Apple Picking at Stuart's Farm

It was our second year visiting and it was as twice as nice.

The first time we went on a holiday, Columbus Day, which fell on a weekday. That time it was not a full and not as many activities to do but still a nice time. This time we went on a Saturday so there were more people but the only place we felt it was the parking lot, lol. The weekends have a lot more activities so although there were more people everyone was able to spread out so we can all have a great time.

Cruz Critter in the Pumpkin patch

They have hay rides, corn maze, picnic tables, pumpkin patch and apple orchard. The maze and the hay ride are additional fees ($2 per person) so we did not go but they looked very fun. We did buy a lot of the farm fresh items like sweet corn, butternut squash, apples, fruit rolls, cookies, donuts, lemonade and a few other items.

One of my younger sister joined us. This is her with the Critters not me, people think we are twins

The lemonade was part of the Alex's Lemonade Stand fund https://www.alexslemonade.org/ so it was $2 but part of the price went to the fund. It was tasty too so that helped. We got about six cups in total, lol yup it was good and we were hot.

The stand out must see attraction (for me at least) is the Donut making machine. It is so awesome to see to donut shaped dough drop into the hot oil then be covered in cinnamon and sugar. They are sooo good and FRESH. The a half dozen cost about 5 bucks we got the full dozen to have some to bring home. The kids really like to see the process too. I like that they can see the steps it takes to make a tasty treat. Kids think things just magically happen so it is great to show them in real life a pretty cool process.

Tips before you go:
- Use the bathroom before you arrive. Might be a little tricky for us the ride was about 45 mins but if you do have to go the only option for bathrooms are Port a Potties so be prepared with the wet ones, hand sanitizer and patience.
- Bring CASH the prices are not bad but depending on what you want to buy/do and how much of it you need you will need cash, they don't do credit/debit cards. They do have a ATM in the main bldg (where the Donut Maker is) but there was a lengthy line to use it. Luckily, I had cash so did not have the chance to see the fees but I can imagine there were the same as any ATM.
- Pack the camera, extra batteries and extra memory card. The scenery is so beautiful. I am all about the pictures so I even brought a extra change of clothes for Rebel Girl (so yes she is wearing a different outfit but the pictures are all from the same day). Even the ride there is breathtaking. Look at this view from a bridge on the way there.

- Lastly, pack lunch they have TONS of sweets (Hello a DONUT MAKING MACHINE) but not many real food options. They did had hot dogs but this was the only "overpriced" thing. $3 a pop for the dogs, I def love hot dogs but I can feed my whole crew with $3 when I buy the dogs from the supermarket, lol. I am a mom that loves coupons, deal, saving and FREE stuff so def was not going to buy my critters each a $3 hot dog. The my boys usually eat two like myself so that is going into crazy territory so we passed on those and filled up on donuts and lemonade.

                                                      2016                                     2017

It was a really nice family day. It is all about the memories you make right. I remember the times when I went apple picking with my parents & siblings so I am so grateful and blessed to be able to share with my family. We were chasing butterflies through the apple trees and watching them drink the nectar from the crushed apples with bees by their side, picture below. It was hotter than it technically should be in October but definitely worked out in our favor.

Check them out on their website for updates:
http://stuartsfarm.com/

Best part was we had some goodies left over so I had a sweet breakfast the next morning and got to relive the experience all over again.

Can't wait for next year....

Gift Bags for Critters Classes

As we get closer to Halloween I have begun making our Halloween treat bags. The public school my older critters go to do not "do" Halloween. They have made it into a taboo day since the older kids tend to be mischievous and throw eggs, toilet paper, shaving cream, etc.

Although they are not gonna go to school in costumes and "trick or treating" I always like to help their classes celebrate. I definitely always try to give class gifts/treats. Now with two critters in school with class sizes growing it gets tricky but Dollar Tree, Oriental Trading, Etsy & Bath and Body works to the rescue (links below).

So for the kids I didn't want to be cheap so I gave Two flavored Tootsie Rolls Chews, One Dum Dum lollipop (all from Dollar tree) One Halloween shaped Eraser (Oriental Trading) and a Halloween themed sticker (Dollar tree) in a Halloween themed bags (Dollar tree).

