Seattle Mom Blogs

Cross-posted from Because I Must Blog Dammit!

Friday evening several SMBs and one SDB (that would be Seattle Dad Blogger) had the pleasure of attending a demo for Games2U, a mobile gaming theater new to the Seattle market.

One word: Supermegaawesome!

Ok, that was several “words” (and poor grammar), but it’s challenging to articulate how ridiculously fun a temperature controlled 25 ft trailer with seating inside for up to 16-18 kids (or 12 adults comfortably), 6 – 52 inch flat screens (two mounted outside allowing for more room, more players and tournament play), an Xbox, a PS3 and a Wii is.

My son, a huge fan of all that is Lego, busied himself with Lego Batman while my daughter got her game on with Wii Tennis. They had so much fun that when it was time to pack it in, I had to do the 10 minute warning (then the 5 minute, then the 1 minute…you know the drill) because I knew getting them out of there would be a challenge.

This trailer full of awesome boasts more than 51 titles per game system and pulls right up to your home, school or corporate event. Your average party starts at $229, which in my mind, is reasonable considering all that it has to offer.

fun!

Alexis’ sons playing inside and a view of the outside screens

I know what you’re thinking: Why can’t I simply host a video game party at my home with my own gaming system? Well sure you could.

But would you have the space and equipment to facilitate different games at the same time and/or tournament play? Would you have two game assistants on hand who can instruct and assist with any questions? How about super cool laser lighting or the ability to set up laser tag to give the kids a break from gaming and get in a little physical activity?

hamster ball!

And OMG their human sized hamster ball?!
While I didn’t try it this time I’ve added it to my “bucket list”.

What’s more, your party can be topped off with your child being able to shoot candy 50 feet up into the air via the mega cool “candy cannon” for all his /her friends to enjoy. Step aside pinatas, the candy cannon has arrived!

I could go on, but I’m guessing you get that this theater on wheels has just about everything you could want and more.

bouncy!

And if I wasn’t impressed enough with the mobile game theater, Lance, the owner of Games2U (and Clowns Unlimited which rents any kind of party, wedding or corporate event gear you could possibly think of) set up inflatable bouncers and carnival themed games to make sure our kids were thoroughly entertained.

Lance, and the Games2U crew, really are a class act.

He and his staff wowed me with their easygoing yet completely professional manner and their willingness to endure our endless questions and statements like, “wow I’d like this for myself for a grown up party. Can you put a keg in here?”

But I digress. *ahem*

In the words of my 6 year old son, who now cannot wait until his May birthday to play in the game theater again, “Mom it was even way more awesomer than I thought it would be”. And I concur.

So if you’re looking for a great party idea in the Seattle/Eastside area that will make you the coolest parent ever check ‘em out.

**Note – my camera was being uncooperative so these photos are borrowed from G2U, Alexis and Shana and because the FTC has to have it’s hand in everything (ugh) – Disclosure: G2U provided a free demonstration only. This is not a paid review

Thank you for such a HUGE response to Marne’s first EVER Housecleaning Give-Away!

After reading so many submissions, Marne found it nearly impossible to choose just ONE winner!  So…while your nomination may not appear as the first winner, stay tuned!  She will be doing more give-aways in the weeks to come.

Many of you nominated a friend or relative facing a difficult callenge.  Others of you thought about the people having a positive impact in our communities. All were very heartfelt descriptions of individuals that deserve a little pampering simply because of who they are!

That said…the winner of the Housecleaning Give-Away from Marne’s Housecleaning goes out to a Bothell Dad and his 2 teenage daughters! After losing their wife/mom to an incredible fight with cancer, they are doing their best to find their “new normal”. Her story is one of amazing strength and Marne and her team are excited to give them a DAY OFF from cleaning!!!   Congratulations!!

Thank you to all the SMB readers and members who nominated someone who they felt was deserving!

Seattle Mom Blogs has teamed up with our friend, Marne, of Marne’s Cleaning to bring you (or a friend of yours, really) a chance at an awesome giveaway!

Do you know someone who could use some extra hands around the house?   Did they make a New Years resolution to finally attack all those dust bunnies, but now they want someone else to do the dirty work?!  Did they have an especially rough 2009 and you want to lighten their load a little?  Did they just have a baby?  You get the idea…tell Marne why your person deserves some help in this area.

So pay it forward and nominate a friend or family member* today to win a complimentary cleaning!  Tell Marne why the person you nominate should win the prize and have Marne and her team come into their home and help them start 2010 fresh and clean!

Email your nomination BEFORE January 15th to marne@marnescleaning.com (if you reference SMB in your email, then we will be able to post an update here if someone from our site nominated the winner!)

