Win a Dinosaur Train with Buddy Train Car

May 10, 2011 by Samantha 63 Comments

“Dinosaur Train” will celebrate America’s love of trains with special programming and activities throughout the month of May. To kick off, the award-winning and critically acclaimed animated preschool series from The Jim Henson Company, will debut an all new episode on May 6 on PBS KIDS (please check local listings). Additionally, special train-themed activities and events will be featured in partnership with local PBS stations and on the series’ website.

Celebrating National Train Day, which takes place on May 7th, the new episode includes two 11-minute animated segments with live-action sequences featuring a paleontologist who brings to life the show’s natural science and natural history curriculum for preschoolers. In “Junior Conductor Jamboree,” Buddy and his family ride the Dinosaur Train from one end of the line to the other and visit all three time periods–from the Cretaceous, through the Jurassic, to the Triassic. In “Troodon Train Day,” the Pteranodon family rides to Troodon Town to celebrate Troodon Train Day, where the main event is a concert by King Cryolophosaurus, giving his first performance in years!

Select PBS Stations across the U.S. will also be hosting train-themed events throughout the month. Participating stations include PBS SoCal, Los Angeles; WXXI, Rochester, New York; WJCT, Jacksonville, Florida; Houston PBS; KERA, Dallas, Texas; UNCTV, North Carolina state network; WHYY, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania; AETN, Arkansas Educational Television Network; Vegas PBS, Las Vegas, Nevada; and WOSU, Columbus, Ohio. Activities may include Dinosaur Train screenings, Buddy costume character appearances, Buddy standees for photo opportunities, and hands-on educational activities.

In addition to the television series, there is also a “Dinosaur Train” interactive website at PBSKIDS.org/dinosaurtrain. Children can join Buddy, Tiny and all their friends as they discover natural history and the science of paleontology through fun games and activities. During the month of May, the website will celebrate trains with a special themed homepage and new fun printable activities. Kids can also play the online game “All Aboard!” to become a Jr. Conductor on the Dinosaur Train! (http://pbskids.org/dinosaurtrain/games/allaboard.html)

You know how I love PBS! And Dinosaur Train is a really cute cartoon that the kids love. During Dinosaur week, we even watched it a bit at the Pre-K. Dinosaur Train is an award-winning and critically acclaimed preschool series from The Jim Henson Company shown on PBS Kids.

The kiddos loved the new episodes “Junior Conductor Jamboree” and “Troodon Train Day”. And since it is National Train Day earlier this week (the 7th) and I’m running LOTS of train-themed giveaways right now, what better way to get over your mid-week slump then with Dinosaur Train?
Don’t forget- your kids can join Buddy, Tiny, Mr. Conductor, and all their dinosaur buddies and play games and activities on PBSKIDS.org/dinosaurtrain. A fun and educational site, Pre-K teacher approved! (Besides me, even! LOL)

We also received a Dinosaur Train collectible train car with Buddy for review. As you know, I used a gift card that I got back in the fall and bought my son the Dinosaur Train train set. Little Man has been collecting the extra cars and dinosaur friends ever since. Kids can collect all of Buddy’s friends, who also come with train cars, and connect them to build there own dinosaur train. (All sold separately!)

One of you will win a Dinosaur Train collectible train car with Buddy!
Here is how to enter!

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

Extra Entries
Leave a separate comment for each entry.

– Like the Jim Henson Comapny on Facebook

– Follow the Jim Henson Company on Twitter and tweet about this contest!
#Win a Dinosaur Train with Buddy Train Car http://t.co/iEs8su1 @hensonparents @HaveSippy

-“Like” me on Facebook http://www.facebook.com/pages/Have-Sippy-Will-Travel/118293111555385
+2 entries

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

– Follow me on Twitter ( or you can use my adorable button to the side!) and tweet about this contest
#Win a Dinosaur Train with Buddy Train Car http://t.co/iEs8su1 @hensonparents @HaveSippy

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”- I just added it, LOL

– 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!)

– enter another one of my giveaways

– comment on a non-giveaway post

OOO, so many ways to win! Good luck!

DISCLOSURE: A product sample was provided for review. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed in this post are my own. 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 May 20, 2011.

