A Winter Walk on Orchard Beach | Sundays in My City {photos}

Earlier this month, we took a long winter walk along Orchard Beach (in The Bronx) and I wrote about the poignant moments between fathers and sons I witnessed that weekend. Today I wanted to share some of the photos I took during our walk. 

From a distance, we saw a boat washed ashore from the storm. It was pretty crazy seeing a boat on the beach.   

What would a walk on the Beach be without looking for seashells? 

And of course, we have to hit the playground. On a cold winter day, it's a nice treat to have the playground to ourself.

A Saturday Morning at the Legoland Discovery Center

Disclaimer: I was provided with complimentary tickets to the Legoland Discovery Center. No compensation was received, all opinions are my own. 

We're regular shoppers at the Ridgehill Mall in Westchester. And The Boy loves eating at Bonefish and Yardhouse. And of course, we frequent the Lego Store but we never had the chance to check out the Legoland Discovery Center until a few weeks ago. 

The Boy was super excited when we told him we were finally going! We heard that it gets really crowded by mid afternoon and from experience we know that these kind of activities are best for The Boy when we go early in the morning. So we arrived shortly after they opened. There was a little bit of a line but it was manageable.

What I especially loved was that it wasn't too big and it wasn't too small. It was a good size without being too overwhelming for The Boy. While I was in awe of MINILAND (New York’s skyline come to miniature life made from nearly 1.5 million LEGO bricks, with moving airships and trains), The Boy's favorite was the LEGO Fire Academy (a giant colorful jungle gym, with a climbing wall and slide). The LEGO Fire Academy is ideal for sensory seeking kids like mine! The Husband enjoyed the LEGO Racers: Build & Test - he had more fun building his race car than The Boy - it was cute. The Boy liked building his car too and it's perfect for fine motor skills.     

But we all loved the LEGO 4D Cinema! I was a little nervous about how The Boy would do. We've tried 4D movies in the past and it hasn't gone so well. But since The Boy's doing better watching 3D movies, we figured he could sit through a 12 minute 4D movie. The Boy really loved the movie - he laughed, kept trying to reach out to grab the images coming at us and he loved the bubbles.

We spent about 2 hours at the Legoland Discovery Center and by the time we were ready to leave, it was starting to get crowded. Going at 1o am on a Saturday morning was perfect for us and we'd definitely go back again. I think it's a  great family fun option especially during the cold winter months.       

LEGOLAND® Discovery Center Westchester 

• Take part in children’s activities with the Master Model Builder.
• See MINILAND, New York’s top attractions made from LEGO.
• Soft play area, rides, 4D cinema and more!

What You Need to Know Before You Go

Attraction Hours of Operation:

• Sunday - Thursday: 10am – 7pm (last ticket sold at 5pm)
• Friday - Saturday: 10am – 9pm (last ticket sold at 7pm)

Ticket Prices:
Adult (13+)   $22.00
Child (3-12)  $18.00
Child (0-2)    free

Tickets may be purchased on site and on line. Includes admission to LEGOLAND® Discovery Center and unlimited access to all of the attractions. Once inside, you may stay as long as you wish, subject to opening times.

GPS address: 

1 Ridge Hill Boulevard, Yonkers, NY 10710

Map & Overview of Legoland Discovery Center

Disclaimer: I was provided with complimentary tickets for myself and my family. No compensation was received, all opinions are my own. 

The New York Birthday Show {Hope to See You There!}

Disclaimer: The Mamas Network has been provided me with press pass tickets to attend The New York Birthday Show with my family. All opinions are my own. 

The New York Birthday Show comes to the New York Hall of Science in Queens on October 20, 2013 with the biggest birthday party ever to provide families with tons of birthday experiences under one roof. Open to parents and children of all ages, attendees will have a blast at the ultimate birthday party and receive unprecedented insider access to some of the best entertainment, hands on activities, dessert samples, and DIY products currently available in area.

I have never been to The Birthday Party Show before and I'm so excited to be going next week! The Boy will be 8 years old in January and it's been years since we've thrown him a real birthday party. Every year it's the same thing - should we or shouldn't we? But this year, I really want to do something special. I'm hoping The New York Birthday Show will give me some ideas. 

It's also going to be held at The New York Hall of Science - one of the many places we go. 

(The New York Hall of Science presents 450 exhibits, demonstrations and design spaces that explain science, technology, engineering and math. A visit to NYSCI is a hands-on, energetic educational experience where you can indulge your curiosity and nurture your creativity.) The Boy is familiar with the Hall of Science so it should be a fun family day for us. Other things we'll get to see and enjoy will be: 

• Showcases of the Best Party Venues
• Performances from NYC’s Best Entertainers for Kids
• Cupcake and Cake Decorating Stations
• Sampling of sweet treats
• Cool Decorations and Supplies

Wait...there's MORE!  

