jl | The Angel Forever

Category Archives jl

First Circus Memories

Posted on May 9, 2011 12:00 am by TheAngelForever

Mother’s Day memories are made by doing something fun with my family. Two years ago, we were at Walt Disney World with my parents and our boys for their first full vacation day in Orlando. Sad to say, we can not be at Disney every Mother’s Day.

This year, we decided to take the boys to the Ringling Bros. Circus. After NHL came home from his Hebrew lesson, we had a quick snack and packed the boys up to go to the Times Union Center. NHL and JSL had never been to see a circus. What I didn’t realize at the time was that neither had TechyDad. The three boys were going to a major milestone.

We arrived early enough to head down onto the floor for the all access preshow. There were clown noses to wear, performers to meet, and mini-acts to view. It was a lot of fun. At one point, we happened to see one of the clowns standing alone. The boys wanted to go over for a photo. I decided to stand back and capture this memory on video.

Of course, on the flip side – TechyDad got the photo of the boys below:

This was not my first time to a Ringling Bros. performance, but the preshow was new to me. Being able to interact with the performers before really enhanced the show. The boys fell in love with the clowns thanks to some of the amazing acts before the BIG two hour show began. Here is another one to enjoy:

The comedic timing, stage presence, and athleticism of this clown blew us away. Many more memories to share soon.

Have you been to the circus or taken your children? I would love to hear your circus memories.

Categories:
Disney family fun jl jsl laughs milestone nhl photos show video weekend

Passover 2011 Preparations

Posted on April 11, 2011 12:00 am by TheAngelForever

It’s that time of year again. In just a week, we will be sitting down to a Passover Seder with family to celebrate the start of Pesach. Nursery school already has their Passover display in the hall:

On Sunday, TechyDad and I decided it was time to tackle the Passover food shopping. We went to Price Chopper and had a goal. We wanted to keep things simple, make mostly fresh foods, and limit packaged items. We really cut way back last year and it worked out nicely. We were happy with quinoa like oatmeal for breakfast, a turkey burger with lots of veggies, eggs in many forms, cottage cheese, and other staples. Yes, we did buy a few already made frozen items, along with Passover cakes/cookies, but very few.

When we went shopping, I took my camera along to show you how far Passover food shopping has come. Welcome to Passover Land at our local Price Chopper.

"Passover 2011 Shopping at Price Chopper"

Create a free slideshow with Picnik!

When we left Price Chopper, we had almost everything we need. Only a few items like eggs, produce, cottage cheese, and raisins to get.

Now the real stress begins. We have to convert the kitchen to be ready for Passover while we do everything else in the busy week ahead.

To read more about last year, my 2010 Passover posts are:

Whether you celebrate Passover, Easter, or another spring holiday, I wish you luck with your preparations. What are you looking forward to most and/or least in the next upcoming weeks?

Categories:
food glorious food holidays interesting jl looking back photos shopping TechyDad

Saying Goodbye to Disney For Now

Posted on March 25, 2011 12:00 am by TheAngelForever

Magical family memories are what you dream of when traveling to Walt Disney World and it is a simple item to fulfill.

On this trip alone we have done many new and old favorites which include:

Bouncing with Tigger when getting a photo taken
Searching for the hidden Mickey’s that lurk in all different places
Eating with Belle, Aurora, Ariel, Alice, Cinderella at Akershus
Taking the entire family on Kali River Rapids together since the little guy was tall enough
Eating at Boma still soaked 3 hours after the previously mentioned ride
Meeting the amazing people behind Cake Wrecks
Watching Captain EO and traveling back to 1986 with my boys
Traveling around the world and back to complete a passport
Trying Kim Possible
Catching a glimpse of the Main Street Electric Parade before heading back to the resort after 12 hours
Eating pizza at 9:30 and laughing that we are having dinner so late

The boys and I have had yet another fantastic experience, filled with memories that will last a life time.Of course, the hardest part of a vacation is packing up to head home and going back to reality. By the time you read this we will be home, in the cold temperatuers, possible facing more snow. Right now, I am still hear and heading off for our last magical day at Disney.

My question for you today:

What is the hardest part of going back home after a vacation, and how do you help to ease back into things? One other thing –> Happy Anniversary Mom and Dad!!!

Disclosure: Although we paid for our own trip to Disney World, we were given an incredible deal thanks to Disney. The sweet conference fee included 3 nights at the Grand Floridian, several meals for the entire family, 7 day park hoppers for everyone, conference/meals for me and some other items to take home. Also note that Disney never asked us to blog about this event. As a long time Disney fan it is my pleasure to share my experiences from the event.

_____________________________________________________________________________

Thanks to Kailani at An Island Life for starting this fun for Friday. Please be sure to head over to her blog to say hello and sign the linky there if you are participating.

Aloha #144

Categories:
Blogging Conference Disney DisneySMMoms fun jl jsl nhl photos vacation

Fun on a Snow Mountain

Posted on February 26, 2011 9:47 pm by TheAngelForever

Dear NHL and JSL,

This morning, Nana called to invite us over to play outside. Thanks to all of the snow that fell yesterday, they had a plow come to clear their driveway. The result was a monster snow mountain in their backyard. After lunch, we packed up our things and went over to Nana and Papa’s backyard. This picture shows just how tall it was compared to NHL.

The two of you had SO much fun romping, sledding, digging, and climbing in the snow.

Here are some shots of NHL:

And some of JSL:

The two of you, and Daddy, had an amazing time playing together and making wonderful memories. I know I will sleep well remembering your laughter tonight. Of course, I may be dreaming of laughter at Disney World in the warmth and not the snow.

Love,

Mommy

_______________________________________

If you want to participate in Dear Kid Saturday, head on over to Cutest Kid Ever by clicking on the button below.

Categories:
Dear Kid Saturday fun jl jsl laughs my boys nhl photos play time weather weekend winter

Music Box Debacle and Despicable Me

Posted on February 12, 2011 5:14 pm by TheAngelForever

Dear NHL and JSL,

This morning, we decided to surprise both of you with a trip to Lowe’s for their Build and Grow event. We had not gone to a Lowe’s event in a while because they seemed too complicated and lacked reliable instructions. Still, when I saw the project this week, I thought it was cute and would make a fun present.

When we arrived, you saw the project for the first time. The mission was to build a music box for Valentine’s Day. 50 people had actually signed up for the event, so it was held on quickly put together platform “tables” with bucket chairs for people that wanted them. At this point, we should have run far, far away.

We stayed and it quickly became clear to us that it was not a good situation. The instructions were NOT clear (Home Depot does a much better job) and several times parts broke when we tried to hammer a nail in. Daddy and I finally decided to pack you both up and head to another location. Both of you were very upset and JSL even cried. I do not believe that we will be heading back to Lowe’s anytime soon. Just not worth the stress involved in what should be a fun activity.

We went to a few locations, went home for lunch, and then went to the library for some more books and things. When we got home, we decided to watch Despicable Me together. It was so nice sitting on the couch as a family and laughing together at the movie. I hope we can do this again soon.

Love,

Mommy

_______________________________________

If you want to participate in Dear Kid Saturday, head on over to Cutest Kid Ever by clicking on the button below.