Wow Wow Wubbzy!

Sam loves Wubbzy and so do I! The song is catchy and will get stuck in your head. The characters are great and I enjoy the little lessons they teach. We're fans, and I was excited to learn that Wubbzy fans will have much to “wow” about this month! Anchor Bay Entertainment is holding a very special Wow! Wow! Wubbzy! Facebook vote for the “Best of Wubbzy: Fans’ Choice DVD.” Users can vote for their favorite Wow! Wow! Wubbzy! episodes from twelve different choices and the episodes that earn the most votes will be compiled in an new DVD, out this fall! Voting is now open – click here! - and will remain live until March 31, 2012. So, don’t forget to Vote! Vote! Vote! – and please help us spread the word about this Wubb-tastic promotion!
Disclosure: I was under no obligation to share this information.

Char Crust Giveaway!

 I usually don't get a product and write about it the same day. I couldn't help myself this time. I had a wonderful dinner, thanks to Char Crust and I couldn't wait to tell you about it! I've never heard of Char Crust before today, but I have heard of Al Farber's legendary steakhouse in Chicago. His son is the mastermind behind these packaged products, which enable beginners in the kitchen to have the ability to create extraordinary restaurant worthy meals they only dreamed about. I was asked to try four different rubs and tonight, I had Roasted Garlic Peppercorn rubbed pork. Oh my gosh delicious. My kids went nuts and talked through the meal about how delicious it was. I made rice with dinner and I sprinkled some rub in, just to give it a little something extra! you can also use it on vegetables, which would really help at our house! Sam isn't a huge vegetable fan, but after seeing how much he loved the pork, this may be my answer. Sam had seconds tonight and Logan, well, I'm not sure if he had three or four servings of pork. I had to make him stop. I rubbed the mixture onto my pork and heated some olive oil in a skillet. After browning on all sides, I put it in the oven to roast. It was juicy! I can't wait to try it with steaks on the grill! I must also mention the packaging. Brilliant! If you don't use a lot of seasonings, or if you don't want to read the fine print to see the recommended meat to use it on, just look on the right hand side on the front of the package. Pictured, you'll find what each rub compliments! It's so easy!


UPDATE!!! I've used these rubs every night since they arrived. I've tried every rub that was sent. They are my favorites (I couldn't pick just one!) and I plan on buying more!!!

Whether preparing a family dinner or a party feast, professional chefs and home cooks alike are always looking for unique and simple ways to spice up their dishes. Char Crust ® dry-rub seasonings consist of premium herb blends, spices and other natural ingredients that can be simply rubbed onto the surface of uncooked meat or fish, or sprinkled over raw vegetables then broiled, baked, grilled, pan-seared, roasted, or sautéed. I received:
• Roasted Garlic Peppercorn features the robust flavor of roasted garlic and onions with the zing of peppercorns and a hint of Worcestershire and lavender. Its versatility has made it a best seller. It complements steaks, lamb, seafood, pork, poultry, and potatoes.
• Ginger Teriyaki is a balance of sweet teriyaki, fragrant ginger, plus a tingly touch of wasabi that lends a new dimension and creates a modern teriyaki interpretation. It complements chicken, fish, and steak.
• Amazin’ Cajun is a spicy-sweet blend of piquant cayenne pepper, onion, garlic, oregano and a mélange of other Mardi Gras flavors. It brings the sublime heat of New Orleans to catfish, chicken, shrimp, and even “dirty” rice.
• All American Barbecue takes the best flavors of American barbecue and blends them into a tangy-sweet, slightly spicy rub. It has rich molasses from Memphis, tangy tomato from Kansas City, mustard, pepper and vinegar from the Carolinas, plus a wisp of smoke from Texas.
 
One US reader will win four boxes of Char Crust! To enter, Like Char Crust on facebook and leave a comment below! For bonus entries, blog or tweet about this giveaway for three bonus entries! Follow me on Google/Networked Blogs/Facebook/Twitter for one entry each follow. Links are on my sidebar. You can also follow my blog, Away We Go, with Google/GFC for one extra entry! Giveaway ends midnight April 15, 2012! Good luck!
Disclosure: I was sent these products to try. No monetary compensation received.

