JenOni

Archives for August 2009

Mini-Vacay is Over and the Lost Binky!

If you take a vacation even a mini, are you suppose to feel beat? Am I way too old for this? The best part of all is we LOST THE BINKY! This was never the plan but whatever works for my sanity I will ride with it. Tomorrow I am headed to Target for a new Elmo toy courtesy of the “Binky Fairy”. It will be interesting to see how this works out on the homefront tomorrow night at bedtime. I will keep my fingers and toes crossed. One thing for certain we are not buying more pacifiers. The funniest part about the pacifier selection is my DD exceeds the age range on the packaging! Hint, Hint, YOUR ARE REALLY TOO OLD LITTLE DIVA!

On Mini-Vacay

Just a few days to get away from the normal hustle and bustle of daily life……. This is a our third trip to Cape May and we stay at Akwaaba B&B in West Cape May. On our previous trips we stayed at Akwaaba by the Sea. Check out the site: AkwaabaThis time we booked a suite at Akwaaba at Buttonwood Manor(directly across the street). I love staying here because each morning you are treated to a full breakfast as well as savory and sweet snacks with beverages in the evening. I was expecting to be rained in for two days but as luck would have it two of our three days were absolutely beautiful. The ocean temperature this time of year is just right. My son had a lot of fun playing in the ocean and my daughter wanted to play in the sand instead. Traveling with an 8yo and 2yo takes a lot of patience and endurance to say the least. Yesterday we spent about 3 hours on the beach and today after breakfast we took an African American tour of West Cape May(It was interesting to learn about the rich heritage of this small beach town), and then some beach time. I am beat and one child is asking “where are we going for dinner?”. One great part of a mini-vaca – NO COOKING! and the 0 calorie meals!

"Binky" Intervention

Ok, to all my mommies out there -I need an intervention! Maybe / Maybe Not? The “binky” definitely has served its purpose in providing much needed quiet time when my babies were a little fussy. As the mom of two, I must admit it is an absolute different experience with both children. It is not only because of the different genders but there are real distinctions when it comes to their personalities, mannerisms, requirements, whining capacity, etc, etc. The whole “binky” ordeal has me baffled. When my son officially turned 1 the “binky” disappeared in the night. He never asked or thought about it again. Well here comes my little “diva in training” and I am out of ideas. I tried to use an idea taken from “SuperNanny”(yes I am desperate) by using her friend named “Binky Fairy”, who comes and takes the “binky” but leaves a nice parting gift for the deserving child who relinquishes the “binky”. My little “diva in training” was not impressed, and she insists on asking when is the “binky fairy” coming? Now as we approach her 3rd birthday in 3 months I am getting a little antsy. Aside from the approaching birthday I was a little unnerved with how many times the “binky” hits the floor/carpet in a day. Now I am at the point where it does not bother me because she takes it and wipes it off on her shirt or dress. Gotta luv it(building her immune system, right?)!

Each day when she arrives at school she hands me the “binky” before we enter the door-Now what is up with that? None of the kids in her new class have a “binky” (in the classroom?) and I think she is afraid to be seen with it in school. You may wonder what have I tried so far. Well, one night I thought enough already- it goes tonight! So I thought; she cried so hard that she threw up and of course I broke down and gave it back. My son had his blankie and she has the “binky”.

My question is: Should I worry and just let her give it up when she is ready? or run the risk of her arriving at kindergarten handing me the “binky” in the car. I welcome any and all suggestions……really I do!

Afternoon @ Monkey joes

Today Angelo and I checked out Monkey Joes in Pottstown in Pottstown, PA. Maya had the experience yesterday and for a soon to be preschooler she appeared to have a great time with her playmate. For the toddler to preschool age they offer two moon bounces in the Mini Monkey Zone and two vehicles the kids can ride using 2 tokens. Maya was not impressed with the vibrating race car, she jumped in and then out. It will be interesting to hear Angelo’s comments. I am updating my post from one of the two PC stations, there are two flat screen tvs and WiFi service available, Also two massage chairs(for a fee of course) that range in price from $1(3mins)-$5(15mins). There is also a snack bar that offers hot dogs, pizza, pretzels,

beverages and an assortment of snacks. No outside food or drinks are allowed. For the older kids there are 4 different moon bounces and a few arcade games. Well the verdict is in, Angelo enjoyed the 2 hours however he felt there should be more arcade games. He enjoyed the moon bounces but at his age he prefers more hands on games…….. This may be a good rainy day place to go to in pinch……

Lazy Days of Summer Coming to an End

When I was younger the month of August was always bittersweet, because I knew school was just around the corner. I can’t believe there are only two full weeks before my son starts school. He’s probably not as excited as I am but that’s life. Where did the time go? I thought the kids would want to spend every day at the pool but every day it was a different request. We still have our days at the beach to look forward to. Oh, to be this age looks and feels like so much FUN! Do we have this much FUN as adults?