For the Teachers who def deserve a lot MORE I gave them a little extra.  Cue Bath & Body and Etsy.
They got all the candies too but I gave them a Halloween themed hand sanitizer from Bath & Body (cant have enough of these when you have kids around) and the cutest knitted candy from Kris10Stitches wonderful Etsy shop. They can use this as a desk decoration and always remember the great kid aka mom that gave it to them, lol. Look at pics below.                                   
                   

Here are all the links so you can go shopping too:
https://www.dollartree.com/ ; http://www.orientaltrading.com/ ; http://www.bathandbodyworks.com/ ; https://www.etsy.com/shop/Kris10NStitches?ref=search_shop_redirect

I think giving these little treats/gifts will teach a lesson that it is nice to give to others and not expect anything but  thank you in return. I think sometimes we as grown ups don't give enough to each other. Not only tangible things but just helping one another. I hope that this helps all these kids to remember that sharing is caring and we should all care about our peers.

Happy Halloween Everyone!!! Cant wait to share our next class gift with you.

Fashion Week

As we say bye to September and Fashion week I have to put up a blog about our first experience. I am a mom of 3; two boys and my third is my little princess (we worked hard on her and God def blessed us). I have never been able to attend any shows. This year I got to go to TWO.

So since she is so cute and everyone always tells us we need to put our critters in modeling we finally decided she would be the one we try it out with. She was recruited by a Modeling Agency and we are on our way to the top, or at least one paid job,lol. I think the experience is priceless but getting paid is always cool.

So since we have to start from the bottom to get to the top we have been doing some free jobs. The latest one was the Beautiful Youth Fashion Tour (http://www.beautifulmode.com/). I was hesitant to do this with a 3 year old because she has zero experience with fashion shows and run ways but she was like a fish to water, she did great. They had all the models practice a lot before the show which was a def plus. She thought after one walk she was done because she is 3 but once we practiced, ate and slept we were ready to go. I would def recommend keeping the same schedule and routine you always do with your little one. I saw a few meltdown and sleepy girls when the show was about to being. So you know your child better than anyone else so listen to them, I promise things will go a lot smoother. Also snacks and tech are also a BIG help.

Here is a runway pic taken by a photographer, Czar Photography (http://theczarphotography.wixsite.com/czarphotography)

Our second Fashion Week experience was super cool. Big thanks and shout out to JustaBXMom, she is def the BEST. (Subscribe to here blog here -- http://justabxmom.com/). She hooked us up with tickets to Vicky'z mommy and me fashion show. We had to travel far to get there and the show was a half hour but those were the prettiest 30 mins of my life, lol. I have NEVER been to a fashion show so I was anxious, nervous and doubting my fashion sense completely but I still went and took my Rebel.Girl.54 (https://www.instagram.com/kac.0504/). So if I have never been you know she has never been either. We had amazing seat (aka Sex in the City type seats) that were basically on the run way. We arrived and ran to the potty just in time. I sat first and put my mini on my lap and they show started. The lights dimmed and the music started, I was sooo happy to be in this room with all these cool people. As the models (adults and kids) passed right in front of us we just stared in amazement. I started to take pictures and videos because I def wanted to share this experience with JustaBXMom, my family & followers. I also was telling Rebel.Girl.54 to look at the kids and how some looked a little nervous and were holding the adult models hands and how some were as cool as cucumbers. I told her she would be there one day and even if she was a little scared she should do it anyway because look at the beautiful clothes they get to wear. We noticed a lot of capes as a trend so def gonna jump on that, cause who doesn't like a cape, lol

I am definitely looking forward to the next Fashion Week.