Intentional Chocolate

I don't drink coffee. My husband does. My entire family (including my children if I allowed it) love a cup of coffee. My husband even roasts his own coffee beans. I love to smell it, I just can''t stand the taste of it. My hot drink of choice, when I'm not drinking tea, is hot chocolate. Being a blogger, one of the greatest perks is having the chance to try many different products. Over the past four years (I can't believe it's been that long!) I've discovered so many varieties of hot cocoa/chocolate. I've been spoiled by a few brands, but nothing comes close to Intentional Chocolate's Intentional Hot Dark Chocolate. And I'm not really into dark chocolate. I mixed mine with steaming hot milk and enjoyed the velvety smooth flavor. Unlike others, it isn't bombarded with sugar (it does contain cane sugar) so I'm allowed to appreciate the magnificent richness and depth of the chocolate, which, when combined with the milk, is the perfect combination for me! Just don't forget to leave the spoon in! My chocolate settled a lot and I had to keep stirring!Mmmmmm!
Intentional Chocolate also sent Intentional Medium Blend Coffee, which thrilled my husband, because he loves coffee with chocolate and fruit notes. This coffee is aromatic (blissfully so) and I found myself wanting to taste and experience it, which is a little uncharacteristic of me. Taste I did, and while I wouldn't want to set down and savor a cup, I did enjoy my little sample. I could drink a cup if I had to, and you'll have to trust me, that's a great compliment. I wouldn't do that with just any coffee.
Organic + i Dark Intentional Chocolate Pistoles made the perfect after dinner snack. My husband was even inspired to put them into pancakes the next morning. Maybe it was a waste of good chocolate because those pancakes were unworthy of such a delicious treat. Intentional Chocolate is a gourmet, varietal chocolate that has been shown to significantly decrease stress, increase calmness, and lessen fatigue in those who consume it. It's embedded with the following intention: Whoever consumes this chocolate will manifest optimal health and functioning at physical, emotional and mental levels, and in particular will enjoy an increased sense of energy, vigor and well-being. That's something we could all use. Read more here, and discover this dream chocolate for yourself!
Disclosure: I was sent these products in order to complete my review. No monetary compensation received, just a little less stress and a few health benefits. I hope you enjoy!

My Favorite Things...

There is only one thing I love more than chocolate, and that's candles. I'm home all day and I always have at least one burning. My favorite candle product has to be tarts and I bet I have almost ten tart warmers scattered around and packed away. I have a dedicated cabinet full of candles and tarts and my tarts take up most of the space. When I picked out items from Gold Canyon to review, I was intrigued by their gorgeous warmers. I didn't know much about them and I couldn't wait to get my hands on one. After I received it, I have to admit it was love at first sight. It's gorgeous. It's a little larger than my tart warmers and the incredible scents that I received to try were so amazing, I think Sam thought he could eat them. Everyday, he tried sticking his fingers into the wax while it was cooling. He never does this with my other warmers and he is very familiar with them and he knows what they do. He made quite the mess, but I couldn't blame him. They smelled so good! You could smell fresh baked goods outside my home, the tantalizing scent greeting all my guests before they could knock on my door. They were very disappointed to find that I wasn't busy in the kitchen baking. Oh, well. The Black Footed Square Scent Pod Warmer is one of my favorite review items ever, and I will be a customer for life. You can turn the warmer on and leave it on for as long as you like, or use the timer and set it to 4, 8, or 12 hours. The pods are little bowls of wax and they are larger than I expected. They are probably the size of at least four of my usual tarts. The scent lasts. I've burned them much longer than recommended and the scent is still beautiful, just much more subtle. The Scent Pod Cafe Bundle Value Gift Set included three scents. Brown Sugar Cookie, Cobbler on the Porch and Coconut Sticky Bun Scent Pod would not have been my first choice (I'm more into fresh laundry scents and floral) but I'm so glad it was sent because I really enjoyed it! I can't wait to try more! Next, I want to try Rosemary Thyme and Fresh Cut Roses. Maybe Orange Blossoms and Strawberry-Kiwi too!
I also received Cute as a Cucumber Scented Candles For Kids. It's fresh scent was delightful and refreshing. My kids enjoyed it, but I kind of kept it for myself! The candle burns evenly and it is lasting a very long time! You can feel great when you buy this because 100% of the profits go to the Prayer Child Foundation! Between my gorgeous Scent Pod Warmer and my Cucumber Candle, my house smells amazing and I am enjoying my days more than ever before. I am going to buy my mom a warmer for Christmas. She loves tart warmers as much as I do. The warmer is at the top of my list for Christmas must haves this year!
Disclosure: I was sent these items in order to complete this review. Only honest opinions given.

