The Children’s Museum of Atlanta's 10th Birthday Celebration

The Children's Museum of Atlanta is turning 10! Thanks to incredible members, visitors, and sponsors, they have been providing children and their families with a fun and safe place to play and learn for ten years. In honor of this momentous occasion, they are inviting all children and their caregivers for a magnificent birthday celebration on March 2, 2013. In the spirit of celebration, the Museum will offer all visitors $10 admission on Saturday, March 2 and Sunday, March 3, 2013.* 

The celebration will include a party hat decoration station, face painting, birthday games, crafts, cake, and a dance party with the Imaginators. Visitors will also have the opportunity to share birthday wishes to the Museum by signing a giant birthday card.

Families may leave the Museum for lunch and return with their ticket stubs for the remainder of the festivities.

Schedule:

11:00 AM – 3:00 PM - Birthday Hat Decorating

11:00 AM – 3:00 PM - Face Painting

11:00 AM, 1:00 PM, and 3:00 PM - Birthday Games. Join the Imaginators for timeless birthday games like Pin the Tail on the Donkey and Musical Chairs.

12:00 PM and 2:00 PM - Dance Party! Join the Imaginators on the dance floor to sing Happy Birthday to the Museum and learn the Electric Slide, Hokey Pokey, the Bunny Hop, and the Cupid Shuffle!

*$10 admission is only offered March 2 – 3, 2013 during regular business hours and cannot be combined with other offers or discounts. The Museum expects this to be a sold out event. Advance ticket purchases are recommended.

Museum hours: Monday through Friday 10:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. and Saturday and Sunday 10:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. Admission is $12.75 plus tax for adults and children ages 2 and above; children under 2 are free. The Children’s Museum is located in the Lucky Marietta District at 275 Centennial Olympic Park Drive NW.

For more information or to support The Children's Museum of Atlanta, visit their website at www.childrensmuseumatlanta.org or call 404.659.KIDS [5437].

Pizza Night! #WW

Bring on Spring!

Its finally almost March! We have been doing a lot to get ready for Spring in our house. Lots of cleaning and planning and organizing. The big spring purge so to speak. Trying to get everything in order before the nice weather hits full steam and we are almost never home.

The first step was getting the boys set up for Spring sports. I gave D the option of what he wanted to do this year between soccer, t-ball, or trying something new like martial arts or basketball. He declare that he is too short for basketball but he wanted to try being a martian. Sigh. Once I finally convinced him that martial arts does not, in fact, turn you into an alien that can fly spaceships, he settled for T-ball again. I think that is probably the best compromise  He loved it in the fall and I thing its something he will enjoy again. Soccer was so not his thing.

K on the other hand, picked soccer. Of course that was kind of the only choice I gave him but he was happy with it. Until we got the roster. He was going to be the youngest on his team by almost a full year and I just didn't think that would ever work. One, because he is already short for his age and that could lead to maximum trample-ability. Two, he is also still kind of.. sensitive? I guess that's the nicest way to put it. He doesn't share well and so a team sport like that might not be best after all. So, I pulled him out of soccer and signed him up for T-ball with his brother. He was much more excited about that prospect than soccer so I guess that's a good thing.

The other thing I have been working on has been clearing out some of the clutter. Paper-wise mostly. I still have paperwork from cars I don't even own anymore. Things from appliances that have long been rusting in some dump. Heck, even papers from dogs that died years ago. I guess I am some what of a paper pack-rat. I am one of those that usually holds on to papers was longer than I should. I have copies of my very first tax return. 14 years ago. Its bad, you guys. A purge has been long over due. Now I just have to figure out how to organize the stuff I have left.

I am also working more on myself than I have in a long time. I started therapy to deal with my life's drama and it is teaching me ways to deal with my grief and anxiety so that I can be a better me. Its like a burden has been lifted. To have an objective opinion on all the things I have gone through in the last 8 years and why I feel the need to hold onto the toxic people in my life. Something that I am learning to reverse.

I am also losing weight again. You may remember I lost 30lbs about this time last year but that was where it stopped. While I didn't gain any of that back, I never lost any more either. Life just got in the way. This time though, I have a goal. My half marathon goal. I have to lose the weight and get in shape. Its for serious time and having a goal has made me that much more determined. You can see over there in my side bar that so far, I have lost 22lbs since January. Not bad. Slow and steady. I am officially the weight I was right after D was born. Next milestone: the weight I was before I got pregnant with D.

So, like I said I am getting ready for Spring to hit us full force. I actually have a few exciting things coming up for me personally and for RMM this year starting this Spring so that is something to look forward to as well. The problem is, Spring just doesn't seem to want to spring quite yet.

