The post It’s Not Easy Being Dad Infograffic #dadchat appeared first on Dad of Divas.

All opinions expressed in this review are my own and not influenced in any way by the LuxPro Flashlight company.  Any product claim, statistic, quote or other representation about a product or service should be verified with the manufacturer or provider. Please refer to this site’s Disclaimer for more information. I have been compensated or given a product free of charge, but that does not impact my views or opinions.

I live in a neighborhood where our power goes out quite a bit and we have to rely on flashlights quite a bit to be able to maneuver around our home. The challenge in the past has always been finding a light that is not only bright enough, but also which gives me the ability to provide my home with long lasting light. This is one reason that I was excited to be able to try out the Luxpro Flashlights as I had heard about them and how powerful they were, but I never had tried them for myself.

I received this last week and over the weekend, though we did not have a power outage (thank goodness) I put this flashlight to the test. The light that I received was a powerful one, one that stated it had the ability to illuminate 400 feet in front of me. In receiving this I took it out on a dark night (no moon) and tried this out. This flashlight was amazing, it lit up my background for a long distance and gave me a huge beam of light.

I then decided to try this inside as this was where I knew I would be using it next time the power went out. I found that this professional flashlight would light up an entire room and if I was ingenious, I could rig something up to allow me to be able to keep the flashlight shining toward the ceiling to give me the light that I want in these times of need.

On top of this the flashlight that I tried myself was heavy duty and could easily be used as a tactical baton if I was out at night and could use protection for any reason. This flashlight had it all and for me I have to say it is probably the best flashlight I have ever owned.

Whether you are camping, hiking, or have a lot of power outages, this is a brand of flashlights that I highly recommend to one and all. I am completely sold on them and I have to say that if you try them you will be also!

Dad of Divas Readers can use the following code on the LuxPro Website to be able to save 30%! Use the following Code BBQ30

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Dads in the Limelight

Our 344th Dad in the Limelight is Craig Sender. I want to thank Craig for being a part of the Dads in the Limelight series. It has been great getting connected with him and now sharing him with all of you.

1) Tell me about yourself, (as well as how you are in the limelight for my readers knowledge)

I’m a 37 year-old husband and father of two precocious kids, Hannah (6) and Caleb (3).   My other “full-time” jobs are as senior manager of public relations for a global rights broker based just north of Boston, MA and as an adjunct professor at Boston University College of Communication.  In between, I try and post as regularly as I can to  Tablettoddlers, a blog that acts as a parents’ guide to “Generation I.”  Earlier this year I earned my Master’s Degree in Communications Management from the Newhouse School at Syracuse University, where I also completed my undergraduate studies with a degree in Public Relations.  Born in Brooklyn, NY, I grew up in Central New Jersey and currently live in the “urban suburban” town of Brookline, MA.  I’m  a media junkie, sports nut and avid fantasy football/baseball/basketball player.

 
2) Tell me about your family

My wife Sharon and our kids are my life.  Period.  End of story.  They are my support system, my motivation, my  inspiration and greatest source of pride and joy, with a little bit of comedy thrown in.  They keep me balanced, grounded and incredibly focused.  Sharon is a licensed social worker with two Master’s Degrees (Columbia University and Bank St. College).  We actually graduated Syracuse the same year, both played a sport (she rowed crew; baseball for me) and also were members of the Greek System (AZD, Delta Tau Delta), yet never “officially” met on campus.  She is an amazing wife and mother and a true partner in every sense of the word.

My 6 year-old Hannah is a real girly-girl.  She loves her Barbie dolls, Disney princesses and anything pink.  She’s also an incredibly intelligent little girl who continues to amaze me every day.  3 year-old Caleb is the sweetest little boy with the happiest disposition you could ever imagine.  Nothing ever bothers this kid.  His ability to “roll with the punches” blows me away.

3) What has been the largest challenge you have had in being a father?

Right now it’s helping my wife potty train our 3 year-old!  Seriously, every day it’s trying to set a positive example in everything I do to be a good role model for my kids.

4) What advice would you give to other fathers?

Be present and everything in moderation.

