe was possible. The attention to detail is amazing from the Hogwarts train, to Moaning Mrytle in the bathroom, to the window displays, to every flavor bean, to room after room in the castle. From the moment we stepped into Suess Island on our way to Potter and through the rest of the park, I was continually immersed into the experience each island offers (with 4 boys, superhero and dinosaur islands were also impressive). Another big advantage is Universal's appeal to families with a wider range of ages. With larger coasters and more intense rides for older kids (like Spiderman), to several deluxe playgrounds and Seuss Island for little ones (and most toddlers prefer playgrounds to rides anyway), your entire family can be happily entertained (a major complaint of Disney World is teens are bored at the Magic Kingdom and younger children are uninterested in Epcot and few families feel good about the money they spent to see Animal Kingdom).<br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">The Pricing</span><br />
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Another advantage of Universal is the pricing--not only are park tickets cheaper, but so are meals. Whether you want an all day meal pass (not valid at Harry Potter), or just want to dine where you like, meal prices are often cheaper and kids meals are much cheaper compared to Disney (though portion sizes may also be smaller). On the other hand, Universal is not know for fine dining (outside of Mythos) and Harry Potter treats including chocolate frogs, butterbeer, and pumpkin juice are expensive necessities. All in all, we spent the same at both parks but only because we heavily indulged in Potter foods including several candy items we took home. Fortunately, we learned how to make butterbeer at home. <br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">The Shopping</span><br />
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I also enjoyed the shopping along CityWalk which remarkably resembles California's Downtown Disney (a more intimate shopping experience than the Orlando equivalent). Open later than the park, it offers all the shopping with plenty of specialty stores including Potter merchandise without the hassle of carrying your purchases through the park. It also is a manageable size so you can shop as part of your day. For those who want to shop within the park, there are plenty of specialty shops. I wanted to frame my credit card bill after vacation because it listed such shops as Honeydukes, Filch's Emporium, Zonko's Joke Shop, and Cats, Hats, & Things. <br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">My Big Complaint</span><br />
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My biggest complaints was the lack of a free fastpass system. Unless you stay at their resort, fastpass costs the same as the park ticket (making it much cheaper to stay on-site). After much debate, we decided this was not an option for our family and had to plan our day around the lines. One of the obvious problems with this is that the water raft rides (there are 3 of them) are best in the middle of the afternoon, when you want to get wet and take a break from the heat. That is also when those lines are longest. Other lines were relatively long throughout the day including most of Seuss World and the Pteranodon Flyers, though we generally waited less than 30 minutes for most attractions.<br />
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And though this should be obvious, for those who are not familiar with the characters/movies/books/comics that inspire the islands, this theme park will not be very magical. So those who have never read a Harry Potter book or watched a Marvel superhero movie, this may not be your thing. And though my husband has watched all the Potter movies, he spent his time entertaining our toddler by the talking fountain in Lost Continent and in Seuss Island because he did not want to spend more than an hour in the somewhat claustrophobic Potter World (the poor muggle). <br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Future Wizards</span><br />
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This park was so amazing that I have a top 10 list for the entire park as well as a top 10 list just for Harry Potter. And as my younger children grow and begin to read the Potter series, I have a feeling, we will plan another visit to this incredible place. <br />
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08006421213613931529noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3018216066525216752.post-75551007882790696572012-07-02T01:44:00.004-07:002012-07-02T01:44:57.953-07:0010 Favorite Family Books on Vacation<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Tell me what you read and I'll tell you who you are</span><br />
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Maybe it was the way I was raised. At the end of most vacation days and while on long road trips, my mom (or brother, because he didn't get car sick) would read a book aloud. Several genres were covered, but most memorable was my mother reading every Little House on the Prairie book aloud (Farmer Boy is still my favorite). <br />
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So it isn't really a surprise that books are a big part of our vacations--though we often prefer to get the audio version for car rides instead of having me (the mom) read out loud. On our vacations, each child packs a reading book, an activity book (with puzzles, mazes, games, etc.), the diaper bag is filled with board books, my husband packs his kindle, and I always have a book for myself, and, when possible, an audiobook for the family to enjoy. <br />
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When it comes to road trips, a good book can make the miles pass far more quickly and create an amazing time together. A bad book could makes those same miles unendurable (think Dora). The trick is finding a book that both kids and parents will enjoy.<br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">#1--<a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0739352245/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=stnal-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=0739352245">Harry Potter</a></span>--With seven books in the series, you can drive cross country more than once and never run out of story. Even our preschool aged children have listened to the first few books while our elementary aged children were enchanted. I have read the entire series three times and just finished the third book with my third child. I am still captured by the story and love watching my younger children hear each book for the first time. The audiobooks are well done and the reader uses multiple voices to add more magic to the story. Hands down, this is my first choice to keep everyone happy on a road trip. <br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">#2--Rand McNally's Backseat Books</span>--these activity books are wonderful to keep kids busy, happy, and learning. Younger kids (ages 4-7) will enjoy the <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0528965425/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=stnal-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=0528965425">Best Travel Activity Book Ever</a> with simple mazes, dot-to-dots, and other puzzles in this black-and-white coloring book. Older kids (ages 7-12) will love the full color <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0528965433/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=stnal-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=0528965433">Are We There Yet?</a> book with complicated games, silly songs, interesting factoids, and puzzles. <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0528965484/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=stnal-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=0528965484">Coast to Coast Games</a> is also excellent, but I would avoid the <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0528965441/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=stnal-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=0528965441">Kids' Road Atlas </a>which has far fewer games and puzzles than the other books in the series.<br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">#3--<a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0440421853/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=stnal-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=0440421853">How to Eat Fried Worms</a> and <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0027116905/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=stnal-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=0027116905">Freckle Juice</a>-</span>-for families with younger children (ages 4-8), these books are shorter, simpler, and silly but still give parents a good laugh along with their kids. Be sure to pack some gummy worms or a little freckle juice in the car and your kids will never forget this road trip. <br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">#4--<a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0064400409/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=stnal-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=0064400409">Little House on the Prairie Series</a></span>--based on the opening paragraph of the post, you knew this would make the list. My favorite two books in the series are the first one, Little House in the Big Woods and Farmer Boy (the story of Laura's husband's childhood). From Pa staring down a bear to Ma churning butter to Christmas being only a stick of candy and a doll, your whole family will discover how families survived in the frontier. This series is especially good when driving through America's heartland. <br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">#5--Dr. Seuss</span>--On a recent trip, we had <a href="http://itunes.apple.com/us/app/the-lorax-dr.-seuss/id367260225?mt=8">The Lorax</a> on our iPad. This made the book interactive--almost like an electronic pop-up book. iTunes also offers other classics like Green Eggs and Ham and the Cat in the Hat. After finishing listening to the iPad story, my children begged me to read <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0307931803/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=stnal-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=0307931803">Fox in Socks</a> (a tongue twister book that gets the whole family laughing). My personal favorite is the <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/039484484X/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=stnal-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=039484484X">500 Hats of Bartholomew Cubbins</a> and what is more fitting for vacation than <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0679805273/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=stnal-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=0679805273">Oh, The Places You'll Go</a>. <br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">#6--<a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0142400580/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=stnal-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=0142400580">The Great Brain</a> and <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0375847537/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=stnal-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=0375847537">Indian in the Cupboard</a></span>--aimed at school aged kids, these books teach about ingenuity, daring, and making tough decisions. The characters are often mischievous (that's part of their charm) and the stories are fast paced. These are two classics from my childhood. <br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">#7--<a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1423117107/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=stnal-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=1423117107">Percy Jackson and the Olympians</a></span>--another fantasy book mixing modern times with ancient Greek legends. This adventure series follows a less-than-perfect boy on his quest with frightening monsters and impossible opposition. <br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">#8--<a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1416947205/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=stnal-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=1416947205">Fablehaven</a></span>--this fantasy series is about a brother and sister and their adventures on a magical preserve. With plenty of mystery and magical creatures, this book has plenty of imagination as well as the ups and downs of sibling relationships. Both children make mistakes and have to pay the consequences as well as decide what is really important. <br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">#9--<a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0142402249/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=stnal-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=0142402249">Snow Treasure</a></span>--this adventure book is about a group of children outsmarting the Nazi's. Though not a holocaust book, this story depicts another ugly truth of an invading foreign army. Who wouldn't be rooting for the children through all the twists and turns right up until the unexpected ending? And though hard to prove, the story may actually be based on true events. <br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">#10--<a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0385732554/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=stnal-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=0385732554">The Giver</a></span>--a Newberry Winner, this negative utopia book will keep your kids guessing and provide an incredible teaching moment to discuss the value of individual human life, the role we play in our communities, and the role of government. <br />
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Of course, families with older children can enjoy more mature books like <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0545265355/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=stnal-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=0545265355">The Hunger Games</a>, <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0345340426/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=stnal-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=0345340426">Lord of the Rings</a>, or <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0812550706/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=stnal-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=0812550706">Ender's Game</a>. Because we still have preschoolers in the car, those books will just have to wait. <br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">So in addition to a few electronic devices and a snack, grab a good book on your next family vacation.</span> <br />
