family Archives - Page 43 of 49 - Have Sippy Will Travel

Fun at Cedar Point, Ohio! @cedarpoint

July 24, 2011 by Samantha 3 Comments

Cedar Point to Host Guinness World Record Day
$36 Tickets to Benefit American Cancer Society

SANDUSKY, Ohio – For years Cedar Point has broken records with their high-flying coasters,
but now, guests at the Sandusky, Ohio, amusement park/resort can help the park set two new
world records.

On Guinness World Record Day at Cedar Point, Sunday, July 31, the park will attempt two new
world records: one for the most beach balls in the air at the same time and the second for the
greatest number of people applying sunscreen at the same time.

In addition to setting world records, guests will also be able to purchase tickets to the park
online at cedarpoint.com for only $36, a savings of nearly $12 per ticket. These special one-
day tickets will only be valid Sunday, July 31. Plus, a portion of the proceeds will be donated
to the Northern Ohio Chapter of the American Cancer Society.

Interested guests should be at the park by 9 a.m. to prepare for the first event, which will
start promptly at 9:30 a.m. The first event for the most beach balls in the air simultaneously
at a single venue is a brand new record. To qualify for the new record, a minimum of 250
beach balls must be individually juggled for [Read more…]

Filed Under: family, travel Tagged With: Entertainment, family, family fun, family travel, kids, ohio, theme park, travel

So- you are in Lancaster- what’s a good spot to stay in?

July 10, 2011 by Samantha 13 Comments

Yep! That IS a giant, stuffed bacon on his head…and a Zoobie, and a Yogi Bear. What, you don’t travel like that???

Last night we stayed at the Best Western Village Inn in Intercourse, PA. (I know, funny name- especially for such a very religious area!) As soon as we got there, the first thing I noticed (besides the well-kept property and friendly service) was how clean the room smelled. As soon as we opened the door, we were hit with the smell of “clean”. The room- while on the smaller side, it had everything you needed for the night. Clean beds, bathroom, towels, they had a large TV and a mini ‘fridge as well. One of the best aspects of the Best Western was the location- it was right in the middle of so much- lots that you didn’t even need a car to get to, in fact. Kitchen Kettle Village, home to many shops, restaurants, and the famous ” Yummy”, is about 2 blocks away. The Lancaster, PA area has some fabulous shopping- from Amish-made treasures, to quite a few outlets- whatever your heart may desire. And the food will not leave you wanting! If you can’t find something you like- forget that- something you LOVE- you need to get your taste buds checked. You can have fantastic PA Dutch Smorgasbords (Family-style dining experiences), the BBQ can’t be beat- and farm fresh produce is found at nearly every corner! The Herrs factory is local, as is a pretzel factory, several places to see and buy fresh “canned” veggies, and- lets not forget the desserts! Shoo-fly pie, apple pie- and let’s not forget the famous “Whoopie pies”, which are really tiny cake sandwiches with frosting in between- my son’s favorites! Home made ice cream, lemonade, and pretzels are local favorites as well. (DO NOT miss these!)

The restaurants all close by 8- something this city girl didn’t know! So that is a consideration to be aware of. But it is no big deal- just know it ahead of time. This area could not be more family friendly. There are many historical, hands on, and active events and attractions for you and your family to enjoy. Working farms, buggy rides, adventure farms, petting zoos, museums, puppets shows, live theater- you name it!

Did I mention how safe it feels here? Or how friendly? People wave and say hello. If someone bumps you- they say “excuse me”. It is a great place to be, and a fantastic place to visit. Don’t forget all our other adventures are in the area- Day out with Thomas, The Strasburg Railroad, Choo Choo Barn, Hayloft Candles and Petting Zoo- they are all just a little drive from the Best Western. I love Lancaster. I love being here with my kids, and I am here all the time- if you have not been here, get planning! If you have, then when is your next visit? Yummie’s birthday is coming up- you know you want to come on over for that!!! If you are looking for a place to stay in the area, I am definitely recommending the Best Western Village, in Intercourse. Fast, friendly, local to so many attractions, a restaurant on site (open from 6 am until 8 pm)- and even FREE wifi and continental breakfast! What more can you want in a hotel? Happy Trails to you, and I hope to see you soon in Lancaster– there is so much more then meets the eye! Take your time, relax, enjoy all the local delicacies, and have fun!
~Samantha

Disclosure- I received a complimentary night at this hotel for the purpose of this review. This is my honest review, all opinions are my own.

