Camp Galileo - We Loved It! Autism Mom Tips Plus Our Reasons Why We Love #campgalileo

Camp Galileo - Summer Camp Where Autism failed & My Son Succeeded 

Thank you to Camp Galileo for inviting us to try a session of summer camp in Orange County. All opinions are my own.

We loved it so much & Mikey had such a successful time he asked to return, so we did, and week two was just as fun and amazing for him.

From creating something imagination and STEAM inspired to outdoor play, Camp Galileo was perfect for us.

It is not often, in fact this is this first time, where I can leave Mikey on his own at an all day camp of any sorts and feel confident he is safe and having a great time.

He has worked so much on his social skills, patience, understanding of others cues, communication and everything else this past year and has thrived at school. I figured I would trust Galileo Camps to make this summer our first of many to kick autism in the face with summer camp success.

Tips for a rocking camp...

* communication... let the on-site team and camp manager know any concerns at all and they are super attentive.

* prep your camper. Show them a video, talk about what will go on at camp and even let them know what they may do as their theme so that your camper is prepped for the week.

* send some favorites... it may be a note on the snacks in their lunch or a special pin they can wear on their daily name tag lanyard but something to remind them you are there and they can do it.

* review your emails and camp tips that come from your location. They do a great job on all of this to prep and to recap.

Here are my favorite take aways from Camp Galileo this summer... 

* Great program structure and mix of edufun with indoor and outdoor activities . Perfect mix of exciting diy projects based around a specific theme with the right amount of calming outdoor play 

* Friendly attentive staff that makes each camper feel special and significant to the amazing day at camp. Always smiling & ready to make the kids day great.  Oh and they reapplied sunscreen all day long thank you team Camp Galileo!

* Autism friendly. Each child is different and each kiddo is on the spectrum in a different place. What I thought was great at Camp Galileo... they recognized, reviewed and attended to my personal comments about my kiddo, they were attentive and on top of it all and knew they could call me for anything but never needed to. I felt like my son is safe, not being bullied and is having some social skills strengthened while he makes new friends. 

My son said "we're all friends and play together... no one is left out and everyone is included" 

We can not wait to return next summer!

You can get all the details here on locations and registration.

Happy summer...

Sea World Updates for 2020 #SeaWorldSanDiego #SeaWorld

Are you ready for Sea World's 2020 News and Updates?! 

Sea World has a lot of splashin' going on now, all through summer, to the end of this year. 

A few favorites are back with new editions as well.

Follow along for Sea World and Aquatica updates. We will be sharing these, hot off the press, news updates all year long.

AN ‘INSIDE LOOK’ AT SEAWORLD 2020

SeaWorld guests are invited to get a peek behind the scenes of SeaWorld during Inside Look. 

 

https://seaworld.com/san-diego/events/inside-look/

This popular program returns in 2020, with special access to five animal areas of the park: orca open house, sea lion rescue story, animal rescue facility, Humboldt penguin habitat and pilot whale and dolphin presentation. 

At each of the animal areas, guests will receive special, up-close access and will be able to pose the questions they’ve always wanted to ask. 

 

 

Plus, some of SeaWorld’s most important community partners will be on hand to share how they partner with SeaWorld to help animals and the environment outside the park’s borders, including Helen Woodward Animal Center, Helping Paws, Hubbs-SeaWorld Research Institute and more. Guests who visit all six areas and get their map stamped can receive a collectible SeaWorld animal pin. 

Inside Look, which is open to any guest and included with park admission, takes place Feb. 8–9, Feb. 15–17, Feb. 22–23 Feb. 29–March 1. 

YEAR OF FUN AT SEAWORLD FOR UNDER $100: 

 

Want an Inside Look at SeaWorld? Craving savory treats from around the globe? Ready to take a dive on SeaWorld’s all-new floorless coaster this summer?

 

SeaWorld guests can experience all that and more with a SeaWorld SoCal Resident Pass, on sale now for a limited time for under $100.

Have You Been to Newport Dunes?! Make the Most of Your Day Play, Reserve a Cottage Beachfront, Plus Labor Day Activities #NEWPORTDUNES

Newport Dunes - Day Play, RV, Camping, Cottages, Water Play and So Much More...