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08006421213613931529noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3018216066525216752.post-36718008666555578682012-06-27T23:24:00.000-07:002012-06-27T23:31:06.114-07:00Best 10 Places to Take Kids in Salt Lake CityI absolutely love the summer because I finally have time to play with my kids and not worry about homework, school activities, or bedtimes. My kids range in age from 1-12 and we have a budget, so making our twice weekly outings fun and affordable can be a challenge. Beyond exploring different parks (and Salt Lake offers some amazing ones), here are my favorite places.<br />
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#1--<a href="http://www.sevenpeaks.com/SevenPeaks/home.aspx?SITEID.1001=1">Pass of all Passes</a>--We snagged these passes for only $10 (though they often come on sale between $20-$30 and we will likely renew them next year at that price) and they include a year of Seven Peaks water parks (in both Salt Lake and Provo), both Trafalga locations (Lehi, Orem, and Sandy) and other goodies such as Real Salt Lake soccer games, and the Tracy Aviary (Mondays only). The Seven Peaks location in Salt Lake is reasonably crowded and practically empty in the morning during pass only hours. The only catch is you do have to add parking and tube rental to your pass (for $30) to fully enjoy the park. For a full sized waterpark, this is quite the deal. It offers several waterslides including a water coaster, a kiddie pool, splash pad, and lazy river. The rope swing is popular as are the toboggan sled slides. When the summer is over, we plan on visiting Trafalga monthly where my children particularly enjoy mini-golf and laser tag. <br />
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#2--<a href="http://classicfuncenter.com/">Classic Fun Center</a> (Sandy location)-They have more deals than any one blog post could cover. Be sure to read through the specials on their website to decide when to visit. For single attractions, Tuesday night is perfect unless you want to roller skate, than go Thursday. For unlimited attractions visit on Wednesday after 5 but for the best waterpark deal, come before noon. Or just buy the Summer Pass (coupons will get you a pass for $10 a person but it costs an additional $1 per attraction on future visits). Their water park is geared for kids under 9 including 4 medium water slides, 3 inflatable water slides, and a kiddie pool with 2 baby slides. The best part is the you can hold a child on your lap while going down the slides. The water park also only has shallow pools, so it is safer for families with multiple children (no wave pool or lazy river). Classic also allows scooters and trikes on their roller rink and offer a wedge (for an additional fee) to help preschoolers learn to skate. In addition to the roller rink is an oval course for more experienced skaters with ramps and obstacles. They have an amazing indoor inflatable area (with slides, obstacle courses, and a bounce house), Laser Tag, dimecade, and the Jungle, (a tube area including zipline, ball pit, swings, etc). My kids often beg for the Blast Zone where you can shoot each other with hundreds of soft balls or escape down the steepest slide imaginable. They also have locations in Orem and Layton but attractions and pricing vary.<br />
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#3--Children's Museums at Discovery Gateway (in Salt Lake) and Ogden's Treehouse Museum--<a href="http://www.childmuseum.org/">Discovery Gateway</a> provides a ball exploration room and mini city on the main level where children (geared at the under 6 crowd) can wear costumes and pretend to be anything from a farmer to a construction worker. The mailboxes with letters and carrier costumes are a real hit as is the construction site, grocery store, and water table. Upstairs, older children can enjoy creating in the art room (make a comic strip, shoot a still frame movie, etc) or the block room with emphasis on building, engineering, and physics (multiple types of blocks, paper airplane designs, and puzzles are available primarily geared at school aged children. Many of the upstairs exhibits require children to be able to read. There is also a news tv set and a helicopter to explore. The <a href="http://www.treehousemuseum.org/">Treehouse Museum</a> emphasizes bringing books to life and has several fairy tales from around the world to explore. They also have a castle room, a baby doll room, dinosaur room, barnyard/cowboy room, train room, a one room schoolhouse, and an oval office (and probably a few rooms I forgot). Several books are available along side toys and costumes in every room so you can read to your child as part of play. As you can see from the list, the two museums are very different and most children would enjoy a visit to both. In the Summer, the Treehouse Museum offers a free admission day one Saturday each month. <br />
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#4--Dinosaurs--Utah is dinosaur country and there are museums across the entire state. In the Salt Lake region there are three major museums. The <a href="http://www.dinosaurpark.org/">Ogden Eccles Dinosaur park </a>is largely outdoors with life sized statues of dinosaurs carefully arranged along trails. In Salt Lake, the <a href="http://nhmu.utah.edu/">Natural History Museum of Utah </a>(at the University of Utah) is a new state-of-the-art facility with exhibits on Native people, rocks and minerals (much of Utah has roots in mining), and dinosaurs. The collection is staggering with plenty of interactive exhibits including an exploration room for littler ones. Free days are offered periodically, but tickets are difficult to get. In Lehi, the <a href="http://www.thanksgivingpoint.org/visit/museum_of_ancient_life/about.html">Museum of Ancient Life</a> (part of Thanksgiving Point) offers one of the largest collections of dinosaurs anywhere. The museum is designed chronologically starting with a look at the stars and moving through the eras (including the famous Jurassic era to the woolly mammoth of the Cenzoic era) ending with a pinned butterfly that became extinct only 50 years ago. This museum has plenty of interactive exhibits including a toddler room, an extensive sand/water table, and a dinosaur bone dig. For dinosaur lovers, this museum is ideal (and indoors). <br />
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#5--West Valley Rec Center--The Salt Lake area hosts many recreation centers owned by the county or individual cities. Most are excellent and offer a variety of activities from batting cages to rock walls to swimming pools. My favorite is the <a href="http://www.wvc-ut.gov/index.aspx?NID=222">West Valley Family Fitness Center</a> for three reasons. First, it is cheaper than the other rec centers I have visited (40-50% cheaper for my family). Second, their indoor swimming facility is a good balance for families with a large range of ages. It includes a water slide that school age children can enjoy (because of the relatively shallow landing area), a toddler slide, water fountains, and current pool. Older kids can also enjoy playing in the lap pool and shooting a few water hoops (the best swimming facility is located in <a href="http://www.kopfc.com/">Kearns</a> but is difficult for families with multiple children under 5 and is largely outdoors). Third, the center offers an award winning children's exploration area that houses a pretend grocery store and kitchen, a large space themed tube and slide area, an 8 foot hoop basketball court, a block room (geared at toddlers), a reading nook, video games that require some exercise including Dance Dance Revolution, and more. The center also has foosball and ping pong (my older children's favorite attraction) and a bouldering wall. With so many things to do, we are often here for 4 hours. <br />
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#6--Discount Theater--Located at 5400 S and Redwood Rd, <a href="http://showstarcinemas6.com/">Showstar 6</a> offers first run movies for only $3 on Mondays. Add a large popcorn and two large drinks (with unlimited refills) for only $14. With a family of 5 kids, unlimited popcorn and drinks at that price is a bargain, though we sometimes go to the movies without the treat. This theater is family friendly and the only place I will take a toddler. <br />
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#7--<a href="http://www.hoglezoo.org/">Hogle Zoo</a>--My children actually don't like the zoo but a lot of my friends go here weekly. With several upgrades in the last few years, Hogle Zoo has a lot of impressive exhibits. Newly opened Rocky Shores has sea lions, otters, seals, and polar bears (!!!). The Asian highlands houses big cats and has a hidden Grandma's house (a small room with Chinese everything to explore and escape the heat). The Elephant Encounters includes a baby elephant and a life size statue that sprays water out the trunk. The zoo has plenty of other animals including primates, a reptile house, wolves, giraffes, and more. Add in the train ride (a must do), carousel ride (must skip because of the price), and a playground. The only catch is the price--either buy a season pass (it is less than the cost of 2 visits) or go on a free day (offered only in the winter months but well worth it because the animals are often more alert than in the hot summer months). <br />
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#8--Thanksgiving Point--Located in Lehi, Thanksgiving Point has 3 major sections. The <a href="http://www.thanksgivingpoint.org/visit/farm_country/about.html">animal farm</a> includes plenty of barnyard classics to see and pet, a wagon or pony ride, an interactive farm play area, and a toddler playroom inside the admission building. The <a href="http://www.thanksgivingpoint.org/visit/gardens/about.html">Gardens</a> are legendary and are divided into the main gardens and the <a href="http://www.thanksgivingpoint.org/visit/gardens/visit/discovery_garden/self_guided_tour.html">Children's Discovery Garden</a>. The main garden includes the largest man made waterfall in North America and is impressive with multiple viewing angles behind and in front of the falls (I cannot emphasize how impressive this is). The gardens also contain a beautiful European fountain, a secret garden, a koi pond, and thousands of flowers (just to name a few). It is truly spectacular especially during tulip season. The Children's garden includes two hedge labyrinths (my son like to re-enact Harry Potter book 4 here), a discovery area (with blocks, wooden instruments, sand box, etc), bear caves, bug exploration, and a Noah's Ark splash pond. The most popular attraction is the <a href="http://www.thanksgivingpoint.org/visit/museum_of_ancient_life/about.html">Museum of Ancient Life</a> with an impressive number of dinosaurs (as featured earlier in the post). The price tag can be hefty, so look for coupons or members who can get you in for half price. Locals go on Tuesdays in August for only $2 per person per attraction.<br />
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#9--This is the Place--Patterned after Colonial Williamsburg, <a href="http://www.thisistheplace.org/">This is the Place Heritage Park</a> contains dozens of homes and shops dating back to the pioneer settlers starting in 1847. Many are staffed by period costumed tour guides that offer incredible insights into the lives of the people and craftsman who lived in Utah over 150 years ago. From the schoolhouse to the governor's house to the blacksmith to the barber shop to the hospital staffed by female doctors from the 1870s (move over Dr. Quinn), visitors get a peek at the occupations and family life of early settlers. Add in a train ride that circles the park, a "pirate" ship and gold panning area for the kids, a craft station, pony ride, petting zoo, small playground (with frontier playhouses), this place is educational and fun. Two words of advice--go on a moderate day instead of a hot one and be sure to have your little boy get a "shave" by the barber (he may even throw in a leech treatment). <br />
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#10--Millcreek Canyon--This canyon is a family favorite. With several picnic sites, a creek, and plenty of hiking trails, our family often comes here for a wiener roast, a nature walk, and some time to relax (away from the tv). It also is cooler in the canyon making it a great escape from the summer heat but you may want to bring your jacket in the evening. There is a minimal fee per vehicle (around $3) and the canyon is popular on holidays and weekends. This is also a great spot for family pictures. <br />
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Salt Lake offers plenty of options for families--museums, fun centers, the great outdoors, and the air conditioned indoors. Many places offer discounts and coupons and others are inexpensive. So, grab your kids, and enjoy one of these places today. <br />
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08006421213613931529noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3018216066525216752.post-14836605605626881252012-06-22T09:48:00.003-07:002014-03-26T09:45:27.435-07:00Typhoon Lagoon vs Blizzard Beach<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">The Water Park</span><br />
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The motel pool is often the vacation highlight for our younger children, so it shouldn't be a surprise that the waterparks at Disney World were also family favorites. They offered a needed break from the heat, crowds, and long days of walking and touring the parks. We were very surprised at how empty the waterparks were (fewer people than the local water parks at home). And the parking was free (unlike the $14 charge at Disney World's 4 main parks). Given the choice, I would absolutely pick a waterpark over Animal Kingdom (even if your kids are animal lovers--keep reading to find out why). You really need a chance to park your stroller and take a break after long days at Magic Kingdom, Epcot, and Hollywood Studios.<br />
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So, there really is only one problem--which water park is better, Typhoon Lagoon or Blizzard Beach? Our family is split evenly on this issue. My husband and I and our two youngest (ages 4 and 1) like Typhoon Lagoon better--much better. Our three oldest children (ages 12, 10, and 8) prefer Blizzard Beach. So what makes them different?<br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Typhoon Lagoon</span><br />
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Hands down, this park offers the better kiddie area (for those 5 and younger). The kiddie pool was easy for adults to negotiate with their children, offered more shade, and was surrounded by a mini beach where kids could play in the sand. It also featured a cave, multiple water slides, waterfalls you could climb up, spray guns, and an area for toddlers with hoses and bitty slides. <br />
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Mom and Dad's favorite was Shark Reef with snorkeling and surface scuba tank. The snorkeling (including the gear) is free and you actually snorkel with sharks (!!!) and dozens of tropical fish. Life vests are available for school aged children (or those who can't swim). Some kids find snorkeling difficult (two of ours found it to be tricky), but swimming with sharks is unforgettable. Surface scuba is available on the other side of the tank (no certification required) and includes approximately 45 minutes of aquarium exploration without the hassles of snorkel gear. I consider that on my top 10 list for cool things a $20 bill can buy. I was actually swimming with sharks, several of them, and big enough ones to make me gasp a little. Small children can explore the tank through a "sunken" ship and look through the portholes. <br />
