Back in June 1998 I was disappointed (and rather upset) that you couldn’t book more than four people in a Walt Disney World value hotel room. I didn’t understand why I couldn’t put my three children (all ages eight and under at the time) in the same bed. After all, every other hotel we’d stayed in had let us have five people in a room.
Did you know that the average number of people per family in the U.S. is only 3.14? That helps explain why Disney’s least expensive hotel rooms only accommodate four people. However, as a parent, I was frustrated thinking that my children wouldn’t be able to visit the most magical place on Earth because we couldn’t afford to book two rooms or stay at one of the more expensive hotels.
As a child, I loved Easter. However, I don’t ever remember going to an Easter egg hunt when I was young. That all changed after Ian was born. My kids were extremely lucky to have their Aunt Chris and Uncle Tom who put on amazing Easter egg hunts each year. The kids always looked forward to lunch at the Russells the Saturday before Easter with their cousins, Mallorie and Darrin, followed by a romp around the backyard scooping up candy-filled plastic eggs that the Easter Bunny (also known as Uncle Tom) had left for them.
2004 Egg Hunt at the Russells: Ian, Mallorie, Meghan, Darrin, Rory, and Katie
Uncle Tom was a master at concealing eggs. In 2004, the kids had to find certain color eggs–Ian had green, Meg had yellow, and Rory had orange. Tom didn’t just drop them on the ground either!
Darrin even had to climb a tree!Look up, Rory! Your egg is on the bird feeder.
Now that we have our own grandchildren, I decided to start our own Easter tradition. Even though the babies are all under three, when Meghan said she was coming up this weekend, I decided to go for it. As usual, Dennis thinks I’m crazy.
This year’s crew consisted of J.R. (age 2 1/2), Violet (age 2), Sinopa (age 4), Kairi (age 1 1/2), and Adelyn (age 1 1/2).
I may have gone a little overboard. We really didn’t need 250 eggs, but the kids had a lot of fun.
It was hard making sure all the candy was appropriate for kids ages 18 months and up. Although, I am perfectly aware that their parents will probably eat most of it.
Next year, Josh will be big enough to join in.
After all the eggs were found, we went inside to see what was inside (even though Ady looked in each of hers as she picked them up).
Grammy Debbie also treated us to a great lunch! Thanks, Mom!
Can’t wait to do it again next year! Happy Easter!
After visiting the Little Buckeye Children Museum, we walked back to the Richland Carrousel (yes, there are supposed to be two Rs). This is a beautiful carousel that is enclosed so that it can operate in any weather. Rides are only $1 per person or 6 rides for $5. If you love carousels or live close by and can come back often, 50 rides are only $35. There’s also a  cute little gift shop where you can purchase all sorts of toys and souvenirs, including many Ohio-made products.
Kairi was a little apprehensive at first, but J.R. knew what to expect.
Once the music started and the horses moved, she was hooked!
There were several birthday parties going on while we were there–it seems to be quite a popular place. We will definitely be back, Our usual drop off spot of the Cracker Barrel at exit 169 may need to change to the carousel downtown. I know J.R. won’t complain!
The Animals
As their website states, “Richland Carrousel Park opened in 1991 as the first new, hand-carved carrousel to be built and operated in the United States since the 1930’s…The Carrousel figures were carved in the style of G.A. Dentzel, one of the most revered carvers of the early 1900’s. All 52 figures were designed, carved and painted by Carrousel Works in Mansfield, Ohio. [Each] of the horses [is] hand-carved. All 52 figures were designed, carved and painted by Carrousel Works in Mansfield, Ohio. ”
There are 30 gorgeous horses on the carousel, along with 22 other animals. Children can choose from horses, bears, cats, rabbits, and more. There is even a giraffe for kids to ride.
Accessibility
The carousel is handicapped accessible and can accommodate wheelchairs. The horses in front of the chariots pivot and the chariot seat flips up so that everyone can experience this magical ride.
Photo Op
A lone stationary horse is located outside the fence, and is the perfect spot for photographs. Kairi wasn’t having any of that and kept pressing her face up to the gate, hoping for another ride. Two was not enough!
Groups
Richland Carrousel offers affordable rates for group. A two-hour birthday party package includes three reserved tables and 30 tickets to distribute. Plus, the guest of honor rides free.
They also have packages for scout groups and wedding parties.
Richland Carrousel: Before you go:
The carousel is located at 75 N. Main St., Mansfield, Ohio 44902.
Admission is $1 per person. Multiple ride tickets are available at a discount. They do not need to be used by the same person.
Summer hours are 10-5 Monday through Saturday and 11-5 on Sunday. Winter hours are 11-5 daily.
For more information, check out the Richland Carrousel website.
As many of you know, Meghan, Joe, and J.R. live about 270 miles away from us. Because of this, we occasionally meet in Mansfield or Columbus for a weekend or to “switch the kid.” Since we hadn’t seen them since Christmas and didn’t expect to see them until May, we decided to meet in Mansfield the last weekend in February.