Filed Under: family, kids, travel

Turkey Hill Experiance

July 9, 2011 by Samantha 8 Comments

Well, we made it to PA, and we made a few stops before calling it quits for the day. The first one- the Turkey Hill Experience, in Columbia PA.
I have to say, and I am sorry to start this travel post extravaganza with a “meh!” but, there it is! Not so fab. It was neither a factory tour, not a “tasting tour”- there were some fun things to do and see, but……For small kids- it’s not the most entertaining, and while all the background is super interesting, it is better suited for adults and teens, I think. The kids had fun- but there was little absorbed, either about the Turkey Hill family, history, “experience”, or about farming. Just wayyyy over their heads.
Brightly colored, clean, and NEW- it just opened on June 4th, of this year- it is visually stimulating, and has a cute, small ball pit, slide, and a few other things for the kids- but in general? I would not recommend it if you have young kids. They really tried- but I just think it fell short. Cute things to mention are a slide, a small ball pit, and a little game where you can shoot germies with a little light beam. They give you little paper ice-cream-man hats, and you can take photos in a little pretend ice cream truck. You can pretend to milk a cow. There were flavor scents, that you could punch onto cards, you could create a picture of your own ice cream image, along with an ice cream carton to match, and a “commercial” (and the kids DID enjoy crating the commercial, go check out the previous post, LOL)- but the touch screens were not appealing to them, and it took a long time in general, otherwise. There was a line, then the touch computers were sllllooooowwwww, and you had to do this 3 times (once for each thing). Also? OK, so- the company makes ice cream and iced tea- you would expect to have fun with that, yes? No. You are given a thimble-sized sample of one iced tea, and the same of an ice cream. ONE teeeeeeny, tiny bit of each. And the price? The price is all sorts of wrong, in my opinion- $11.50 for adults, $9.50 for kids, under 4 is free. But really? For $11.50, and for a family- which multiples the prices fast!- you should really be able to maybe try the ice cream you created- or have more then a spoonful of ice cream and a swallow of iced tea. It’s supposed to be an experience of Turkey Hill- minus the products? Of course, you can always buy them in the Creamery downstairs, with the gift shop- 10% off all food with the ticket stub! But who is going to the Creamery without buying a ticket? So that’s nothing, really- it just felt like a way to lure people into a themed restaurant and to buy souvenirs.

Outside, near the entrance, with a giant cow and BIG ICE CREAM!

Some Lancaster and Turkey Hill history

Even in a 3 year old’s hands, that’s a small drink!

Disclosure- I received tickets to this attraction to facilitate this review- this has in no way affected my writing. All opinions are mine- yours may differ.

Filed Under: family, travel

Miracle Gro Kids- Win!

July 8, 2011 by Samantha 220 Comments

Have you read your kids about Jack and the Bean Stalk?

How about the Princess and the Pea?

And of course, you feed them vegetables?

Ok, then it’s about time you told them about plants, too. You have? Well good job 🙂 You are officially on your way to planting a love of….well, planting in your kids, lol. So, I’m sure you have been talking to your little one about plants and how seeds grow into plants plants grow bigger, germinate and then bear fruit/vegetables which they share with the rest of us. Right? Hahahaha. This year we have decided to include the children in with the planting and growing of our vegetable garden. Unfortunately, plants take a while between exciting milestones, if they make them past the seed point to begin with. So just like a regular garden, who can help us out with this? Miracle Gro. Miracle Gro has a new line of Gardening products for kids, aptly named Miracle-Gro Kids. This new line helps bring gardening and plants in general, into a more kid friendly medium. With interesting characters and some help getting the little guys to grow, we actually ended up with some pepper plants and tomato plants that are now flowering AND have little tomatoes on them. This is the most excited I have seem them for a salad since I can remember. We have been watering when necessary, keeping them in the sun and even talking to them a bit to keep them happy and growing. I actually can’t wait for that salad either. 🙂

Want to try it for your kids?
You can win it here!

Mandatory entry
You must be a public follower on Google Friend Connect.
Leave me your email so I can contact you if you win. In your comment, please.

Extra Entries
Leave a separate comment for each entry.