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The wave pool is also amazing. Every 90 seconds, an ocean sized wave crashed through. Even in the kiddie end of the wave pool, the waves are big enough to knock toddlers over. Clearly meant to mimic the ocean, the wave pool and surrounding sandy beach provides a day at the beach without the drive or hassle. The wave pool is so impressive that surfing lessons are taught before park hours for an additional fee. Kid meals are served in sand buckets for a reason. There are plenty of sand areas around the wave pool and kiddie pool to dig and build. <br />
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Sadly, the park only has a handful of medium sized water slides and no area for older elementary kids to play (they had one little part by the wave pool with two unimpressive slides). The only redeeming water slide is the Crush n Gusher which is actually 3 water roller coaster slides, 2 of which require a double tube. <br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Blizzard Beach</span><br />
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This water park offers a gondola ski lift type ride which in itself is amazing. At the top of the lift is a family raft ride unlike any I have ever seen. This ride is long with enough thrills to keep everyone happy. The best part is toddlers (but not infants) can ride with their parents. Hands down my favorite slide at either park.<br />
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Though this park offers an unimpressive kiddie area for the under 5 crowd, it has an amazing tween section for the 6-12 crowd (under 60"). Ski patrol, as its called, includes a zip line, obstacle course, and medium sized slides. Our children loved this area and spent half their day here.<br />
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When its time for slides, Blizzard Beach offers several medium to large ones including racing and twisting slides using mats or rafts. One favorite was the toboggan racers which look more intimidating then they actually are. Lying on your stomach, face first, you race downhill skeleton style but at speeds slower than you might first expect. And for the truly brave, there are 2 classic drop slides that guarantee a wedgie. Ironically, they offer no slides to compete with the Crush n Gusher coaster.<br />
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But be sure to skip the wave pool--it is tiny with an extremely rough bottom.<br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">The Ice Cream</span><br />
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Both water parks offer similar lazy rivers and Blizzard Beach has a cartoon alligator house where the alligator sneezes through the chimney spraying guests--very fun. Both parks also have a pail of ice cream (around $10) which is large enough to feed 4. Just carrying it through the park makes heads turns and everyone enjoys scooping through the multiple layers. I consider this a must-eat attraction.<br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Take a Break</span><br />
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So which park is better? Depends on your family. For me, a day snorkeling at the beach is just about perfect, so I would pick Typhoon Lagoon every time. But I know my kids would vote differently. Either way, be sure to take a break and cool off at the water park.<br />
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08006421213613931529noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3018216066525216752.post-37535696946784954372012-06-18T12:57:00.002-07:002012-06-18T21:34:37.750-07:00Where to Find a Cannoli in Salt Lake City--Caputo's MarketIn Boston's North End, you can't help but notice that suddenly everyone walking past you has a white box, tied with string, marked in blue letters "Mike's Pastry." With a line usually out the door and rows of goodies, especially marzipan and cannolis, most people veer off the red brick Freedom Trail to buy a box for themselves. It happened to us--twice--and our oldest still talks about their store (three years later). <br />
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So, I was delighted to find an Italian market and deli in Salt Lake City that served tempting fare to rival any Boston establishment. And yes, they do sell cannolis. Award winning Caputo's, with three locations in Utah, is a specialty market with fine chocolate, cheeses, olive oils, deli meats, and more. Two things set this market apart--the quality and the education.</div>
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Caputo's offers many classes from beer to cheese to chocolates to cooking. My husband and I tried the Intro to Fine Chocolate class and loved it. His favorite was sampling drinking chocolate and I couldn't get enough of the Armedi Chuao. We took home several additional chocolates to try and love Utah owned Amano (especially the Guayas). The advantage of the class is you learn the difference between grocery store chocolates (even more expensive dark chocolate sold at grocery stores) and fine chocolates. The class offers different types of fine chocolates to sample (such as citrus, earthy, coffee, floral, etc) as well as different brands so you get a good idea of what is available. Because Caputo's boasts of the largest and most exclusive collection of fine chocolates, it will take more than one class to sample your way through their extensive collection. </div>
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<a href="http://blog.caputosdeli.com/the-fine-chocolate-experience-infographic/"><img alt="Fine Chocolate Experience Infographic" height="3729" src="http://blog.caputosdeli.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/06/Fine-Chocolate-Experience-Infographic-500.jpg" title="Fine Chocolate Experience Infographic" width="500" /></a><br />
Source: <a href="http://www.caputosdeli.com/">Caputo’s Deli</a>
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We have stopped by since the class to sample pastries, cheese, meats, and sandwiches. All of their food has been delicious. If your mouth is watering, be sure to check them out at <a href="http://www.caputosdeli.com/">www.caputosdeli.com</a> to see their full selection including a list of classes or at <a href="http://www.caputoschocolate.com/">www.caputoschocolate.com</a> with detailed descriptions about their chocolate collection. And if you live in the area, stop by. Their staff is knowledgable and friendly, they will happily show you around the store answering questions and making suggestions, and they offer all sorts of samples. It is also a great place for lunch. </div>
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<br /></div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08006421213613931529noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3018216066525216752.post-78379743820732916812012-06-15T17:35:00.001-07:002014-03-26T09:45:52.520-07:005 Uncommon Secrets (Life Hacks) to Disney World<br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Disney World is large</span>--so large that the guide books are often close to a thousand pages. So beyond the list of well known favorites (which is a long list indeed), what are some less common insider tricks worth knowing about? On our 2012 vacation, here are our <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">5 favorite life hacks</span> for families. <br />
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<a class="rg_hl uh_hl" href="http://www.google.com/imgres?q=club+cool&hl=en&client=safari&rls=en&biw=783&bih=443&tbm=isch&tbnid=cNzMg19AxawnsM:&imgrefurl=http://www.flickriver.com/photos/paxtonholley/3072404685/&docid=WsKdA0IJUezVJM&imgurl=http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3237/3072404685_3fea7cc84c.jpg&w=500&h=375&ei=eyjUT8kVyc7aBbmonJcP&zoom=1&iact=hc&vpx=95&vpy=34&dur=1360&hovh=194&hovw=259&tx=159&ty=99&sig=102538515800578632783&page=4&tbnh=127&tbnw=169&start=32&ndsp=12&ved=1t:429,r:0,s:32,i:180" id="rg_hl" style="clear: right; color: #1122cc; cursor: pointer; display: block; float: right; height: 194px; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em; outline-style: none; outline-width: medium; position: relative; text-decoration: none; width: 259px;"><img alt="" class="rg_hi uh_hi" data-height="194" src="http://t0.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcR-weWRHgc58Gg6GSVhfklcJboDxHz_Vy6eyD54uWbdqSjgwNhe" data-width="259" height="194" id="rg_hi" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; display: block; height: 194px; margin-bottom: 4px; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; margin-top: 0px; width: 259px;" width="259" /></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; line-height: 19px;"></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">#1--Club Cool-</span>-located in Epcot near Innoventions, this is a kid's dream come true. Inside this air conditioned (!!!) store is FREE unlimited sampling of coke flavors from around the world. Our kids tried a sip from every country and then filled their cups with their favorites. A word of advice, be sure to stand near the garbage when sampling Italy--you may want to spit it out. Fortunately, that was the only must-skip drink. Our favorites included China, Israel, and Mexico. We loved this place so much, we had to come back. Where else can you drink unlimited soda for free in air conditioned bliss at an amusement park?<br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">#2--Sum of All Thrills</span>--located inside Innoventions at Epcot, you design your own roller coaster and then ride it (not to be confused with Test Track). Four claw-like robotic arms can be programmed to move in almost any direction including upside down. Each person programs their ride first choosing from various options including inversions, corkscrews, and steep hills. You also choose your speed and the simulator experience (jet, bobsled, roller coaster). My children's advice--plenty of speed and corkscrews. Then you get to ride in your creation. Because this ride is indoor, it is easy to miss and often has a short line. This is Epcot at its best--creativity meets math and science thanks to cutting edge technology. <br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">#3--Harmony Barber Shop</span>--located at the very beginning of Main Street in the Magic Kingdom, this shop is the perfect alternative to the high priced Bippity Boppity Boutique. Baby's First Haircut is a house special and includes a certificate and mouse ears. But the real secret is in the colored gel. For boys, they will spike the hair in any color (or combinations of color) and add a mickey silhouette in the back. Girls can have their hair brushed into a variety of styles (pony tail, french knot, pig tails, etc.) and have their hair striped with the color gel (or combination of colored gels). And don't forget to have these hair artists use the gel to add a flower, heart, or mickey silhouette. From a punk rocker look to a princess glitter look, they can do just about anything. And all hair styles are finished with a generous sprinkle of pixie dust (you can also stop in and get a dusting of pixie magic for free). Be sure to make reservations, though walk-ins are welcome. And for only $7.50, you won't be disappointed.<br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">#4--The "hidden" playgrounds</span>--Some playgrounds are well marked on maps and highlighted in travel guides (most notably Tom Sawyer Island at Magic Kingdom and The Boneyard at Animal Kingdom). But other, smaller playgrounds abound. At Mission: SPACE in Epcot, a space themed tube and slide area exists for little ones while older siblings enjoy the ride. Older kids and adults can also participate in a space video game played in two teams. For families enjoying ride swap (baby swap, mom swap), this is a great indoor place to play and wait. Spaceship Earth and Journey Into Imagination with Figment both end in an electronic interactive play area (our favorite was a virtual operation game). Splash Mountain (in the Magic Kingdom) also has a small area for toddlers. I regularly recommend taking a break and enjoying a playground. And though the larger play areas should be on your must-do list, these hidden playground offer a moment of escape especially for little ones that cannot go on a ride.<br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">#5--Snorkeling</span>--offered at Typhoon Lagoon, Shark Reef allows you to actually swim in the aquarium with the help of snorkeling gear. The tank houses plenty of tropical fish and sharks! And though touching isn't allowed, you will come face to face with schools of fish. Those still working on their swimming skills can wear life jackets while kids under 5 can observe the shark tank from the portholes of a "sunken" ship. Its a touch of Disney magic in a waterpark. <br />
