Baby G's 2nd Birthday at AZ Air Time (Ball/Sports Themed)

AZ Air Time Family Fun for All Ages!

We recently celebrated my youngest child's 2nd birthday.  I lovingly call him Baby G here on this site and I can't believe my "Baby" isn't such a baby anymore.  Birthdays are bitter sweet, but I love planning parties, making memories and celebrating my kiddos.

Baby G had his party at AZ Air Time in Scottsdale (there's a Tucson location coming soon too!), which I found through good old fashion Googling.  I used the virtual tour option and loved what I saw; trampolines everywhere, with foam pit, basketball, dodge ball and more.  Our family has many cousins ranging in ages from 1 to 13 years old and AZ Air Time was perfect to entertain all of them (and the adults too!).   There is a whole section for younger kids and adults or older siblings are allowed in only if they are assisting a child 6 or younger, perfect!  This is where Baby G spent most of his time, on the 2 inflatable bounce housed (complete with slides and basketball hoop) and on the trampolines specifically for toddlers and preschoolers. 

The older kids (and adults) had a BLAST in the foam pit- it was an overall favorite among our group.  I am usually running around at parties, making sure everyone and everything is taken care of but our hostess was wonderful and since she was on top of it all I got the chance to get in on the fun, too!  The basketball area was a work out but such fun.  Baby G's grandma was convinced she'd get a slam dunk; she got close but she'll have to head back to AZ Air Time to keep practicing! My two oldest (Jelly Bean who's 11 and K who's 4) loved racing in the main trampoline area and there was plenty of room for everyone. I'd worried about how busy it might be on a Saturday afternoon with younger kids, but it was great!

Our guest count was at 18 kids and parents who'd RSVPed 'Yes'.  We ended up with 6 kids (don't get me started; 11 of the missing kids were no call/no shows); but the kids that came had the best time.  I loved watching them all exercise, laugh, explore and really make the most of this unique location. 

The party location we picked was the semi-private option, decided upon because of the number of guests we (thought) we'd have.  It was perfect and they'd set up the space in the colors I'd chosen when booking the party and again, the hostess was wonderful at directing guests after checking in and just generally taking good care of us.  This was one of the easiest birthday parties I've ever planned.  I brought cake, favors and a few 'themed' decorations but that was it, they took care of everything from start to finish.  We had the party mid-afternoon so we didn't serve food, but you certainly could!  Simply call up and let them know the week of the party and again, they take care of it all. It was all completely stress free.

 

Jelly Bean immediately asked if we can go back- explaining she'd be "super healthy" if she was able to go to AZ Air Time "everyday!".  With summer temperatures reaching 120 here in Phoenix and Scottsdale; this indoor location is wonderful!  Don't get me wrong; you'll sweat if you participate, but you don't have to, there's free WiFi and seating areas for grownups, too! They offer trampoline workouts and I think I may just have to check it out!

Looking for a fun spot to take the kids for a couple hours?  Want a unique and awesome birthday party experience?  Looking for a new workout regimen?  Whatever it is; I highly recommend AZ Air Time.  The staff was wonderful and Baby G's 2nd birthday party was easy and by far one of the best party experiences we've had (truthfully, AZ Air Time and the fun the kids had helped me forget about the bunch of family members who never bothered to call or show up; well at least for the time we were there! Can you tell I'm upset still?  This is not the first incident and it's usually the same family members each time, but I digress.)

You can find AZ Air Time online, Twitter and Facebook (like them for up to date info and deals- while your there let them know LLandLoL sent you)!  Remember this place for when your kids are bored or when you are planning your next birthday party.  You will not be disappointed.

Share some ideas for birthday party themes below! 

 

***Disclaimer: Some aspects of our party were commentary.  As always, my opinions are 100% my own.  Just take a look at those kiddos faces if you doubt the amount of fun they all had! :) If you have more questions regarding this please check out: http://www.lovinglifeandlivingonless.com/p/disclosure-and-policies.html

Summer Staycation: Westin Kierland Resort and Spa

We try to take the kids on a vacation each year, we've been lucky enough (and frugal enough on the 'boring' stuff throughout the year) to be able to swing something each year.  California beach, Universal Studios, overnight in Camp Verde to visit Out of Africa and Las Vegas.  This year, rather than pack the kids up for hours in the car we decided to stay-cation!  We opted for The Westin Kierland Resort and Spa in Scottsdale, Arizona and it was one of the best vacations we've ever had! If you follow me on Twitter, Instagram (@llandlol) or Facebook you may already know just how great our time there was.

