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Six Flags New England {Giveaway}

So the kids had seen the commercials all over the television, so when I recently told them we were going to spend the day at Six Flags they went totally berserk! Wooohooo! Jumping up and down, yelling, screaming, the whole nine yards. Chris and I were feeling the love.

And it wasn’t just an ordinary day at Six Flags – it was Aidan’s 5th Birthday and those folks did not let us forget it! He got a crown, free games, free ice cream and a birthday celebration, complete with cake and singing, at lunch time! They went all out to make our big guy feel special and it was totally awesome.

Holy rollercoasters. If you are a lover of rollercoasters, this is the place to be. They have eleven!
The place is BIG (284 acres to be exact) with lots of different themed areas for all ages and tons of rides to choose from. I was worried that my littles wouldn’t be able to enjoy the park like a bigger kid would, but I was totally wrong. They had a blast – even the three year old!
Home of New England’s largest water park, Hurricane Harbor. The big kids (7 & 5) couldn’t get enough of this place.

Our morning started with a few showers, but then the skies cleared and the sun came out. We had our own personal tour guide who let us on all the rides without waiting in line – SCORE! The kids were in heaven – and so was Daddy!

I’m so excited to offer a Family Four Pack, which includes FREE PARKING, to one lucky reader at Stowed Stuff! These tickets will be good all season long! And remember, the park is open in the fall months too! You might want to even check out Fright Fest, which is happening on weekends from September 21st – October 27th! Use the Rafflecopter below to enter to win! Good luck!

*Discolsure: A big thank you to the folks at Six Flags New England for a super duper fun-filled day at VIP Media Weekend! We had a blast!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Filed Under: Day Trips, Giveaways, Massachusetts, Reviews, Travel 30 Comments

Fenway Park Photo Tour

27 Jun Leave a Comment

“Big Papi”

Daniel Nava

Dustin Pedroia

On the Green Monster

With Wally

The outfield

Ted Williams’ home run bleacher seat

Annie in the Bud Right Field Roof Deck

The scoreboard

Pitchers before the game

Media booths

A big thank you to the Red Sox for inviting us to tour Fenway, watch batting practice and catch a game. It’s such an amazing ballpark and we can’t wait to go back in July with the big kids for their first Fenway experience. On July 27, 2013 the Boston Red Sox will celebrate minor league baseball in a major way as Futures at Fenway returns, with tickets starting as low as $5! So if you have yet to take your kids to the park (just like us), this would be the perfect day to do it. There’ll be lots to do at this family-friendly game day:

Watch the Portland Sea Dogs take on Harrisburg Senators
Family-friendly ticket and concession prices
Dog Day at Fenway – for the first time ever, fans can bring their dogs to the ballpark (free of charge) and participate in canine-themed acitivities like pre-game dog parade, rest areas, water bowls and a photo station!
Post game performance by chart-topping artists, the KIDZ BOP Kids!

Gates will open at 11am and game time is 12pm. For tickets, visit www.redsox.com/futures or call (877) REDSOX – 9. You won’t pay more than $30/seat, so see you there!

Filed Under: Day Trips, Events, Lifestyle, Massachusetts, Motherhood, Reviews, Travel Leave a Comment

The Big Apple Circus Is Back in Boston

2 Apr 3 Comments

On Saturday afternoon, we had the pleasure of attending the Big Apple Circus at City Hall Plaza in Boston. We saw their 35th anniversary production – LEGENDARIUM!

Clowning Around

What an amazing show. We took our seats under the traditional big top, where all the fun would happen. There’s not a bad seat in the house. Well, unless you are afraid of clowns and getting pulled into the show. Yup, that’s right. Chris sat on the end of our row and was lucky enough to get to make out with Madame Acrobuffos. It was HILARIOUS. And those two clowns were so funny. They may have stolen the show.

Daddy gets pulled right into the Big Apple Circus

Every single act was spectacular. The Big Apple Circus Band made everything under the Big Top that much more enjoyable with their traditional circus songs of yesteryear!

One of Mommy’s Favorite Acts!

Some helpful tips:

We parked across the street from the big top at the Government Center Parking Garage for $11. It’s literally right across the street. It’s the most convenient place to park.
Running time is 2 hours, including a 15 minute intermission
Bathrooms are outside the big top (port-a-potties and trailer bathrooms)
Food is available: hot dogs, pretzels, cotton candy, juice boxes, water, soda, candy and popcorn
The Big Top is heated in cold weather and air-conditioned when it’s warm, for all -season comfort!

Legendarium is now playing at Boston City Hall plaza through May 12th, 2013. Tickets for LEGENDARIUM start at $20 and are available at bigapplecircus.org or by calling (888) 541-3750. Premium seating is available for all Saturday, Sunday, and Patriots’ Week shows. The Circus Box Office on City Hall Plaza is open Saturday, Sunday and Monday from 10am to 6pm and Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday from 10am to 8pm.

This show was so much fun for the whole family! Buy your tickets today! A big thank you to the Big Apple Circus for letting us see the show – it was spectacular!

