Yes, I know there are Michael's crafts stores all over the country. So, this is another one that can apply to everyone.
When: Saturday, May 29
Time: 10a-1p or while supplies last
Where: Your local Michael's store
On Saturday the craft is a flower card. Here is a link to the card: Flower Card
Michael's has a craft class like this at least once a month. In June there are two for Father's Day. On June 5 the craft is a Build a Book Kit. Book The time is from 10a-2p or while supplies last. Children ages three and up are welcome.
Thursday, May 27, 2010
Tuesday, May 25, 2010
More free things to do!
This one is just for active duty military or dependents though, sorry. Several museums across the country are offering free admission for military members and dependents from Memorial Day through Labor Day. Here is the link: Military Free Admission Just click on your state to see which museums are participating.
Why do car seats have expiration dates?
If any of you out there are moms or know a mom then you have definitely seen car seats in use. Did you know that they have expiration dates? Many people do not know this. All car seats have expiration dates. Generally, the expiration date is six years from date of manufacture (DOM), but this is not always the case. A few seats out there have five or seven year expiration dates and one seat has a nine year lifespan. You can find your DOM located on a sticker on the back, bottom, or side of your car seats. Some manufacturers also imprint the expiration date in the plastic on the back of the seat.
Why should I care if the seat is expired? Because you do not know how an expired seat will react in a crash. You cannot guarantee your child will be safe in an expired seat.
Car seats sit in the car. They are exposed to frigid temperatures in the winter and brutal, broiling temperatures in the summer. These changing in temperature cause the plastic to expand and contract thus breaking down the plastic. Even if your seat has sat in a climate controlled area (not in a car) for several years does not mean you are in the clear. The plastic still degrades.
Car seats also change over time. There have been many changes and advances since the Monkey was born in car seats. The seat you got for your first child may no longer be considered safe which is another reason for the expiration. For example three point harness infant carriers were common about 7-8 yrs ago. Now, they are no longer made because an infant could slip out of the harness at the hips. The five point harness is much safer and keeps a child in the seat securely.
What to do with an expired seat? If you have an expired seat it needs to be destroyed. You should not use it again. It is unsafe. To destroy the seat remove the cover (you may be able to sell the cover depending on the car seat model), cut the harness straps, write "Do Not Use" or "Destroy" on the shell of the seat with a Sharpie or spray paint, and then put it INSIDE your garbage can. I say to put it inside because some people will remove car seats from the curb and reuse them. If your area offers it you can recycle the car seat. Also, a couple of times each year Babies R US does a trade in event where you get 25% off one baby gear item if you bring in a car seat.
From time to time I will be posting car seat safety tips. Feel free to add your own if you like! Thanks for reading!
Why should I care if the seat is expired? Because you do not know how an expired seat will react in a crash. You cannot guarantee your child will be safe in an expired seat.
Car seats sit in the car. They are exposed to frigid temperatures in the winter and brutal, broiling temperatures in the summer. These changing in temperature cause the plastic to expand and contract thus breaking down the plastic. Even if your seat has sat in a climate controlled area (not in a car) for several years does not mean you are in the clear. The plastic still degrades.
Car seats also change over time. There have been many changes and advances since the Monkey was born in car seats. The seat you got for your first child may no longer be considered safe which is another reason for the expiration. For example three point harness infant carriers were common about 7-8 yrs ago. Now, they are no longer made because an infant could slip out of the harness at the hips. The five point harness is much safer and keeps a child in the seat securely.
What to do with an expired seat? If you have an expired seat it needs to be destroyed. You should not use it again. It is unsafe. To destroy the seat remove the cover (you may be able to sell the cover depending on the car seat model), cut the harness straps, write "Do Not Use" or "Destroy" on the shell of the seat with a Sharpie or spray paint, and then put it INSIDE your garbage can. I say to put it inside because some people will remove car seats from the curb and reuse them. If your area offers it you can recycle the car seat. Also, a couple of times each year Babies R US does a trade in event where you get 25% off one baby gear item if you bring in a car seat.