Hamburger Helper Giveaway!

When you hear that daily question of “What’s for dinner?,” have no fear! For 40 years, Hamburger Helper® has helped to make family dinner time easy, and now with two new delicious varieties, Ultimate Beef Stroganoff and Cheesy Italian Beef, Hamburger Helper offers even more options for easy family style cuisine. With naturally- flavored mixes and rich, tasty sauces, Hamburger Helper makes a meal your family will be happy to gather around. Be among the first to try these two new, quick and easy dinner options with the ones you love. Because after all, who couldn’t use a little help in the kitchen?

• NEW Hamburger Helper Ultimate Beef Stroganoff provides rich roast beef flavor and pasta with a decadent sour cream flavored sauce mix
• NEW Hamburger Helper Cheesy Italian Beef features real Italian herbs and pasta enhanced with naturally flavored Italian-style sauce mix

Just add milk, water and ground beef!

In addition, click here to download a printable coupon for $0.70 off the purchase of one box of Hamburger Helper and be sure to share this coupon with your family, friends and readers so they too can take advantage of the savings and try these new varieties today!

I received a box of Hamburger Helper Ultimate Beef Stroganoff, a box of Hamburger Helper Cheesy Italian Beef, a cool Serving dish, Slotted serving spoon, and a pretty red Trivet. In no time at all, I had prepared the Ultimate Beef Stroganoff, which we devoured quickly! It was so delicious we have purchased more! The Cheesy Italian Beef is on the menu tonight! Can't wait to try it!
Want to win a delicious prize? One US reader will win a Box of Hamburger Helper Ultimate Beef Stroganoff, a box of Hamburger Helper Cheesy Italian Beef, a Serving dish, slotted serving spoon, and a Trivet! To enter, tell me which of the two new Hamburger Helper varieties your family i looking forward to trying the most, for a convenient and delicious meal? Leave your answer in a comment below! For a second entry, tell me how Hamburger Helper makes your life easier in the kitchen? Be sure to leave your answer in a comment below!
For bonus entries, blog or tweet about this giveaway for three bonus entries! Follow me on Google/Networked Blogs/Facebook/Twitter for one entry each follow. Links are on my sidebar. You can also follow my blog, Away We Go, with Google/GFC for one extra entry! Giveaway ends midnight April 5, 2012! Good luck!
Disclosure: The Hamburger Helper New Varieties information, product, and prize pack have been provided free of charge by Betty Crocker® and General Mills®, through MyBlogSpark.

Lorax Approved Seventh Generation Baby Products

Welcome the newest arrival of products from Seventh Generation that are gentle on baby, safe for the planet, and convenient for you, not to mention “Lorax approved!” In partnership with Universal Studios’ motion picture debut of Dr. Seuss’s The Lorax* also known as the “Speaker for the Trees” who brings environmental truth and ecological hope to all, Seventh Generation will feature limited edition Lorax prints on all our diapers and training pants. These prints are intended to remind parents and caregivers of the lessons of The Lorax, and encourage family reading and environmental awareness while creating a few smiles. Discover (or rediscover) Dr. Suess’ The Lorax as you read about his legacy and messages of sustainability with your child, and inspire a new generation of environmentalists starting with your family! The Seventh Generation family of Free & Clear baby products continues to deliver on your needs as it expands in March, with the addition of NEW Overnight Diapers.

