Lego

5 Reasons to Check Out The LEGO® Batman™ Movie Days at Legoland California

February 20, 2017 by Danielle

The bat-signal is out – will LEGO® Batman™ save the weekend? On Friday, tundreds of children and LEGO® Batman fans raised placards creating a human bat-signal at LEGOLAND® California Resort officially kicking off The LEGO® Batman™ Movie Days on February 18-19 and 25-26. The signal was a success as LEGO Batman made an appearance surprising guests in attendance.

Our family was invited to check out the festivities and boy did we have fun! With guest appearances from their favorite movie characters, to fun activities and more, checking out the LEGO Batman Movie Days at Legoland California was the highlight of our weekend.

5 Reasons to Check Out LEGO® BATMAN™ Movie Days at Legoland California

During The LEGO Batman Movie Days, guests will get a chance to:

Meet LEGO Batman
Search for villains during a scavenger hunt in Miniland U.S.A.
Build their own batmobile to race against other guests
Test their inner model builder skills by helping create a life-size LEGO Batman and LEGO Robin
Help build a special mystery mosaic mural inspired by the film

The LEGO Batman Movie Days activities are included in the price of admission to LEGOLAND California Resort on the weekends of February 18-19 & 25-26.

Legoland Batman stunt at Legoland California on Friday, February 17, 2017.(Photo by Sandy Huffaker/Legoland

Who’s your favorite LEGO Batman Movie character?

Top 10 Gifts for 8 Year Old Boys

December 9, 2016 by Danielle

I’m not sure if it’s just me or it my friends are also having this same problem but as the kids get older I’m finding that it’s harder and harder to find out exactly what they want for Christmas. Or, as I’m experiencing with my son, things change from week to week so the one thing you thought was at the top of their list is now just eh. Frustrating, right?

Well this year I did a bit of research and if you’re like me and have an 8 year old boy, I’ve got you covered! Different price points, different types of toys, and all perfect 8 year old gifts.

Stikbot Studio

Create , Animate and Share! Stikbot Studio Pro is the perfect way to get kids interested in stop motion video. This set include 1 tripod , 2 stikbots (solid red and solid orange color, 2in1 stage green and blue screen. With green screen , you can capture the best photo and video and save time editing. Easily cut and edit footage to create the sequence you need by using green screen. You can digitally recreate the background of your scene

Buy here on Amazon (Prime available): http://amzn.to/2guca5u

LEGO Sets

What 8 year old doesn’t love LEGO sets? From Minecraft to LEGO City to Superheros, LEGO sets come in all themes, sizes, and price points. Perfect for boys or girls.

Video Games

My son is obsessed with video games. But of course he loves the ones that aren’t actually available to purchase easily. Top of his list? The Isle, Subnautica, and Terraria.

IDo3D Vertical

IDO3D uses a cool blue LED light and soft, squeezable 3D pens that enable you to easily draw 3D objects! The IDO3D Vertical light attaches to each pen by clicking firmly into place. The light can easily be removed from one pen, and placed on another by simply pulling it off, and popping it onto another. It’s a snap!

With IDO3D Vertical, you can draw vertically, straight into the air. To do so, turn on your light, and simply draw upward by squeezing your pen and moving the tip vertically, away from your drawing surface. You can also make solid sheets of material by drawing on flat or curved surfaces, first with the light off, and curing afterward by shining the light on your art. Draw on non-sticky textured materials or objects like coins or buttons, and then remove for very cool effects.

Buy here on Amazon (Prime available): http://amzn.to/2hjPMeN

Osmo

Osmo is an award-winning hands-on game system, fosters creativity & problem solving skills. The starter kit incldues 4 games – Words: puzzle form spelling, Newton: creative problem solving, Tangram: expand your visual thinking, and Masterpiece: supercharged drawing and is designed for kids 5-12. So siblings can play along as well!

From coding to tangrams to everything in between, my kids are obsessed with Osmo. Their current favorites are the Osmo Coding and Osmo Pizza Co.

Cosmo

Now this is one of those gifts my husband checked out before the holiday season and purchased as a joint gift for himself AND the two older kids. Yeah, you read that right. A gift for him and the kids. But boy were his instincts right! Cozmo is a real-life robot like you’ve only seen in movies, with a one-of-a-kind personality that evolves the more you hang out.

Cozmo expresses real emotions in response to your actions. He requires a free app and the processing power of your compatible mobile phone/tablet to access high level robotics functions that brings Cozmo to life. New games and upgrades are unlocked the more you play.

