Last night we went to see How to train your Dragon live show. The show was held and Philadelphia Wells fargo center. check out the kids thoughts below. I really enjoyed the show. The show creators definitely used there imagination when creating the show. The How To Train Your Dragon Stage show will be touring the US.
The Dragons pulled you in particular Toothless.. he was so cute and all the kids wanted to pet him. The effects we also amazing I don’t want to give too much away.
I will let you know that souvenirs do run from $15-$50 Souvenir cups are $15, Program menus are $20, The Light up viking Helmets are $20 or 25 and the figurines were $25.
My kids ages were 7-11 but younger kids 3up were there, some got upset when the thought toothless was hurt. Older teen though it was cool when I talked to another bloggers kids.
We really love the show and effects were amazing alot to look at. I got “Thanks You’s” through out the show and the way home from the kids. The word amazing and cool were used a ton by the 11 years olds. Looks at the smiles..
If you want to head to the show you can still get tickets on sale 25% off for Philadelphia.
Consignment sales they are a great way to find wonderful gently used and new items for your family. Consignment sale are bargain shopping on a grand scale. Here are my top 10 tips for making your shopping more sucessful.
Go with a plan look to see what you need for the kids.. take an inventory
Shop with knowing your kids sizes, take measurements before you go, or take kids with you if allowed (but beware you will buy more toys if you take the kids)
Know your brands, I shop high end when ever I buy 2nd hand the reason Quality. My favorite brands: Gap, Gymboree, Hanna Anderson, Landsend, Columbia, American Girl Boutique Brands: Hannah Banana, Deux par Deux, Lemon loves Lime, Queen Circus, Tea, Catimini, 3Pommes, Biscotti, Jean Bourget
Great Place to buy the dresses and clothes that don’t get alot of use- like holidays, church clothes and special occasion so look at your calendar and see what is on the schedule. Tip buy Jackets for dress up clothes like brand: Rothschild one of the best wool children’s coats out there.
To get some of the best picks of the sale volunteer your time at the sale- sale organized gives volunteers 1st pick.
Go the last day of the sale many items are discounted significantly some are 50% off
Consignments sales have a large amount of unopened toys.. so they can help you save on Santa gifts.
Think about bring something to carry your purchases while shopping- some people bring in kids wagons, beach wheeled carts. Check with your consignments sale organizers to see what they will accept as a carry item.
Review the website of the sale to make sure understand restrictions- such as you are not allow to shop with strollers. Also discounts might be given on website.
If you see something Do not put it down! Unless you are sure you don’t want it because someone might pick it up, there is only one of that item.
So today I attend a Feed America Twitter party. The reality is anyone of us could need the help of Food Banks it could happen just like that.. then before you know it. You are there. For me, My husband lost his job over 2 years ago. I can understand choices and and lack of options. No American should be hungry. Period. So take the time and read this entire post, I ask you as one American to Another.
The following are tweets by people on twitter.
The some of FACTS about American Hunger
@foodbankccs: This September Speak Out Against Hunger on behalf of the 49 million people in America who face hunger. #hungeraction
DresdenPlaid: My family was one of the 49 million families food insecure. I’m involved with #HungerAction so others know that they are not alone.
nokidhungry: At #NoKidHungry, our goal is to end childhood hunger in America by 2015.
CTECA: @feedingamerica It makes sense, right? They’re not focusing on learning when their bellies are growling.
@nokidhungry: It’s going to take all of us across the country to end hunger. Follow advocacy groups, share, educate.
@foodbankccs: Share information about #HungerAction Month like this video of Hungry Kate, Girl With a Belly Ache http://t.co/ZlTK8ILf
I know I spoke of NoKidHungry on my blog in april and I am asking you again do something with your family to change someones lives, teach good food not the old cans no one wants. Donate money that can help, consider the cost of one meal eating out. Or Dine cause .. Wear Orange on September 6th. and tell others why you are. Small steps can change America.
Did your kids and You Love the Dream Works movie How to Train a Dragon! So when I was in NY for Blogger her I met some of the wonderful people from How to Train Your Dragon Stage Show. The show is produce by Dream Works live! It is coming to Philadelphia! in September 12-16th, 2012.
The How to Train a Dragon Stage Show show features 23 dragon who sore over head with a wing span of up to 46 feet! Also some are fire breathing. Viking warriors and world-class circus artists and acrobats, to perform against a state-of-the-art, wall-to-floor immerse projection measuring more than 20,000 square feet. They have state of the art animatronics and that are sure to wonder your entire family. My kids are looking forward to this fantastic show
The production will use the entire Wells Fargo Center. So it will be sure to amaze the kids and you!!!
Discount code is MOM — that’s good for 25% off to all shows.
