Kre-O Cityville Invasion Review

We were selected to sample and share the new Kre-O Cityville Invasion set through BzzAgent and Owen and I both were super excited.  I had seen the Kre-O sets before, but we had never tried them.

O couldn't wait to open it.  When he did, we noticed that a lot of the pieces were already separated together in little baggies.  O quickly found the instruction booklet and went to work putting it together.

He played with this for hours/days - he loves it.  Once you get it put together and add a few batteries - you now have a play set with moving pieces and sounds.  O loved that the shark "swam" all by himself.

This did take him a bit longer to put together than his other building sets and the pieces seemed to be a bit smaller, but overall I really like this set.  It helps spark imagination/creativity in more ways than one.

The box that these come in turns into a nice carrying case (if you don't open it like I do) so you know exactly what to do with all those pieces when it is time to clean up.

Disclaimer: I received this product to review and share with my readers and friends.  All thoughts and opinions are my own.

National Coffee Day w/Gevalia - Review & Giveaway

Today, September 29, 2013 is National Coffee Day....and I splurged with a Gevalia Caramel Macchiato...

It was wonderful....not only did it taste great, but it made the house smell great also!!  Even Troy commented on how good it smelt!

I will definately be buying more of these soon!

Gevalia makes these high end coffees so simply to use with your Keurig!!  All you do is empty the froth packing into your mug, then brew your coffee in your Keurig as you would, and at the end, you have a nice frothy Macchiato, Cappuccino, or Latte in the comfort of your own home!!

Just in time for National Coffee Day on Sunday, Sept. 29, Gevalia is giving coffee lovers another reason to wake up and savor the taste of rich, never bitter coffee without ever leaving their homes. For those who love starting cozy fall mornings with a warm Cappuccino, Caramel Macchiato or Mocha Latte, Gevalia Coffee’s new K-Cups deliver three premium coffee flavors in-home, made with real milk and topped with a velvety layer of foam!

Available in stores now, shoppers can purchase Gevalia’s new two-step, single-serve Keurig K-Cups*. For coffee aficionados, this new product offering delivers the coffee shop taste in the comfort of home.

Visit FoamAtHome.Gevalia.com for more information, and join the online conversation using hashtag #FoamAtHome.

Check back to FoamAtHome.Gevalia.com for a free sample of Gevalia Mocha Latte starting on September 29!

One lucky BOAT reader will win their own sampler pack which includes all three great flavors, Caramel Macchiato, Mocha Latte, and Cappuccino!  Make sure to enter using the Rafflecopter below:

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Disclaimer: I was provided a sample for my review, all opinions are my own.

Battroborg Giveaway

After a great victory, comes a great party! Battroborg has been named to the Toys ''R'' Us "Hot Toy List," and we’re celebrating by giving away 100 Battroborg motion controlled battling robots. Join the party and enter for your chance to win this holiday's knock out toy! Hurry, the celebration won't last – the 100 Battroborg Battle 

Giveaway ends this Wednesday, Sept. 25.  Visit facebook.com/battroborg to enter. #TRUHotToyList

TOMY’s Battroborg motion controlled battling robots are built for combat and fueled by your own fists. The newest innovation in robot gaming technology puts players center ring, and transforms their quick jabs into their robot’s swift hits! You control the battle, you control the robot, you control your destiny. 

Disclaimer: This is a sponsored post

Wordless Wednesday - Why We Have Crazy Kids

I've always wondered why our kids always seemed to be wild, crazy, and energetic.  Then I realized that the apple....well it doesn't fall too far from the tree...

And I can't even say that these pictures were taken away from the kids because O took every single picture by himself...I guess he got tired of us always taking his picture.  He even directed us....this one, he told us to sleep.

And this next one....yep, it's all me 100% unassisted....I probably have 409538457 pictures of me this same exact way.

They may be a bit out of focus - but for being 6 years old and 3 hours past his bedtime, I think O did a pretty good job! 

Oh, and yes, those are Cheslea jerseys....more to come on this soon!! ; )

THE LITTLE MERMAID Diamond Edition 2-Disc Blu-ray+DVD Combo Pack with Digital Copy Giveaway

This movie is the first thing on Brynnleigh's birthday wish list!!  She is in love with Ariel and has not even seen the movie yet. Brynnleigh's birthday is 10/4, and The Little Mermaid will be available to purchase starting 10/1/13 - pretty good coincidence if you ask me!

