Spring Fever

Yes – I’m talking about Spring today – not only because I wish it were Spring (it is way too hot here in NJ), but because I was a slacker a few months ago and didn’t post very much.  Life was hectic this spring.  We were in the midst of the nightmare leak that seemed like it would never end, school ended, the leak was finally found and repaired, the work to fix the leak damage began….you know…..life just took over.  It happens.  The house is now painted and looking fabulous and we are just awaiting our new carpeting.  We originally planned to wait until next year for carpet, however, all of the furniture is empty and half of it is already moved.  I certainly don’t want to have to do that all again.  You really have no idea how much crap you have until you have to pack it up and move it! 

So back to Spring…….we did a bunch of random, but totally fun things.

We went to a Touch a Truck event.  This is were companies and public safety organizations bring their vehicles and allow the kids to explore them.  If your child is into vehicles, this is a must do event.  Check your l0cal resources to see if it is done in your area and if not, it could be a great fund raiser for a school or church.

Uh-Oh - The Destroyer is Operating Heavy Machinery!

 

CheezWaster Takes the Wheel

 

Talk About a Big Truck!

 

Thanks to our annual Christmas gift of a Great Wolf gift certificate, we had a blast riding the water slides and playing on the nets.

The Slides at Great Wolf Poconos

 

Off to a Good Start

Going Down

Biting It One Tree Stump Before the End

 

At Least Someone Made it to the End

We took the boys on their first trip to New York City.  Thanks to a stellar deal from Groupon, we attended the Wizarding World Comicon Event, which was much smaller and less eventful than the Comicons you see on TV, but nonetheless fun.

Darth Vader is not my son's father

We then headed into Time Square where we (foolishly) took the kids into the massive ToysRUs to ride the ferris wheel.  Kids in a giant toy store = bad idea.  Just saying.  $44.98 later, we went to the M&M store, where I was also taken for everything I had.  $12.99 for a pound of M&Ms?  Really?  I don’t care what colors they are.  They  better talk to me like the ones on TV for that kind of money!

The Blue M&M

See the Grumpy Blue M&M?  He has to do this crappy job since no one is buying M&Ms…..because they are RIDICULOUSLY priced! Do you hear that M&M Mars???

We hit the Newark Museum, which we (sadly) found out wasn’t all that thrilling for young kids.  There were a few highlights for young children like the Planetarium, Nature Section and the Fire Museum, where the kids could dress up like firefighters and play in a real fire truck cockpit (thank goodness for this otherwise I don’t think the whining would have ever stopped!).

Newark Fire Museum

And last but not least, we took the kids on their first fishing trip.  Well, it wasn’t really a trip, per se.  Near my parents’ home in PA, there is a great state park, Frances Slocum State Park.  We took them fishing at one of the lakes in the park with the poles that Uncle Dave, the weekend fisherman, gave them for Xmas. 

Baiting the Hook

The Expert Outdoors Man

Despite major efforts from the husband and The Great Outdoorsman (aka my dad), I was the only one that caught a fish (HA!)….and I did it twice.  Behold – my trophy fish (and I’m not even in the picture). And in case you care – the 2nd trophy fish was also a crappy sunny.

My Trophy Fish

So, now you know some of what we’ve been up to.  Once the carpet is in and I can get my house back to normal, I hope to be a bit more mindful of the site.  Thanks for hanging in there with me.  It is good to have dedicated friends/readers!

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No More Prissy Princess

During the summer, my mom takes the boys to the library for their free events on the days I’m at work – and they have some great ones at our local library (definitely a good freebie place to take advantage of, especially on a ridiculously hot day like today).  For the past few weeks, the boys have been exploring the scientific section focusing on animals.  While I am as interested as the next parent in learning all of the facts about bugs, fish and mammals, these types of books get boring after a while – for both me and the boys.  This week, I suggested my mom go back to the “storybook” section.  Apparently, my boys pick out books like I do – based on the picture on the cover.  CheezWaster picked out a book called “The Princess Knight” because you know, it had a knight on the front cover.  Based solely on the title, I was a bit skeptical when I pulled it out of the library bag last night thinking it was going to be too girly, but it turns out it was an EXCELLENT book that both the boys and I thoroughly enjoyed.  The book, by Cornelia Funk tells of King Wilfred, who teaches his daughter the same knightly skills he has taught his three sons. Mocked by her brothers for being smaller and weaker, Violetta grows more determined to succeed. She creeps out at night to practice her sword fighting and horseback riding. With perseverance, the “nimble and quick” Princess becomes an expert jouster. In honor of her 16th birthday, the king announces a tournament with the victory prize being her hand in marriage. Outraged and appalled, Violetta cries: “You want me to marry some dimwit in a tin suit? Just look at your own knights! They whip their horses and they can’t even write their own names!” Taking matters into her own hands, she disguises herself in armor and poses as “Sir No-Name.” After defeating the other contenders, she reveals her true identity and chooses her prize–independence.  I highly recommend this book for both boys and girls, prissy or not.

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Things We’ve Been Enjoying Lately

I wasn’t ecstatic when the boys picked out this movie at the library, but it turned out to be great!  Enjoyed by all! – Legend of the Guardians: The Owls of Ga’hoole.

Tasty homemade spaetzle and lettuce from the garden (what’s left of it after the local bunny population devoured most of it).

Monster Mini Golf - one of these just opened in our town.  Man – where were places like this when I was a kid???  CheezWaster I’m sure will want to have a future birthday party there (and the party room is killer – seriously – it looks like a haunted mansion – how cool!)

1001 Bugs to Spot – My mom spotted this in a store while they were on vacation and had to bring it home to The Destroyer.  He just LOVES looking at bugs (and unfortunately for them crushing them when he is done….hey…we don’t call him The Destroyer for nothing!)  Not only is this a great look and find book, it also lists all of the names of the bugs on the pages making it a great learning book as well.  If your kids aren’t into bugs, these books come in all different genres – 1001 Pirate Things to Spot, 1001 Animals to Spot, 1001 Things to Spot in the Sea, 1001 Things to Spot in Fairyland, etc.  There is something for everyone!  These would also be great for plane trips or long car rides!

Jem and the Holograms - THANK YOU The Hub!  My favorite childhood show makes it’s triumphant return! After telling the basic gist of this as a bedtime story, my boys think it is Totally Outrageous!  ;)

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New Favorite Toy

The Destroyer wants to turn to the good side!

 

CheezWaster is the New Thor!

 

My new favorite toy!

You, too, could channel your inner Goddess!  Hammer & Helmet available now in our shop!

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Free Ice Cream Friday – Cranford, NJ

Hey local moms…well anyone really since the coupon doesn’t specify an age group:

Little Scoops in Cranford, NJ is having a free ice cream day on Friday, May 20 from 1 pm – 3 pm.  Print out a coupon for a free scoop of ice cream here and ENJOY!

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