Egg-citing Easter Events at Atlanta @SimonMalls

Image by Simon

Looking for some eggs-tra special fun this Spring? Hop on Over to Northlake Mall, Mall of Georgia and Town Center at Cobb where kids are invited to grab their best baskets and see the Easter Bunny! This year, Northlake Mall, Mall of Georgia and Town Center at Cobb have all kinds of family-friendly activities to get little ones in the holiday spirit.

Northlake Mall

(4800 Briarcliff Road NE. /Atlanta / 770.938.3564)

· Photos with the Easter Bunny: March 16-30 in Center Court. Visit www.northlakemall.com for hours and photo package information.

· Caring Bunny: Sunday, March 17, 10:30a.m.-12 p.m. Children with special needs have the opportunity to spend time with the Easter Bunny in a photo environment designed to support their sensory, physical and developmental needs.

· Kidgits Hip Hop Bunny Party: Saturday, March 16, 2-4 p.m. in the Food Garden. The Bunny and his friends invite children to join them for a Hip Hop Dance Party filled with fun and prizes from the Easter Egg prize wheel. Cost is $1 for Simon Kidgits Club Members, $6 for non-members and $1 for parents. RSVP to Shelley or Sue beginning March 1 by calling 770.938.3565. Check out the event on Facebook for more information.

Mall of Georgia 

(3333 Buford Drive /Buford / 678-482-8788)

· Photos with the Easter Bunny: March 9-30 in the Kidgits Korner –Nordstrom Court. Visit www.mallofgeorgia.com for hours and photo package information or call 678-482-8788.

· Caring Bunny Event: Sunday, March 10, 9-11a.m in the Nordstrom Court. Children with special needs have the opportunity to spend time with the Easter Bunny in a photo environment designed to support their sensory, physical and developmental needs. RSVP by March 7.

· Breakfast with the Easter Bunny: March 9, 8:30 a.m. in the Food Court. Breakfast, fun activities for the kids, treats from Costco and Starbucks and giveaways. RSVP by calling 678.482.2365 or visiting Guest Services. RSVP deadline is March 1.

· Simon Kidgits 7th Annual Easter Egg Hunt: March 30, 10 a.m. in The Village. The annual Easter Egg Hunt will begin with children up to three years old at 10 a.m., followed immediately by an egg hunt for children ages 4 and up.

Town Center at Cobb 

(400 Barrett Pkwy. /Kennesaw / 770.424.9486)

· Photos with the Easter Bunny: February 27 – March 30 in Center Court. Visit www.towncenteratcobb.com for hours and photo package information.

· Caring Bunny Event: Sunday, March 10, 9-11a.m. Children with special needs have the opportunity to spend time with the Easter Bunny in a photo environment designed to support their sensory, physical and developmental needs. RSVP by March 7.

· Simon Kidgits “Hop Into Spring:” Saturday, March 16, 1-3 p.m. in the upper level jcpenney wing. Welcome spring with seasonal activities and giveaways! DJ Steve will be on hand with music and games, and the Easter Bunny will make a special appearance. Free for Kidgits Club members; $5 for nonmembers includes a year of fun activities. Kids who wear their Kidgits t-shirt will receive a special prize.

For more information about photo package prices and hours of operation, visit www.simon.com.

For more information on the Simon Kidgits Club, visit www.simonkidgitsclub.com.

Inside @CNNCenter Studio Tour

The worlds longest freestanding escalator!

The actual "news room"

The food court area. Do you see the world map?

My 45mph Couch Potato

I've gotten a lot of questions about Bob lately. So I figured I'd address those questions, that every one seems to have, for those who are not as inclined to corner me at Petsmart/ the dog park/ by email but are still curious. Here are the top five questions I get asked:

1. "Is he fast?" 

Yes, he is very fast. In general, Greyhounds can reach speeds up to and over 45mph in under three strides. That is generally under a second. They are the second fastest animal, behind only the cheetah. Faster than a car. Faster than you. So, no, you can't take him for a run.

2. "Did he race?"

Yes, Bob is a 4 year old retired racing dog. Meaning he did, in fact, race. In Alabama. He was kind of bad at it though so he only ran a minimal amount of races. I stick to the theory that he just didn't care. If he wants to run, he can. I have never seen him chase anything though other than other dogs so my guess is the only reason he would run the races is because the other dogs were running too.

He is at his happiest when he is running though. You can see it in his face when he is running at full speed. 

3. He looks hungry. Is he sick? 

No, he is not skinny. In fact, at his current weight, he may even be a little over weight. You are supposed to be able to see his ribs in there. Greyhounds are made to be lean and muscular. Their bellies, or "tuck", is supposed to be defined and that skinny look actually means they are healthy. 

4. "Wow, he is huge! Are all greyhounds that big?"