WANT TO WIN TICKETS!
I am giving away 4 tickets for How to train your Dragon at the Wells Fargo Center Enter from Aug 26-6th, 2012
Note: giveaway is for you choice of the following show times only Wednesday Sept 12 at 7, Thursday Sept 13 at 7, or Sunday Sept 16 at 6pm.
How to win: So you want to go enter to win my giveaway for 4 tickets below.
Be sure to leave a comment in the comment section on my blog telling me What you would name your dragon (Mandatory to win)
Then sign into in rafflecopter confirming you did so. (mandatory)
Also you can earn additional entries. on the rafflecopter forms
you also can tweet daily!
Winner Announced and notified via email Sept 7th
Please note that entries that leave a comment and confirm comment in Rafflecopter will be consider to win. Winner will be selected using random rafflecopter winner.
Tickets are provide by Comcast Specator- superexhausted.com is providing this giveaway but not responsible for seating option choices at the event ticketing is handle with Comcast and will be provide upon winning.
Disclosure: I have received tickets in exchange for this post. All the opinions in this post are my own and I cant wait to see the dragons!!!
Last night we went to the Camden Riversharks game just over the river from Philadelphia. If you have not been it is a lovely family ball park to go to and local. We had a great time with friends. The park is small and just the right size to show your kids what a real game is like. I love minor leagues and different sports for this reason. They are reasonably price and geared for a fun night. Plus the RiverSharks have a great view of Philadelphia. The stadium was very easy to find, just right over the Ben Franklin bridge from Philly.
TIP: I noticed on Sept 10th RiverSharks Community Night bring 3 school supplies to the box office and get a free entrance to the game (free ticket) the schools supplies are donated to EducationWorks. Plus if you come at 6:05-7:05 kids under 12 get a voucher that can be redeemed for a Hot Dog,Chips, and water.
For more info about the night contact Kristin Segers ksegers@riversharks.com (that is what the flier said in the bathroom)
Even my husband was in attendance- the game went 10 innings and the Camden Riversharks one.
This was my 1st time going to a Riversharks game. My family has been one other time without me. It is a fun game I loved going with a large group. each kid had a friend and I felt comfortable with them going to bathroom in groups or getting a drink (my son is 11). I like that about this stadium, I could see them from where we were sitting. We also had space to spread out, we were there mid week. I was a great experience and I highly recommend it.
Camping is a great thing to do with your kids. Camping is a great thing to do with kids for many reason. A family bonding, allowing your kids to have freedom, Change of scene. Why would you want to take you family camping?
11 Reasons to Take your Family Camping
Independence if you live in area where you usually don’t let your kids go camp grounds are a great place to let them explore. Kids usually love it- they get some freedom- we usually low the kids to ride there bikes, explore on there own.
fresh air
Socialization- when my kids are camping they make a new best friend every weekend
Great time to go away with friends
Inexpensive fun
New experiences
Rules- kid learn that they have to respect boundaries if they want freedom
Bike riding without fear
Little kids actually do understand what is hot and will stay away from fire-Trust me
Dirty- you kids will get dirty and it is fun.
Memories will last a lifetime, they will ask to come again and will cry when you leave. = Signs of a great time
Modern Camping
Our family has been camping since my daughter 18 months. No, I am not talking the real roughing it camping= more a modified glamping. Because lets be honest I am not one for sleeping on the ground. We do have a Pop Up camper which is a pop tent with beds, sink, hard top and AC. Did I mention I use a feather bed on my mattress.
How can you get started ? So about 5 years ago I started to take other families that never thought of camping as a way to get away. Times have changed in the camping scene. There are campgrounds that offer so much more then the tent and state parks.
Many campgrounds now offer options for those without a tent or camper. like a rustic or full cabin. Think of renting a room in the woods so you get the out door experience with the comforts of home.
Rustic cabins- usually have electric ,Ac, small fridge, tables beds, some have TV’s- usually all in one room- no bathroom you have to walk to the main bathrooms. (ask is you have to bring bedding)
Deluxe cabins usually have everything at home Ac, TV, Kitchen stocked with cooking pans, tools, Bathroom, separate bed room. (ask is you have to bring bedding)
Rent an RV
Also many campgrounds offer other activities besides just a hay ride. Many have become a full resort offering, small water parks, mini golf, go carts, dj on some nights, archery, and permanent bounce houses.
Top Picks for Great Camp Grounds East Coast
Yogi Bears JellyStone Camp Grounds– This is a chain nation wide but our favorite Yogi Bear Quarryville Pa– near Lancaster a great place. Our family has been there 5 times this last trip with 15 other families all staying in cabins- Quarryville has a water park and tons of things to do.