Cosmo may be hard to get now but keep an eye on when he comes back in stock: http://amzn.to/2gqt3sY

Dart Zone Magnum Superdrum Blaster

One way to get my kid out of the house (and off his video games) is to start a fun game of war. And this Dart Zone Magnum Superdrum Blaster is the perfect accessory for a friendly competition.

Grab yours here: http://amzn.to/2hjHEKY

Minecraft anything

What kid doesn’t love Minecraft, right? My son is still just as obsessed with Minecraft now as he was last year. And while he has the game, he still wants all of the toys, t-shirts, and stuffed animals out there. So many options for a Minecraft lover!

Magic Treehouse Box Sets

One thing I love finding for each kid is a good book for them for the new year and the Magic Treehouse series is one my son enjoys reading with us and by himself. Anything that will get him to read is a win-win in my book!

Grab books 1-4 here (more available if you’ve already read these!): http://amzn.to/2hk2DuC

Little Live Pets

I don’t know what it is about these little guys but both my 6 year old and 8 year old are obsessed with them. There are turtles, frogs, and mice available and each has their own little habitat they come in (or you can purchase them separately.

Check em out here: http://amzn.to/2htBjxg

What are your kids asking for under the tree?

Filed Under: gift ideas, Toys, Uncategorized Tagged With: books, Christmas gifts, Cosmo, educational gifts, gift, gifts for kids, holiday gift guide, IDo3D, Lego, Little Live Pets, Magic Treehouse, Minecraft, Osmo, STEM, Stikbot Studio, Video Games

Why Legoland Heartlake City Isn’t Just For Girls

June 5, 2015 by Danielle

When we told the kids that we were planning a trip to Legoland, after being invited to check out the grand opening of Heartlake City, my son proclaimed, “I don’t want to go! Heartlake City is for girls!”

Now we have always been one for gender equality and not pushing gender roles on our kids. My daughter plays with trucks, my son plays with our kitchen set, both enjoy imaginative play where they dress up and play pretend. They both also equally help my husband when he’s working on the cars, help me with dinner before my husband comes home from school, etc. But that’s another post.

We’ve never pushed one toy or another onto them however they’ve both naturally gravitated to gender stereotype toys when they play on their own. And that’s ok. Both love LEGOs. Blue, green, pink, purple, or yellow.

The morning of the event I asked him again if he wanted to check out Heartlake City. Because a trip to go visit Heartlake City meant a trip to Legoland. He thought about it for all of a second and then exclaimed, “I want to go to Heartlake City! It’s not for girls!”

While he was at school, my daughters and I enjoyed Heartlake City on our own. We built horses and other LEGO creations in the Heartlake Stables, rode the carousel at Mia’s Riding Camp, and enjoyed a crepe at the City Park Creperie (side note: I highly suggest the nutella crepe!).

Once he got out of school, my husband picked him up and drove up to meet us at the park. My daughter was stoked to bring them both to Heartlake City to show them around and share what she had gotten to do all morning.

From watching my daughter’s favorite LEGO Friends of Heartlake City dance and sing on stage to splashing around at the splash pad, both my son and my daughter had a blast exploring LEGOLAND Heartlake City.

I’m fairly certain my son won’t complain about Heartlake City at Legoland California being “just for girls” again.

Why Legoland Heartlake City Isn’t Just For Girls

LEGOs – Just like everywhere else in the park, the kids can get hands on and build in the Heartlake Stables. Sure, there are pink and purple LEGOs. But they’re amongst a sea of blues, greens, reds, and yellows.
Rides – The kids both loved riding the carousel at Mia’s Riding Camp. Horses are for boys and girls last I checked.
Splash Pad – Running through the splash pad is awesome. And it cools the kids down on a hot summers day.
Crepes – Amongst other treats found in Heartlake City (you can also try Wok n’ Bowl for some delicious ramen), the nutelle crepe can speak for itself. Enough said.
Family Friendly Fun – Just like everywhere else in the park, Heartlake City is filled with family friendly fun that everyone can enjoy. Sure there’s lots of pink and purple. I don’t see why pink and purple can’t be in other areas of the park too.

My daughter can’t stop talking about the fun she had with me on our adventure together. And my son wants to go back again and is already planning a return trip when he gets out of school. Because they’re kids. And LEGOLAND is fun for kids. Ok, it’s fun for adults too…

And next time? We’re tackling the LEGO CHIMA Water Park.

What are you looking forward to checking out at LEGOLAND California this summer?