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One of the great things about Disney is that there is unexpected magic around every turn. And what you didn't plan or wasn't on your must-do list might end up as one of your favorites. <br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; line-height: 19px;"></span>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08006421213613931529noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3018216066525216752.post-75490777872608743722012-06-11T12:04:00.003-07:002014-03-26T09:46:29.046-07:0010 Food Budget Ideas on Vacation<br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">When planning a vacation, I often find that food is my single biggest expense.</span> With a family of 7, food is often more expensive than our motel or gas or even our park tickets (it can even rival the cost of plane tickets). Trimming a couple hundred off the food budget can add an extra day into the vacation plans or pay for a special splurge. So, without resorting to putting everyone on a crash diet the week of vacation, I have 10 tips to trim the fat out of vacation food bills.<br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">#1--Stay at motels that offer free breakfast.</span> A large number of motels offer a complimentary breakfast which can range from stale donuts to hot buffets. Checking motel websites and reviews can usually help you steer away from the stale donut motels. Even if you choose to eat one or two breakfasts out, you still save plenty on the other days. Alternatively, stocking your motel room can also work if you have a fridge and microwave, but I prefer the motel continental breakfast. <br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; line-height: 19px;"></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">#2--Pack your own snacks-</span>-Not only does this make economical sense, but it is necessary with small children. Toddlers in particular can get hungry at odd times or refuse to eat unfamiliar food (and the restaurant version of mac and cheese will probably be very unfamiliar). I like a can or two of soda and a few sweets for my husband and I (usually for the evening when the kids are in bed). I also keep a sack of kid favorites including granola bars, fruit snacks, pretzels, apples, etc. In the mornings, I place snacks in each child's <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B002BCCJUE/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=stnal-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B002BCCJUE">hip pack</a>. Then they can eat throughout the day without a lot of hassle or expense. These are lifesavers at amusement parks but also work well at the beach, on airplanes, during hikes, etc. Be sure to throw in a new surprise item each day like a piece of gum, a frozen gogurt, or a ring pop. You can also supplement meals with snacks you have packed. For example, I usually bring a couple of bags of chips in the car and save them for when we get take-out at a deli restaurant. <br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">#3--Use coupons</span>--This is less hassle than you think. Many restaurants offer coupons on the back of their receipts including Burger King and some of the stores at Disneyland. So the first day you pay full price but a few days later, you can use your coupon. I also like to pack a few coupons for national chains like Subway that come in my normal Sunday paper. Gift certificates occasionally come on sale at Costco or online. Last December, my neighborhood grocery store was offering a reward point system on gift certificates that equated to a 10% savings. Combined with some 2-for-1 Subway coupons, my family of 7 ate lunch for under $15. Many places offer a loyalty card with free meals and insider coupons. <br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">#4--The Pizza Option.</span> I discovered this one evening when we didn't want burgers, couldn't afford a sit down restaurant, and were in a small enough town that pizza was the only other option. We ordered two mediums (one supreme, one cheese) and some breadsticks (around $30) then took it back to our motel to eat. Not only was it a nice break from traditional fast food, but there were leftovers. The kind of leftovers you could eat cold the next day for lunch (trying doing that with burgers or fries). Combined with a few snacks I already had on hand (like fresh fruit), the pizzas provided two meals for the price of one. Huge bargain and everyone was happy, especially since this was a high quality pizza and not some $5 cardboard special. <br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">#5--Meal Sharing</span>--This is a major part of our vacation lifestyle. Sometimes I buy 2 meals for my oldest 3 children to share. Other times, I buy a two scoop ice cream cone (served in a cup) for 2 kids to share (at a fraction of the cost that 2 separate 1 scoop ice cream cones would cost). My husband an I often split and appetizer and an entree (instead of two entrees). At fast food restaurants, I usually only buy a couple of combo meals (large sized) which provides enough fries and drinks and then buy a few a la carte sandwiches (burgers/chicken sandwiches) and very rarely buy individual kid meals. Not only does this save money, but I found that everyone wanted to try a bite of each other's food anyway. So this was just taking the idea one step further. <br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">#6--Buffets</span>--though often thought of as expensive when compared to a fast food dinner, buffets can be extremely cost effective with a little planning. An early buffet dinner (around 4) is often discounted to the lunch price and allows families to eat a snack lunch instead of paying for a full priced lunch knowing they will get a hearty dinner. This works amazingly well if breakfast was hearty and a little late in the morning. Buffets also offer unlimited drinks and allows everyone to pick their own food (so no restaurant battles, drinks are often included, and you can eat unlimited dessert). Even when eating at a traditional dinner time, buffets are still often cheaper than sit down restaurants. And lets face it, you can't eat fast food every meal of vacation. For families with children, be sure to watch for buffets that offer extremely reduced prices for kids. We once ate at a buffet that was only 99 cents for kids under 12. The price of our buffet dinner for our then family of 6--a mere $24 including tax and tip! Vegas in particular has a sliding scale for food prices whereas Disney charges children 10 and up at the adult price.<br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">#7--Save dessert for a snack </span>(either mid afternoon or late evening)--nothing adds to a restaurant bill like ordering dessert. But vacation is a time for a little indulgence and the summer heat will leave everyone wanting ice cream. Instead of ordering pricey desserts after lunch or dinner, save them for snack time. Not only is it more cost effective, but everyone will perk up mid-afternoon with an ice cream cone, funnel cake, or candy. <br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">#8--Drink Water</span>--bring water bottles and refill them at drinking fountains (especially at amusement parks). If you follow suggestion 1, you are already having juice/milk/coffee/hot chocolate at breakfast. And if you are using suggestion 6, you are getting soda at dinner at least a few times during your vacation already. However, non-buffet sit down restaurants often charge a premium for soda but offer water for free (including most sit down restaurants at Disney parks). So, that is the time to order water. Of course, most people want at least some soda and if buffets are not part of your vacation plan, you can purchase some for the motel room (using the ice bucket or fridge to keep it cold) or purchase an extra large drink to share (our family finds a 32 oz is enough for the two adults to share and another 32 oz is enough for 4 kids--not teens--to share). At amusement parks, avoid buying a 17 oz bottle from the food carts. They often charge the same as a 32 oz fountain drink from the fast food counters just steps away. Some parks offer refillable mugs at a great value. Families use to sharing a cup can particularly benefit from the savings (our family often has two cups--1 diet, 1 regular). And though soda and vacation go together, no one needs to drink soda every day. So try to buy it when it is going to be most enjoyable and affordable.<br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">#9--Kids Meals</span>--Some places have extremely discounted kids meals (free or 99 cents) and they often include a drink which allows me to get cheap milk for my kids compared to ordering milk a la carte (and toddlers need milk). We have used this technique at Chick-fil-A on Wednesday night (where kids eat free with a paying adult). They also have a play areas which is handy during road trips. My friends ate at IHOP on free kids night and found the meal cost them less than a fast food restaurant had the night before. Other restaurants will allow two of my younger kids to share a kids meal (outside of fast food, I find kid portions tend to be large at both amusement parks and sit down restaurants). However, other places overcharge for the kids in which case we usually share 3 adults meals among the 7 of us. <br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">#10--Splurge on Experiences not Food-</span>-We all want to eat a special meal once or twice on vacation (a tavern at Colonial Williamsburg, character dining at Disney, perhaps the Rainforest Cafe). But how do you pay for it? Use the other techniques to save money, like coupons, pizza, or meal sharing, for the first few days, and then plan a splurge. Instead of plopping down at the most convenient sit down restaurant, spend that money on a dining experience that will last long after the food is digested. I find it is difficult to feed my family at a sit down restaurant for under $75. So instead of just picking any place that looks good for dinner, I can talk the kids (and my husband) into pizza tonight (for less than half the price) and treat them to something magical like a tepanyaki show the next night (the two nights together should equal the same as eating at two boring sit down restaurants both nights). On a tight budget--use my other tips to save money all week, and plan only one magical meal. Some of our most powerful vacation memories have been around food--like butter beer at Universal's Harry Potter or lunch at the American Girls store with Grandma. <br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Satisfy Your Tummy and Your Wallet</span><br />
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One of the best parts of vacation is not having to cook every meal. But you still have to feed everyone's tummy without breaking the bank. With a few tips and a little planning, you can satisfy both your wallet and your tummy while on vacation.<br />
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08006421213613931529noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3018216066525216752.post-62634974874255182252012-06-06T19:42:00.001-07:002014-03-26T09:49:31.527-07:00Pin Trading at Disney World--Bring it On<br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Pin Trading is Too Expensive--Isn't It?</span><br />
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I have seen the lanyards and pin before. I thought people were crazy. The cheapest individual pins were around $8 and even starter kits with multiple pins were "bargained" priced around $4-5 a pin (but you have to purchase the entire set for around $20). And then I watched in stunned silence as a mom desperately searched the bins on Big Thunder Mountain Railroad for her son's missing lanyard while screeching at the ride attendant that it was worth over $200. Now that sounds like a happy vacation. I refused to let my children even look at the pins in the stores. I was not going to give into the insanity.<br />
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And then I read a clever article on a couponing website recommending what should have been obvious--eBay. For less than a $1 pin, I was able to buy a set of pins for my oldest three children including Disney themed lanyards. We also put a single pin on my 4-year-old's shirt and let him trade as well. All the fun, none of the stress.<br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">2 Reasons You Want Used Pins</span><br />
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I am glad I bought discounted pins for two reasons. Though my children never lost their entire lanyards, they did manage to lose a couple of pins--likely from not having the backs on tight enough or perhaps they snagged on something. At a $1 a pin, we simply tried to be more careful and moved on with little to no fuss.<br />
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The other reason you don't want to spend a fortune on a special set of pins is that they will trade the pins. That is what the pins are for. I thought I was overly clever finding a set of Star Wars pins on eBay for a $1 a pin (two of my boys are huge fans and we were at Disney World during Star Wars weekend). The result--one of my boys traded all of his Star Wars pins as he found other ones he wanted more. For the price I paid, though surprised he didn't keep at least one Star Wars pin, I really didn't care. They were his pins to trade and re-trade as he wanted. <br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">The Experience</span><br />
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And that is exactly what my kids did. They would collect one thing like bowling pin villains and then trade those when something else caught their fancy like puffles (from Club Penguin). By the end of the first day I was patting myself on the back. Everyone was having so much fun and it added a nice distraction from the heat and lines (you never knew when you should see a cast member and stop everything to make a trade). <br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">The Pay-Off</span><br />
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And then things got better. After the first few trades, I saw my children begin to weigh their options more closely. Some of my kids tried to find pins that had special meaning (either favorite characters or rides). Others treated it like a sport trying to find matching pins. I also watched in amazement as my children interacted with various cast members, especially those from foreign countries. They asked about unusual pins they saw and proudly showed their own favorite pins. And because cast members will trade any pin, there is no hassle, haggling, or heartache. Also, certain pins are cannot be purchased. You can only get them by trading with the cast members (they have hidden mickeys in the corners). Other pins are no longer being produced and still others are special editions. So collecting, trading, and finding a special one are all part of the excitement. <br />
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I recommend at least 10 pins per kid age 5 and up. I also found out that Mom or Dad will probably want a set as well (your kids will love trading with you and encouraging you to collect one type or another). With a little planning, this may be one of your favorite Disney traditions.<br />
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08006421213613931529noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3018216066525216752.post-89099191919920877492012-06-03T22:57:00.002-07:002014-03-26T09:55:55.673-07:007 Reasons Disneyland is BETTER than Disney World<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Can Disneyland really be better?</span><br />
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Our latest trip to Disney World was an amazing vacation--AMAZING. I loved Epcot. And the Wizarding World of Harry Potter was the most magical commercial vacation moment of my life (and did I mention I loved Epcot?). I could easily write about the ways Florida was better than California (warmer beaches, Epcot, Harry Potter, NASA). <br />
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But when I was on Disney property, I was surprised how much I was missing Disneyland. Could Disneyland really be better? Here are 7 reasons that might make you think twice about which Disney is the best. <br />
