Family Fun at the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium
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| Wildlights at Columbus Zoo and Aquarium |
Today I'm sharing highlights from one of my favorite Holiday traditions in Columbus, OH - Wildlights at the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium. It's on Mom's Guide to Travel. Stop on over!
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| Wildlights at Columbus Zoo and Aquarium |
When Chuck Norris goes to the zoo he makes the animals pay to see him.*
Just Another Scared of Santa Photo
From Our Family to Yours . . .
Santa leaves out cookies for Chuck Norris.*
*Source: chucknorrisfacts.com
How to Outdo Clark Griswold
After checking out Peteyville, we headed back to our car and listened to the display narration on 88.5 FM. It was filled with facts ranging from their weekly electric costs to the amount of amps from their dedicated power feed.
Here's a short video I took as we drove off to head back home. Take a gander!
If you're up for a road trip or are in the area be sure to check out Peteyville.
Peteyville
For a Christmas tree, Chuck Norris simply roundhouse kicks down a redwood and carries it home!*
*Source: chucknorrisfacts.com
Our Wrecking Ball Elf
You may remember Red from last year – Our Immature Elf on the Shelf.
This year he seems a bit of a wreck from a recent break-up.
He’d never hit so hard in love.
Earlier this week I was awakened in the middle of the night
to the sound of Miley Cyrus playing in the family room.
I rushed out and that’s when I saw IT. And Red sitting on top.
I have no idea how he managed to get a wrecking ball into
our house, but I took a picture and submitted it to the #inappropriateElf Contest.
When Chuck Norris falls in love, he breaks it.*
*Source: chucknorrisfacts.com
Big City Events | 2013 Chicago Toy & Game Fair
Disclosure:
The following post was facilitated by my receipt of complimentary
tickets. All opinions contained herein are my own. - See more at:
http://www.adventuresasasmalltownmom.com/2013/11/2013-chicago-toy-and-game-fair-giveaway.html#sthash.Oe4fheTg.dpuf
The fam and I attended the Chicago Toy and Game Fair at Navy Pier over the weekend.
The two-day extravaganza didn't disappoint!
In between chasing Big Guy we were able to catch a magic act, check out awesome games and toys, and take part in Playdate Planet's event to set a Guinness World Record.
(And yes, the Hubs is sporting a Movember 'stache.)
Everywhere we looked there seemed to be Star Wars characters.
Big Guy wasn't sure what to think of the Stormtroopers.
We spent a good amount of our time on Sunday at the Playdate Planet event.
Both of the kids enjoyed running around prior to the Guinness World Records attempt for the most participants in a clapping game (Double This Double That).
Afterwards they jammed out at the MCR Group booth.
When we finally called it a day, it didn't take long for both of them to fall asleep.
Definitely a parenting win!
Correct sentence structure, Yoda used. Before Chuck Norris' foot, he met.*
*Source: chucknorrisfacts.com
Small Town Eats | Six Hundred Downtown
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| Small Town Stats* | Bellefontaine, OH Population - 13,197 (as of 2012) |
The best pizza in Ohio can be found in Bellefontaine at
Six Hundred Downtown!
Six Hundred Downtown!
We discovered the pizzeria this past summer when we were driving through the state. Now every time we head back to Columbus we make sure to time our drive so we hit our new favorite pizzeria for lunch or dinner.
Yes, it really is THAT good.
An absolute must when you stop in is an order of Garlic Knots.
Remember: GARLIC KNOTS.
Follow it up with an order of any pizza from the menu - you can't go wrong. After all, the restaurant is locally owned and operated by a four-time World and three-time US Pizza Champion!
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Check it out and let me know what you think.
Bellefontaine, OH 43310
Chuck Norris once made a computer out of a pizza box.**
*Statistic from city-data.com
**Source: chucknorrisfacts.com
Chuck Norris once made a computer out of a pizza box.**
*Statistic from city-data.com
**Source: chucknorrisfacts.com
2013 #ChiTAGFair Giveaway Winner
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| Via |
Congrats to Tammy P. (entry #7)! You are the winner of the Chicago Toy and Game Fair Weekend Family Pass.
Thanks so much to everyone who entered the giveaway. I enjoyed reading your responses about your favorite childhood toy. The giveaway winner wrote that they loved their Tabletop Frogger game!
If you didn't win you can click here for ticket information and a $2 off coupon.
Thank you to the Chicago Toy and Game Fair for sponsoring the
giveaway.
2013 Chicago Toy and Game Fair #Giveaway {CLOSED}
Disclosure: The following post was facilitated by my receipt of complimentary tickets. All opinions contained herein are my own.
My family and I are getting excited about the upcoming 2013 Chicago Toy and Game Fair (#ChiTAGFair).
We plan on driving into Chicago to experience the #ChiTAGFair for the first time.
