Dinosaur World: That Place You’ve Always Wondered About

There hasn’t been one trip driving east or west on Florida’s Interstate 4 that we haven’t waved at the dinosaurs in Plant City, wondering what the place is like. So this summer, we finally went to Dinosaur World for some prehistoric fun.

Wearing a t-shirt he chose himself, my five-year old son was ready to see dinosaurs! I spent the entire hour-long drive explaining that dinosaurs were real – but they no longer exist. We were excited!

The massive gift shop is 7,000 square feet. There are dinosaur dolls, books, puzzles, puppets, play sets, ponchos, and even party favors. After getting our admission tickets and armbands, we set out on an expedition.

Ominous Skies over Dinosaur World

Unfortunately, natives of the Sunshine State know all too well that summer weather can be predictably, unpredictable. We entered the park under dreary skies. Unlike these dinosaurs, radar isn’t extinct – so I should have checked it out. Our first outdoor activity was free with admission – and under cover.

Photo: Stroller Full of Fun

Welcome to the Fossil Dig, a 15-minute guided activity that allows kids to dig to fossils – and parents to squish around giant sand tables trying to capture the perfect photo. Little explorers get to take home three fossils – mostly sharks teeth, and other relics. This activity is only open at specific times, which are indicated on a colorful map you’re given upon entering the park.

Sorry honey, when you’re time is up — you’ve got to go! Employees literally told us that we had to leave the covered area during a lightning storm. “I’m sorry, we have to go back to the Gift Shop,” a teenage girl said.

Two things were going through my head: the first, that I had several umbrellas… in the car; and second, at least she was nice about it.

The Geode Cracker at Dinosaur World

So… we ran to the next available shelter (a very small shelter), Dino Gem Excavation. That’s where you can buy a bag or bucket of dirt (in search of gems), or pay to crack open your own Geode (a rock lined with crystals or other mineral matter.) The friendly employee who helped us pick out our $6 rock did an excellent job! He suggested that we choose one that felt hollow versus heavy. Here’s how it works: visitors get to crank the machine themselves, which applies pressure, and breaks the rock in half. Sizes and prices vary.

Shortly after retrieving our umbrella from the car in the pouring rain, we entered what can only be described as Jurassic Park. Boardwalks wind through the woods – with dinosaurs around each turn. This part was so much more than I imagined. Those giant roadside dinosaurs on I-4 are protecting a secret land within those centuries-old oak trees.

It sounds corny, but our time within the park was magical. We learned, he laughed, and I cried (after discovering my nearly brand new “Ice Cream” flats from Nordstrom Rack came unglued) Ugh, ruined!

Photo: Stroller Full of Fun

The self-guided tour at Dinosaur Land is entertaining. Signs offer pronunciations and locations where the species of dinosaurs and other creatures were last known to be living. However, several of the life-sized scenes may be too mature for little audiences (see photo above). Poor Dicynodon (die-SIN-oh-don).

We also took a tour with a Paleontologist through a cave, a dig site, and a work station at the Exploration Cave Show.

There are plenty of vibrant photo opportunities throughout Dinosaur World. Among my son’s favorites were two parrot-looking creatures. I also took home a valuable life lesson. Never lose sight of what’s important… maps. I couldn’t read the map to save my life – and we circled some of those dinosaurs three times. It’s an easy place to get lost – but fun, nonetheless.

Our last stop was the Prehistoric Museum. It’s indoors and dry, I said; it will be great, I said. Beware. If your child suffers from “Scared-of-the-Dark-and-Loud-Noises-itis,” TURN AROUND! This dark building is interesting because of the fossils on display – but when we turned the corner to see Animatronic dinosaurs – there was a very, very loud roar. My five-year old ran right out of his Crocs! We were also alone in the museum, which amplified his sensitivity x 10.

Despite our weather woes, we had a great time at Dinosaur World – and we’ll be back! They have a fantastic playground, and I think it’s a great party location for your little ones’ birthday.

