Food Fun Family

Family Fun Night With Shrek & Friends

Lolli — Thu, 01 Mar 2012 22:59:07 +0000

OK, usually the word bombarded has negative connotations, but this time it’s completely positive….

I feel like I have been bombarded with the most amazing opportunities lately. My family and I have had the opportunity to do so many things that we normally would not have been able to do. The latest incredible adventure (another one that I was able to share with my whole family) was a weekend stay at the unbelievable Gaylord National Resort for a Dreamworks Family Fun Night with Shrek and Friends.

Our DC staycation with Shrek

From the atrium view hotel rooms to the dance party with Shrek, Fiona, and Puss in Boots, to the craft activity that every one of my kids (from 6 to 15) happily and without pressure completed….It was a winning weekend!

I don’t even know where to begin.

We arrived at the Gaylord on Saturday afternoon (I got some good cleaning hours from the kids before we left!). The National Harbor area is about 40 minutes from our home, without traffic. Saturday was a cold, windy day, but as soon as we stepped inside the resort, we could have been in sunny California. It’s easy to forget that you’re so close to home in an amazing resort like the Gaylord. Even though we were only there for one night, we got the complete VACATION experience.

Our rooms were beautiful, complete with balcony views of the indoor atrium and the lighted fountain show below. We enjoyed the indoor pool with views of the Potomac River and then got dried off for an knock your socks off buffet dinner (this was a blogger event, and not included in the ticket price).

Following dinner, we took our stuffed bellies across the hall to a family-friendly Dance Party with Shrek, Fiona, and Puss in Boots. AJ spent much of his time chasing the characters around, and I believe he was proud of the fact that Shrek accidentally hit him while they were dancing.

During the party, each of the kids ended up migrating over to the arts and crafts activity. They each got to decorate a pillow case (who would have known that a white pillow case and fabric markers could lead to so much fun?).

Finally, we laid out pillows and blankets and watched Shrek Forever After on the big screen. We snacked on tons of Shrek treats and Ogre Juice. By the end of the night, there were tons of tired kids (in fact, Reese and Twizzler and I were the only ones in our group who made it through the end of the movie).

We all slept beautifully, and Sunday morning came way too early. We finished our visit with a delicious breakfast and then headed straight to church (so nice to end a vacation and not have to travel too far to get back home!).

Learn more about Family Fun Night With Shrek & Friends

Enjoy character-themed events, including dancing with Shrek, Fiona and Puss in Boots, DreamWorks-themed games and craft activities, Shrek-inspired treats, plus a full feature DreamWorks Animation movie! Price: From $125 per person based on double occupancy. Kids stay FREE!

Please note: the Gaylord National Resort let us stay at the hotel for one night and let us hang out at all of the Shrek and Friends family fun night events. As many of you know, it’s impossible to fake kids’ enthusiasm. The opinions and smiles captured are 100% our own.

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On Adoption…Dear You Guys

Lolli — Sun, 07 Nov 2010 02:25:11 +0000

I got my comments all together from this week, and then realized that I wanted to do something slightly different. Instead of making a silly letter like I usually do, I wanted to compile everyone’s comments on adoption. They inspired me. So many thoughts and experiences on adoption in all its forms. So here you go. Dear You Guys….On adoption. Thank you!

All the text below are exact sentences taken from your comments.
This is all you guys, and not me.
Can you find your comment?

(Check out other Dear You Guys on A Belle, a Bean, and a Chicago Dog)

Dear You Guys,

Wow! What a great story! I love your dad’s letter. It’s very touching and you can feel his love for you. What a wonderful man….

What a great dad! I love this story, it made me smile :)

I’ve never read that letter! It’s beautiful, and I loved seeing the pictures. Mom is totally pregnant with me in that first picture. Thanks for the shout out that I helped make your eighth year interesting. I’m glad you’re my sister!

There’s something to be said of man who chooses to be in a child’s life. Though the love of a father for his new baby girl is the same as that of a father for the little girl he adopted. Both are as strong, but only one was a conscious, well-thought out, jumping feet first kind of a choice. I admire that about your adoptive father. And my husband as well. (He hasn’t legally adopted the kids yet, but…) He chose to marry this single mother of 3 just a few short years ago. He welcomed me and my children into his heart and we’ve been blessed since. It’s so nice to read about the experience from your point of view, as a daughter.

