Category Archives: Christmas

Feb28

Disney Trip Day 4 and 5

Posted on by
Standard

Day 4-Hollywood Studios (and a little more Epcot) ( a tiny bit of Magic Kingdom…)

Hollywood Studios was a lot of fun!  The better attractions are definitely for the taller kids…44” and up!  (Tip: Try to get a fast pass immediately for Toy Story.  This was the one ride we did not get to go on during our trip.  When we arrived at the park at 10:30 the fast pass time was for 7:30 that night and we had dinner reservations prior to that. People who went on the ride said it is not much different than Buzz Light Year so I wasn’t too upset to miss it) My five year old LOVED Tower of Terror, we did it at least 3 times and we saw the parade that is special to this park. 

 

 Another thing my daughter enjoyed was the American Idol event in which she got to sing a song for a “casting director”.  Very cute! 

I myself went on Rock n’ Rollercoaster and  it was a great ride with an Aerosmith theme.  Other highlights were the American Movie ride, fun and interactive.  I found all the rides and attractions in this park fun and well thought out.  Definitely appealing to the adult and older child.

Another fun thing we did in Hollywood Studios that happens at Christmastime is the Osborne Family Lights.  It is an amazing display of lights set to music down the NY street set in a section of the park.  Very crowded, but excellent!

That night at 6 we left Hollywood Studios via boat launch and headed back to Epcot for dinner in Japan.  My daughter loves Hibachi and this restaurant was very nice.  After dinner we had just enough time to get the stamps and signatures from the countries we had missed and complete her passport.  As we left we again got to see the amazing fireworks and show that is presented there.   We jumped on the monorail, switched at the Transportation station and went to Magic Kingdom for a quick last night.  My daughter loved Thunder Mountain so we did that one more time and lucky for us….we also got to see the Electric Parade!  I remember that from when I was a kid! 

Day 5

Today we leaveL  We hit Magic Kingdom one last time.  Used our last snacks up from the meal plan and headed to the airport at about 3pm.  It was a great few days in Disney and I definitely feel like we made the most of our time there. 

Any questions….PLEASE ASK…I may not know the answer…I am no Disney expert, but I can give you my opinion and perspective!

Dec28

Santa on Christmas Eve!

Posted on by
Standard

Every year we have a Christmas Eve party at our house and it is truly my favorite night of the year.  Over the past five years it has grown and includes many of my close friends, their siblings and parents.  In addition all of our children are friends and have the best time celebrating the evening together.

This year we had fancy Christmas cocktails of Chambord and Prosecco which turns a beautiful berry color in the glass (see pic below).  There was plenty of food and to top the evening off Santa stopped by!

We took the kids outside to “look” for Santa’s sled, and as luck would have it, a plane flew by with a red light in front.  When we came inside there was a ring at the front door and there was Santa.  It was the perfect night and we all had a great time!

Nov29

Elf on the Shelf~Fun Ideas!

Posted on by
Standard

The Elf on the Shelf is a great Christmas tradition, one that the kids and parents both love!  Scroll down for ideas…or for those of you who are not familiar with the Elf on the Shelf concept, it is a small plush elf that comes with a book. Each night the elf moves to a different spot in the house, and the kids always look forward to finding him!  When the elf first arrives reading the book is a fun part of the tradition, and then the child can give the Elf a name.  After that, the ideas are up to you!  Some elves cause mischief and some are well behaved.  You can get as creative as you want! We always bring our elf back right after Thanksgiving to get us in the Christmas spirit!  Parents can introduce the elf to their children in any number of ways and the whole family can enjoy this fun holiday tradition.

So….Introducing the Elf on the Shelf!

What is a good way to introduce the Elf on the Shelf?

What is a creative way to introduce the Elf on the Shelf?

When is a good time to introduce the Elf on the Shelf? 

These might be questions you have and I would like to share a few fun ideas for the big event!

Ideas for the Introduction

1-Roll out the Red Carpet- Use a red table runner or long piece of red fabric and place the elf at one end on either a table or fireplace mantle.  This way he has made a grand entrance.

2-Wrap him and the book up and leave it on your doorstep so the kids can find him.  Have it addressed to them- From: SANTA

3-Make a breakfast or dinner party with your child to Welcome the Elf to your home or back again.  Kids can help cook a simple meal with you and honor their new guest!

4-Drive to your nearest train station, bus stop or airport and pull in.  Have the kids close their eyes and when they open them the elf will magically apppeared in the car.  You can make a fun afternoon of this by picking him up after his long  journey from the North Pole.

Once you introduce your elf, he can be calm and just move to fun spots around the house each day or he can do things around the house….maybe he might leave a special snack one morning for your child, or a special note.  He might even bring a little treat from time to time. 

Here are some mischeif ideas I found:

Make a “snow angel” in flour on your kitchen counter

Not for everyone but…A few drop of green food coloring in the toilet…(the elf needed to use the bathroom)

Some marshmallows tossed around the kitchen…a little marshmallow fun!

You can do whatever works for you family!  The ideas are endless!!  Share your family tradition with us!!  Our elf is raiding the fridge tonight…she will find him in there tomorrow morning!

If you don’t own the Elf on the Shelf it is not too late!!!  You can get one from Amazon.com or any number of local stores!

Here is a link to getting one today!!  Have fun getting ready for the holidays!!!

The Elf on the Shelf: A Christmas Tradition with Blue Eyed North Pole Pixie-Elf

One more fun idea is the Elf on the Shelf Activity Book for about $14

The Elf on the Shelf: Activity Book

Couture Skirt for Your Elf on the Shelf $6.99

The Claus Couture Scout Elf Skirt

 

Nov28

What do your kids want for Christmas?

Posted on by
Standard

High on my 5 year old daughter’s list this year is an Easy Bake Oven.  I was a little surprised to hear this was her top choice, as they had these when I was a kid.  A few of her friends want it too and the commercials really make it look great.  We will see!  If you are looking for the Easy Bake there are two choices: The Easy Bake Oven and the Easy Bake Ultimate Oven.  Both are avaliable on Amazon.com.  Get yours before they sell out!

CLICK THE LINK BELOW:

Easy Bake Ultimate Oven