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Hot LEGOLAND New York Tips: Build Your Kids Or AFOL The Best Day In Goshen, NY (While Saving Time & Money).

LEGOLAND New York Tips

My kids are LEGO® obsessed. They play with LEGOs, talk about LEGOs, and use all their money to buy LEGOs. Their love is so strong that we ran an international daily LEGO build group on Facebook for a year!

LEGOs, LEGOs All The Time

So where does this love take us?

The best gift you can give my boys is a Pick-A-Brick cup from the LEGO store.  

An even better gift is suggesting we go to one of our favorite places – LEGOLAND® Discovery Center Westchester.

But the absolute best gift was taking them to LEGOLAND® New York for my son’s ninth birthday.

LEGOLAND New York

Ever since we learned LEGOLAND New York opened in Goshen we’ve been dying to go. We picked October – not only for the cooler weather – but also because we’re big Halloween people AND it’s my son’s birthday month.

In addition to the fantastic park, we enjoyed the scenic ride this time of year with the changing leaf colors on the New York State Thruway. Every year we say we should do that drive – usually when we’re on a local hike – imagining the grandeur. Well – there you go. Bam – efficiency!

As with all amusement parks, a good day starts with a good strategy. With that said, a little advanced planning goes a long way. Therefore, I put together a bunch of tips (including a secret one) ensuring you’ll also leave saying “Everything Is Awesome!” at the end of the day.

Before You Go

LEGOLAND New York Tips: Tip 1 – Wear Good Walking Shoes

LEGOLAND New York has wide, easy-to-follow, stroller-accessible paved paths. It also has stairs for climbers looking to fast forward. With so many rides and attractions you will be walking back and forth multiple times throughout your day (we walked six miles!), so make sure to wear good walking shoes. With so many cool big builds everywhere, be sure to add walking around and looking at them into your day. Also, keep your eyes open for LEGO QR codes on the builds. These codes open a cool picture filter for your phone!

LEGOLAND New York Tips: Tip 2 – Bring A Refillable Water Bottle & Lunch

We are huge water drinkers and bring our water bottles everywhere. Because of this, we were excited to see water refill stations all over the park. We also packed our lunch to save time and money and ate online while waiting for a ride. We did insist on trying one treat – the special Granny’s Goblin Toes (green fried apples) – and they were delicious! Just remember – LEGOLAND is cashless so bring your credit card.

LEGOLAND New York Tips: Tip 3 – Pack Minifigs to Trade

One of our trip highlights was trading mini-figures or “minifigs” with very friendly employees. Most employees have one displayed on their name tag waiting for a little fan to snag. Therefore, all you do is ask! My kids loved this not only for the excitement of the trade, but it was a fantastic way to purge their least favorite minifigs and hand-pick new ones. Of course, this was successful because they combed through their collection for days in preparation. In addition, we found the best “trading post” was inside the LEGO®Creative Workshops.

LEGOLAND New York Tips: Tip – 4 Seasonal Events

LEGOLAND New York offers different seasonal events that are not to be missed. These enhancements really add to your amusement park experience. To be safe, double-check the celebration dates before going as some are only on the weekends. During the Fall, LEGOLAND New York transforms into a monster of a good time at the Brick-or-Treat Presents Monster Party (free branded bags and candy!). Coming up next, it becomes a Holiday Bricktacular with shows, characters, and special treats!

LEGOLAND New York Tips: Tip 5 – Arrive When They Open, Leave When They Close

We like arriving when places open and getting a head start on the busy attractions. Because of this, I suggest checking the park hours before you go as they change seasonally. Also, while you’re on the site, save yourself time and money by pre-purchasing your tickets and parking pass. Keep in mind the closing time listed is the last time a rider can get on a ride line. Therefore, if you’re on the line by then, you are good to go!

When You’re In The Park

LEGOLAND New York Tips: Tip 6: Sign Up For A Workshop Upon Arrival

LEGOLAND New York is as much about building and the experience as it is about the rides. My friend gave us a great tip that upon entry we should head left and find the yellow LEGO® Creative Workshops building. Here, you can sign up for one of their timed workshops throughout the day. Sessions fill up, so I suggest going early and grabbing a spot.

LEGOLAND New York Tips: Tip 7: Begin With The Big Rides

There are three large rides at LEGOLAND New York – The Dragon, LEGO NINJAGO® The Ride, and LEGO® Factory Adventure Ride. Start your day in the back of the park on The Dragon, then head to LEGO NINJAGO® The Ride, and then finally to LEGO® Factory Adventure Ride. This will give you a leg up on the crowd in case you want to ride multiple times. All rides have cubbies for backpacks.

LEGOLAND New York Tips: Tip 8: Continue With The Popular Rides

In addition to the “big” rides, my kids were excited about the rides they researched. They had tunnel vision for LEGO® City’s Driving School where they drove their own car AND got an official LEGOLAND® driver’s license. They were also super excited about Coast Guard Academy, Fire Academy, and Tower Climb Tournament. Since these are all popular rides as well one of us walked ahead to get in line while the other routed the kids to a playscape to wait. We find this divide-and-conquer strategy makes everyone happy.

LEGOLAND New York Tips: Tip 9 – Appreciate How They’re Saving The World!

Enjoying an amusement park is hard work. Don’t forget to sit and take a break occasionally. I loved how all the benches (and garbage pails!) have plaques showing the reclaimed, recycled milk jugs count used to make them.

LEGOLAND New York Tips: Tip 10 – Do Miniland Last

As with our strategy to get in early and conquer busy rides, we also like staying until parks close. With that said, we did all the rides and saved Miniland for last. As the sun set, we enjoyed this incredible depiction of the most famous buildings and landmarks in America. It was cool (and less crowded at this point) and so pretty with all the lights. Clearly, it was a wonderful way to end our day.

Secret Benefits

If you’re celebrating a birthday head to guest services to pick up a complimentary birthday pin. My son loved this little souvenir and enjoyed everyone wishing him a happy birthday as we walked around.

LEGO Birthdays Galore!

In addition to celebrating my son’s 9th birthday, LEGO is celebrating it’s 90th birthday!

But wait, there’s more! If you catch the Louis Vuitton exhibit celebrating 200 years of his trunks, you will also see a LEGO birthday cake there!

We Must Return!

We saw so much but there was still so much more to see. That’s the best excuse for a return visit! Til next time, LEOGLAND.

Everything WAS Awesome

I’m quite sure there’s no better place to spend a little LEGO lover’s birthday than LEGOLAND New York. In truth, it was so much more than an amusement park. It was a museum, a building experience, a thrill ride, and a learning center, we loved it. In conclusion – everything WAS awesome!

