I started this blog with one daughter, kept it up with the other, to spend time together doing something we enjoyed.
However, things change and people evolve. My daughters are older, busier, and not as interested in writing.
From now on this blog will be mostly mom with occasional contributions from my daughters and maybe even my husband.
Nothing else will change. We'll still focus on sharing fun places to go, fun things to do, and more, and we would  still love to hear your views too

Friday, August 30, 2013

Funny Friday - While You Were Sleeping

Me -

When my sister was around 2,  one night, she climbed into my bed when I was sleeping. She took all my books out of my book shelf  behind my bed. She put them on top of me  and sat on top of one of the piles and started reading.When I woke up there were still books on me.

Mom -

Our wedding took place in a hotel. My stepson was the ring bearer at the wedding. After the ceremony, he and his cousin went upstairs in the hotel with a babysitter to play video games and later go to bed. When watching the wedding video and seeing the reception my stepson asked "When did that happen?"

"When you went to bed." I replied.

"Why didn't I hear the noise?" he asked.


We welcome you to share your funny stories with us. Tune in Monday for another Talking Topic.


Thursday, August 29, 2013

Four Weddings

Me - Four Weddings, wow! Four Weddings is a TV show where four strangers attend each other's weddings having only met once before. They each rate the other's weddings. The categories are food, dress, venue, and overall experience. The winner and her new husband get a free honeymoon. I like the show because I  like to see how different people have different kinds of weddings. I watch it with my Mom and  my sister. We like to judge everything too except, of course the food which we can't taste.  We do judge if the food looks good though. We don't give numbers when we judge things like they do on the show. All the brides always seem to wear strapless dresses. Some of the dresses are really pretty and others are just plain ugly. The show seems to be on quite a lot, and we always have a lot of episodes to catch up on.

Mom -  My girls and I have started watching the show Four Weddings where four strangers judge each other's weddings. I like the show, but I don't like the idea of it. I mean people are going to judge your wedding anyway because that is how people are, but I wouldn't want to have them do it on television. When I told my husband about the show he liked the idea of the free honeymoon. He wanted to know if we could pretend not to be married and go on. Of course, it would be too expensive too have a whole other wedding, and there is no guarantee we would win anyway. My favorite part of the show is looking at the dresses. Some of them are gorgeous and some of them are really ugly. Of course, I don't like any of the dresses better than the one I had. I still love my wedding dress, and if I had it to do all over again I would still pick the same dress. In fact, if I had it to do all over again maybe there are a few minor things I would change, but over all, I was really happy with my wedding, and I would have the same wedding that I had.

And that's our view. What kind of wedding did you have or would you like to have?

Tune in tomorrow for Funny Friday.

Wednesday, August 28, 2013

Where-To-Go Wednesday - Clyde Beatty - Cole Bros. Circus

What: Clyde Beatty-Cole Bros. Circus

Where: Coming to a Town Now You

Who: All Ages

Our view: If you are interested in seeing the circus, but you think that Ringling Brothers may be too overwhelming, Clyde Beatty- Cole Bros. Circus is a good alternative.They have many of the same type of acts as the larger circus. They have animal acts. They have acrobats. They have clowns. They have many more similar acts. However, the action takes place in a tent instead of a large arena. It also may be easier to get to the Clyde Beatty - Cole Bros. Circus than to the bigger circus. They do not only travel to large arenas in large cities they visit a lot of smaller towns. Tickets are also a lot cheaper than tickets for larger circuses. Most tickets are $20.00 or less and even VIP tickets are only about $23.00. Also, you can usually find coupons for discount tickets and often even coupons for free children's tickets. The only bad thing about the smaller circus is that there is just as much marketing as with the larger circus. So if you go, be prepared to be bombarded with numerous food items, drinks, and souvenirs that your children will want you to buy. If you can withstand that and you would like to find out when the circus is coming to your town or town near you and/or to buy tickets, go to colebrotherscircus.com and/or clydebeattycircus.com.

And that's our view. Tune in tomorrow for another Talking Topic.