5) Seeing that you (or your position) are in the limelight, how have you come to balance parenthood and outside life? If you are currently not in the limelight per se, please still answer this in regards to how you balance parenthood and outside life.

It’s certainly not easy as being a parent touches everything I do and helps define who I am at home, at work, with friends, etc.  However, there’s nothing wrong with having a night out with your wife or catching a game with the boys.   In fact, I find it quite healthy and therapeutic.  I highly recommend AND endorse.

6) What have you learned from the fathers that you have interacted with?

That we share many of the same experiences in dealing with common occurrences such as kids getting up in the middle of the night, kids getting sick, etc. etc.  It’s nice to know that us dads we’re not in this alone.

 
7) What else would you share regarding your experiences as a father thus far?
What have been the most memorable experiences that you have had thus far as a parent?

I know it sounds cliche, but it’s been, and continues to be, the most rewarding experience I can ever imagine, from teaching my daughter to ride a bike without training wheels to hearing my son yell, “I DID IT!” after peeing in the potty for the first time  And I imagine it only gets better.  Can’t wait.

If you have any questions for Craig, please leave a comment here and I will make sure that he gets them so that he may be able to respond!

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Related articles

• Dads in the Limelight ( #limelightdads ) – David Vienna ( @thedaddycomplex ) #dadchat #dadstalking
• Dads in the Limelight ( #limelightdads ) – Theron Bostic ( @ActiveDutyDad ) #dadchat #dadstalking
• Talking Tuesday – Do you Commute? #dadchat
• Dads in the Limelight ( #limelightdads ) – Andrew Freidman ( @ToquelandAndrew ) #dadchat #dadstalking

The post Dads in the Limelight ( #limelightdads )-Craig Sender ( @Tablettoddlers ) #dadchat appeared first on Dad of Divas.

About the Product

Skil Tools is now proving you with the right bit at the right rime. Everytime. With a fully integrated bit management system built into the front of the tool, this houses 12 of the most commonly used bits in a rotating compartment, eliminating the need to stop working on your project to search for the right bit needed for the job.

• Fully integrated bit management system contains 12 common bits
• USB charging allows charging with computers, cell or car chargers
• 4V lithium ion technology holds a charge up to 18 months
• Battery gauge indicator shows when battery needs charging
• Built-in LED work light & forward / reverse indicators

My Take on the Product

Giveaway

Winner must be a resident of the U.S.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Winners are chosen at random, if you want all your chances counted, make sure you leave individual comments, not all of them in one!

Winner has 48 hours to contact me or another name will be chosen.

All opinions expressed in this review are my own and not influenced in any way by the company.  Any product claim, statistic, quote or other representation about a product or service should be verified with the manufacturer or provider. Please refer to this site’s Disclaimer for more information. I have been compensated or given a product free of charge, but that does not impact my views or opinions.

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About the Toothbrush

• Deep Sweep combines the familiar brushing motion of a manual toothbrush with triple-action, deep cleaning technology.
• 3D cleaning (pulsates and sweeps back and forth) to remove up to 100% more plaque than an ordinary manual toothbrush.
• Removes up to 100% more plaque than a regular manual toothbrush.
• Rechargeable with 1 customized cleaning mode: Daily Clean.
• Visible pressure sensor lights up if you are pressing too hard, timer indicates dentist-recommended brushing time of 2 minutes.
• 2 year warranty with possibility of increasing it to three years.
• Risk-free purchase: Take the 60 day challenge and receive a full refund if you?re not a 100% satisfied (terms and conditions apply).

Giveaway

Winner must be a resident of the U.S.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Winners are chosen at random, if you want all your chances counted, make sure you leave individual comments, not all of them in one!

Winner has 48 hours to contact me or another name will be chosen.

All opinions expressed in this review are my own and not influenced in any way by the company.  Any product claim, statistic, quote or other representation about a product or service should be verified with the manufacturer or provider. Please refer to this site’s Disclaimer for more information. I have been compensated or given a product free of charge, but that does not impact my views or opinions.

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• Oral-B Professional Deep Sweep Triaction 1000 Rechargeable Electric Toothbrush 1 Count
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Our 343rd Dad in the Limelight is Bobby Anzaldi, contestant on the new TNT Television reality show 72 Hours which airs on Thursday nights at 9PM EST. I want to thank Bobby for being a part of this series. It has been great getting connected with him and now sharing him with all of you.