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Just to be clear, this post is comparing both Disney parks in California (Disneyland and Disney California Adventures) against the 4 main parks at Disney World in Florida (Magic Kingdom, Epcot, Animal Kingdom, and Hollywood Studios). <br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">#1--The Weather</span> (really this should be reasons 1-3). Except during a heat wave or the hottest two weeks of the summer, Disneyland is cooler with fewer chances of rain showers. I have never used a <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000JKN4N6/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=stnal-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B000JKN4N6">mister bottle</a> at Disneyland but bought one within an hour of being in Florida. I have never used a poncho in California, but packed them knowing they would be necessary in Florida (and they were). I stopped at a few drinking fountains in California, but I had to circle them like must-do ride attractions on my Florida park maps. And in the most lady like way possible, I would not only drink from the water fountains but I would stick my face in them to cool off. Heat stroke anyone? I am also sure that I have never sweated more than in Florida. As for family pictures, my hair was always in a ponytail and my make-up had long since vanished. <br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">#2--The Walking.</span> Disneyland in California is a lot of walking--6-7 miles per day on average. And for a family with young kids, that means pushing around a double stroller for 6-7 miles and carrying a baby while in line. The real shock--Disney World in Florida was DOUBLE that amount. We averaged around 12 miles a day and we were trying to take things easy. I faithfully wore my <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B006P05676/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=stnal-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B006P05676">fitbit</a> to track the steps and miles we walked. I never walked less than 20,000 steps or 10 miles any day of our Disney World vacation regardless of which park we visited. My daughter actually wore out her shoes at the Magic Kingdom and we had to buy a replacement pair just to finish the day. Not only were the rides and attractions spread out more within each park at Disney World, but they were also spread out over 4 parks instead of California's 2. Doing the math, that means my family walked almost 4 times as much during our Disney World vacation (and yes, I got two blisters). I cannot even imagine having the time or energy to hopper around Disney World. The parks are simply too massive. <br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">#3--Fantasyland.</span> There is an obvious reason why Disney World invested in a massive expansion of Fantasyland opening throughout 2012. Florida's current Fantasyland is too small. But even with the new attractions (including a second Dumbo ride), Magic Kingdom will still be smaller than Fantasyland and neighboring Toon Town at Disneyland. Add to that the opening of Cars land at Disney's California Adventures, and the gap is only increasing. To make matters worse, Fastpass times are now being enforced in Florida so the Magic Kingdom loses a lot of its magic with long lines for relatively few rides. I think my 4-year-old said it well when he asked where was the Matterhorn, Minnie's house, and Casey's train?<br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">#4--Pricing.</span> To some extent, this comes down to where you live. For our family, Disney World is 2-3 times more expensive largely because we have to fly to Florida. Though I consider Harry Potter (which isn't a Disney property) to be well worth it, I do NOT think that Disney World is 2-3 times more amazing than Disneyland. For families that live equidistance from the two coasts, Disneyland should be a cheaper option. When comparing prices, a potential hidden cost is that Disneyland (and California Adventures) can be done in 3 days, whereas Disney World cannot. Families wanting shorter vacations or days to do non-Disney properties will have an easier time in California (such as visiting the beach, Legoland, SeaWorld, Universal, etc.). California also offers a Citypass combining Disneyland with other area attractions at a huge discount. Florida does not offer a similar deal. A shorter vacation can not only save money but can cause less burnout.<br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">#5--Planning and Touring.</span> Disneyland requires some planning. For the most popular dining events (such as Blue Bayou or a character dining), a phone call a few days in advance is a good idea, especially during peak seasons. Also, a general touring plan of the park is critical (I have entire blog posts on different touring ideas). But where Disneyland can be planned in a couple of weeks, Disney World requires months of planning--months. A table at the castle can be booked a full six months ahead of time and people do call at midnight to make reservations. In fact, reservations are recommended for a variety of things from baby's first haircut at the Harmony Barber Shop, to Chef Mickey's, to surf lessons at Typhoon Lagoon. With 4 parks, Disney World also requires significant attention to detail when making your touring plans (deciding which rides to do in what order including when to arrive at the parks and when to see shows or collect autographs). Disney World does offer more characters within the parks, so if collecting autographs is important, plans should include a significantly reduced number or rides. Despite trying to take things easy, it is almost impossible not to default into exhaustion level commando style touring at Disney World. The increased size of the parks makes it difficult to move quickly from attraction to attraction and significantly slows the process for acquiring and using fastpasses. I thought I saw a lot of stressed out parents at Disneyland, but the adults at Disney World were far more frazzled. <br />
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<a class="rg_hl uh_hl" href="http://www.google.com/imgres?q=lego+store+orlando&num=10&hl=en&client=safari&rls=en&biw=783&bih=465&tbm=isch&tbnid=LoY17bko4QpCSM:&imgrefurl=http://www.zeldauniverse.net/forums/general-chit-chat/92536-insane-lego-creations-2.html&docid=Cou9fmZELL78DM&imgurl=http://www.peacefulvisions.com/_IMAGES/Legos%2525203.JPG&w=512&h=384&ei=HUfMT4ijGqGM2gWl1rTZCw&zoom=1&iact=hc&vpx=500&vpy=160&dur=4846&hovh=194&hovw=259&tx=173&ty=78&sig=102538515800578632783&sqi=2&page=1&tbnh=125&tbnw=179&start=0&ndsp=6&ved=1t:429,r:5,s:0,i:82" id="rg_hl" style="clear: right; color: #dd4b39; cursor: pointer; display: block; float: right; height: 194px; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em; outline-style: none; outline-width: medium; position: relative; text-decoration: none; width: 259px;"><img alt="" class="rg_hi uh_hi" data-height="194" src="http://t1.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcT4ympm8ekpWZW_yODss3TqKTKSNubdxcu-LZnOI7S0ftHvHAcj" data-width="259" height="194" id="rg_hi" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; display: block; height: 194px; margin-bottom: 4px; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; margin-top: 0px; width: 259px;" width="259" /></a><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">#6--Downtown Disney.</span> This is where less is more. At California, Downtown Disney is adjacent to the parks and can easily be incorporated into the day either as an afternoon break or in the evening. The Lego store is a must as is a take-out order for beignets. Tweens will adore the 365 store which also offers make-overs. Casual shoppers can easily enjoy a 2 hour shopping trip buying a few odds and ends to complete their Disney experience. It is more like a second Main Street with the magical feel of Disney. (And speaking of magic, only Disneyland offers a magic store on Main Street). Florida is a whole different animal. Florida's Downtown Disney is separate from the parks and practically requires its own day (or at least half a day). Once again it is double the walking of California's version and felt more like a traditional, very large, outdoor mall with a few unique Disney stores. Not nearly as magical, intimate, or fun. Our children tired of it quickly and it was much harder to find the type of stores we wanted. More expensive, more time, less fun.<br />
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<a class="rg_hl uh_hl" href="http://www.google.com/imgres?q=tap+zoo+2+crossbreeding&hl=en&client=safari&rls=en&biw=1366&bih=706&tbm=isch&tbnid=I6qwdiTWiyQ9LM:&imgrefurl=http://www.downloadatoz.com/howto/tap-zoo-2-world-tour-levels-up-walkthrough,29918.html&docid=GnRoregEifwSIM&imgurl=http://www.downloadatoz.com/resources/201112/09/imgs/tap-zoo-2-world-tour-coins-tips_451x276.jpg&w=451&h=276&ei=fbegT5LQDMTW2gXyu_XECQ&zoom=1&iact=hc&vpx=422&vpy=171&dur=890&hovh=176&hovw=287&tx=144&ty=76&sig=102538515800578632783&page=1&tbnh=160&tbnw=222&start=0&ndsp=15&ved=1t:429,r:1,s:0,i:69" id="rg_hl" style="clear: right; color: #dd4b39; cursor: pointer; display: block; float: right; height: 176px; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em; outline-style: none; outline-width: medium; position: relative; text-decoration: none; width: 287px;"></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">#7--The People.</span> Maybe it was the weather or the week we were there, but I have read others make this same argument. Disneyland is laid-back California style. It hosts fewer crowds and has a less busy, more intimate feel. I found both the staff and other tourists are more friendly and relaxed at Disneyland. Though there were also plenty of friendly people in Florida, I was a little shocked at how poorly adults acted during Star Wars Weekend at Disney World's Hollywood Studios (or among some of the Potter nuts at Universal's Islands of Adventures). <br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">You Really Can't Go Wrong</span><br />
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Really, both Disney locations are magical experiences. Picking which one is better is like picking your favorite character. And the truth is, you want to visit both because each park has its own unique attractions (did I mention only Disneyland has the Matterhorn or that only Disney World has Epcot?). So which one do we want to do next time--maybe a Disney cruise. <br />
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08006421213613931529noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3018216066525216752.post-79822809016406106392012-05-30T17:15:00.000-07:002012-05-30T17:15:04.496-07:00Zion National Park--Watching Kids Explore NatureZion National Park is part of the "Grand Circle" which also includes Bryce Canyon and the Grand Canyon. Consequently, it hosts an astonishing number of visitors including many European and Asian tourists. Reservations for camping are a must especially on weekends and in the summer. Though one campground is first come, first serve, it is unlikely to be available. At our trip in early May, the campgrounds were completely full by 11:00 a.m. so we camped at the only neighboring campground in the city of Springdale. Fortunately, most of the park operates on a shuttle bus system which alleviates all the traffic jams common to other parks (most notably Yellowstone). <br />
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Zion is a desert oasis with deep canyon walls, natural arches, and "weeping" rocks where the scant rainfall creates a hidden spring in the rock walls feeding plants and wildlife. One of the few places the shuttle buses do not go is through a 1.1 mile long tunnel. This side of the park is worth the visit both for the views and the tunnel experience, especially if you have time for the unpaved 1 mile hike to lookout point which takes you practically on top of a natural bridge. <br />
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The bulk of our visit was spent hiking--with 5 kids including a baby. Most of the shorter trails are paved and we wished we had brought a stroller. The best hike was to the weeping rock where after a handful of switchbacks, we came to a shallow cave where water poured from the rock creating a hanging garden of sorts. The Emerald Pools is another great family hike that follows parts of the river and also includes a weeping wall. Zion is best known for the Narrows which is too difficult for a family with small children, but the hike to the Narrows is well worth the effort ending where everyone can play in the cold waters of the Virgin River. The Lookout Point, just after the tunnel, was our most difficult hike including a very narrow trail that was difficult at points for the younger children. The view from this natural bridge was fabulous and the kids loved seeing what seemed like a million lizards. <br />
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We also picked up a set of junior ranger books for our children. This program is amazing! Children aged 5-8 complete the first third of the book, older kids complete two-thirds of the book, and the remaining pages are optional activities. Not only were the activities very educational, they provided my children with something to accomplish and do when the wonders of nature were losing their charm. Some of the activities included writing a poem about the park, doing a word search, identifying plants, participating in a ranger program, and exploring the visitor's center. After the children finished their books, they were offered a patch or badge and given a chance to show their work to a ranger (one of my children had his patch sewed to his souvenir stuffed animal). <br />
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The ranger program was a surprise highlight of the trip. We attended a program about the delicate ecosystem of the Virgin River, especially the native fish population. The ranger had plenty of hands on examples and games. And the program was only about 30 minutes. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxeBFhCGEAFZHZRZFegWclpxrj6rls4DIp0hKsu-8_7xAXJX1c2zI-ol21LmtThgXXHvmYz1toL7TJM1d9pun4skLrvWcMC3yp1lkTSVPdzZn6ECgqdPmCU1SsLneLvnSH0Rw-zjHpcUo/s1600/IMG7885-S.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxeBFhCGEAFZHZRZFegWclpxrj6rls4DIp0hKsu-8_7xAXJX1c2zI-ol21LmtThgXXHvmYz1toL7TJM1d9pun4skLrvWcMC3yp1lkTSVPdzZn6ECgqdPmCU1SsLneLvnSH0Rw-zjHpcUo/s320/IMG7885-S.jpg" width="213" /></a></div>
In the summer months, plan to float down the Virgin River on tubes where local companies will pick up families a couple miles down stream (the water is too cold the rest of the year). Adventurous souls can also rent gear to hike the Narrows.<br />
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Though our family enjoyed Zion, both Bryce Canyon and the Grand Canyon are much better. And it would take close to a week to try and do all 3 parks. With my family, I try to limit our camping fun to 3 days at a time. <br />
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Whether you live close to Zion or another National Park, it is a great way to spend a weekend with your family reconnecting with the wonders of nature. <br />