– Visit the site, and tell me something fun that you like!

-“Like” me on Facebook -feel free to give me some comment love! 🙂 This is not mandatory, and Facebook is in no way sponsoring this giveaway.
+2 entries

-Subscribe to Have Sippy Will Travel by email, and confirm subscription or via RSS
+3 entries

– Follow me on Twitter ( or you can use my adorable button to the side!) and tweet about this contest
#Win Miracle Gro Kids- Win! http://t.co/TDzZSC9 @HaveSippy #BirthdayBash
*can be done daily

Please make sure you follow first!
+2 entries

– Email a friend about this contest, with a CC to me at kangabunnie@gmail.com
(you get an extra entry if they enter, too!)

-Add my button to your blog, and leave me the link so I can find it

– Follow me on “Networked Blogs”

– blog about this giveaway, and link back to this contest (leave me the URL in comment, please)

-Add me to your blogroll, with a link back to me

– Vote for me on “We’re On The Fence!” (Just Click the Button to the left that says “We’re On the Fence” until it confirms you voted for your’s truly!) *Can be done daily

– enter another one of my giveaways

– comment on a non-giveaway post

– Like this post on Facebook, Stumble it, or hit G+1 button (each is worth one entry)

OOO, so many ways to win! Good luck!

DISCLOSURE: I received the above product for review. All opinions are mine, yours may differ. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255.
No purchase necessary. Void where prohibited by law. Open to US shipping addresses only. Limited to US residents; 18 years old and above. Sponsor is responsible for providing and mailing prize. Ends July 26, 2011.

Filed Under: family, giveaway, kids, review

Win Roary the Racing Car DVD

July 4, 2011 by Samantha 132 Comments

This is such an adorable DVD- and has become my son’s #1 favorite. I didn’t have any idea what this was until I saw this DVD, but it is really cute, and they have a fun (and inexpensive) line of toys as well. Roary is a fun and friendly racecar who zooms about, of course, but the focus here is on friendship and helping others. My son loves, loves, loves this DVD- and I am bummed because we don’t get this show on TV here, but we download it via the internet now. YAY for technology!

PROGRAM DESCRIPTION
Get revved up for the red hot preschool star, Roary the Racing Car™, speeding
onto his very first DVD, Digital Download and On Demand release June 7, 2011
from Lionsgate and HIT Entertainment. You have a front row ticket to Silver Hatch
Racetrack to delight in the high-speed adventures of Roary™, Dragga, Zizzy
and Lugga, along with human pals Big Chris, Marsha, Officer Pete…and even
curmudgeonly Mr. Carburettor, as they drive through lessons in doing the right thing,
staying positive, helping others, staying safe, problem solving and friendship. With
boundless enthusiasm and a get-up-and-go attitude, Roary is ready to race right into
your heart!
Narrated in the U.S. by Indy and NASCAR racer Sam Hornish Jr., Roary the Racing

Page 1 of 3

Car launched on Sprout® in October of 2008, airing in 54MM homes 7 days a week, but
the premiere DVD has a treat for their fans featuring episodes never-before-seen on
TV! This red hot engine has performed notably well on Sprout on Demand, on average
ranking in the network’s top 10 programs requested. Roary has been cross promoted
on 2MM preschool DVDs, and all-new Roary toys are now available exclusively at
Toys “R” Us!

SYNOPSIS
Start your engines for fun and excitement with Roary the Racing Car and his racetrack
buddies, Tin Top, Zizzy, Dragga and mischievous Maxi, as they zoom into exciting high-
speed adventures. The racetrack becomes a pit stop of great times as everyone goes
the extra mile for Marsha’s birthday party, Big Chris becomes a babysitter and Rusty
is on a roll…without wheels! Put your pedal to the metal and buckle up for big-time fun
from START to FINISH!

