We were compensated for this post. All thoughts are our own. It’s funny the childhood memories that stick with you decades later. For me one of the first ones that come to mind is a family trip was our visit to Land of Oz. Land of Oz isn’t just a metaphor, back in the early 70’s it was a real place in Beech Mountain, NC. This was a theme park devoted to its classic moniker and our family, who never traveled, went there for some reason. I remember that it was the first time I had to have the family stop the car so that I could use the bathroom on the side of a highway, lots of yellow brick, potentially scary costumes for a 6 year old and much more. These memories tie in with Beyond the Sun, a new family movie about travel and adventure that’s based on stories from the Bible. To celebrate the film’s release we’re giving away at $50 gift card to Target and the film makers are sending one winner and three guests to Italy where they’ll receive a private tour of the Vatican, plus front row tickets to an audience with Pope Francis.
Tag: Family outing
The Ultimate LEGO Ninjago Experience at LEGOLAND Discovery Center Atlanta
At some point in the life of every kid 10 years old and younger they’ve been a ninja. Our 8 year old is a not-so-closet ninja and a huge fan of all things Ninjago. With The Ultimate LEGO NINJAGO Experience open for the weekend of March 31 at LEGOLAND Discovery Center Atlanta it allows kids (and nimble adults) the chance to duck and weave like a ninja, test their reflexes, control their nerves and pose for pictures with Lloyd.
There’s a character meet and greet at 11PM, 2PM and 5PM, the LEGO NINJAGO Miniland Takeover and Scavenger Hunt throughout the weekend win passed to LDC and many more events.
Continue reading The Ultimate LEGO Ninjago Experience at LEGOLAND Discovery Center Atlanta
Win tickets to the Atlanta sneak preview of Sherlock Gnomes
Insert tongue fully in cheek and listen to the kids tell you that they want to see Sherlock Gnomes. Sherlock Gnomes is rated PG and will hit movie theaters on March 23. We’re giving away pairs of tickets to the Atlanta sneak preview of Sherlock Gnomes. It’s Thursday, March 22 at Atlantic Station and winners will have the tickets emailed to them. The giveaway ends Tuesday, March 20 at 8PM and to enter just leave a comment in the post or on YouTube.
Good luck and see you at the movies!
A conversation with AMA Supercross rider Weston Peick
Podcast: Play in new window | Download
Subscribe: RSS
Have you or your family ever been to Supercross? It’s madness, controlled chaos and looks like scenes that were too dangerous to put in Mad Mad: Fury Road. AMA Supercross can also be a little confusing for those first timers. Admittedly, I had no idea what structure the race had or how the racers knew exactly what to do. Even for those that know nothing about the sport, this fact is clear: Supercross is an event that the whole family will enjoy.
To get me up to speed on exactly how a Supercross race works I spoke with nine year veteran of the circuit, Weston Peick. Peick races for Joe Gibbs Racing, has 8 career top-five finishes (450XS) and many other career highlights. Our interview with Weston Peick provides a general overview of Supercross, his non-traditional path to the sport and what it takes to succeed.
An interview with Monster Jam legend, Jim Koehler
Podcast: Play in new window | Download
Subscribe: RSS
You’ve heard the radio commercials, seen them on television and watched countless parodies-including our favorite, “Bart the Daredevil” from episode 8, season 2 of The Simpsons. Monster Jam is a ritual in our house and we were pumped to interview Jim Koehler. Koehler drives Avenger, is part of Team Scream and is a legend in the Monster Jam circuit. He’s been competing since 1997, loves to drive on two wheels and is a class act, as you’ll hear in the interview.
What is Monster Jam? What changes have been made since last year? What’s his favorite part of the race? If you’re a Monster Jam novice this interview will answer all of those questions. If you’re a diehard fan of Jim Koehler then you want to hear the enthusiasm in his voice as he talks about one of the best family events you’ll attend all year.
Bonus: at the Monster Jam website you can find coupons to upcoming races, as well as, videos, stats or all level of information for any fan.
Win 4 tickets to Monster Jam in Atlanta
I was like some of you too regarding my opinion of Monster Jam. I don’t like racing. I don’t have a truck. A crowded, noisy environment is no place that’s going to be family friendly is what I thought. I was wrong. Our first Monster Jam visit was a couple years ago; we’ve been back every year since then and it genuinely marks one of the things we look forward to each season it comes around.
We’re giving away a family 4-pack of tickets to Monster Jam in Atlanta at Mercedez-Benz Stadium on February 25, 2018. This is a fast giveaway, we are picking the winner 11:59 PM on February 11, so enter quickly. Entering is simple, just leave a comment on the video and we’ll pick one winner who will get the four tickets.
Monster Jam really is incredibly family friendly. Hint: go early so that you can walk the field area. Everyone will be fascinated by the size, scope and detail that go into these vehicles. Kids can sit inside the wheels of the monster trucks, touch the wheels and more. Some of the drivers will also be down there to sign autographs, take photos and meet the fans.
Another bonus of Monster Jam is that it’s amazingly affordable. For example, when Monster Jam is in Atlanta tickets are as low as $32. Ticket prices vary according to where you live, but regardless of where that is, this can be six hours worth of entertainment that do not disappoint.
Paddington 2 is the real, bear deal and goes Empire Strikes Back on us
I’m crying during the talking bear film-I hope the kids don’t notice. That was my thought about ¾ of the way through Paddington2. Paddington 2 goes all Empire Strikes Back, Lethal Weapon 2 or The Godfather 2 and manages to accomplish the rare act of improving upon the original film. What’s even more impressive is that Paddington 2 does this while being a family friendly film.
Continue reading Paddington 2 is the real, bear deal and goes Empire Strikes Back on us
Paddington 2 is in theaters January 12
This is a sponsored post. All opinions are our own. It could be the stylish jacket, the lovely fedora, those big brown eyes or that perma-grin that he always has, but people love Paddington. When it was released in 2014 it became one of the most successful family films of all time. Paddington 2 is the much-anticipated sequel where Paddington (Ben Whishaw) is happily settled with the Brown family in London, where he has become a popular member of the local community, spreading joy and marmalade wherever he goes.
Things get interesting for our bear when he tries to find the perfect present for his beloved Aunt Lucy’s hundredth birthday, Paddington sees a unique pop-up book in Mr. Gruber’s antique shop, and embarks upon a series of odd jobs to buy it. But when the book is stolen, it’s up to Paddington and the Browns to unmask the thief.
This is the kind of PG movie magic that’s guaranteed to entertain kids 7 and under, but will also earn laughs from those that are slightly older too. We’re taking a 6 and 8 year old to see the film later this week and I knew which parts of the trailer would make them laugh even before they saw it.
Truth be told I laughed at many parts of the trailer too and let out an “aww…” when I saw Paddington in the antique shop. I suspect that I’ll enjoy the film as much as the kids.
The first Paddington was made six times its investment and was thus enormously profitable. Paddington 2 looks to be cut from the same cloth, combining heart, lots of laughs and a bit of adventure. It’s the sort of family film that I suspect our kids will remember seeing-and then see it with their kids many years down the road.
Paddington 2 stars: Hugh Bonneville (Downton Abbey), Hugh Grant (Four Weddings and a Funeral), Sally Hawkins (Jayne Eyre), Brendan Gleeson (Into the Storm), Julie Walters (Mamma Mia) and Ben Whishaw (The Hollow Crown) as the voice of Paddington.
Facebook
Twitter
Flickr
GooglePlus
Youtube