I can’t say that adoption has effected me personally…yet. My husband and I hope to adopt one day. When we first went to the adoption agency and I began to think about it, I began realize how much adoption was in my family. Both of my grandfathers were adopted. My uncle is adopted. 2 of my great uncles have adopted children (3 between the two of them). And for as long as I can remember, since I was a little girl, I’ve wanted to adopt.

I was adopted at birth by both my parents. I wonder if they said something similar. My older brother (not blood related) was adopted too.

What a beautiful post with sincerity and concern by your Dad for you as a person. Also what beautiful memories for you, too. Our oldest son was adopted as an infant. We later had two children the traditional way. We love all three the same and have every day of their lives. Thanks so much for sharing. You’ve made my day!

Isn’t it amazing how vivid meeting with the judge to finalize adoption can be? I still remember the three times I participated in that with my brothers and sisters. (Maybe it has something to do with getting out of school and dressing up on a weekday.) I’m so glad yours are good memories.

I didn’t know you were adopted when you were eight, or that your biological father died when you were so small. Eight was a big year for me, too. (Getting baptized and my mom died).

Oh how the tears came unbiddingly to my eyes and streamed down my cheeks as I read this.

My dad adopted me too. It was the summer between 4th and 5th grade. I entered 5th grade with a new last name. It was hard for everybody to understand. I was embarrassed but proud of my name change. I remember the ugly dress my mom made me wear to the courthouse. The judge asked me a question, and I replied, “Yeah.” because I was so nervous. I got in trouble. I cried and told him I was nervous. His sterness broke, and he smiled. I relaxed and continued to answer his questions with a “yes, sir.” or “no, sir.” It’s a powerful thing; adoption. Whether you’re a child getting two new parents to love you, or just adding one. It changes your whole life.

Dear You Guys,

Lolli — Sat, 30 Oct 2010 15:39:08 +0000

All the text below are exact sentences taken from your comments.
This is all you guys, and not me.
Can you find your comment?

(Check out other Dear You Guys on A Belle, a Bean, and a Chicago Dog)

Dear You Guys,

Are you musically inclined too, and I didn’t know it? I love your favorite rock photo! I love her look. Her hair is awesome! Such details that the naked eyes never sees….it got me reminiscing.

I like SPICY Mexican style dishes. That and cold Mexican beer to cool off my tastebuds. Admittedly, i hopped over here because i saw “better in bulk.” I’m a serious bulk food shopper….and the description kinda fits but kinda doesn’t. My mother recently gave us some of our old dishes. A Happy Chef cow mug and a duckie cereal bowl! I have an “antique” Strawberry Shortcake set of dishes my daughter used. Now my granddaughters both want them! It’s not the cheapest way to do it but it allows me to keep some small shred of sanity (very, very small).

Ha! Score boy is still in your class. My second grade teacher was HORRIBLE! My memories become a little clearer starting this age as well. I STILL remember that woman as a real life witch…fortunately, she was the only yucky teacher I ever had. The Mrs. Ong to Wong is funny. And, that hair! Gotta try that out, myself. I love that you included a picture of your favorite book! I never considered doing that, but it makes a lovely touch.

Wow I see Reese in these pictures! Lucky you! Maybe because she’s your same age this time? Raising confident girls is no easy feat. WTG, mama! What a fun set of memories. Just the things that a 7 year old thinks about. I ALSO started my journal this year and this was the year I had the most concrete memories too. I think they are linked for sure.

We go to Kansas and Ohio for family reunions but I would like to go to different places. And that takes skill! Haha. We vacation at campgrounds. So fancy! Duh! I know!! And ants love to hide in the sand… sneaky dudes….I love a big blue sky! Definitely a happy place for me.I have to say, though… The snake skin made me gag.

It isn’t easy to get the family to take good photos, is it? There’s always someone in my household that makes a face, rolls their eyes, and makes rabbit ears while I’m trying to take a picture…LOL. When people say, “GET CLOSE” do they mean, get 5 inches away or do they mean get 5 mm away? Something about ants up close gives me the hee-bee jee-bees…so I think I’ll still squish them. They are painless and more detailed. Please don’t let fear keep you from getting checked out. Because I like to know everything. It is so important!

I have missed you,

Lolli

Dear You Guys (a guest post)

Lolli — Sat, 23 Oct 2010 17:38:21 +0000

We’re in the home stretch, friends!! Less than a week left to vote! Help me win the Amazing Avocado Big Hit Grand Prize ($5000!) for my yummy Avocado recipe by voting daily for me at https://www.theamazingavocado.com/bighit/vote.php?id=8. Thank you!!