Monkey joe’s – Pottstown, PA

My daughter’s 3rd birthday is around the corner (well in November). It never hurts to plan ahead as this will be her 1st official birthday party with friends and family. Most of the places I have checked out were not appropriate for my soon to be preschooler and for some reason I am not a fan of Chuck E. Cheese(Sorry!). It’s amazing how places are in your backyard and all it takes to discover is a ride in the country to find it. I passed the shopping center and realized it was a place for kids so I did some research and found name Monkey joe’s. It’s a franchise owned center that offers multiple activities for the 2-12 age group. If you are interested in relaxing while your kids are playing, they offer an an adult lounge with high speed wireless internet, flat screen tv and computer stations.
I like the safety guidelines followed at each location:
*Clean and well-lit play areas supervised by our trained staff
*Sanitized inflatable surfaces by Swisher Hygiene, eliminating up to 99.9 percent of most common germs
*Certified jumps with safety mats at all jump entrances and exits
*Video monitoring and identity bracelets that tell us who is in our play centers
*Designated play areas for kids 2-12 years-old, featuring jumps, slides, climbing walls, and games
*Mini Monkey Zone for 3 year-olds and younger featuring games, puzzles, and soft landing areas so you can easily supervise your little ones
*Our SACCS Access Child Control Program makes Monkey Joe’s the safest kids play facility in the business.
From the website I think it is perfect for a preschool birthday party. For the Crazy 8 package (8 kids) on a Saturday or Sunday, the price is $189.00 and $10.99 for each additional child. + the cost of Pizza(sold by the box of 12 slices). I think I found a winner! I may check it out as a playdate location next week; if so I will post the pictures. If this is the party destination selected I will post pictures and comments…..

You can check out the website here:

Monkey joes
$5 ADMISSION EVERY MONDAY (THRU AUGUST 31ST)
*Must present print-out at counter to get special rate

Open 7 Days a Week! Walk-in Pricing:
$5.00 Every Day for kids under 36 months
$8.99 Monday – Thursday$9.99 Friday – Sunday

Krazy City- Plymouth Meeting Mall, PA

New Fun Center opens in Plymouth Meeting, PA…..Krazy City

It is so great when you get together with other mommies, because the exchange of information is overwhelming. We discuss everything from hair care products to employment opportunities/leads. One mom mentioned a new fun center for kids, (thanks Tomika B.) in Plymouth Meeting, PA called Krazy City. There are other locations in West Nyack and Poughkeepsie, New York; Voorhees, New Jersey, Cincinnati, Ohio and Milford,Connecticut. After visiting Oasis in Glen Mills and Grand Slam in Malvern this place is a MUST SEE with my son who is 9 next month. I also want to check out the facility for 3 year olds, we have another birthday in November.

For an admission price of $10.99 you get 2 hours of rides and attractions(you can add another hour for $1). For $14.99 you get 2 hours of rides and attractions plus 45 points on a playcard. You can add a meal for $3.99(10 preselected meals).

The indoor rides include the Spring Ride( design of rides vary per location); arcade, rock climbing, black light miniature golf, soft ball and play maze. Also offer a number of birthday party packages(includes food) that range in price from $16.95 to $100.00 (includes limo service to the location) per person. http://krazycity.com/Plymouth/guide/package.php. There are minimums required for the birthday packages. Some locations offer overnight stays.
There is also a restaurant inside the facility called City Grill, here’s the menu http://krazycity.com/Plymouth/pdf/menu.pdf.
I will leave comments after we visit, don’t forget to check out the comments…..
8/9/09 at Krazy City

Soft Ball Pit

Climbing Wall

Bowling

Lands’ End Ultimate Back to School Party onTwitter

Please join Lands’ End for the ultimate back to school party on Twitter

Save The Date!
Date: Thursday, August 20th
Time: 7:00 PM -9:00 PM CST/8:00 PM-10:00 PM EST
Location on Twitter: #landsend (hashtag)

Lands’ End hosts will be available to answer all back to school questions, and will feature more than 20 giveaways from co-hosts, fiveminutesformom.com.

School is quickly approaching and backpacks are a must have… You can create your own backpack at www.landsend.com/packland Here’s my Fantasy Backpack called Gone Fishin;