Episodes include:
• “Stars and Cars” – Big Chris has been invited to appear on a TV karaoke show. The
cars are worried that the success will go to his head and he’ll leave Silver Hatch
forever.
• “Rusty Takes a Trip” – Rusty is fed up with sitting in one place. Roary and the other
cars plan a special surprise for him, but Rusty soon decides he prefers life without
wheels!
• “Big Chris Babysits” – Big Chris has been left in charge of the track and keeping an
eye on Roary and Zizzy. But is Big Chris the one that needs looking after?
• “Roary Gets it Wrong” – Farmer Green has given Roary lots of packages to deliver
to everybody around the track. How will Roary remember which package belongs to
who?
• “Computer Calamity” – Mr. Carburettor has decided that Silver Hatch needs to
move with the times and do everything with computers. But Big Chris is a traditional
mechanic, so what happens when the two disagree?
• “Big Chris Forgets” – It’s Marsha’s birthday, and Big Chris is in charge of organizing
a surprise for her. Why does everybody keep reminding him what he needs to do?
He wouldn’t forget anything… would he?!

You can win this adorable DVD!

Mandatory entry
You must be a public follower on Google Friend Connect.
Leave me your email so I can contact you if you win. In your comment, please.

Extra Entries
Leave a separate comment for each entry.

– Like Roary the Racecar on Facebook

This is not mandatory, and Facebook is in no way sponsoring this giveaway.

-“Like” me on Facebook -feel free to give me some comment love! 🙂 This is not mandatory, and Facebook is in no way sponsoring this giveaway.
+2 entries

-Subscribe to Have Sippy Will Travel by email, and confirm subscription or via RSS
+3 entries

– Follow me on Twitter ( or you can use my adorable button to the side!) and tweet about this contest
#Win Roary the Racing Car DVD http://t.co/rqFmulq @HaveSippy
*can be done daily

Please make sure you follow first!
+2 entries

– Email a friend about this contest, with a CC to me at kangabunnie@gmail.com
(you get an extra entry if they enter, too!)

-Add my button to your blog, and leave me the link so I can find it

– Follow me on “Networked Blogs”

– blog about this giveaway, and link back to this contest (leave me the URL in comment, please)

-Add me to your blogroll, with a link back to me

– Vote for me on “We’re On The Fence!” (Just Click the Button to the left that says “We’re On the Fence” until it confirms you voted for your’s truly!) *Can be done daily

– enter another one of my giveaways

– comment on a non-giveaway post

– Like this post on Facebook, Stumble it, or hit G+1 button (each is worth one entry)

OOO, so many ways to win! Good luck!

DISCLOSURE: I received this product for review from the sponsor. All opinions are mine, yours may differ. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255.
No purchase necessary. Void where prohibited by law. Open to US shipping addresses only. Limited to US residents; 18 years old and above. Sponsor is responsible for providing and mailing prize. Ends July 23, 2011.

Filed Under: family, giveaway, kids, movie, review

Win Dinosaur Train Educational Toys Prize Pack!

July 4, 2011 by Samantha 352 Comments

Mini Projector

My Little Man just loves Dinosaur Train! And Uncle Milton makes some really cute, science and discovery based toys that are both super fun and will teach your kids! (Shhh! Don’t tell them!)
My sweet boy had so much fun with these toys- I have to tell you, the Hatchers! and the Mini-Dino-Projector (flashlight) were his total favs, but don’t count out the Dino Poop or the Dino Tract Discovery Pack!

The Hatchers! were super fun, and a cute twist on those little sponges that you put in water in capsule form- you know, they grow into little shapes.
This was so much better! Not only was it a fun friend from the show Dinosaur Train, but it really did come out of the egg. Tiny was really well done, and started popping out of her shell after just a few hours. Then it kept breaking off, until she was all out. She grew bigger and bigger in the water, and grows to 4 times the “dry” size. Once out of the water, she started to shrink. When totally dry, she became smaller then the palm of your hand.
The Dino Track Discovery Pack is adorable- whose tracks are these? Buddys, Tiny’s, or Tank’s? Learn about the dinosaurs that made the tracks as you go along and try to figure out who made them. There is a surprise at the end, as well!

Let your kids play with poop! LOL I’m just kidding- it’s not real poop! It’s pretend Dino Poop– and even though that sounds really gross, it’s also fun and funny. Its just dough- but you can learn what the dinosaur had for lunch- is it a carnivore, omnivore, or herbivore? (and look! you can also expand your child’s vocabulary!)
The Mini Dino Projector was one of Little Man’s favorites, and he has so much fun with it. It has 6 interchangeable disks, that show different dino scenes.