Planning a trip to Legoland CA soon? Check out our highlights:

For more Legoland CA fun, check out these great posts:
The LEGO Movie 4D at Legoland CA
LEGOLAND California Holiday Snow Days
5 Reasons Why Star Wars Lovers Should Visit Legoland California
Top 5 Things to Do at Legoland California When You’re 5

Filed Under: Lego, San Diego, Travel, Uncategorized Tagged With: attractions, Carlsbad, Heartlake City, Lego, LEGO Friends, Legoland, Legoland California, Legoland Heartlake City, San DIego, theme parks

Lego Duplo Party Playdate with HouseParty #LegoDuploParty

August 19, 2012 by Danielle

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Our HouseParty Lego Duplo Playdate was an absolute blast!

I had so much fun figuring out what foods to serve, how to decorate, and how to keep the little ones entertained. Now normally when we have a playdate I grab whatever’s in the fridge and whip it up into something appealing for both the mamas and little ones.

HouseParty was kind enough to send along 4 of Lego Duplo’s new Read & Build Kits for us to play with!

2 of the 4 Read & Build kits were raffled off to my guests to take home with them so they could continue the fun. The other guests assured me they’d be picking up a few kids of their own because the kids had so much fun!

For this party I wanted to get a bit creative and really play on the Lego theme.

The Lego Party Food

I started by creating a Lego Duplo Pinterest Board. I was able to find amazing ideas and creations from other pinners, bloggers, online articles, and sites. I had grand plans of cookies, skewers, and more detailed goodies but when it came down to it, I stuck with the basics. Foods my 1-4 year olds would love AND eat.

You can read all about the food I served here.

The Lego Party Decor

Then I started thinking about the decorations I wanted to use. There were plenty of ideas for using the legos in the design of the party so I started with the basics, a simple lego brick, and built on that. I absolutely LOVED the fun use of lego-themed garland most of the sites posted but a majority of them were birthday themed.

So instead of going the wording route, I simply stuck to construction paper, scissors, and tape.

From there I decided to add a few more touches to the food decorations by turning the cups into lego heads, adding a lego head in between my two platters to serve the lego brick foods, and made a few empty boxes into legos to go with the theme.

You can read all about the decorations I made here.

Lego Duplo Read & Build

I wanted to make sure that the Lego Duplo Read & Build kits were front and center throughout the party so I included them on the bar area of my kitchen right at eye level so that as people served themselves they’d see the boxes.

Alongside the Read & Build storybook kits were the Lego red plates and Duplo napkins that came in my HouseParty kit. I also was excited to pass out Lego Duplo play guides, magnets, and stickers to each of my guests.

Two of the sets were opened for the kids to play with on the table. I filled up a vase with some extra bricks we had lying around (shhh… don’t tell, these aren’t LEGO brand). The rest of our collection of Lego Duplo blocks were kept in the playroom on our train table so the kids could build and create as they pleased.

Play Time

Because I had two areas set up for the kids, the adults were able to converse and chit chat as the kids played around us. I loved having the playroom set up for the majority of the Lego fun. It made clean up a breeze and allowed a great space to build and create.

Although a few of my other toys were quite appealing and the kids quickly spread throughout the house with more than just Legos in hand.

I’m sure if I had a bit more time, help, and money I could have done more but the simplicity of this party was perfect. The kids had an absolute blast playing, building, and reading.

Disclaimer: I received a HouseParty Lego Duplo Party Kit in exchange for hosting a Lego Duplo Party. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers.

Filed Under: Lego, Party Ideas, Uncategorized Tagged With: Lego, Lego Decorations, Lego Duplo, Lego Duplo Party, Lego Duplo Party Decorations, Lego Kid Party, Lego Party, Lego Party Decor, Lego Party Decorations, Lego Party Ideas

Lego Duplo Party {The Decorations}

August 19, 2012 by Danielle

I have been looking for a chance to throw a Lego themed party for quite a while. Pinterest has added to this obsession (along with a lot of other party themes I want to attempt).

HouseParty sent out an awesome hostess kit that included 4 Read & Build kits, a Lego Duplo poster (pictured below), Lego red plates, Lego Duplo napkins, and some awesome Lego goodies for my guests to take home including magnet frames, stickers, and a Lego Duplo fun guide.

I was excited to use my new large chalkboard and incorporated it into the party by copying the Lego logo on it with chalk. The logo was very simple and straight forward and I was pretty happy with how it turned out. I added duplo to the bottom and *almost* attempted to draw the Duplo bunny but didn’t want to mess anything up.