From time to time I will be posting car seat safety tips. Feel free to add your own if you like! Thanks for reading!
Fun, inexpensive or free things to do in Central Ohio #5---Lowe's Kids' Workshops
Okay, this is another one that is good for anyone who lives near a Lowe's store. The next workshop is also coming up VERY soon. It is Saturday, May 29 at 10a. You need to sign up to attend. Here is the link: Lowe's Build and Grow
I have not personally been to a Lowe's Build and Grow Workshop, but I know people who have. They are similar to the ones at Home Depot. Each participant receives an apron, goggles, a patch, and a certificate upon completion of the craft. Lowe's does not list a minimum or maximum age for this activity.
As I said the next one is this coming Saturday. The project is to build a Jimmie Johnson race car. It looks pretty neat. Monkey and I may have to check it out.
The project for June is a picture frame for Father's Day. The date for that workshop is Saturday, June 12 at 10.
I have not personally been to a Lowe's Build and Grow Workshop, but I know people who have. They are similar to the ones at Home Depot. Each participant receives an apron, goggles, a patch, and a certificate upon completion of the craft. Lowe's does not list a minimum or maximum age for this activity.
As I said the next one is this coming Saturday. The project is to build a Jimmie Johnson race car. It looks pretty neat. Monkey and I may have to check it out.
The project for June is a picture frame for Father's Day. The date for that workshop is Saturday, June 12 at 10.
Monday, May 24, 2010
One more free thing for today....Thaddeus Rex
If any of you have any interest in seeing Thaddeus Rex again he will be at the Westerville Public Library on Saturday, June 12. The concert begins at 11a. You need to register for this concert by calling 614-882-7277. Registration begins May 24 (today).
To learn more about Thaddeus Rex and his music click here: Thaddeus Rex He may be coming to an area near you this summer!
To learn more about Thaddeus Rex and his music click here: Thaddeus Rex He may be coming to an area near you this summer!
Fun, inepensive, or free things to do in Central Ohio #4--Lollipops Concerts
For my fourth installment of fun things to do in Central Ohio I am going to talk about the Lollipops Concerts. These are held in Powell, OH each summer. They are free concerts featuring children's bands.
Our moms' group went to one last summer. It was the first time any of us had been and I wasn't sure what to expect. The band scheduled to play was Thaddeus Rex. I had never heard of this band, but then my children's music is limited to Kindermusik and Veggie Tales.
We were told it would be crowded and they were right! It was very crowded and I am glad we got there early. Upon entering the amphitheatre each child was given a Dum Dum lollipop. I am assuming this is how the concert series got its name.
All of the moms met up (aren't cell phones wonderful?) and spread blankets out before the show began. The kids ran around while we waited for the show to begin. Once it began the kids were interested in the stage. There was this giant green dinosaur that came onto the stage along with a man with a guitar. The man sang and the dinosaur danced. The kids thought it was great and they all began dancing. The children were invited to dance near the stage and many did.
The music was rather entertaining. Yes, it was kids' music, but it also had some funny comments and undertones for adults. It wasn't all sing songy like Row, Row, Your Boat, and Mary Had a Little Lamb, etc. They were original songs.
The concert lasted about an hour. Afterward the band stayed behind to sell CDs and chat with the kids.
This year the day of the week has changed. The concerts are now on Mondays and there are only three this summer. Concerts begin promptly at 10:30. Here is a link to the site: Lollipops Concerts
I highly suggest getting there at least an hour early. Parking is free. Once you get there mark out your territory as the space fills up quickly. Bring along sunscreen as there is no shade what-so-ever. If you plan to stay after the concert and hang out at the Splash Pad (I will blog about this later) bring a swimsuit or at least a towel for your little ones.
The performer I'd most love to see at a Lollipops Concert is Barenaked Ladies. My son would love to hear them sing the Snacktime CD. Although, I am 99% sure they would never even entertain coming because they are too popular and successful, but one can dream, right?