Two other locations are located in Cave City, Kentucky; and Glen Rose, Texas.

An Open Letter to the Soccer Mom Crying Foul from the Sidelines

Dear Soccer Mom,

There were lots of things to gripe about during the game on Sunday afternoon… but our children shouldn’t have been one of them. It was nearly 90°, the pollen count was killing our sinuses, and for crying out loud – those love bugs, it’s only April – ugh!

But what I heard from the sidelines was you complaining about:

• Your child’s teammate wearing name-brand soccer shorts and not the league assigned shorts;
• My child’s teammate wearing the wrong color socks;
• Your child’s teammates not showing up for the game means that the rest of the team won’t play well because of the heat;
• My child’s team is all boys, and because your child’s team has girls – they’re unfairly matched and my child’s team was scoring too many goals;
• And then… mumbling under your breath when my child’s coach wrapped his arms around the team as they sang ‘Happy Birthday’ to their mate.

STOP. This isn’t the Olympics. I see that unsportsmanlike behavior is acceptable in your home, but not mine. I’m sorry for your younger son, who was sitting on your lap, enduring your epic rant.

Our coach apparently felt so taunted that he took one of our players out. Four players to three, but our team still scored.. and smiled… and gave each other high five’s, no matter what the play.

Your child’s team will receive the same trophy as my child’s team at the end of the season. Spoiler alert: It’s a spinning soccer ball on a gold trophy. You’ll complain because it won’t have your child’s name on it.

The sidelines need to stay a drama-free. Our children, you know – the five year olds – need to learn team work and determination. They need us to cheer – not jeer. They need us to set an example.

Signed,

A supportive Soccer Mom

Free Theme Park Admission for First Responders

A small thank you for those who put their lives on the line, each and every day.

First responders will receive free admission to Busch Gardens® Tampa and SeaWorld® Orlando during the month of September.

In addition to complimentary admission, qualified first responders can purchase up to four discounted tickets per park. That’s $50 per ticket.

Busch Gardens is home to Pinky, the dancing flamingo!

Who is eligible?:

·         All Florida fire rescue first responders

·         Florida emergency medical services employees (EMT/EMS/not hospital employees)

·         All Florida police and sheriff offices

·         Florida Highway Patrol

·         Florida Department of Corrections

·         Florida Department of Law Enforcement

·         Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission field officers

·         Florida Forest Service Forest Rangers

·         Florida Park Service law enforcement

·         Department of Homeland Security law enforcement agents

·         Florida Department of Environmental Protection law enforcement

Tickets must be used by Sept. 30, 2015.

For more information, visit the theme parks’ websites at buschgardenstampa.com and seaworldorlando.com.

UPDATE: Mr. Bear Found

Update: Mr. Bear was found inside a pillow on the bed. At least the house got an extra cleaning while we tried to find him!

LAST SEEN: THURSDAY – 3:00 a.m. – MOMMY & DADDY’S ROOM

Ok, I feel like I brought this on myself, having blogged about Mr. Bear just days earlier. But this isn’t a community-wide plea for a search party. What happens to us after we become a Mom? I brought a baby into my life 3 years ago and lost my mind shortly after. It’s not like the old sock gone from the dryer scenario. This isn’t the first thing to go missing in our small home and it won’t be the last.

Mr. Bear was last seen on the bed. By the time I got home from work around lunch time… he had vanished. The toddler didn’t go outside, because it rained all day. Three adults have turned the place upside down. We’ve checked the oven, the honey pot (joke) and every drawer, container and bathtub in the place. Found a MISSING soccer ball… but no bear.

These two do everything together and the toddler isn’t the least bit upset he’s missing. Something’s up. Hey wait, I haven’t seen that cup in a while either!

I swear, I lose something every day – but this time, it isn’t on my watch! Have you ever lost anything in the house and it drove you crazy for days?! I’d love to hear about it — let me know on Facebook or Twitter.

