When we received the invite to attend an event hosted by 20th Century Fox & the American Museum of Natural History, of course we said ye...

When we received the invite to attend an event hosted by 20th Century Fox & the American Museum of Natural History, of course we said yes. In one event we got a chance to mix dinosaurs and science!

Note: I was invited as media to the movie screening and AMNH partnered exhibits. Any personal views expressed are always 100% my own.


Our day started with a screening for Ice Age: Collision Course and meet and greet with astronaut Scrat. Being the 5th Ice Age movie, I wasn't sure if the movie would live up to our enjoyment of the last 4 movies. But it did and in a new and fresh way.

While the story-line of the Ice Age team trying to survive another disaster (again) has been done, they still make it thrilling (a meteor crashing into earth!). And funny (it all Scrat’s fault!). And educational (STEM lesson!)

Overall the movie will be enjoyed by both new and current Ice Age fans. So I suggest getting your tickets to see Ice Age: Collision Course in 3D.



After screening Ice Age: Collision Course, I had the chance to meet Neil deGrasse Tyson, American astrophysicist, who voiced Neil deBuck Weasel. Without giving to much away, I can say that deBuck offers some sciency feedback during one of Buck's conversations in his head.


During the meet and greet, I HAD to ask Neil...

"Is it possible that magnetized rocks can be launched into space to avoid a meteor hurling to earth disaster?!"

Cause come on, I need to know! Neil's answer?

Neil deGrasse Tyson: In short, yes it is possible that magnetized rocks launched into space can save us from meteor hurling to earth. But it would have to be very specific, since magnet can either attract or repel. As for how we'd get that magnetized rock into space....

Well that part still needs to be figured out. LOL

Besides talking about space rocks, Neil also shared about his character.


Neil deGrasse Tyson: I was impressed that actual Neil deBuck Weasel...I’m way chubbier than Neil deBuck Weasel....is a skinny weasel. I like when you have creative illustrators. They look to see what you’re like, and they get the essence of you, and they put it in the character.

This is what any good artist will do. It’s one thing to just draw what you look like, it’s another thing to have your manner, how you behave, how you move your arms and so. I think they looked at some of videos I’ve been in.

Neil deGrasse Tyson: So, when they animate the character, the character has some of my body gestures that I know that I have, So, it’s not just making him sort of look like me. It’s making him move and behave like me as well.

While we could have stayed and chatted with Neil deGrasse Tyson for the rest of the afternoon, we had to head over to the American Museum of Natural History for a special tour!


We started at the Dinosaurs Among Us exhibit. Of course my son and the kids love it here. If you read my post "Dinosaurs Among Us: Educational and Interactive Fun" then you know it's a great exhibit for families to check out.

After we hatched the kids. LOL. We went over to the Hayden Planetarium to see "Dark Universe", which was mind blowing.

We learned about the expanding universe, how scientist are using telescopes and space probes to map the universe and what is Dark matter. Bonus that The Space Show is narrated by astrophysicist Neil deGrasse Tyson

Being at the museum was a great way to tie in all we learned while watching Ice Age: Collision Course. What an amazing day!


SYNOPSIS:


Scrat’s epic pursuit of the elusive acorn catapults him into the universe where he accidentally sets off a series of cosmic events that transform and threaten the Ice Age World. To save themselves, Sid, Manny, Diego, and the rest of the herd must leave their home and embark on a quest full of comedy and adventure, traveling to exotic new lands and encountering a host of colorful new characters.

Stars returning cast members Ray Romano, Denis Leary, John Leguizamo, Queen Latifah, Seann William Scott, Josh Peck, Simon Pegg, Keke Palmer, Wanda Sykes, and Jennifer Lopez.

Joining the herd are Stephanie Beatriz, Adam DeVine, Jesse Tyler Ferguson, Max Greenfield, Jessie J, Nick Offerman, Melissa Rauch, Michael Strahan and Neil deGrasse Tyson.

Learn more, visit - www.iceagemovies.com

Facebook: www.facebook.com/IceAge
Twitter: www.twitter.com/IceAge

When thinking about summer activities to keep my son busy, rock climbing wasn't on my list. But after visiting Brooklyn Boulders Queensb...

When thinking about summer activities to keep my son busy, rock climbing wasn't on my list. But after visiting Brooklyn Boulders Queensbridge location, I highly recommend parents explore kids rock climbing.

Note: I received a complimentary BKB Summer Adventure class for review purpose. However any personal views expressed are always 100% my own.

While Brooklyn Boulders offers different youth programs, I wanted to learn more about their BKB Adventure program, which added a STEAM component to compliment the rock climbing curriculum.


The BKB Summer Adventure started with a group activity. Two groups were tasked with building a structure using provided supplies as fast as they can. Each kid in the team took turns helping to build.



At the end, both teams explained their building process and what they think worked about their structure. It was good to see the kids learn team work and problem solving.