Filed Under: Day Trips, Events, Lifestyle, Massachusetts, Motherhood, Reviews, Travel 3 Comments

Win A Family Four Pack to the Big Apple Circus!

10 Mar 12 Comments

The Big Apple Circus presents Legendarium: A Journey into Circus Past

The big top will be back at City Hall Plaza (Government Center) from March 26 – May 12, 2013. We simply cannot wait to see this show! Tickets start at just $20 and are available at bigapplecircus.org or at the Circus Box Office at City Hall Plaza.

Desire of Flight

Quinterion

“Travel back to when circus traditions were born and witness incredible acts that would have had the villagers chattering for days! The courageous mid-air flips and catches of a man on the trapeze! A captivating contortionist whose flexibility is as impressive as her steadfast poise! An agile, adept acrobat and her strapping suitors! A swaying wire act of sure-footed strength and stability! The dizzying delights of a daring inventor in his tumbling, twirling hoop! The stunning, soaring beauty of a pair on aerial straps and a woman held aloft by hanging silks! A jaw-dropping juggling tango team performing to passionate rhythms! Bicyclists whose spinning wheels turn smooth and speedy stunts! Majestic horses with graceful gaits and playful pups with teasing tricks! And what circus would be complete without bumbling clowns who bring the spirit of timeless comedy?! It’s all led by an affable Ringmaster and the great Big Apple Circus Band playing the iconic songs of yesteryear! So run away with the Big Apple Circus and reliveBig Tops of old in a memorable one-ring show for the ages!”

So how would you like to win a family four pack to the Big Apple’s Legendarium? I’m giving away 4 tickets to the 12:30pm performance on Easter Sunday, 3/31/13. Please do not enter to win unless you are sure you are able to attend on this date and time. Tickets are non-transferrable. Enter to win using the Rafflecopter below! Good luck!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

* Disclosure: We were invited to attend a press performance of the Big Apple’s Lengendarium in order to bring you this information and exciting giveaway! See you at the circus!

Filed Under: Day Trips, Events, Giveaways, Lifestyle, Massachusetts, Travel 12 Comments

Monster Trucks at Monster Jam 2013

16 Feb 3 Comments

Chris (Father of the Year) took Aidan and his cousin Tommy to see Monster Jam at the DCU Center last night. Aidan has been a big fan of Monster Trucks on the YouTube since, well, forever. Last night, all his dreams finally came true. Just don’t forget your ear protection!! You can purchase your tickets to Monster Jam here.

And if that’s not enough, check out our awesome video!

Got a little guy who loves monster trucks? Buy him one just like the ones you see at Monster Jam!

Filed Under: According to Chris, Day Trips, Events, Lifestyle, Massachusetts, Motherhood, Reviews 3 Comments

7 Reasons to Visit the Ocean Explorium

21 Jan 2 Comments

Emily was surfing the web with grandad on Saturday morning. She wanted to do something fun. She wanted to go to an aquarium. Since the New England Aquarium is currently under construction, Mystic came to mind. But who knew that she’d find an aquarium that was just 20 minutes away from Grandma and Grandad’s house?

She came running into our bedroom and excitedly asked, “Can we go to the aquarium? We found one in New Bedford!” Why, sure! Sounds fun to me! So all seven of us hopped into the Traverse for a quick jaunt down 195 to New Bedford’s Ocean Explorium. If you’ve got littles who like the idea of underwater life, it’s an easy, must-do family day trip!

First and foremost, they have a Ray and Shark Touch Tank! Think wet marshmallow. If you have yet to touch a sting ray, this is the place to do it. We couldn’t get enough. And sharks!? How often do you get to stroke a shark?! Amazingly cool. Loved it, loved it, loved it!
Science on a Sphere provides narrated programs on the oceans, Earth and planets and stars. I thought I was in space!
No crowds. We went on a Saturday morning at about 11am on a long weekend. We got plenty of alone time with the rays and sharks and weren’t bumping into anyone. It’s totally a low-key, hidden gem.
They have a playroom for the littles filled with fun ocean themed toys! There’s even a treasure chest sandbox!
Seahorses, jellyfish and plenty of crafts! We got to experience “water week” and the kids (and Chris) had a blast exploring chromatography! Everyone made super cool bookmarks!
They have a Young Ocean Explorers group for kids between the ages of two and five. The group meets every Monday from 10:30-noon where they learn about a featured creature, hear stories, sing songs and make crafts! Sounds fun to me!
It’s small and fun. It’s just the right size for kids who are between the ages of two and eight years old.

Thanks, Emily. The whole family had fun. We spent two hours exploring every nook and cranny. It’s the perfect place to go if you are looking for a morning out that is different, low-key and fun! Who knew? And if you’re hungry for lunch after petting the sharks and rays like we were, head on over to Freestones City Grill! Another major score. They’ve got a huge menu (including a huge selection of fun beers on tap) and the building dates back to 1877! It’s just a few blocks away from Ocean Explorium and was super YUM!

Thanks New Bedford! We’ll be back to see more this spring! So what are your favorite day trips in and around Massachusetts that are fun for the whole family? Dare to share?