• Amazing giveaways from the show’s over 65 exhibitors including fabulous prizes like a $500 spa birthday party from Glitzy Chicks Spa Parties, 2 hour face painting package worth $150 from ShellBell Face Painting, a 1 hour clowning package worth $300 from Bubbles the Clown and more!
• All Day Access to the New York Hall of Science and the Science Playground. If you've never taken your kid to the Hall of Science, this is the perfect time to go. 

All kids who come in costume receive a FREE trick or treat bag to collect goodies from our exhibitors.

When: Sunday October 20th, 2013 10 am – 4 pm
Where: New York Hall of Science - 47-01 111th Street, Corona, NY 11368
Cost: Free with NYSCI Admission - www.nysci.org/visit-main/tickets/

Advanced Ticket Savings: Buy your NYSCI admission tickets in advance before October 19, 2013 at http://www.nysci.org/event/new-york-birthday-show-2013 to save up to 20% off. Cost: $15 Adult (18+) $13 Child (2-17), Student (w/ID), Senior (62+)/ Under 2 Free

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Disclaimer: The Mamas Network has provided me with press pass tickets to attend The New York Birthday Show with my family. All opinions are my own. 

Showing Our #DisneySide

I've loved Disney since I was a little girl. Goofy was my favorite character and The Little Mermaid and Snow White were my favorite movies. As a kid I dreamed about visiting the Disney parks but it wasn't a family vacation we could afford.

Two years ago, we ventured on our first family vacation to Disney World. And our true Disney Side came out! 

Our first trip to the Magic Kingdom was so wonderful - I cried when I left. I cried because I was fulfilling my childhood dream.  And I cried because I felt The Boy didn't understand the true magic of Disney. The Boy enjoyed some things but he was young and many of the attractions were either frightening or overwhelming for him. If we went now (and we definitely want to go back) I think it would be better for The Boy. Especially if we went to Disney Land and visited Cars Land - I just know he'd LOVE that for sure. 

When we planned our trip, we had no idea we would be there for Star Wars week. That made The Husband happy. He was definitely showing his Disney Side that day. He made us nearly 3 hours (yes, 3 hours) to get an autographed photo of Jeremy Bulloch aka Boba Fett. 

And when I saw Snow White, I was determined to have my photo taken with her. There is something about Disney World that brings out the kid in all of us. 

But you don't need to get on a plane or take a vacation to show your Disney Side. The other day while at Toys R Us The Husband went on and on about the new Disney Infinity figure sets. The Husband has been up many late nights playing.

And I was giddy with excitement when I met Jodi Benson. I went home that evening, put on The Little Mermaid and sang my heart out.

Part of what makes parenting fun is getting to relive our childhoods with our kids. I want The Boy to play video games with his dad. I want them to bond over Star Wars and Marvel comics. The Boy is named after a Marvel Super Hero. I want The Boy to see me enjoying Disney movies just as much as he does. 

I want The Boy to know that just because we grow up doesn't mean we have to stop having fun. 
  
How do YOU show your Disney Side?

The Husband's Disney Side

Disney is running a "Vine Your Disney Side" contest through October 31 and selecting one winner per day. Be sure to Vine your Disney Side and tag #DisneySideContest for a chance to win up to $10,000. See DisneySideContest.com for rules.

4 Miles of Hope in Central Park: I Ran My 1st #NYRR Race

Today we ran our first race as a family. We've been members of the New York Road Runners club for years but really only The Husband runs. The Boy ran his first kids race earlier this year but me? I've never run a race. 

This wasn't just any race. This was the 1st New York Road Runners Autism Speaks Race. The Husband said I had to do it. Those were his exact words: You have to do this. 

Now I'm not the kind of woman to feel obligated to "have to do" anything, especially if my husband tells me. But this I knew I had to do.

I'm not a runner. I've never run four miles before. But it motivated me to go to the gym and really hit the treadmill. I got up to two miles. The most I've ever done.

Today I ran four. Okay, okay...I walked most of it. But I did it.

PROOF!

By mile 2, I was done. The Husband and his cousin had finished their race. They were waiting for me at the finish line. But my friend (and skilled runner) Rosa talked me through the whole 4 miles, encouraging me the whole time to keep going. I am so grateful. Had she not been with me, I really would have quit.

Rosa: Come on Lisa! You're almost there. We gotta hurry up or else we'll miss Norrin's race.

Me: I've seen him run before. (Towards the end, not even my kid could motivate me.)    