 

Last week we spent the day splashing around some pretty intense water play floats at Newport Dunes Waterfront Resort !

 

Thank you Newport Dunes for the awesome day play and eats from Back Bay Bistro, all opinions are my own.

 



 

Have you been?!

 

So many inflatable water play stations out in the calmest, clearest Newport waters.

 



 

There are smaller inflatables as well as larger ones for little sand big kids to enjoy.

 





 

Fun water activities like paddle boats, canoes, stand up paddle boarding and more.

 



 

Take advantage of the beautiful bay at Newport Dunes with calm waters, lifeguards on site and life vests on hand.

 



 

The kids had an amazing time & so did I. Paddling around the bay and with in 10 feet from my kiddos play on and swimming around the inflatables!

 

 

 

 

Did you know...

 

You can park and day play, stay on site with your RV or reserve a cottage beachfront.

 

Look how cute they are.... We showed you them on our IG stories last visit. The one with the loft space looks like it would fit my family perfectly!

 



 

They also have a pool for their guests and the grounds are beautiful. Cabana rentals on site too. Just look at that view.

 



 

Make the most of your visit or celebration waterfront with catering from Back Bay Bistro too. We love the sandwiches and fresh fruit and veggies.

 



 

Fresh eats and treats. With an assortments of sweets I was happily on my way to enjoy watching the kids swim and water play.

 



 

The water play is amazing. Everything and anything from the inflatables, paddle boats, stand up paddle boards and more.

 

Get all the deets on these day activities and what you can do with pricing here.

 



 

 

Here is an upcoming event for Labor Day weekend too...

 

Celebrate Labor Day Weekend at Newport Dunes Waterfront Resort and Back Bay Bistro

Featuring Newport Dunes Water Park, Liquid Run, Boots on the Beach, the Inaugural Newport Beach Luau & More August 30–September 2, 2019

Celebrate Birthday's at Raging Waters LA Plus Water Park Tips #RagingWatersLA

Raging Waters Los Angeles Celebrate Summer, Birthday's, A New Water Ride and More...

 

Last week my girl spent her birthday experience with a few sweet friends at Raging Waters LA!

 

She loves it there... her favorites are the wave pool, lazy river, rocket ride and so many fun water slides.

 



 

Thank you to Raging Waters for hosting us this summer. So much fun and all opinions are my own.

 

Summer is so fun, my kids are home, we get to hit the pool and the beach often and we wait all year long for the warmest SoCal weather for Raging Waters to open for the season!

 

Since Zoe asked if we could skip the big birthday party and have a few fun experiences with some close friends, I immediately remembered how much she loves Raging Waters and started brainstorming a day filed with water, splashing, water slides, sun and more.

 

Did you know that Raging Waters offers birthday packages?! 

 

It was really great to know that things would be taken care of on site. With the preplanning it's really easy to coordinate any type of party style you may have. 

 

We loved the cabana.
 



 
You can bring decorations in, we know my girl is a soccer is life kinda kid, and put them up in and around the cabana too!

 



 

Add food, drinks and even a cake... how easy peasy does that make it... very! Pizza packages are the way to go!

 



 

 

There are a lot of options too so check them out here...

Forty days of fun thematic events and activities as well as a Birthday Bash ring in summer for Kidspace’s 40th CelebrationJuly 6–August 16, 2019

To honor its 40-year history of play and experimental learning, Kidspace Children’s Museum continues its 40th Celebration with 40 Days of Fun! 

 

Hot Off The Press...

 

From July 6–August 16, 2019, the celebration invites guests to learn, explore, and enjoy added fun each week of the summer. Based around festive themes such as SLIME TIME and BUBBLES as well as a Birthday Bash, 40 Days of Fun! allows guests to embrace the spontaneity of childhood with random acts of fun, self-guided activities, and birthday-themed events, as well as larger weekend events and a Birthday Bash on July 13 and 14, 2019.