Filed Under: Day Trips, Food and Drink, Lifestyle, Massachusetts, Motherhood, Reviews, Travel 2 Comments

5 Reasons to Take Your Kids Skiing at Wachusett

2 Jan 5 Comments

Chris took the big kids skiing on New Year’s Eve. Talk about checking one off the list at the last minute! While I was busy shopping at the mall, the kids got their very first ski lesson with their amazing daddy. Here are Chris’s five reasons why Wachusett Mountain is a great place to take your kids to learn to ski.

1. So easy. You just drop the kids off and the friendly instructors take care of the rest.

That’s right! No messing with rentals or whiny kids. Helmets are even included. They just need to be dressed in their snow gear and they’re ready to go. This is the best thing about the Polar Kids program.

2. It’s nearby.

The mountain is about an hour from Boston and just over an hour from Providence. We left home at about 10:30 and were at the mountain by 11:45. This minimizes the “Are we there yet?” problem.

3. The lesson lasts for more than three hours.

Parents get time to ski and the kids have time to learn without being rushed. The Polar Kids learning area is fenced off from the rest of the skiers and conveniently located in the base area between two lifts so you can check in on them from time to time and get those priceless photos.

Emily skiing at Wachusett

4. Hot chocolate break!

Kids get tired. Even though the lesson is 3+ hours long they get a break to warm up and have a snack.

5. The kids love it.

They were asking when we could come back again before we got in the car. Emily couldn’t stop talking about her instructor and the magic tricks he had done during their break! The instructors work really hard to make it enjoyable.

Aidan skiing

I can’t believe they’ve got their first ski lesson under their belts at 4 and 7. I’m so proud of them. Have you taken your kids skiing yet? Where did you go? We’d love to hear how it went!

Filed Under: According to Chris, Lifestyle, Massachusetts, Motherhood, Reviews, Travel 5 Comments

Five Reasons to Go See The Grinch

29 Nov Leave a Comment

We had the pleasure of attending Broadway’s #1 holiday hit Dr. Seuss’ How the Grinch Stole Christmas! The Musical last Friday night. If you’re thinking about taking the family or going on a fun date night, don’t delay. The show is only in Boston until December 9th.

We took Emily and my nephew and left the Stow boys at home. We were happy we didn’t bring Mr. two-year-old because we think he may have been a bit frightened by Mr Grinch and his amazingness. But Aidan just didn’t have any interest in coming along, so we didn’t fight it. He stayed home with Auntie Kathy.

It was a super duper show for the six-year-old cousins. The drive into Boston alone and seeing Christmas lights on houses was a cheap thrill. But once we set foot in The Citi Performing Arts Center Wang Theatre and took our seats, their faces really lit up.

Buy your tickets before it’s too late! Here are five reasons why you need to go:

The Grinch, himself. He’s played by Jeff McCarthy and he’s absolutely amazing on stage. His costume rocks, his make-up is perfect and his voice is spot-on. My favorite moments were when he told an old lady in the audience that he hated her and when he finally managed to sputter out the words “Merry Ca Ca Ca Ca Ca Ca Ca Ca Christmas!”
Getting all dickied up for a TIME is fun, especially at the Wang Theatre.
You get to sing along with the cast to “You’re A Mean One, Mr. Grinch!”
REAL snow will fall. It will fall ON YOU if you sit up close like we did! There will be streamers too!
Running time is about 90 minutes with no intermission – perfect for the kiddos!

A big thank you to the folks at The Grinch for letting us see this amazing show on opening night. We had a blast! All opinions belong to Annie.

Filed Under: Day Trips, Events, Massachusetts, Motherhood, Reviews Leave a Comment

It’s Not Too Early for Apple Picking

3 Sep Leave a Comment

Many folks are still in summer mode (believe me, I’m one of them), but if you want to take your family apple picking this season, you should start thinking about apples sooner than later! The orchards are ready and seem to be about ten days ahead of schedule! If you hold off and wait until late September, you just might miss your chance to pick your own! We missed our chance last year altogether due to the storms and weather that affected the crops, so we weren’t going to miss it this year. We got an early start yesterday at Sweet Berry Farm in Middletown, RI.

Apple Picking 2012 Sweet Berry Farm Middletown, RI

The post-and-beam farmhouse is gorgeous. They offer sweets and savories of all sorts and the setting is just lovely. It was hot yesterday, and the farmhouse is not air-conditioned, so I want to venture back another day when it’s cooler so I can really poke around. It was even too hot for Susanna’s Ice Cream. It was also 10am. I will be back, Susanna.

The apple picking was just OK. A lot of the apples had already passed their prime in the pick-your-own section we were allowed to roam. We purchased a peck at $16. I was hoping for more varieties of apples, a few animals, a hayride for the kids and some cider donuts. I much prefer The Big Apple in Wrentham, MA. where the experience is really geared toward children.

So, like I said, the apples will most likely be gone before you know it. Plan your apple picking family outing now before it is too late. Where will your family go?

Here is a list of some local Massachusetts orchards where you can pick your own apples:

Honey Pot Hill Orchards
Belkin Family Lookout Farm
Shelburne Farm
Tougas Family Farm
Smolak Farms
Russell Orchards
The Big Apple