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« Previous EntriesMagical Kiddie Concert Moments
Sunday, January 8th, 2012Recently, I wrote about recalling memories of going to concerts as a child. TechyDad and I have taken the boys to several concerts over the years. When we had the opportunity to go to the Laurie Berkner concert yesterday, we jumped at it. My family has been fans of Laurie for a long time thanks to her appearances on Jack’s Big Music Show. I will write more about the amazing show later, but now I wanted to share a few photo memories of our experience.
Of course, we will also remember this show because of something that happened toward the end. Laurie was on the stage floor “taking a nap” and Susie, Adam, and Bob were trying to get the audience to help wake her up. Suddenly, you hear Bob mention that they have a runner. TechyDad and I both captured this moment on video. A sweet little girl was dancing with a bunch of other children. Then, she bolted up onto the stage. What you will see the band members do is beyond magical. They went with the flow and worked it into the concert. Here is the video:
We have a lot of other videos and photos from the Laurie Berkner Band concert to share soon. A huge thank you to Laurie, Susie, Adam, Bob, and everyone else that made this concert at Proctors an extra special day for MY family and so many others.
Disclosure: My family and I received complementary tickets to the “Animal Party” concert thanks to The Laurie Berkner Band. The opinions are mine as a long time fan of Laurie Berkner and I received no other compensation. Posting this was done to share a fun experience and not expected in return for the tickets.
Family Concert Time with Laurie Berkner
Friday, December 30th, 2011Growing up, I have fond memories of my parents taking me to concerts. This is where I should laugh that some included Paul Simon, Barry Manilow, Neil Diamond, The Beach Boys, and countless other people and bands that they were fans of. Then there was the Rosenshontz concert that brought back the biggest memories. There was something special about being in that smaller theater and watching Gary Rosen and Bill Shontz rock out. Heck, I still remember seeing my mom and dad sing and participate along with them.
Now imagine me, rocking the mommy van with my Laurie Berkner music playing most mornings. As I take the kids to school, we often are belting out Victor Vito, BOOTS, I’m Gonna Catch You, or one of her other catchy tunes. I also have memories of JSL rocking out with Laurie and his play guitar in December 2009. He loved to watch her segments on Nick Jr. Of course, the inspiration for that was Laurie’s song My Family. Here is a video about the song:
Our boys love going to concerts and we were lucky enough to be invited by the PR company representing The Laurie Berkner Band to see them next weekend for a stop on their “Animal Party” concert tour. Yes, Capital Region friends – Laurie and company will be in Schenectady on the Mainstage at Proctor’s Saturday, January 7 at 11:00 am. If you are not near Schenectady, NY – have no fear. The Laurie Berkner Band has other dates on this tour as well.
There are so many goodies on the website for Laurie Berkner, but I love the section about the concert. Check this little bit out:
The Laurie Berkner Band is throwing an Animal Party Concert!
What can you bring to an Animal Party Concert?
1. Your favorite stuffed animal (for your head). Any kind will do!
2. A party outfit!
3. Your dancin’ shoes, so you can groove to the music!
I have a feeling Snowflake and Clumsy just may be joining us for our concert adventure! So my question to you this week is inspired by our love for family concerts:
Have you ever seen Laurie Berkner in concert? I would love to know about it or another concert you went to and your favorite song. No doubt there will be more coming on this after the concert.
Disclosure: My family and I will be receiving complementary tickets to the “Animal Party” concert next week. The opinions are mine as a long time fan of Laurie Berkner and I received no other compensation..
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Thanks to Kailani at An Island Life for starting this fun for Friday. Please be sure to head over to her blog to say hello and sign the linky there if you are participating.
Aloha #184
A Pirate’s Life on Ice
Sunday, December 18th, 2011Heading to Disney on Ice, I knew that there would be a section of the show that would really get the attention of my little guy. You see, JSL loves pirates. We had his pirate birthday party earlier in the year. He has a pirate costume, and he is in love with Jake and the Never Land Pirates from Disney Junior. So when I heard that there was going to be a segment about Peter Pan, I knew that Captain Hook and his other pirate friends would be there.