Filed Under: education, giveaway, kids, review

Get Caught Reading! (and win Dinosaur Train Books!)

May 9, 2011 by Samantha 115 Comments

Celebrate Get Caught Reading Month with DINOSAUR TRAIN and SID THE SCIENCE KID with FREE posters (a nominal shipping charge applies) AND giveaway for three Dinosaur Train books from Grosset & Dunlap.

DINOSAUR TRAIN’s “Buddy” and SID THE SCIENCE KID’s “Sid” are participating for the first time this year in May‘s Get Caught Reading Month, organized by the Association of American Publishers as part of its annual nationwide campaign devised to remind people of all ages how much fun it is to read.

As part of the campaign, both Buddy and Sid are depicted “caught reading” in posters made available to teachers and parents for use in classrooms, libraries and other locations.

According to the Association of American Publishers, research indicates that early language experience actually stimulates a child’s brain to grow and that reading to children gives them a huge advantage when they start school. To that end, the members of the association hope to encourage people of all ages to enjoy books and magazines and to share that pleasure with the young children in their lives. The “Buddy” and “Sid” posters will be available at http://www.getcaughtreading.org

Dinosaur Train

Sid The Science Kid

All posters are free, with a $5.00 per set charge for shipping & handling, whether you order one poster or 12. A set is defined as any number of posters that you order between one and 12. The order form can be found at http://www.getcaughtreading.org/orderforms/GetCaughtReading-PosterOrderForm.pdf

Get Caught Reading Month has been supported in the past by such well-known figures as former First Lady Laura Bush, Drew Carey, Whoopi Goldberg, Derek Jeter, Vernon Jordan, Jake Lloyd, Rosie O’Donnell, Dolly Parton, Jane Seymour, Sammy Sosa, Erik Weihenmayer, and Robin Williams, all of whom have been “caught reading” their favorite books and magazines for print ads and posters seen by millions of people across the country. In addition, more than 200 Members of Congress have been photographed “caught reading” on Capitol Hill. All of these images are available at http://www.getcaughtreading.org/

Several Dinosaur TRAIN and SID THE SCIENCE KID books are available to encourage children and their parents to Get Caught Reading in May.

Don’t forget!

The hit television series Dinosaur Train™ airs daily on PBS KIDS® (check local listings). Dinosaur Train on PBS: find your local time here- http://pbskids.org/dinosaurtrain/

Make sure you find out when Sid the Science Kid is on, too! 🙂

Here are a few more ways to interact with your favorite dinosaurs, and science kids!
The Jim Henson Company: www.henson.com
Facebook: www.facebook.com/hensoncompany
Twitter: http://twitter.com/hensonparents

Geocache: www.geocaching.com/dinosaurtrain

Among the DINOSAUR TRAIN book titles are:

The Buddy & Friends board book, from Grosset & Dunlap, join Buddy as he travels aboard the DINOSAUR TRAIN to introduce kids to some of his friends. Packed with full-color images from the show, this simple book is a perfect introduction to DINOSAUR TRAIN’s many species! SRP $5.99. Ages 3–5.

A Surprise for Mom!, from Grosset & Dunlap, is a beautiful picture book that follows Buddy and his siblings as they begin to plan something special for Mrs. Pteranodon on her special day. Read along as Team Pteranodon searches high and low for the best gifts ever! SRP $3.99. Ages 3–5.

Tiny Learns to Fish, from Grosset & Dunlap. The first reader in the Dinosaur Train program follows Mr. Pteranodon as he takes the kids to the big pond to teach them how to fish. There’s just one problem. Tiny can’t catch a fish, and Buddy can’t fly, so they team up to catch fish together! This Level 1 reader is perfect for young fans, who are starting to read on their own. SRP $3.99. Ages 3–5.

Additionally, SID THE SCIENCE KID books are available from Harper Collins, including:

Sid The Science Kid: Why Are My Shoes Shrinking?
Sid can’t wear his favorite shoes to school anymore, now that they’re too small for his feet. But why don’t they fit anymore? Could it be that Sid’s favorite shoes are shrinking? Sid is ready to do some investigating as he learns all about growth in this fun new story. SRP: $3.99. Ages 3+

Sid The Science Kid: Why Can’t I Have Cake For Dinner?
Have you ever wondered what would happen if you ate cake all the time? Why do you need to eat a lot of different kinds of food? Read and find out all about nutrition with SID THE SCIENCE KID! SRP: $5.99. Ages 3+.