Tuesday, August 27, 2013

Tips for Tuesday - TV Shows: Four Weddings

Me - Today I am recommending Four Weddings. Four Weddings is a show where 4 brides who have never met before attend each other's weddings and rate them and whoever gets the highest score wins a honeymoon. It is fun to see how other people plan their weddings. I like to rate the wedding dresses too. It is on TLC, and you should watch it.

Mom - Today I am also recommending Four Weddings. It is fun to see all the different types of weddings and different gowns and different venues. It is fun to hear what the girls all say about each other's weddings. It is fun to try to guess who will win the honeymoon. All in all, it is a real guilty pleasure.

And that's our view. For more about Four Weddings, tune in to tomorrow's Talking Topic post.


Monday, August 26, 2013

Sleepover at the Riversharks vs Sleepover at the Blueclaws

Me - Sleepover at the Riversharks vs. Sleepover at the Blueclaws, wow! We have been to two sleepovers at baseball stadiums at the Riversharks and at the Blueclaws. The Riversharks we had free dinner and free breakfast. Both were really good. The Blueclaws didn't give us any free food. At both sleepovers, they showed a free movie on the scoreboard. We went to the Riversharks they gave everybody a free bag of Pirates Booty to eat and a water bottle to drink during the movie. At both the teams, me and Mom thought we would be the only family there with a bunch of scout troups, but there ended up being a lot of families and a lot of scout troops. Both times there ended up being much more people than I thought there would be. Both times there were tons of people. If you went up into the stands to go to the bathroom and looked down onto the field, it looked like a tent city. The morning after the Rivesharks sleepover they offered a free baseball clinic. We didn't end up staying for it. At the Blueclaws, when we woke up in the morning, they didn't have anything. Everybody was just packing and getting ready to leave. We went to the Riversharks during the game we went to the team store and Aurella and I got shirts that said "I slept at the Riversharks." My parents got jerseys from the Atlantic League All Star game which was played there that year. For me, the price for both sleepovers was a great deal. I paid nothing. My parents paid. I think that they good deals for both sleepovers anyway especially the Riversharks one. The Riversharks one was more worth it because there were much more cool things. I did enjoy both sleepovers but if I had to pick a favorite I would definitely say the Riversharks was more fun.

Mom - We have now been to two sleepovers at baseball stadiums. The sleepover at the Riversharks included dinner and breakfast. The sleepover at the Blueclaws did not include any food. Both sleepovers included a free movie. However at the Riversharks they provided a snack and water with the movie at the Blueclaws they did not. At both stadiums, I thought it would end up being our family and a bunch of scout troops. However, at both stadiums they ended up having a good mix of families and scout troops. At both stadiums I didn't think there would be so many people there besides us. At both stadiums, there ended up being a surprising lot of people at the sleepover. There were so many people and so many tents that it looked like a tent city. At the Riversharks, there was a free baseball clinic, the morning after the sleepover. At the Blueclaws, there was nothing the morning after the sleepover except people packing up and leaving. At the Riversharks, my girls got these cool shirts that said "I slept at the Riversharks." The Blueclaws didn't have anything like that. Pricewise, there wasn't that much difference between the two sleepovers. However, the Riversharks sleepover included so much more. I mean don't get me wrong I enjoyed both sleepovers. However, if I had to compare them I would definitely have to say that the sleepover at the Riversharks was better.

And that's our view. Where do you think would be a cool place for a sleepover?

Tune in tomorrow for Tips for Tuesday.

Saturday, August 24, 2013

Saturday Special - Elmo and Cookie Monster Come to Citi Field September 12

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Friday, August 23, 2013

Funny Friday - It's a Girl or is it?

Me -
We were playing a game where you think of something and everybody asks yes and no questions until someone guesses what you are thinking about. Aurella asked "Is it a song?"

I said "Yes."

Then she asked "Is it a girl?"


Mom -

When Aurella was little, she said that all her coats were girls and they all had to have names.


We welcome you to share your funny stories with us. Tune in Monday for another Talking Topic.