*If you are in cahoots with a friend and you want to team up and agree to nominate each other- go for it!

** Disclaimer- Nominations must live in Marne’s coverage area- Seattle Northward or on the Eastside (sorry South Sounders).

When my husband and I were set on having just one child, I gave away about 85% of all my baby clothing and gear to a dear friend of mine. I arrived at her doorstep with bags, bags, and bags of the wardrobe I had amassed for my son. She moved away and parceled out what I had given her to another person who moved to a tropical island and gave everything to Goodwill. Now two years later, here we are: six months pregnant and scrambling to rebuild that large collection that had served us so well.

Luckily, I have clothing up to six months, a fancy stroller (yay for craigslist), and other necessities: bottles, breast pump, a crib, mattress, Bose headphones (to block out the crying!). But I feel like as prepared as I become, I will forget something and that something will make me want to jump out the window at 3AM because SOMEONE DOESN’T LIKE COLD WIPES.

hat? check! car seat? check! baby in despair? check!

So do you have any advice on newborn essentials for this pregnant woman who has forgotten everything? Were there some items that just saved your life or neat baby gadgets you wish you had? Let me know in the comments and enter to win a $20 Target gift card! If you win, I might see you around the clearance rack! Contest runs from 7AM on 12/22 and ends at 7AM on 12/31. Good luck!

Time’s up! Thanks for entering!

Rules:
1. No duplicate comments.
2. You may receive an additional entry by linking on twitter and leaving a link in the comments.
3. You may receive an additional entry by blogging about this contest and leaving a link in the comments.
4. This giveaway is open to US Residents, aged 18 and older.
5. Winners will be selected via random draw, and will be notified by e-mail.
6. You have 48 hours to get back to me, otherwise a new winner will be selected.

Mona is a pregnant blogger and budding comedienne who is not sponsored by Target, but loves it enough to gift it to you. You can read her blog, kirida dot com.

Thank you everyone for your comments!

The winners have been chosen randomly for the “For Those About to Hop” CD’s!  They are as follows:  Kathryn, Angie (Half Assed Kitchen), Angie, Lisita and Amie!  I”ll be emailing you with the instructions for you to redeem your CD.

Congratulations!  I hope you and your families enjoy listening to this CD together – and even try dancing around the kitchen to it, or whatever tickles your fancy.

And remember, The Imagination Movers will be at The Moore, here in Seattle, TODAY!  But you can also find them on the Disney Channel, weekdays at 9:30am.

Long before I started having children of my own to expose me to the wonderful world of kids music (think Barney here, and don’t run for the hills screaming and holding your head), I was really into music. I blame the great folks of Sesame Street for drilling that “sugar beet” song into my head and other catchy tunes. I remember spending countless hours huddled over my record player, lining up the needle just right to hear my favorite song again and again. And then came the musical “Annie,” which I completely and utterly lost my mind to. My grandparents took me to Seattle to see the live show. I wandered up to the orchestra pit and peered over the edge…finding out where all that music really came from. I hoped, deep down inside, that because I too had red hair, that people would mistake me for the actress in the movie and ask for my autograph…

Well, that never happened.

But, a love for live performance was born. It went nicely with my love of music and to this day I never turn down the offer to see a great band, singer or live show.

Seems I’m passing this along to my kids, which, despite my inability to help them with their math homework, makes me feel like I’m not messing up too bad in the parenting department, on a good day.

Well, let me tell you – not all childrens music is created equal. Not to sound negative, but I’ve had about all the Wiggles, Barney and Chipmunks that I can take – even on a really, really good day. And I struggle to find childrens music that we can all enjoy and appreciate (without the whole bleeding ears thing going on). It isn’t easy. But when I heard The Imagination Movers for the first time, I thought hey, these guys aren’t too shabby.  When their show held my daughter’s attention for more than 2 minutes so I could actually take a shower alone, I was ready to pledge my undying love to each one of those men in the blue suits on the Disney Channel. No kidding.

And now, after talking to Rich Collins, proud “mover” and father of five (yes five) on the phone, my status in my daughter’s eyes has risen to an all time high. I fear the day when I’ll have to top it because I know that day probably doesn’t exist. I’ve never spoken to a real, live childrens programming celebrity before and I didn’t know what to expect. Turns out I had nothing to worry about. Rich was polite, funny, smart and hey – he likes music even more than I do! He told me the story about how he and the other “movers” got started – they were all friends who enjoyed messing around with and listening to music and found themselves at that place where kids start happening and life starts happening (you know, when you’re done with your 20’s) and their group and concept was born. He told me how they had their first “musical performance” at a friend’s wedding shower, where they sang their own version of “Jack and Diane,” which immediately brought me back to a moment in my own childhood when my mom wouldn’t let me listen to that song because of the whole “got his hands between her knees” lyric.  But I didn’t mention that to Rich.