1) Tell me about yourself, (as well as how you are in the limelight)

When I tell most people that I am a 14 year Law Enforcement veteran, I am quickly met with disbelief; however, for my 21st birthday I was duly sworn into office as a police officer.  Since then I have been assigned a vast number of duties throughout my career which have included: Tactical Officer, Detective, Evidence Technician, Juvenile Officer, Gang Specialist, and Crisis Intervention Officer.  My career is quite rewarding and has sculpted my innate need to help others.

I recently (5/18/2013) graduated from Concordia University in Chicago, Illinois.  I was awarded a Bachelor of the Arts degree in Organizational Management, and also completed the necessary classes to achieve a certificate in Human Resource Management. The adult academic journey was very stressful. During my degree seeking year and a half, I worked 70+ hours a week, fathered my son, maintained a stable dating relationship with my fiancée, and still continued to attend the gym regularly.  The reward, though, was amazing and the commencement was the representation of enormous struggle and work, as I graduated cum laude (3.70 GPA).  I am currently seeking higher education options at a State University which will allow me the opportunity to graduate with an MPA (Master’s of Public Administration) and JD (Juris Doctor, i.e. law degree).

When I am not out saving the world or studying how to change it, I am in the gym.  Around the age 25 I began weightlifting. Once my generic interest was replaced by outlandish enthusiasm, I began to learn about body mechanics, diet, and supplementation.  This new knowledge then created a whole new and healthier way of life for me.  I stopped doing small things at first, like eating fast food, and then began preparing and weighing my meals by ounces and nutritional value (carbs, protein, fat).  Over the course of the last 10 years I managed to lose 30 pounds, and then slowly pack on 55 pounds of muscle while keeping my body fat percentage at 9%.  The gym has become my release for stress and aggravation, and it is my goal to one day, in the near distant future, to compete in a semi professional bodybuilding competition.

I came to be in the limelight through a new adventure series that is/will be televised on TNT named 72 HOURS. The premise of the show is as follows: 3 teams of three strangers are placed into the most remote locations of the world with only 1 bottle of water a piece and a GPS device.  Each team must then come together with the common goal of being first to the finish line to win $100,000.  The experience was legitimately “once in a lifetime” and was one of the most exciting and rewarding accomplishments of my life.

2) Tell me about your family.

My immediately family currently consists of my fiancée, Natalie, and my son, Bobby III.  Natalie is 25 and a sonographer at a prestigious hospital in Chicago.  She, like me, started her career at 21 and has quickly excelled in her field.  She has been tapped for several planning and a development committee at her work, and is legitimately a “one man show” for several hours of her daily work schedule.  She truly is one of the smartest people that I know and shares the same ideology, goals, values, and sense of humor as me.  Our big day is in June (2013) and I honestly cannot wait to be married to her and to get started on our lives together.

Bobby III obviously shares my name but is more named after my father than me.  He is what one would call an “old soul.” Bobby has the amazing ability to make adults feel inept as he has the unintentional sarcasm of a 50 year old at the prime age of 8.  Often I find myself shrugging my shoulders at his responses because he’s generally correct.  I then have to explain to him afterward, that he needs to work on developing his delivery mechanism as he can sometimes be perceived as cocky.  His response is typically: “But dad, I was right,” and he usually is, but manners are a huge part of our household as is respect for one’s elders.  He is in the top percentage of his class for verbal acuity, reading comprehension, and physical fitness.  Bobby loves to golf and play tennis, but most importantly is the most compassionate and loving kid that I have ever known.

3) What has been the largest challenge you have had in being a father?

Challenges and problems, to me, are opportunities in work clothes. I tend to take each challenge at its face value and try to make a life lesson out of it.  That being said, obviously being a single father is exceedingly difficult, and since time is a nonrenewable resource the allocation of it usually is the biggest challenge. I make sure to spend copious amounts of time with my son and show him the example of what it means to have a strong father.  Regardless of whether we take the time to go to the park, play a board game, walk the dog, read a book together, or just take 5 and relax on the couch I deem it necessary to show him that I’m always there for him, no matter what.  I do this because I want him to be able to come to me in search of guidance with his problems, big or small.