Our moms' group went to one last summer. It was the first time any of us had been and I wasn't sure what to expect. The band scheduled to play was Thaddeus Rex. I had never heard of this band, but then my children's music is limited to Kindermusik and Veggie Tales.
We were told it would be crowded and they were right! It was very crowded and I am glad we got there early. Upon entering the amphitheatre each child was given a Dum Dum lollipop. I am assuming this is how the concert series got its name.
All of the moms met up (aren't cell phones wonderful?) and spread blankets out before the show began. The kids ran around while we waited for the show to begin. Once it began the kids were interested in the stage. There was this giant green dinosaur that came onto the stage along with a man with a guitar. The man sang and the dinosaur danced. The kids thought it was great and they all began dancing. The children were invited to dance near the stage and many did.
The music was rather entertaining. Yes, it was kids' music, but it also had some funny comments and undertones for adults. It wasn't all sing songy like Row, Row, Your Boat, and Mary Had a Little Lamb, etc. They were original songs.
The concert lasted about an hour. Afterward the band stayed behind to sell CDs and chat with the kids.
This year the day of the week has changed. The concerts are now on Mondays and there are only three this summer. Concerts begin promptly at 10:30. Here is a link to the site: Lollipops Concerts
I highly suggest getting there at least an hour early. Parking is free. Once you get there mark out your territory as the space fills up quickly. Bring along sunscreen as there is no shade what-so-ever. If you plan to stay after the concert and hang out at the Splash Pad (I will blog about this later) bring a swimsuit or at least a towel for your little ones.
The performer I'd most love to see at a Lollipops Concert is Barenaked Ladies. My son would love to hear them sing the Snacktime CD. Although, I am 99% sure they would never even entertain coming because they are too popular and successful, but one can dream, right?
Sunday, May 23, 2010
Boy, is it hot!!!
This morning four moms in our group ran a 5K. My husband and another mom's boyfriend also ran. It was the Stomp Out Stigma one at OSU to raise awareness about mental health issues. Boy, was it hot!
We thought we would be fine with an 11a start time. I mean we do live in Ohio and it is only mid-May so it shouldn't be too hot, right? I mean it has been cool all week so why should it suddenly be warm on Sunday, right? WRONG!! It was hot! It was about 78 when the race began and it is supposed to get up to 86.
This was a small race around Fred Beekman park in Upper Arlington. Small races are good because you don't have to jockey around people for the first mile or so.
At 11a the air horn was blown and we all began. Quickly everyone spaced out so that was good. I ran with my friend, Jenny, for about the first mile and then she pulled ahead. We were happy for the breeze and wished for clouds.
So, about 50-70 of us are running. The first time around the track it isn't too bad and the baseball parents only give us passing glances. I finish the first mile at 8:40. Not too bad if I can keep up the pace.
The second time around the track it starts to feel hotter and I see fewer and fewer people. I am keeping an okay pace or so I think. I am keeping the same distance between myself and Jenny. She runs faster than I do so I think I am good. I finished the second mile at 18:40 into the race. Damn! That means I slowed down two whole minutes during the second mile. I need to try and pick it up for the third, but it is looking unlikely.
All right, I am now on the third mile. Boy, is it hot! All I can think about it how hot it is and how the breeze really isn't cool at all. I start to slow down a bit and this shirtless, middle aged man with a paunch begins to pass me!! AGH!! I cannot let this happen! So, I pick it up a bit. Now, I am halfway into the third mile. I am now approaching the baseball parents. This time around I am getting the "you are nuts" looks from them. In some ways I agree. It is hot, there are no clouds, and just a barely a breeze. Plus, who really runs in the late morning anyway?
Okay, so now I am counting down. I have less than half a mile left. It can't be more than 5 min, right? I mean even if I am slow half a mile shouldn't take more than that. I am hot! I am sweaty and I am breathing heavy.