Thursday, August 22, 2013

First Date

Me - First Date, was a good Broadway show. I enjoyed it. It was about a girl named Casey and a guy named Aaron going on a blind date. Time would freeze, and they would imagine people in their lives talking to them and giving them advice while they were on the date. I enjoyed the show but I found it very predictable. I predicted just about everything. Right before, it happened I whispered everything to my Mom. I like the songs in the show. My favorite character, Casey, who also played Ana on Smash, sang less songs than everybody else. The backup people sang more than the two main people, and the main guy sang more than Casey. All of the acting was really good. All of the singing voice were good too. I liked the costumes excepts Casey's. The set was fine. I didn't really think much of it. I thought it was cool the way they made the whole hour and a half about a first date. I could totally see that being a movie because it was kind of short. Also, it was the kind of thing I could see being movie. Over all, I would recommend this show.

Mom - Melia and I went to see the show First Date last week. The gist of the plot was a man, Aaron and a woman, Casey on a blind date. It wasn't a great show, but it wasn't bad. The acting and singing were good. I had seen Krysta Rodriguez, the female lead. in Smash. I liked her there and I liked her here as well. I was surprised in a good way by Zachary Levi. I confess I never watched Chuck, but frankly, I didn't expect him to be a very good actor, but he was. The supporting cast was good too. The music was cute and relatable but there weren't really any songs that you would live the theater humming. The sets and costumes were fine except I didn't like Casey's costume. The huge black X across Casey's costume was distracting. I found myself constantly staring at it.  The show was kind of predictable but still enjoyable.  I liked the end. It was little predictable and maybe a little sappy, but if it ended any other way it would have been disappointing.  I would recommend this show for anyone who has ever been in a relationship especially one that started as a blind date and/or started off not seeming to be too promising. I would not, however, recommend it for children.

And that's our view. What was your best or worst blind date?

Tune in tomorrow for Funny Friday.


Disclaimer: We received complimentary tickets to First Date. However, the opinions expressed here are our own based on our viewing of the show.

Wednesday, August 21, 2013

Where-To-Go Wednesday - First Date

What: First Date

Where: Longacre Theater
            New York, New York

Who: Adults

Our view: First Date is a show about a couple on a first date blind date. First Date is  a not a good show for kids. It is probably not a good show for a couple on first date either especially if that first date is a blind date. It is a good show for people in a long term relationship or for a group of women on a ladies night out. It is especially good for younger people who have grown up with such things as cell phones and the internet and are used to these things being a regular part of their dating life.  If you are a fan of Krysta Rodriguez of Smash or Zachary Levi of Chuck then this is the show for you. Zachary Levi  is particularly good here. If you are a fan of shows with songs that you can relate to such as songs about first impressions, dates that one's family would not approve of and even awkward pauses then this is the show for you. If you do not like small musicals that take place all in one place, this is not the show for you. If you do not like hour and a half shows without an intermission, this is not the show for you. However, since most movies these days are over two hours without an intermission, I would not thing that would be too much of a problem.  If  musicals especially entertaining musicals about relatable subjects than this is definitely the show for you and you should see it.

And that's our view.

For more about First Date tune in to tomorrow's Talking Topic.


Disclaimer: We received complimentary tickets to First Date. However, the opinions expressed here are our own based on our viewing of the show.

Tuesday, August 20, 2013

Tips for Tuesday - Apps. and Websites: Where's My Water and Datatelligence

Me - Today I am recommending Where's My Water. It is fun. It is challenging. Some of the levels feel impossible but really they are not that hard.  I would definitely recommend this app.

Mom - Today I am recommending Datatelligence. Datatelligence has surveys both on-line and in malls around the country. In the malls, they pay by cash or check for completing surveys although the amounts are not usually that much. Sometimes, they have surveys where you have to take a product home and use it, and then return and complete a survey. Those usually pay a little more, and you get to sample the product. On-line you can earn points for completing surveys and trade them in for prizes or sometimes you earn gift codes usually for Barnes and Noble. For more information or to sign up go to datatelligence.com.

And that's our view. Tune in tomorrow for Where-To-Go Wednesday.