We’d done this in the fall, visiting the Barnyard Park, a great place for fall fun, but were looking for something indoor to do with a two-year old. Family friends, Shannon and Sharon, suggested the Little Buckeye Children’s Museum.
Because Ian wanted to work on the house and Krystal was taking continuing education classes in Columbus, I picked up Kairi in Akron on our way out of town. I thought about taking Ady too, but I didn’t think I could handle a two-year-old and two one-year-olds without a double stroller (need to get one BEFORE summer!). Yes, Meghan and Dennis were going to be there, but still…
Dennis was doing a walk-through for The Ohio State University’s Health and Sciences Library, so he was already in Mansfield on Friday night. I found him a cheap room at the Travelodge for Friday night and then we moved to the Hampton Inn for Saturday night (those two rooms earned us 4000 miles on American Airlines, woohoo!). I dropped off the dogs at the vet’s at 8:00 a.m. Saturday and started south. I spent a little longer than expected at Ian’s–he fixed the sound on my computer. Actually, I think he just missed me and wanted to talk. Kairi and I finally arrived in Mansfield around 11:45 a.m. and found Papa D at the Hampton Inn.
Dennis wanted to visit the prison, and since Meghan was also running late, we decided to drive out to see it. The guided tours don’t run this time of year, so we decided to come back in the summer.
We backtracked to downtown and parked in the free municipal parking across the street from the Richland Carrousel. The Little Buckeye Children’s Museum was a short walk.
When we first walked in, the museum really didn’t look like much. There were some tables in the front on one side, a few prepackaged snacks and drinks for sale and a Mr. Potato Head table, coloring area, and Hot Wheels section on other side. Admission was $8 a person for everyone over the age of two. We were pleasantly surprised once we were past the front desk.
Once we actually went in, we were amazed at the variety of activities for little ones. The first “room” was filled with toys for the youngest ones–musical instrument, stacking and connecting toys, things to crawl over and on. Kairi loved it, and Papa had fun playing with her. There was also an area where children could dig for dinosaur “bones” and “dinosaurs” in shredded tire material. One thing that I really liked was that there were BOOKS in each section that corresponded to the topic. Other areas on the first floor included musical pipes, tree house complete with climbing wall and slide, water table, doctor’s office/baby nursery, grocery store, beauty salon, car racetrack, construction area, water table, theater, hair salon, and veterinary office.
They did have raincoats available at the water table, but Kairi didn’t want any part of them. This was her favorite part of the day until we got to the carousel.
Meghan and J.R. finally arrived. J.R. needed a nap and was a little cranky, but he eventually started to play.
Upstairs, there was a room with trains, planes, Legos, and more. There was a camping/outdoor area that was super cute, a dentist office, art area, schoolhouse, mechanic, two-room house (watch for the low ceiling on your way out!), and more.
If we lived closer, I would definitely buy a membership to the Little Buckeye Children’s Museum. It’s great for kids under 10! A family membership is only $100 for the year, and a grandparent membership is $75. This also gives you half-priced admission to 350+ children’s museums across the country. Unfortunately, the Oh, Wow! Center in Youngstown is not on the list. I did feel really guilty that we didn’t take Adelyn. Next time we’ll take all four of the grandkids!
Kairi loved shopping in the grocery store. She also enjoyed driving the different vehicles.
J.R. enjoyed watching the trains. They also had four different tables of Thomas the Tank trains and tracks for the children.One of the ways you could enter the camping area was through a small tunnel. Kairi figured out that the Little Tikes Cozy Coupe just fit.
Stay tuned for my review of the Richland Carrousel!
Note: The official name of the carousel is Richland Carrousel with two Rs. I’m also still learning how to insert photos.
Believe it or not, it’s been ten years since I last taught French. How time flies!
When I taught French, we always celebrated Mardi Gras with food, decorations, music, and fun. Today in my junior high English classes, I wore my Mardi Gras scarf and a few stands of beads. None of them even noticed–I’m not sure if they even know what Mardi Gras is or how it has seeped into the culture of New Orleans.
Dennis and I took a road trip two years ago–eleven states in ten days. It was the week between Christmas and New Year’s. I was planning to teach the book A Mighty Long Way by Carlotta Walls Lanier, one of the Little Rock Nine, and wanted to visit the Little Rock Central National Historic Site. You’ve heard about my goal to visit all fifty states by the time I turn fifty, I assume? Well, road trip was going to help me add a few states to my total, namely Missouri Arkansas, and Alabama. Well, when Dennis saw the itinerary, he suggested we go to New Orleans, and a new plan was born. I’d taught French for twelve years, been to Quebec and France (multiple times), but had never visited New Orleans.