Peter Pan was the last main segment before the finale of the Disney on Ice production of Mickey & Minnie’s Magical Journey. We got to see Peter Pan, Wendy, Michael, and John fly around and it was magical.
This was fantastic and I could see that the boys loved it, but their faces lit up when Captain Hook and Smee came onto the ice. Of course, that was nothing like the looks when a giant pirate ship, version of the Jolly Roger, came on with a slew of pirate friends.
I even captured part of this on video for the kids to enjoy later on.
Even two weeks after the show, the magical moments are still strong for our entire family. These are the items I cherish.
The Circle of Life
Sunday, December 11th, 2011Growing up, I remember going to see ice shows with my family. Now, it’s like The Lion King and a Circle of Life taking my own kids.
Back in the day, the Ice Capades were big. One year, back in the 80’s, they featured The Smurfs. I remember taking my Smurfette doll and getting a program and button (that I still have). Of course, those shows often featured Olympic figure skating stars as part of the draw. These days, there are shows with just figure skating for the diehards, and then family shows like Disney’s that tell beautiful stories with costumes and on ice artistry.
Seeing a Disney story come to life on skates is just beautiful. Here, I share a small section of the Mickey & Minnie’s Magical Journey now on tour. This is the end of The Lion King section. Mickey and friends come back out to introduce us to the next part of their adventure and then Sebastian comes to bring us to the world of The Little Mermaid.
Have you ever been to the Ice Capades, Disney on Ice or another show like those? I would love to know and have you share your memories.
A Mickey Mouse Sized Surprise
Saturday, December 10th, 2011Dear NHL and JSL,
All week you had been told that a surprise was coming. On Thursday morning, Daddy and I finally told you that that would be the day of the big surprise. Little did you know that a clue had been given. When I picked out your clothing, there was someone there if you had noticed. Of course, since we had so many Disney and Mickey Mouse items it went right over your head.
When JSL was tired in the afternoon and I told him it would be a good idea to nap with a late night. JSL, you demanded to know where we were going. When I told you I could not tell you, it was a surprise, you did not take that well. So I decided to give you a small clue. I simply said “There’s a clue on you.!” You sat on the couch, thought about it briefly. Then, you looked down your tummy and a giant smile came over your face.
Then you screamed out “We’re going to Disney on Ice!” Yes, you got it and we talked about not ruining the surprise for NHL. When we picked NHL up from school, he was excited because he knew he was closer to the surprise reveal. When we gave him the clue, it was a bit more difficult to figure out since he was wearing a jacket. NHL, you got it and you jumped up and down and were so happy since you love Disney on Ice.
No, I may not have completely kept the surprise until we arrived at the arena, but I did a really good job. The smiles on your faces as you saw the characters that you love on the ice was priceless. It was amazing to see The Lion King, Little Mermaid, Lilo & Stitch, Peter Pan, and of course Mickey, Minnie, Donald, Daisy, and Goofy in front of us.
Later, we need to write a big thank you note to Mr. M for giving us his magical tickets. Thanks to him, we have memories that will last a long time. Now, we can sit back watch the videos and look at all of our photos. Who knows what the next surprise will be.
Love,
Mommy
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If you want to participate in Dear Kid Saturday, head on over to Cutest Kid Ever by clicking on the button below.
Today’s My Day
Friday, December 9th, 2011I sit here typing this out just hours before my birthday. When you read this, I will officially be another year older. In recent years, I have grown to just hope for a quiet day where we do not have a blizzard or need to head to the emergency room. Yes, as a December birthday girl stuck in snow country, both of these events have happened and I can blame Mother Nature for both.
So what are my plans for today? I have none! When everyone has asked me what I want to do on my birthday, the reality is that it will not happen.
Yes, I would love to plan our canceled trip and walk down Main Street USA for my birthday, but it is not going to happen right now. Instead, last night I was able to see my smiles on the boys faces as they were surprised with a trip to see Disney on Ice. Here’s a view of the finale of the show that we saw:
It may not have been Walt Disney World, but it was a magical time. Thanks to our video camera, I will be able to share more over time.