Don’t forget to check out all the family friendly destinations we’ve researched!

Please let us know what you think of this post! Was it helpful? Did you go to any of these places? Try any of these things? If yes, please like the post, comment below, and share it on your social media.

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All Blog Posts Back to School

Wow! The New School Year Routine Kicked My Butt. You Too? 5 Tips Guiding You Back To Sanity After A Cringe September

The new school year routine and how to come out the other side!

The new school year has totally kicked my butt. While I am not usually the person to admit this, in this case it is very true. The only thing that makes it better is it seems it is kicking everyone else’s butt too! 

Back in August – I said how excited I was for September to come and for a new school year to begin. I craved the schedule. Foolishly thinking the new school year routine would make it all better. Yes, in truth it has. 

But my goodness. 

It’s a lot. 

We have three kids in multiple activities. This year – my youngest – is a full-throttle-ahead kid. He’s six. He’s now officially into stuff and on the activity roster. Whereas before he was a handbag, now he too has a new school year routine added into the mix.

But there are only two of us. 

We’re one driver short. 

We’re outnumbered. 

It’s a lot. 

We Are Constantly Moving

It seems every day we are just running and running. Or better yet I should say driving and driving (although one activity we drive to IS track). But I digress. Thus, we are always on the move, on the go, in the car, and it’s exhausting. 

Ok, so it’s been a month. The new school year routine is now firmly in place. All the fall sports are chugging along. It’s time to get organized.

That means we have the running around down pat, now we need to have the downtime – well… down. We need to respect our mental health, physical exhaustion, and well-being in addition to schoolwork and activities. 

I Enjoy A Good Schedule and Routine

As a rule, we schedule everything, so why not schedule downtime too? It sounds funny but for us, if it’s not on the calendar it won’t happen. Well maybe that’s just me, and I’m ok with that… Hi, I’m Stacey and I am addicted to my calendar.

By the same token, this means using our time “off” efficiently to repair, restore, and regenerate ourselves. Furthermore, it means spending some quality time together in one place at one time. 

With everyone going in different directions all week we can’t lose sight of the importance of being together. Here are five tips to keep a little sanity in your week of mayhem.

1. Incorporate Nature Into Your New School Year Routine

Spending time outside has always been a bonding activity for us. We enjoy taking nightly walks and going on hikes. However, with the sun setting early and homework looming, a daily walk is now challenging. Because of this, I try to schedule a hike or walk on the weekend. This is a priority for us because there are so many benefits to being outside and in the fresh air. 

2. Each Weekend Make One Night A Family Night

It is important to us that we eat dinner together as a family. Nevertheless, with five different schedules, this is often challenging. We try to spend Friday nights together and watch a movie as a family. We couple this with taking turns picking the movie so there’s no fighting. Moreover, we love showing our kids the movies we watched growing up in the 80s and 90s. 

3. Your New School Year Routine Needs Time For Bodies To Recharge

We are constantly on the go. We put so much emphasis on activities that it’s important to put equal emphasis on downtime. Like all other kids, our kids like playing video games. The rule is they can play in the morning before getting ready for school until we wake up. In effect, this gives them some quality Mario time and gives us some extra sleep. Without doubt too much zoning out time is negative, but we believe video games in moderation are great. In fact, with all the commotion of our week, we’ve learned making video games a family activity is a fun way to veg out together. Hence, on Saturday mornings you can find us resting and relaxing on the couch. Plus, kicking your kid’s butt in a video game gives you lots of credit in the “cool parent” department. 

4. Make Time For Family Game Nights

We love playing games as a family. As our kids age their ability to play games we like increases. Some of our favorites are Cobra Paw, Ticket to Ride, Uno, Mancala, Harry Potter Wizard Chess, Sequence, Rubik’s Race Game, and Rummikub. We are always on the hunt for new games that are easy to play and have great strategies involved. We also love playing simple card games like Spit. In truth, sometimes I grunt and groan when the kids suggest playing a game – I am burnt out and exhausted. However, once I get over that hump it’s always a good time. I think the key is finding games you like playing and getting your kids into them – not the other way around. 

5. Of Course Studying and School Work Comes First

Of course, no new school year routine would be complete without emphasis on schoolwork. With constant school testing these days, there are two ways to look at it. We can either complain or focus on how it highlights our kid’s areas needing improvement. Furthermore, there are so many great resources available that it’s easy to help our kids strengthen one specific subject muscle. So why complain? The key here is finding a workbook your kids like so it doesn’t feel like a chore. We’ve had great luck with Popular Books Complete Math Success workbooks for both boys – so it’s never a fight. We don’t push, we just tell him to do one page a day. Just a little bit for five minutes. We also love their perk-filled Parent Club Rewards Program packed with supplemental material.

Be Patient, It Takes Time To Adjust To The New School Year Routine

With all of the above said, all families look different and come with different schedules and agendas. But with that said, it’s easy to agree on the importance of a new school year routine, the happiness of seeing one’s children excel in their activities, and the desire to create a warm home. 

It takes time to adjust to the new school year. Seemingly said, we have to remember that like everything else we do as parents, we owe ourselves some patience and grace to get there. 

How is your school year routine going?

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All Blog Posts Back to School

5 Quick Things To Do In August Guaranteed To Set Your Kid’s School Year Up for Success (Including How To Get Out Of The Daily Chore of Making Lunch)! 

The Mint Chip Mama’s Back To School Tips!

As summer fades like a sunset, we are reminded that September – and back to school – is on the horizon.

It will be here before we know it.

Quickly.

Starting to get ready NOW will help in the fight against being scrambling parents. Like the parent who you were last year. Remember? Begging stores to stay open five more minutes while we dug around for the last hidden box of crayons.

This year stand strong! I fully believe with some simple preparation, we can all become solid back to school prepared machines. This means come day one, bags will be packed, shoes will fit, and our children will have all things needed to be sharpened ready to go.

To help in this dream I present to you five back to school tips to help get you and your family ready.

Calling all moms and dads, back to school assemble!

Back To School Tips, Tip #1: Buy New Backpacks NOW

If you are like me, you have an annual “heated debate” with your child about getting a new backpack. I always like to begin my rebuttal with “What about this bag? You know, the one you BEGGED me for last year and swore you would use until college?”. But as expected, I often lose to puppy dog eyes bringing me to agree every two years. The best sales (and biggest selection) start in August so look around now. With online shopping it is so easy to compare prices and order a few choices. This also takes away some of the sting from the overwhelming backpack wall in the store.