Monday, August 19, 2013

Classic Harbor Cruise Line

Me - Harbor Cruise Line, wow! I had the best time on Harbor Cruise Line. Me, my Mom and Aurella spent most of the time outside where it was nice and breezy and the boat would rock, and it was fun. Sometimes, the waves would even brush up against our legs. At one point, we were inside with my Dad. We had a cheese platter. I stuffed most of the cheese in my mouth and ate most of the crackers too. I drank a class of water on the side. I saw the Statute of Liberty once when I was a baby. I don't really remember that. It was really cool to be so close to it on the cruise. I can barely describe it. All I can say is that it was so cool. I forgot my camera and my sister used up my I-pod battery so I had to take pictures on my Mom's phone. I was so afraid I was going to drop it in the River. I held it tightly in my pocket when I wasn't using it.  I felt a lot closer to things on the cruise than I do when we drive to the city. Also, they felt more real like not just the outlines of buildings. It was really cool. If you like traveling on the water, you will like this cruise.

Mom - Before we went on our cruise around New York City and the Statue of Liberty with the Harbor Cruise Line, I was worried I would get sick on the boat. I mean I didn't necessarily think I would throw up or anything, but sometimes, I get motion sickness.I often get headaches just riding in the car although that  usually happens when I try to read in the car. I had previously gone on a cruise to the Greek Islands when I was a teenager. That didn't bother me at all except the last day when the seas were very rough. When we first got on the Luxury Yacht Manhattan for our cruise around New York, the rocking of the boat actually bothered me a little. However, once we set sail, it didn't bother me at all. As a matter of fact, the faster the boat went, the better I liked it. My girls both liked it when the boat went fast too. They loved the waves and the way they would splash up and get us a little wet. The girls and I stood on the outside deck almost the whole time even Aurella who usually doesn't like to stand at all. When she was little, she wanted to be carried all the time. She would literally tell us she didn't like to use her feet. My husband stood with us part of the time on the boat. However, he was just as happy to sit inside downstairs on the lower deck. The girls only wanted to sit there while we were having a snack. We all enjoyed the spectacular views from the boat especially the view of the Statute of Liberty. Aurella had never been that close to it before. Melia had actually been to the Statute of Liberty before, but she was a baby then, and we didn't actually go up in it or anything. We actually weren't expecting much from our cruise especially when we saw the size of the boat which didn't seem all that big to us. However, we all had a really nice time.

And that's our view. Where did you or would you like to cruise to?

Tune in tomorrow for Tips for Tuesday.


Disclaimer: We received complimentary tickets for our Harbor Cruise Lines cruise. The opinions expressed here are own based on our experience on a Classic Harbor Cruise Line cruise.

Saturday, August 17, 2013

Saturday Special - Make A Plate

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We’ve just been given the opportunity to review the Make A Plate Art Project and we are  looking forward to sharing it with you. If you want to follow along, our readers save 30% on their Prepaid Art Plate Kit (that’s a savings of over $5!) - USE PROMO CODE: USFAMILY at http://www.makit.com/ProductDetail.aspx?ProductCode=K1100PP
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Tune in Monday for another Talking Topic.


Friday, August 16, 2013

Funny Friday - Glasses

Me -

When I was young I would not let anyone clean my glasses except my grandma so when I was in school and my glasses were really dirty and my teacher asked if she could clean them I said "No. My grandma will do it."



Mom -

Everyone in the family had glasses except Aurella. When Melia got new glasses, we took the lenses out of her old glasses and gave them to Aurella. She was so excited. She proudly wore them all around and went around saying "I can't see without my glasses."


We welcome you to share your funny stories with us. Tune in tomorrow for a Saturday Special.




Thursday, August 15, 2013

Music

Me - Hi. I love music. I love to sing. My favorite songs are all the songs from my favorite show, Doc Mcstuffins. Also, I like Hot n Cold, ET and Part of Me by Katy Perry. I also like the song Beauty and the Beast. Our family is always singing. We like to listen to music in the car and sing along. My brother used to play the saxophone. Before that, he played the trumpet. He was terrible at the trumpet. My sister played  the saxophone for a little bit. I used to want to play the saxophone too, but now I am not sure because it is too loud. I don't like really loud noise. Now, I would like to play the xylophone. If they don't have that in the band, I don't know if I will play an instrument unless I still decide to play the saxophone. My sister was also in the school chorus.  I might be in the chorus when I am older too. I am not sure. I don't really like to sing in front of people except family. I really love music. Bye.*

*The above is guest post by little sister, Aurella as dictated to Mom.