My family and I are getting excited about the upcoming 2013 Chicago Toy and Game Fair (#ChiTAGFair).
We plan on driving into Chicago to experience the #ChiTAGFair for the first time.
The two-day extravaganza takes place on November 23, 2013 from 10 a.m. - 6 p.m. and November 24, 2013 from 10 a.m. - 5 p.m. at Navy Pier.
Tickets are $10 per adult and $5 per child.
Here are just a few reasons to attend:
Tickets are $10 per adult and $5 per child.
Here are just a few reasons to attend:
- Preview, play, and purchase the hottest toys and games, rediscover classics, and meet the inventors behind the ingenuity.
- Check out cool toy and game designs during the Young Inventor Challenge.
- Take part in a Guinness World Record setting attempt (Register in advance)!
- Enjoy performances by Mac King the Magician.
Now's your chance to win a #ChiTAGFair Family Weekend Pass!
(approximate value of $60)
(approximate value of $60)
To Enter the Contest:
Enter via the Rafflecopter Widget Below. If you have any problems using Rafflecopter, make sure you are running the latest version of your web browser and have javascript updated. If there is a Mandatory entry, it must be completed before any others will count. Do not attempt multiple instances of entering as all entries will be disqualified. If I am unable to verify your entry, it will not count. By entering you agree to the rules of the contest.
Rules:
{1} Giveaway ends November 18, 2013 at 12:00 am EST.
{2} Giveaway open to U.S. residents only, must be at least 18 years old at time of entry. Winner will be notified by the email address provided via Rafflecopter.
{3} Winner must respond within 48 hours of being notified. Winner will receive their prize directly from the Sponsor.
See Official Giveaway Rules for additional details.
Enter via the Rafflecopter Widget Below. If you have any problems using Rafflecopter, make sure you are running the latest version of your web browser and have javascript updated. If there is a Mandatory entry, it must be completed before any others will count. Do not attempt multiple instances of entering as all entries will be disqualified. If I am unable to verify your entry, it will not count. By entering you agree to the rules of the contest.
Rules:
{1} Giveaway ends November 18, 2013 at 12:00 am EST.
{2} Giveaway open to U.S. residents only, must be at least 18 years old at time of entry. Winner will be notified by the email address provided via Rafflecopter.
{3} Winner must respond within 48 hours of being notified. Winner will receive their prize directly from the Sponsor.
See Official Giveaway Rules for additional details.
To Enter the Contest:
Enter via the Rafflecopter Widget Below. If you have any problems using Rafflecopter, make sure you are running the latest version of your web browser and have javascript updated. If there is a Mandatory entry, it must be completed before any others will count. Do not attempt multiple instances of entering as all entries will be disqualified. If I am unable to verify your entry, it will not count. By entering you agree to the rules of the contest.
Rules:
{1} Giveaway ends October 9, 2013 at 11:59 am EST.
{2} Giveaway open to U.S. residents only, must be at least 18 years old at time of entry. Winner will be notified by the email address provided via Rafflecopter.
{3} Winner must respond within 48 hours of being notified. Winner must provide a valid U.S. mailing address. Winner will receive their prize directly from the Sponsor.
See Official Giveaway Rules for additional details. - See more at: http://www.adventuresasasmalltownmom.com/search?updated-max=2013-10-14T09:23:00-04:00&max-results=3#sthash.3tfYKqZQ.dpuf
a Rafflecopter giveawayEnter via the Rafflecopter Widget Below. If you have any problems using Rafflecopter, make sure you are running the latest version of your web browser and have javascript updated. If there is a Mandatory entry, it must be completed before any others will count. Do not attempt multiple instances of entering as all entries will be disqualified. If I am unable to verify your entry, it will not count. By entering you agree to the rules of the contest.
Rules:
{1} Giveaway ends October 9, 2013 at 11:59 am EST.
{2} Giveaway open to U.S. residents only, must be at least 18 years old at time of entry. Winner will be notified by the email address provided via Rafflecopter.
{3} Winner must respond within 48 hours of being notified. Winner must provide a valid U.S. mailing address. Winner will receive their prize directly from the Sponsor.
See Official Giveaway Rules for additional details. - See more at: http://www.adventuresasasmalltownmom.com/search?updated-max=2013-10-14T09:23:00-04:00&max-results=3#sthash.3tfYKqZQ.dpuf
At age 5, Chuck Norris' mother gave him a toy shovel. He gave the world the Grand Canyon.*
Source: http://www.chucknorrisfacts.com
Fall Fun
Wow! It's already November. Where has the year gone?!
We've been having a lot of fall fun - pumpkins, and candy, and cake! Oh my!
This year marked our third annual trip to Exploration Acres to find our great pumpkin.
See also The Great Pumpkin and The Pumpkin Patch to see photos from our previous trips.