4) What advice would you give to other fathers?

Fathering a child is not nearly as easy as it is to become a father.  Take the time to listen to your child (verbally and nonverbally), learn what makes them tick and then nurture and encourage their interests, regardless of any outside preconceived ideology.  Remember, your child is your legacy and after you’re a distant memory they continue to leave your thumbprint on the world.

5) Seeing that you are in the limelight, how have you come to balance parenthood and outside life?

My approach to this is simple, ride the wave while it lasts, and have fun doing it.  I know that the stopwatch which is timing my 15 minutes of fame has started so I make the most out of each new door that the ‘limelight’ has provides.  I DVR and record my speaking and video events.  I then gather my son and fiancée and we sit together and watch or listen to the publication.  I do this with them because I feel that since they were not there to experience the adventure with me, I want to share my reaction to the experiences with them exclusively.  I try to get them as involved as I possibly can and try to take them with whenever possible.
6) What have you learned from the fathers that you have interacted with?

To be truthful, although it might sound horrible, I have learned that I want to be nothing like them or like the stereotypical father.  I have watched as males who claim to be “men” leave their children, don’t support them (be it financially, physically, emotionally), and set poor examples for them.  It actually infuriates me to watch a father dodge an opportunity to play or teach their child at the first moment one of their friends offers them the possibility to “hang out.”  Thanks to fathers like this we now have a generation of children who do not know what it is like to have a “father” and whose social norms are so far out there that they believe violence solves all problems, and why shouldn’t they? These children haven’t been taught any differently.  It absolutely repulses me.

Being the product of a family where my father IS the patriarch, I feel that I have large shoes to fill.  I believe that his strong examples, which are still displayed, are what have pushed me in a positive direction and have made me the well rounded individual which, I hope, I am.  I only wish that I can do the same for my son.

7) What else would you share regarding your experiences as a father thus far?

Laugh!! Every day brings with it new problems, opportunities, and goals.  Learn to have fun living life and teach your children to do the same.  Often times we get so involved in schedules and who needs to be where at what time that we forget about simple things like laughter and communication.  Whether it be at the end of the night or over dinner, I always ask my son about his day and ask him to tell me about the best part of it and the worst part of it.  Then we take a few moments to talk about it and then end the evening with a smile, chuckle, and an “I love you.”
8) What have been the most memorable experiences that you have had thus far as a parent?

There have been so many memorable experiences that I find it hard to narrow them down.  From all of his “firsts” to all of his thirds and fourths, they’re all cataloged in my mind (and on video) and cause me to reflect all of the time.  I cannot drive past something or use a word without thinking of my little guy.  All that I really know is that every day he makes me proud and because of him I feel a sense of accomplishment.  So HE truly is my most memorable experience.

Find Bobby on Facebook here - https://www.facebook.com/bob.b.junior?fref=ts

If you have any questions for Bobby, please leave a comment here and I will make sure that he gets them so that he may be able to respond!

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• Dads in the Limelight ( #limelightdads )-Brent Almond ( @DesignerDaddy ) #dadchat
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• Dads in the Limelight ( #limelightdads ) – Marc Block ( @marcblock_la ) #dadchat #dadstalking
• Dads in the Limelight ( #limelightdads ) – R.C. White ( @AuthorRCWhite ) #dadchat #dadstalking

The post Dads in the Limelight ( #limelightdads )-Bobby Anzaldi #72Hours #dadchat appeared first on Dad of Divas.

All opinions expressed in this Keurig review are my own and not influenced in any way by Keurig.  Any product claim, statistic, quote or other representation about a product or service should be verified with the manufacturer or provider. Please refer to this site’s Terms of Use  for more information. I have been compensated or given a product free of charge, but that does not impact my views or opinions.

I have just started to enjoy coffee (at least somewhat) lately, but have been more of a tea fan for many years. Thus, while I have not had a Keurig system in the past, I have bought them for other family members and have used them from time to time and I have to say I have been completely amazed at how easy these are to use and to work with. The piece that is always amazing to me is how quickly you can have the drink that you want. In just about a minute you have a freshly brewed drink and there is so little mess which is always a perk.