The Little Mermaid is actually one of my favorite Disney movies too.  I love everything about it, especially the music.

Straight from the Press Release:

This fall, The Walt Disney Studios invites families everywhere to rediscover the film that gave voice to a whole generation as “The Little Mermaid” splashes its way into homes for the first time ever on Blu-ray™ for a limited time only.  One of the most celebrated animated musical films of all time and

two-time Academy Award®-winner (Best Original Score and Best Original Song “Under the Sea,” 1989) “The Little Mermaid” tells the magical tale of the mermaid princess Ariel and her lovable underwater friends, Sebastian and Flounder. Now, viewers can experience Ariel’s adventures like never before with sparkling high definition picture and sound, then explore the making of this modern family classic with all-new bonus treasures.

 

Finally releasing from the Disney vault, “The Little Mermaid” makes it eagerly awaited debut on Diamond Edition Blu-ray 3D™, Blu-ray, Digital Copy and HD and SD Digital formats October 1, 2013. Creating the ultimate at-home viewing experience, Disney’s Blu-ray Combo Pack (Blu-ray + DVD+ Digital Copy) contains digitally restored picture and sound, a digital copy of the film, and a variety of never-before-seen bonus features, including the music video for Grammy®-nominated superstar Carly Rae Jepsen’s recording of the film’s beloved song, “Part of Your World.”

 

Bonus Features Include:

• “Part of Your World” Music Video” Performed by Carly Rae Jepsen
• @DISNEYANIMATION
• Disney Intermission (Crab-E-OKE Sing-Along)
• Deleted Character – Harold The Merman
• Under the Scene-The Art of Live-Action Reference
• Part of Her World: Jodi Benson’s Voyage to New Fantasyland
• Howard’s Lecture
• Classic DVD Bonus Features Include:

  Treasure’s Untold: The Making of the Little Mermaid, Storm Warning: The Little Mermaid Special Effects Unit, The Little Mermaid: The Story Behind The Story, Under The Sea Early Presentation Reel, Original Theatrical Trailer, Deleted Scenes with Introductions, Disney Song Selection, Audio Commentary with Ron Clements, John Musker and Alan Menken, “Kiss The Girl” Music Video Performed By Ashley Tisdale, The Little Match Girl With Intro, DisneyPedia: Life Under the Sea, Under The Sea Adventure: A Virtual Ride Inspired By Disney Imagineers . 

 

 I cannot wait to share this movie with Brynnleigh (and Owen)...I know they will love it just as much as I did!!

To find out more about the new release of The Little Mermaid please check out the Website.

 

Enter to win your very own LITTLE MERMAID Diamond Edition 2-Disc Blu-ray+DVD Combo Pack with Digital Copy using the Rafflecopter form below: (US & CAN only - you must be 18+ to enter!)

 

 

 

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Disclaimer:I received a copy of The Little Mermaid Diamond Edition set in exchange for this post.  All opinions are my own.

Lovable Labels Spooktacular Weekend Sale!!

Lovable Labels is having a Spooktacular Weekend Sale that starts tomorrow September 20, 2013 and you do not want to miss this!!!

Lovable Labels is your #1 source for durable personalized labels, tags, safety products and much more. By recognizing the unique personality in every child, Lovable Labels inspires children to take better care of their belongings. Our durable products withstand the dishwasher, microwave, washer, dryer, and the greatest test - your child!

I will definitely use this to pick up some Halloween Labels to put on the gift bags we make for the kids teachers.  This is also a great time to pick up some labels for back to school - like these Bag Tag Labels!

I have used these labels in the past (Crafty Mom Labels) and I would not use any others, great durability, design and so much more!

Disclosure - This is a sponsored post.  I may be compensated with product for posting.  All opinions are my own.

Bash and The Pirate Pig Book Review & Giveaway!!

I love when I can include the kids in my reviews.  O loves books, and I knew Bash and The Pirate Pig would be a perfect book for us to read together!

About Bash and the Pirate Pig

Bash and the Pirate Pig, by Burton Cole, is the story of a cranky city kid named Raymond "Beamer" Boxby who must spend summer vacation at his younger cousin, Bash's, farm.

Beamer prefers air conditioning and video games. He can't see what good can come of this so-called country fun that includes riding cows, river rafting with a pig, or playing with skunks.