I asked what kind of movers the Imagination Movers were, because Katie really wanted to know.

“We move our minds, using our imaginations to solve problems,” Rich said, “encouraging kids to think, move around and figure things out.”

What other response would you expect from a father of five that tells Warehouse Mouse stories to his 3 year old daughter Sophie on a nightly basis?

The Movers music stems from a variety of genres and Rich explained how each member, Scott, Dave, and Smitty, contribute to the groups songs.  “We are just normal guys who love music,” he stated.  But “normal” is hardly what the Movers are.  When you listen to their latest cd, “For Those About to Hop,” you notice right away that this isn’t just any old kids music and these aren’t just your run-of-the-mill childrens performers.  The fresh beats and funky rhythms jump out from songs that are just the right length for kids, not too long and not too short.  Perfect dancing around the kitchen music, if you ask me.  I was a bit skeptical that they wouldn’t live up to the description that they draw some influence from bands like the Beastie Boys and the Red Hot Chili Peppers, but I was more than surprised.  This is music that we can all listen to, move around to, and even groove to in the car – which is where a lot of our time is spent.

The Imagination Movers are coming to Seattle on December 12th.  They are playing 2 shows at The Moore – click HERE for details and ticket pricing information.

And this is your lucky day!  I have generously been given 5 cds to giveaway.  The lucky winners will receive a copy of the Imagination Movers latest (and most awesome) release, “For Those About to Hop,” which will both thrill and delight any young fans you may have in your home and would make a terrific stocking stuffer.  Just leave a comment here and the winners will be randomly chosen by 12pm, Pacific time, December 12th – just in time to see the show.  Please either include your contact information (ie a working email address) in your comment or make sure it’s accessible via your profile.

Carrie Blankenship can be found most days wading through motherhood, fueld by vanilla lattes with extra foam, at her blog Stop Screaming I’m Driving.  She can also be found dancing around with her kindergartner at the Imagination Movers  concert this Saturday, December 12th.

The temperatures are beginning to plummet here in the Pacific Northwest, as they tend to do in winter around these parts.  With frost every morning, cold noses, and chilly feet no matter how many pairs of wool socks you adorn, it seems nearly impossible to warm up!  Well, have I got news for you – it’s bathing suit weather in Grand Mound.  Yes, you heard me, bathing suit weather.  And if you’re anti-bathing suits, it’s most definitely shorts and t-shirts weather inside Great Wolf Lodge where the winter festivities are in full swing!

This past weekend, Great Wolf Lodge, our favorite close to home place to go,  invited local bloggers (Kathryn, Jenny, Mona, Angie, Carrie, Leslie, Stacey, Liz, Linda, Carrie, Alexis, Kristin, Erin, Shera and Shannon) to stay at a special media rate (hello! bargain!) and take in all the winter wonder for the first time.  There were trees sparkling with thousands of tiny white lights, giant snowflakes hanging from the ceiling and yes folks, it even SNOWED inside the lobby.  Sure, it was a harmless, odorless concotion that evaporated within minutes, but it was still snow.  With the temperatures  holding fast in the low thirties during the day, I’ll take nice, warm, fake snow over the real stuff anyday.  Besides, it’s easier to drive in.

That was a nod to you, Washington State DOT.  You’re welcome.

I’ve only been to Great Wolf Lodge once before, and that was for the Grand Opening Celebration in 2008.  Well, I am surprised and elated to tell you that the place is holding up very well.  In fact, they have even added a few more “perks,” if you will, since I was last there – including the River Canyon Run, which was one of our favorites.  My kids range in age from 6 to 12 and often times, my little one will feel left out because she can’t do all the things her brothers can, well, because she’s 6 and not yet the required 48 inches to ride the Howlin’ Tornado (that’s the huge funnel you can see from the freeway).  Being able to go on one of the “big rides” was a huge deal to her.  Between that and the wave pool, where she alternated between “lifejacket” (you don’t have to bring your own, they provide them for you) and “no lifejacket”  just to keep her parents on their toes!  I mean, what else are 6 year olds for right?  If not to keep their parents on their toes.

Our room was clean, comfy and spacious – providing more than enough room for our family of 5.  And as usual (now this is my most favorite part) it was outfitted with the most deliciously scented toiletries in the world!  Bubble gum scented body wash for the kids (don’t mind if mommy borrows some of that) and vanilla scented lotion and soaps for the adults.  I was hungry everytime I washed my hands.  Which must be on purpose because the food at the lodge is pretty good too.  Now, I normally would not recommend eating every meal there unless you want to deplete your savings account, but one or two meals during a one-night stay is okay.  There are several dining options to choose from depending upon your mood and if it’s too late to bedtime because you spent all your time enjoying the water park or collecting tickets in the arcade, there is always room service!  Oh, sweet, sweet room service.  Let me count the ways…

Oh, and the Starbucks is open, can’t forget that!