Doll Baby celebrated her Rapunzel themed birthday at the Chicago Children's Museum.
See also You're Turning One and You're Turning Two to see photos from past birthdays.
And costumes were worn on Halloween.
Someone was not too happy about their outfit initially.
See also There's No Place Like Home to see photos from last year's Halloween.
How's your fall been so far?
There are no such things as seasons; Chuck Norris just gets bored with the temperature.*
*Source: chucknorrisfacts.com
2013 Barenie Pumpkin Display
This year marked our second annual trip to the Barenie Pumpkin Display in Griffith, IN.
Once again - amazing!
Walt Disney Presents . . .
If you're up for the drive to NW Indiana the address is:
917 E. Miller Street Griffith, IN
See also Barenie Pumpkin Display to view pictures from last year's Meet the Flintstone's theme.
The Great Pumpkin waits up at night to see Chuck Norris.*
*Source: chucknorrisfacts.com
Lake County Covered Bridge Harvest Fest
A few photos from one of our more recent adventures - 7th Annual Covered Bridge Harvest Fest at the Lake County Fairgrounds (Crown Point, IN).
The three day family fun event included children's games, historic trolley tours, hay rides, arts and crafts vendors, civil war re-enactments, and more!
Proceeds and donations from the event benefited the Lake County Fairgrounds and Special Olympics Lake County Training Facility.
Big Guy was a huge fan of the Lionel Modular Railroad Exhibit.
And Doll Baby loved spending time on the covered bridge with her brother.
All in all, a pretty fun day!
Chuck Norris once stood on a bridge in London. Then they wrote a song about it.*
Halloween 2013 #Giveaway Winner
Thanks again for stopping by and entering my giveaway. And a big thank you to LunaTagz for sponsoring this event.
Halloween 2013 #Giveaway: LunaTagz Halloween 4-Pack {CLOSED}
Disclosure: The following review was facilitated by receipt of a free
product. Giveaway prize will be awarded by the Sponsor. All opinions
contained herein are my own
Halloween is just around the corner which means trick or treating and an abundance of candy for
The kids had so much fun last year dressed up in Wizard of Oz themed costumes while going door to door to collect candy (see There's No Place Like Home).
This year when we head out, we'll be using LunaTagz reflective stickers on our costumes and trick or treat bags to help ensure other people can see us at night.
LunaTagz are made from 3M Scotchlite reflective material and are easy to use. Simply peel the paper backing and apply the tag to a clean, dry surface with pressure.
Below are a few photos (from my iPhone) of Big Guy modeling a stick-on LunaTagz.
The first photo shows the grey colored reflective tag while the other shows just how bright the reflection is when using a flash.
Pretty amazing! The LunaTagz Special Halloween Collection can reflect light from over 1,000 feet away.
Pretty amazing! The LunaTagz Special Halloween Collection can reflect light from over 1,000 feet away.
And in case you were wondering, the reflective tag came off with no sticky residue left behind on his shirt.
Now is your chance to win a LunaTagz Halloween 4-Pack of Stick-on Reflective Tags (MSRP $14.99)!
The 4-Pack includes: Ghost & Boo, Hat & Cat, Pumpkin & Bat, and Skulls (see image below).
To Enter the Contest:
Enter via the Rafflecopter Widget Below. If you have any problems using Rafflecopter, make sure you are running the latest version of your web browser and have javascript updated. If there is a Mandatory entry, it must be completed before any others will count. Do not attempt multiple instances of entering as all entries will be disqualified. If I am unable to verify your entry, it will not count. By entering you agree to the rules of the contest.
Rules:
{1} Giveaway ends October 9, 2013 at 11:59 am CST.
{2} Giveaway open to U.S. residents only, must be at least 18 years old at time of entry. Winner will be notified by the email address provided via Rafflecopter.
{3} Winner must respond within 48 hours of being notified. Winner must provide a valid U.S. mailing address. Winner will receive their prize directly from the Sponsor.
See Official Giveaway Rules for additional details.
Now is your chance to win a LunaTagz Halloween 4-Pack of Stick-on Reflective Tags (MSRP $14.99)!
The 4-Pack includes: Ghost & Boo, Hat & Cat, Pumpkin & Bat, and Skulls (see image below).
 |
| Photo Credit: LunaTagz.com |
To Enter the Contest:
Enter via the Rafflecopter Widget Below. If you have any problems using Rafflecopter, make sure you are running the latest version of your web browser and have javascript updated. If there is a Mandatory entry, it must be completed before any others will count. Do not attempt multiple instances of entering as all entries will be disqualified. If I am unable to verify your entry, it will not count. By entering you agree to the rules of the contest.
Rules:
{1} Giveaway ends October 9, 2013 at 11:59 am CST.
{2} Giveaway open to U.S. residents only, must be at least 18 years old at time of entry. Winner will be notified by the email address provided via Rafflecopter.
