for kids - Views From the Ville

I received the Lincoln Logs Redfield Ranch in order to facilitate my review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

I can remember spending literally hours as a child playing with my Lincoln Logs. I don’t recall which one it was, but I do know that they were a Christmas gift (there’s photo evidence to help my memory). The rest of that day and many days into the future I would lay on the floor, carefully fitting the logs into dozens of different patterns.

Lincoln Logs were a tradition that I knew I wanted to share with Bubbles. They inspire creativity, building skills, and imagination, which are great elements for playtime. Plus it was something I could play with her that I already knew I enjoyed.

Lincoln Logs Redfield Ranch

Lincoln Logs Redfield Ranch Set - a Toys 'R Us Exclusive

I recently learned that K’NEX had released some new Lincoln Log sets – like the Lincoln Logs Redfield Ranch (available exclusively at Toys ‘R Us). There 124 of the same classic wooden logs that I played with, plus a few updated additions like plastic roofs and window and door inserts. The Redfield Ranch also has two figurines that a ranch wouldn’t be complete without: a cowboy and a horse. Continue reading »

I received a copy of The Little Mermaid Diamond Edition in order to facilitate my review. All words and opinions are my own.

The Little Mermaid has been on my Top 5 Disney movie list pretty much all my life. I can almost quote the entire thing, and I can definitely sing every word to every song. You have to love whosits and whatsits. Plus I could listen to Jodi Benson’s voice all day long.

I really thought it would be a movie that Bubbles would enjoy, too, but up until recently my only copy was an old VHS. Crazy, I know. But when we received The Little Mermaid Diamond Edition Blu-ray Combo pack and I was finally able to introduce her to the magic of mermaids and love at first sight (or speak, in this case). Turns out I was also introducing my husband to the movie. I could not believe that he had not seen The Little Mermaid, especially because he never mentioned anything when we watched the stage show at Hollywood Studios in Disney World.

The Little Mermaid Diamond Edition Blu-ray Combo Pack

While I do love Ariel, I have to say my favorite character is probably Sebastian. I love that little crab. He cares about Ariel so much and tries so hard to keep her out of trouble. And when she finds herself in a pickle despite his efforts, then he jumps in with both claws to help her in any way he can – even if he’s at risk of the wrath of King Triton. Continue reading »

After School Programs From BGCA

I’m mentioned a few times that I grew up in a very small town in Maine. To give you some perspective on just how small, there are roughly 1400 people living there today. There is a grocery store, two gas stations, a diner, a pizza place, and a handful of other random stores. So, you know, small.

What we didn’t have were many after-school options. If you weren’t playing a sport or didn’t have a job then there wasn’t much to do. Fortunately most kids had parents that made sure where they were and what they were up to, but that wasn’t the case in every situation. And regardless of checked in on, or not, it would have been great to have someplace to go where we could participate in fun activities, reinforce the skills and behaviors we learned in school, and to be active outside of the 20 minutes of recess we had each day. Continue reading »

Views From the Ville

Lincoln Logs Redfield Ranch Set – Reliving a Favorite Childhood Toy

Lincoln Logs Redfield Ranch

Disney’s The Little Mermaid Diamond Edition Blu-ray Combo Pack

Over 125 Stocking Stuffer Ideas for All Ages #CIJ13

Celebrate National Boys & Girls Club Week!

After School Programs From BGCA