Spring Into Scrapbooking

The weather in my neck of the woods has been downright sizzling. Mother Nature’s hot flashes have triggered 80-degree temperatures in mid-March, which in northern Wisconsin is unheard of. The historic weather is something I plan to record in my scrapbook, only we’ve pretty much bypassed spring and shot straight into summer, so I will have to make adjustments accordingly. For starters I want to create layouts with light and bright paper that scream seasonal bliss. Rather than stick with standard cardstock or flat paper, I’m considering going a bit fancy with foil paper or glitter paper. I also recently … Continue reading

Daring Summer Adventures

Last summer my family and a bunch of friends traveled to Chicago to check out the Willis Tower’s new glass cube attraction. The Ledge juts out from the 103rd floor Skydeck of the former Sears Tower, and allows you to look straight down to the city below from 1,353 feet in the air. I could barely look at the glass case, never mind about climbing in. Conversely, my then 5-year-old had a field day on The Ledge, sprawling across the floor and posing for photos while sitting pretzel-legged against the back wall, so it appears as though she is floating … Continue reading

Serious Summer Screams

With the price of gas draining the wallets of drivers from coast-to-coast, travel experts are predicting that many families will be sticking close to home this summer. This comes as good news to theme parks that are located near several major cities. For example, Six Flags Great America practically straddles the states of Wisconsin and Illinois. Located in Gurnee, Illinois, its close proximity to Milwaukee and Chicago make it an easy and affordable day trip for tens of thousands of summer travelers, including my own family. However, Great America is not the only amusement park situated in a convenient locale. … Continue reading

Getting Ready to Roll This Summer

And so it begins… the countdown to the craziest summer rides around. Today was the official unveiling of a wooden roller coaster dubbed the “Zippin Pippin” at Bay Beach Amusement Park in Green Bay, Wisconsin. My 6-year-old is dying to take a spin on the legendary thrill ride, which is considered one of the oldest existing wooden roller coasters in the United States. It was recently transported to northeast Wisconsin and now anchors the family-friendly theme park. We’ll see next week if my daughter is tall enough to make her summer dream come true. In the meantime, there are a … Continue reading

Dealing with Summer Allergies

I’ve been waiting all year for the return of beautiful summer weather. While I love the sun and warm temperatures, the pesky summer allergies are something I could definitely live without. If you are like me, then the lush lilacs, bountiful begonias and gorgeous gardenias that scream summer, can lead to pounding headaches, itchy eyes, and violent sneezing. According to my doctor, allergy season is in full swing, and that is making life miserable for me, and the millions of other allergy sufferers, who rely on pills and sprays to make it through the day. Unfortunately, in most cases, oral … Continue reading

Interactive Summer Fun

What’s your favorite part of a theme park? Most people travel to amusement parks for the thrills and chills associated with jaw dropping, stomach turning roller coasters that twist and turn in dozens of spine tingling directions. Apparently, monster thrill rides are now passe. According to theme park experts, the latest and greatest additions to amusement parks are interactive attractions. In an effort to win over video game enthusiasts, who are addicted to Wii and the like, theme parks have added new interactive rides and games for summer 2010. The following is a sample of what you will find when … Continue reading

Summer Lovin’: Theme Parks

They rank up there with cookouts, camping and concerts. Theme parks are an essential part of summer, and this year several major amusement parks are going interactive in ways that might surprise you. If your summer travel plans include visiting one of the following theme parks, then get ready to do more than just sit back and enjoy the thrill rides. Parks including Disneyland, Six Flags, and Legoland are catering to kids who want to be part of the action. Take a look: Disneyland Before he became “Wacko Jacko,” the later King of Pop, Michael Jackson was the star of … Continue reading

Toddlers and Summer Safety

If your toddler has been cooped up inside all winter, then he is probably going hog wild in the great outdoors this summer, playing, running, swimming and climbing. While there is no shortage of fun to be had at the park or in your backyard, there are also plenty of opportunities for your toddler to get hurt. Your tot’s summer fun can translate into bumps and bruise as well as cuts and contusions, so it’s best to be prepared. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that parents keep a well-stocked first aid kit on hand both inside their homes and … Continue reading

New Summer Thrills at SeaWorld Orlando

If the prospect of getting soaked by Shamu and friends in the “splash zone” at SeaWorld Orlando is not exciting enough for your brood of thrill seeking offspring, then get ready to kick your trip up a notch by boarding Manta. Seaworld’s newest attraction is the park’s first roller coaster in a decade. The high-concept thrill ride incorporates real-life sea creatures and enough twists and turns to make a real dent in the highly competitive theme park capitol of the world. Which is not to say that SeaWorld is trying to create the fastest, tallest or scariest new theme park … Continue reading

See What’s New at Universal Studios Orlando This Summer

The sagging economy is bad news for popular U.S. theme parks, but there may be a silver lining for families who spend the summer months racking up frequent rider miles on scream-a-minute amusement park offerings. This year several major theme parks are unveiling amazing new attractions designed to keep thrill seekers on the edge of their seats. One of the rides making the biggest splashes on the summer scene is Universal Studios, Orlando’s new Hollywood Rip Ride Rockit. The interactive coaster is being billed as the “most mind-blowing ride” in the park’s history. Daring guests board the coaster and immediately … Continue reading