Then, once the school supply lists come out, we head to the stores for everything else. Next, we come home and begin our fan favorite annual tradition of setting up a “back to school store” in the basement (toy cash register included). My kids LOVE this, take turns shopping and ringing each other up, and do not even notice when I sneak in some old stuff to save a little money.

Back To School Tips, Tip #2: Teach Your Kids How To Make Lunch NOW

Making lunch is arguably one of the biggest chores for parents. Yes, yes there are the parents who embrace gorgeous, Instagrammable bento boxes, but come on, the rest of us are just staring into the fridge abyss praying for creativity to strike.

When I had my third kid, my oldest was in kindergarten. Somehow the idea came up for her to make her own lunch one day. Probably because I was doing nine things at once. Bam! Thus began the most liberating outsourcing of all time. Now with that said, sometimes they buy lunch, and sometimes we make something special for them. But for the most part, it is sandwich time with a side order of pride. Funny enough, I had no idea this would become so empowering. My eight-year-old takes such pride in making his own lunch, it is really cute.

So how do we do this safely? We leave bread on the counter, and they spread ingredients (often cream cheese and jelly) with a butter knife. Since they are making it, they can make whatever they would like (read: guaranteed to be something they will eat). Now, here is the real secret: our deal is that if they make their own lunch, they can “sneak” in a piece of candy for dessert. Luckily, it gets them every time.

Back To School Tips, Tip #3: Research and Register for Extra-Curricular Activities NOW

Extracurricular classes and sports are a great way for kids to learn fun things and be team players. With that said, we all have that one class in our town that sells out during early bird registration – often before the school year even begins. With online registration available for most things now it is so easy to quickly look it up and set a calendar for yourself once registration opens. I send myself the link too, so I do not have to think at all when the time comes. In addition, registering early may save you some money – a fun side of gravy.

Back To School Tips, Tip #4: Start Reading With Your Kids Every Night NOW

Reading is one of the things your kids (pick a word: loves, fights about, refuses to do, embraces). Yes, reading is challenging for many kids, but I believe modeling reading for pleasure is the first step in getting your kids to read willingly. I am a big reader but often do not have the time. However, I always tell my kids to read. This is especially true during the school year when reading is part of their homework. One day my son invited me to read with him. It kind of stopped me in my tracks. So, we started reading together on the couch before bedtime.

Of course, this does not happen every night, but they see that reading can be fun. It is something we can do together, and it has become something we WANT to do together. Starting this tradition in August, will set them up for reading success in school because they will already be in the groove.

Back To School Tips, Tip #5: Keep Flexing That Brain Muscle With Workbooks NOW

Every morning after eating breakfast my kids do one workbook page. It gets their brains moving so they do not suffer from the dreaded “summer slump.” This summer we have been using workbooks from Popular Book USA. I believe the key to success here is finding fun books in the subjects they enjoy. I can tell you it worked because if you want to know the truth – most days they ask to do a second page!

My son (going into first grade) has the Complete Math Success, Complete English Success, and Complete Curriculum Success for Grade 1. As you can imagine, since brothers need everything equal, my son (going into fourth grade) has Complete Math Success, Complete English Success, and Complete Curriculum Success for Grade 4. Remember – you do not want to fight about this and make it seem like schoolwork, you just want them to exercise their brain muscle a little bit for some memory maintenance. Plus, these books are so robust I think they will make a nice compliment to their homework once school begins.

Back To School Here We Come!

The bottom line is – much like everything in life, it helps to be prepared. These five simple back to school tips will get you ahead of the game so when September rolls around you are ready to rock.

Of course, by “ready,” I mean ready to drive your kids to the thousands of activities you signed them up for and ready to tell them to get their shoes on AGAIN because the bus is rounding the corner and it’s time to gooooooo!

Photo Credit: HBtP

More Resources For Back to School

What else can parents do to set their kids up for success? Getting involved is the best way to start. You might even get a bench as a thank you! No matter how much time you have, your PTA, PA, or PTO needs your help. Get involved – even 15 minutes can make your child’s school a better place. Often things can be done on your own time so if work schedules are challenging you can still make it happen.

Continuing the home to school connection, here are some great resources to help set your child up for success. Whether they are starting Kindergarten, 1-3 grades, or your family is focusing on homeschool these links should help!

Giveaway For Back To School!

Popular Book Company USA is running TWO great giveaways to celebrate Back to School! The first is a giveaway for an NFL Jersey and $50 in workbooks on The Mint Chip Mama’s Instagram. The second is a giveaway for a Google chromebook and $50 in workbooks on Popular Book Company’s Instagram.

Click here to win the NFL jersey & $50 in workbooks, follow @popularbookcompanyusa & @themintchipmama and comment “DONE”.

Click here to win the Google chromebook and $50 in workbooks.

Both winners will be picked August 31, 2022.

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All Blog Posts Moms Can Have Fun Too YouTube Interviews

Hey Burnt Out Mama: Instantly Fix Your Day With Megan Sumrell’s Time Management Tips For The Busy Mom

Time Management Tips For The Busy Mom

Hey fellow mamas – do you feel like you’re drowning? Do you swear every day you’ll figure out how to better manage your time? Do you consider the hours between bus pick up and drop off your work day? Me too! But it doesn’t have to be that way.

Moms Can Enjoy Their Lives And Have Fun

Moms constantly feel like we’re on a hamster wheel. We juggle everything and the disorganization and pivoting drives us nuts! However, with a system in place and some efficient weekly planning, we can better manage our time and lives.

Enter Megan Sumrell And Her Time Management Tips For The Busy Mom

Like life imitating art, as I was stressing about my day, I received a message from Megan Sumrell – the master time management, organization, and productivity expert – wanting to have a chat. YES! I do, Megan! Teach me time management tips for the busy mom! I’m a busy mom! Help me!

Megan is also a busy mom so she gets it. I told her how I constantly feel like a character in the book “If You Give a Mouse a Cookie” and clearly needed help.

We discussed her evolution of managing and creating technological systems for large industries, to focusing her attention on the networking complexities of a mom’s day. Megan understands that moms are not only responsible for being the CEO of the family but also burdened by the invisible loads of motherhood that we carry on a daily basis.

Megan Sumrell’s Top Five Time Management Tips For The Busy Mom

For the full (FANTASTIC) interview of Megan’s spectacular tips, head over to my new YouTube channel or watch it at the bottom of this post. In the meantime, these time management tips for the busy mom stood out to me. 

1. Keep On Top Of Housework With Scheduled “Resets”

Working from home is both wonderful and challenging. Understandably, boundaries are blurred between your office and the laundry basket staring you down from the corner.