Sid The Science Kid: Why Did My Ice Pop Melt?
When Sid discovers that the ice pop he left out overnight has melted, he starts to wonder: why don’t ice pops stay frozen all the time? And why does water turn into ice in the freezer? With a little help from his family, friends and teacher, SID THE SCIENCE KID is ready to investigate all about reversible change! SRP: $3.99. Ages 3+

Want to win? Here is how to enter!

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

Extra Entries
Leave a separate comment for each entry.

– Like the Jim Henson Comapny on Facebook

– Follow the Jim Henson Company on Twitter and tweet about this contest!
#Win Dinosaur Train Books… http://t.co/V4eW0ah @hensonparents @HaveSippy

-“Like” me on Facebook http://www.facebook.com/pages/Have-Sippy-Will-Travel/118293111555385
+2 entries

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

– Follow me on Twitter ( or you can use my adorable button to the side!) and tweet about this contest
#Win Dinosaur Train Books… http://t.co/V4eW0ah @hensonparents @HaveSippy

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”- I just added it, LOL

– 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!)

– enter another one of my giveaways

– comment on a non-giveaway post

OOO, so many ways to win! Good luck!

Filed Under: giveaway, kids

Win a North American Bear Monster

May 9, 2011 by Samantha 182 Comments

Ok, so- you know how I mentioned that you would soon be hearing more about North American Bear toys? Well- It’s that time!
For any of you who missed the review of Supper Monster and Topsy Turvy Pets– go look now! LOL
Lots of cute stuff- who wants to miss that? No one 🙂

Soooo….
Now North American Bears would like to offer one of you lucky ducks one of their adorable “My Own Monsters” toys. They are so cute, and help a good cause, as well!

Here is a little info about the My Own Monster line-
Funny fiend in soft velboa with whimsical charm, embroidered facial features and a charitable heart designed exclusively by North American Bear staff children. With a unique monster story featured on the hang tag, each My Own Monster is truly a gift beyond the ordinary! A portion of My Own Monster sales is donated to Concern Worldwide, a non-governmental, international, humanitarian organization dedicated to reducing suffering and eliminating extreme poverty in the world’s poorest countries. To learn more about this organization, visit www.concernusa.org.

I love companies that care!
Note- all these toys are machine washable! Which comes in super handy when your usually potty trained 3 year old makes pee-pee in his bed (and on his toys) while he is sleeping…..
Or when he spills his fruit smoothie all over it when you hit a really big pothole while driving to work one day. (Insert variety of your child’s “incidents” here- Supper Monster personally survived both those “attacks” described above- and of course, some time in the washing machine.)

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

Extra Entries
Leave a separate comment for each entry.

– Who is your favorite My Favorite Monster, besides Supper Monster?

– Like North American Bear on Facebook

– Follow North American Bear on Twitter and tweet about this contest!
#Win a North American Bear Monster http://t.co/sgZjyuK @NABearCo @HaveSippy

-“Like” me on Facebook http://www.facebook.com/pages/Have-Sippy-Will-Travel/118293111555385
+2 entries

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

– Follow me on Twitter ( or you can use my adorable button to the side!) and tweet about this contest
#Win a North American Bear Monster http://t.co/sgZjyuK @NABearCo @HaveSippy

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”- I just added it, LOL

– 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!)

– enter another one of my giveaways

– comment on a non-giveaway post

OOO, so many ways to win! Good luck!

Filed Under: giveaway, kids, review

Win a Zoobie! Perfect for naptime, playtime- anytime! Contest!

May 8, 2011 by Samantha 275 Comments

I have to tell you, this is one product that I really, really like. It is really useful, cute, versatile, fun, and functional! Zoobies! It’s a pillow, it’s a blanket, it’s a toy, it’s FABULOUS! I love it. It is great to bring on road trips, to Pre-School, to grandma’s house- it’s a sleepover all-in-one. My Little Man chose to review Spot- which, again, shows how he is always surprising his momma! Spot is one of Zoobie’s special Storytime Pals line of Zoobies, because they are all characters we know and love from classic books. The blanket (44″ x 34″) that comes with it not only covers Little Man fully, but is adorable. Really- look at it!

