Guest Post: First Disney Trip (Final Post)

Time to go.  Mixed feelings-- we were excited to actually get home bc we were exhausted and had to work on Monday. But of course Disney magic is great!

Of course it was not without stress that we went home.   Got back to the hotel checked out bags in but due to a snafu on the part of my DH's names we had to check our bags ourselves in the airport.  AGAIN not really getting the full effect of the Magical Express.  They ALMOST loaded our bags onto the wrong magical express bus, too.  FAIL on magical express. I am the crazy lady who ran out of the hotel screaming "that is our bags dont' load them up"...We were apologized to like a million times, but it woudl have been ugly if I didn't have super detective skills.

Airport good.  But at the last minute they changed our gate so we had to move. THEN the US AIR debacale. 

FLIGHT HOME--

We are ready to go (again our faults for booking a later flight since boys were cranky and had a stinky diaper right at take off).  We are moving to our seat and realize that ALL of my family's seat were double booked.  So I have my 4YO, 2 YO and DH and I without seat.  My parents were willing to give up their seat for us and stay the at Orlando Airport knowing that we had to get home.  But the stewardess (well one) decided to "remedy" the situation about 20 minutes into the boarding (my son is hysterical because he needs a diaper change right now and my other son is sitting alone next to some stranger.  So the stewardess says ok 2YO boy sits here, 4 YO sits here, You sit here and DH sits here.  ALL SINGLE SEATS.  So in essence, this lady's remedy is to have my 2YO sit next to a random person.  ARE YOU NUTS???  My DH lost it--the other passengers--thank goodness for the kindness of strangers.  They moved themselves around so at least me and my 2YO were together and my DH and 4YO were together. 

So again MORE WAITING and finally we were able to take off 30 minutes into boarding.  I had to diaper change my son while we were "supposed" to be buckled in bc he was hysterical.  But he survived too--thanks to lots of gummi bears and my Iphone for his videos. WE MADE IT HOME.  With a story to tell.

In SUMMARY---I am sure you are NOT still reading this though.  :)

We were slightly disappointed in our trip.  I guess when you put your trust in something like Magical Express, travel agent, there thing you can't anticipate to happen....we also didn't expect the magnitude of the people there.  I know it was supposed to be crowded but with youngin' like mine I just was stressed the entire time about losing them.    BUT, we LOVED it at the same time.  My son's expressions, the memories the pictures, the videos.  Its worth another trip.  But we'll do it OUR way next time.

My DH has sworn off planes and we basically "decided" that next time we go we will drive ourselves, stay in the resort for the bussing (which we liked), and drive back. 

Grading scale-

• Dining Plan-  B     EH-  again, we waiting just SOOO long at Rose and Crown it was just not worth it.  To do it again, we may just do counter service and book our own character thing one time.
• Disney Photo Pass A+++ -- I am an avid scrapbooker.  It was worth it all.  For that great family shots.  And great memories to boot.
• US AIR  F F F  never again.
• Flame Tree BBQ  A+
• Rose and Crown C -- see above.
• Caribbean Beach B- -- too many bus stops and waiting. GORGEOUS though.  Perfect for couples and adults.  Kids, not so much.  I would have preferred to stay at at the value resort or some kind of theme.
• Magic express-  C -- they almost lost of our luggage and due to a typo on my travel agents' part (and us showing tons of id's to prove the mistake) they would not take our bags and again LOTS OF WAITING
• Favorite ride-- Toy story mania and Jungle Cruise
• Favorite place- Hollywood Studios (Jedi Training was a super big event)
• Disney staff- A+++++  They were super accommodating and nice.  I just think if I was in another lifetime I would totally work there.
• Disney's rules for handicapped-- My mom needed a wheelchair mid way thru the trip.  It was unreal how much they accommodated her and us.  Kudos to them for that.
• Disney's magic on my life-- A++++  -- my kid's are still talking about it and they want to go back.  So all is not lost.

So we are finished with the trip.  Positive thoughts now will always be in my mind.  Praying that we can go again and do it differently....our way.  We are going to try out the Disney Cruise next I think. Although right now--I am starting to mentally prepare myself for the epic DISNEY VACAY scrapbook.  :)

Thanks for reading. 