I didn't think anyone could be so chipper while running up and down the hills of Central Park. But Rosa, she was pretty chipper. Even while I was complaining and cursing The Husband for making me sign up to run 4 miles.   

Rosa aka "Coach Cookies" got me through it! Thank YOU! 

It was such a beautiful day in Central Park, the perfect day to spend with family and good friends. I feel extremely lucky that our friends came out to run in support of autism. They not only cheered me on but they cheered The Boy on.  

The Family That Runs Together Stays Together.
With "Uncle Julio," Rosa,  The Husband and The Boy

And then it was The Boy's turn. He did such an awesome waiting his turn and following the directions. He had his moments but all in all - he did great. I'm proud. This race was longer than the last. And I ran along beside him (that was the stretch that did me in). 

The Boy was so happy with his ribbon.

I didn't think I could do it. But The Husband believed I could. Belief is what keeps our little family going. Because we believe, we can never lose hope. 

And maybe, just maybe, I'll run again.

September Events at #SesamePlace

I am a Sesame Place Blog Ambassador. I was not compensated for this post but was provided with a 2013 Season Pass for myself and complimentary admission for my family. All opinions are my own.

Related Post: Navigating Sesame Place When You Have a Kid with Autism 

WATER RIDES REMAIN OPEN UNTIL September 22! 

Labor Day Sunday, September 1, 2013 

(8:25 PM - 8:35 PM)

 “C… is for Celebrate!”

Don’t miss our ALL NEW fireworks show, set to Sesame Street music!  Rock out with Elmo, Abby Cadabby, Cookie Monster and Count von Count, as their music fills the air and the sky is covered with colorful bursts of brilliance. 

Fireworks will begin immediately following the 8:00pm evening performance of the "Neighborhood Street Party" Parade.

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September 7 - 8 
Super Why LIVE: You’ve Got the Power!
Super Why is coming to Sesame Place for the first time ever! 

Show Times: 
Saturday and Sunday 11:30 a.m., 12:45 p.m., 4:30 p.m. in Monster Rock Theater

Reservations are required and limited to five reservations per family for one of the six shows.

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September 14 - 15

YO GABBA GABBA

Some special Gabba friends are heading to Sesame Place to jump, shake and shimmy with their friends! Join Yo Gabba Gabba's DJ Lance Rock and his friends Muno, Plex and Toodee as they get the sillies out at Sesame Place this fall!

Show Times:
Saturday and Sunday 11:30 a.m., 12:45 p.m., 5:30 p.m. in Monster Rock Theater

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September 21 - 22

Caillou's Musical Playdate

Growing up is not so tough, especially with a friend like Caillou! The irresistible four-year-old is always up for an adventure and has the most unique way of looking at the world. This interactive live show is packed with dancing and sing-along songs that are guaranteed fun for all!

Show Times:
Saturday and Sunday 11:30 a.m., 12:45 p.m., 2:00 p.m. in Abby's Paradise Theater

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September 28 - 29 

Celebrate Zoe’s Birthday with a Monster Mash Dance Party at Sesame Place! Join Zoe and your favorite Sesame Street Monsters for singing, dancing and an all-you-can-eat buffet!

Saturday and Sunday, September 28-29, 2013 at 12:00 p.m. and 5:00 p.m. in Dine With Me!

Adult (ages 10 & Up)- $26.99 + tax
Child (ages 2 - 9) - $16.99 + tax
Infants under 2 are free but require a reservation. Park admission ticket is required.

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September 28

Season Pass Member EXCLUSIVE!

The park is open just for 2013 & 2014 Season Pass Members from 6:00p.m.-8:00p.m. on Saturday September 28^th for an exclusive event to kick off The Count’s Halloween Spooktacular!

Be sure to pick up your wristband upon entrance to the park to remain after hours for the party.

3rd Annual Season Pass Member Halloween Costume Contest
Come dressed in costume and enter to win our Halloween Costume Contest. Prizes will be awarded to the top three Family costumes.

Season Pass Members will also enjoy:

• Extended Trick or Treat hours during the event  
• Exclusive show times for the three character Halloween shows
• Photo opportunities with your favorite Sesame Street friends in their costumes
• Hayrides with Sesame Street story time (until 4pm)
• Dry attractions open, including all Halloween mazes  
• Come early to enjoy the Halloween themed Neighborhood Street Party Parade
• and more!

For more information regarding reservations and prices visit the Sesame Place Events Page: Sesameplace.com/Events

Related post: Ways To Save Money at Sesame Place 

I am a Sesame Place Blog Ambassador. I was not compensated for this post but was provided with a 2013 Season Pass for myself and complimentary admission for my family. All opinions are my own.