To keep you in check, Megan suggests leveraging routines. She adheres to decluttering goddess Katy Joy Wells’ concept of 5 – 10 minute “resets” scheduled thrice daily to get pesky household chores done.

She goes on to add that everyone in your home should have an assigned part (knowing exactly what to do) at each reset. Megan suggests scheduling these resets when your child/ren leaves for school (clean up the morning mess), midday (when you transition from work ending to mom chaos beginning), and after dinner (cleaning up from the day).

With this organized system in place, the anxiety of task completion is replaced by the control of knowing exactly when things will get done.

2. Be Realistic With Your Time

Women are notoriously unrealistic about the amount time they have to get stuff done. Even though one’s kids are at school for six hours, you don’t have six hours to accomplish what’s needed.

Learning the right way to create a weekly plan empowers you to control the unexpected things when they pop up and require your time and attention (read: the dreaded call from the school nurse).

Be realistic with the actual time you have so you can schedule things accordingly. Next, map your tasks efficiently and strategically into your day by aligning them with the time you have throughout the week. Finally, by creating boundaries into your week you won’t feel overwhelmed.

Once you establish this (realistic) weekly map, you can see where tasks fit in and where they can easily be moved if needed.

3. Layering In Time Management To Productivity Reduces Stress

You can be productive without having good time management skills. However, layering in time management maximizes getting important things done and reduces your stress levels.

Megan suggests starting this process with a time audit to see exactly how you spend your time. This data will help identify the needed tools to optimize yourself (including planning processes) and prioritize spending time on the things that matter the most.

4. Plan Your Week, Not Your Day

In Megan’s opinion, the biggest time management mistake is daily vs. weekly planning. Daily planning is overwhelming, inefficient, and often checks off only the low hanging fruit. Instead, approach your week like a game of Tetris – each piece fits, you just have to figure out where it goes.

Megan suggests creating your weekly plan in a calm space. In addition, you need a clear picture in front of you (a/k/a not on your phone) of your weekly tasks and how much time you have to do them. Next – and with intention – fit in each item based on your non-negotiable schedule (sports, meetings, things you can’t control). Following this approach allows you to construct efficient time blocks with things that organically fit together. It also allows you to plot in your most creative tasks for when you’re the most focused (this is different for everyone, but it’s often in the morning).

Implementing this process creates flex time throughout your week. In addition, it gives you freedom to move things around as curve balls come up, or to check off quick tasks.

5. Phones Are Our Biggest Time Sucks

This is not shocking news. The little computers in our pocket constantly distract us. Megan suggests changing phone notifications to “VIP” alerts only (read: kids and spouse) and assigning a personalized sound for each.

She points out that we can proactively take our phone’s power away removing its ability to pull us in and suck our time.

Final Thoughts On Time Management Tips For The Busy Mom

In conclusion, Megan believes everyone deserves work/life harmony. As client zero, she not only reaped the benefits of her program but also feels good about helping thousands of other moms enjoy their lives.

Want to know more fun stuff about Megan? Check out her answers to my “Rapid Fire Five” questions in the YouTube video!

You can find Megan on her website, Instagram, or Facebook. Also be sure to check out her 10 minute weekly podcast The Work Life Harmony and her app – ThePinkBee.

Namaste

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All Blog Posts Explore Long Island Things We Love

The Top Cool and Unique Playgrounds On Long Island

After many years of searching, my list of playgrounds on Long Island is ready to go. Similar to my hike and garden roundups, this list is forever evolving.

Playgrounds supply a fantastic opportunity for kids to play, get some exercise, and breathe in fresh air. Equally, it allows parents to take a little rest or catch up with their friends.

We have three kids and ants in our pants, so we go to a lot of playgrounds around Long Island. We don’t mind a drive if it’s worth it, so this list is a nice selection around Long Island in Nassau and Suffolk Counties.

What I’ve learned the last eight years on Long Island is sometimes you find an awesome playground in a place you’d never expect. Also, sometimes schools outside of your area are great weekend destinations.

Playgrounds on Long Island: Nassau County

Bethpage State Park Playground – Bethpage

This big playground has lots of high climbing things as well as an equally big playground for big and little kids. There are also fun ride-on animals that bounce back and forth. This is a huge state park with lots of beautiful hiking trails (home to the famous Bethpage Bikeway on the Nassau-Suffolk Greenbelt Trail) and tons of other stuff as well.

Eisenhower Park Playground – East Meadow

A fun, huge park with tons of playground equipment, mini golf, batting cages, live entertainment, and lots of additional offerings.

Jones Beach State Park Playground – Wantagh

This beachside playground is so much fun in all seasons. I like to stare at the ocean while my kids play on the tremendous variety of activities. Also right there is their mini golf course and WildPlay Jones Beach.

Simpkins Park / Garvies Point Playground – Glen Cove

My kids would vote this as their favorite playground on Long Island. This brand-new park has a high tower slide, balancing and spinning things, climbing things, and everything in between. There are lots of new destinations developing in the area, but one of our favorite museums and Welwyn Preserve (a beautiful hike) remain fantastic places to visit.

Veterans Park / Rockville Centre Recreation Center Playground – Rockville Centre

This is a super fun park with a splash park in the summer. One of the most unique parks we found with lots of fun and interactive climbing opportunities. We have spent hours here with my kids not wanting to leave.

Honorable mention: Haypath Park in Old Bethpage, Tobay Beach Spray Park (awesome on and off season) in Massapequa.

Next on my list: Upland Park in Great Neck

Playgrounds on Long Island: Suffolk County

Andreoli Park Playground – Nesconset

This park is ideal for smaller kids with lots of imagination. There is a lot of unique things to climb on and little houses where they can play. Across the street is Gibbs Pond which my older daughter enjoyed while her little brothers played.

East Quogue Elementary School Playground – East Quogue

We found this impressive elementary school’s playground hiking out east at the Quogue Wildlife Refuge. It had some distinctive climbing things I hadn’t seen before which my kids really loved. If you’re a history buff, it’s also located right near the first mailbox in the US – from 1787.

Heckscher Park Playground – Huntington

One of our favorite parks on Long Island for the water and ducks – but also home to a great playground. This park has all kind of events and a great museum. No matter the season, it is a great destination. We love it here so much.

Hermann Griem Park Playground – Wheatley Heights

This park was hidden but so worth the find. It is a big park in an unexpected area and my kids loved it. There was some different equipment that they really enjoyed that reminded me of my childhood.