Now, a quarter mile left. I catch up to Jenny. She says something about picking up the pace and counting to ten. I didn't catch all of it because my iPod is blaring. It is playing "Help I'm Alive" and it seems appropriate especially the line about "my heart keeps beating like a hammer." Yeah, mine is beating. Jenny picks it up and finishes ahead of me. I couldn't muster up anymore energy.
I finish at 29:00 even. That isn't a good time at all. It is hot so maybe that factors into it. I need to get back on track and run faster. I say this at the end of every race, but it never seems to happen. I just never have the time to make it to the gym to run. I need to work on it. Maybe one day I will and maybe one day I will get to an 8 min mile consistently.
My husband and Jenny's boyfriend finished long before us. Jenny's boyfriend won for our age group (well, for the males). All is well. Another mom finished a minute or two behind. Our fourth mom finished a little after that. We were all happy! The race was over! Time to go home and shower!
We thought we would be fine with an 11a start time. I mean we do live in Ohio and it is only mid-May so it shouldn't be too hot, right? I mean it has been cool all week so why should it suddenly be warm on Sunday, right? WRONG!! It was hot! It was about 78 when the race began and it is supposed to get up to 86.
This was a small race around Fred Beekman park in Upper Arlington. Small races are good because you don't have to jockey around people for the first mile or so.
At 11a the air horn was blown and we all began. Quickly everyone spaced out so that was good. I ran with my friend, Jenny, for about the first mile and then she pulled ahead. We were happy for the breeze and wished for clouds.
So, about 50-70 of us are running. The first time around the track it isn't too bad and the baseball parents only give us passing glances. I finish the first mile at 8:40. Not too bad if I can keep up the pace.
The second time around the track it starts to feel hotter and I see fewer and fewer people. I am keeping an okay pace or so I think. I am keeping the same distance between myself and Jenny. She runs faster than I do so I think I am good. I finished the second mile at 18:40 into the race. Damn! That means I slowed down two whole minutes during the second mile. I need to try and pick it up for the third, but it is looking unlikely.
All right, I am now on the third mile. Boy, is it hot! All I can think about it how hot it is and how the breeze really isn't cool at all. I start to slow down a bit and this shirtless, middle aged man with a paunch begins to pass me!! AGH!! I cannot let this happen! So, I pick it up a bit. Now, I am halfway into the third mile. I am now approaching the baseball parents. This time around I am getting the "you are nuts" looks from them. In some ways I agree. It is hot, there are no clouds, and just a barely a breeze. Plus, who really runs in the late morning anyway?
Okay, so now I am counting down. I have less than half a mile left. It can't be more than 5 min, right? I mean even if I am slow half a mile shouldn't take more than that. I am hot! I am sweaty and I am breathing heavy.
Now, a quarter mile left. I catch up to Jenny. She says something about picking up the pace and counting to ten. I didn't catch all of it because my iPod is blaring. It is playing "Help I'm Alive" and it seems appropriate especially the line about "my heart keeps beating like a hammer." Yeah, mine is beating. Jenny picks it up and finishes ahead of me. I couldn't muster up anymore energy.
I finish at 29:00 even. That isn't a good time at all. It is hot so maybe that factors into it. I need to get back on track and run faster. I say this at the end of every race, but it never seems to happen. I just never have the time to make it to the gym to run. I need to work on it. Maybe one day I will and maybe one day I will get to an 8 min mile consistently.
My husband and Jenny's boyfriend finished long before us. Jenny's boyfriend won for our age group (well, for the males). All is well. Another mom finished a minute or two behind. Our fourth mom finished a little after that. We were all happy! The race was over! Time to go home and shower!
Saturday, May 22, 2010
Fun, inexpensive, or free things to do in Central Ohio #3---Home Depot
This post actually applies to everyone who has a Home Depot nearby. On the first Saturday of the month Home Depot has free Kids' Workshops for children ages 5-12. Workshops are held from 9-noon or while supplies last. There is no pre-registration required. http://www.homedepot.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/ContentView?pn=Kids_Workshops&langId=-1&storeId=10051&catalogId=10053&navFlow=3&searchRedirect=kids workshops&cm_sp=searchredirect-_-kids_workshop_lp-_-x-_-x
The next workshop is scheduled for Saturday, June 5. The craft is a mini foosball table.