When the blanket is out of the Zoobie, Spot becomes a friend to play with or sleep with. What kid likes to sleep without a stuffie? When you are all done with the blankie, it packs up to fit back inside Spot, making him both a huggable buddy and a snuggely pillow! Do you not love it? And what a good idea. Spot has been getting a workout via Little Man, LOL. He has already gotten a lot of use, and I know he will be in for a lot more!

Spot™

Spot™, the mischief yet helpful yellow puppy, is sure to be your childs most loyal companion. With a brown spot on each side of his body and a brown tip on his tail, Spot™ is simply too adorable to resist. The Zoobies® team has worked hard to bring Eric Hill’s storybook character to life. Not only is Spot™ a plush toy, but a pillow with a uniquely printed blanket zipped inside. This product is sure to be a hit for children and collectors alike, so snuggle up with your very own Spot™ today.

Large, super-soft coral fleece blanket inside: 44″ x 34″
L: 15.5″ x W: 7″ x H: 10″
100% polyester (additional materials)
Washing-Blanket: Machine wash, tumble dry. Blanket zips off for easy washing.
Washing-Outer pouch: Spot wash (if machine washed, using a laundry bag designed for delicates is recommended).
Two bottom hook-and-loop Velcro tabs gather Storytime Pal™ into character shape.
Recommended for ages 3 and up, but safely tested for all ages.

Want to win a Zoobie of your own?
Here is how to enter!

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

Extra Entries
Leave a separate comment for each entry.

– Like Zoobies on FaceBook – Feel free to tell them Have Sippy Will Travel sent you! Never required, always appreciated! 🙂

-“Like” me on Facebook http://www.facebook.com/pages/Have-Sippy-Will-Travel/118293111555385
+2 entries

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

– Follow me on Twitter ( or you can use my adorable button to the side!) and tweet about this contest
#Win a Zoobie! Perfect for #naptime, playtime- anytime! http://t.co/tnKyEJH #Zoobie #kids @HaveSippy

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!)

– enter another one of my giveaways

– comment on a non-giveaway post

OOO, so many ways to win! Good luck!

Filed Under: giveaway, kids, review

Win Tickets to A Day Out With Thomas!

May 7, 2011 by Samantha 26 Comments

Strasburg Rail Road is giving one family 4 pack to one of you lucky ducks! The tickets will be for Thursday, June 23 at 11:45 a.m. Winner’s tickets will be held at Will Call, just so you will know!

Here is a cute little video- check it out!

Come on, tell me you don’t want to take your kiddo to see Thomas, at his home-town of Strasburg!

Here is how to enter!

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

Extra Entries
Leave a separate comment for each entry.

– Like Strasburg RR on FaceBook

-“Like” me on Facebook http://www.facebook.com/pages/Have-Sippy-Will-Travel/118293111555385
+2 entries

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

– Follow me on Twitter ( or you can use my adorable button to the side!) and tweet about this contest
#Win Tickets to A Day Out With Thomas! http://t.co/YGV3lpF @HaveSippy

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!)

– enter another one of my giveaways

– comment on a non-giveaway post

OOO, so many ways to win! Good luck!

DISCLOSURE: A product sample was or will be provided for review. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed in this post are my own. 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 June 1, 2011.

Filed Under: giveaway, kids

Daddy’s Corner- Green Lantern Review!

May 7, 2011 by Samantha 16 Comments

Hello everyone,
And welcome to another episode of Daddy’s corner.
In today’s episode we will tell you about the awesome new movie coming out called Green Lantern, the cool new line of toys and even a little partying!!! As you know there is a new superhero movie coming out called Green Lantern. I don’t want to spoil too much so here ya go. The premise of movie is the story of Hal Jordan and his origin as Green Lantern and his early adventures. The movie looks really cool and of course with every super hero movie there is a toy line. These toys are made by Mattel and are really cool. There are the Colossal Cannons, power rings, and the Deluxe Battle Shifters Figures.
We were lucky enough to throw a Green Lantern party which included the Green Lantern First Flight DVD, Colossal Cannons, Deluxe Battle Shifters Figures and Green Lantern Power Rings. Now before we get up in arms about the First Flight movie being not appropriate for the little ones, we pre-screened the movie ourselves then had our little party goers moms over to let us know what they thought. (My wife insisted we let their mother’s come see before the kids were able to watch.) Of course there were scenes that had to be fast forwarded through, but it wasn’t hard at all to come to a consensus what should and shouldn’t be viewed by the kids. As always nothing is a better censor then good parenting. For older kids and teens, you should be OK, but always watch things for yourself, first. Only you know what is best for your child.