Hungry Caterpillar Show Event

We were invited to a wonderful event yesterday and we all had a blast. The event was for "The Hungry Caterpillar Show". The show is coming to NYC so we got a sneak peek and I have to tell you it is cute, even my older critters were excited for the show. The show has over 75 puppets and is super colorful.  Check them out here http://www.hungrycaterpillarshow.com/new-york-tickets

So a little background on what it took to get to event. I took the whole crew on the Express bus BY MYSELF from the BX to NYC. I left two hours before event start time and I was still a hot sweaty mess by the time we arrived. The trip was itself was not bad, thank god for express bus, Gameboys and NAPTIME, lol. So we got on the 12 o clock bus and I pulled out the Gameboys quickly. We waited about 20 mins (the longest 20 mins ever) so they were getting antsy and BORED, of course. So the Gameboys were a cause for excitement when we were all comfy in our seats. Even my smallest critter has one, hand me down from big bros but she has one. She was getting cranky and frustrated over her game selection, Big Hero 6 so I suggested a cuddle and a nap and she actually accepted. YUP score one for MOM. This made the ride much more pleasant, there was a smaller baby on the bus who was a little fussy too so I was thankful my "baby" was quiet. Side note, the Express bus now has the option to charge your phone Yup Docking Station so pack your charger.

Once we got off the bus on 42nd and 5th Ave, same spot as the lady with the small baby. A older woman actually helped this young mom of one off the bus with her huge stroller. Mom Tip, when you are getting on public transportation travel with a stroller that YOU can handle with your bag and baby or babies. If was such a pleasant surprise to see others helping each other but you should not count on this, EVER. We had our Kmart special umbrella stroller, which hubby refers to it as Straight Gorilla Warfare style, LOL. The stroller is lightweight, no canopy or basket under it is just a frame and cloth for baby to sit. It worked out for us since my older critters can actually help me now. My oldest was in charge of the stroller while we got on and off the bus. So I had help just kinda built in, wink wink. So off the bus to walk to 11th Ave from 5th Ave. We grabbed $3 hots dogs (YES $3, should have bought them from home) and started to walk. I was trying to pack light but I did bring drinks for all of us EVEN myself. YAY. Mom Tip always have some cash on hand so you can carry less stuff.

Back to event, we checking in and had to wait like five mins which gave me a chance to dry off and chat with JustABxMom. We went in last, which is kind of funny now because we entered last and were the last ones to leave, LOL. We took some pics with the big colorful sign, below. My middle critter was not excited at all about event. He was under to impress event meant SCHOOL. He turned it around really quickly when he saw ice cream, gift and his favorite JUICE.

There was so many fun things to do at this sneak peek event, we started by coloring in Hungry Caterpillar headband hats, then moved on to the good stuff ICE CREAM, Smoothies, water & Juice. They had Vanilla or Cookies and Cream, 2 favorites at our house. They had face painting too which took a little bit for my crew to warm up to but they ended up visiting this station 2x. My little one didn't want anything to do with face or body painting so I got one on my arm to show her it was cool but she still declined which was OK she was still having fun. The nice artist gave her some GLITTER so we were very happy after that. They all got a gift of their choice to take home. They all picked the Hungry Caterpillar which was OK because NO fighting over which one belongs to which critter when we are back home.

This event at the Gotham West Market was definitely worth the bit of stress and sweat to get there.My hubby always says the hardest part is getting there so this mantra now plays in my head constantly when I am talking myself out of doing something new. I feel like if we all help each other we would be more prone to try new, fun and exciting things. So next time you can try to help someone out with a tip or a helping hand.

http://www.hungrycaterpillarshow.com/new-york-tickets

Great Wolf Lodge - Indoor WaterPark in the Poconos

So we have been to this location twice and the second time we stayed longer so it was def a lot more fun and we saw so much more. It is def nicer to stay here for 2 nights instead of one.

First time around we were just about the water park and that was it. The second time we actually discovered an additional floor, yes I know they didn't just build it but we had never set foot on it during our first stay. They have a lot of the extra activities (like 4d movie and magic quest stops) and more rooms on this level.The fun and easy part about our stays is that you only need your wristband. It is your room key, access to the water park and you can charge items to your room with it too. Don't worry you can select who has charging privileges and room key access.