 



 

Kidspace’s 40 Days of Fun! offers different ways to explore the museum each week with a range of enhanced daily activities that culminate with larger weekend events. 40 Days of Fun! includes a self-guided scavenger hunt; random acts of fun that surprise guests with spontaneous sing-alongs, story times, and dance parties throughout the day; and a celebration-themed dailyExploration program every day at 11:45 AM in Stone Hollow Amphitheater, which includes, dramatic play and music, and culminates in a celebratory dance party.

 

 

Each week of fun will be centered around a new theme:

 

July 6–12: GET OUTDOORS invites guests to get ready for summer by exploring nature, getting messy, and playing outdoors. Guests can dig in the sand, play in the mud, and enjoy the wonderment and fun of getting to be outside. Throughout the week there will be special activities including bug hunts, fort building, and a Flower Shower garden program.

July 13 & 14: BIRTHDAY BASH invites YOU to celebrate Kidspace’s 40^th Celebration with birthday-themed activities that include: birthday hat making and classic birthday party games around the museum. DJ Bree will host an interactive dance party in Stone Hollow Amphitheater, which will include a confetti blast and more!

July 15–21: SLIME TIME brings out the ooey goopy fun with slime-related activities all week, culminating in the “Slime the Staff Quiz Show.” Throughout the week, random acts of fun will include some slimy surprises like exploring different types of slimes and using water to make slimy “snail trails.”

July 22–August 2: WATER PLAY keeps guests cool with water games and water play, culminating in a water exhibit. WATER PLAY week includes fun pop-up water events like sponge tosses and splash games. Guests may see random acts of run activities like outdoor evaporation painting, sensory water bins, and surprise boat races.

August 3–16: BUBBLES invites guests to pop on over for a good time and enjoy spontaneous encounters like bubble shows, bubble dance parties, bubble challenges, and bubble races!

40 Days of Fun! themes are designed to evoke adults’ favorite childhood memories of summer, giving adults a chance to relive their childhoods alongside children. The surprise nature of random acts of fun invites guests of all ages to live in the moment and enjoy and experience the spontaneity and freedom of childhood while delighting children with new takes on classic summer activities.

The Cunard Story on The Queen Mary #History #CunardStory #TheQueenMary

The Cunard Story Opens on Queen Mary - Historic Opportunity

The Intertwined Histories of Britain's Cherished Maritime Leader and its Most Famous Ship Come Alive in a new Visitor Gallery
 

In partnership with luxury cruise line, Cunard, the iconic RMS Queen Mary will unveil her new, permanent exhibition, ‘The Cunard Story,’ on July 5 in Long Beach, CA.

PC The Queen Mary

 

The exhibition will showcase Cunard’s remarkable 179-year history, its relationship with The Queen Mary, its founder’s vision, the ships it inspired and continues to bring forward, and their influence on immigration, global maritime policies and technological innovation.

‘The Cunard Story’ will showcase the company’s legacy through artifacts, photographs and film, and will also feature an ‘immigration salon’ that allows visitors to digitally explore ancestry databases.

Popin' Tasty Treats for Dad This Father's Day with Popcornopolis Gift Tins #Popcornopolis

Celebrate Dad with a Scrumptious Gift from Popcornopolis for Father's Day!

Look at these awesome popcorn tins!

 



You know what they say: the best way to dad’s heart is through his stomach!

This Father’s Day show Dad how much you appreciate him with gourmet flavor, crunch and flair. Known for the Cone™, the gourmet popcorn company, Popcornopolis, is proud to offer scrumptious Father’s Day gift baskets and dashing themed tins filled with mouthwatering recipes that are sure to make Dad smile with glee.

Order by June 10, 2019 and use code DADSHIP for free shipping on all Father’s Day gifts purchased at www.popcornopolis.com.