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08006421213613931529noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3018216066525216752.post-58519640447269647972012-05-11T22:09:00.002-07:002012-05-11T22:09:27.270-07:00My Packing List for a Family of 7<a class="rg_hl uh_hl" href="http://www.google.com/imgres?q=luggage&start=234&hl=en&client=safari&sa=X&rls=en&biw=1366&bih=706&addh=36&tbm=isch&prmd=imvnsr&tbnid=G1p8kLc-FkLHtM:&imgrefurl=http://www.marthastewardess.com/2011/04/15/luggage-lost-while-traveling-buy-it-back-here/&docid=vuKD0QPXG_ckEM&imgurl=http://www.marthastewardess.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/04/luggage-lost.jpg&w=768&h=576&ei=h-ytT6CaCqiU2gXW16TpCA&zoom=1&iact=hc&vpx=196&vpy=241&dur=1535&hovh=194&hovw=259&tx=163&ty=134&sig=102538515800578632783&page=11&tbnh=158&tbnw=211&ndsp=25&ved=1t:429,r:43,s:234,i:152" id="rg_hl" style="clear: right; color: #dd4b39; cursor: pointer; display: block; float: right; height: 194px; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em; outline-style: none; outline-width: medium; position: relative; text-decoration: none; width: 259px;"><img alt="" class="rg_hi uh_hi" data-height="194" data-width="259" height="299" id="rg_hi" src="http://t0.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcTen133OIw_p-XL_nWEvgMGWQn0Nl5A8bgFBBKmitWxtE1cQvgc" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; display: block; height: 194px; margin-bottom: 4px; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; margin-top: 0px; width: 259px;" width="400" /></a><br />
With 5 kids, packing for vacation requires a checklist otherwise someone forgets a swimsuit and someone else forgets their phone charger and did I mention that someone (okay it was me) once forgot to pack diapers? <span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; line-height: 19px;"></span><div>
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For the first time, our entire family is flying (and not on Southwest) so the packing list has become even trickier--we have to fit everything into carry-on luggage. That is going to be quite a sight at the airport--2 adults, 5 kids, a double stroller, 2 car seats, 5 carry-on suitcases, 4 backpacks, 1 diaper bag, 1 laptop/camera bag, and a playpen (really hoping not to have to bring the playpen). </div>
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Usually my motto is less is more when packing. But less still has to cover all the bases (like remembering the diapers). So for our 11 day trip, we are each taking 5 outfits (plus the 1 each of us is wearing expect for the baby who gets a full 11 outfits but that is a different post). Each person also gets a pair of pjs (2 pairs for kids under 5), a swimsuit, a jacket, a hat, and a pair of sneakers (we will be wearing sandals). Don't forget socks and underwear (including diapers, wipes, and pull-ups). </div>
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Next is toiletries. This is where less is more is important. Because of the sheer volume of shampoo and sunblock our family will use, I will simply buy those items upon arrival as well as razors and a few other sundries like beach towels and beach toys. So the short list includes 4 combs, 2 brushes, 2 small make-up kits (1 lipstick, 1 compact eyeshadow, foundation, blush, and mascara), deodorants, electric razor, 7 toothbrushes, 2 toothpastes, floss, chapstick, perfume, 5 pairs of sunglasses, and 1 stress relief lotion.</div>
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The Other Necessities. I always bring a small first aid kit including nail clippers, band-aids, Neosporin, and Advil. A few dollar-store-ponchos, hand sanitizer, 4 cameras with extra batteries or plugs, my <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B005PUONIK/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=stnal-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B005PUONIK">fitbit</a>, laptop, nintendo ds, 4 ds games (including a "new" one purchased from a second hand store), 2 iPod touches (with 3 new downloaded apps), 2 iPhones (with chargers), an iPad (with 10 movies including a new movie), 5 reading books, 5 stuffed animals, money (including several quarters and single dollar bills for vending machines), 2 <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0528965433/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=stnal-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=0528965433">backseat books</a>, 1 coloring book, crayons, pencils, 1 color wonder book with markers, a few small toys including matchbox cars, as many snacks as the kid's backpacks will allow, bibs, kleenex, 3 pacifiers, a baby sling, 2 sippee cups, a couple of necklaces, pairs of earrings, ponytail holders, 1 autograph book, and don't forget the Disney trading pins. Thanks to technology, I store all my reservations on my phone as well as a money tracker for expenses (each child gets a souvenir allowance) so I don't have to pack a small notebook like my parents did. </div>
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The other question I get asked is how long does it take to pack. That is harder to answer. Packing begins a few weeks in advance by making the list and gathering the right suitcases (in this case I am borrowing a few carry-ons). It also includes arranging for a ride to airport. The day before the trip, I will do all the laundry (that way everyone's favorite shirt is clean). Consequently, everyone wears their worst clothes that day including stained and mismatched outfits. With clean clothes, we then pack systematically starting with shirts, pants, etc working our way down the list. I call out an item and all the kids bring it me. They love this part, especially picking out their favorites clothes and proudly telling me which day they plan on wearing it. So, how did I miss diapers? I only wrote underwear on my list and in the mayhem of each child bringing me clothes I simply forgot to grab the baby's "underwear." This process usually only takes an hour. Electronics get charged and then packed. Lastly, we grab toothbrushes minutes before walking out the door. </div>
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Think this is nuts--you should see what we pack for car trips where space isn't quite so limited. </div>
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<br /></div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08006421213613931529noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3018216066525216752.post-28779291114347166882012-05-01T21:45:00.001-07:002014-03-26T09:51:35.227-07:005 Apps Your Kids will Love on Vacation<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Virtual Diaper Bag</span><br />
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A decade ago, I would buy a few, cheap toys for vacation and throw them in my bag. Something new to entertain little ones on a long road trip, plane ride, or in a motel room (we didn't even have dvd players in cars then). Now, for the same price (or even less), I can buy a few new apps and keep everyone happy. Though some apps require internet access (save those for the motel), most do not. My smart phone is slowly replacing most of my diaper bag. Here are my children's top 5 list.<br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">#1--Age 3-10: Where's My Water</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; line-height: 19px;"></span> In the Disney game <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B006D1ONE4/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=stnal-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B006D1ONE4">Where's My Water</a>, you dig tunnels to connect a water source so the alligator can shower (a "good guy alligator" as my son calls it). This is a maze type game with obstacles in creating the tunnels including bombs, switches, plants, etc. Easier levels are perfect for younger children and the more advanced levels are challenging for older kids. Let your children explore on the free version and then upgrade for $1.00 when they love it. This game is really a physics lesson in disguise for budding engineers.<br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">#2--Age 6-12: Tap Zoo 2 </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; line-height: 19px;"></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; line-height: 19px;"></span> In this imaginative game you begin by building your own zoo (what kid doesn't want to do that?). Then, you trade and cross breed animals collecting coins and experiences. Add bathrooms, sell an animal to pay for another one, and grow your zoo. This game teaches following directions, interacting with the zoo map, and a basic understanding of earning and spending "money."<br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">#3--Age 0-2 1/2: Sort Sliders </span><br />
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<a class="rg_hl uh_hl" href="http://www.google.com/imgres?q=sort+sliders+app&hl=en&client=safari&rls=en&biw=1366&bih=706&tbm=isch&tbnid=yqBMvcelvND8aM:&imgrefurl=http://itunes.apple.com/kr/app/sort-slider-toddler-shape/id336916293%3Fmt%3D8&docid=6Q4ySa8t_C2JRM&imgurl=http://a3.mzstatic.com/us/r1000/107/Purple/e1/26/d5/mzl.mnvfoyby.320x480-75.jpg&w=480&h=320&ei=LrWgT4GgMsGe2AXMzPXWCQ&zoom=1&iact=hc&vpx=201&vpy=163&dur=2043&hovh=183&hovw=275&tx=132&ty=131&sig=102538515800578632783&page=1&tbnh=151&tbnw=236&start=0&ndsp=16&ved=1t:429,r:0,s:0,i:67" id="rg_hl" style="clear: right; color: #dd4b39; cursor: pointer; display: block; float: right; height: 183px; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em; outline-style: none; outline-width: medium; position: relative; text-decoration: none; width: 275px;"></a><a class="rg_hl uh_hl" href="http://www.google.com/imgres?q=tap+zoo+2+crossbreeding&hl=en&client=safari&rls=en&biw=1366&bih=706&tbm=isch&tbnid=I6qwdiTWiyQ9LM:&imgrefurl=http://www.downloadatoz.com/howto/tap-zoo-2-world-tour-levels-up-walkthrough,29918.html&docid=GnRoregEifwSIM&imgurl=http://www.downloadatoz.com/resources/201112/09/imgs/tap-zoo-2-world-tour-coins-tips_451x276.jpg&w=451&h=276&ei=fbegT5LQDMTW2gXyu_XECQ&zoom=1&iact=hc&vpx=422&vpy=171&dur=890&hovh=176&hovw=287&tx=144&ty=76&sig=102538515800578632783&page=1&tbnh=160&tbnw=222&start=0&ndsp=15&ved=1t:429,r:1,s:0,i:69" id="rg_hl" style="clear: right; color: #dd4b39; cursor: pointer; display: block; float: right; height: 176px; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em; outline-style: none; outline-width: medium; position: relative; text-decoration: none; width: 287px;"></a> This cute baby app shows an object in the middle of the screen and then has you tilt the object left or right to match between the two choices. If you are correct, a dog appears and gives a friendly bark. If you are wrong, nothing happens until you tilt to the correct answer (at which point the dog appears). Young children go crazy for the dog. With only 2 choices and simple objects, this app is perfect for the littlest ones. It also teaches hand eye coordination, shapes, and matching. Emerging talkers will enjoy naming the objects and colors. <br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">#4--Age 8-Adult: The Moron Test </span><br />
The name kind of says it all. Tweens love challenging adults hoping to watch them fail. The puzzles appear simple enough, but are actually deceptively difficult. Pass them all and become a genius; fail, and well, you might be a moron. Can you pass <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B004N2NWT2/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=stnal-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B004N2NWT2">the moron test</a>?<br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">#5--Ages 6-Adult: Cut the Rope</span><br />
As the name implies, the simple levels require a perfectly timed <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0058VW36U/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=stnal-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B0058VW36U">cut of the rope</a> but as the puzzle levels progress it becomes increasingly more difficult to get the candy into the mouth of the Om Nom monster. Though this game becomes somewhat repetitive, many players find it happily addictive. This game provides a happy alternative to Angry Birds. <br />
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" 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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Endless Choices</span><br />
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With thousands of apps, there is something for everyone (including an an e-book for mom). So next time you are headed off, skip the dollar store and surf the app store instead. A few new apps will be well worth the money.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08006421213613931529noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3018216066525216752.post-18151080627359581962012-04-17T23:54:00.000-07:002012-04-17T23:54:55.873-07:00Huntington Beach--My 3-year-old's Alternative to Disneyland<br />
I love going to the beach--playing in the sand, feeling the waves on my feet, looking into the horizon. During our December trip when the sand was cold (the high temperature was around 58) and the water was very chilly, we had a blast. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeo8gDAtywkiwO_Tyb3jgaU5l550gqRJqkDNkw5xXz6V3ty6MTygiuj-dPoCIC5LUUomdn_X7n0LkVtXYbg5BkzzHxa2TTQw6VRhyFyv3YQcsQ0k3Y9NhJ4JWdsR3JhD4iFh4QMQUhLIE/s1600/DSC01196.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeo8gDAtywkiwO_Tyb3jgaU5l550gqRJqkDNkw5xXz6V3ty6MTygiuj-dPoCIC5LUUomdn_X7n0LkVtXYbg5BkzzHxa2TTQw6VRhyFyv3YQcsQ0k3Y9NhJ4JWdsR3JhD4iFh4QMQUhLIE/s320/DSC01196.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
Huntington Beach is a hidden gem. Despite being off-season, the local surf shop was open with cheap wetsuits for rent and a large bag of sand toys to borrow. Many shops are friendly and accommodating. This quieter beach has reasonably priced parking and a few shops to browse without being an overcrowded tourist trap. Known for wind and surfing, Huntington Beach hosts many surf competitions and usually is a great place for kites. Additionally, the large pier, filled with local fisherman, is fun to stroll along ending with Ruby's diner (be sure to grab a snack while taking in the view). <br />
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For our younger children, this was the first time they had seen the ocean and were delighted as the waves rolled in and out. Our older children were not deterred by the cooler temperatures and dived right in (renting wetsuits helped). Everyone loved hunting for seashells, burying each other in the sand, and watching the crabs. My three-year-old enjoyed driving his monster truck through the sand. My nine-year-old built a sand castle. The seven-year-old chased crabs into temporary traps. My eleven-year-old never left the ocean. The baby explored the texture of the sand (and even tasted it). I was enamored by the sound of the ocean and practically hypnotized by the waves. <br />
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After playing for a few hours, we packed up and walked along the pier to Ruby's <a href="http://www.rubys.com/">www.rubys.com</a>. This diner offers unique burgers (my husband's favorite is the cobb burger), milkshakes, fries (regular or sweet potato), and other diner staples. Our kids enjoy sitting upstairs, ordering off the relatively large kid's menu, and being occupied by the cardboard menus which turn into cars and surfboards with decorative stickers. Meanwhile, the views of the ocean are unparalleled and the price is reasonable (though you may want to consider splitting a meal, especially at lunch, or just ordering fries and a milkshake). This is one of those places our kids still talk about it. <br />