Have fun with Buddy and Tiny as you project them on you wall with the Mini Dino Projector! Project T. rex and Pteranodon footprints on your floor.
Even surprise your friends and family with the big dinosaur image. And use the train image to take a ride on the Dinosaur Train!
Little likes to “scare” mommy with the dinosaur images- they creep up on me and bite me, its oh-so-scary, and makes Thor and Cooper ride the Dinosaur Train shadows with the dinosaurs. My kid, what can I say…..
You can buy any of the above mentioned toys here for your child!

So- Here is Prize Pack #1 for you!

Mandatory entry
You must be a public follower on Google Friend Connect.
Leave me your email so I can contact you if you win. In your comment, please.

Extra Entries
Leave a separate comment for each entry.

– Sign up for Uncle Milton’s newsletter

– Subscribe to Uncle Milton’s YouTube Channel

– Follow Uncle Milton on Facebook- this is not mandatory and in no way is Facebook sponsoring this giveaway

-“Like” me on Facebook -feel free to give me some comment love! 🙂 This is not mandatory, and Facebook is in no way sponsoring this giveaway.
+2 entries

-Subscribe to Have Sippy Will Travel by email, and confirm subscription or via RSS
+3 entries

– Follow me on Twitter ( or you can use my adorable button to the side!) and tweet about this contest
@Win Dinosaur Train Educational Toys Prize Pack! http://t.co/JOGJ9hR @HaveSippy #BirthdayBash
*can be done daily

Please make sure you follow first!
+2 entries

– Email a friend about this contest, with a CC to me at kangabunnie@gmail.com
(you get an extra entry if they enter, too!)

-Add my button to your blog, and leave me the link so I can find it

– Follow me on “Networked Blogs”

– blog about this giveaway, and link back to this contest (leave me the URL in comment, please)

-Add me to your blogroll, with a link back to me

– Vote for me on “We’re On The Fence!” (Just Click the Button to the left that says “We’re On the Fence” until it confirms you voted for your’s truly!) *Can be done daily

– enter another one of my giveaways

– comment on a non-giveaway post

– Like this post on Facebook, Stumble it, or hit G+1 button (each is worth one entry)

OOO, so many ways to win! Good luck!

DISCLOSURE: I received the above products for review, all opinions are my own and honest. Yours may differ. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255.
No purchase necessary. Void where prohibited by law. Open to US shipping addresses only. Limited to US residents; 18 years old and above. Sponsor is responsible for providing and mailing prize. Ends July 22, 2011.

Filed Under: education, family, giveaway, kids, review

Tomorrow Starts the Birthday Bash!!!

July 1, 2011 by Samantha 6 Comments

Exciting!!! Do you have kids? Then you will LOVE this!
I have such, such great stuff lined up for you. I’m bursting with excitement, and I can’t wait to share it all with you.
Have a great night!
~Samantha

Take my new BIRTHDAY BASH button, stick it on your blog, and get 5 extra entries into any Birthday Bash giveaway! PS- I will be joined by 3 Princes and a Princess 2 starting July 10! (Hence why it’s “double trouble”- our kids are both turning 4!) So get ready, get set, and win!

Filed Under: family, kids

Day Out With Thomas

June 29, 2011 by Samantha 16 Comments

Day Out With Thomas was a cute way to spend the day with your kids. You should be warned about the long, long lines that you will encounter, and be prepared for them at every turn. I was not expecting that at all! Many kids were crying and fidgety, and it was very frustrating as a parent to have to spend an hour on line to see Sir Top and Hat. We never did get the photo with Thomas 🙁
I was truly shocked by the lines, lines to park, to get on the bus to get to the train station, to get on to the train, then finding a seat? Good luck getting some together! The train will move, seated or not- so quick like a bunny- find a seat and sit in it! Lines for photos, for rides in the hand carts, etc…WOW a lot of lines. I just didn’t expect it! It was like an amusement park on a Saturday.
That said, I am glad we went, because Little Man was elated to see “The Real” Thomas the Tank Engine. He almost wet himself with joy every time the little blue engine came by. Of course, there were toys and souvenirs everywhere, for the Thomas enthusiasts. There was also a scavenger hunt- where you could stamp your map at each of 4 locations, and collect a prize at the end.
I think this is something worth doing at least once if you have a Thomas fan. Just be ready! And bring lots of water, something for them to play with on lines, and lots of sunblock and a hat for all.
Want to go? Check and see if Day Out With Thomas is coming to an area near you soon. It suns through Nov. 2011!