“Father’s Day is the perfect time to let Dad know that you appreciate all he does. At Popcornopolis we strive to create delicious Father’s Day treats that will make the day special for any father figure in your life,” said John Balint, Creative Director, Popcornopolis. “Our Father’s Day Gift Tin is a delicious way to pay tribute to Dad. As a father, I’d be delighted to receive the 3.5-gallon tin filled with my favorite flavors: Caramel, Kettle Corn and Cheddar Cheese.”
The Popcornopolis 2019 Father’s Day offers include:
Father’s Day ‘Just for Dad’ 2-Gallon Tin offered online at popcornopolis.com for $43.99

Father’s Day ‘Just for Dad’ 3.5-Gallon Nearly Naked Tin offered online at popcornopolis.com for $29.99

Father’s Day ‘Just for Dad’ 3.5 Gallon Tin filled with Jalapeño Cheddar, White Cheddar, and Kettle Corn at Costco.com for $49.99.



“Made the way it oughta be”, Popcornopolis offers over 20 mouthwatering recipes and is made from American-grown, non-GMO corn. Crafted with big flavor, the company’s gourmet popcorn is also certified gluten-free with no high fructose corn syrup, or added preservatives, and only the finest ingredients and cooking practices. For more information, a full list of Popcornopolis gourmet varieties, and to place an order for Father’s Day today visit www.popcornopolis.com.

Get social!!
Facebook: @Popcornopolis  
Instagram: @Popcornopolis 
Twitter: @Popcornopolis 

Also there are plenty of summer fun activities from pool parties to events that you cold bring some awesome popcorn to! Check out  more options and maybe even something for The Fourth of July too here!

The LEGO Movie 2 Review Plus #Giveaway Cause This Songs Gonna Get Stuck Inside Your Head...

Loved it!! Everything is Awesomer!

Get ready to sing, dance in your seat and move your feet... 

Sing along here to get into the awesome mood.

 

 

We love The Lego Movie 2 and can not stop singing the most catchy song ever! 

 

 





Let's address the Elephant in the room... Okay I can not get enough of the one liners that cracked us up during the film.

The Lego Movie 2 is funny, entertaining and creatively done to show a good story line we can all relate to as parents and kids.

This songs gonna get stuck inside your heeaaddd...... We are so thankful to have been invited to attend a launch party kick off event for The Lego Movie 2 at the WB Studios in Burbank. (Hosted)

I loved that Emmet and Lucy as well as other Lego Friends were on site to snap pics, dance and play with the kids.



We were able to sit back and enjoy some Lego building and cookie coloring with the kids.



I love The Lego Movie 2 since it was meant to do just that.. sit and play together.



My kids often get on each others nerves but I remind them they are 4 years apart and one just ants to play with the other or see what the other is doing out of pure interest.

It is nice to see that once again Lego puts the effort to show family values and the importance of pretend play.

Thank you to WB & The LEGO Movie 2 for the Epic Tacos for lunch too...



Okay lets get to the Movie right!?

Here are the deets on the release and combo packs.

It’s time to go where no brick has gone before when “The LEGO® Movie 2: The Second Part” arrives on 4K UHD Combo Pack, Blu-ray Combo Pack, DVD Special Edition and Digital. The much-anticipated sequel to the critically acclaimed, global box office phenomenon that started it all, “The LEGO® Movie 2: The Second Part” reunites the heroes of Bricksburg in an all new action-packed adventure to save their beloved city.

 

Reprising their starring roles from the first film are Chris Pratt (“Guardians of the Galaxy,” “Jurassic World”) as Emmet; Elizabeth Banks (“The Hunger Games” movies, “Love & Mercy”) as Lucy, aka Wyldstyle; Will Arnett (“The LEGO® Batman Movies,” TV’s “Arrested Development”) as LEGO Batman; Alison Brie (TV’s “GLOW,” TV’s “Community”) as Unikitty; Nick Offerman (“Fargo,” TV’s “Parks and Recreation”) as MetalBeard; and Charlie Day (the “Horrible Bosses” movies, TV’s “It’s Always Sunny in Philadephia”) as Benny. They are joined by Tiffany Haddish (“Girls Trip,” “Keanu”) and Stephanie Beatriz (“Short Term 12,” TV’s “Brooklyn Nine-Nine”) as new characters Queen Watevra Wa'Nabi and General Mayhem, respectively, and Maya Rudolph (“Bridesmaids,” TV’s “Big Mouth”), as Mom. 