Lake Ronkonkoma Park Playground – Ronkonkoma

If you want a pretty view while your kids play in a fenced off playground this one is for you! Next to the beautiful Lake Ronkonkoma you will find this great park where all of their dreams will come true, as will yours – because there is a bathroom right there. Such a great spot to spend some time.

Rocketship Park Playground – Port Jefferson

This park has everything one could want in a playground. Waiting for your kids is a pirate ship, rocket slide, endless things to climb and so much more. Located in beautiful Port Jefferson you can make a day of it walking around their waterfront, visiting their great shops and restaurants or enjoying one of their unique festival.

Sweet Hollow Park Playground – Melville

A newer park to the area built over Meyer’s Farm – one of my favorite destinations as a child. This park has spanking new equipment as well as pickle ball courts, shuffleboard courts, and exercise equipment. There is also a Little Free Library here.

Next on my list: Phelps Lane Park in Babylon

Please let me know if your favorite playground is missing, we may not have “found” it yet!

Playgrounds on Long Island 2.0

When you are ready for more elevated climbing, I highly recommend one of Long Island’s Adventure Parks. With ropes courses, ziplines, climbing challenges and elevated excitement, these parks make for a great family outing.

Of course, if you are looking for a special occasion amusement park to visit, there is always Adventureland right in our backyard!

Please subscribe to The Mint Chip Mama for more family fun entertainment delivered right into your mailbox! Please also check out my Instagram and Facebook pages for the most up to date finds!

Don’t forget to check out all the family friendly destinations we’ve researched!

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All Blog Posts From My Heart

My Last Little Baby Boy Turned Five – And Off He Goes Into The World…

Somehow, without permission, my little baby boy – my youngest – my snuggly lapdog – my bonus suburb baby – my last little baby boy – turned five. I’m not quite sure how we got here. Especially because I’m still trying to come to terms with my oldest – who is now eleven – turning five. But somehow, some way, my youngest baby just became a whole hand old.

The Happiest Little Boy

This little boy came into the world totally chill and has been that way ever since. He is a big bag of smiles with a face that radiates sunshine. This love is the youngest – adored by everyone – and totally knows it. He is the epitome of a “third kid”. He is my last little baby boy – and he turned five.

Why is five such a big one? Because that means he has arrived. He is ready to go into the system. No passing go, no collecting $200. The next stop is kindergarten. Then – before we know it – he will be in middle school (and double digits) like the big one, getting big without permission.

Mommy Preschool

I have been very lucky for the last year. Due to the pandemic, we kept him home instead of sending him to preschool. It has been one of the silver linings of COVID. Since he is the third kid I’ve been there and done that, so teaching letters and numbers has been easy. I don’t feel the pressure one feels with their first and knew that as long as he could write his name, he would be ready to go.

He has been by my side for fifteen months and my little sidekick. Not to mention he has been my super star student, my gardening buddy, my curious comrade, and my adventure partner. Plus he is so much fun to be with in every situation. He is the child who finds everything interesting and asks fantastic questions. Without a doubt, he is just simply delicious.

He Loves Everything… Except String Beans

He loves pockets, worms, Captain America, action figures, history, trains, hugging trees, birds, playing baseball and spinning on swings. He does not like string beans. He is well aware that the biggest change from age four to five will be eating five string beans instead of four – our rule for a vegetable if he doesn’t like it. He is not looking forward to this.

He likes to tell me he can’t read, but then sometimes he likes to figure out what a word says by looking at the letters and sounding out their sounds, which he reassures me is not reading.

He Sympathizes With Elephants & Likes 80s Music

This boy likes to giggle and take luxurious bubble baths. He love building forts and playing with construction toys. You can find him wearing mismatched socks and mismatched pajamas (at the same – or different – times), and puts on his brother’s shirts backwards without realizing any of the above. He likes to do puzzles and watch movies. Firepit s’mores are the best bribe we can offer him.

He loves the zoo and hopes the elephants don’t feel bad that the tigers are now his favorite. He likes 80s pop music and playing with superhero figures. He’s a whiz at making pancakes and baking cakes. Somehow, he wins every game we play – without us letting him win. Really. Especially “Sequence.”

He likes the snow, to play at the beach, and to go down slides – both water and regular. Also, he loves going on hikes and finding hidden flowers. He loves Taco Tuesday and fancy napkins. But also requires ice in his water (no matter what the hour) and fresh water – with ice – the second we say it’s time to go to sleep.

He likes to talk to our friends and often wonders how – and what – Joe Biden is doing at that very moment. Additionally, he wants to go back to Boston for vacation and thinks lox is delicious.

He is a little old man in a little young body. Plus, he likes newsboy hats. Sometimes he makes borscht belt jokes and motions. It is very, very funny. He is very, very funny.

Birthdays Always Hit Hard

I think the week of my kid’s birthdays always hits me hard. It is a representation of the knowledge that they are about to turn a year older. That they are growing up. But this one is my last. He just turned four. These little hands are getting bigger and there aren’t smaller ones on deck. When he grows out of his clothes, they leave the house. They don’t go in the attic for the next one. He is the last and he is the littlest. He is NOT allowed to get big.

Since his birthday was over Memorial Day weekend (and the same day as my Dad’s!) we planned a long weekend of celebrations. Sadly, the rain canceled most of it, but luckily, we got in his number one wish – to go climbing at Wild Play, Jones Beach.

The day was also filled everything he loves – macaroni and cheese from Panera for lunch with my parents, visiting the Cold Spring Harbor Fish Hatchery, and his favorite “sushi” dinner of noodles and chicken.

His love of water play toys and action figures make gift giving easy. Somehow, someway he fell in love with He-Man, which made my husband very happy. I surprised them both with the Castle Grayskull reboot as well as an army of Masters of the Universe action figures. I’m not sure who is more excited.

My Last Little Baby Boy Turned Five

Somehow he is getting bigger every day. Including waking up looking older on his birthday. I swear. He turned five. My last little baby boy turned five.

Somehow in September I’m going to put him on a bus, wave goodbye and return to an empty house. I’m not ready for that yet or at all. But then again, I’m also not ready for my daughter – who used to look like a preemie boy, or my middle son – who used to look like a marshmallow – to go to 6th and 3rd grades either. Please.Time.Slow.Down.

I’m glad he had an amazing birthday. I’m glad he is as excited about his gifts as I was to give them to him. Most of all, I’m excited he still wants to curl into a little ball and snuggle in my lap.

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Our Town: Act 3; Mark Duplass’ Perspective; The Concept That Time Flies, And Kids Grow Up Too Fast

Kids Grow Up Too Fast

I was playing at the playground yesterday with my son, who is currently two years and nine months old. He was playing at a playground where I used to take my middle son, now five. I was looking at my little one – in my middle son’s old clothes – standing in the exact place where my middle son stood three years ago and thinking how time flies. The truth is, kids, grow up too fast.