Oh, and Happy Friday. I’m going to put some Visine in my tired eyes; maybe that will help me find Mr. Bear.

Adventures with Toddler and Mr. Bear

Every kid has a best friend. Andy has Woody, Dorothy has Toto… My toddler has Mr. Bear.

There are two things we don’t leave the house without: blankie and bear. Mr. Bear goes to theme parks, the grocery store and always makes an appearance in our annual Christmas card. If he’s not with us when we hit the road, there is a toddler meltdown — followed by a quick u-turn.

We sneak bear into the “bath” (aka the washing machine) during sleep time and day-by-day he shows signs of just how well-loved he is. When we go shopping, we get comments just like a baby or dog would, “Oh, I love your little friend. What’s his name?”

Mr. Bear got “lost” in Ikea a couple weeks ago but we avoided near disaster. We got about 10-miles down the road when we realized that he was left behind in the bathroom. Luckily, he was still sitting there when we got back to the store. Daddy won’t make that mistake a second time. Then again, Mr. Bear could have made it big, like a stuffed Tiger who got lost at Tampa International Airport recently. His story went viral after airport employees took him on an adventure, until he was returned to his best friend.

I’m glad we can document memories of our toddler and Mr. Bear — and am grateful to a good friend who brought him into our lives. I’ll document their adventures on Instagram with #toddlerandmrbear.

Tattle Tales: Second Degree

Photographic proof that I’m not crazy.

Clearly, my toddler knows something I don’t about refrigerating deodorant.

I’ve found Daddy’s Degree in the fridge twice today.

Guess it’s his way of keeping Daddy cool!

Until next time…

A Costume Search ‘Out of this World’

Halloween costumes. There they were in the store this week… hanging by the dozens: superheroes, princesses and members of the Paw Patrol. My little guy wanted “this one” and “that one”. I was able to curb the begging with one question.

Me: “What do YOU want to be for Halloween?”

Little guy: “Rocket!”

Uh oh.

Halloween 2012

I made his first ever Halloween costume. A photo from Pinterest and a trip to the fabric department, later… he was the butter to my popcorn. I actually loved spending my Friday nights cutting the felt and stringing the popcorn to his little hat.

The office was in for a real treat when we showed up. I was dressed as a movie usher. White shirt and red bow-tie while carrying my little bucket of joy. At 7 months old, he couldn’t do anything but wear it.

2013 was a little more interesting.

Halloween 2013

I couldn’t quite decide on one costume: so I chose three. Clark Kent cost nothing. I used things we already had around the house: Superman t-shirt, white dress shirt and Daddy’s tie. He was the hit of a community Halloween festival. The Strong Man consisted of five things from the Dollar Tree: fake mustache, dust pan (for the handle), black balloons, tattoo sleeves and Wite Out. I took him trick-or-treating at a nursing home, just like my mom did when I was young. And finally, I paid $3 for the Slice of Pizza. Check thrift stores in August or September for great costume deals. He wore that costume at an event held by businesses in our neighborhood.

No tricks in 2014… he was afraid of costumes.

From eBay

Now that he’s 3, my little one wants to pick his own. So he’s choosing what could likely be Mommy’s most difficult mission… Little Einstein’s Pat Pat Rocket.

Disney hasn’t sold it in years… and the prices on eBay are a little steep.

Wish me the best in my search! He doesn’t even eat candy.

This will certainly be a Halloween to remember.

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It’s a Boy! And Other Mall Adventures

The sample lady at Costco was serving up more than brie on crackers today.

“Awww… that’s a big boy; (pause) Wait, is that a boy or a girl?”

Yes, I know my child needs a haircut but I love his curls.

They remind me of my grandmother’s, after a fresh perm at Penney’s.

At 3 years old, I think this is the first time anyone has popped the big question.

Next sample, please.