Warner Bros. Pictures and Warner Animation Group present, in association with LEGO System A/S, a Rideback/Lord Miller/Vertigo Entertainment Production, “The LEGO® Movie 2: The Second Part.” The film will be distributed worldwide by Warner Bros. Pictures, a Warner Bros. Entertainment Company.

The 4K Ultra HD Blu-ray disc of “The LEGO® Movie 2: The Second Part” will feature a Dolby Atmos® soundtrack remixed specifically for the home theater environment to place and move audio anywhere in the room, including overhead. To experience Dolby Atmos at home, a Dolby Atmos enabled AV receiver and additional speakers are required, or a Dolby Atmos enabled sound bar. Dolby Atmos soundtracks are also fully backward compatible with traditional audio configurations and legacy home entertainment equipment.

“The LEGO® Movie 2: The Second Part” will also be available on Movies Anywhere. Using the free Movies Anywhere app and website, consumers can access all their eligible movies by connecting their Movies Anywhere account with their participating digital retailer accounts.

Fans can also own “The LEGO® Movie 2: The Second Part” via purchase from digital retailers beginning April 16.

It’s been five years since everything was awesome and the citizens are now facing a huge new threat: LEGO DUPLO® invaders from outer space, wrecking everything faster than it can be rebuilt. The battle to defeat the invaders and restore harmony to the LEGO universe will take Emmet (Chris Pratt), Lucy (Elizabeth Banks), Batman (Will Arnett) and their friends to faraway, unexplored worlds, including a galaxy filled with fantastic planets, strange characters and catchy new songs. It will test their courage, creativity and Master Building skills, and reveal just how special they really are.

4K, BLU-RAY AND DVD ELEMENTS
 

“The LEGO® Movie 2: The Second Part” 4K UHD Combo Pack and Blu-ray Combo Pack contain the following special features:

·         Everything is Awesome Sing-along – Sing-along, trivia, games and more!

·         Commentary – Fun behind the scenes commentary by filmmakers

·         They Come in Pieces: Assembling The LEGO Movie 2 – Featurette highlighting A-list voice talent including Chris Pratt, Elizabeth Banks, Will Arnett and Tiffany Haddish

·         Emmet’s Holiday Party: A LEGO Movie Short – Holiday themed animated short

·         LEGO Sets in Action – Animations of the LEGO product tied to The LEGO Movie 2

·         LEGO Designers – LEGO toy designers highlight key play sets in TLM2 product line

·         Outtakes & Deleted Scenes – Never before seen scenes

·         Super Cool Music Video – Music video by Beck featuring Robyn and The Lonely Island

·         Promotion Spots – Fun custom spots featured during the theatrical campaign

 

“The LEGO® Movie 2: The Second Part” DVD Special Edition contains the following special features:

·         Commentary – Fun behind the scenes commentary by filmmakers

·         They Come in Pieces: Assembling The LEGO Movie 2 – Featurette highlighting A-list voice talent including Chris Pratt, Elizabeth Banks, Will Arnett and Tiffany Haddish

·         Emmet’s Holiday Party: A LEGO Movie Short – Holiday themed animated short

·         LEGO Sets in Action – Animations of the LEGO product tied to The LEGO Movie 2

·         LEGO Designers – LEGO toy designers highlight key play sets in TLM2 product line

·         Outtakes & Deleted Scenes – Never before seen scenes

·         Super Cool Music Video – Music video by Beck featuring Robyn and The Lonely Island

·         Promotion Spots – Fun custom spots featured during the theatrical campaign

  and... thank you for always supporting our adventures and letting us know what you too like to do, see and or want us to review.

 

 

It's giveaway time.... thank you to Warner Brother and The Lego Movie 2 - Good Luck All!

 



 

 

a Rafflecopter giveaway

 

 

 

Universal Studios Our First Family Visit - All You Need To Know Plus Autism Tips & Something I'd Never Do! #UniversalStudios

Universal Studios Hollywood is Pure Movie Magic Brought to Life

 

First Visits Are Always The Best... We've waited a while to visit Universal Studios Hollywood as a family.

 



 

It's a big step to take to enjoy everything Hollywood Movie Magic with kids and one on the Autism Spectrum.