Kids Grow Up Too Fast

Children grow up quickly. This is not breaking news. They also drive us nuts. Equally not breaking news. But sometimes the latter clouds the enjoyment of the former.

I was thinking about this after my friend sent me a post from actor and director Mark Duplass about keeping your kids’ annoying AF behavior in perspective. For example (and this may or may not have been happening to spark the sending of said text): when your two-year-old busts into the bathroom to ask you why you bought a new toaster and then hands you a snow sled.

Do you laugh or scream? I believe Duplass’s point is just to remember at that moment – you’ll look back at these things “with wonder” in 2040 because kids grow up too fast.

Breathe Through These Moments, Or Laugh

Funny enough, I often think about this when I need to breathe through whatever chaos is going on in my house. In other words – every day. I tell myself they’ll all be out of the house one day and I’ll be the lady telling new moms in stores to enjoy them when they’re little. Because once again, kids grow up too fast.

I Love Longitudinal Studies

Standing there in the park – in that longitudinal spot (and if you know me you know that I love longitudinal studies) –  I couldn’t help but think about this concept.

I have three small kids. I was thinking while looking at #3 what my life was like when I just had #1 and she was this age. She is now nine years old. Having a nine-year-old and a two-year-old is a bit of a reminder of this every day. I think how she used to exist solely on my milk and now she microwaves herself oatmeal every morning. She grew up fast, now she doesn’t need my help to eat or drink at all.

Memories Of Having Only One Kid

I do often look at #1 and think about what it was like having only a two-year-old. Besides having patients, fewer wrinkles, and energy, we lived in an urban vs. suburban setting in a one-bedroom apartment vs. a house.

My days consisted of taking her to the park by the subway and dressing her in girly, frilly, dressy things including her prized pink ballet attire (because as girl moms that’s what we do). We used to spend our days against the world with Manhattan at our fingertips. No stroller – just a backpack, the MTA, and endless opportunities. But then she grew up too fast. 

She Became Big

Now she gets on a bus, goes to school, comes home, does her homework herself, showers herself, makes lunch, and then sits and reads a book until I get the boys to bed and we can hang out together. I feel like I don’t get to see her and don’t get to talk to her despite spending all night together.

And Then There’s Two

Next, we have #2, who is five and in kindergarten. I write proverbial sonnets to him at night apologizing for treating him as the stereotypical “middle kid”. When he was #3’s age, I already had his little brother. We lived in the suburbs and I was just a super stressed mom of three trying to do everything I could to stay sane.

So basically, every day was just about survival when he was this age. He is so sweet and delicious and somehow has also learned how to get on the same bus, come home, do his homework, play with Legos, shower, and wait for me to pay attention to him at bedtime.

 

Back To Kid Three

Back to #3. He is a fantastic two-year-old – happy and cute as can be – except for when he’s moaning in my face for hours, fighting his nap, waking up at night, and being insane. But also, sometimes he just hugs me and tells me he loves me. Very often when I change his diaper and look at this little tush I think about the other little tushies I used to change who now go to the bathroom themselves. Perspective. Then I realize once again that kids grow up too fast.

Parenthood – The Movie

I like to think about this stuff sometimes because it helps get me through the insanity that is three kids. Perspective. “The days are long, but the years are short”. I also often think of the scene in “Parenthood” when Steve Martin’s head spins out as he reflects on his Grandma’s line about life being like a roller coaster. He had three kids. Yep. Every day. Perspective.

Apparently, I Grew Up Too Fast Too

This morning I was telling my dad how I’m taking my kids to Sesame Street Live! on Sunday. He said he vividly remembers taking ME – close to four decades ago – and how excited I was to meet Big Bird. Or in other words – Turn, Turn, Turn.

Kids Grow Up Too Fast

I try to remember this – but I don’t. Tomorrow I will try harder. Next time they’re going nuts because they need me to get them water, make dinner, check their homework, find their shoes, find the other mitten, need help closing a Ziploc bag, need a rubber band, and still can’t find their shoes, need a pencil sharpened, ask for Parmesan cheese, ask again because I can’t do it while I’m doing 19 other things, don’t like their dinner after I made exactly what they asked for, can’t find the soap (usually in front of them) in the bath, can’t reach the towel on a height appropriate hook, or accidentally spill the drink I literally just handed them because I was getting the freaking Parmesan cheese – that these moments are fleeting and not a big deal.

Except for Parmesan cheese. Parmesan cheese is a really big deal.

The Movie Overboard Is The Best Parenting Reflection

Pretty much every day I feel like Goldie Hawn in Overboard.  There are days when my husband comes home and when he asks about my day I just say “Buh-buh-buh buh buh”.

Our Town, Act 3. Emily Returns – The Most Important Life Lesson

So why did I title this Our Town, Act 3? Because I also think about that a lot. I think about how poor dead Emily is granted the best gift – to go back to one day in her life and relive it. To go back to “the good old days” once more. The advice she’s given is to pick a simple day because it’s too hard to watch anything else.

I think of this in those perfect moments when I’m snuggling in my bed filled with the giggling people I made in my belly and everyone is just happy, content, and telling each other they love them.

I want to bottle that and have that be the moment I come back to one day if given the same gift.

Ugh, now I’m crying. I blame Mark Duplass.

But really – it’s probably Parmesan cheese’s fault.

I Hate You Parmesan Cheese

I really hate you Parmesan cheese.

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This Is 40 (and 7 months)! I Have Gratitude, A Positive Outlook, And The Coolest Crown Ever!

This Is 40

I wrote this in April, turned 40 in May, and am publishing it December 31st, 2018… all I can say is this – 40 doesn’t feel any different than 39… minus needing my glasses a bit more… With that said, I hoped to publish this before my birthday on the Huffington Post, but they switched their format and I missed it. Thus, so is life. At least now I have pictures to use from all my celebrations! Consequently, as the year closes out and I reflect on my blessings, my mind came back to this piece. In conclusion, farewell 2018, farewell to the last year I will be in my 30’s. Hopefully this still counts if I post it before midnight!

******

Turning 40

In May I’m turning 40. Without a doubt this big birthday has caused lots of reflection. Not only on the last decade and a half but so much more.

Having said that, I spent most of my 30s saying I was 25 and either wanting to get pregnant, pregnant, or recovering from being pregnant.

I was growing a baby, nursing a baby, holding the hand of a toddler, pushing a swing, or helping with homework.