These workshops expose children to the basics of woodworking and building. All crafts include hammering and gluing. Children receive an orange Home Depot apron at their first workshop and a pin upon completion of each craft.
Monkey has been to two of this Kids' Workshops. He has enjoyed both, but both have required considerable help from an adult. He has made a firetruck and a perpetual calendar.
The next workshop is scheduled for Saturday, June 5. The craft is a mini foosball table.
These workshops expose children to the basics of woodworking and building. All crafts include hammering and gluing. Children receive an orange Home Depot apron at their first workshop and a pin upon completion of each craft.
Monkey has been to two of this Kids' Workshops. He has enjoyed both, but both have required considerable help from an adult. He has made a firetruck and a perpetual calendar.
Friday, May 21, 2010
Fun, inexpensive, or free things to do in Central Ohio #2
Sorry about yesterday. We spent the day at the zoo and then I had a raging headache and went to bed early. This is what I had planned for yesterday's post:
Swisher Creek Alpaca Farm located in Blacklick, OH www.alpacanation.com/swishercreekfarm.asp
614-939-1872 or swishercreekfarm@aol.com Tours are free, but you need to call/email to schedule one.
This is a small alpaca farm owned by Judy and Pete Klein. I met them at our local farmer's market a few years ago and contacted them about a tour. Our moms' group went last fall for an up close and personal tour. Blacklick is about an hour away from Columbus.
We arrived at the farm about mid-morning for a private tour. We had about 10 kids with us. Judy meet us at the shop behind their house to begin the tour. She began by telling us about their farm and the alpacas. We then walked down the road to the alpacas. Judy let us all go into the alpaca pen. This was the first time all of us had been inside one. The kids loved it! There were alpacas of all sizes and colors, although I think the caramel colored ones are the prettiest. The alpacas were skittish at first, but then their curiosity got the better of them and they walked up to the children. The children were able to pet some of them and to hear the sounds that they make.
After we left the pen Judy answered any of the questions that we had. We walked back up the road to the barn and went into the shop.
In the shop Judy has fiber from her alpacas for sale. We found some very unique Christmas ornaments in the shop. Monkey fell in love with a miniature alpaca toy and it had to come home. Judy also has knit items for sale in the shop as well as yarn and roving. I am a knitter and loved looking at and feeling the fiber. If you have never felt alpaca fiber it is very soft, softer than mohair. Alpaca fiber is also very warm.
The total tour takes less than one hour. Their only request is that tour goers stop in the gift shop to have a look.
Swisher Creek Alpaca Farm located in Blacklick, OH www.alpacanation.com/swishercreekfarm.asp
614-939-1872 or swishercreekfarm@aol.com Tours are free, but you need to call/email to schedule one.
This is a small alpaca farm owned by Judy and Pete Klein. I met them at our local farmer's market a few years ago and contacted them about a tour. Our moms' group went last fall for an up close and personal tour. Blacklick is about an hour away from Columbus.
We arrived at the farm about mid-morning for a private tour. We had about 10 kids with us. Judy meet us at the shop behind their house to begin the tour. She began by telling us about their farm and the alpacas. We then walked down the road to the alpacas. Judy let us all go into the alpaca pen. This was the first time all of us had been inside one. The kids loved it! There were alpacas of all sizes and colors, although I think the caramel colored ones are the prettiest. The alpacas were skittish at first, but then their curiosity got the better of them and they walked up to the children. The children were able to pet some of them and to hear the sounds that they make.
After we left the pen Judy answered any of the questions that we had. We walked back up the road to the barn and went into the shop.