But hang tight, Beamer, because Bash's zany adventures with his "Fishin' and Farmin' book" (The Bible) just might lead to the coolest discovery of all.

About the Author

Burton Cole is a Pulitzer Prize nominated journalist with thirty years of experience and more than fifty humor writing awards to his credit. He grew up on a farm in northeast Ohio and attended a small-town church with a slew of cousins and buddies. That same boyhood inspires his colorful stories today.

About the Illustrator

Tom Bancroft has more than twenty years of experience in the animation and illustration industry and worked with Disney on films including Beauty and the Beast, The Lion King, and Aladdin. Other clients have included DC Comics and Big Idea Productions.

 

My thoughts:

 

This book is targeted for boys ages 8-14.  O is 6, but he still has thoroughly enjoyed this book and I have enjoyed spending the time reading it with him.  It really is hard to find books targeted directly at boys that you want your kids to read! 

 

O loves to hear what Bash has come up with next, and I'm not going lie, I thought about sneaking the book into my room once O has gone to bed to continue reading to find out what happens next!  I hope this continues into a series of books (looks promising with a "sneak' of a future book at the end) that O and I can continue to read together.

 

I would recommend this book to all Mom's of boys!!  (And it really is okay if girls read it too!!)

 

If you want more info on this great book you can check it out on the B&H Kids Facebook Page, B&H Publishing Twitter account, and their website.

Bash and the Pirate Pig

Written by: Burton Cole

Illustrated by: Tom Bancroft

Publisher: B&H Kids

Hardcover: 224 pages

$12.99

So who's ready to win their own copy??  Just enter using the rafflecopter form below!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Disclaimer - I received a copy of this book for my review - all opinions are my own.  The BOAT is not responsible for issuing the prize to the winner.

Wordless Wednesday - Football!!

O decided to play football this year, which is a HUGE change for this soccer family!  I'm glad he is trying out new sports, but football is a huge time commitment.  Before school started they had 4 practices a week, 2 hours long each.  Once school started they dropped down to 3 practices a week plus games on Saturdays (at either 9am, or 5 pm).

I do love the sport, but I must say that leaving the house at 7:15 AM and not getting home until after 8 PM is a bit rough!

O loves it though, and I guess that is all that matters.  B loves it too, I call it her social hour(s), she plays with all the sisters that are too young to be cheerleaders.  I've really seen her social skills blossom since football has started.

Here's O (and his side kick B) before his first game - we gave in and let him have a mohawk, which we promptly cut off Sunday evening before going back to school on Monday. 

The Ultimate Life Giveaway

Are you living THE ULTIMATE LIFE? Between the pressure of running a foundation started by his late grandfather, being sued by his greedy extended family, and seeing his beloved Alexia leave on an extended mission trip to Haiti, Jason Stevens' world is unraveling. But when Jason discovers a journal that his grandfather began as a Depression-era lad, his writings transport Jason on an incredible rags-to-riches ride. With everything he loves hanging in the balance, Jason hopes he can discover THE ULTIMATE LIFE. Opening in theaters September 6, THE ULTIMATE LIFE (the sequel to The Ultimate Gift) reminds us some things are worth more than money! With The Ultimate Life Blog App, take the quiz to find out if YOU are Living Life to the Fullest! Read six great ways to start living the ultimate life NOW, as written by Jim Stovall, author of The Ultimate Life book. And watch the official trailer for this inspiring movie! Why you will love The Ultimate Life Blog App: • Do YOU Live Life to the Fullest? QUIZ - Some things are worth more than money. Take the quiz to see if you are truly living your life, or merely spending it! • 6 Ways to Live The Ultimate Life PDF - Read Jim Stovall’s (author of The Ultimate Life book upon which the movie is based) insightful ways to live better!

 

Even better - one of The BOAT readers will win an Official Ultimate Life Prize Pack.  This pack contains:

• DVD of The Ultimate Gift
• The Ultimate Gift book by Jim Stovall
• The Ultimate Gift charm bracelet
• The Ultimate Life leather-bound journal

 



 

Enter using the Rafflecopter form below......Good luck!!

 

 

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Disclaimer - This is a sponsored post.  The BOAT is hosting this giveaway, and is not responsible for shipping the prize pack.

Wordless Wednesday - Back to Preschool!!