Mom - In our house, we love music. One or another or more than one of us is always going around singing. I have songs going through my head almost all the time. My husband and kids are always making fun of me because whenever anyone says anything that reminds me of a song, I will just start singing that song. I know quite a lot of songs so it happens quite a bit. Also, sometimes, I will just start making up words to a song or singing a completely made up song. Aurella especially loves it when I make up crazy words to a crazy song, and she keeps on asking me to sing whatever it is again. Melia likes making up songs too. She is more serious about songs She makes up more serious songs and writes them down. I do not make up serious songs.  I usually just make up silly songs and sing them on the spot. I do not write them down. Melia also used to play the saxophone. Her brother used to play the saxophone too. They both quit. My stepson actually was not a bad player either. I mean he was never going to make a living at it or anything but he played nicely.He just didn't practice enough. It was the same with Melia. That is nothing  new though - kids not wanting to practice their instruments I am sure. When I was young, I took piano lessons, and I never wanted to practice either. I did practice a little more than my stepson or Melia though. Aurella claims that when she is older, she wants to play the saxophone too, and that she will practice a lot. If she goes through with it, she will be the third kid in our family to play the saxophone and the first one to practice a lot. I am not sure about the former happening, but I doubt the latter will happen. I mean she may or may not play the sax, but she will probably not be the first kid in the family who actually likes to practice.

And that's our view. Do you sing or play an instrument?

Tune in tomorrow for Funny Friday.

Wednesday, August 14, 2013

Where-To-Go Wednesday - Classic Harbor Line Cruises

What: Classic Harbor Line
 
Where: Pier 62
           Chelsea Piers
            New York, New York

Who: All ages 

Our view: There are several boats in Classic Harbors Fleet. We set sail aboard the Luxury Yacht Manhattan. I wouldn't say it was actually luxurious, but it was nice and comfortable particularly below deck where there were cushions available for the seats.  However, the picturesque ride around New York City was very relaxing. The captain of the ship was a lot more entertaining and informative than he claimed he was going to be. The views were incredible particularly the view of the Statute of Liberty, a view from as close as you can possibly get to the Statute without actually visiting the island. Even children who are not old enough to appreciate the great views should enjoy the fun ride on the gently rocking waves. The occasional splash of water entertained the children and made them feel like they were on an amusement park ride. However, it wasn't a strong enough splash to make us wet as if we actually were on one. However, we would not recommend wearing good clothes. You might also want to bring a hat or jacket especially if you are going to be sitting above deck because the wind and/or sun can be strong. The whole cruise takes about 90 minutes. Our cruise was quite enjoyable. However, there were a few downsides. It is a bit pricey at $42.00 a person for both children and adults. Also, the particular cruise we went on, the Statute and Skyline only runs about once a day and not at all on Tuesdays and Thursdays. It runs at 4:45 Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays; 5:15 on Sundays and on Fridays also at 2:45. However, at times this schedule varies so check before you go. Also, despite the dinner time hour, no meals are available on the cruise. Our cruise did include one complimentary beverage for each of us.Soda and juice are available as well as alcoholic beverages.  Additional drinks and/or small cheese, cracker, dried fruit, and nuts platters are available for purchase.There are other cruises available on this ship or one of Harbor Cruise Lines other ships including a Manhattan Brunch Cruise, a Sunset Champagne Cruise, and a Manhattan Architecture Cruise. These cruises generally cost more than the basic cruise which we took, however.   For more information or to book a cruise go to Classic Harbor Line.

And that's our view. Tune in tomorrow for another Talking Topic. For more about Classic Harbor Cruise Line tune in to Monday's Talking Topic.


Disclaimer: We received complimentary tickets for a Classic Harbor Cruise Line cruise. However, the opinions expressed here are own based on our experiences sailing on a Classic Harbor Cruise Line cruise.


Tuesday, August 13, 2013

Tips for Tuesday - Movies: Despicable Me 2

Me - Today I am recommending Despicable Me 2. It is a really good movie. It is sweet. It is funny. It is a good family movie. It even has a lot of action. There is something for everyone. You should see it.