• Free & Clear diapers have been redesigned with new, improved tabs for better fit!
• NEW Overnight Diapers are absorbent enough to keep your baby and bedding dry through the night or during prolonged travel!
• Free & Clear diapers have improved more flexible tabs that provide even better fit. Free & Clear training pants have an absorbent core made with more renewable, plant-based materials. They also feature stretchy, tear away side panels for a better fit and added convenience, as well as inner leak barriers for superior leakage protection.
• Seventh Generation Free & Clear baby care products do not contain chlorine, fragrance, petroleum-based lotions or latex, and all Free & Clear products are also hypo-allergenic!
• Starting March 2, you can register for a free The Lorax scrapbook with the purchase of any three Free & Clear diaper products, until supplies last.

*The movie Dr. Seuss' The Lorax © 2012 Universal Studios debuts in theaters this March. Based on The Lorax book and characters ™ & © 1971 Dr. Seuss Enterprises, L.P. All Rights Reserved.

I recieved  a Seventh Generation Diapers prize pack containing one package of new Seventh Generation Free & Clear diaper training pants and a copy of Dr. Seuss’s The Lorax storybook. The training pants were easy for Sam to put on and take off. He's already potty trained, so I can't tell you how well they absorb, but they fit him very well!
One US winner will win one package of new Seventh Generation Free & Clear diaper product and a copy of Dr. Seuss’s The Lorax storybook! To enter, tell me which of the Seventh Generation Free & Clear Diaper products are you most interested in trying with your family in an effort to become more eco-conscious. Please leave your answer in a comment below.
For bonus entries, Like Seventh Generation on Facebook and leave me a comment below! Follow them on Twitter for one extra entry! Blog or tweet about this giveaway for three bonus entries! Follow me on Google/Networked Blogs/Facebook/Twitter for one entry each follow. Links are on my sidebar. You can also follow my blog, Away We Go, with Google/GFC for one extra entry! Giveaway ends midnight April 5, 2012! Good luck!


Disclosure: The Seventh Generation Diapers prize pack, product and information have been provided by Seventh Generation through MyBlogSpark.

Medicare Supplement Insurance

As a nurse, I've worked with many patients who were anxious about paying for medical coverage. Some of those patients had Medicare and they were on strict budgets. Before I worked in healthcare, I was under the assumption that Medicare took care of everything. It doesn't. Trying to come up with the money  for things that aren't covered can be stressful, especially when you can't really afford to pay for all those expensive medications and medical care. I've seen family members struggle and I've seen Medicare patients make difficult choices. I recommend getting supplemental insurance whenever possible. It gives you peace of mind, knowing your out-of-pocket expenses will be manageable. Free quotes are available and you can get Medicare Supplement Insurance that won't break the bank. You may not even need a medical exam! 

At CMS.gov, you will find a lot of helpful information. There are several options to explore and you can click on Medicare to find out general information along with information on coding and appeals, which can help empower you! I couldn't believe there was so much information at one site. It's all broken down into categories and it's easy to find what you need. Best of all, it's easy to understand! I'm saving this site to my favorites. Since I have some experience in coding and billing, it seems family members are always turning to me for answers. Now, I refer them to this site and they can get the answers they need! At least I know they will be getting accurate information and taking control!

Guest Post: My new business in NYC

My new business in NYC




Posted by Arden Wallace



I have always wanted to start my own business so when the time was right I finally pulled the trigger. I opened my shop in May of last year and I am coming up on my one year anniversary very soon. When I look back at all of the things that I have learned over the past year I am really quite amazed at how little I knew starting my own business. I had some general ideas about things but nothing can compare to the hands on experiences I have had in the past year. One thing that I learned was that a small business in 2011 cannot survive without great internet which is why I am glad a friend suggested new york T1 to me at the very beginning. The service has been great and the connection is always fast. I can’t have internet issues slowing me down when I am in my peak season from October to December! Thankfully I had no issues this past year and I will continue my relationship with them far in to the future.