Guest Post: First Disney Trip (Post 3 of 4)

Day three- HOLLYWOOD Studios 

This was the day I was looking forward to.  We had dining plan with Hollywood and Vine with the Disney Junior characters.  My son's FAVORITE was little Einsteins.  It would be my 2YO's 'justin bieber' moment.  I had every camera ready!!!  It was a great experience.  All the characters came to the table and both boys were HAPPY HAPPY HAPPY to see them.   There was a time when my 2YO rested his head on Leo's shoulder and closed his eyes in happiness.  (WORTH IT ALL!!!!!!!!!)

Then we knew we needed to sign 4YO up for Jedi Training.  So we did that.  Then we did star tours.  HOLY MOLY THAT WAS  A W E S O M E.  Just a super star wars fan growing up and it was just well done.  4YO was alittle freaked out and said to the guy next to him "get me outta here"...but in the end it was good.  :0)  Then it was right on to Toy Story Mania.  MY favorite by far of all the rides in Disney.  IT was awesome.  Just great.  I can't really explain it ...it one of those you just have to do it rides.

Indiana Jones stunt show--- AWESOME.  Then it was off to see the characters--  we are pixar fans so we saw Monster Inc, Cars, Jake from Neverland Pirates, we also did the Muppets too.THEN...the moment of my 4YO's life....his shot at beating Darth Vader.  As a mom of 2 boys, I don't get the princess experience so this was pretty close.  All of us lined up with our cameras in hand to capture the moment.  OH BOY-- it didn't disappoint.  He battled Darth Vader with his light saber.  All of cheered.  What an AWESOME experience for a little boy. 

After it was all over, I said to him "Oh MY Goodness, you beat Darth Vader!"  He said, "No I didn't beat him, he's not dead.  But I got a good fight."  Yes, my boy, you did.  PRICELESS.

SCI FI diner  WIN WIN WIN...we LOVED IT the boys loved it kept them busy watching the movies. Really cool experience.  Also they showed a Tom and Jerry movie.  My 4YO's fave...bonus surprise.  Then we stayed for the OSBOURNE Christmas lights.  WOWSER.  That was amazing....Pictures don't do it justice.  My 4YO just said WOW.  Got us right in the Christmas mood. 

Day 4- our choice.

We asked the boys where they wanted to go.  We went to all the parks really so it was up to them to pick the repeat park.  I was thinking MK since we didn't see it all in our tired stupor.  BUT they chose shocker-- HS again...to see the other shows we missed and to see Darth Vadar (again)....so we obliged.

We had to stop in to see the Playhouse Disney show--that was well worth it too.  Bubbles from the ceiling, "treasure" falling from the ceiling..singing and dancing along.  AGAIN-- my 2YO got to see his favorite people- Little Einsteins.  He was in heaven. 

We did get to see the Pixar Friends parade front and center with all of the Pixar movie people that was great.  We missed alot of parades in all of our travles so I was happy we finally saw someothing.  They LOVED it.  They were waving and pointing.  WORTH IT.

(to be continued tomorrow!) 

Guest Post: First Disney Trip (Post 2 of 4)

Day Two- Animal Kingdom/Epcot

We woke up early for first thing Animal Kingdom.  Thank goodness my father in law purchased some cool Disney windbreakers for the boys because the weather was *gasp* 55 degrees??  Sorry Floridians, I guess we brought the Jersey weather to you.  So it was a chilly start there.  We went right to the Kilimanjaro safari-- it was great but we didn't have that good of a time since it was cold and most of the animals were "sleeping"/probably in shock over how cold it was.  (Again, Six Flags has the wild safari too and we frequent there often...so my 4 year old kept saying that we can do that when we get home.)

Off to Dinoland-  what a TREAT.  They love dino and they love the boardwalk.  SO that was a fun place.  All the games of chances made us feel like we were back on the Jersey Shore boardwalk (minus the annoying Snookies :-) )  We were there for a while and decided to use our snack credit at some place with Ribs.

**Parent's worst Nightmare** My parents and DH went to buy the food, I stayed with the two boys for a seat.  That is when 4YO decided to "run and find daddy" while 2 YO played with the ketchp.  I was so stressed out so I bolted after 4 YO and the GREAT STAFF at Disney immediately jumped in and inadvertently babysat 2YO (who really didn't pay attention to the fact that I was gone running--he loved pumping the ketchup into cups).