Mom - Today I am recommending Despicable Me 2. The continuing story of former bad guy, Gru and his three adopted daughters is truly an enjoyable movie. It is the rare sequel that does not feel like a retread or a lesser version of the original movie. It stands on its own. It will appeal to many different groups of people. Kids, adults, lovers of action, lovers of romance, lovers of animated movies, lovers of kids and cute little minions to name just a few would like this movie. I would highly recommend it for anyone.

And that's our view. Tune in tomorrow for Where-To-Go Wednesday.

Monday, August 12, 2013

Flea Markets

Me - Flea markets, wow! I like flea markets. I haven't been to them that much even though there is one really close to my house but I like them. The one near us has really good pizza.  The slices are huge, and they are so cheesy. I wish I could take my kittens with me to the flea market. I am sure they could find a lot of fun stuff to chase after. They would also like all the little bugs all over outside. They had a lot of interesting things at the flea market like I-pod cases and books. We didn't really look around that much when we were there. I would have liked to spend more time looking at the books. I didn't really get to see if they had books that I would like. I could get a lot of books for a little money there, and I love books. I can't believe I have only been to the Flea Market once or twice and I have lived near it almost my whole life. I hope to go there again soon.

Mom - Sometimes I like flea markets; sometimes I don't. At outdoor markets, the weather is always a factor. It is almost always either too hot or too cold or too wet or too something.  However, the outdoor markets I have been to are much larger than the indoor markets I have been to. We used to have a really nice indoor market we would go to a lot. I used to get a lot of socks and jewelry there among other things. We went there for years, but they finally closed down. I find that is happening with a lot of the flea markets we used to go to. More and more people are shopping for their bargains on-line instead of off-line and as a result more and more flea markets are closing. I have to admit that I personally prefer to shop on-line than to shop off-line most of the time. However, there are some things that I would much rather buy off-line, such as, clothing and pocketbooks. I love to shop for things such as socks, jewelry and pocketbooks in particular at flea markets. However, even though we live in the vicinity of one of the largest outdoor flea markets in the world, we hardly ever go there or to any other flea market.

And that's our view. Where do you like to shop?

Tune in tomorrow for Tips for Tuesday.

Friday, August 9, 2013

Funny Friday - Groups of People

Me -

My sister asked my mom "When gay or lemonade people get married how do they decide what last name to take?"

Mom -

Aurella thought that quadruplets were called "fourlets".


We welcome you to share your funny stories with us. Tune in Monday for another Talking Topics.

Thursday, August 8, 2013

Children's Books Series

Me - Children's book series, wow! I like reading the Pinkalicious book series with my younger sister, Aurellla. I also like reading fancy Nancy with her although the words aren't very fancy to kids my age. I don't like the Olivia books, but I don't mind watching the TV show with my sister. I don't really like the Marley the dog books. I think they are kind of stupid and pointless. I sort of like Charlie and Lola books. I love Amelia Bedelia. She is hilarious. I read her books when I was little too. Now, they even have a series where she is a little kid. I like those too. They are really funny also. I used to read Clifford when I was little. When I was young I called Clifford coochie. I have no idea why. When I was two, I memorized Clifford the Big Red Dog and Clifford the Small Red Puppy so that people would think I was reading them.When I was young I also loved Madeline. My sister has all the episodes of the old TV series Madeline on DVD or VHS, and I enjoy watching them with her. We also own the live movie Madeline. That scares Aurella. If you have little kids, you should introduce them to some of these great books.

Mom - There are so many great children's book series out there. Some like Madeline, Amelia Bedelia, and Clifford have been around since I was a kid. Of course, there are a lot more Amelia Bedelia and Clifford books now than there were then. Also, now there are young Amerlia Bedelia and Clifford puppy books as well. The last few years or so, there have also been newer Madeline books. I believe they are written by the grandson of the original author. I also enjoy reading newer book series with my daughters especially Aurellla because Melia was older by the time some of these series came out. I like Marley the Dog books. I  like Olivia the pig books. I like Pinkalicious books.  I especially like Fancy Nancy books because they increase kids vocabulary in a fun way. They are perfect for Aurella who has always loved big words. Of course, there are many children's book series that were television shows first like Sesame Street books and Dora the Explorer books. I like the Sesame Street books. However, in general, I usually prefer books series that were books first.