 

 

Thank you to Universal Studios for having us out to experience Dark Art show on the Hogwarts Castle. Not only did we enjoy wizarding entertainment but we explored the park early beforehand! All Opinions are my own.

 

 

Since it was our first visit I thought it would be fun to do a complete separate post on just that! Tips and feedback on our 6.5 hour day at Universal Studios Hollywood. You can find our blog post on all things Wizarding World of Harry Potter here.

 

 

The lay out and navigating Universal Studios

 

There is really no way to start or finish as we found that returning to all the lands or parts of the park were a must to see more.

 

When you enter the main gate and of course take that iconic shot... grab a map and pick a starting point. Snaps some photos of your favorites along the way!

 



 

Upper and lower lots are filled with things to do but main events and shows are on the upper lot.

 

We were told by a Universal team member that it's best to take the Studio Back Lot Tram Tour during the day so that we would be able to see everything. So I'm passing along that tip.

 

 

The lower lot is stair or escalade accessible. If wheel chair is needed you can take an elevator down one leave then catch a bus ride to the bottom. Always a way to help everyone enjoy.

 

Jurassic World will be open later this year but you can peek at the construction going on coming down the escalators or riding up.

 



 

Lower lot you will find Transformers and Mummy Rides. Both are amazing and the whole family rode them.

 



 

We totally loved both rides. Lockers are available to store your goodies.. do it.. not only is it asked and suggested but the ride is super bumpy and crazy fun so just keep your bags safe!

 

 

The upper lot has just about everything else.

 

Catch that Studio Tour Tram and enjoy an hour of so much interactive movie set history it will keep you on the edge of your seat. So much so that my son had to swap over to the middle from the window seat.. haha!

 



 

 

I love that I now know how my parents felt watching my face as Jaws went by the tram when I was a kid. Priceless really!

 



 

 

Growing up the Simpson's were always a comedic relief weekly from school or soccer so of course we had to introduce the iconic funny family to our family.. right!? Yes.

 



 

Everything you can imagine seeing on TV is exactly what you walk around on site at Universal Studios.

 

 



 

My sons favorite is the Despicable Me movie line... he's a huge fan. Who am I kidding we all are.

 

Hogwarts Castle Overcome by Dark Arts Experience at Universal Studios Hollywood is Wizarding - A Must See! #DarkArts

Dark Arts at Hogwarts Castle Is A Must See In Person

 

It's whimsically magical, with a twist of dark wizardry, the Dark Arts At Hogwarts Castle is magnificent for all ages to see.

 

 





 

While our recent trip, our first family trip, to Universal Studios Hollywood we were privileged to catch a preview of the new show. All Opinions are my own, thank you Universal for the experience.

 

Step into Hogsmeade and walk into a whole world of Wizarding adventures....

 

 

I was in awe watching not only what was happening right in front of my eyes that seemed like reality but also listening to my kids ask if the Castle would be okay cause we could see the inside!

 

We've seen a few videos on YouTube and they just don't do justice to seeing something like this in person. I can not rave enough about the reality you think you are seeing while the lights and even drones used captive you in those 7.5 minutes of the show.

 

 



 

If anyone is sensitive to loud noises, bright lights or effects be aware to see a video on line and prep for any special needs. There is closer up viewing and further back so that may help too

Inside Hogsmead it is really as if you were on set walking the streets and ready to shop for your wand, pet, sweets and robe.


Around Hogsmeade

 

Ready to board the Hogwarts Express... must do photo stop.

 



 

Everything  about the Wizarding World is just potterhead amazing. One could get lost in the shops for hours and come out with many things from wands to chocolate frogs. A must right.
 

There's two rides,  a roller coaster that is pleasantly smooth and fun for the whole family and of course one inside the castle.



Keep an eye out in line and on the ride for special effects that bring you right into the movie as you remember it!



 

Everything about The Wizarding World of Harry Potter is so cool there is just no other way to say it. We loved it!!
 

Ideally we would have loved one more hour to brows around and look at all the fine details but more of a reason not return.

 

There is a lot to see and so we could have spent the whole day there really.