Weekend Kindergarten, Fishing, Worms

I can't believe how nervous I feel. We go to meet my son's kindergarten teacher today. He was up at 6:00 this morning excited and we got some last minute errands to run. Today is also mom's long chemo treatment as well.

Yesterday, we got in a family fishing trip in the boat, the boys do better in the boat than on land fishing. Well it rained on us so we had to jump in the truck until the storm passed. We went back fishing and there was a very little mist of rain. We caught a few and my husband lost a big fish, which he said was my fault:)

I love to hear my son fishing, he says he's and expert fisherman, he's gonna caught his nanna a fish. The little one did great and kept wanting to play with the worms.

Step2 X-Rider Review & Giveaway

Ride on toys can give hours of enjoyment to children. The Step2 X-Rider is a strudy little ride on that is simple to assemble. On a scale from 1 to 10, it's an easy 1 to assemble in 5 minutes. The X-rider is for children 1 1/2 years and up to 43 pounds and affordable priced around $29.99. Can be used indoors and outdoors.

My 2 year old loves it he scoots all around the house with the Step2 X-Rider. It's compact and light weight easy for little ones to maneuver around and easily rolls forward and backwards. X design crossing each other makes the X-Rider secure and stable, providing great balance for little ones. My son thinks he is a stunt man and you can see the x design under when he turns it upwards in the video. With him bumping around and playing stunt man it's holding up great. Strong and durable, nothing less than what I would expect from Step2 toys.



My son has tremendously enjoyed the Step2 X-Rider and we thank Step2 for the opportunity to review one of their quality toys. My family knows Step2 products are made to last. We also have a Step2 X-Rider to giveaway!!! Yep! pretty exciting! US Winner, 48 contiguous US States!

Disclosure:  All opionions are my own. Sponsor provided sample product for me to test and one for giveaway.

Magic Cabin $50 Giveaway & Indoor/Outdoor Rocker Seesaw Review

Spring fever is in the air here with temperature around 80 degrees and it’s only the first of March. While looking around Magic Cabin, I found so many great items to get my little ones outside playing. Their children’s wheelbarrow is a great choice with a little garden helper. A must check out is the wooden horse swing. You know Easter is just around the corner and Magic Cabin has a great selection of Easter Treats.


We’d been on the lookout for the perfect seesaw and I would say the Magic Cabin Indoor/Outdoor Rocker was just the style we had in mind. First, I love that my smallest does not have to straddle a seat, another kid jumping off, and his legs getting hurt. I feel more secure with my youngest on the seat with the handle to hold. Second, the weight difference between children is distributed more equally with this design. The design itself helps the older child put more movement in action to work with a smaller child. It's stable and one child can use alone too.

It’s not bad to assemble, it just takes some patience with all the bolts & nuts especially around the seats. Took my husband about 45 minutes to complete, estimated times is 1 to 2 hours. What we noticed is it not tall as we thought it would be, don’t let that fool you. It will hold the children and it’s got plenty of rocking power. We are using it indoors and outdoors, it's easy to move around. The Magic Cabin Indoor/Outdoor Rocker fits the needs of my family and exceeds expectation. My boys love it and I'd say it's a perfect rocking seesaw. 


The only thing I've had a problem with is my 2 3/4 yr goat of a son gnawing the back vinyl covering off the back of the seat. I simply removed the covering but, you should watch for that if you have a little goat kid like mine.

The lightweight-yet-sturdy seesaw is crafted from weather-resistant metal with vinyl-covered rockers to protect your floors, and can seat three children.
For ages 18 months and up.
Size 60"L x 18"W x 21"H
Maximum weight is 140 lbs total or 70 lbs for each seat.

Thanks to Magic Cabin one of Life Is A SandCastle readers will win a $50.00 Gift Certificate. US winner, winner is emailed, and name announced on this post.


Disclosure: Sponsor provided sample product for my family's honest opinion and provided prize for winner.

