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Disney Store Dreaming

Dear NHL & JSL,

Once upon a time, in a galaxy within our reach – there was a Disney Store at our local mall. Actually, before the two of you were born, we had two of them. Then they closed one to centralize everything. Just around the time JSL was born, the remaining one closed its doors for the last time. It was a place that we often went to. We were able to be with Disney and have a fun time. Now, the closest store is several hours away.

A week ago, Shannan and I went to to the Disney Store in NYC on one of our breaks during the SheStreams Conference. To say that I was in heaven would be an understatement.

Disney Store Heaven in NYC

There was so much to look at in every corner of the two levels of the store. The Phineas and Ferb area immediately got me to check everything out. I now wish I had bought you both something. Some Phineas and Ferb merchandise

There were endless amounts of the Disney Princess items. Those areas of the store were gorgeous, but my attention went to places like the gigantic Toy Story section. So many possibilities that my head was just spinning. Lots of Toy Story options

I joked to Shannan that the two of you would not have known where to go next. I think the Marvel area would have kept you there for a while. Lots of Spiderman, Ironman, Captain America, Hulk, and friends. I will say, I am sad that I didn’t get you each one of these:

Marvel friends

Back on the first floor, I found what I was looking for. There was a giant display of Vinylmations. I knew this was what I was going to bring both of you and Daddy. I bought each of you a Lion King box to open at home. Then, I saw the NYC Cab series that are only available in this store. I picked one of those tins for Daddy. Then, for the heck of it, I grabbed a Muppet Series 2 box.

 Wall of Vinylmations

Oh, I also stopped myself from picking up one of these for each of you:’

 Liberty Minnie

The reason I stopped, I want to head to NYC on a train with all of you for a fun day that includes a stop at the Disney Store.

When I got home and started to unpack, I had the bag from the Disney Store ready to go. The two of you were thrilled with the new Lion King packages. I do not think you were aware that they existed. Daddy was very happy with the two he got as well.

OIpening their Vinylmations

So now we just have to figure out a time to take the train to the city for a fun day together. There are a ton of places that we HAVE to go to and the Disney Store is just the first on a long list. Now if only we would get our Disney Store back here.

Love,

Mommy

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Dear<br<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />
/><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />
Kid<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />
Saturday

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Weekend in NYC

Dear NHL and JSL,

Right now I am sitting in NYC and missing you and Daddy. Of course, at the same time I am having the time of my life. I am here for a conference called SheStreams. The two of you know that I have a blog, Tweet, and go online. One of these days you will both understand the wonderful and wacky world that is social media. This conference is all about that and learning more while with amazing people.

Train Station Buddies

Thank you both for getting up early on Friday morning and taking me to the train station. I know it was strange heading out of the house in your pajamas, but it meant a lot having you go with me. It was the best to get great big hugs from both of you and Daddy right before I got on my first ever train ride.

So far, I have learned a lot of great things, met more fabulous people, and seen some of my silly friends. I think you will appreciate one of the photos of them at the Build-A-Bear Store.

Angry Bird Bloggers

I can not wait to show you the Build-A-Bear Store photos from NYC. Wow, it makes the one near us seem so small.

Disney Bears

One day soon I hope to take both of you on the train to see the sights and sounds of the city. Miss you all (TechyDad too). See you all Sunday afternoon.

Love,

Mommy

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

Dear<br<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />
/><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />
Kid<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />
Saturday

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Cupcake Crazy With Bettie’s Cakes

It is no secret that I really like making, baking, decorating, and even buying cupcakes. The unfortunate part for my waistline is that there are a bunch of amazing cupcakeries in the area. One of them was even featured on Cupcake Wars on Food Network the other day.

On the night that we should have been dining at Disney World, TechyDad and I went out to dinner while the kids stayed with Nana and Papa. After our amazing meal, we both wanted something special for dessert. So we went to try some sweet treats from Bettie’s Cakes at the local mall. Yes, there is actually a cupcake stand in the food court. Insert drool here:

Cupcake Choices

Giant Cookie Goodness

In the end, TechyDad and I were eyeballing the monster cookies. Of course, we HAD to try a cupcake. We agreed to get a Rasberry Zinger to split between us. Check out the amazing packaging that gets the cupcakes home safe and sound:

Ready to go

Are you hungry yet? No? Well, I think we need to remedy that with some more cupcake photos when the Rasberry Zinger and cookies made it home.

Yummy!

Although the cupcake was moist, delicious, and the frosting really great – my heart skipped a beat for the cookie. It was ooey, gooey, and amazing. My only complaint (which others will scoff at), is that it had a bit too much chocolate in it for my taste. I know the horrors – right?

Table at Bettie's

On Sunday, we took the boys to Hoffman’s Playland for what will likely be the last time this season. In front of Hoffman’s is a new location for Bettie’s Cakes. Yes, there are three locations, plus two cupcakery vehicles including their double decker pink bus. After going on some rides, we went in to check out Bettie’s ice cream or baked goods for a treat.

Fun look inside Bette's Cakes in Latham

The three boys opted to have a small ice cream (which was rather large). Each ice cream comes with a topping of your choice.

Ice cream toppings

JSL picked Death By Chocolate with gummy worms.

JSL's creation

NHL picked Bettie’s Three-Ring Circus – which was cotton candy flavored. He added marshmallows on top.

NHL's creation

TechyDad had Cookie Bookie and topped it with Reece’s Pieces.

TechyDad's creation

I was not too enthused with the ice cream choices. The cupcakes looked interesting, but well there was something else that really caught my eye. Here she is:

PB goodness

The boys loved their ice cream, and I took half of my cookie home even after sharing with everyone. Check the boys out. I think you can tell they were very happy:

My Happy Boys

It was not something we do often, but well worth it for some delicious family fun and together time. Thank you Bettie for this experience that we will always remember.

Do you have cupcake places by you? Do any of them deliver or have special flavors like Blueberry Pancake, Chocolate Covered Pretzel, Chocolate Covered Cherry, or Boston Cream (all coming later this week)? Would love to hear about them since I really do adore cupcakes. The weekly flavors at Bettie’s are always listen online – which is a great perk.

It's Me

Disclosure: I wrote this post as a customer of Bettie’s Cakes. We went there and bought our items both times. I wanted to share our experience and toot the horn of a great local business. I reserve the right to drool upon reading this and wishing for another visit soon.

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