At GWL they are all about celebration and I love that. You get ears for the kids if you are celebrating a birthday and the ears are super cute but for adult heads hurt after a while so put them on take a pic and remove, you will thank me later. My mini even got a free scoop of ice cream which was a real treat. Check out the spoons they give out with the ice cream, they give you a surprise which is really "cool" for the kids. Please know that little littles like 3 and under do not need a wristband for the park sooooo if they get one for their birthday scoop wait until the end to cash this in because they cut the wristband off. My mini loves to be like her big bros so since they need wristbands this would have cause a BIG upset. Thank GOD we did this cash in right before we left.

Since we are a family of five we are always on a budget. We always book the most economic room, yup people the cheapest one. We don't spend a lot of time in the room so it would be super cute and nice to have a "themed" suite but the cost does not make it worth it. My critters found fun things to do in the "cheap" basic room with 2 queen beds and a pull out sofabed option. Pictured below is our oldest in his favorite place in the room. So if we get a free upgrade to a themed suite I would def take that in a heartbeat but until then we will stick to the basic family room that will hold all of us. Prices for rooms on web are based on 4 people so the room can hold 6 but you will be charged extra.

So in case you are worried about being bored when the water park fun is done and everyone looks like a prune, lol. They have a bunch of other things to do that are actually FREE yes if you know me you know that is my favorite word right next to COMPLIMENTARY. They have daily activities that change so one day you can make your own GWL pin and the next you can decorate your wolf ears. We missed the wolf ear decorating but did get to do the pins which was sooo nice. You can color in your fave GWL character and then the activity person helps to make it into a real big pin. I forgot the girls name but she was so friendly with the critters. She let them help with the button pin making machine, pretty cool even for ME.
They have a bedtime story and show as well. Our big guys have introduced little sis to Five Nights at Freddy's so the robots/animatronics of the GWL gang was not their favorite part of bed time. We nicknamed the Big Bear pictured below Grandpa Five Night's at Freddy's, LOL.  We stayed for some of it and the character reading but it is a busy busy time in the lobby so if you want to skip more crowds and noise go to your room and watch the stories on the TV for free. They are very cute and with any luck your littles will fall asleep in their beds watching. #Goals

Tips before you go:
They have life vest but you want to pack your own water shoes and towels or robes. So they have towels to dry off while you are at the water park but you HAVE to leave them at the water park. Yes they have a guy at the door to let you know. This is not fun at all because the water park is a nice comfortable 84 degrees but the SECOND you leave that comfortable temp you step into 65 below zero, that is what it feels like if you did not dry off a bit before exiting. So pack a cover up, hooded towel or even robe for the kids (and yourself) because it will be a LONG walk back to your room. The room temp you can control so I would recommend leaving the temp a little higher before you go so when you come back in your room you are comfortable not still freezing.
The rooms have microwave, coffee maker and empty mini fridge so bring some stuff. My critters like a lot of different snacks and one is a juice monsters so instead or packing about $5 every time they are hungry or thirsty I hit up the dollar store (my mother ship, lol) for microwave popcorn and box Juicy Juice. It will save you the couple of bucks you need to buy a nice souvenir.

We have not done any other the "other" indoor water parks but I think this one, the original one is pretty awesome. Sign up for the emails and try to book during a good sale. They do exists like unicorns but you have to be patience and quick. So start putting $20 away when you can or paying off some of the credit cards because when you book you have to put a deposit (first night room and tax) down, most of the time.

Have a great time and "everybody in". It is def very nice time like the commercial (TV and Radio) say it is. Bring a water camera so you can catch some fun water park pics.

To Slide or Not to Slide

Our first time at Splish Splash was a great time. We went to celebrate my older sisters birthday.
We had been as a children and always had fun so we were so excited to bring my critters for the first time. It was a surprise for them because I never tell them where we are going.

 

We were very hungry when we arrived so the first thing we did was eat then we went to explore. Surf city, the close wave pool to the food outlets, was closed so we ventured over to the other one, Kahuna Bay. It was nice to have the kids jumping and playing and just sitting and relaxing in between the waves. Next we discovered the Kiddie Cove and those water slides were fun for us all.