Brynnleigh started preschool again today.  This morning was 100 1,000,000 times better than last year's first day of school morning!  Last year she would not let me take any pictures of her.  This year she held her sign up and was proud!

Last year she screamed bloody murder when my parents dropped her off - this year she told me she wasn't going to cry.

I am a little concerned with her class this year, none of her friends from last year are in her class (most of them went to 3 days - we kept B at 2 days since she has swimming and dance as well).  She is still in the 2 year old class due to her birthday.  Last year they had the classes broken up, younger 2's and older 2's - this year it's just a 2 year old class.  We shall see how this works.  Since her birthday is in October, she won't start school for another 3 years (this year plus 2 others).  I'd rather her repeat some things now than when she's older and very bored, but I am concerned that she may be a bit more advanced.

She already knows her colors, can sing her ABC's, can count to 20, is potty trained, and talks in complete sentences like she's 30!  Honestly half of the time I do forget that she is only 2.

B was super excited when Owen came out to take some pictures with her.  At first O didn't want to hold the sign since he was not in preschool - but when I told him that everyone would know that he was just holding the sign for her, he was all about it!  I love his face in these pics!

 

He was so excited to help her get ready!!

 



 

Of course I had to take a few more in the house - just like her brother did - with her school bag of course.  (This is her bag from last year - she gets to decorate her bag for this year today!)

And yes, she picked out her hair bows all by herself!! ; )  And to get her to smile we say " ICE CREAM"

This next one is the only picture that actually shows her timidness, and that maybe she is just a bit nervous about her first day.

This picture below was taken just outside her school, she looks so excited and a bit nervous.

And 26.7 second after this - she started screaming bloody murder again!  She actually walked into the classroom, then ran back out and attached herself to Missy (my mom).  Mom was able to pry her off and get her into the classroom - hopefully this doesn't go on for 3 weeks like it did last year!

How did I end up with one child who can't wait to get to school, and another that wants nothing to do with it? ; )

Brynnleigh - you will learn so much in school, and once you get used to your new friends and teachers you will want to go every day to see your friends.  You have matured SOOO much this summer and are starting to blossom into such a little social butterfly.  We cannot wait to see what you learn in school this year!!

Pleygo - a Net-flix Like Service for Legos!

Yes...you read that correct -

Pleygo is a Net-Flix like service for Legos!  Subscribe, rent, play, and exchange sets of LEGOs unlimited times per month.  Shipping is always free both ways and sets are sanitized when returned.  We offer a convenient, quick, and inexpensive solution that relieves clutter and saves space at home while saving money.  Co-Founded by influential parenting blogger and creator of A-List mom Elina Furman, Plegyo is the perfect way to supply your child with endless developmental tools and allow for that much needed quiet time at home!

 

Three levels of subscription starting at just $15 allow you to find the plan that best suits you.  We offer credit towards your account for sets and mixed bricks that you donate to us, and we provide the shipping label too!  Pleygo is a perfect gift for a family friend, loved one, or birthday party.  Purchase a gift subscription and send it with a special message from you!  We are constantly expanding our inventory with more sets!

 

Receive your First Month FREE  HERE or directly at Pleygo to register!

 

How easy is this:

 

         

 

 

 

Owen would LOVE this.  He is obsessed with Legos right now.  He loves to build and follow the instructions, but once he builds it, he leaves it together and doesn't do much else with it.  This would allow him to constantly build different models, while leaving some money in my bank account!!  Legos are expensive, but I love the confidence and creativity they provide for young minds.  I would much rather Owen play with Legos than video games or watch TV!  I also love the independence they provide, Owen loves to sit and look at the instructions and try to put it together 100% by himself (which he does).

 

 

 

We cannot wait to try Pleygo program out and tell everyone about our experience!

 

 

Don't forget to sign up for your free month, HERE.  You can also follow them on Facebook for the latest news and updates!

 

 

Disclaimer - This is a sponsored post.  I may be compensated for this post, however all opinions are honest and my own.

 

Wordless Wednesday - Hello 1st Grade

Today was Owen's first day of 1st Grade....and he was so excited!!  I actually was a bit more excited than upset/worried this year verses last year.  I knew he had friends in his class and on his bus and he knew more of what to expect.

 

He could barely eat breakfast he wanted to hurry up and get to the bus stop to see his friends.  Poor guy hadn't really seen any of them all summer since we both work and my parents watch the kids over at their house.  It was all I could do to snap a few pictures!