The other amazing thing about this system and the keurig brand is the whole K-Cup system. You go to the market these days and every brand now has K-Cups and you can find just about any type of drink you can imagine from coffee to tea hot chocolate and more – the Keurig K75 Platinum Brewing System offers it all.

The Keurig Platinum Brewing System brews a perfect cup of coffee, tea, hot cocoa or iced beverage at the touch of a button. With an award-winning design, this brewer features a blue, backlit LCD display that allows you to program water temperature, set the digital clock, Auto On/Off and your favorite cup size. With the choice of five cup sizes, the Platinum brewer offers a removable drip tray to accommodate travel mugs.

Features:

• Fully Programmable
• Choice of 5 cup sizes (4 oz., 6 oz., 8 oz., 10 oz. and 12 oz.)
• Removable 72 oz. water reservoir
• Quiet Brew Technology
• Energy Savings Mode – Auto On/Off
• Includes water filter handle and 1 charcoal filter

Outside of the system itself there are a ton of gadgets and add-ons that you can also buy for your system itself. So if you want to super impress dad, get him not only the system itself, but through in a variety of K-Cups, the Carousel Tower and any other fun things you can think of. Us dads love our technology and the system alone is technology laden, but we also love to tinker and having all the toys and add-ons always assists with this!

So go and get a Keurig for Dad today and enjoy a cup of Joe or a glass of iced tea with dad – because at the end of the day, spending time together is what’s most important and if you can do that with a great beverage in hand, all the better!

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Dos and Don’ts for
Parents of Summer Campers

by Mary Jo Rapini, MEd, LPC

The official start of Summer is almost here, and for many parents and kids that means summer camp. Many of us grew up with wonderful memories of summer-filled days at camp. Songs by the campfire, canoe races and a sundry of other events and new friends fill our minds with good memories. Today, sending your child to camp involves an understudy of camping knowledge and skill. There is an every expanding list of possible camps; general camps and ones that can help enhance any weakness your child may need help strengthening. It doesn’t matter if your child is going to a baseball camp, math camp, science camp or a basketball camp, they all have a long list of what kids should and shouldn’t bring. A shorter list is available of dos and don’ts for parents.

Most camps are meant for kids, not for their parents. However, if you are a first timer sending your child away to a summer camp, you will note a heightened sense of anxiety. How do you know if your child will be okay? Are you sure this camp will address their individual needs? What if there is an emergency? All sorts of possible crises run through your mind. There are always things that can happen, but most of them can also happen almost every day of your child’s life –with or without camp. Your heightened sense of anxiety may, however, affect you and turn you into a model parent for what NOT to do when your child is at camp.

Below are a few of the dos and don’ts for being the type of camp parent your child won’t be embarrassed to travel home with.

1. Let go and let your child learn new experiences with trained counselors. Your child has an opportunity to return from camp feeling accomplished and more self-assured. You can help facilitate this by reassuring your child before they leave for camp and reminding them of other times they felt unsure or insecure and did wonderfully. Also, reassure them you will be there if they need you. Parents who cannot let go and allow the camp counselors to teach their children new skills and offer them opportunities stifle their child’s emotional growth. 
2.  Communicate with them as appropriate. Camps have rules about ways and how much to communicate with the camper. Parents who follow these rules and make sure their child has the appropriate communication are sending their child the message that they trust them and have confidence in them. Parents who try to over communicate, or indulge their child with gifts throughout the week, send their child the message that they are not like the other kids and need more attention. This prevents the child from bonding with the other campers and learning to self soothe when they feel stress or homesick. Camp counselors are instructed on healthy ways to de-stress children. Allow your children the opportunity to learn these and more healthy tips. 
3. Having your child away at camp can also be a relationship retreat for you and your spouse. Take advantage of being a couple again and enjoying late dinners or evenings spent out. When your child comes home full of new experiences to talk about, you will both be eager to listen. Your relationship will be stronger and closer. Don’t spend the camp week or month feeling anxious and alone without your child. A camp is an opportunity for both the child and the parents to grow. 
4. My daughters both went to camp and would come home with stories to tell and memories they still smile and talk about. The experience has them humming a tune they learned long ago. It was also a wonderful week for their dad and me. We were able to be a couple again, which restored and helped our marriage. Summer camps are part of a child’s history and one they will pass on to their children. Ensuring your child has a wonderful experience begins with embracing the camp, following the rules and trusting your child’s ability–as well as yours–to let go and thrive.