Next activity was climbing the rock walls. They were different walls with different difficultly levels. The kids went through different climbing activity including solo climbing and assisted team climbing.


Since this was my son's first time learning to climb, the other kids were very helpful. They took the time to help him learn how to setup certain areas, explain how to climb in certain areas and offered encouragement.


Of course the instructor was there for everything but rock climbing really teaches how to work as a team. So he wanted to let the kids help each other and provided support and guidance as needed.

After the morning activities, the group took a break for lunch. Sadly we couldn't stay and missed out on the afternoon fun. But the Brooklyn Boulders Queensbridge team was nice enough to send us photos so we can see what they did.


As you can see the BKB Summer Adventure offers lots to keep kids active in a fun and educational way during summer and even after-school!

After experiencing the BKB Adventure, I know families will enjoy visiting Brooklyn Boulders. So here's a special promo code: SUMMERSTEAM16 that will give a 10% discount on all of their summer programming, including the Youth Route Setting Intensive for ages 10-15.


Also I wanted to share the mini Q&A session I had with he Brooklyn Boulders Queensbridge Youth Programs and Team Manager. As a parent I know we have lots of questions. They were happy to provide answers.


What are the benefits to having kids learn rock climbing?

Rock climbing is a unique sport in that it teaches kids not only the benefits of hard work and success, but also the importance of learning to fail, get back up, and try again. Climbing also increases confidence, spatial reasoning, and problem-solving, among many other skill sets. At BKB, one of our main goals is to incorporate experiential learning into our curriculums, so kids will be able to make connections between what they learn in school and what they learn on the wall.

What's a good age to intro kids to rock climbing?

Our drop-off programming begins at age 5, as we feel this is the age at which kids are emotionally and physically ready to handle the challenges of the sport in a fun, supportive environment. However, children as young as age 3 can come into our facility with their families and start getting familiar with the space. If parents take our Learn the Ropes class and become belay-certified, climbing on ropes is a great way to introduce younger children to the sport!



Why did Brooklyn Boulders start offering these classes/programs for kids?

BKB started offering youth programming in response to the needs of our community. In their earliest days, our kids programs were run by volunteers at our original location in Brooklyn, and as the demand for more structured and robust youth programming grew, managing youth programs became a full-time position. We now have dedicated youth staff at every facility, all of whom are passionate about climbing, experiential education, and creating life-changing experiences for kids.

What can families expect when visiting Brooklyn Boulders locations?

Families can expect a tailored experience that goes beyond the boundaries of a traditional climbing gym. We are a space infused with magic, where *all* kids have the opportunity to climb higher - both literally and metaphorically - than they ever thought possible. They can expect to discover new things about themselves and each other, to climb in a space where art and aesthetics are just as important as the difficulty of the problems on the wall, and interact with staff who live to share their love of climbing

The Brooklyn Boulders team values every member of the community – especially the kids. Brooklyn Boulders pride themselves on giving kids a fun, interactive experience while helping them build community, spatial awareness, mental focus and more!

To learn more about Brooklyn Boulders Youth Programs, visit www.brooklynboulders.com/youth

Plan on taking a family trip this summer? Then you'll want to learn more about Graco Extend2Fit 3-in-1 Car Seat, which was designed with...

Plan on taking a family trip this summer? Then you'll want to learn more about Graco Extend2Fit 3-in-1 Car Seat, which was designed with features to make kids more comfortable during car trips.

Note: I was invited as media to this event. Any personal views expressed are always 100% my own


To see how the Graco Extend2Fit car seat can fit into family travel, I took a mini trip with the Graco team driving around NYC.

During the drive, we discuss The American Academy of Pediatrics recommendation that children ride rear-facing until at least two years of age or until they have reached the maximum height and weight limits of their rear-facing car seats.


The Extend2Fit™ 3-in-1 Car Seat features a 3-position extension panel that provides 5” of extra legroom, allowing your child to ride rear-facing longer.


The Extend2Fit also features:

• Fuss-Free Harness Storage: The Fuss-Free Harness Storage holds the buckle out of the way, making it easier to get baby in and out.

• Simply Safe™ Adjust Harness System: Simply Safe adjusts the height of the harness and headrest, in one motion, without having to rethread the straps. 10 different positions make it ideal for your growing child.

• Steel Reinforced Frame: Steel reinforced frame provides strength and durability for up to ten years of use

• Level Indicator: Easy-to-read level indicator for hassle-free installation.

• InRight™ Latch: Provides a one-second latch attachment.

As you can see, the Graco Extend2Fit 3-in-1 Car Seat provides added comfort and enhanced safety for all the car rides ahead.

The Graco Extend2Fit 3-in-1 Car Seat is available at Babies R Us for $249.99.

Also available, Extend2Fit Convertible is available market wide for $199.99

To learn more about Graco, visit - www.gracobaby.com
On Facebook - www.facebook.com/#!/Graco
On Twitter - www.twitter.com/gracobaby