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Personalized Princess Time at Disney

Posted on October 17, 2011 12:00 am by TheAngelForever

Growing up, people would always ask my parents why we would go time after time to Walt Disney World. I never really understood why people would ask these questions. The reason: it was a place where our entire family could enjoy our time together. We were able to leave the real world behind, be carefree, and see/experience something new no matter how familiar we were with the parks.

As an adult, I get it. I now understand the magic of a Disney vacation on a different level. Before we go, I have everything planned. We have our entertainment built in, our resort has many options to offer, and even meals are booked and with the meal plan only tips need to be paid. By the time we arrive in Orlando, we have paid for everything except some souvenirs and ready to enjoy our time there.

Back in March, when we were planning some dining reservations I told TechyDad that I had a request. In all of my visits to Walt Disney World, I had never eaten with the princesses. Yes, this mother of two boys wanted to see Belle, Ariel, Arora, and other important ladies in Disney history. TechyDad was not entirely sure that it was the best thing to do with two boys, but I insisted. NHL and JSL were young enough to appreciate the experience without complaints about mostly girls in their princess gear being there.

We were able to snag some lunch reservations to Akershus Royal Banquet Hall in Epcot. We had a magical experience. We had our photo taken with Belle before we were seated. Then, each of the princesses came around to meet and greet every table. What impressed me the most was how the characters interacted with the boys. Check out how Ariel noticed something in the autograph book and talked about pirates.

A magical moment that we captured and can show back to the boys when they are older. Of course, we can also show JSL the goofy smile that he was sporting most of the trip when it was time for photos.

While we were waiting for our dessert, I pulled out the video camera and asked NHL what he thought of the experience. I figured it would be interesting to see what a seven year old boy, with no sisters, had to say about dining with Disney Princesses. This is what he had to say in the very distracted environment.

I do believe that we made the right choice going to this restaurant on our March vacation. I know it was a magical memory that will live with us for many years to come.

If you have any magical Disney moments to share, I would love to hear them. As always, if you have any questions about Disney – just ask away.

Categories:
decisions Disney food glorious food fun interesting jsl looking back milestone nhl photos TechyDad travel vacation video yummy

Sukkah Decorating Time

Posted on October 14, 2011 12:00 am by TheAngelForever

Yesterday, I mentioned that my family will be celebrating Sukkot on Thursday and Friday this week. Before the holiday, a lot of families work together to build a sukkah for their own homes. We do not have a sukkah, but there are plenty around for us to visit.

Check out the little sukkah that JSL’s classmates made in their own room the other day. The weird smile is courtesy of a cold just in time for the holidays.

Then, JSL showed me the craft that they had made. The kids each made a teeny tiny sukkah with Play-Doh decorations to bring home. This was SO cute and something I had never seen before.

On the way out, we were told to head out to the big sukkah outside. In there, JSL would be able to show me the decoration that he made for the community sukkah. So we walked outside into the sun and explored the sukkah.

We wandered around looking at what each of the classes made. Then we found the group from his room. Here is JSL’s creation for the Sukkah.

So my question for this week is inspired by the holiday of Sukkot:

Have you ever been to a Sukkah before and how was it decorated? If you have not, how would you help with the decorating fun if you went to one?

Real Steel prize pack

Star Wars Cereal and $25 gift card pack

Girl Who Never Made Mistakes

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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 #173

Categories:
Aloha Friday fun holidays jsl photos school

Sukkot Celebrations

Posted on October 13, 2011 12:00 am by TheAngelForever

As I write this, we will be getting ready to celebrate Sukkot. Sukkot begins Wednesday night at sundown and continues to Friday night at sundown. Yes, there are more holidays in the fall than just Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur. This is a very busy time of year and can leave your head spinning.

Growing up, I remember some of the Jewish celebrations at nursery school and beyond. As an adult, I recall my aunt and uncle building a sukkah in their yard and going to their house for a party with other family and friends. This photo was taken in their sukkah in the fall of 2001.

Sukkah decorations post Sept 11, 2001

Now, I watch as my boys learn about the different holidays at home, in school. and Hebrew School. We create our own memories and continue with traditions that have been passed along from generation to generation.

JSL’s class has been working very hard to create decorations for their school. Check out the fantastic Sukkot display that they made with all of the other classes:

The little guy even agreed to jump into a photo to point to the item that he made within the display.

JSL was able to select from several different items to decorate. He listened to the list the other day and immediately wanted to make a shofar. This is a closer view of his masterpiece.

Wishing everyone who celebrates a festive Sukkot. May you enjoy spending time with family and friends in your sukkah and being one with nature.

Categories:
family holidays jsl looking back school

Learning On The Go

Posted on October 12, 2011 12:00 am by TheAngelForever

Disclosure: As a long time LeapFrog supporter, I applied and was selected by Mom Select and LeapFrog to host a “Learn, Create, & Share” party. They provided me with all of the items shown above. The opinions are all mine and no other compensation was received. More coming soon about the party soon! More about the goodies when we opened them here.

Categories:
Educational jsl Techy Kid Time Wordless Wednesday

Goodies For Our Learn, Create, and Share Party

Posted on October 3, 2011 12:00 am by TheAngelForever

Imagine a box arrives at your house for an amazing event and you have to hide it from your children. Yes, that was me for the past week or so. The other day, I walked outside and a package had arrived. I managed to divert their attention away and brought the boys to school. When I got home, I opened up the box.

Yes, these were the items sent to me for hosting the “Learn, Create & Share” Party from LeapFrog. As an educator, I love toys that actively engage kids in learning – especially literacy skills. On Sunday, we finally opened up all of the items to check them out. We wanted to make sure they were ready for the party that I am planning. Here is JSL to introduce you to the first item. Warning: 4 year old boys know how to scream when excited!

The poor kid had so much excited energy, he could hardly wait while TechyDad worked on opening the package and getting everything ready.

To keep JSL busy while TechyDad worked on getting everything ready, we made another video. Here is JSL showing the other items that arrived thanks to LeapFrog.

It took a little while, but eventually the LeapPad was open and all three of the boys crowded onto the couch to check it out (I will play once they are in bed). They kept looking, checking, exploring, and trying the apps that were on the LeapPad.

Do you have a LeapPad? If you do, I would love to know what you think or any specific items that I should make sure to try with my boys. So far they have found a lot, but there is just so much more. I have a feeling this will be a hot toy this coming holiday season, so if you have any questions – just let me know in the comments.

More coming soon on the items, including video reactions of trying everything out. Now, the planning may commence for our “Learn, Create, & Share” Party.