{3} Winner must respond within 48 hours of being notified. Winner must provide a valid U.S. mailing address. Winner will receive their prize directly from the Sponsor.
See Official Giveaway Rules for additional details.
a Rafflecopter giveaway
On Halloween, Jack Bauer dresses up as Chuck Norris.*
Five Reasons Why Storybook Land is a Great Family Destination
Here are five reasons why Storybook Land is a great family destination:
2. It’s geared for children ages 1-10. The nursery rhyme themed park made for a fun and relaxing atmosphere for our family and other families with young kids.
3. Minimal lines and wait times. With more than 10 rides and plenty of attractions (see Storybook Land Map) there was always something to do with little to no wait. We loved catching a ride on the J&J Railroad.
4. You can visit the North Pole any time of the year. This was a highlight for my kids. They loved watching the moving displays, camping out in the igloo, and getting to touch the North Pole (ice display) that stays frozen throughout the summer.
5. It’s just the right size. Nestled on 20 shaded acres, the park grounds were completely manageable for walking around with young children. Not to mention we didn’t have to park far from the ticket gate – no Disney-like tram or boat needed.
If you are
ever in the area, be sure to stop by Storybook Land and let me know what you
think!
6415 Black
Horse Pike
Egg Harbor
Township, NJ 08234
For those of
you that have been there, how was your experience?
*Source: http://www.urbandictionary.com/define.php?term=chuck%20norris&defid=7025801
Driving with a . . . Bird?
Yup.
That's a bird.
While you're here, check out Taking Truck Nuts to a Whole New Level.
Small Town Vacations | Ocean City, NJ
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| Small Town Stats* | Ocean City, NJ Population - 11,527 (as of 2012) |
One word to describe the experience: AWESOME!
Top
Three Places to Visit in Philadelphia with a Toddler - See more at:
http://www.adventuresasasmalltownmom.com/2012/10/top-three-places-to-visit-in.html#sthash.5GNtzH83.dpuf
Top
Three Places to Visit in Philadelphia with a Toddler - See more at:
http://www.adventuresasasmalltownmom.com/2012/10/top-three-places-to-visit-in.html#sthash.5GNtzH83.dpuf
Before we made our way to Ocean City, NJ we stopped in Philadelphia to take part in the 5K Electric Run.We were lucky enough to be in one of the first waves of runners.
Majority of the folks after us didn't get to experience the course due to a lightning storm that rolled in a half hour after the race's start.
Here's a shot of all of us in all of our pre-race gloriousness.
Trust me.
We were not glorious looking post-race.
After the Electric Run we made our way to the beach house:
5340 Central Avenue (highly recommend!).
5340 Central Avenue (highly recommend!).
We enjoyed going to the beach daily - right across the street!
(And yes, my Doll Baby is flying a Darth Vader kite.)
(And yes, my Doll Baby is flying a Darth Vader kite.)
And eating Dot's butter cake every morning.
Yum!
We especially loved our day trip to Storybook Land - just a half hour away.
Yum!
We especially loved our day trip to Storybook Land - just a half hour away.
Check back later for a post about Storybook Land in Egg Harbor Township, NJ.
Be sure to read a few posts from last year about Top Three Places to Visit in Philadelphia with a Toddler and Small Town Eats | Ocean City, NJ while you are here.
Be sure to read a few posts from last year about Top Three Places to Visit in Philadelphia with a Toddler and Small Town Eats | Ocean City, NJ while you are here.
Have you been to Ocean City, NJ or Storybook Land? How was your experience?
Chuck Norris can say "SHE SELLS SEASHELLS BY THE SEASHORE" 2,343,344,545 times fast.**
*Population data from city-data.com
**Source: http://chucknorrisjokes.linkpress.info/facts.php?page=164
**Source: http://chucknorrisjokes.linkpress.info/facts.php?page=164
Small Town Events | Connersville Day Out with Thomas
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| Small Town Stats* | Connersville, IN Population - 13,493 |
The event tickets included a train ride with Thomas the Tank Engine, pictures with Sir Topham Hatt, mini-golf, barrel train rides, temporary tattoos, magic shows, and more.
We arrived first thing in the morning and stopped in for breakfast at Brian's Bookstore and Coffee Bar (directly across the street from DOWT). Yum!
Once we finished breakfast we crossed over Central Avenue, picked up our tickets, and let Doll Baby lead the way!
It was a great day and we can't wait to attend DOWT next year!
Have you attended DOWT? What was your experience?
Chuck Norris once went to a magic show. The magician asked for a
volunteer for his disappearing act. Chuck Norris raised his hand and the
magician disappeared.*
*Source: http://chucknorrisjokes.linkpress.info/index.php
*Source: http://chucknorrisjokes.linkpress.info/index.php
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