The party itself was a blast we had snacks and watched the Green Lantern movie, played with the new battle shifter green lantern toys. Played Green Lantern with the new Power Rings, and of course read some of the hard cover comic book. Also the comic books were for the dads, because some of it was not for the smaller kids. The dad’s were really psyched to get a present too! The kids were allowed to look but they were for the dads to keep and also to remove the non- G parts of the story when reading it for them. By the end of the party everyone wanted to be Green Lantern, even me. The only draw back is the Power Rings were way too small for my and the other dads fingers :(. Ah well let the little ones have their fun right? I love how Little Man now has an interest in Green Lantern. Green Lantern has always been one of my favorite characters and to see him get excited over the movie makes be very happy. It makes me excited and happy to share things I love and that I liked as a kid with my son.

Also just and FYI you may want to pre-screen the comics too. They can be a bit violent and confusing for little ones, but the fast forwarding through violent panels works here too. Let’s just hope Thor, Captain America, and X-Men First Class are as awesome looking as Green Lantern. It should be an amazing summer in the movies and for hero toys for comic fans! Thanks for reading another post from daddy’s corner. Thank you and good night. “In brightest day… in blackest night, no evil shall escape my sight! Let those who worship evil’s might beware my power–Green Lantern‘s light”
-Daddy

Disclosure- I received these party products from Mom Select and Mattel to facilitate this review. All opinions are mine.

Filed Under: kids, review

For Moms…

May 5, 2011 by Samantha 10 Comments

I have a few posts for mommies that I will be putting up shortly- but I want to give a little “Shout Out” to the adoptive moms out there. We can have a tough road, adoption is not easy, and doesn’t always have a happy ending. The road to adoption can hurt for many reasons, and it is often a long and painful road, whether you can conceive or not. (For the record- never assume all adoptive parents can’t carry. It’s not true, and it’s not nice to have to talk about, either way.)
We CHOSE to adopt, and we also gave birth to a baby later. Our daughter was adopted as an older child, and we have met many people and heard all sorts of stories- sad and wonderful, gut-wrenching and just amazing. Adoptions from birth, as teenagers, and everywhere in between.
All of our families are “real”, and they are also “our” kids. You may not believe the things that we have had said to us (IE- “Does your daughter know she’s adopted?” while she is standing right there. What if she didn’t??? Of course she does, but still. Why point out her different appearance?)
And while you don’t have to walk on eggshells with adoptive families- we get stared at and point blank asked a lot of personal questions, so if you are curious- ask nicely. We will all talk to you if you are nice about it 🙂

Kamikaze doesn’t like me to put her pictures on the site, so I don’t post her photos unless she’s cool with it. Once in a while, she OK’s it, LOL. But she’s here, and though we don’t have a “fairy tale” ending and she has some issues that we have to deal with that are NOT fun at all- she’s our kid too. Please remember the adoptive moms, too, on Mother’s Day. They had to work hard for their kids just to get them here. We are just moms like anyone else! I saw about 6 posts in the past few days about how moms are moms once they give birth, and I just wanted to say- YOU ARE A MOM THE MINUTE THAT YOUR CHILD IS PUT INTO YOUR ARMS- I don’t care how long it takes that child to get there.
Just my thought of the day.
And I am sorry for this rushed post- it’s been a long day. But I just had to say it.
Love ya, mommas!!! (and daddies, grandmas, all ya’ll!!! Hahaha)
TGIF!
~Samantha

Not flesh of my flesh, Nor bone of my bone,
But still miraculously my own.
Never forget for a single minute,
You didn’t grow under my heart – but in it
— Fleur Conkling Heylinger

Filed Under: holidays, kids