Frontier Town Located off 3 miles from Ocean City Maryland and 7 miles from the Wild Horses of Assateague Island. they also have a western show Not to mention you can crab off the Dock. 1 mile from outlets for shopping- check out the Frontier Town Specials
Otter Lake– this was a favorite of my family growing up and now is a full resort with an indoor pool so great for fall camping
Please follow all week as we will give you help full tip and ideas for camping with your family. Superexhausted week of camping.
Tues: Creative Camping Cooking
Wed: Wordless Wednesday What to pack for 1st time campers
Thursday: Great items and Toys for camper
Friday: Ideas of camping in large groups and fitness
Atlantic City is a fun town!! I spent the 4th of July in Atlantic city. It was a great time, the kids and I were guest of the Visit AC and the Atlantic City Alliance. If you read my post last week, I discussed what we were going to see :the 4th of July Fireworks, Concert and Duality Light show: Here is what you missed!
The fireworks Atlantic Cities are rated in the top in the nation. The Fireworks by Grucci and lasted 20+ minutes. It was great they even had smiley faces in the fireworks. The kids loved it and we had a great time watching them, doing the big Ooos and Ahhs.
The next part of the night was the Kevin Rudolf concert. Kevin Rudolf, included his hits song “let Rock. Be sure to check Let It Rock on out on you tube. My daughter loved the concert it was her 1st concert and seeing it from the front was awesome. One of our favorite songs was Welcome World. I have to say I really his music.. it pop but rock. It is fun to dance to it.
Then after the show she was able to meet Kevin- So cool I got a picture too.. I am so a 15 year old girl.
The Most remarkable part of the evening was “Duality” 3D light show by Moment Factory . The Moment factory did a fabulous job on the light show. Which was remarkably produced in 3 months . The bloggers in attendance including myself got to see a behind the scenes look of the production. Here is are a sneak peak of the computer used to run the light system.
The Duality is a Permanent art insulation that runs every night on boardwalk hall in Atlantic City’s Famed Boardwalk Hall runs every night 2 time an hour and it is really great. The Moment factory Manages to make the hall disappear in the night. Check out the video.
We also got to sat in the lovely Golden Nugget Hotel in the Marina . Newly renovated, with a price tag of $150 million, the spa alone cost 6$ million. They have very some really fabulous restaurant Chart house and The property is owned and operated by Landry’s Restaurants.
Also the outside pool area is only one of 2 outside pools in Atlantic City and is heated in the winter.
So worth the trip down to Atlantic City to see the show. Also for the kids right near boardwalk hall is located near the Rain Forest Café and Mini golf so you can add more to your trip.
For more photos of my trip check out my Atltantic City Photo Stream from the weekend.
4th of July in Atlantic City, Boardwalk, Fireworks, Concert, 3d Light show created by the Moment factory, beach and with the family! I am so in. My Family and I so thrilled this 4th of July, to be heading to AC to experience how Atlantic city has so many wonderfully things to offer a family while visiting.
I use too always think Adult destination when people talked AC. A year ago, I took my kids to Atlantic City it is a great place to visit with my family. My daughter thought the hotels were very “Fancy “and the pools /beaches were wonderful my son hated leaving. So when AC asked me to visit there lovely town again, I was ready to go with bells on.
This holiday the Atlantic City Alliance is premiering a Moment Factory 3d light show “Duality” on the 4th of July at AC Famous Boardwalk hall. The Aikens clan will be one of the 1st to see the 3d light show. My kids are so excited, to prep them for the experience, we have been watching the video of how they make the light show.
Where: It will play on the façade of Boardwalk Hall, facing the boardwalk and the Atlantic Ocean. Best viewed from Kennedy Plaza on the boardwalk.
The music is an original score which was composed specifically for Atlantic City by Vincent Letellier who created a mixing orchestral music, indie-pop sensibility and electronics
The creators of the “Duality” Moment factory have created multimedia elements for shows performed by Celine Dion in Las Vegas, Jay-Z, Arcade Fire, Madonna, Cirque du Soleil, Microsoft, Disney and various other clients
The show was commissioned by Atlantic City Alliance a non profit, purpose is to create a more diverse Atlantic City.
Atlantic City boardwalk Fireworks for the 4th of July and the light show “Duality” will be such a memorable experience for the kids, I cant wait to share the entire experience with them.
I hope you can come and join me in Atlantic city. It would will be truly magical night!!
Sesame Place Is not just a place for little kids. This year we attended opening day at Sesame place. I attended with my son(age 11) , my sons close friend (age12) , my daughter (age 7), and UpperCase women’s Daughter (age 5). We love Sesame Place. Even as my children get older, it is always a fun day for all. We normally bring a big kid for my son to enjoy the day with, so he can ride the rides. Every time the friend, is not sure because Sesame evokes a feeling from there early childhood. But once they arrive and see how amazing Sesame Place is for all ages they relax and have a wonderful time.