In the shop Judy has fiber from her alpacas for sale. We found some very unique Christmas ornaments in the shop. Monkey fell in love with a miniature alpaca toy and it had to come home. Judy also has knit items for sale in the shop as well as yarn and roving. I am a knitter and loved looking at and feeling the fiber. If you have never felt alpaca fiber it is very soft, softer than mohair. Alpaca fiber is also very warm.
The total tour takes less than one hour. Their only request is that tour goers stop in the gift shop to have a look.
Wednesday, May 19, 2010
Fun, inexpensive or free things to do in Central Ohio #1
Since I am part of a moms' group here in my town I thought I would post some of the things that we do to help keep us and the kids entertained. Because most of us stay at home money can be an issue. So, we try to do a mix of free and paid activities. I will be posting one or two activities per day. So, stay tuned!
Velvet Ice Cream Factory in Utica, OH. http://www.velveticecream.com/
Tours are free. The factory is open May-October. Group tours are given Monday-Thursday from 11-3. Please sign in for the tour at the barn.
Velvet Ice Cream is a family run ice cream factory. The factory is set on several acres of land. In addition to a water wheel and the ice cream factory on the property you will also find a creek with ducks and geese, a picnic shelter, and two Rainbow play structures.
The actual factory tour is somewhat limited. Your tour begins in the barn for an iintroduction to the area and to the history of the factory. After the talk and video you will be escorted up the hill to the factory. Once inside you are in a room with a large viewing window of the factory. Your tour guide will tell you about each area of the factory while you watch the ice cream being made and packaged. In the viewing room you will also find displays of vintage and current Velvet packaging. My son found it really neat to look at the old style packages (not sure why, but he did). The tour lasts about 30-45min.
No tour is complete, however, without a stop to the ice cream shop. In the shop you will find many (if not all) of the yummy ice cream flavors Velvet makes. So, get your ice cream and go out by the creek or play area to enjoy!
I would plan for an entire afternoon if you go to Velvet. Bring a lunch and hang out for a bit. Let the children play while the adults relax and chat.
Monkey and I have been to the factory twice. Both times he has had a blast! The first time was with my parents a couple of years ago and the second was last summer with our moms' group. Each time I think he has enjoyed playing and eating the ice cream more than he has enjoyed the tour, but you must realize he is a very active boy. The older kids seem to take much more interest in the actual tour. The tour can also make for a good homeschooling lesson.
Velvet Ice Cream Factory in Utica, OH. http://www.velveticecream.com/
Tours are free. The factory is open May-October. Group tours are given Monday-Thursday from 11-3. Please sign in for the tour at the barn.
Velvet Ice Cream is a family run ice cream factory. The factory is set on several acres of land. In addition to a water wheel and the ice cream factory on the property you will also find a creek with ducks and geese, a picnic shelter, and two Rainbow play structures.
The actual factory tour is somewhat limited. Your tour begins in the barn for an iintroduction to the area and to the history of the factory. After the talk and video you will be escorted up the hill to the factory. Once inside you are in a room with a large viewing window of the factory. Your tour guide will tell you about each area of the factory while you watch the ice cream being made and packaged. In the viewing room you will also find displays of vintage and current Velvet packaging. My son found it really neat to look at the old style packages (not sure why, but he did). The tour lasts about 30-45min.
No tour is complete, however, without a stop to the ice cream shop. In the shop you will find many (if not all) of the yummy ice cream flavors Velvet makes. So, get your ice cream and go out by the creek or play area to enjoy!
I would plan for an entire afternoon if you go to Velvet. Bring a lunch and hang out for a bit. Let the children play while the adults relax and chat.
Monkey and I have been to the factory twice. Both times he has had a blast! The first time was with my parents a couple of years ago and the second was last summer with our moms' group. Each time I think he has enjoyed playing and eating the ice cream more than he has enjoyed the tour, but you must realize he is a very active boy. The older kids seem to take much more interest in the actual tour. The tour can also make for a good homeschooling lesson.
Tuesday, May 18, 2010
So, why the title of Crazy About Car Seats?