 

Little did I know that his little sister was slowly approaching to photo bomb....see if you can see her progression in these pictures...(she was excited for O's first day too!)

 

 

Then O got surprised, both his PaPa and his PawPaw came to see him on the bus the first day (poor thing, tomorrow may be a bit boring with just one parent there!)

Notice that Miss Priss had to be in the picture too!

Okay...one last picture before we had to go to the bus stop...promise!

Once he got to the bus stop, we were old news....I'm not sure he even spoke to us again other than bye!  They had to compare wiggly teeth

 

Finally reunited with his bus BFF who is now a second grader!

 Our bus was a bit later than normal (which I'm sure was due to the 435454 extra parents on the first day) but she arrived and the kids lined up!

We have the same bus driver as last year, who we love....and 3 Owen's at O's bus stop - and all 3 are in First Grade - and 1 is born one day after my O! : )

We met Owen's teacher last week and I really like her.  She's young which O will be all about.  Here is his desk -

His teacher had a wish list for us to pick a few things to donate - I let O pick what he wanted to get - here are his picks!!

And this is just him being his silly old self!  Oh, and check out his shirt! ; )

And because we did this last year:

Favorite TV Show - Wipeout, Dr. Oz, & Ellen (he's been with my parents too long)
Favorite Movie - Polar Express 
Favorite Color - Every color
Favorite Food - Pizza, Subway, McDonalds
Favorite Candy - Twizzlers....chocolate cookies
Favorite Toy - Train set
Favorite Activity - Playing with the Wii U
Favorite Sport - Basketball
Favorite Superhero - Papa
Favorite Shoes - the ones that I'm wearing right now, the blue & yellow (Adidas)
When I grow up I want to be - Boy Scout Teacher Height - 48"
Weight -  51 lbs



Good Bye Kindergarten

Ummm, where has the time gone?  My baby.....not only is in school...he has graduated from Kindergarten and starts 1st Grade tomorrow!  This can't be true....I swear just yesterday he was learning how to walk and talk.
 
O is so excited for tomorrow....he has told me 15 times how excited he is for school to start and to see all of his friends.  I couldn't be happier to know that my child loves school....but I hate that this whole school thing is making him grow up so fast.
 
One year ago tomorrow....O's First Day of Kindergarten:

 

And O's last day of Kindergarten last year:

 

Troy wrote this letter to Owen on his last day of Kindergarten:

 

Today I have reflected on the fact that Owen is no longer in Kindergarten.  Yes, I am happy that he made it through but I am also sad that he will be in First grade.  Kindergarten to me is innocence, new friends, and a new environment.  Kindergarten is fun.  First grade is harder.  There is homework, there is time management.  I fear that Owen will lose his joy in going to school.  But before that I want to talk about what I will miss about him being in Kindergarten.

 

   I will miss that first day.  He was a big boy and never looked back. 

 

   His face that morning.  He ran downstairs and laid so innocently on the love seat.

 

   Owen and I spent many mornings waiting until 7:48 AM. 

 

   All those races to the bus stop.

 

   The stories he would tell about Senor Wein (Spanish teacher) and his other teachers.

 

   Talking about running and how some were faster than him.

 

   Back to school night in little chairs.

 

   Parent teacher conference.

 

   Watching him move from the front of the bus to the back.

 

   Seeing him jump off the bus and sprint to you for a hug.

 

   Leaving his lunch box and jackets regularly.

 

   Hearing him yell "BUS" everyday when everyone else has already seen it.

 

   Going to school dressed as the boy from the Polar Express.

 

   His face the first day that he missed school because he was sick.

 

   Raising money for the Jump Rope for Heart.

 

   The Winterpock 5K

 

   Eating lunch with him on May 25th and seeing his face when he realized that I was thee.

 

   The Word Wall Ball and seeing him dance like a pro.

 

   Being the Core Value Student and receiving his award.

 

   "Daddy is this pimp? Is it Pimp enough?" while standing on the bathroom counter.

 

   But most of all I will miss his innocence of being a kindergartner.  The smile may not 

  go away but over time the innocence will.

 

I am proud of you Owen!

 

Love,

 

Daddy

 

I have teared up every time Troy has read it to me.  I hope that we all love First Grade as much as we have Kindergarten.

 

Owen....welcome to first grade bud, we wish you the world.