Sky Zone Kansas City Review (Shawnee) #SkyZone

Now that I find myself on Christmas vacation from homeschooling, it's time for another episode of ...

Reviews That Were Due a Million Years Ago

Today's episode focuses on Sky Zone, an indoor trampoline mecca kids would give up candy for. Back here I wrote about being excited to get to review Sky Zone here in Kansas City (Shawnee, to be more specific), so please check that out for more details about this insanely awesome place to take your kids. I wrote that at the end of 2014 and we did our party in January of 2015, which was almost 2 years ago, so the kids sure look different here!

So here is what I loved about our birthday party package we got to review:

You can sign the liability waiver online and not have to mess with it there, which is nice when you have a whole bunch of kids hanging around waiting to jump.

We had an entire TEAM of young ladies helping us out and checking in on us.

Prepping the kids

Jumping. Period. Just jumping. Exercise rocks.

Did I mention the massage chairs?

PARTY TIME!

 

 The Sky Socks were included. They have some grip on the bottom so they are perfect for jumping and probably also keep the trampolines less icky from feet juice.

Lots of different things to do ... jump up and down here. Play basketball while jumping there. Jump into a huge foam pit over there. Play basketball with wee tots over there in the smaller kid area. It was varied so it kept kids entertained.

Parents could also jump if they wanted, and we did. And I have never been so worn out, so it's an amazing workout.

Pizza and soda in the party room after jumping was nice that I could relax for a change instead of playing waitress like I do at home.

They are smart to do the pizza and soda AFTER the jumping because ... can you imagine the other way around? I wouldn't want to clean up those messes.

Honestly, we have not been back to Sky Zone, but it's not because my kids don't want to go. It's because it's pricey for my big family, even on the homeschool discount day. If they could make that homeschool discount just a little bit bigger, Mrs. McLoughlin would be spreading the news and getting together big groups and they would make big bank! All I have to do it mention it at the Open Play at Emerald City and there are a ton of homeschooling moms sitting on the bleachers there ready to head over to Sky Zone another day of the week with their young ones.

That said, Sam and I worked really hard selling his Scout popcorn this fall so he could get 2 free Sky Zone tickets for Sam and a friend, which means I get to pay for another 4 admissions, but they love it so much I will sneak it into the budget.

Here's how to find out about birthday parties.

They even have dodgeball leagues!

Friday nights they turn on the cool music and the black lights and you can GLOW while you jump!

Homeschoolers can come the 2nd Friday of every month from 2-4 p.m. (they really should offer this more often since Friday is usually a homeschoolers busiest day of the week for field trips and activities and also when other places such as Coco Key offer homeschool discounts every other month). The cost is $9.99 per hour so you could jump 2-3 p.m., 2:30-3:30 p.m. or 3-4 p.m. Seriously, knock that price in half and I'll buy a punchcard, baby!

Check out this link (there is more than one page to it as well) for their activities and programs.

Heading there this month with our 2 free passes, so I'll do another post about our experience!

Happy jumping!

Keep Your Car Running Smoothly With These Top Maintenance Tips

Owning a car is one of the best things for your family. A car makes things easier for school runs and practical purposes. Doing the weekly shop will be a lot easier when you don’t have to worry about getting it all home! Even with all these benefits, owning a car can be expensive. On top of insurance and tax, there are the unexpected costs that creep up when things go wrong. Keeping on top of car repair can save you from having to face extortionate costs later down the line. Here are some things every car owner should be aware of.

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TIRES

Your tires need checking regularly. You depend on them for getting anywhere, so don’t let your tests slide! You will need to test the air pressure in your tires at least every few weeks. If you notice the pressure has dropped, fill your tires at one of the many available air pumps. If the problem persists, look at the condition of the tires to see if there is any wear. Driving on bumpy roads and pebble drives can lead to tire damage. Keep on top of the problem to avoid the situation getting serious. Tires aren’t cheap. Replacing them as and when they need it will save you having to pay out a lump sum to get them all done. Keep your spare tire in top condition, too, so that it’s always there as a backup!

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ENGINE TROUBLE

All drivers dread that moment where something goes wrong with the engine. If you notice a strange sound when you start the car, it might be that something has gone wrong. Do a little research to familiarize yourself with car engines. That way, you should be able to determine what the problem is. Sometimes, it’ll be something small. Knowing the basics will ensure you can solve minor issues on your own. If it’s something more serious, don’t hesitate to contact a mechanic.