Pirate's Dinner Adventure!

Our first night in Orlando, we were lucky enough to attend Pirate's Dinner Adventure.  If you've never been, you should check it out. What makes it so special is the audience participation! My kids had the chance to climb aboard during the show, and towards the end, they slipped on red coats and fired on the pirates! The show was very entertaining and we all encouraged "our" pirate to be the best during competitions. The show had a lot of participation from the audience, but it wasn't so much that we couldn't enjoy the wonderful meal!

 Speaking of meal, we dined on Tossed Garden Fresh Salad served with House Dressing or Homemade Creamy Vegetable Soup for starters. I chose the salad and it was fresh and the leaves were crisp! It was delicious! For the main course, we had Treasure’s Chicken, which is a Roast Chicken Leg quarter in savory seasonings. It was tender and juicy! We also had Pillager’s Pork, which is Swashbuckling pork tenderloin roasted to perfection served with mushroom sauce or accompanied by Caribbean Rice and Roasted Red Potatoes. For dessert we had Apple Cobbler a la mode. The kids had Captain Kid’s meals which included chicken fingers! We were given two rounds of soft drinks and coffee during the main show. A cash bar was also available.

I recommend seeing this show if you find yourself in Orlando. Kids will love the show and enjoy the fights and audience participation. Ladies, you'll have  a chance to stare at hunky pirates for two hours without your husband giving you a hard time. You may even have the chance to get up close and personal during or after the show! Guys, don't worry. There's a little eye candy for you too!

Disclosure: We were given passes to enjoy the show. No monetary compensation recieved. Honest opinions given.

Suite Expectations

Last week, my family stayed at Rosen Shingle Creek. We were given a Premium Executive Suite with Queen Beds for three nights and access to the Concierge Lounge for breakfast, evening appetizers, and desserts. This wasn't my first stay in a suite and I had high expectations. The hotel was warm and welcoming and the staff worked together to make sure all the guests were happy.

Rosen Shingle Creek is situated on 230 beautifully landscaped acres. Everything, from housekeeping to maintenance, is carefully orchestrated to create the ultimate experience for guests. I don't think anything was out of place anywhere on the property during our visit. If it was, it was immediately taken care of as quietly as possible.

The hotel is stunning and the drive to the entrance only added to the effect. After you walk through the entrance and enter the grand lobby, you'll wish you never bought theme park tickets or scheduled dinner away from this property. It's that special.   

I checked in with ease and I was given all the information I needed for our stay. We couldn't wait to get to our room and we were surprised to find a wonderful welcome awaited us! The most delicious strawberries, dipped in rich chocolate, tempted us all. Our suite was much sweeter with a thoughtful basket of sweets. My kids thought it was the most wonderful surprise of all! They were completely oblivious  to everything else until they had a sugar fix!

I couldn't wait to see every inch of this suite. It looked like I was staring at a page from a magazine. Picture perfect. Clean and fresh. Our suite featured a roomy standard room with two queen beds and a generously sized bathroom. For late sleepers, room darkening shades will keep out all traces of light. The Creek Sleeper Beds were incredible and I wanted to take one home with me. I've never experienced a more comfortable night away from home.

 

The linens were superior quality, perfectly smooth and inviting. I couldn't wait to slip between the Egyptian Cotton sheets each night and wake feeling ready to take on the world. Or at least the theme parks, the crowds, and miles of walking. Extra pillows could be found on a shelf in the closet. Each night, little gift bags containing two chocolates were placed on the beds. They made sure we would have the sweetest dreams! A chair by the window created the perfect place to read just before bedtime. The desk gave me the space I needed to check my emails and prepare my blog features. There was a safe in the closet to store my laptop during the day. I found a mini fridge in the dresser below the 32" flat screen tv.