And that's our view. What is your favorite children's book series?

Tune in tomorrow for Funny Friday.

Wednesday, August 7, 2013

Where-To-Go Wednesday - Citi Field

What: Citi Field
           Home of the New York Mets

Where: 123-01 Roosvelt Avenue
            Flushing, NY

Who: Everyone

Our view: Citi Field, home of the New York Mets has a lot more amenities than the old stadium, Shea Stadium. There are a lot more restaurants. There are a lot more team stores.There are a lot more private clubs.  The new stadium is much bigger than the old stadium and there are much more seats. There are also a lot more levels of seats. This also means that a lot of the seats are a lot further from the action which may make it more difficult for younger children especially ones who are not as into baseball to pay attention to the game. There are nice things about the new stadium. There are elevators instead of steep ramps so it is easier to access the higher level seats. There is a really nice Mets Hall of Fame and Museum with a lot of memorabilia from the Mets history as well as their own version of the Yankees monument park with plaques of players and Mets personnel who have been inducted  into the Mets personal Hall of Fame.There are lot more food choices although that does not mean that all of the food tastes good.  A lot of things are pretty much the same between the old and the new stadium. The location is right next to where the old stadium was. It is  just as easily accessible by public transportation from either the Long Island Railroad Port Washington line or the number 7 subway. The train provides a quicker ride with only a couple of stops before the stadium but the subway is less expensive. By boat, you can take the SeaStreak from Atlantic Highlands, New Jersey. However, not all of these stop at the stadium at all times so double check if you are going to the stadium to go on the tour or when there is not a game going on.  In some ways, the stadium is not as nice as the old stadium. It is not as homey as the old stadium. It can be downright big and overwhelming at times. If you are seated in certain sections of the 300 level, it is kind of annoying because you have to go up to a higher level and then down again to get to your seats because there is a private access club in the middle of the 300 level. The worst thing about the new stadium is the price of the tickets is so much higher than then they were in the old stadium. In the old stadium, you could get a field level seat for about $25.00. Now, you can pay almost $50.00 just for a seat in the 300 level. Major League Baseball used to be the affordable sport of the 4 major sports. Not so much anymore. For more information or to purchase tickets go to Citi Field.

And that's our view. Tune in tomorrow for another Talking Topic.

Tuesday, August 6, 2013

Tips for Tuesday - Books: June B. Jones Books and Missing Child

Me - Today I am recommending the Junie B. Jones book series by Barbara Park. I read it when I was in first grade, and it was really funny. It a great book for a first or second grader just starting to read chapter books.

Mom - Today I am recommending Missing Child by Patricia McDonald. A child who was allegedly dropped off at school by his stepmother mysteriously disappears. Several years ago, the child's mother had been killed  by a hit and run driver. Now, his father is married to the sister of the woman that killed his mother. What happened in the past and what is happening in the present and how it all ties together makes for a very intriguing page turner of a mystery.

And that's our view. Tune in tomorrow for Where-To-Go Wednesday.


Monday, August 5, 2013

Ice Cream

Me - Ice Cream, wow! I love ice cream. It is one of my favorite desserts. I could eat it every day all day long if I was allowed. Then, I would end up like a big lump, and I would get a lot of bad brain freezes. On second thought, I would just eat it after lunch and dinner every day. Some of my favorite flavors are chocolate, chocolate fudge brownie, cookies and cream, chocolate cookies and cream, oreos n' cream. chocolate oreos n' cream, cookie dough, cake batter, golden oreo, and I also like to try new flavors. I also like sherbet. I have only tried rainbow and orange but I liked them both. They are the only ones at our local Baskin Robbins. Baskin Robbins, Dairy Queen, and Carvel are my favorite ice cream stores. We got to Baskin Robbins because there is one that is close we can walk to eat (although we usually drive). When we go to the store and we buy cartons of ice cream, we usually get whatever is on sale. My favorites are Breyers and Ben and Jerry's. I get mini Ben and Jerry's because I am kind of picky when it comes to food. When it comes to ice cream trucks, however, I like just about everything they sell except Spongbob and Dora ice cream and anything with the nuts. Ice Cream is definitely one of those foods that my sweet tooth advises me to eat.