On another random note, I went in search of the mall’s new merry-go-ground.

https://instagram.com/p/571jjpieWh/?taken-by=strollerfulloffun

There it is… smack dab in center (food) court. Mall watching just got a whole lot more interesting.

What’s So Funny? Breastfeeding Edition

I’m not sure what’s so funny… but until you’re a mother, you have no idea about the importance of what I’m talking about. -Me

Breastfeeding is taboo in the workplace… and today I tackled the subject like a linebacker during the state championship game. Don’t mess with Momma. The topic came up because the local hospital opened a Milk Depot – a breast milk donation bank for premature babies. The subject garnered lots of laughter.

Why on earth would there need to be a donation bank for breast milk? Who would let their child drink someone else’s milk? Why can’t the mother breastfeed her own baby? What… there’s a support group for breastfeeding? -Collegues

I looked around the room at who I was talking to: 2 baby boomers and 4 millennials. It’s time to get personal with you. What they don’t know is that I gave birth to a baby so big that the nurses said, “Congratulations, you gave birth to a 3-month old!” They don’t know that my milk didn’t come in right away; that we had problems latching or that a lactation nurse snatched a bottle of formula out of my baby’s mouth and threw it in the trash. I left the first support group that I attended in tears, after a new mother told me that I wasn’t trying hard enough.

My body ingested lots of water, lactation cookies and Mother’s Milk tea. I eventually found a group of supportive women who share stories, tips and sit in a circle… nursing without judgement. The new Mommies meet weekly at a church and populate a private group on Facebook. They understand the struggle and they offer advice. I wasn’t able to exclusively breastfeed. I went back to work full-time, but I squeezed out every last drop that I could for 6 whole months.

So, while it may sound funny that there are women out there who donate their breast milk — to a preemie, or adoptive parent, whatever — just know, there’s lots of love in that decision. And if you’ve been frustrated or fruitful at nursing your baby… good job Momma, just go with the flow.

August is National Breastfeeding Awareness Month. Doctors recommend donated breast milk be screened before baby’s consumption.

Christmas in July – Countdown to ICE!

‘Twas five months before Christmas… in preparation for ICE! Two million pounds of the cold stuff for a display that’s colorful and nice.

Picture Perfect – 2014

An announcement today regarding one of our favorite holiday events, ICE! at Gaylord Palms in Orlando. This year’s theme is “‘Twas the Night Before Christmas”. If you’ve never been to Gaylord Palms Resort & Convention Center, trust me… you should. A visit to the resort, is a trip to Florida’s Everglades, St. Augustine and Key West. It’s really spectacular.

Enchanting Christmas Tree in Gaylord Palms’ Atrium, along with a performance during ICE! Preview in 2014

ICE! is an annual experience at the resort, which changes themes each year. You don’t have to be a guest at the resort to buy tickets! In 2014, we were awed by scenes from The Nutcracker.

ICE! 2014

There are six rooms which display hand-carved ice sculptures and ice slides. Visitors are given shiny, blue coats to stay warm in the 9-degree temperatures. There is a gorgeous Nativity scene as you head towards the exit (see below). And plenty of photo opportunities, snow tubing and an ICE! bar — all for additional cold, hard cash.

2014 Nativity Scene

Icy Cold Facts

• Park near the ICE! entrance. You can push the stroller around the massive resort, then pack it away when it comes time to experience ICE!
• ICE! is made up of 2-million pounds of ice; The Frostbite Factory is a live carving zone
• Dress warm from head-to-toe. Wear a hat, gloves, a scarf and thick socks. The display will really take your breath away
• Beware! Your camera/smart phone lens will fog and temporarily freeze if exposed too long to the cold temperatures
• Stay the day, because you have to pay to park! There are restaurants, shopping and fun photo spots throughout the resort

Event: November 24, 2015-January 3, 2016

For ticket prices, Florida resident discount code and other offers, see their website.

Until next time, keep on ‘strollin!