Each room comes with high-speed Internet connection capabilities, two telephones, and a coffeemaker. Plush robes were provided along with first-class toiletries that make you forget about anything you brought from home. I need to find out if they sell them because I miss the scent as much as the hotel. The large bathroom featured a lovely bathtub/shower combination surrounded by beautiful tiles.

The parlor was large and featured a gorgeous bathroom just off the entry. A tiled shower with a beautiful glass door made getting ready each morning a real pleasure. If I could have one wish, I would have wished for body sprays!

The adjoining Parlor Suite features a mini kitchen, microwave, coffeemaker, and mini fridge. There's also a small sink. There are several shelves, but the cabinets are not usable. The dining area is spacious and the table has six chairs. There are also three bar stools at the "kitchen" bar. Our first night in, we ordered pizza and enjoyed a quiet family meal together. It was a great way to unwind. A Murphy Bed was hidden in the wall. We didn't use it during our stay, but it was a great addition!

There was plenty of lighting throughout the suite, but during the day, massive windows bathed the room with soft, natural light. Looking out, we had a view of the creek, gardens, pools, and golf course! The David Harman designed, 18-hole, 7,149 yard championship golf course features undulating fairways and interconnecting waterways bordered by the natural backdrop of dense oaks and pines along historic Shingle Creek. It's so gorgeous, one couple chose it as the back drop for their wedding party photos one evening during our stay.

With 14 restaurants and lounges, there is something for everyone. The luxurious Rosen Shingle Creek offers guests a wide selection of cuisine. Dine at an award-winning steakhouse, fine dining Italian bistro, an elaborate buffet and à la carte menu for breakfast, lunch, dinner and everything in between — all in the beautiful setting of turn-of-the-century, Spanish revival architecture.

For guests, two lighted tennis courts, basketball, and sand volleyball will keep you on your toes. For more laid back guests, seasonal fishing is available by reservation. There are nature trails and walking trails for your enjoyment too. A Video Game Room is the perfect place to send your teens while you take in the spa!

With four heated pools, we had trouble deciding which one to use for our evening dips. The Lap Pool, Zero Entry Family Pool, Quiet Lounging Pool, Kiddie Wading Pool were all beautiful features. We spent most of our time in the Zero Entry Family Pool. It was large and a popular choice for evening guests! Two hot tubs made sure we would have a shot at relaxing our tired muscles.

For a more rejuvenating retreat, there's a full-service, 13,000 square foot Spa at Shingle Creek. It boasts nine treatment rooms and an amazing menu of soothing services, as well as a state-of-the-art Fitness Center. I was pleasantly surprised to find that spa services are comparable in price to spa services in my area.

Each morning, we indulged in muffins, fresh baked bread, fresh fruit and a delicious assortment of other breakfast foods. It was all artfully arranged and the variety ensured that not even the pickiest eater in our family would go hungry. It was so much more than a standard continental breakfast. We mingled with other guests and shared vacation plans. It was a wonderful way to start each day!

We also spent each evening here and experienced many new things! The two to three bite appetizers were beautiful to look at and they tasted amazing. The desserts were my favorites. They were visually stunning and the flavors were intense. Deep, dark, and sensuous chocolates were among my favorites. Some were topped with fresh fruits while others were topped with exquisite chocolates. Sometimes we were lucky and both ended up on top!

This was definitely an experience we will all remember. Sam and Logan experienced something new each day and they loved it all so much! Sam was convinced that we had found a new home. He knows a great thing when he sees it! We did find a home away from home!

Downstairs, be sure to check out the Zebra Finch Family. Sam stopped each day to greet them during our visit. If it was getting late, he reminded us to go down with a sweet little tweet tweet of his own. The birds were friendly and they seemed very happy!

Rosen Shingle Creek features a combination of superior service and cutting edge technology. It's located within minutes of Orlando International Airport and the Orange County Convention Center. They are convenient to Walt Disney World® Resort, SeaWorld® Adventure Park and Universal Orlando® Resort. Rosen Shingle Creek is also an exceptional setting for all types of events and social occasions. They offer impeccable planning services and they can help you create perfect memories to last a lifetime. Their innovative cuisine and elegant venues ensure that your expectations are vastly exceeded.