10 Things We Haven't Done This Summer (And The One Thing We Did)

The last few weeks of summer are dwindling down. Every season is the same. It flies by too fast and we wonder where the time went. And yesterday The Husband and I couldn't help but think of all the things we have not done this summer.

We haven't been to a BBQ. The Husband is very upset about this. He's missed out on hamburgers, hot dogs, coleslaw and potato and macaroni salads drenched in mayonnaise. 

We haven't been away for a long weekend. This year we haven't taken a vacation. When The Husband had off in May, The Boy was in school and I couldn't get time off. The Husband won't have vacation again until October. I'm really bummed about this. I thought we'd be able to squeeze in a weekend getaway but just didn't happen.  

We haven't been to the beach. I repeat. We have not been to the beach. Have I mentioned we live less than fifteen minutes away from the beach? 

We haven't walked along a boardwalk. There's something so romantic about walking along the boardwalk, breathing in the ocean air on a early summer evening.

We haven't been to Great Adventure. We really wanted to do that this year. We've never been to Great Adventure's together. 

We haven't been to City Island. For those who live in the NYC area you know that City Island is great summer destination for good seafood and fruity drinks. We live 15 minutes away from City Island and we haven't had fried shrimp or calamari or a Mojito or Pina Colada all summer.

We haven't seen fireworks. Because...well...this. 

We haven't gone fishing. Um, I could care less about this but The Husband seems to be really upset by it. And I'm not sure why considering he hasn't been fishing in the entire time we've been married. (We've been married ten years.)    

We haven't been to Coney Island. As a kid we always went to Coney Island. We've only been once with The Boy. 

We haven't gone to the aquarium. Not sure why we haven't, we have the membership and a parking pass.

My list could go but I'll stop at 10 because all in all - it hasn't been a bad summer. And there are still a few more weeks left to cross some of these off the list. Except for the fishing. That ain't happening.    

And the one thing we did do is...

Register for the NY Road Runners 4 Miles of Hope race. We are all running on September 7th. 

Tell me about your summer so far. What have you done? What have you not done? 

Our Visit to The Bronx Zoo

We recently purchased a Bronx Zoo Membership. We live minutes away from the Zoo - if I really wanted to, I could walk to it. That's how close we are. Living so close to The Bronx Zoo is one of my favorite things about living where we live. The Boy loves it and we get to spend real family quality time.

Here are some photos from our last visit:

  

In Asia

On the Monorail 

Entering The Children's Zoo 

In the Prairie Dog Hole 

Ways To Save Money at Sesame Place

I am a Sesame Place Blog Ambassador. I was not compensated for this post but was provided with a 2013 Season Pass for myself and complimentary admission for my family. All opinions are my own.

Did you know August is Family Fun Month? With four weeks left until school starts (at least in NYC) there is still plenty of family fun to be had. So why not head over to Sesame Place!

Related Post: Navigating Sesame Place When You Have a Kid with Autism 

Here are 5 Ways to Save Money at Sesame Place:

Visit During the Week. You can save $10 per single-day admission ticket (until 8/30) by visiting Sesame Place Monday thru Friday. 

Get Your 2nd Visit FREE. For the same price as a single-day ticket, get ANY 2nd visit FREE through 10/27/13. Visits do not have to be consecutive days. I really love this option because you can enjoy summer time fun and then return in the fall to celebrate The Count's Halloween Spooktacular.

The Twilight Ticket. Who says you have to get there as soon as the park opens? If you visit after 3pm you can save $15 on a single-day admission ticket.

For further info regarding ways to save or to purchase tickets online click - HERE.  

2014 Season Pass. The season pass really gives a family the bang for their buck. 2014 passes are on sale NOW. In addition to unlimited visits in 2014, you also get the rest of this FREE including A Very Furry Christmas. There are 3 season passes to choose from - pick the one that's best for family. AND now, Sesame Place allows families to pay off Season Passes in 6 easy payments. For more Season Pass info click - HERE .

"BYOP" Bring Your Own Picnic. While Sesame Place offers fantastic food options throughout the park, save a few dollars by bringing your picnic lunch. Outside food isn't allowed in the park but there are picnic areas outside of the park and guests are allowed reentry (don't forget to get stamped before heading out). Take a break and enjoy some quiet time with your family and have lunch. Once back inside, you can treat the kids to an ice cream or cotton candy or a visit to the gift shoppe. For more info click HERE for FAQs         


Related Post: Keeping Cool at Sesame Place

I am a Sesame Place Blog Ambassador. I was not compensated for this post but was provided with a 2013 Season Pass for myself and complimentary admission for my family. All opinions are my own.