DISNEY STAFF ROCKED (actually they rocked the entire trip but this was a super up for that.) So we were all there safe and sound---I, after suffereing a minor heart attack--was able to actually eat food.  My DH stated that his ribs were the best ever so YAY Animal Kingodom - FLAME TREE BBQ- !!!

EPCOT was next...we hopped on the bus home to drop out stuff off and waited again for ANOTHER bus to take us to Epcot.  **note to all** if you don't like busses stopping all the time around the hotel...Caribbean Beach is NOT for you.  For a family that was just tired and traumatized from the way in more waiting and bus stops just made us unhappy.

EPCOT-- Hmm, C R O W D E D.  Food and Wine festival there.  Looked cool, but my oh my, just too many people.  With a trauma of my bolting kids in the crowd already I just couldn't do it again.  But we had dining reservations there so we stayed and did some attractions.  It was fun, but really not a place for a 4YO and 2YO.

Dining- Rose and Crown.  HOLY MOLY--MORE WAITING.  I swear we must have waited there to get served for THREE HOURS.  Three hours of my life and disney wasted to eat average food.  Waitress was really nice and gave the boys some light-up buzzes so that was good.  But three hours COME ON.  It was horrible.  HORRIBLE.  Again, Crankiness level was UP again on all of us.  Boys, parents, DH, and yes. even me-- Positive Polly.

We desperately wanted to see more and do more.  So FINALLY we were done.  Everyone dispurses and did they own thing.  I was determined to see more things at Epcot since half of our day was spent siting at a restaurant.  So we did the character spot (more waiting but worth it in the end) and Nemo / Crush thing.  I LOVED it.  "DUDE!"  My 4YO was cracking up at the silly Crush jokes...so again it made the frustration of a 3 hour dining meal melt.

Day two summary-- AK good, Flame Tree BBQ- AWESOME (and staff at AK even more AWESOME for staying with my kid) Epcot (eh)  ROSE and CROWN EPIC EPIC fail.  Crush the turtle-- DUDE it was  totally tubular.  :)

(to be continued tomorrow)

Guest Post: Our First Disney Trip (Part 1 of 4)

Where to begin?  I have been happily dreaming of a Disney vacation for quite some time now with my 2 boys ages 4 and 2.  My DH hasn't been to Disney EVER and its been quite some time since I went.  But when I thought about it and discussed with some people I was advised to wait until they were older.  But some people were convincing us that we needed to go while the "magic" was still there. 

Finally, my husband dropped the ball and decided to book our trip.  It was in August that the whirlwind of events took place- where to eat, when to go, where to stay, what to do.  BOY is it EXHAUSTING and stressful.  So we just left it up to a travel agent who did it ALL for us.  Great BUT not great at the same time.  (Will explain later about that one)

So it is all booked.  We would go in November when the entire state of NJ has off for their teacher's convention.  (I am a teacher in NJ and yes, I have actually used this time off to go to the convention and attend workshops...this year though was about family!)  We also decided to include out grandparents and uncle in this trip too.  Great idea (sort of).  Well, apparently I missed the memo that EVERYONE IN NJ goes to Disney like us.So we were booked at Caribbean Beach Resort (sounded great-- Beach, Resort, paradise, on Disney property (busses to parks!))

 Dining plans- and booked character meals at Crystal Palace, Hollywood and Vine, and table at Epcot Rose and Crown.  Flights late at night out of Philly airport.  SO lets break it down.

Flight there:

We were so excited to go.  The boys were excited,  I over packed, got the Ipod ready, the portable DVD player ready for hte plane, gummi worms for the boys ears.  AND we arrived 2 hours before hte flight, right?   Isnt' that what your supposed to do nowadays for planes??   Not a good idea....super hyped up kids.  RUNNING around the airport terminal picking up ancient phones in the phone booth to talk on them (yes, I santized their hands afterwards)....Basically, that was the precursor of our trip with 2 little boys-- chasing, chasing, worrying about where they were.  The other people waiting must have HATED us  boarding that flight silently thinking "Please don't let these kids be seated near us...." OFF we went, my DH's fear of flying and all.  Not a bad flight at all.  We landed.  So I guess its a start.