Mary Jo Rapini, MEd, LPC, is a licensed psychotherapist and co-author with Janine J. Sherman, of Start Talking: A Girl’s Guide for You and Your Mom About Health, Sex or Whatever. Read more about the book at www.StartTalkingBook.com and more about Rapini at www.maryjorapini.com.

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The post Dos and Don’ts for Parents of Summer Campers #dadchat appeared first on Dad of Divas.

As most parents know, sports can be as essential to healthy development as music, art and academic pursuits. Children need activity to maintain healthy muscles and organs, as well as to fight against the rapidly growing epidemic of childhood obesity. Additionally, sports can also help children learn to work together and can develop leadership qualities. However, with school budget cuts affecting the presence and quality of gym classes, independent sports programs are the only options for most parents. Most communities feature dozens of youth athletic leagues, providing many possibilities for parents to consider. Deciding to get your child involved in sports is the easy part, however. Deciding which sports program to choose is the challenge.

When it comes to choosing an athletic program for your child, there are many factors to evaluate. For example, children of different ages will have different needs. While t-ball and soccer are popular sports for younger children, tennis or football might be more appropriate for older children. A child’s personality should also play a large factor in the sports in which you decide to get your children involved. Children who have many friends, enjoy inventing rules and games for the people around them or who have a hard time being alone are a better fit for a team sport. These sorts of personality traits are well-suited to sports like soccer or football where a coach can teach discipline and strategy while allowing children fully interact with their peers. Children who show more independent traits, such as favoring reading and writing over seeking out human interaction, may excel in more individualized sports such as swimming, tennis or running. These sports can allow children to focus on their own skills first as opposed to a more team-driven approach.

Once you have narrowed down options based on your child’s age and personality, research some programs. If your town only has a very small football league where children will be forced to practice more than play games, baseball or soccer might be better team activities to consider. Once you have narrowed down your options, be sure to give your child a choice. Children are often very empowered by the ability to make independent choices or even the illusion of being able to make decisions. Additionally, posing the question to your child will help him be more excited or enthusiastic about beginning a sports program. When you and your child have decided on a sport, be sure to purchase the proper safety equipment. If your child is starting soccer, make sure to buy well-fitting cleats and shin guards. Even if other parents do not feel safety equipment is essential, protecting your child should be a top priority.

Sports programs can provide many benefits to children, from team-building to cooperation to healthy activity. Getting your child involved in sports from an early age can benefit social and physical development. Before enrolling your child in a sports program, be sure to consider age-appropriate options, you child’s personality and your child’s preferences. With the right research and planning, your child can enjoy a lifelong relationship with fun and physical activity.

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The post Choosing The Right Sport For Your Child @SteelLocker appeared first on Dad of Divas.

All opinions expressed in this review are my own and not influenced in any way by Michigan’s Adventure.  Any product claim, statistic, quote or other representation about a product or service should be verified with the manufacturer or provider. Please refer to this site’s Disclaimer for more information. I have been compensated or given a product free of charge, but that does not impact my views or opinions.

Michigan’s Adventure – Two Great Amusement Parks in One 

This past Sunday I was able to have the opportunity to take my family to Michigan’s Adventure, an amusement park in Muskegon Michigan. This is a park that is run by Cedar Fair, the same company that runs parks that I grew up with such as Kings Island and Cedar Point. I grew up going to both of the latter parks, especially Cedar Point, so I was excited to be able to share an experience like this with my girls as they have not been to a park like this in the past.

In attending the day we were a bit concerned at first about the weather as we were told that there was at least a 50-60% chance of rain in the afternoon. When we arrived there was next to noone there (I think the weather may have scared some people off), which ended up being to our benefit which also meant there was next to no lines in the park all day on rides, and there were times on roller coasters when Diva-J and I jumped on the ride all by ourselves (talk about crazy).