ACCIDENTS

Even the best drivers are at risk of an accident. It’s not just your driving you have to depend on. Other drivers being careless is just as likely to make you crash. Staying aware when driving will help you avoid accidents. You’ll be able to react to the drivers around you. Avoid drinking anything before you drive, too. You may think you’re okay to have one drink, but it’s often not worth the risk. Don’t find yourself seeking representation for your DUI case. Avoid the risk altogether!

BRAKE PROBLEMS

Brake problems are one of the most serious thing that can happen to any car. If brakes malfunction, it could lead to an accident and serious injury. Taking proper care of your brakes is the best way to avoid issues arising. Test your brakes to ensure they’re working. Flush your brake fluid at least every two years to ensure it’s effective. Check, too, that your brake lights are in working order. Neglecting your brakes could lead to a major accident. Don’t take the risk with your family!

Anavita Anti-Wrinkle Moisturizing Cream Review

So I am about TWO YEARS late on this review. Wow. I apologize for that, to the company that provided the product for me and to my readers of this blog ...

Here is the original post about how I was going to get this great anti-wrinkle cream to try out. I encourage you to check it out because it lists all the benefits of this great product.

I love that it doesn't take much at all and it really covers well. It's thick and goes on smoothly. It smells amazing! It's not greasy at all, which is wonderful since other products cause my mascara to smudge when I use them around my eyes. Speaking of my eyes, I think my eyes look pretty great for someone who just turned 45 over the summer!*

*I have to admit I only use it around my eyes and still have the original container of it, although it's almost time to purchase another!

Here is how to buy it and, at $29.95 for an anti-wrinkle cream that will last a while, that's a great deal.

Merry Christmas Eve 2016 from the McLoughlins!

My sweet girls waiting for Santa before Mass

My handsome boys waiting for Santa before Mass

Checking out the nativity scene

My precious family! It was really cool because my boys were altar servers and the rest of us were asked to take up the gifts so it was a really special night. I love Christmas Mass!

Don't you love the dresses on the girls?! Those are from my mom, their Tutu!

This is the tree BEFORE Santa comes ... presents to my kids from each other, to and from my husband for each other, for my kids from my aunts and grandma and a huge box of something for the dog!

Tracking Santa at www.noradsanta.org

Are You Ready For Marriage? Things You Should Consider

Getting married and living a life together should be far simpler than it seems to be. You meet someone, you date and enjoy one another's company, and you fall in love. You build a life together, one of you pops the question and then BAM you get married, have kids and live happily ever after. But, these days there are other factors to consider and sometimes a marriage is far different from a wedding and just enjoying the big day. Marriage is about longevity and commitment, like the marital vows state, for better or for worse and through sickness and in health. Are you ready for marriage? I thought I would share with you some things to consider before answering that question.

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Have you met the one?

I don’t think anyone intends to get married for it to end in divorce, but we can sometimes have our judgment clouded when it comes to making this decision. But I think most people would agree that when you have found that one person, your soulmate, you just know it’s for real. No one can explain the feeling, you may have thought you have felt it before, but when it’s true you are 100% sure that you have met the one. For now, it’s just a guessing game, but the question to ask yourself if you are wondering whether this is it, what does your heart tell you?

Things to discuss before making that commitment

These days it’s much more than just listening to your heart, though, there are important conversations that need to be had to ensure you are both on the same page. You need to discuss the future and whether you have the same family plans? Whether your parenting aspirations are the same and how things might differ in the future. You need to discuss your finances and be honest if you have had financial trouble in the past or owe any debt. Perhaps you know what buttons not to press in the middle of an argument, or when you need to be waving the white flag to make peace.

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Getting engaged, elaborate or simple?

Now comes the crunch question, getting engaged. Do you expect an occasion filled with romance and elegance? Or do you prefer a simple question and surroundings? Perhaps you want tradition and your partner to seek your hand in marriage once permission has been granted from parents. Even getting down on one knee and presenting a ring. Discuss this, and even look at options from yellow gold engagement rings to potential engagement locations. Do you want to capture the moment, or save it as a private memory? Or do you just want to leave this up to your partner or take matters into your own hands? We can’t sit through life waiting for things to happen.

Getting engaged doesn’t mean a wedding is imminent

Let’s be honest, marriage isn’t about the wedding. Of course, it’s a lovely way to celebrate your commitment to one another, but it isn’t the be all and end all. Marriage is about commitment to your future together, and many years of being a partnership. If you are ready for forever with this person, then maybe you are ready for marriage.