Orlando Airport:

Unfortunately, we missed the "magical express" bag delivery timing because our flight was in past 10pm.  So we had to get our luggage ourselves off the belt.  Thus negating the whole fact of magical express.  We had to then shlept ALL of wheelie luggage 2 strollers and loads of carryons to the next line for Caribbean Beach resort.  We are waiting for that bus (exhausted from the plane) to take us to the resort.  Then we hear people saying "OH, it takes about 45 minutes to get to the hotel"  WHAT??  45 mintues??  Are you kidding me?  We didn't know that.  So here we are, 2 little ones shlepting onto a bus tired and cranky (and the kids are too), watching a video about the awesome time we are going to have.  OK, lets just get there. NOTE TO SELF--- book an earlier flight PERIOD.

Check-in:

COMPLETE and UTTER NIGHTMARE---  Didn't do much research after our agent booked it for us.  We thought we would just love it.  NOTE TO SELF- not a good idea.  We were all tired now its now 12am.  We are super tired.  Just want to check in.  So we wait on this LONG LONG line.  WHY is the line long??  OH, because they decided to have ONE computer working for check in.  There was a line out the door because most of the the people that got off our flight checked in to our hotel.  Finally about an inch of motion in the line (remember 4 and 2 year old of crankiness---) we are next.  We had specifically asked for our rooms to be together and to get a crib for my 2 year old.  We were told YES, my agent also called we were told YES. 

SO, when I was in front of the guy and triple checked that info...what was I told NO!!  "No sorry, we could accomodate you but you are a building away from each other and you'll have to wait for the crib" ITS NOW 1am my sons (and adults) NEED TO SLEEP.  We get a shuttle to our room because OF COURSE where we checked in is NO where near walking distanct so we shlept and wait again.    THEN we realize that Caribbean Beach Resort has NO ELEVATORS.  So we must SHELPT ALL LUGGAGE UP STAIRS AT 1am.Crib doesn't come until 2am.  YES. that is right.  2am.  So we didn't sleep until 2am.  What a first night??!!  Right.

Day one-- Magic Kingdom

Great place.  It was overwhelming to say the least though with just the amount of tourists.  Seeing the castle up so close is just AMAZING/Breathtaking to say the least.  We took about a million pics.  But then we started walking around.  I didn't know where to go and none of us knew where to go so we just followed the crowd.   Dumbo ride LOOOONG wait so we passed.  Frankly, the boys didn't care either since we have passes to Six Flags Great Adventure and can ride the Bugs Bunny Planes anyway.  :)

We headed to the jungle cruise and pirates of the caribbean.  LOVE THEM BOTH.  I don't remember much of anything else since we were SOO SOO tired from the day before.  I think that long day spoiled day one of the trip.  ALL of us were cranky and really just couldn't get over the fact that we had just a horrible experience--all that positive thoughts about going there and all the dreams for going there.  POOF up in flames bc of poor flight times and poor hotel service and lots and lots of waiting.

I, for one, Positive Polly wasn't about to let this spoil our day though so we trucked on. Crystal Palace for our dining experience.  It was great and to see our boys' faces for the characters--priceless.  Even my husband enjoyed it for his birthday.  :)

Back to the pool we went, and just destressed from the long day and actually, we bypassed all the parades and shows....for our own sanity, we just wanted to rest and get some sleep.  I think that was the best decision.  Maybe again we'll go and see the electric light parade-- but with a 4 and 2 year old and lack of sleeping for 24 hours---I think we made the right call.

(to be continued tomorrow!)

Exciting Week!

I am preparing this post ahead of time - so that it will hopefully post without a hitch! 

I hope that your Christmas was spectacular!  I can tell you that ours was crazy (even before the fact!)  We host Christmas Brunch at our house at 11 a.m. for my side of the family.  Hubs' side has dinner planned ... at 2:00 p.m.   I think we may be a little late!!  We'll see.  I'm still running behind schedule for my wrapping so fingers crossed that it all got finished in time and everyone was happy!!

The Christmas Tree @ Wilderness Lodge 11/11

This week, I am featuring a guest post series about a first trip to Disney!  My friend Ali Z. and her family took their first plunge to the World during the first week/weekend in November. During our NJ Teachers Convention weekend.  Our schools shut down for two days (generally the first Thursday and Friday of November) so that the teachers can attend their annual convention which takes place in Atlantic City 

Their cast of characters were:  Mr. & Mrs. Z (both teachers!), their 2 sons who are 2 and 4, and their inlaws.

Since we are a little freakish about Disney, I thought it would be cool to have someone else give their perspective on a Disney trip, especially a first trip.  Disney can be overwhelming (even to veterans)!  Disney can also be loads of fun and have many special *magical* moments.