So my question to you this week:
If money and other factors were not an issue, where would you love to spend your birthday?
BTW – Don’t forget to enter my Mama Doni Band giveaway for a copy of Chanukah Fever.
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Thanks to Kailani at An Island Life for starting this fun for Friday. Please be sure to head over to her blog to say hello and sign the linky there if you are participating.
Aloha #181
Disney Junior – Live on Stage!
Thursday, May 19th, 2011During our extended stay at Walt Disney World in March, we knew there was a new show at Hollywood Studios that we had to go to. Just a week or so before we arrived, the park opened up the revamped Disney Junior – Live on Stage! Prior to this, it had been a Playhouse Disney Live show, but was redone to go with the new branding.
The boys knew that Mickey Mouse Clubhouse, Handy Manny, and Little Einsteins would be back. JSL recalled the previous show and was upset that Tigger and Pooh were no longer included. This disappointment quickly went away thanks to something else. A new Jake and the Never Land Pirates part would be in the show and intrigued all of us.
This was especially true after the Disney Junior Party during the Disney Social Media Moms event. That was where the boys met THE Sharkey and Bones.
We knew that this show meant sitting on the floor, surrounded by other parents and children, but it was well worth it. Check out the excitement on JSL’s face just before the Jake and the Never Land Pirates section was coming on:
That happy little guy fell in love with all over again with his Disney Junior friends. Minutes later, the audience got really excited as Jake, Izzy, Cubby, Skully, Sharkey, and Bones came onto the stage.
Before we knew it, it was time for Captain Hook and Mr. Smee to add to the story line.
Now, I am kicking myself for not keeping the video on during the entire show. I will admit – my feet fell asleep sitting on the floor. Man, getting older is the pits. Anyway, thank you to Disney for creating a fun filled and interactive show that is perfect for young children.
Have you seen the Disney Junior Live Show? I would love to hear what you think.
Disclosure: Although we paid for our own trip to Disney World, we were given an incredible deal thanks to Disney. The sweet conference fee included 3 nights at the Grand Floridian, several meals for the entire family, 7 day park hoppers for everyone, conference/meals for me and some other items to take home. Also note that Disney never asked us to blog about this event. As a long time Disney fan, it is my pleasure to share my experiences from the event.
First Circus Memories
Monday, May 9th, 2011Mother’s Day memories are made by doing something fun with my family. Two years ago, we were at Walt Disney World with my parents and our boys for their first full vacation day in Orlando. Sad to say, we can not be at Disney every Mother’s Day.
This year, we decided to take the boys to the Ringling Bros. Circus. After NHL came home from his Hebrew lesson, we had a quick snack and packed the boys up to go to the Times Union Center. NHL and JSL had never been to see a circus. What I didn’t realize at the time was that neither had TechyDad. The three boys were going to a major milestone.
We arrived early enough to head down onto the floor for the all access preshow. There were clown noses to wear, performers to meet, and mini-acts to view. It was a lot of fun. At one point, we happened to see one of the clowns standing alone. The boys wanted to go over for a photo. I decided to stand back and capture this memory on video.
Of course, on the flip side – TechyDad got the photo of the boys below:
This was not my first time to a Ringling Bros. performance, but the preshow was new to me. Being able to interact with the performers before really enhanced the show. The boys fell in love with the clowns thanks to some of the amazing acts before the BIG two hour show began. Here is another one to enjoy:
The comedic timing, stage presence, and athleticism of this clown blew us away. Many more memories to share soon.
Have you been to the circus or taken your children? I would love to hear your circus memories.
Alien cotton candy and more
Wednesday, December 22nd, 2010
Toy Story on Ice – December 2010
Sunday, December 19th, 2010Last night, we took the boys to see Disney on Ice – Toy Story 3. We had an amazing time. This show gave me the opportunity to explore with my new camera. I took two short videos and one of them came out quite nice. I thought I would share some of the magic of the finale with you.
Of course, now I wish I had taken more video since the boys keep asking to watch this over and over. Next time (and there will be a next time), I will do just that. Thank you Disney on Ice (Feld Entertainment) for another fantastic show. More photos and information coming soon.