Well, because I am kind of a little crazy about them. I have been this way for a few years now. Car seats really intrigue me. I am not sure why, but they do.
My son is an only and he has had nine car seats (in four cars) since he was born almost 5.5 yrs ago. We have owned a Graco Snug Ride with two bases, an Evenflo Triupmh, an Evenflo Titan, Evenflo Generations, two Cosco Regal Rides, a Britax Frontier, a Graco Nautilus, a Cosco Apex 65, and, finally a Clek Oobr.
We started off with a Graco Snug Ride with two bases. He outgrew the Snug Ride by length at 4 mos.
Our next two seats were an Evenflo Triumph and a Titan. The Triumph was in my Jeep. It is hands down my favorite seat ever! It has been discontinued for a while, but its replacement, the Evenflo Triumph Advance, is even better!
The Titan went in my husband's Corolla. I didn't like the seat from the beginning, but it was cheap and it worked. The harness stopped tightening on it consistently at about the 1.5 yr point. We were visiting my husband in Korea at that time and I left it there.
I replaced the Titan with an Evenflo Generations. I thought I would like it as much as the Triumph and I liked that it turned into a booster. It was a bad choice. It even made the top five worst booster list! The only thing good that I can say about this seat is that it is narrow and fits well in my Jeep with the Britax Frontier next to it. So, I have kept it as a spare seat.
Each set of grandparents bought a Cosco Regal Ride. It was another inexpensive, no frills seat. It got the job done. He outgrew these seats just after he turned four. They have pretty low top harness slots.
When he turned four we decided that he looked too "squished" in his current seats so we purchased a Britax Frontier for my car, a Graco Nautilus for my husband's, and an Apex 65 for my parents' cars. I had no intention of putting a squirmy, bouncy, four year old in a booster. To me four is WAY too young for a booster. He will be harnessed until at least age six. Anyway, the Frontier is now my second favorite seat. The Nautilus is okay. It gets the job done, but my son and I like the Frontier better. The Apex is nice and had a very good price.
Now, at age five my son has finally hit 40 lbs clothed so he has outgrown the Generations. In January I began my search for the perfect booster. I thought I had found it in the Oobr. It is a mammoth booster with a magnesium frame! It can be LATCHed, has deep head wings, and made the IIHS list for best boosters. The icing on the cake was that it came in a pirate pattern (Skurvy). So, I ordered one. My son loves it! I like it too. It is heavy and can be difficult to move between cars, but I love that I can LATCH it in place.
So, with nine seats for one child I might be considered "crazy." My husband just thinks I am obsessed. Maybe I am. I've already found another booster I want to "play with." It is the new Recaro ProBooster. I am waiting to hear about a price for techs. If it is low enough I may get it.
My son is an only and he has had nine car seats (in four cars) since he was born almost 5.5 yrs ago. We have owned a Graco Snug Ride with two bases, an Evenflo Triupmh, an Evenflo Titan, Evenflo Generations, two Cosco Regal Rides, a Britax Frontier, a Graco Nautilus, a Cosco Apex 65, and, finally a Clek Oobr.
We started off with a Graco Snug Ride with two bases. He outgrew the Snug Ride by length at 4 mos.
Our next two seats were an Evenflo Triumph and a Titan. The Triumph was in my Jeep. It is hands down my favorite seat ever! It has been discontinued for a while, but its replacement, the Evenflo Triumph Advance, is even better!
The Titan went in my husband's Corolla. I didn't like the seat from the beginning, but it was cheap and it worked. The harness stopped tightening on it consistently at about the 1.5 yr point. We were visiting my husband in Korea at that time and I left it there.
I replaced the Titan with an Evenflo Generations. I thought I would like it as much as the Triumph and I liked that it turned into a booster. It was a bad choice. It even made the top five worst booster list! The only thing good that I can say about this seat is that it is narrow and fits well in my Jeep with the Britax Frontier next to it. So, I have kept it as a spare seat.
