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Tuesday Tales – Summer of Harry Potter

Posted on August 14, 2012 12:00 am by TheAngelForever

This summer appears to be filled with Harry Potter. Last year, NHL saw the first movie and adored it. For his birthday, he received the Harry Potter LEGO games for his Nintendo DS. It was love at first sight. He quickly completed the games and seemed to want to know more about Harry, Hermione (his favorite), Ron, and the others. Then, of course, he happened to pick out Harry Potter style glasses when he needed his first pair in the spring. When school ended, TechyDad and NHL started to read Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone for the first time. They are enjoying it so much, they just finished Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets over the weekend.

Yes, now NHL and TechyDad will begin reading the third book in the series by J.K. Rowling. This means that, once finished, NHL can let us know if he wants to try watching the third movie. Our rule is that once you read the third book and beyond, you may watch the movie. Of course, when NHL started to read the books again – his interest in Harry Potter LEGO game and figures started back up. Even I started to get creative one day. Recently, NHL received a fantastic book called LEGO Harry Potter: Building the Magical World.

This book has been in the car, on the go, and in NHL’s hands a lot since he received it. He is fascinated with the characters, mini-figures, history, and tales of Harry Potter. LEGO enthusiasts who are big Harry Potter fans will really like seeing the history of the collectables since they were released.

One of these days I want to sit down and really get a chance to read it because it is filled with so much information. You can read about your favorite character. NHL’s is Hermione and this is the page dedicated to her.

Another thing that was really interesting to see were how the LEGO characters changed over the years. Not only did they grow up on the big scene of Harry Potter, but their LEGO figures morphed as well. Here is one example.

I love that there are books available for older children that are not simply traditional chapter books. NHL adores this book and, as a parent, I am thrilled that he is reading and learning about something new. They are also great for parents and children to look at together to discuss a common hobby.

What books are you reading right now? I would love to know. Please be sure to link up to your book posts in the comments below. Include something you read on your own, with a child, or someone else. Tuesday Tales are all about spreading the love for books.

Disclosure: One Amazon affiliate link is included and, should you purchase the book mentioned, I will receive a small percentage from the sale. As always, all opinions are my own.

Categories:
books fun interesting Movies nhl TechyDad Tuesday Tales

Adventures in Amazing World

Posted on August 13, 2012 12:00 am by TheAngelForever

When I was in fifth grade, my teacher Mr. D introduced me to the world of Carmen Santiago. I was on a mission around the world learning about people, places, and things. I was able to problem solve with friends to apprehend this notorious fugitive all while at an old style Apple computer while playing a game. Later on, my parents bought a game where I was a surgeon. I had to read about my patients health conditions and then help them to get better. Games allowed me to gain confidence in my problem solving skills, and use of technology.

All of these moments helped change my world. I was sold on the benefits of educational gaming. My views grew stronger as I used games while tutoring children who were reluctant readers. Then, I found games that helped to reinforce content in my own classrooms. Now, as the mother of a soon to be kindergartener and fourth grader, I allow my children to use them as well.

Of course, finding games that I am comfortable with is not always easy. Many are violent, filled with more game than learning and/or problem solving skills. I often rely on word of mouth from my friends, or a great campaign opportunity to introduce me to something I had never heard of. Thanks to Global Influence, I recently found out about a new game for children called Amazing World by Ganz Studios.

Since I have been looking for a new game for my oldest son to try, I allowed NHL to test out the free version of Amazing World. Once we downloaded the game, we were transported into the virtual world full of Zings. If you were curious, Zings are the citizens of Amazing World that are able to be named, customized, and get challenged along their adventure. NHL named his generic free Zing – Agent Z (homage to Agent P) and he was off. Within minutes, he was hooked. He was laughing at the interactions with other characters. The 3D colorful and fun environment within Amazing World engaged him like I have not seen in a while. I loved that he was reading, solving puzzles, and navigating throughout the world. He was thrilled to locate new items, collect prizes, and figure out how to build his own home for Agent Z.

In addition to the free version of Amazing World, you can also register Amazing World plush toys or figures (Zings). They will then come to life in your game and allow you to use an exclusive item within the world.

The full subscription to Amazing World also allows players to have full access to the gaming world. The free trial account limits you to the first 20 levels (there are 50), only four friends on your friend list, access to only four Amazing World hosts, and limited items that you can buy in the World Shop. NHL quickly realized that there were items that he could not do, but was okay with it now. I have to admit, with his love for the game, we may invest in the subscription to allow him to have more fun within this world (his birthday is this Friday).

Check out the video to see a bit more about Amazing World:

Giveaway Time:

The folks at Ganz would like to help a child in your life to get started expanding the fun in Amazing World. One lucky reader will receive two Amazing World toys. To enter, you must have a Twitter account and tell the world about the Amazing World game. You must use the hashtag #AmazingWorldGame and mention that the game is free to play within your Tweet. An example:

Come discover and explore Amazing World, a new free-to-play 3D virtual world full of challenges and fun! #AmazingWorldGame

***Do not forget, once you Tweet, please be sure to come back here and link to your entry Tweet in the comments below. This will be the only way that I can track entries and contact the winner.