Step2 My Clubhouse Review & Giveaway

Imagination

The day before Valentine's Day and a sweetheart of a delivery arrived, a Step2 My Clubhouse. The mailman said it's a big one, I told him to just leave it right there. We went back inside and my 2yr old overly excited kept looking out the window, eyes shining with happiness. He knew it's something cool just by seeing the picture on the box. My husband said he'd wait to put it together til our oldest is home to help.

Driving in the yard from school my 5 yr old instantly saw the big box and was busting to see what it was. Giggling and laughing, both boys danced around the yard. Daddy opened the box and both boys went to work helping. The boys pulled all the pieces out and lined them up, while daddy got his drill out.

The Step2 Clubhouse has a spacious interior and opening the side wall for more space and better air flow in the summer. It already has pretty good air flow with a lot of peek holes and the cutest old time playhouse build look. It even has a chalkboard on it. This playhouse has character, style, and blends in well with it surroundings.

The feature that makes this playhouse stand out is the picnic table on the side. What can be better than a two for one. Well actually this clubhouse can be used for a clubhouse, diner, market, store, drive-thru window, what ever little minds can imagine.

Overall the Step2 My Clubhouse is built sturdy, easy to clean material, easy to assemble, and has a kid friendly design. The only problem I see is water catching on the top and my 2 yr wants to play in any kind of water. I dump the water and it splashes on the picnic table. The clubhouse is easy to move so you can move it out of the wet area and wipe the table with ease. 

From the first pictures to the recent video you can see a change in the grass, spring is here. The frog inside the compartment was a surprise and the boys check everyday for one. I love watching them play!!


My boys have tremendously enjoyed the Step2 Clubhouse and we thank Step2 for the opportunity to review one of their quality toys. My family knows Step2 products are made to last. We also have a Step2 My Clubhouse to giveaway!!! Yep! pretty exciting! US Winner, 48 contiguous US States!


Disclosure:  All opionions are my own.

C-Preme Raskullz Helmets & Bikes Review & Giveaway

Have you seen the coolest fashion bike helmet from C-Preme, Raskullz for young children, and Krash for older children? These character helmets are beyond the school yard most wanted list. So far I've only seen one on our store shelf and it was gone within a day and the best part is their affordable price. Raskullz Helmets meets safety standards for pedal cycling, skateboarding, skiing, canoeing and come in many designs for every child's taste. 


Raskullz Helmets:

• Molded 3D Helmet Design
• Shock Absorbing EPS Inner Shell
• Aerodynamic Cooling Vents
• Adjustable Straps

We had the opportunity to try out the New T-Rad Rex Green Helmets!! Both boys thought they were cool. It's been rainy so they wore them inside looking in the mirror, showing to anyone who stops in, and riding their in house bikes. Finally a break in the weather and the double T-Rad Rexs headed outside for a little spring bike riding fun.

I'm excited to tell you about the other Raskullz products available like the backpacks, bike bells, & bikes. 3-D Sculpted Design character compartment  for storing treasures. 16' Bikes with character bell with molded design element added to the steel frame bikes with ultimate colors for giving kids "Spring Fever" to get out and ride.

Rules: US Winner, Thanks to our wonder sponsor one reader will win a Raskullz Helmet of their choice.

Disclosure: Sponsor sent my family samples for return of our honest review and will send winner prize. Some photos are property of the sponsor. All opinions are my own.

Will You Eat Green Eggs & Ham?

In honor of Dr. Seuss' Birthday tomorrow we will be having green eggs and ham. As a matter of fact we had some yesterday and my son made them. We where talking about what was going on at school so, I told him when he came home we would make green eggs.

He had forgot all about it and I said, "didn't I make you a promise?" He went to smiling. What a thrill for him to cook in the kitchen with me. He mixed in the green food coloring and mixed the eggs. I let him give it a stir in the pan and then he spread green coloring over a piece of ham. A very quick and fun. So, Friday night my son will prepare Green Eggs and Ham for dinner for his brother and dad. He's laughing and an excited about our plans. Will You Eat Green Eggs & Ham?