The park is split into two parks, the amusement rides as well as the water rides, and I am pleased to say that we were able to try both, even with sporadic short bursts of rain that interrupted the afternoon.

We started the day with Amusement Rides, and I was happy to find that there were many rides that Diva-PJ could ride at the offset, even including some roller coasters, which she really wanted to ride. The park guide itself was a great help in letting you know how tall you needed to be to ride the rides. One tip that we learned from another guest was to visit the front of the park where you can reserve lockers to have your child get measured and get a band with their height listed as then they will not need to be measured for the most part for the rest of the day. There were a few times when they were still measured, but all-in-all, this cut back the number of times drastically.

This park has a number of amusement park rides for every type of thrill seeker. From the mild rides like swan boats to extreme roller coasters like Shivering Timbers, you can choose your poison for the day. Diva-J and I rode all of the roller coasters (5 in all) and some multiple times. The roughest ride for me was Shivering Timbers. While this definitely had the largest drops, you also get shook up on this wooden monstrosity. I ended up leaving with a bit of a headache, but Diva-J was asking for another ride even though it was raining when we got off the ride.

Above was the mad mouse and this had some harrowing turns but all in great fun! You can see on our faces how much fun we were having here.

After riding a ton of rides we were getting hungry and while there were a ton of places where we could have eaten, we were given the opportunity to try out the family grill which is almost like a large backyard BBQ with food like, hamburgers, hot dogs, bratwurst, chicken nuggets, corn dogs, potato salad, macaroni salad, beans, dessert and a drink – and did I mention it was all you can eat. All of this was for about just less than $11/person for 6+ and about $5 for ages 3-6. The food was very good and though the line was long, it was worth the wait and it definitely filled my stomach.

After eating we decided to go over and try out Grand Rapids. We said to ourselves, how wet could we really get on one ride. Let me tell you, this was a naive sentiment and I wish that I had changed into my bathing suit prior to the ride because you definitely get soaked. Only a few minutes into this ride my daughter Diva-PJ and I went under the first of the waterfalls and there was not an inch of us that was not wet. Luckily most of us had bathing suits (all except my father-in-law), and after the ride we paid to get into the family dryer, but for only 3 minutes you really do not get four people that dry. Even though we got soaked we still had fun on the ride. After the fact we hear that my wife and mother-in-law were looking for quarters to try and fire off geysers at us, luckily they did not find any!

After getting soaked on this ride my daughters and I changed into our bathing suits to try out the water park. I went on a number of the rides, but my favorite had to have been the Funnel of Fear. This was an extra-fun ride that shot you down a HUGE funnel after coming down a very dark tube. Let me tell you, if you are coming out of the tube going backwards, you definitely are in for a surprise and a drop. The worst part of that ride was carrying the tube from bottom to top as the tubes are a bit heavy, but the payoff is VERY worth it. Diva-J went down a number of the other slides and had a blast in these as well, and who wouldn’t love the lazy river or the wave pool. This water park had a bit of everything!

My family had a great experience going to Michigan’s Adventure and for us, the combination of two parks in one was perfect. This park had a perfect amount of rides and we found that we were able to ride almost all of the rides during the day, and then we still had enough time to be able to go to the water park side of the park itself. WHile we could have used more time here we still had a ton of time and I know my kids would have spent even more time at this side of the park if we could have had more time, and if we had remembered to bring towels (you do need to remember this!). We are sold on this park and my kids are already asking when we can go back again. While I don’t know the answer to that, I will say that the price is pretty reasonable at only $29 for a one day pass. The price is even better if you get a 2-day pass or if you buy multiple tickets. They even offer a season pass for only $93.00. When you look at the prices of most Amusement Parks this is a steal, and if I lived closer I know that this would definitely be something that I would take advantage of! I highly recommend this park to all families – you and your whole family will have a blast together and you will leave wanting to come back for more!

See more pictures from our trip here - https://plus.google.com/photos/100572181234104788072/albums/5888013828881882113?authkey=CPLLvbmt4bqQpwE

All images were taken on the Samsung NX300

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