Please follow the rules above within the comment section. Giveaway begins August 13, 2012 and ends August 23, 2012 at 10:59 EST. You do not have to be a blogger to enter (you will need a Twitter account), but must leave a valid e-mail address for me to contact you for mailing address once the giveaway is over. I will select the winner using random.org and contact you via e-mail. You will have 48 hours to claim the prize. If there is no response, another winner will be selected. Open to US residents only.

Disclosure: I wrote this post as part of a compensated Global Influence campaign. As someone who understands the value of computer based video gaming for children, it was fun to learn and watch my son enjoy something so much. Now, I just hope he will allow me to explore some as well. Ganz will not be held liable for any problems during the administration of the contest, but they are responsible for fulfilling prizes to the winner.

Categories:
fun interesting looking back nhl photos sponsored post

Happy Birthday Papa the Brave

Posted on August 12, 2012 12:00 am by TheAngelForever

Today is my father’s birthday. As I have grown up and started a family, I now see a different side of my father. He is so much more relaxed (most of the time) and has fun with his grandkids. Anybody that knows my father will tell you he doesn’t smile often. NHL’s request to zip line at Howe Caverns helped to bring one out.

Papa likes going on wild rides. So it was no shock that he was brave to go with NHL on the zip line. Of course, he also helped to make me into the Neurotic Disney Mom (NDM) that I am. It was no surprise that Papa and Nana agreed to help out with the boys in April when TechyDad and I went to a conference there. Yes, this photo pretty much says it all.

I have so many memories of going to Disney World as a child with my Dad. I will always remember my first time on Space Mountain with him when I was bribed for a large Figment stuffed animal. The boys also had some firsts with Papa. This time around he went with us on Dinosaur with JSL for the first time. Three years ago, he took NHL on Tower of Terror and Expedition Everest. My father also went with me on the Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster starring Aerosmith three years ago. It was a father and daughter moment that we experienced again this May. After NHL and TechyDad went on with us, we went right back for another spin and captured the moment.

Yes, he smiled again and I don’t think he had beans for breakfast (*wink* *wink*).

Thank you Dad for being a special part of our lives and being brave enough to smile from time to time. We all love you and are thrilled that we have had so many magical moments together. No doubt there will be many more in the years to come.

It's Me

Categories:
Disney family jsl looking back nhl photos travel vacation

Summer Days 2012

Posted on August 11, 2012 12:00 am by TheAngelForever

Dear NHL and JSL,

It is hard to believe that there is less than a month before the two of you go back to school. I have often wondered how I would feel that day. NHL, for some reason, it did not phase me as much when you went to kindergarten. Since JSL is the youngest, it has been tough to handle. My little boys are getting bigger.

I thought I would be excited, but the reality is that it scares me. I know the two of you will do fine in school. You are both smart kiddos. This really has nothing to do with school and more of time passing by. The two of you are growing up before my eyes and these days will forever change as you learn new things and figure out your paths in life.

While we were at Walt Disney World in April, they reminded us that you only have 18 summers of fun with me. Basically, you have to pack those moments with memories that will last a life time. While JSL is only five, NHL is going to be nine this week. That means that half of your family summers before turning 18 are over. It really does seem like just yesterday when both of you were born, and getting rocked to sleep.

So boys, please amuse me when I ask for a hug here or there, or pester you to take and let me capture a moment with my camera. I am not trying to bother you, I am making sure I document these times so we can look back and recall them years from now when you have your own children. Now, let’s make sure we get serious about the next few weeks and other summers ahead of us. We need to make lists of places to see, people to meet, and things to learn about.

Love,

Categories:
Dear Kid Saturday Disney DisneySMMoms jsl looking back me moments milestone nhl photos school summer

Olympics Reading and Learning

Posted on August 10, 2012 12:00 am by TheAngelForever

This year, the boys seem to be more intrigued by the Olympics. We watched part of the Opening Ceremony together the night it aired, and saw the rest of it with the DVR. The night before it started, we read Olympig! together. Then, NHL and JSL noticed books in a display at our library. The books were all about the Olympics, athletes, London, and more. There were books and movies for adults, plus a variety for kids.

NHL has been fascinated with the swimming and diving events. He has followed along as Michael Phelps made Olympic history with his medal count. It was not a surprise to me that he wanted to take out a book on this great athlete when he found it on the display.

As you can see, several of the books have come home with us to read. It goes to show that there are always books to help expand on subjects at home or expose children to a themes, travel locations, or people – it just take a little research at times.

My question to you this week:

What sport or athlete from the London 2012 games would you love to learn/read more about and why? If you have not been following along, what is your favorite summer game or what do you wish was in the Olympics?

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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.