Savings From Step2

Check out these savings from Step2, running now through Monday, March 5. The following outdoor play items are shipping for $2.99 (up to a $27 savings):

·         Clubhouse Climber

·         Welcome Home Playhouse

·         Skyward Summit

·         Naturally Playful Adventure Lodge Play Center

·         Naturally Playful Adventure Lodge Play Center w/Glider

·         Extreme Coaster

In addition to the $2.99 shipping sale, the following items are 10% off with code S2ADVEXT

·         Naturally Playful Adventure Lodge Play Center

·         Naturally Playful Adventure Lodge Play Center w/Glider

·         Extreme Coaster

We also offer flexible payment options now including PayPal and BillMeLater (since these are higher priced items).

Also, the Fun Fold Jr. Picnic Table is 15% off with code S2FF15

Disclosure:

Police Force Pursuit Blok Squad @MegaBloks

I have to say I'm amazed that so many small little pieces can come together into a Blok Squad. My husband and two boys set with such patience working on the Mega Bloks Police Force Pursuit Blok Squad. All though it's recommend for children 5 and up, my boys and husbands did it together and had some male bonding time. I think I saw my husband turn into a child for a brief moment.

After a little time the piece do come together to make Police Cruiser SUV & the Boat. The boat was the boys favorite. They are saving the Patrol truck for another day to build together.

What little boy wouldn't like the Fire Patrol Station, Police Force Pursuit, or a Construction Site? All the major action heroes that make play come alive. Check out Mega Bloks facebook page and on twitter @MegaBloks

We reviewed the Police Force Pursuit that included the below items:

• Buildable Police Force Pursuit team of Police Cruiser, Police Carrier and Police Boat with 391 pieces
• Includes 3 Blok Squad Police Officers
• Collect them all and combine Blok Squad vehicles to create awesome patrol cruisers to complete any mission and save

Disclosure: Items sent for review purposes and no other compensation was received.

The Solar System by Teach My

My son loves learning new things and loves space. Up til now he know about earth, the stars, sun, and the moon but, until he got an out of this world learning kit from Teach My. The Solar System by Teach My book highlighted one characteristic for each planet and each planet's place within the solar system. My boys loved the hands on planet placement puzzle. Flashcards with planet on the front and the name on the back. The Sun and nine planets, no Pluto did not get left out.

The Solar System by Teach My includes:

• 1 Book, including Pluto, the Dwarf Planet
• 1 Full-Size Poster
• 10 Flashcards
• 1 Puzzle
• Teaching Guide
• Re-Sealable Storage Bag

Have you seven the new website of the award winning Teach My, if not now is the perfect time to take a look at all their interactive learning activities. Keep up with all the latest products and news @teachmy on twitter
Facebook https://www.facebook.com/pages/Teach-My/140520005962665
You Tube http://www.youtube.com/teachmy

Disclosure: Company/PR provided me with sample product to review & keep. Opinions are my own. Some photos courtesy of the sponsors page.

Kidtoons Thomas Playset Giveaway "Thomas & Friends Day of the Diesels"

Coming to Kidtoons theatres this November, Thomas & Friends in Day of the Diesels! Faimilies and friends can enjoy Thomas on the big screen.

"Thomas the Tank Engine and his friends on the Island of Sodor share another exciting adventure with the Kidtoons family. When Flynn and Belle arrive at the Steamworks and Thomas begins to spend a lot of time with them, Percy feels left-out and ignored by his best friend. Percy’s efforts to regain Thomas’ attention lead him into a dangerous situation."

Thanks to Kidtoons one of my readers will win 
• One Thomas & Friends™ TrackMaster™ Cranky & Flynn Save the Day! (Fisher-Price, retail value $75)
 • One Thomas theatrical one-sheet/movie poster 
Cranky is over 2 feet tall and can rotate 360 degrees via remote control. Includes a full loop of track, Cranky, Flynn, remote control, loading crate, cargo car, magnetic cargo and more. Motorized train track play is compatible with all TrackMaster™ track sets.

Follow Kidtoons on facebook and stay up to date on all the great shows and events.

