A Visit With My Nephew & We Bought A Zoo Review

We had the pleasure of having our nephew stay with us over the holiday weekend. The kids (12 & 13) mostly do their own thing when he comes to visit. Yet,certain things are a must: like several trips to the video rental store so the kids can pick out multiple movies and games. There is also a minimum of one pizza night depending on how long he stays. This was a three night stay, so we only ordered in once. We had such a great time together. So much laughing. I can’t think of a better way to bring in the new year.

On Saturday we enjoyed going out for lunch and a movie.

Based on a memoir by Benjamin Mee. The film is directed by Cameron Crowe, and it stars actor Matt Damon as the lead character Benjamin Mee. We Bought a Zoo tells the story of Benjamin Mee, recently widowed and his family who just moved into a dilapidated zoo. They took on the challenge of preparing the zoo for its reopening to the public.

We (the kids and I) really enjoyed this movie. Knowing it’s based on a true story, makes it very endearing in my opinion. Not at all a fast paced movie. For me, this heart touching family story played on the big screen like reading a good book. We Bought a Zoo is entertaining, sweet and a little more emotional than I expected.
Matt Damon does a great job in his father role, to some pretty great up and coming young actors. Yet, it was Thomas Haden Church as the outspoken, free spirited brother that stands out when I speak of this movie. All and all it’s a movie worth seeing and besides a couple of swear words, and sad subject matter, the movie is good for the whole family. Although I wouldn’t advise younger than 10 of worry of bordom. This is not a “little” kids movie by any means.

Happiest of Holidays

To all of you, from Five Dollar Shake and The Muppets!

Live! Santa’s Reindeer Cam

Are your kids in need of a little Santa proof? Or just looking for some real Christmas fun? Log on and watch Santa’s reindeer live via web cam at http://www.reindeercam.com

Note: Santa feeds the reindeer at 10am and 5pm EST every day!

My Top 10 Favorite Christmas Movies

My love for movies has a big place in just about every holiday. Christmas especially. With the big day just about here, I thought I’d share my list of favorite Christmas movies.

10. Four Christmases (2008)
09. The Holiday (2006)
08. Rudolph, the Red-Nosed Reindeer (1964)
07. Emmet Otter’s Jug-Band Christmas (1977)
06. Trading Places (1983)
05. The Nightmare Before Christmas (1993)
04. National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation (1989)
03. Elf (2003)
02. The Family Stone (2005)
01. Home Alone (1990)

How would your list compare? I’d love to hear your thoughts in the comments below.

Free Holiday Fun Sheets From The Muppets

The Muppets are wishing you a happy holiday season!

Click on the link below for some fun family activities to do with the kids during this holiday weekend.

Go here to down load and print some holiday fun from The Muppets!

Vtech – MobiGo Touch Learning System

Designed for children ages 3-8 the Vtech – MobiGo Touch Learning System makes a great last minute gift idea!

With the VTech MobiGo Touch Learning System, kids have fun new ways to learn right at their fingertips. Thanks to great touch screen games that require players to use their fingers in ways that mimic real life motions, kids will feel like they’re part of the action. The touch-activated screen and QWERTY slide-out keyboard look and work just like those on grown-up gadgets to help kids challenge their minds and learn valuable lessons about numbers, counting, letters, spelling, problem solving, music and more.

  • Portable handheld gaming system lets kids enjoy learning on the go (perfect for holiday travel)
  • Touch screen technology introduces kids to a new way to play and follows the hottest trend in gaming today
  • Slide-out QWERTY keyboard adds a stylish touch and gives kids a chance to familiarize themselves with a keyboard layout
  • Sturdy, kid-tough design and colorful appearance

This has got to be one of the hottest items for Christmas this year…

You can find the MobiGo Touch Learning System along with extra game cartridges and other great Vtech toys at your local Target store, Walmart and Toys R Us. Or check out VtechKids.com!

Stay in touch with Vtech via social media:
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Free product was receive for the purpose of this blog post and up coming review. No type of monetary compensation was received.

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