Mom - I love ice cream. When I was a kid we had ice cream almost every night even in the winter. We  still eat it quite a lot, but not as much as that. We try to stick to portion controlled ice cream, such as Skinny Cow ice cream sandwiches rather than purchasing a carton or two which our family can easily finish in two or three days. My favorite flavor of ice cream is cookie dough. However, I even get sick of that if I eat it too much. I always like to try new flavors of ice cream. As long as it doesn't have fruit or coconut in it and isn't coffee flavored I will try just about any flavor. I love ice creams with candy, cookies, or caramel in them. Occasionally, I will eat plain vanilla or chocolate or something if I have to, but I consider them kind of boring.  My favorite ice cream specialities are Nestle Toll House cookie sandwhiches, Good Humor bars with candy in the middle, and skinny cow ice cream sandwiches. Nestle Toll House cookie sandwiches spoiled me for any other kind of cookies sandwiches except for Skinny cow because  the cookies are so good. The ice cream is just okay though. Nestle Toll House cookie sandwiches with premium ice cream preferably in a more exciting flavor than plain vanilla would be heavenly. It is probably good that they don't make that because I would probably want to eat it way too much. I want to eat ice cream way too much as it is.

And that's our view. What is your favorite flavor of ice cream?

Saturday, August 3, 2013

Saturday Special - Childprotect by DNA Test

 
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  • Every profile is signed by a PhD when it leaves the DDC laboratory
  • A DNA profile is used by police when they find an item (saliva) that contains traces of DNA. By having a DNA profile on hand, the police have something to compare against.  If there is no DNA profile, police need to collect DNA from the child’s home and send it to a laboratory to get the profile.


Friday, August 2, 2013

Funny Friday - Love and Marriage

Me  -

We were talking about Max (a  man) and 99 (a woman) getting married on the show Get Smart so my sister said "99 do you take Max as your lovely wedded wife?"

Mom -

When Aurella was little she said when she grows up she is going to marry her husband's pocketbook.

Another time, Melia asked her "Are you going to marry Nemo?"
"No." replied Aurella. "I am going to marry Gigi." (Gigi was out cat)


We welcome you to share your funny stories with us. Tune in Monday for another Talking Topic.

Thursday, August 1, 2013

Judy Blume

Me - Judy Blume, wow! I love Judy Blume's books. I have read many of her books. I read the whole Fudge series. At first my Mom and Dad got me the whole series as a gift. I didn't want to read it at all. Then, we started reading one in school, and I loved it. I not only read them all, I read them over and over again. They were so funny. I could really relate to a kid whose younger brother always wants to follow him around and copy what he does. My younger sister is the same way. My Mom also got me Are You There God It's Me Margret? I didn't want to read that one either. I ended up like that too, but not as much as the Fudge books. I haven't read Starring Sally J. Freedman as Herself , and I won't. I don't like books about World War II. I read Freckle Juice. I read The One in the Middle is The Green Kangaroo. Technically, I am a middle child too, but my older brother doesn't live with us anymore. Judy Blume is one of my favorite authors.

Mom - When I was young I enjoyed reading Judy Blume books. I don't think I really had a favorite though. I really enjoyed the Fudge books. I think there were only two at the time, and now there are 4. I also really enjoyed Are You There God It's Me Margaret?  I wouldn't read Iggie's house because my best friend moved around the time I was reading Judy Blume books, and it hit a little too close to home. I felt so bad for the fat girl in Blubber that everybody teased her. When I was in middle school, everybody was reading Forever and everybody knew exactly what pages the sex scenes were on. I also have read Judy Blume's books for adults. There were only one or two of them as far as I know. They weren't as good as her children's books, but they were okay. I remember reading Judy Blume's book Wifey when I was only a teenager. The main character had a son named Buck. I told my mother if I had a son I would never name him Buck. She asked what I would do if my husband wanted to name our son, Buck. I said I would get a divorce.

And that's our view. What is your favorite Judy Blume book?