RULES: Contest closes 11:59pm Eastern November 29, 2011.
Open US winner must send details by November 1 or new will be drawn. Leave your email in to post or available in profile, I will not search for it.
MUST complete Mandatory Entry. Winner will be chosen by random org. Entries that does not follow the rules will not win.

Mandatory Entry *Follow Life Is A SandCastle via Google Friend Connect and visit Kidtoons telling me a location near you.

********EXTRA ENTRIES***********

*Who would you love watching this with?
*Blog about the giveaway linking this post (5entries)

*Subscribe to Kidtoons on youtube (3 entries)

*Follow both on twitter & tweet "#Giveaway Thomas & Friends TrackMaster Cranky & Flynn Save the Day Playset & Poster @KidtoonFilms @lifesandcastle http://goo.gl/FrkP8 11/29" (1 daily)

*Give this post a google+1 (1 entry)

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*Grab Holiday Gift Guide Button (3 entries)

*Stumble Life Is A SandCastle blog.

*Subscribe to Kidtoons Newsletter (2 entries)

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*(current giveaways)Enter The Night Owl Mama or giveaways on my site- one entry for each you enter.
*Add this giveaway to a contest linky & leave link (3 entries each link, up to 3contest listings)

"Disclosure: Kidtoons provided information and giveaway." No other compensation was received.

Halloween 2011

We have hyper sugared up kids, do you? I feel like I have a hangover..
This weekend at the community Halloween Party my sons had a blast. My 4yr old son stood on the stage and sung ABC's in front of everyone there. He's not shy a bit. Got a cake on my first walk at the cake walk. School Costume Parade Halloween day. His costume got tons of comments and he was so proud of it.

Their costumes Bad to the Bone & John Deere Man with a John Deere Tractor. The tractor was built with boxes, duct tape, paint, hot glue, tap lights, duck brand insulation for pipe and poster board. We made the steering with a clothes hanger then it with duct tape and covered with black electric tape. Completed with John Deere boots and clothes.

Quick Giveaway!! Haunted House from Creativity for Kids

Spooky Craft with Clay Haunted House fun at Creativity for Kids is like decorating a gingerbread house at Christmas. House is made from sturdy cardboard and can be used year after year to decorate. This house can also be used as a treasure chest for yummy Halloween treats.

Creativity for Kids kit includes 7"w x 7"h x 4"d embossed haunted house. White, black and purple washable paint with foam brush. Air-dry clay in colors and glue & glitter pen. Purple sparkle felt to enhance your display.

My boys really had a great time working on the haunted house and it was a great family craft for Halloween. Now you have the opportunity to win your very own. Creativity for Kids will give one of my readers a Craft with Clay Haunted House

RULES:
Contest closes 11:59pm Eastern Oct 25, 2011
Open US winner has 24 hrs to respond to my email
Leave your email in to post or available in profile, I will not search for it
MUST complete Mandatory Entry. Winner will be chosen by random org. Entries that does not follow the rules will not win.

Mandatory Entry is to visit Creativity for Kids and tell me what other product you love.

********EXTRA ENTRIES***********

*Blog about the giveaway linking this post (5entries)
* Follow all on twitter & tweet " #win Clay Haunted House @Creativity4Kids @lifesandcastle http://goo.gl/f6pIv 10/25 #giveaway #contest" (1 daily)
*Give this post a google+1 (1 entry)

*Give me a Klout +K (1 k per day, daily)

*Stumble post
*Subscribe to my blog by email. (2 entries)
*(current giveaways)Enter The Night Owl Mama or giveaways on my site- one entry for each you enter.
*Add this giveaway to a contest linky & leave link (3 entries each link, up to 3contest listings)

Disclosure: Please note this giveaway was presented by Creativity for Kids & I did received a product to review. I did not receive any other compensation. All opinions are my own.

#LeapFrogParty was Hopping!! & LeapPad Wowed

The LeapPad is the must have toy for the Holiday Season!! With that said while purchasing it buy the AC adapter for home use and rechargeable batteries for on the go. It will save you time later because it will be used that much.