Additionally, I experienced natural birth, a C-section, and a VBAC.

Not to mention, we moved twice, bought a house, and bought a car. And then bought a car that was bigger because we complained about trunk space.

As We Age We Go To Lots Of Doctors

I had multiple mammograms, my wisdom teeth removed, an endoscopy, a D & C. I went to the dentist every 6 months. Almost.

I had ten physicals.  I went to Trader Joe’s approximately 7 million times. Social media became a thing, I started a blog.

As We Age We Appreciate Treating Ourselves

For my 30th birthday I went out with my friends to a 80s/90s club. My husband & I finally scored a reservation at Blue Hill at Stone Barn (and it was even better than we expected!). We treated ourselves to a five star vacation and I stayed at the hotel of my dreams.

I also went to California, Paris, Spain, Washington DC (to watch President Obama get inaugurated), Atlanta, Greece, London, Italy, Aruba and Turks & Caicos. Delray Beach, Philadelphia, the Poconos, Disney World, Sesame Place, the Crayola Factory, Diggerland, Dutch Wonderland, and Hershey Park. I became a member of the zoo. By the way, I freaking love the zoo.

Even 40 Year Olds Can Go Out And Party

I spent New Years in the heart of Times Square and also took 27 semesters of Music Together.

I partied with U2, the Counting Crows and Prince and also rocked out to the Dirty Sock Funtime Band (I plead the fifth on whose lyrics I knew better).

I took the M5 Limited bus down 5th Avenue approximately 257 times. I bought a Subaru.

I saw many Broadway shows.

I saw a lot of regional children’s theatre.

I slept in castles.

I slept on a cot… in a tent… at Girl Scout camp.

We applied to nursery school on the Upper East Side of Manhattan.

I enrolled my daughter in free public school on Long Island.

I went to movie premiers with celebrities.

I watched Princess movie DVDs that I rented from the library.

As You Age You Like The Library A Lot

I went to the library.

I went to the library.

I went to the library.

By the way, I freaking love the library.

This Is 40 – I Don’t Want To Get Out Of My Car

I mocked people who went to drive-thrus.

I praised the lord for drive-thrus.

I screamed at cars going 40 on the highway.

I was that car going 40 praying for my child to nap so I could have five minutes of peace.

I Can Call My Old Stuff Retro

I have the same bank account, the same Birkenstocks, and still only one television.

I had several Blackberries, until I was forced into an iPhone, and still speak of my Palm Pilot Vx in the present tense. I often threaten to re-connect my Star-tac.

I learned playing explicit 90s Hip Hop is best with a preverbal child.

I tried to meditate but had to stop every five minutes to write something on my to do list.

I took 500 yoga classes and still can’t do a head stand.

Planning Parties Becomes Easier

I planned my 20th high school reunion and attended 8 1/2 months pregnant. At least my hair looked good.

I planned 35 birthday parties. I attended about 430.

I took a cooking class overlooking the Mediterranean.

I ate a lot of granola bars.

I walked 5,110 miles on Manhattan pavement.

I taught my daughter how to ride a two wheeler bike on our suburban driveway.

My jewelry taste went from diamonds to painted macaroni.

I embraced anger gardening.

I changed 47 million diapers.

I gave 2,920 baths.

I finally watched Gilmore Girls and Gossip Girl.

This Is 40 – You Start Thinking The Dad In The Show Is Cute 

I went from thinking the main character in a show is cute to liking the Dad.

I celebrated over a decade of marriage.

I donated my hair twice.

You Talk A LOT About Instant Pots, Unironically

I got an Instant Pot.

I found joy in peeling hard boiled eggs and clementines.

I learned mean girls are mean girls and sadly some never mentally leave middle school – even after child birth.

I drank a lot of wine.

I ate a lot of feta cheese.

I ate avocado squashed on bread before millennials branded it with a hashtag.

I bought a power washer.

I got my legs up on a trapeze bar.

I memorized Goodnight Moon.

I gave 4 hundred billion hugs and kisses on delicious little faces that somehow my body grew, and felt warm inside when they told me I was the “BEST Mom ever”.

I screamed like a mad woman at something that didn’t matter causing tears.

You Can Still Sings Songs From Twenty Years Ago

I can still rap Salt-n-Pepa’s “Shoop”.

I still bump into walls.

My wedding China is still wrapped in its box.

This Is 40, It’s Bigger Than 30

As my friend pointed out – turning 30 was HUGE. For many – including myself – 30 brought attention to a certain clock and it’s ticking. But what does 40 mean? Besides clicking off a new demographic box (aye) how will my life be different? They say a number is just a number. But it is just weird to turn the page on a decade. To think we’re moving on to the next tens. Pretty much all I hear is you start caring less about stupid stuff, and honestly – I can totally get behind that.

Being 40 Sounds Better Than Being 50

In a decade, g-d willing, I will have one kid enroute to Michigan (compulsory), one in HS and my baby – entering middle school.

I hope every day of my 40s are as blessed as my 30s and that I can continue to feel so overwhelmingly grateful to face each new day.

As U2 says in their song “40”, “I will sing, sing a new song”.

Ech. I’m not ready… I’m standing by 25.

And still dancing to 80s/90s music.

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What Moms of Young Kids Really Want for Mother’s Day

Without a doubt, the ultimate and unexpected list of what moms of young kids really want for Mother’s Day.

Around this time of year the topic of what moms really want for Mother’s Day always comes up. Especially, what do moms of young kids really want for Mother’s Day. Thus, I was thinking what do I really want? Furthermore, the list below pretty much sums it up. In addition, I promise you there is no robe listed. As an added bonus, most things don’t cost a cent.

What Moms Of Young Kids Really Want For Mother’s Day Doesn’t Cost Much

The good news is – most of these don’t cost anything. Without a doubt, your kids can “give” them to you too without help. Furthermore, you don’t have to go to the store!

I’m lucky that I have a great husband who does many of these things regularly. Additionally, he is also quite capable of caring for our 3 children and giving me a break on the weekends. For me, that’s all I want.

Just a little break (yes, yes, I know – small hugs and kisses too…blah blah blah). But with that said, this is what I want for Mother’s Day.

The List Is Simple

If you open it – close it.

If you turn the light on – turn it off.

If you open a window – close the window.

If you take it out of my car – put it back into my car.

If you go to a store – ask if I need anything there. Yes, even if I was there yesterday.

If you play with something – simply put it away. Moreover, take a picture of where things go first.

If you finish something – throw it out.

If we need something – write it down. It doesn’t matter how many times you tell me. I’ve already forgotten.