We mommybloggers gotta have our Starbucks.

Mommybloggers bonding at Great Wolf Lodge

It was wonderful to be able to experience Great Wolf Lodge in the winter (which is the BEST time to experience the balmy indoor temperatures when it’s freezing outside) with our families and our friends, everyone had so mch fun.  While many of the kids (and Dads) either conked out from riding the slides all day or hung out in the acrade and the g8space “club” for those over 12, us moms got to spend a little time together talking about blogging, parenting and the community that draws us each to one another.  I realized, as I sat a table surrounded by new friends and old, what an incredible gift it is to be able to share this with each other, and with you, our community, during a very cold Pacific Northwest winter.   Our families were treated to breakfast the following morning by John Poole, Director of Sales and Marketing for Great Wolf Lodge, where he went table to table, asking us questions and fielding ours.  It’s an incredible feeling to have a voice “out there” that companies want to appeal to and I feel that our experience as families, first and foremost, was indicative of the quality, care and expertiese that goes into each decision that is made at the lodge.   I have no doubt that my family will be back!

Currently, Great Wolf Lodge is running “Snowland” specials through the month of February.  During this time, special rates (at almost half off the regular booking prices) are available (enter code:  SNOWLAND while making reservations) and it’s no better time to visit the lodge.  Whether you’ve been before or this will be your first time, you are sure to be amazed by the transformation into winter right inside the gigantic front doors.  Your toes will be warm, your smiles will be big and your family will have a blast!  It’s the perfect getaway – or even Christmas gift – for everyone.

**EDIT:  The “Snowland” promotion ends December 30, 2009.  From January 3 – February 11, 2010 use the code:  WINTER to receive amazing deals on your stay at The Great Wolf Lodge!

Carrie can be found writing her way through parenthood at Stop Screaming I’m Driving, where she tries to hold onto her sanity, one vanilla latte extra foam, at a time.

Don’t say ‘lightning doesn’t strike twice’…because for one lucky SMB reader it does!  Also the winner of our Westport, WA getaway contest, Timerie is also the winner of the Grand Prize Family Day in our photo contest!  Her Facebook post (Comment #4) was the winning number drawn from Random.org (out of the 19 entries we received!).  So it does pay to spread the word about our contests!  Congrats…again… Timerie!  You might be the one who forces us to make some more rules for these fun little contests- you might want to book that trip to Vegas now!

Our Second Place winner (another awesome prize!) is Jamie G (Comment #15).

Congrats ladies!!  We have given Rebecca your names and she is waiting for you to contact her.  To claim your prize, please email Rebecca Ellison Photography at info@rebeccaellison.com or call (206)250-9105 to set up your appointments!  Remember to call THIS WEEK to schedule a time so that you can get everything underway and get those prints for the Holiday Season!

Happy Photo Taking!

Boy do we have an AMAZING giveaway for you just in time for the Holidays!!  Enter for a chance to win one of two fabulous portrait session packages with Rebecca Ellison Photography!

Check out her portfolio, she does an amazing job!

To enter:  Leave a comment below (entrants MUST be near the Seattle area).  One entry per person…UNLESS, you link to this contest on Facebook or Twitter, then you can enter twice by leaving a second comment letting us know how you told your friends.

A random winner will be chosen on Nov 8th using Randomizer.org.  If you win and would like your images before the holidays, you need to schedule your photo session with Rebecca within a week of the contest end date to ensure that the photos will be available for the holidays.

Good luck and spread the word!

Thanks to all of you who entered the Win a Beach Getaway contest!  While we would have loved to give away a trip to beautiful Westport to every one of you, there is alas, only one lucky winner.

That winner is Timerie and her family!

Timerie, please email us at info@seattlemomblogs.com to collect your prize! We will put you in touch with Brook at Vacations by the Sea so that you can start planning your Summer getaway!  You are going to absolutely LOVE it there!! Look at all the activities you could do!  We did a lot of #1 and #2, so you’ll have to let us know if you do #3-#10! Westport has some events coming up too.  Check out their calendar to see if you want to plan your trip there around one of these special times.

Also…remember, that if your name isn’t Timerie and you had your heart set on going to Westport, you can still go and take advantage of the discount that they have extended to Seattle Mom Blogs readers!  Just enter the code SEAMOMS at checkout when you reserve your room!

This was fun!  We hope to be able to bring you more fun contests like this in the future!