On Sept 27, the Leap Pad from Leap Frog arrived and I put it up till I had a minute to look it over with my son. The next day my son was home from school with strep throat and I also had it, we cuddled up and begin exploring the Leap Pad. WOW!! this little kids toy holds bundles of activites. No waste of money here this product is a cover it all product. A library of 100+ cartridge games, apps, digital books, videos and flash cards (sold separately) and it works with all Leapster Explorer games and apps.

First he had to explore the camera & video apps with 5" touch screen. My own little photographer and video maniac. We created personalized backgrounds & photos while adding our names. I adore the vocabulary lesson and the letter tracing. Games, book download, pet center, drawing center. My son loves the drawing center and his artwork has taken off with it.

Unfortunately, the device could not be connect before the party for me to get apps. It's was programed to reset, so I didn't want that to happen. Apps cost $19.99 and I can't wait for my son to try Alphabet Stew, he loves to practice spelling. The LeapPad is not just a toy it's a learning tool, with age appropriate lessons and games wrapped up just the way children like it. It ranks number 1 on my Christmas list for children and probably explains why my local Walmart has devoted an entire shelf with LeapPads on it.

After getting familiar with the products it was time to share with our guests at our Learn, Share, Create Party. Once the children got a hold of the LeapPad, they were in the zone so to speak. Moms tested it too and watched their children use it. It was very popular, no doubt. The children also enjoyed playing with the Leap Frog Interactive Map, Tag Books & Tag Pen. We printed frog mask for our guest to color. We also had activity sheets, coloring pages, and guests carried coupons home with them provided by sponsor.

Party Gusts were served a variety of special treats including Swamp Juice, Frog Cupcakes, Insect Cookies, Logs and Frog Egg Marshmallows. Can't forget popcorn, it makes you hop better. Frog on a log cupcake tops the cake with grass, water, Lily Pads. Printable frogs adorn the drink cups.

We retreated out side to give the little frogs some jumping room. We had frog hop races a short legged frog race & a long jump frog race. Played Frog in the pen and then we even played LeapFrog. The adults had to do it too, I may have to share that video. While winding up the play the children jumped on the trampoline and showed their best frog impersonations. Guest left happy and hoppy with special party favors I purchased for each of them. Our #LeapFrogParty was Hopping!! & LeapPad Wowed.

Disclosure: I was supplied with LeapFrog products to keep while participating in Mommy Parties in order to host and share with party guests. All opinions are my own.

Halloween Craft Web & Spider

Simple spider project create spider with hot glue, pom poms, pipe cleaners, googly eyes.
Create web with black electric tape.

Halloween Craft Mr. Ghost & Miss Skull Head

Mr. Ghost & Miss Skull Head

Mr. Ghost white fabric, bunch up plastic grocery bags under fabric and create a head tie up with string and draw on your ghost face. Tye on some sheer fabric to add ghostly effect.

Miss Skull Head cost $1 at dollar tree, hot glue fabric (white or black looks great) around. Tye her a sash with sheer fabric. Hang both with fishing line.

Animal Planet Pet & Baby Costumes

Before we had children, I dressed my little dog up and that's why I thought Animal Planet line of pet costumes were so adorable.

These unique costumes will transform your pet during the Halloween craze and turn them into the talk of the party. Ranging from a scary raptor, the cute little monarch butterfly, and more. The Animal Planet Halloween costumes are available at Party City locations.

Animal Planet also has the perfect costumes for you little ones. Baby Rhinoceros Costume, Baby Meerkat Costume, Love Bird, and more.

Disclosure: No product or compensation was received, just sharing on behalf of sponsor.

Wordless Wednesday Linky Scary 10/12/11

It's getting scary here.

We got some white shower curtains for a $1.00

mixed burgundy and red craft paint and we have this hanging in our living room.

Seriously can't take a nap on the couch now.

5Minutes For Mom & Go Graham Go, Mom Start, Jolly Mom, Two of A kind, Working on a full House and many more wonderful sites, sign up, and share your Wordless Wednesday.