I hope that you enjoy your holiday week and these next posts by my friend!

Celebrating in Heaven.

Stressing over the holidays? I certainly am not.  It's not like they snuck (is that a word?) up on me or did any kind of stealth tactic  Still the same time, year after year after year.  The difference?  This year we were away, on the Disney Dream, over Thanksgiving and the official "kick off" of the Christmas shopping season.  (I am not complaining!)  I am just saying that being out of touch with internet for a few days and therefore out of touch with the shopping madness reality, put a few kinks in my schedule.

Couple that with my best friend since childhood losing her baby brother at the age of 34 last week.  He was laid to rest yesterday.  And I was at work.  Where I didn't want to be.  I wanted to be able to be there.  To help.  To give strength if the family needed it.  I was able to go to Michael's viewing Tuesday night.  It was apparent that he was as well loved in his adulthood as he was in his childhood.  I remember him fondly from weekends spent at Laura's house.  Both of her brothers, and her parents too, became part of my extended family because we spent so.much.time together.  It was nice.  I didn't have any brothers.  As much as Laura thought they were bothersome, I thought having brothers was cool (only two girls in our family) and tried to always make time for them.  Not a lot of time (that would have been weird) but a simple conversation here or there.  Or even just a hello.

Michael - he was a jokester.  At home.  At school.  Wherever.  He had a personality that was infectious.  The photos shown of him at the funeral home Tuesday night reflected that.  He leaves behind not only his son but his long time girlfriend, his mother, his sister and his brother.  The viewing was on the 18th anniversary of his father's passing.  Really, does this family need any more grief at what is supposed to be a happy time?  While I enjoyed seeing the photos of the man he had become and the life he was living, I was happy to see the photos of him as a young boy - the boy I remember so fondly.  (The dogs I remember hanging out with too:  "hi misty - hi sandy")  The photos of him grinning and playing ... the family photos.  The picture of the three children that they had done when they were *almost* grown up.  (Really, when are we all the way grown up??)

The sobs that came out of my bestie...they tore at my heart.  I would give anything to take away her pain, her grief, her sorrow and sense of loss.  I've said it many times to her in many different ways:  I hope that she feels the love she is surrounded with here - and the love that emanates from the heavens above for you.  You are not walking this walk alone.  I will do anything for you and your family ~ just say the word.  Michael is now celebrating this Christmas with your Dad - the first one in 18 years! 

May you rest in peace Michael.  Thank you for making me a part of your family all those years ago.  And, most of all, thank you for leaving your mark on all of our hearts. 

It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas!

It's been quite the crazy week!  How often have I repeated that same sentence?  

Last weekend saw Twink's first gymnastics "team" competition.  She didn't place but she did a great job.  Scoring an impressive 6.8 on the vault, which she hates!  She did really well in my eyes.  I cannot imagine the pressure she felt going in to that competition.  It was a long day.  Luckily, my mom drove since she used to live in the area of the gym where the competition was held and I had my own personal navigator.  A big thank you to her for going with us, driving and missing her scheduled "girls night out" with her friends because the day was extra long and the team girls wanted to get dinner before we came home -which they certainly earned with all of those hard hours of competition in.  Thanks Mom!! We really appreciate it!!

Then, this past Wednesday night, my sister in law hosted her annual Christmas Ornament (Holiday decoration) exchange.  That is always a load of fun, this year especially.  D put out a fabulous spread and introduced me to 14 (12?) Hands red wine.  YUM!  The ladies that attend this exchange are fun to be with any day and especially fun when we exchange the ornaments and steal the gifts from one another.  Another huge thank you to my SIL for hosting such a fun night out.  (Too bad the weather was crappy!!)  I came home with a really cute present luminary and I can't wait to put a candle into it to see how pretty it looks all lit up! 

On Sunday, we picked out and brought home our Christmas tree.  My hubs lovingly put it up last night and if the kids can get all of their homework done and we can have a relatively calm dinner tonight, we'll decorate it tonight.  "IF"  got it?  No promises.  But I do promise that I will post photos when we finally get it all done. 