Staycation means vacationing in the general vicinity of your city and it's perfect for many reasons!

1. No long road trips with potentially whiney kids!

2. This also cuts back on travel costs (gas, pit stops etc).

3. Familiarity with the area.

4. This also includes being able to go home if you forget something!

5.  You can also check in on your home and animals!

6. You don't have to request time off of work!  Hubs met us right after work on Friday!

7. Explore your city! Take a look at your city as though you were a tourist- you'll find lots to do!

Butterfly Wonderland

If you follow me on Instagram or Facebook you got to see me posting some photos a couple weeks ago from a media event held at the newly opened Butterfly Wonderland in Scottsdale, Arizona.  This new attraction is unique because it is the largest butterfly pavilion in America!

You can start this attraction with a 3D movie which is actually an IMAX movie called 'Flight of the Butterfly' that's been shortened to under 15 minutes.  It was a beautiful movie that was educational and informative, I recommend starting your adventure here.  However, I don't know if my young ones would sit for the whole movie, it's possible it would grab their attention but I'd be surprised if they'd sit for a full fifteen minutes!  Definitely attempt it though, just sit near the exit just in case. 

Next up is the Butterfly Emergence room where you see the many chrysalids and you might even be lucky enough to see a butterfly emerge!  The chrysalids are beautiful and it's amazing to see the different colors and sizes.  I learned that the color and look of the chrysalid is directly related to where the butterfly forms it.

Once you are ready you can head into the atrium.  There are thousands of butterflies living here.  I went in the evening (after the venue is closed) when the butterflies are beginning to calm down and sleep and I still saw so much action, I can't wait to see this attraction during the day while the butterflies are most active.  I was extra lucky and had two butterflies land on me on separate occasions!  I thought the butterflies would be sleeping so I failed to bring my nice big camera but my cell phone did the job alright and I captured some pretty good shots.

I could spent hours in the atrium.  It was beautiful.  Humid to remain a rain forest like temperature, but beautiful.  When you exit the atrium you head into the café.  The Vermont Sandwich Company supplies items in the café.  I got a chance to sample some items from this restaurant and it was delicious!!  Side note: the fruit the butterflies snack on comes straight from the café- if the fruit doesn't sell it goes to the butterflies.  I love that!  No waste!

Next up is the Live Ant Colony and Honey Bee exhibit.  This area was small but very interesting.  Moving on I realized there was a small aquarium- it just keeps getting better.  The aquarium area was little but there is a stingray touch tank!  The stingray wasn't there during my visit but I know the kids will get a kick out of that when we visit as a family!  You exit out into the fairly large gift shop.  Lots of goodies for adults and kids. 

My new friend at Songs Kate Sang snapped these amazing photos of my excited surprise with my new butterfly friend!

Butterfly Wonderland is offering a great deal right now.  A lifetime membership at almost 90% off!  Until 6/15/13 the single lifetime membership is only $99 and a family of four is only $249.  You can visit Butterfly Wonderland for LIFE!  Very cool.  There's a whole entertainment complex slated to go up in the near future "Odyssey in the Desert" and I'm extremely excited to see what's in store.

Check out Butterfly Wonderland on Facebook and online! This is a great indoor option for the summer and a truly unique experience!

Side note: my step mom informed me that her mom says if a butterfly lands on you, you get a new dress.  I thought it was adorable (and means I get two new dresses, right?!).  Do you have any fun superstitions or traditions when it comes to butterflies?  Let me know below!


***Disclaimer: I was invited to a special media event to check out and share this new attraction with my readers.  My opinions are, as always, my own. If you have more questions regarding this please check out: http://www.lovinglifeandlivingonless.com/p/disclosure-and-policies.html

Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey® Presents Built To Amaze!

Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey presents BUILT TO AMAZE is coming to the US Airways Center June 26 – July 1, 2013. You can see the full schedule and check if they are coming to a city near you here!

 

Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey® Presents Built To Amaze!, an extraordinarily engineered circus experience custom-built for family fun where Children Of All Ages® find out what it takes to construct The Greatest Show On Earth®. The visionary blueprints have been assembled with a contemporary toolbox of unparalleled imagination that will be unleashed from shipping crates right before the audience’s eyes for the all-new circus spectacular Built To Amaze!