Each set of grandparents bought a Cosco Regal Ride. It was another inexpensive, no frills seat. It got the job done. He outgrew these seats just after he turned four. They have pretty low top harness slots.
When he turned four we decided that he looked too "squished" in his current seats so we purchased a Britax Frontier for my car, a Graco Nautilus for my husband's, and an Apex 65 for my parents' cars. I had no intention of putting a squirmy, bouncy, four year old in a booster. To me four is WAY too young for a booster. He will be harnessed until at least age six. Anyway, the Frontier is now my second favorite seat. The Nautilus is okay. It gets the job done, but my son and I like the Frontier better. The Apex is nice and had a very good price.
Now, at age five my son has finally hit 40 lbs clothed so he has outgrown the Generations. In January I began my search for the perfect booster. I thought I had found it in the Oobr. It is a mammoth booster with a magnesium frame! It can be LATCHed, has deep head wings, and made the IIHS list for best boosters. The icing on the cake was that it came in a pirate pattern (Skurvy). So, I ordered one. My son loves it! I like it too. It is heavy and can be difficult to move between cars, but I love that I can LATCH it in place.
So, with nine seats for one child I might be considered "crazy." My husband just thinks I am obsessed. Maybe I am. I've already found another booster I want to "play with." It is the new Recaro ProBooster. I am waiting to hear about a price for techs. If it is low enough I may get it.
Great ClekJacket!
I am so thrilled!! I just won a ClekJacket (cover) for the Clek Olli or Ozzi. I won it by commenting on the Clek Facebook page. The contest ends this Friday.
The ClekJacket my son picked out is the Treehouse Camo. I was a little disappointed when he chose that design. I really liked the Julius Multiple Choice. Well, I was in for a surprise! The jacket came this morning (I won it last Friday) and I love it! The camo is really pretty, if camo can be pretty. The jacket is soft as well. My son also loves it! Now, I just need to buy (or win) an Olli or Ozzi so I can use this wonderful jacket when my son is older or when older kids ride with me.
Thank you Angela at Clek!!
The ClekJacket my son picked out is the Treehouse Camo. I was a little disappointed when he chose that design. I really liked the Julius Multiple Choice. Well, I was in for a surprise! The jacket came this morning (I won it last Friday) and I love it! The camo is really pretty, if camo can be pretty. The jacket is soft as well. My son also loves it! Now, I just need to buy (or win) an Olli or Ozzi so I can use this wonderful jacket when my son is older or when older kids ride with me.
Thank you Angela at Clek!!
Hello All!!
This is my first time blogging. Yea!! Wish me luck!
My name is Amy and I am a SAHM to my five year old son. I am a Child Passenger Safety Technician (CPST) and I love researching about car seats!! My son also enjoys trying them out for me. In addition to being a CPST I am also an RN. I find that both are helpful when speaking to other moms about seats.
As I mentioned I am a SAHM and I help run/coordinate a moms' group in my small town. It is great! We have kids in the group of almost every age, moms too! The kids have playmates and the moms have support from other moms. Some of the moms work and others are at home full time. We get together several times a week for play dates, lunch, moms' night out, field trips, and many other things. The sky is the limit for us!
Anyway, I've started this blog to talk about my son, our moms' group, and, of course, about child safety and car seats. Hopefully I will get a following! More soon!
My name is Amy and I am a SAHM to my five year old son. I am a Child Passenger Safety Technician (CPST) and I love researching about car seats!! My son also enjoys trying them out for me. In addition to being a CPST I am also an RN. I find that both are helpful when speaking to other moms about seats.
As I mentioned I am a SAHM and I help run/coordinate a moms' group in my small town. It is great! We have kids in the group of almost every age, moms too! The kids have playmates and the moms have support from other moms. Some of the moms work and others are at home full time. We get together several times a week for play dates, lunch, moms' night out, field trips, and many other things. The sky is the limit for us!
Anyway, I've started this blog to talk about my son, our moms' group, and, of course, about child safety and car seats. Hopefully I will get a following! More soon!
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