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When vacation was over, our three-year-old named Huntington Beach as his favorite part of vacation (not Disneyland or the motel swimming pool). Many guide books will tell you the same. That is why, even off-season in cooler weather, I still recommend spending a day at the beach. I also think children (and adults) need a break from the amusement parks and have a slower day to explore and play. Ideally, families will plan a beach day mid-vacation to allow everyone to reenergize. My only caution, be sure to use plenty of sunscreen so that the rest of your vacation will not be spoiled by sunburn!<br />
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08006421213613931529noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3018216066525216752.post-21451947260584157042012-04-05T10:39:00.001-07:002014-03-26T09:51:00.325-07:00John Adams Tour--A Boston Must See<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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One of the hidden treasures of the Boston area is the John Adams Tour known officially as the Adams National Historical Park. Just as the Kennedys (there is also a museum for that) dominated the American scene for the twentieth century, the Adams family was a powerhouse from the Colonial era through the Civil War. Presidents, Ambassadors, Congressmen, Constitutional Framers, the lawyers behind the Boston Massacre and Amistad, this family did it all.<br />
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The tour begins at the visitor's center in Quincy. Validation for parking is offered and the tour is $5 per person over age 16. Tickets for the tour are first come, first serve (large groups are allowed to make reservations), so usually there is an hour or two wait giving guests time to explore the visitor's center and browse the store. Having a history degree, I had read David McCullough's book <u>John Adams</u> as well as seen the HBO mini-series. I thought I knew plenty and was simply there to see the sites in person. I did not realize how little I knew about this family. My knowledge of John Quincy in particular was incomplete. He began working for the federal government at the age of 14 and practically died on the steps of the Capitol. He was the brilliant lawyer that successfully argued the Amistad case before the Supreme Court, all or whom were slave owners. His tenure in the US Congress after being a President ended at the time of Lincoln's Congressional election. His son, Charles, was ambassador during the Civil War, successfully arguing that England not support the Confederacy. His wife was the charming lady that opened doors in Europe and America. And then there was the store. . .<br />
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After wandering through the visitor's center, guests ride a shuttle bus to three different homes owned by the Adams family as well as the Stone Library (built as a fire proof sanctuary for the vast collection and original documents that literally founded this nation). The first stop is the original farmhouse and birthplace of John Adams. This "country" lawyer, who was considered too poor to be a proper suitor for Abigail, was born in a respectable sized farmhouse with a handful of artifacts reminding visitors how primitive 1735 really was. As an adult, John lived in the farmhouse next door where his law desk (still standing in the front room) was the place he stood (not sat) and penned some of the most important documents in history. Seeing the farm that Abigail had to manage as soldiers wandered down the road directly next to the house is poignant. <br />
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The bus than whisks visitors to Peacefield--the manor house of the Adams post-Revolution. The house is filled with original furnishings belonging to the Adams family--lamps, chairs, linens, paintings, vases. Each room is a powerful museum where tour guides tell stories about key artifacts and the four generations of Adams that lived there. After a tour of the house and gardens, the Stone Library contains one of the oldest American collections including the famous Treaty of Paris painting. <span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: white; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 14px; line-height: 17px;"></span><br />
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At the end of this two hour tour, the bus returns visitors to the center. The experience is incredible in teaching about the lives of two of our presidents and the legacy of their family. It also demonstrates life in the 1700s and 1800s and the hardships endured by families. The reality that John Adams' legal services was not sufficient income and was supplemented by the farm. As a mother of 5, the colonial kitchen, bathroom, and laundry seemed particularly primitive especially when paired with a New England winter. <br />
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The tour does not include the final resting place of John, Abigail, John Quincy, and Louisa. Their burial is at a neighboring church with separate operating times and fees. <br />
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Though I love bringing children to historic places and museums, this tour is more suited for school aged children. The length of the tour and the inability to touch any artifacts within each house make this tour difficult for preschoolers and almost impossible for toddlers. <br />
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Be sure to add this powerful tour to your next trip in Boston. <br />
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The Stone LibraryAnonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08006421213613931529noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3018216066525216752.post-63084814653007271112012-03-29T13:17:00.000-07:002012-03-29T21:20:05.652-07:00Legoland's Top 10 AttractionsLegos are a big part of my family--they appear on Christmas wish lists, completed kits decorate the mantle, the kitchen table is covered in them every Saturday morning. I have often joked that we could build our own mini-land in the backyard and charge admission. <br />
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So when our family was planning a trip to California, a stop at Legoland was high on the must-do list. At a fraction of the cost of Disneyland (discounts are always available and occasionally are as good as 5 days for the price of 1), our family had an amazing time. And like all good amusement parks, our favorites include both rides and other types of attractions. Here is our top 10:<br />
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#1--Dragon Coaster--this ride has a few opening scenes made entirely out of legos. You will want to ride it twice to catch all of the incredible detail. After that, hang on as the coaster shoots out of the castle and twists along a track. This intermediate size coaster only requires you to be 40" to ride.<br />
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#2--Knight's Tournament (Claw ride)--this one-of-a-kind ride allows you to set your own intensity. I rode it with my son on the second lowest setting and thought it was powerful and still fun. My oldest tried to wildest setting and it was her favorite ride (you can't pay me to go on that setting). Loading is incredibly slow, but younger ones can build in the nearby duplo gazebo. <br />
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#3--Hideaways Playground--my children love playgrounds and enjoy exploring at their own pace. With lots of hidden lego displays, winding tunnels, and slides, this playground is a perfect break in the day. Staffers also can turn park maps into crowns delighting younger guests. This playground is much larger than the duplo version so it is more enjoyable to school aged children.<br />
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#4--Miniland and Coast Cruise--the best way to begin miniland is with the family boat cruise where the pilot provides information about these creations as you travel incredibly close (the dinosaurs are built from hundreds of thousands of lego bricks). And don't forget the sense of humor as little lego men clean the ears on Mt. Rushmore. After the ride, slowly walk through miniland (it takes at least an hour). The cars move through the city streets, jokes abound on the buildings (we saw plenty of Santas crashed in unusual places), and Star Wars had incredible detail (be sure to peek in the trees for hidden Ewoks).<br />
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#5--Mindstorms--first stop of the day should be to sign your older kids up for a Mindstorms class. Here they will put their programming skills to the test as they program their robot to do a series of tasks. Teachers carefully instruct but allow plenty of exploration. The class is free but be careful, at $300, the temptation to buy a kit at the end could make this an expensive experience (the kit is cheaper at amazon <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B001USHRYI/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=stnal-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B001USHRYI">http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B001USHRYI/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=stnal-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B001USHRYI</a><br />
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#6--Duplo play stations-throughout the park and in some ride lines, there are duplo play areas with plenty of bricks to keep young hands building. Combined with the traditional building area, a lot of the fun is in building with practically unlimited pieces. My motto about Legoland is it is more about experiences and less about rides.<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: white; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 14px; line-height: 17px;"></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: white; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 14px; line-height: 17px;"></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: white; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 14px; line-height: 17px;"><a href="http://jessestay.smugmug.com/Other/2011-Legoland/20549275_Hj7LLb#!i=1627851838&k=N234HfD&lb=1&s=A" id="mainImageLink" style="color: #a1a5a9; outline-color: initial; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; visibility: hidden;"><br /></a></span>#7--Kid Powered Sky Cruiser--this unique ride is powered by you--put those feet on the pedals (or hands on the crank as there are a few versions of this ride). Like old fashioned paddle boats, kids light up as they make it go. <br />
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#8--Volvo Driving School--these cars are not on tracks which is why kids go wild to drive, making turns, stopping at lights, and avoiding running into each other. They are really just power wheels in a mini city, but my kids talked about it for weeks. <br />
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#9--Adventurer's Club--this easy-to-miss exhibit takes you on an indoor walk where you have to find the hidden key in each scene. Lego kids love puzzles and find this activity irresistible as they search each scene trying to collect all 7 keys. A nice indoor break.<br />
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#10--Lost Kingdom Adventure--Mixing video games with rides, your goal is to shoot as many targets as possible. Of course, everyone is vying for top score.<br />
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Please note, we went on a very COLD day and did not participate in any activities that would get us wet. I would assume that some of our favorite activities would have been in the Pirate Shores area if we had vacationed in the heat. Also, this list is for Legoland only and does not include attractions from the water park or aquarium. <br />
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If you have lego builders in your family, this affordable destination has plenty to offer. What will you build today?<br />
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08006421213613931529noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3018216066525216752.post-21811595299288203002012-03-08T21:30:00.000-08:002014-03-26T09:48:01.830-07:004 Favorite Products when Traveling with Baby<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">How can a baby this small need so much stuff?</span><br />
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Over the last decade, the number and quality of baby products has exploded--Moby wraps, Bumbos, Baby Einstein. Because I like to pack as light as possible, including my diaper bag, I keep my must-have list to a minimum. Obviously baby will need extra clothes, diapers, perhaps baby spoons, bibs, and a blanket. Beyond those common diaper bag items, here are my 4 favorite products when traveling with a baby. <br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">#1--Umbrella Stroller</span>. A <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0037VA1SU/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=stnal-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B0037VA1SU">stroller</a> is always necessary, but why do I like the $20 version the best? It takes up practically no room in the car, shuttle, or subway. It is so lightweight you can pick it up with baby inside and carry it up a flight of stairs (you would be surprised how often that happens). Many come with a basket and sunshade (which can also be purchased separately). They are cheap enough that a rainstorm or a muddy camping trip are not a big deal (not to mention that you do not have to worry about someone taking it). They are also surprisingly strong--we have frequently had a preschooler hold a toddler on his lap during day trips to the zoo or amusement park. Of course, for certain trips or with two very young children, a double stroller may be necessary. Once again, I look for a relatively inexpensive, durable, compact stroller. My favorite is the <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B001QFYPM2/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=stnal-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B001QFYPM2">sit n stand</a> type which often sell between $80-$120 (designed for two children of different ages). <br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">#2--Baby Sling</span>. I prefer a sling to any other carrier for babies between 5-12 months. The sling is essentially a double folded durable piece of fabric that securely holds a baby in an upright position on your hip. I have worn one for hours and was less sore than with any other carrier (I have to use one longer than 3 hours before I even begin to feel sore). I own two from <a href="http://sevenslings.com/">sevenslings.com</a>. They are inexpensive if you use a sales code such as valpack. They also fold flat so you can slip it into your diaper bag (unlike most other carriers which are too bulky). For younger babies I prefer <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0009JOSNM/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=stnal-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B0009JOSNM">Baby Bjorn</a>. Baby carriers allow you to be hands free and take a baby where strollers cannot go (such as hiking, the beach, restaurants, or crowded locations). They also are great for babies that tire of the stroller or has an older sibling that is monopolizing the stroller. <br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">#3--Snack Trap</span>. This is a miracle idea that keeps baby entertained for hours (6+ months). The <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000GB0NZK/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=stnal-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B000GB0NZK">snack trap</a> prevents cereal pieces from being broken into crumbs, prevents spilling, and provides your baby with a puzzle box. Toddlers love trying to fit toys into the cup and exploring how the lid works. <br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">#4--Pacifier</span> (and be sure to pack a few extras). I will never forget watching my baby's <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B005C8F02I/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=stnal-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B005C8F02I">pacifier</a> slip through the mesh on a sky ride. I had an extra one back at the motel, but none in my diaper bag. Never made that mistake again. I also keep an extra in case one needs to be washed. Even if your baby does not usually take a pacifier, you may want to consider one for plane rides (it helps with ear pressure) or as a teether. And the styles now available are almost endless--cute sayings, buck teeth, animal prints, sport themes, you name it. <br />
