We believe in fairies

One of the best pieces of advice I was given upon learning we were going to have a second child was to be sure I put aside some special time with my first born. So when an opportunity to see Peter Pan in Boston came about… well, it was a no-brainer.

As excited as he was, I was a little apprehensive. Sometimes he scares easily. But I had heard the show was amazing and I had a feeling he would love it.

So we boarded the blue line which would take us right to where the performance was taking place in City Hall plaza.

We picked up our tickets and headed inside. Despite a small ticket glitch (I was not actually seated with my 5yo son, my seat was actually 15 seats and one row away. We are thankful for the kind people sitting next to us and the owner of four tickets in the row below us who did not show up), we took our seats in anticipation of a great production.

The show did not disappoint. We were treated to a spectacular presentation of the story of Peter Pan like I have never seen before.

The flying was exhilarating. We both had goosebumps. The look on my son’s face told me I made the right decision to bring him. He was spellbound. There was only one slightly scary moment when the pirates first appeared, but he got through it quickly and was not afraid of the pirates after that. In fact, one of his favorite scenes was a fighting scene between Captain Hook and Peter Pan. It was artistic, and was tastefully done in a slow motion, seemingly non-violent nature. Perfect for children.

The puppetry was spectacular. Nana the dog and TickTock were beautiful and well maneuvered. They were made out of blankets and old clothes and flowed exactly the way your imagination would, well… imagine.

I think that both us had a favorite though.. and it was clearly Tinker Bell. She was ballsy and mouthy, hilarious and punk rock. We loved her.

While the show says the recommended age was 5 and up, I saw many younger children there who were clearly enjoying the show. It is a magnificent production.

The clincher? Meeting Peter Pan and Wendy Darling after the show. Alex was Hooked… so to speak.

For more information about the ThreeSixty CGI experience.. go HERE.

Performances run through December 31st and range in price from $35-$125. Ticketing and more information can be found HERE.

See other rave reviews HERE.

If you can.. See this show. It was a thrill for children and adults alike.

Although we received complimentary tickets to this show, I was not asked to write a favorable review. This review is purely my own and I received no other compensation.

A follow up to children’s eye health

A very big thank you to all of you who took the time to click on the pledge I spoke about in my previous post.

VSP Vision Care received the 50,000 pledges needed!

From the pledge page:

We’ve reached our goal of 50,000 pledges! VSP® Vision Care will be donating 50,000 eye exams and glasses to children at Boys and Girls Clubs of America.

There are so many kids in need of these services at Boys and Girls clubs across the country.. 50,000 is a WONDERFUL contribution but so many more need the help.

As a parent of a Boys and Girls Club member who benefits from their incredible after school program, I am asking you to do more if you can.

Volunteer a day. Ask if they need any assistance using your expertise (fix a broken bookshelf, an appliance, a computer or update their facebook page). Donate some books or art supplies. Anything helps.

Me? I’m donating my time and marketing skills to help Boys and Girls Club of Salem with their fundraising ideas. I know there are plenty of you reading with those skills.

So thank you to VSP Vision Care.. this promotion will mean so much to these kids! I hope my local club benefits from the generosity. I was thrilled to take part in the promotion of this cause. Children’s eye health is important.. I should know, I’ve been wearing glasses since the second grade. Adult eye health is important too.. everyone go get your eyes checked!

As for the sunglasses? A winner has been chosen by random.org and will be contacted by private email to receive her prize.

Let the children see clearly with VSP Vision Care and Boys and Girls Clubs of America

I’m going to tell you a little story… a story that many working parents can understand. Whether you work from home or outside of home, when you have school age kids you need to think about it.

After school programs

*shudder*

When Alex started school this year we were faced with choices. New and unfamiar places to us and to him and the task set before us was to choose the RIGHT one. Not just what would be the easiest or where he would have the most fun but Where would he be comfortable? Where would he be taken care of? Where would he be safe?

I was nervous. Scared even. But I finally chose the Boys and Girls Club of Salem. This has been among the best decisions I have ever made. The program there is amazing, the people are caring and warm and most importantly, they ADORE my son. I could not have asked for anything more.

So now, I want to do something to benefit them, and the many other kids that attend Boys and Girls clubs and I want YOU to help me do it.

Are you ready?

VSP Vision Care partnered with Boys and Girls Clubs of America to provide free eyecare services and eyewear to children most in need throughout the U.S.

Every child deserves to see clearly for school and play. Join VSP Vision Care and Boys and Girls Clubs of America by taking the free online Eye Pledge. For every pledge you and your friends take, a child receives a complimentary eye exam and glasses (if needed) courtesy for VSP & B&GC! The campaign runs through Nov. 18 so help reach 50K children!

Take the online pledge: http://ow.ly/7jBQt

Vision Care will donate an eye exam and new pair of glasses to a child served by a Boys and Girls Club. The Eye Pledge is easy to take and doesn’t

cost you a thing! Take the Eye Pledge now and help a child.

Also.. one lucky winner, chosen by random, of course, will receive a pair of designer sunglasses. There are several to choose from. I know it is vague, but roll with it!

Just leave a comment telling me you made the pledge!

I will also be receiving a pair of sunglasses. I will be receiving no other compensation for the writing of this post and will probably donate my sunglasses anyway. This is a good cause. THAT is why I wrote the post.

Now THAT is Influence*

Tonight my 5yo son wanted to lay with me in his bed. He didn’t want a book. He didn’t want his superhero action figures or even his comic books.

Tonight he wanted to lay in my arms and stroke my hair and tell me about his day until he fell fast asleep holding my hand.

THAT, my friends, is what is important. More than Klout. More than the latest iPhone. More than being first with the newest piece on social media or voicing my opinion about the newest marketing trends.

Take time to slow it down and remember what is truly important.

*Blog title taken from a comment to this post on Google+ from Lynette Young (@LynetteRadio)

Tips and tricks: Giving medicine to a baby

There is so much I had forgotten about parenting a newborn.

For example.. the 4:45am EverybodyGetDressed run to the ER with an infant with a 102.4 fever. Yup. That happened last week.

So one spinal tap, a bad ear infection and a diagnosis of reflux later and we’re trying to shove oral medications down this poor boys throat. And then I had a memory breakthrough.

Get a bottle nipple
Put it in baby’s mouth
Let them start sucking a bit
Squirt medicine into the nipple…
and VOILA! Before anyone knows it, the medicine vanishes down their throat where it should be instead of all over the onesie and your hands.

Easy peasy!

Also.. you could buy one of these for the same results. But why bother if you can use what you already have!

Photo by Micah Taylor used under Creative Commons licensing