They can put together an intimate ceremony for 20 or an elaborate banquet for 2,000, and they have every ingredient covered, from entertainment and flowers to exquisite cuisine and dazzling venues.

I hope you will consider Rosen Shingle Creek for your business and family travel. They will make you feel like a part of their family from the moment you walk through the doors. The property is breathtaking and the rooms are memorable. They have great specials and packages available and they are quite reasonable. I hope you'll take my advice and take things slow. You'll want to spend your days here. Each day we left our room, we had regrets. It takes a special place to make that happen. Especially when those regrets come from the kids!

Disclosure: I was given a three night stay in order to complete this feature. Honest opinions given. Please feel free to send me an email if  have a you have a question about my experience. I hope you will consider Rosen Shingle Creek.

Our Adventures In LEGOLAND!

 Last week, we were given the opportunity to see LEGOLAND! It was a short drive from Orlando and well worth it! Our family has always loved LEGOS and were were truly excited to see this wonderland, featuring many beloved lands which were familiar to us all! We loved LEGO Kingdoms and The Dragon! It was Sam's first roller coaster experience and I'll never forget his words when the ride was over! As we were exiting the ride, he yelled that it was awesome! For an almost 4 year old (and his roller coaster loving mom, dad, and big brother) it was a great ride!

 I sat back and watched my husband and kids ride Merlin's Challenge. It was a cool ride that all the guests seemed to enjoy. There were smiles everywhere and squeals of delight! Land of Adventure is home to Coastersaurus, a wooden coaster with plenty of drops to tickle your stomach. It was my favorite. Even though it was a wooden coaster, it was a pretty smooth ride. Sam enjoyed the thrill and laughed as the coaster sped over hills and around the bends.

We went to Flying School too but Sam had to sit it out because he was a few inches too short. It was a great ride, but let me warn those with larger chests. You may have issues getting strapped in. If you need assistance, someone will come along and "help" you out. Because of this, random yelps may be heard before takeoff!

 If you have a child that doesn't meet the requirements to ride, I found out early that a treat helped Sam avoid meltdowns. Plan ahead with a healthy snack or grab Polar Shock Slushies from the nearby snack bar. It helped  when we needed to distract Sam. Everyone was happy and stayed happy!

The AQUAZONE Wave Racers had a long wait time, but they were worth it! It was warmer when we rode and the speed of the ride and occasional splashes were welcome and refreshing! The LEGO TECHNIC Coaster was the awesome! The Factory Tour was really awesome too and it reminded me of Wonka's Chocolate Factory, on a smaller scale. We missed the 4D experience, but hopefully we will catch a show when we visit in the future! I'm also looking forward to visiting the Water Park! It opens this summer.

LEGOLAND was larger and busier than I expected. We had wait times that ranged from 15 minutes to over an hour. Not bad for an area known for theme parks! Several schools visited LEGOLAND while we were there and that may have led to the longer waits.

When you visit LEGOLAND, there are some really cool things to see! We were amazed by the LEGO Ford SUV. We passed a quiet waterfall a few hours later. LEGO wildlife could be found all around, creating a fantastical wonderland that captivated us all. Watch a Water Ski and Stunt Show in Pirates' Cove and grab a delicious burger for lunch!

You must stop at Miniland! Miniland USA is home to seven themed areas. Among those are NYC, Daytona International Speedway, Las Vegas, and Kennedy Space Center! It's impressive and it wowed us all! Before you leave, check out Cypress Gardens. The beautiful and historic botanical gardens have been restored to pristine condition. The collection of native plants, including azaleas and camellias, have been reclaimed and combined with a range of exotic species to create a horticultural masterpiece. Still standing sentinel in the garden is the vast Banyan tree that was planted as a seedling in 1939! Plan your trip and get ready to have a wonderful time! Check out their calender first for operating dates/times!

 Disclosure: Passes were provided for our experience. Honest opinions given.