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What is your must-have baby item?<br />
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08006421213613931529noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3018216066525216752.post-63494685501753513832012-03-01T16:57:00.000-08:002014-03-26T09:53:11.974-07:005 Things You MUST Know before you go to DisneyWorld<br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">With many of my friends planning trips to the happiest place on earth during spring break or later this summer, I wanted to share 5 things you MUST know before you go.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="clear: right; float: right; font-family: arial; font-size: 13px; line-height: 1px; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"></span><strike><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">1--Fastpass--</span>This is a system that is tricky to understand but saves an amazing amount of time once you get the hang of it. Popular rides have a ticket kiosk that will give you a fastpass ticket available later that day with a time frame to use the ticket. Do not be fooled. The ticket is valid for the rest of the day beginning at the time stated on the ticket. Example: Splash Mountain fastpass time 12:05-1:05 means that you can get a fastpass ticket for a different attraction at 12:05 and you can use the Splash Mountain ticket any time that day starting at 12:05. The best way to utilities fastpass is to have one person take all the tickets to the kiosk to redeem passes and continue to do so throughout the day as your times become available. During my last trip to Disneyland, I collected passes while waiting for other activities (like before the parade started and then another one after it ended, while my older kids and husband were on a roller coaster and I was with the baby in stroller parking, and during lunch). The result--at 5:00 p.m. I had fastpasses to Star Tours, Space Mountain, Autotopia, and Indiana Jones. I also got fastpasses for everyone in my family, even the children too short to ride, so I actually had enough fastpasses for two sets of Star Tours. Be sure to collect them as early as possible and collect a new ride as soon as you are allowed. Just have one member of your party (the one with the most energy that is old enough to handle the job) get the passes while the rest of your party continues doing what you were doing. My family did not even realize I had collected them during our day.</strike> As this advice became more popular, Disney began enforcing the ending time frame starting in March 2012. It is still a good strategy to have one member of the party collect fastpass tickets for everyone but timing is now far more complicated. <br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">2--Time</span>--If you are going during a busy time then take advantage of the early morning and late nights. Off season travelers will have fewer crowds but also shorter hours that the parks are open (sometimes as short as 10-6). Peak travelers may see parks open from 8-midnight or even earlier on the busiest days. During peak times, be sure to be at the park when it opens (preferably 10 minutes earlier). Then leave after lunch and come back in the evening for fireworks, Fantasmic, and shorter lines. By spending 4-5 hours in the morning (say 8-1) and then another 4-5 in the evening (say 7-midnight) you will still get 10 hours of Disney magic without the burnout. Besides, ever see the sunrise over the castle?<br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">3--Pins </span>(and other souvenirs) We haven't done the pin trading, yet. It looked too complicated and expensive. But we are going to try this year. The answer--eBay. You can get pins for less than $1on eBay. Afraid of mystery pins? Don't be. Your children (or you) are just going to trade them anyway--that is the whole point of it. Disney employees are trained to trade with children any pin so take the money out of it and let your kids have some fun. Some souvenirs are best bought outside the park including your first set of pins, costumes, and stuffed animals. But other items are better bought at the park--like the iconic ears. Try to find the bargains rather the money holes. Balloons are absurdly overpriced but a mouse lightsaber (which also lights up with 2 C batteries--hint, hint) is priced the same as Walmart. For $30 you can buy ears or a shirt, a princess or star wars toy, an autograph book or kids plate or earrings (or something pre-bought like pins or a stuffed animal), and a treat from the candy shop. We bought our three-year-old a set of Toy Story matchbox cars. Priced at least 3x a normal set, I consider it money well spent. It was his only souvenir and he plays with those cars practically every day and they make me smile when I see them. <br />
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<a class="rg_hl uh_hl" href="http://www.google.com/imgres?q=tap+zoo+2+crossbreeding&hl=en&client=safari&rls=en&biw=1366&bih=706&tbm=isch&tbnid=I6qwdiTWiyQ9LM:&imgrefurl=http://www.downloadatoz.com/howto/tap-zoo-2-world-tour-levels-up-walkthrough,29918.html&docid=GnRoregEifwSIM&imgurl=http://www.downloadatoz.com/resources/201112/09/imgs/tap-zoo-2-world-tour-coins-tips_451x276.jpg&w=451&h=276&ei=fbegT5LQDMTW2gXyu_XECQ&zoom=1&iact=hc&vpx=422&vpy=171&dur=890&hovh=176&hovw=287&tx=144&ty=76&sig=102538515800578632783&page=1&tbnh=160&tbnw=222&start=0&ndsp=15&ved=1t:429,r:1,s:0,i:69" id="rg_hl" style="clear: left; color: #dd4b39; cursor: pointer; display: block; float: left; height: 176px; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; outline-style: none; outline-width: medium; position: relative; text-decoration: none; width: 287px;"></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">4--Character Dining</span> Stop reading and make a reservation now. It is an amazing experience for kids--a major highlight. The majority are buffets which means if strategically planned, they can be less expensive than they seem at first glance. They take 2-3 hours, so plan accordingly. I prefer dining in the resorts on a day I am not in a major park such as a day spent at the water park or beach so I am not choosing between character time and ride time. Also, the dining allows you skip many of the character meet and greets within the parks that can have very long lines. So you are really getting a lot of bang for your buck. The exception to this is some of the princess dining is only available within the parks especially eating in Cinderella's castle which is magical in and of itself. Dining there at breakfast allows you early admittance to the Magic Kingdom (if you eat and greet fast enough) so it still does not significantly cut into your park touring time. If you have little girls, think of it as the same price as Disney on Ice and go make that reservation. <br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">5--Think twice before you buy Hopper tickets</span>--Hopper tickets are more confusing than fastpass. So let me try to explain the costs and benefits. If you are staying at a DisneyWorld resort, you will want to take advantage of the extra magic hours. Consequently, you may want hoppers, especially if you are going when parks will be open until 1 a.m. on those magic hours. Otherwise the cost may not be worth it. For a trip I am planning, the Animal Park closes at 7, so I wanted to hopper to Epcot or Universal, both of which close at 9. The cost of upgrading to a hopper is roughly $50 a person. Between travel time and dinner, $50 a person for at the most 2 hours doesn't make sense to me (others would argue you spend $50 a person for a 2 hour Disney Broadway Play or for Disney on Ice tickets). For $10 a person, we can get an extra day at Epcot of Hollywood (plus motel and food), but for the size of my family, that is the better deal. Another option is the water park option (same price as the hopper) but allows you to hopper from water park to main park or go to a water park on a bonus day (for example a 4 day ticket with water park option means you can go to each major park--Magic Kingdom, Hollywood, Epcot, and Animal, one day each and spend a fifth day at Typhoon Lagoon, and a sixth day at Blizzard Beach, and a seventh day at Typhoon Lagoon with a character dinner since the water park closes at 5, and an eighth day golfing or at DisneyQuest while mom shops Downtown Disney). A 4 day hopper gives you 4 days at the 4 main parks spending time going back and forth with no bonus days at the water park. But if you only have 4 days to spend, are not a water park fan, and are eligible for magic hours, you might find the hopper money well spent. So, it all depends on your time frame and preference.<br />
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Have a Disney MUST know tip? Please let me know. <br />
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08006421213613931529noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3018216066525216752.post-8768566843366072832012-02-23T05:00:00.000-08:002012-02-23T16:04:50.101-08:00Top 5 Family Vacations Every Child Should Experience--in the USA<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Beyond Having Fun</span><br />
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Vacations are a special time when children are allowed to experience new things. They can be some of the greatest moments of their childhood, some of their happiest memories. They do not have to be expensive and you do not need a passport. Here is my list of 5 family vacations that will change your child's life. <br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">#1--The Grand Canyon or any National Park</span>--I have visited several and am always amazed at the number of international visitors, especially from Europe. These families have traded some of the greatest man made works to see America's intense beauty. The Grand Canyon in particular, but other parks such as Yosemite, Yellowstone, the Redwoods, the Smokies, Niagara Falls (technically a state park), and many more are nothing short of miraculous. Add a camping trip to one of these sites for a truly magical experience. Having your children unplug and watch the stars, eat over a campfire, see amazing wildlife, and hike to stunning vistas (many parks offer easy 1/2 mile hikes for families with young children) is priceless. There is something soul filling in these vacations. <br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">#2--DisneyWorld or Disneyland</span> (or another major amusement park if you refuse the Disney brand)--Completely opposite of national parks is Disney Magic. Probably the most expensive domestic family vacation, there is a reason Disney continues to make top lists--their parks are some of the happiest places on earth. Watching beloved characters come alive, going on magical rides and roller coasters, watching high quality shows, and fighting Darth Vader is like stepping into a dream come true. Here is where imagination becomes reality. <br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">#3--San Diego, Myrtle Beach, or any beach destination</span>--San Diego and Myrtle Beach in particular are good locations for families because they offer miles of beach in addition to a variety of other entertainment. Little ones love to play on the sand for hours while older ones enjoy the ocean, collecting seashells, and perhaps trying a little boogie boarding. Many beach towns also offer amusement parks, museums, aquariums, shopping, golf, and other attractions to round out a vacation. Seeing the ocean for the first time can be unforgettable. <br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">#4--Winter Vacation</span>. Because of school in particular, Americans often vacation only in the Summer or during Spring Break. A winter vacation one year, especially for tween aged children, can be a stunning experience. A snow vacation with skiing, ice skating, snowball fights, tubing, and hot chocolate can provide children with a new view on the outdoors. Salt Lake City brags of the best snow on earth with Olympic venues to experience at a reasonable price. But a long weekend at a snow filled destination closer to home can still provide a lot of Winter magic at an affordable price.<br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">#5--Mt. Rushmore, Washington D.C. or other major historical site</span>. Mt. Rushmore provides the beauty of the Black Hills, the opportunity to experience some of America's greatest caves, and is a profoundly patriotic site. A couple thousand miles away is Washington D.C. with the Presidential monuments and Smithsonian impressively teaching about the great legacy of American freedom. Other sites which might be closer to where you live include Boston's Freedom Trail, New York's Statue of Liberty, the Alamo in Texas, Pearl Harbor in Hawaii, Alcatraz in San Francisco, Space Center in Houston or Florida, Gettysburg in Pennsylvania, Colonial Williamsburg in Virginia, Hoover Dam outside Las Vegas, and the list could go on. These places make history come alive and give children a sense of America's greatness and their own place in continuing that freedom for future generations. <br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Deeper Experiences</span><br />
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In addition to relaxing and having fun on your next vacation, try one of these ideas to broaden your child's experiences, feed their imagination, and create powerful memories that will last a lifetime. Let your child connect with nature, appreciate America's history and beauty, or realize that dreams really can come true. It might be some of the best money you ever spent.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08006421213613931529noreply@blogger.com1