 

 

DISCOUNT!!!

$5 off tickets in the $20 price levels.

$5 Off with code MOMSAVE

· Valid on $20 & $25 tickets only

· No double discounts

Valid on all show days and times EXCEPT Opening Night (Opening Night tickets are 50% off, excluding front row and VIP seating)

Tickets can be found at www.Ticketmaster.com. 

 

The circus in on our 'Things to do this Summer' list! With the coupon codes (and especially the 50% off opening night offer) this is a great way to share something amazing with the family and save some money!

***Disclaimer: I received tickets for opening night in exchange for sharing this info with all of you! If you have more questions regarding this please check out: http://www.lovinglifeandlivingonless.com/p/disclosure-and-policies.html

Summer Activity: SEA LIFE Aquarium

 

I posted yesterday about summer being in full swing and shared some thoughts on how to keep kids busy and active while encouraging them to explore the world around them.  We had the opportunity to go as a whole family, to our local aquarium this week and though it might not have been wise for us to skip the younger kids' nap time- it was still a great experience!  My family loves our little home aquarium and my kids have spend many hours staring at the 'fishies'.  So I knew they'd get a kick out of the touch pools, 360* ocean tunnels, play area and all the Arizona SEA LIFE Aquarium had to offer.

Arizona SEA LIFE Aquarium is about 30 minutes away from our home and we'd never visited before.  I heard they recently opened up Jellyfish Discovery and that gave me the push to get over there and really check this place out.  I found lots of coupon options for Sea Life and after checking out their website I also saw that they offered discounted tickets for visitors in the evenings.  Right now (Valid during the month of May) tickets are only $5 if you visit Monday through Friday after 4pm and it closes at 7:30 with last admission at 6:30; give you a good amount of time to wonder around and the perfect amount of time if you have younger kids!! There are always coupons or discounts available, even if you want to explore on a weekend or during the day. 

Sea Life currently has 6 aquariums in the US and even more internationally; you can check to see if there's one near you here.  This activity is perfect for the summer; it's educational and indoors!

Like Arizona SEA LIFE Aquarium on Facebook and check out the website to plan your visit!

***Disclaimer: I was given media passes to experience SeaLife Aquarium with my family. My opinions are my own. . If you have more questions regarding this please check out: http://www.lovinglifeandlivingonless.com/p/disclosure-and-policies.html

Keeping Kids Busy This Summer Without Breaking the Bank

Last summer, thanks to so inspiration on Pinterest, we implemented our first "Summer Bucket List".  We comprised a list of things to do to keep active throughout the summer.  I broke up the list into "Free" "Inexpensive" and "Pricey" categories.  This helped us decide what was feasible on any given day for our family of 5. 

FlipSide Family Fun (Phoenix Area)

Whether you're planning a birthday party for one very special kid, or a huge event for fifty adults, FlipSide can provide fun for all ages in an atmosphere that everyone can enjoy. We have multiple party rooms, meeting rooms and VIP areas available for rental as well as bowling party options. There are many ways to customize your special event at FlipSide. With laser tag, crash pods, bowling, billiards, arcade, coffee shop and cafe all under one roof, imagine how awesome your next event could be with us!

Receive 20% off of our 3-Hour Attraction Pass. Attractions include Laser Tag, Mini Bowling, Blast Pad, Laser Maze and Crash Pods. Or receive 20% off when you bowl on any of our 28 Lanes by the hour or per game. Limit one coupon per transaction. Valid for up to 6 people per coupon. Not valid for contracted group events, birthdays, leagues or tournaments. This offer is subject to lane availability. Visit exploreflipside.com for more information about our facility and to sign up to our newsletter. Follow us on Facebook to find out about specials. facebook.com/Flipsidefun

 

Visit Phoenix Kids Guide for the 20% off 3-Hour Attraction Package coupon, for Flip Side

Expires: 06/30/2013

***Disclaimer: In exchange for sharing this information and coupon I have the opportunity to take my family to FlipSide to check it out for ourselves. My opinions are my own. If you have more questions regarding this please check out: http://www.lovinglifeandlivingonless.com/p/disclosure-and-policies.html