He is very tall, yes. Probably taller than you expected. Greyhounds are not the same as a whippet or an Italian greyhound. They are much larger and built for hunting/ running where the other two are more of a pet or toy breed. However, they are all considered sight hounds. Granted, Bob is big even for a greyhound. He is taller, a little broader, and has a bigger head than the other greyhounds we have met.  Yet another clue to why he may have been slow.

5. "Is he all energetic and crazy?" 

Greyhounds, as a breed, are particularly easy dogs. They are very gentle, patient, and loyal dogs. They do not require a lot of exercise to be happy and they are definitely not overly energetic dogs. They would much rather lay around with you on the couch than do pretty much anything else. Lazy doesn't really even begin to describe it. People are always astounded by how laid back Bob is. It almost borders on indifference. He will sniff new people, accept an ear scratch, and then go back to bed like he has done a full days work. Every once in awhile he gets all crazy and will run in the yard for about a whole minute or so but then he takes a three or four hour nap, so I'm not sure if that counts. The most excited you will ever see Bob is at feeding time. 

So, that's my Bob in a nutshell. If you are looking for a new pet, I hope you will consider adopting a retired Grey. They really do make the most amazing pets and because of their calm temperament, Greyhounds can make better "apartment dogs" than smaller, more active breeds like those yippie Chihuahuas that seem to be all the rage. 

Our Stay at @SheratonAtlanta #ExpATL

So, last Friday I told you that over the weekend we would be having a very rare "staycation" here in Atlanta. Just hanging around and seeing the sights and hanging out with some other amazing Atlanta Bloggers. Long story short: We had a blast! More on that another time though.

(Image via Sheraton)

I also told you about that we were being hosted for the weekend by the Sheraton Atlanta but what even I didn't realize was just how amazing this place is! First, let me preface this by saying that, even though they put us up for the weekend for free, but that definitely did not affect my opinion. I am posting about it because I was seriously blown away.

I have vacationed in Atlanta for more years than I have lived in Atlanta and stayed all over the city at various times/ ages/ situations.  We also did a lot of moving around and travelling when I was still a single, kid free lady. Needless to say though, I have stayed in the fancy schmancy and the not quite so appealing.

The Sheraton though, was by far the cleanest hotel I have stayed in probably ever. Seriously. We all know that hotels can kind of seem icky even when they appear clean on the surface. Thing is though, you can see the clean here. They take the time to protect their investment and their reputation and it shows. With 763 recently renovated guest room accommodations and suites, the difference seriously shows.

The staff was by far the most welcoming and knowledgeable and went out of their way to make sure that the boys were comfortable and having fun. The concierge even remembered to bring my boys oranges as a treat when she came in to work the second day because K had said he loved them.

Of course there were also the amenities  which I have always called the "bonus features". The amenities at the Sheraton Atlanta were well tended and not over run by wild children. Of course the boys' favorite was the gorgeous indoor pool that our room overlooked. I could have sat there the whole weekend and watched them jump in and out of that pool, listening to the fountains and relaxing under the banana trees. My D was so completely excited about the pool I didn't think he would sleep but he had played so hard and swam so fiercely that he was out within 5 minutes of laying down both nights.

Speaking of sleep, you have not slept well until you have slept on one of their Sweet Sleeper Beds. Oh my heavenly comfortable sleep. Its always hard for me to get out of bed but this was the kind of bed you sink into and it forms around you. I haven't slept so hard my face hurt in a long time but I so did this weekend. I do did and so did my children! Bliss.

So, long story short, the hotel was the highlight of our weekend. If you are looking to make a trip to Atlanta (which you should) or thinking about doing a staycation like us (also amazing), definitely try to stay at the Sheraton Atlanta. Its a trip you definitely won't regret.

Circus Fun! #RBBBATL

Last night we got to spend a night with the circus! Ringling Brothers and Barnum and Bailey circus in fact! We got there early to check out the preshow fun and weren't disappointed! The clowns and performers all took turns making us laugh and getting us in the mood.

Then it was time to take our seats for the National Anthem and opening ceremonies. Both were amazing as always!

Then it was high time to get the official Dragon party started! First, we were wowed with amazing horsemanship! These daring horseback riders and their mounts were all muscle and fun.

Of course  the part the boys were most excited about was the lions and tigers and they most certainly did not disappoint!

Then we were wowed by RBBB's graceful and fearless acrobatics and side show acts.

Then there were the "pets"! Dogs and cats put on their own little show for us all. Too stinking cute!

Then came every one's favorite part of the circus: the elephants!

Can you believe there are eight motorcycles and riders in this ball??

In the end, Paolo woke the Dragon in him! It was an amazing sight! A "real" fire breathing dragon!