I am all about the family experiences so we went to see which of the water slides were for the whole gang. We were in luck and found two that had the big tubes to seat four at once. I was worried our smallest critter wouldn't be able get on with us all so before I got too excited we stood her near the height requirement and she just made to 36 inches, YAY. We were all ready to go except my two boys. They were whining and complaining the whole walk to the steps. When we finally arrived at the stairway we began to climb and the tears began to flow. They were begging us not to force them on, crying louder and louder with each step. I was getting upset and in my mom voice asked them to stop but nope. Of course the stairs seemed endless, just staircase after staircase.
*Side note we have done a family water style before at Great Wolf Lodge,PA (blog about that coming soon). They did the same thing just a little less crying but as we splashed down they both asked in unison "Can we do that again?" Yes we didn't because I was over it but we did it so I was good.

So although I reminded them of their previous experience they continued to beg and plead that they should not go on. We def picked the worse slide out of the two family ones because the whole thing was in the DARK, yup. The reason I picked this particular one "Hollywood Stunt Show" was because it reminded me of a video game, Joe Danger The Movie 2, they play a lot together. I thought this would be cool, I guess lame mom thinking, lol because it did not work. We all went on the slide and thank god we all survived and they were fine. My middle guy was not letting us off the hook so easy so he continued the drama show even after we were back on dry land. I let him cool off and my sisters and I did the other family slide, Mammoth Rivers with my mini, Girls Only Style. She was soo serious during the ride but after it was done all smiles. So proud of my little tough lady.

Later we saw a awesome bird show and then we were preparing to go. I began to ask if anyone had any last min request for slides or rides and to my jaw dropping surprise my middle guy happily made a request. He actually requested to do the Black Slide again. YUP the Hollywood Stunt Show in the DARK again. I was overwhelmed and honestly one time was enough for me. I had the luxury of doing this ride backwards so it was not my favorite. I took him on the other family slide, Mammoth Rivers, which was a lot nicer since it was not enclosed so there was lots of light. He had a great time on this one but still request the "black slide" so since it was almost closing time the lines were non existent so we did that one and found another one, Dino Falls. Which was so fun he did it 3 times. Yes can you believe this and wait for it...one of the 3 times he took a single tube and yup did it ALL BY HIMSELF. So from full meltdown & non forgiving mode to Master of the water slides.

So although it was tough and very frustrating making them all go on the slide, it made them more open to the experience and the "FUN" of being a kid at a water park. If you think it will benefit them in the long run I say make them do it. I mean that is one of the best parts of being a kid, #fearless after all.

Maintaining your Pee Pee Bottle (P.P.B)

So the pee pee bottle is a great trick but there is some work that goes along with it. Yes of course anything that has to do with kids is work..everyone knows that lol

Soo try to remember to clean pee pee bottle  (P.P.B) after every use. Yes this goes without saying but who hasn't left groceries in the basket under the stroller.. I have soo many times, milk, eggs, you name it. So try hard to remember because if not' you will not be using that bottle for much longer.

Even if you clean P.P.B after every use, like everything else, they still have an expriation date. So dont find out the hard way like ME.

On the plane ride back home from DisneyWorld (yes we are crazy and took them -lol) My older son had to use the potty. He started to do his dance. I did not even look up to see if someone was in the restroom or not, I reached for my handy dandy P.P.B. As I unscrewed the cap of the Arizona bottle I heard a fizz sound - psssssss - and felt drops of pee/water spray everywhere. Like on my hands, cheeks and LIPS. OMG how gross but I just had to wipe off my face and let him use the potty in the P.P.B.

Another time, at a doctors appointment, I my older son started doing the pee pee dance again. The appt was for my younger son and we were already in the room soo I couldnt leave to find the restroom soo I reached under the stroller for my handy dandy P.P.B. The minute I opened the bottle the room smelled like a gross public restroom.. Really gross but I still had to use it.

A trick I have been using to make our P.P.B. last a bit longer. After I dump out the pee pee and wash it with soap and water I leave some of the clean soapy water in the bottle. I leave the water in there so when you have to use it the bottle smells like soap. The stronger the scent the better and soap is safe for the little penis that is going to be peeing inside of the bottle.

The next thing they have to invent is a pocket in a baby bag for the handy dandy P.P.B...Oh yea look out for that one