Typically, my Dear You Guys letter is composed of a selection of comments that you guys have left on my blog during the last week. This week, though, Julie from DUTCHbeingME and I traded comments, so this is actually a Dear You Guys letter from her readers. She did the same for my comments on her blog!

PS–if you don’t know Julie, you’ve got to pay her a visit. I met her at BloggyBootCamp in Philly last month and we totally hit it off. Love her!

(Check out other Dear You Guys on A Belle, a Bean, and a Chicago Dog)

Dear You Guys,

So… I kind of fell off the blogging planet for awhile there, so you may have forgotten I existed. But I didn’t forget that YOU existed. YEP YEP YEP! Live your life! It’s awesome anyway, just wish I could see your face.

Oh my goodness! I love this story!! Seriously love it. It’s going to be a hit, I just know it! It’s like the perfect Dear You Guys variation!! You have peaked my interest….So with all of the practice I’ve had the last 14 years of being a mom (duh Tracie, that is where we met!) ….why am I not perfect at it yet?? Nothing fab but still cute and funny. Ha!

And don’t worry on the vaccuming…I’m a fail too. That makes us normal. This might have choked me up a bit… maybe. There is no reason to not do that! I vacuum once a week…i used to vacuum every day when my sister and her dogs lived with us. The hair was crazy!! It sounds like it’s something you’d recommend though.

Hang on…Liz thinks someone tweets more than her? Unlikely. I couldn’t get my act together this week. I already know I’m crazy, but putting it in screen shots, well…Too much hospital time! Sometimes my craziest thoughts are on twitter and then I forget all about it. My mind is working… Sometimes I write a tweet and then think “I loved that one – so sad it’ll be gone soon!” Grrrrrr….

Love,
Me

PS–The winner of the Nature’s Notebook custom print giveaway is Julie L (aunteegem). Congrats to Julie (this is not the same Julie from above!) and thanks to all who entered!

Dear You Guys,

Lolli — Sat, 16 Oct 2010 16:32:27 +0000

Help me win the Amazing Avocado Big Hit Grand Prize ($5000!) for my yummy Avocado recipe by voting daily for me at https://www.theamazingavocado.com/bighit/vote.php?id=8 Let’s see if we can move out of 5th place this week!

All the text below are exact sentences taken from your comments.
This is all you guys, and not me.
Can you find your comment?

(Check out other Dear You Guys on A Belle, a Bean, and a Chicago Dog)

Dear You Guys,

I am sitting here in tears… Oh!! This is exactly how I feel. Candy makes me smile and I love the apples! Luckily the kids don’t like either! I don’t really turn my back on ANY candy but, at Halloween, I can’t get enough Candy Corn! I raid the kids’ Halloween candy for them, and they’ve even been known to barter with me for them. hee hee! I promise I could find a secluded spot away from them, and eat them all by myself!!

That card totally cracks me up by the way. Cute pictures!!!! I actually laughed out loud at his shirt saying “Score”, oh my! What a hoot! I wonder if his mom found out and then realized what his shirt said. It is truly amazing how resilient little ones are! Looks like you were a mouse (grin)!

I am constantly berating myself for going to our local pub instead of cooking at home. Ok, yes the pub thing is nice and all I but I am a good cook and I like it so what is my problem? My Kitchen has been in that state far too often then I’d like to admit, and we don’t have a dishwasher either. The silence is deafening. Such a catch 22. I can only imagine what it is like to have an empty house… My kids drove me nuts all summer. I think I need some time away from the kids to miss them!

I’m so critical of myself. When I realize that I’m comparing my life to someone else’s I take a step back and tell myself, just because their home is perfectly clean, doesn’t mean that their life is perfect. We all have our struggles and challenges in life. Having a clean home does not make them better parents than I am. *sniffle*

I love the squirrel with the acorn in his mouth. I’m jealous. I am going to go absolutely insane if we don’t have another (or ten)… Esp the ballerina one. It’s not just Moms. I feel the same way on the mornings that Madaline doesn’t get up shortly after I get out of the shower. She sits in the bathroom with me as I go through my daily routine and chatters away at me about the most random stuff. I would tell her to get her head out of the clouds and get serious. For me, it won’t change much, other than I’ll save some money

I think that learning to miss your kids is one of the best reasons to have them in school all day. What is that old saying, absences makes the heart grown fonder….. Then I get more stressed. And tired. And the circle continues.