I can tell you that the kids were super excited about the tree coming into the house.  So excited that they thought they didn't need to do last night's homework.  That they were exempt because the tree was coming in and going up.  Not so in my book.   "IF" they do not get their stuff done today, that tree will sit there, with lights only, until this weekend when we are "off" on Saturday (after we take Guinness to the vet.)  Don't you agree?  When do you put your tree up and decorate it?  On a school night?   Or on the weekend when you can all enjoy the task at hand and get into the spirit?? 

Fun post(s) coming up this week:  my friend Alison is going to be guest blogging here on Family, Scrapbooks and Coffee!!  I may have her on two days instead of one day --- we'll have to see how it goes.  She recently went to Disney for the first time with her family and is going to tell us all about her trip with her husband, her in-laws and her two little boys!!  I am so excited to have her share her escapades!  

Crayola! Just in time for Christmas!!

Inspire hours of wonder, adventure and dreams by giving a child more than presents for the holidays!!  (If you are like my friend Traci, you're only looking for Crayola products to bring your child's ideas to life!)  Crayola gives you many ideas in their Holiday Gift Guide (clickable link is green or you can copy and paste:  www.crayola.com/gifts )

"From fun coloring and drawing products to activity toys -- every product inspires kids to explore, discover, play, pretend and dream."  Crayola and MyBlogSpark have teamed up to offer you an AWESOME gift this holiday season!!  A gift pack that includes the Crayola Jewelry Boutique, Crayola Glow Book, Telescoping Crayon Tower and Ultimate Art Supply Kit will allow your children to be original as they bring their ideas to life!  The prize pack is one of each of these!!  FOUR wonderful genuine Crayola products worth over $75 combined!  Your kids will be lucky to have these this Holiday season. 

Crayola Jewelry Boutique:  Kids can become their own jewelry designers! Crayola put a unique “spin” on jewelry making with a special “jewelry spinner” that creates multi-colored beads using Crayola Model Magic. As kids spin their beads into shapes, they can string them together to create original bracelets, necklaces, earrings, and pendants that reflect their own personal style. Let the designing begin! Recommended for children ages 6+, each Jewelry Boutique kit includes 8 packs of Crayola Model Magic to mold 160 beads, 5 bracelet charms, 3 pendant charms, 2 shape cutters, a bead dryer rack, 5 toggle sets, 4 earring posts and ear wires, a bead punch, 18 gems, 2 necklace cords, 1 elastic cord, bead glaze, and the Jewelry Boutique Spinner with storage areas and retails for $24.99!

Crayola Glow Book:  Let your kids’ imaginations run free this holiday season while creating glowing, moving art with the Crayola Glow Book. Turn the lights out and watch their artwork come alive on each page and appear as if it is actually moving! Using special glowing-ink markers to draw on each of the four clear pages, kids can choose one of the four tracing guides to create original scenes, signs and messages, and arrange them in their desired order. Then, just hit the lights and allow your kids to wow you with wildly colorful, glowing animated scenes. Variable light settings create colorful, multi-layered effects. The Crayola Glow Book wipes off easily so kids can use their imaginations to create endless glowing artwork! A simple wet cloth will do. Recommended for children ages 6+, the kit includes one Glow Book with 4 clear pages, 4 animation tracing guides and 6 glow markers and retails for $24.99.   (My girls have seen this commercial on TV and have both put it on their wish lists for Santa!)

Crayola’s Telescoping Crayon Tower and Ultimate Art Supply Case: For everyday inspiration and creativity, be sure to keep Crayola’s Telescoping Crayon Tower and all-inclusive Ultimate Art Supplies case handy, so they’re can always be prepared to create! Filled with crayons and all of the classic art tools for drawing and painting, kids can share their creativity through colorful works of art!  The Telescoping Crayon Tower puts limitless color at kids' fingertips and compacts neatly for storage with 150 Crayola Crayons and a built-in sharpener for extra convenience.   The Crayon Tower retails for $17.99.

Recommended for children 4+, the Ultimate Art Supply Kit contains 24 crayons, 8 washable broad line markers, 12 colored pencils, 8 washable watercolors, 1 paint brush, school glue, scissors, and colored paper and retails for $16.99.

Have you seen any of these items on the TV commercials like my kids have? 


It's easy to win!!  There is one mandatory entry and many "bonus" entries.  The contest will run from tonight until 12:01 a.m. EST on Wednesday, 12/7/11. 

Disclosure: The Crayola Innovative Holiday prize pack, product information and prize pack for giveaway have been provided by Crayola through MyBlogSpark.