The decorations started with a garland of Lego bricks. I grabbed a stack of red, green, and blue 8×11 construction paper and cut 8×5 bricks out. I used the scraps to make circles (and used an HonestTea bottle cap as my template).

I adhered the circles onto the bricks with tape. Once I had enough of each color I used a hole punch to punch out the circles in the corners and strung the bricks up together with red yarn. I then hung the garland up in the kitchen where I was serving the food.

I added a little fun to the drink cups by turning each cup into a Lego head. Each cup matched the Lego guy I put on top of the cups .

In order to make a tiered serving tower I covered up a soup can with some construction paper and drew a Lego face on it as well to tie in with the theme.

To show off the Lego Duplo Read & Build kits I opened two up and put them on my dining room table. I grabbed one of my vases and added some blocks to make a colorful display. The kids were able to play with the new Read & Build storybook sets at the table and create fun animals as we read the Busy Farm story.

Filed Under: Lego, Uncategorized Tagged With: Lego, Lego Decorations, Lego Duplo, Lego Duplo Party, Lego Duplo Party Decorations, Lego Kid Party, Lego Party, Lego Party Decor, Lego Party Decorations, Lego Party Ideas

Lego Duplo Party {The Food}

August 19, 2012 by Danielle

As I mentioned in my party post, I wanted to keep this party focused on the basics. With a few simple decorations and some doctored up fun foods our party was the perfect Lego Duplo

To show off the drink cups a bit more I covered them in yellow paper and drew little faces on each of the cups to represent a different Lego guy. If you look closely you can see that each face actually matches the Lego on top of (and hanging from) the cups.

Munchies were also Lego themed. We went with peanut butter and honey sandwiches and cheese and crackers.

The peanut butter and honey sandwiches were super simple and fun! I made the sandwiches, cut off the crust (and ate them!), and cut the sandwiches in half.

Then I used my smallest round biscuit cutter to cut out small holes out of another slice of bread. I used some more peanut butter to adhere the bread to the top of the sandwiches. Two for each rectangle.

If you have a peanut allergy you can easily use sunflower butter instead. Or make the sandwiches with meat and use cream cheese to adhere the bread dots to the top. I was also considering making cucumber and cream cheese sandwiches as well. There are endless possibilities!

The cheese and crackers used the same techniques. I slathered two crackers with cream cheese and sandwiched in a piece of cheese in the middle. Then I used the cream cheese to adhere some cheese circles to the tops of the cracker sandwiches.

I had all intentions to coat these rectangle sandwich cookies with red, green, and blue chocolate and cover them with little m&m dots but time got away from me so I simply served them as is. Not as exciting but still fit the theme! And the kids couldn’t get enough of them.

As a play on the Lego guy’s head shape I made some watermelon & feta skewers for the mamas. This is my latest favorite combo and adding a bit of basil makes this a super tasty bite on a stick. You can also cube up the watermelon, toss with feta and basil, and serve as you would a salad!

In order to satisfy the mamas at the party I decided to throw together a simple quiche. Honestly, there’s nothing special about it. And really… it’s more of an egg bake in a pre-made frozen pie crust. I simply combined cooked sausage, spinach, 6 eggs, a cup of cheese, a cup of cottage cheese, some salt and pepper and poured it into the crust. I then baked until it smelled done (maybe 35 minutes?) and pulled it out.

And the color is yellow like a Lego head, right? Haha… might be too much of a stretch.

Yum!

If you were planning a Lego Duplo party what would you serve?

Filed Under: Lego, Party Ideas, Uncategorized Tagged With: Kids Parties, Lego, Lego Duplo, Lego Duplo Party, Lego Kid Party, Lego Party, Party Planning, playdate, Playdate ideas, Playdates

5 Reasons to Check Out The LEGO® Batman™ Movie Days at Legoland California

5 Reasons to Check Out LEGO® BATMAN™ Movie Days at Legoland California

Who’s your favorite LEGO Batman Movie character?

Top 10 Gifts for 8 Year Old Boys

Stikbot Studio

LEGO Sets

Video Games

IDo3D Vertical

Osmo

Cosmo

Dart Zone Magnum Superdrum Blaster

Minecraft anything

Magic Treehouse Box Sets

Little Live Pets

What are your kids asking for under the tree?

Why Legoland Heartlake City Isn’t Just For Girls

Why Legoland Heartlake City Isn’t Just For Girls

What are you looking forward to checking out at LEGOLAND California this summer?

Lego Duplo Party Playdate with HouseParty #LegoDuploParty

Lego Duplo Party {The Decorations}

Lego Duplo Party {The Food}

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danielle@acraftyspoonful.com

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