Sesame Place Review
This trip, My sons friend never has ridden a roller coaster, the Vapor Trail was just the right size for a 1st time coaster. My daughter choose to ride with him.. here is the before and after shot. He loved it and could not wait to ride again.
Sesame Place has just as many dry rides as they do wet. So anytime of year is a great time to go. My kids also love climbing Nets and Climbs is always a fun place for the kids to climb and get lost in a safe way 30ft off the ground. It is a wonderful workout.
Another big hit was the Elmos World – Free fall ride check out the faces.
There are also some amazing shows and performances this year. We did not attend because the age of my kids are all about the rides but they did spend a few moments posing with the various Sesame Street props.
We arrived at 10 and spent about 6 hours it was a fun action packed day.
My summer tip if you are close by is to go later in the day arrive around 3- 3:30 you save money on a twilight pass and the park is less crowded. We will stay till the park closes and the kids just go around and around on the rides because the lines are shorter.
Sesame Place Deals and Coupon Codes
Also between now and the end of June. Sesame Place is offering a Special deals all summer check them out: Sesame Place Promotions
Also Visit Philly Let me know of this special offer
Be a Kid Again Getaway Package:
Hotels: More than 20 participating hotels
Package Overview: Guests who book a two-night hotel stay and buy at least two Elmo’s ANY 2-Day Tickets get front-of-line Abby’s Magic Queue passes for their party.
Other Perks: Free family photo at 1-2-3 Smile With Me!; two preferred parking passes for two days
Available: Book by June 28, and departure date must be July 2 or earlier.
Sesame Place has offer a two single day tickets for one of my readers. Please enter the mandatory comment Of “What amusement ride makes you smile?” The confirm entry in RaffleCopter form to win. a Rafflecopter giveaway
Disclosure: My friends at Sesame Place did invited them to join them free of charge. But all the fun and opinions stated in this post are honest and true.
Monster Trucks, yea I saw them.. Advance Auto Part Monster Jam. Here are my 10 tips of how to make a monster truck show event more fun and what to expect. I have to say it was a 1st. My husband went as a child from time to time. Me never been and now I can check it off my list. My friend Hillary at My Scraps was doing a giveaway her winner could not go, so she was nice enough to share the Monster Jam Tickets with my family.
My son was a little hesitant about the Monster Jam, because of the noise so we got ear protect for both the kids (the head phone kind that covers entire ear). It was loud. We saw Monster Jams at the “Link” Lincoln finical center where the NFL Eagles play football. So to was open top stadium I could understand that a closed dome would be deafening. The Monster trucks are loud, to put it mildly.
So we found our seats. they we great 1st row 2nd tier at the 50yard line. There was also no one behind us so we could stand up (handicapped seats were on a platform behind is- over our heads) The kids stood and cheered for the quad racing teams and different monster trucks. The truck hold a race to see who gets around the track the fasted that is the 1st half of the show, the mixing in team quad races with some good old city against city competition. (NYC vs Philly). The the big show is the free style.. which seemed to be lets see how hard we can push there large trucks just to watch them fall apart of crash. The crowd loves it. I was in awe how high the trucks fly in the air and the hang time on these trucks I was able to get 3-5 pictures taken from the time they attempt the jump to when the land. I was in awe.
Many of the trucks did back flips here is the World Famous Grave Digger doing a back flip. He landed on is side on the second flip.
It was a really different evening for my family and it was a really fun event to watch. I wish I brought my telephoto lens.
10 Tips for Monster Truck Shows :
Sunscreen
Ear protection for the kids and yourself
camera with telephoto lens
Unopened water drinks bring a lot of water it is hot in the stands (security will not let you carry them in if opened)
arrive early and do attend the pit party if you can – you can see the trucks up close
it is a long day for the kids 5 hours in seats.
Snacks (fruit snacks , little thing kids tend to eat alot, and save the money on the $14 cotton candy)
Poster board signs of favorite trucks, if in the lower tiers the driver might choose them for a special gift
Do let you kids look on line at the trucks prior them having knowledge makes them more excited and enjoy the races
Tail Gating is acceptable and done.. so make a day of it.
Baby wipes.. added Per comment below
They have another Advanced Auto Parts Monster Jam event this up coming weekend June 16, 2012 at The Meadowland (East Rutherford NJ)
Last night we went to see How to train your Dragon live show. The show was held and Philadelphia Wells fargo center. check out the kids thoughts below. I really enjoyed the show. The show creators definitely used there imagination when creating the show. The How To Train Your Dragon Stage show will be touring the US.