Help Me

Help me fold the laundry – or better yet, pay someone to do it. It will be the best money you have ever spent!

Let me sleep late on the weekends.

Make me a sandwich for lunch.

Voluntarily answer one of the 700 questions our kids ask me.

Always buy me flowers when you go to the store.

Accept the unspoken challenge of putting used water bottles in the dishwasher.

Clean the pasta pot I left on the stove.

Throw your garbage out from my car.

Don’t tell me I go to sleep too late.

Make a pediatrician appointment for the weekend & offer to take the kids.

Realize every day I’m just trying to keep my ship together and I’m holding on by a thread.

Get the car ready for carpool.

Put the dishes in the dishwasher.

Have My Back

Skip to the part where you just agree with me.

Always buy me my favorite chocolate.

Make enough coffee for me to have a 2nd or 3rd cup.

Don’t tell me how I need to be helped. What’s more, it’s not helpful.

Fill my car up with gas on Sundays.

Allow me to sit in the closet with a glass of wine for 10 minutes when you come home.

Write down the brands we use so you get the correct ones. The first time.

Buy My Favorite Ice Cream Cake

Keep getting my favorite ice cream cake for the smallest occasion.

Know 76% of the time I AM actually going to the bathroom when I’m hiding in there.

Understand that sometimes laying in bed reading a crappy magazine is all I need and want. THAT is “taking time for myself”. Moreover, yes, the door is locked.

Force Me To Do “Self Care”

Make me get a massage monthly. Even better, for the holidays buy me a bulk pack so I have NO excuses. Furthermore, let me go during dinner time so I truly can relax.

Understand that I can simultaneously feel beyond blessed that this is our life and also that I’m ready to run away and join the circus. Surprisingly, I may already have a go bag packed.

Wrap the birthday presents for the weekend. Or even better – buy them. Ha!!! Can you imagine?

Just Listen

Take notes every time I say I wish I had X and then buy it for a holiday like Mother’s Day. Efficient gift giving at it’s best!

Tell me I look nice even if I haven’t showered. Laughter reduces my stress.

Lastly, know I love YOU & appreciate your “different hard.” But just do it. Don’t ask why.

In Conclusion, What Do Moms of Young Kids Really Want for Mother’s Day?

Tell me I’m doing a great job. 

Also, tell me I’m doing a great job. 

Furthermore, tell me I’m doing a great job. 

In conclusion, tell me I’m doing a great job.

Tell me you appreciate me.

Every.

Single.

Flipping.

Day. 

Happy Mother’s Day 2018!

However, if you prefer something tangible, you can find something on my Mother’s Day Gift Guide too.

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GB Pockit Stroller – The Smallest Stroller in the World!

#gbpockit

Are you sitting down? I’m about to introduce you to the world’s smallest stroller. According to me? Nope – according to the Guinness Book of World Records!

Believe me now?

Get ready – I’m about to solve all your strollin’ problems.

Thank you For The Intro New York Baby Show!

I came across the gb Pockit stroller at this year’s New York Baby Show. It literally stopped me in my tracks. The gb Pockit is not only tiny it’s so small it folds up to fit in a bag, backpack, on the floor under your car seat, even – wait for it – in your infant car seat stroller base! Yes, that’s right people; I just said THIS stroller fits in the base of another stroller.

Digest that for a moment.

Yes. It goes there.

Got a baby and a two year old runner?

Because I do!

Do you venture out on the weekends never knowing if it’s worth bringing a stroller?

Because I do!

Do you use a carrier but then suffer from carrier remorse because you should have brought a stroller?

Because I do!

Do you hate leaving your stroller at a museum or zoo’s compulsory “leave your stroller here” zone?

Because I do!

The answer is the gb Pockit.

This Stroller Is So Small!

This amazing small stroller arrived in an equally small box. Inside the small box I found an even smaller stroller. Like Russian dolls it got better and better. I opened it up and Bam! A full size stroller!

Now you’re probably wondering if it feels like pushing one of those $10 cheap-o strollers in the “this is the least annoying and smallest stroller I can find” category, but no – quite the opposite! It feels like a good, sturdy, strong, smooth stroller. Actually – it feels even better than my current stroller.

Then the real test came – our first road trip as a family of five. I packed the usual – half of my snack cabinet, something in case it is cold, hot, warm, dry, wet, sunny, rainy, plus the quick 300 other things I needed.

For three kids.

You’re laughing… you get it… (even if your husband doesn’t).

In went the car seat stroller base and without even a blink – in went my brand new gb Pockit. My friend was over, we were both dumbfounded. Yes we were that excited about this stroller.

My Kids Love It!

You may have noticed sometimes a child resists going in their stroller? Have you noticed this? It’s usually accompanied by a very calm, quiet declaration refusing to go in it. Usually followed by you taking three deep breathes like the experts tell you to do (wink) – relenting, and letting them walk – while you trail pushing an empty stroller and muttering “well at least it can hold my stuff”.

But not with this stroller.

Bam!

Throw it in your bag, carry it on your back, heck – throw it in a locker! It is that convenient. Let the little monster – er – delight – walk.

Oh, monster, you’re suddenly tired and need a nap? I didn’t see that coming.

Bam!

gb Pockit to the rescue – out of my bag, on to the floor. It even has an adjustable rectangular sunshade.

Do you have older kids? Are you traveling and debating a double stroller vs. two umbrella strollers in case your older one needs a rest?

Bam!

It Fits UNDER Your Other Stroller! I Mean…

The gb Pockit fits under your other stroller! I know. It’s amazing. Speaking of travel – the gb Pockit fits under an airline seat. There’s even room for eight thousand snack bags and the “good” cup you better not leave on the plane.

The ultra compact gb Pockit is not just a pretty face, it also has a height-adjustable 5-point harness, removable and washable seat fabric, a storage basket that holds up to 11 lbs, locking swivel front wheels, a one-touch rear brake, fits children from six months to 55 pounds, and self-stands when folded. It weighs 9.5 pounds and has the folded dimensions of 12” long x 7” wide x 14” high.

This Stroller Changed My Life!

I’m so happy I learned about this stroller. As my family (and car) gets bigger, my trunk space seems to get smaller and filled with more ready-for-Armageddon stuff (see above).

The gb Pockit solves the problem I’m sure you – like me – have of never wanting to be without an umbrella stroller yet not wanting to give up that precious trunk real estate. Just know that the gb Pockit takes up less space than the perpetual bag of stuff you’re trying to return (I know, I have one too).

If you are in the market for a new stroller or are at a stroller crossroads, you have to check out the gb Pockit. It will fit (pun intended) perfectly into your life.

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