Listen and Learn,
Lolli

Dear You Guys,

Lolli — Sat, 09 Oct 2010 18:18:06 +0000

Help me win the Amazing Avocado Big Hit Grand Prize ($5000!) for my yummy Avocado recipe by voting daily for me at https://www.theamazingavocado.com/bighit/vote.php?id=8 Let’s see if we can move out of 5th place this week!

All the text below are exact sentences taken from your comments.
This is all you guys, and not me.
Can you find your comment?

(Check out other Dear You Guys on A Belle, a Bean, and a Chicago Dog)

Dear you guys,

Wow! You made quite an entrance. I was worried for a second there. Oh yes, indeed! This makes me want to get married again! You know, to the same guy…That really says a lot. Although in some moments it seems overwhelming, it was an amazing journey! 26 hours for me. Bleh. I think most brides feel like this even if just for a brief moment.

I love the fall weather – of course I’m spoiled. I smile just thinking about how crisp the air is. We have been having some pretty unusual weather though. It was hotter than normal for a couple of days, and then we had a couple of days that were much cooler than normal. I too had to put away my flip flops and throw on some socks for a couple of days. Right now, however, the sun is shining beautifully. And we are very happy about that.

I love how many alarms you have to set! I would do the exact thing! With a household with little angels going to school I think rush hour will never be over. Every minute of sleep counts! I only have my 6-year-old and my 68-year-old to get ready in the morning but it can be hectic too. Like the others I can’t wait for my two kids to grow. Maybe then things will be easier for me and no more rush hours. I know it will be here soon though. In a startling blaze of glory! I might need to re-evaluate my priorities. My lesson didn’t get done, but a post did (which is so clean it’s making the rest of us look bad). Oh my goodness! I wish I could stop doing the same thing over and over again. I hope you don’t mind, but I plan on using this with families I work with and in return I very rarely veto their dressing choices.

Now I am wanting a cup cake! Whew. What a relief that it wasn’t real. Then again I’ll just take two of those little M&M filled jars! Now if only I were a little closer to getting married….Staged or not, this is priceless!

Have a wonderful weekend,
The distracted, the restless, the reader……Lolli

PS – Pass a cupcake and some M&M’s, please.

Dear You Guys

Lolli — Sat, 02 Oct 2010 06:33:20 +0000

I had so much fun with my first Dear You Guys meme last week, that I have been planning all week to do it again. This week was all about strange Non-Words, stink bugs, celebrity husbands, and $5000 avocados (speaking of which….Have you voted for me today?? Remember….$5000 is at stake here!)

All the text below are exact sentences taken from your comments.
This is all you guys, and not me.
Can you find your comment?

(Check out other Dear You Guys on A Belle, a Bean, and a Chicago Dog)

Dear you guys,

Look at you on a baseball card! Lucky, LUCKY you. Maybe I should take a lesson in the “Life is full of the unexpected” and surprise everyone in my life by re-inventing myself. Today is the perfect day to test this out.

My boss can’t get me a paragraph written before FRIDAY! I know he is busy, but it still is stinky. We were actually having a conversation at work today about “stinking” and a bunch of us agreed that if someone is a meany, it’s way more insulating to say “You stink” then any other expletive. I usually have my mind sprog (I sprogged four miles today!) when my boss comes around. Well, more so when he had more hair, LOL. Between that and filling my day with nonversation among coworkers… I really over use whinese for adults. I am usually too busy wurfing the internet. Good thing I have FIVE email addresses!!

I’ve been told that I look like Dido. I *may* see a resemblance in that… but now I’m wishing I had her life. Or her voice. Well, maybe both. She is constantly forgetting this. One day I heard the manager yell at her about it. I fear if she doesn’t get start protecting those smushables, she will end up losing her job and having to be a peppier at the Olive Garden. I just want to cry – so when people try that with me, I just walk away (well, I want to).

Now can somebody tell my kids that I’ve gone to bed with a book and they are on their own for dinner?? Hey, I would be begging if only $500 was involved. My cat is right here, so we are going to vote. Sick dogs, throwing up all over the kitchen. That stinks too. Besides dirty bathrooms, I’ll add: dirty every room. Sigh. Not anything to sneeze at.

I hope that you avoid the paparazzi all around town. And I thought I was nuts….You could really play this one up on the street…LOL And I promise if I do this I won’t be stalker-like.

Have a great weekend,

Lolli

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