We left Northeast Ohio on Christmas Day and spent the night with Meghan, Joe, and J.R. in Hamilton, Ohio, before heading to St. Louis on the 26th. Our second stop was Little Rock where we visited Central High School and the William Clinton Presidential Library. Next, we journeyed south to New Orleans, arriving on December 28, 2015, and checking out on December 31.Â
Our hotel in New Orleans was in the heart of the French Quarter, and I swear it was haunted. It was a great location–a few steps from Jackson Square and less than two blocks from Bourbon Street. The hotel consists of restored buildings from the 18th and 19th century surrounding a charming courtyard.
There is no room to park on the street, nor are there any parking decks or lots nearby. Luckily, the Place d’Armes Hotel offers valet parking–above their minuscule garage. Our truck took a little elevator ride up to its well-deserved resting spot, and we hit the streets.
Because the hotel consists of several old buildings, there are many interior rooms that don’t have windows. These are considerably cheaper, and that’s what I booked. Since the parking was almost $40 a night, I had to save money somewhere. Our room was fine. Everything was old, but what do you expect from a building that’s been around since the 1700s? It was a little freaky at night, even though we left the bathroom light on. I don’t have any proof of paranormal activity, but since this hotel is featured on the local ghost tours, I was a little jumpy.
We went on a mini- bus tour of the city (highly recommended) and walking tours of the Garden District and St. Louis Cemetery No. 1. The food was amazing and the atmosphere was fun, with live music all around.
I’d love to visit New Orleans again some day. Until then, laissez les bons temps rouler, mes amis!
Watch for the Nashville entry (coming soon), if you’d like to know how this trip ended!
The year that got away from me… Last year I had great intentions. This year I had even better intentions. I was going to write. Write more. Write about things I love. Did it happen? No, not really. I started out okay, but then life got in the way.
Fast forward to February 2018. Nothing like starting your New Year’s Resolution in mid-February. No big deal, right? At least I’m starting. So, here goes.
I booked another trip to Disney. Big deal. WHOA! It is a big deal. I love Disney. And, luckily Dennis does too. Unfortunately, we live north-eastern Ohio, the land of ice and snow, 1092 miles from the main gates of one of my favorite places in the entire world. That’s not the bad part. I could easily live with that. The bad part is that we can only travel over school vacations. That means the busiest time of the year…Thanksgiving, Christmas, and Spring Break.
But, Dennis loves me, and this year, we upgraded our tickets to annual passes. Great right? It sure is! However, because of this, I am constantly stalking airline websites looking for unbeatable fares.
I have a trip booked. I made the reservation before our last trip. Coronado Springs Resort for $180 a night–great price–couldn’t resist. Plus, I can always get my deposit back if we don’t go. This trip isn’t a given. If we have to make up snow days (and I’m pretty certain we will since we’ve already missed 6 days, and it’s only February 10), we may not be able to go. Dennis isn’t supposed to take time off between Memorial Day and Labor Day, so Memorial Day weekend at Disney probably won’t happen. Oh, and airfare? It’s been pretty expensive that weekend.
So, I booked our fall adventure. I worry a little about taking all three of my personal days at once, but so far, it’s worked out fine. I booked five nights at Pop Century, our go-to value resort. Aubree, Jeremy, Ady, and Josh are planning on coming too. We’re definitely going, since the tickets are paid for (thank you, annual passes) and I was able to use frequent flyer miles to get us two round trip tickets for a grand total of $22.40! Not on Spirit or Allegiant either–we’re flying American.
Sure there are other places we could go…But, Disney is the most magical place on Earth. It’s where you can be a kid no matter how old you are. And, we’re going back!
Disclaimer: We’d like to go with the other grandkids too, but their parents won’t let them go until they are five or six. I’m sorry, J.R. and Kairi. I’ve tried. Multiple times.
We left a little later than planned, which meant that I took the dogs to the kennel alone. Indy didn’t throw up (amazingly) due to the Dramamine, but she cried all the way there. I felt really bad. Once we got there and she was able to get out of the car, she was fine. Both Indy and Allie raced down the steps to go see Miss Deb.
We spent the night at the Doubletree Inn and had dinner in their restaurant, Jacksons. Dennis ordered the All-American burger, and I got the Chipotle Lime Shrimp tacos. They were incredible! I highly recommend the food at Jacksons. If we had stayed longer, I would have had their pizza. They had an open fire pizza oven behind the bar, and the pizzas looked great.
Our alarm went off at 4 a.m. We had no problems with the hotel shuttle and only a few minor problems checking in with American Airlines. I thought we got one free bag and was irritated that we had to pay $25 for each bag at the airport. We could have had a free carry-on, but don’t usually take any. Both flights were smooth and our lay-over in Charlotte was short. As we flew into San Juan, we could see the forts down below. Sit on the left hand side of the plane if you want this view.
The white Taxi Touristicos were easy to find and extremely efficient. It was $24 to take us to our hotel in Old San Juan. The roads are very narrow–I would not recommend renting a car if you are staying in OSJ. Our taxi driver did not know our hotel, but we found it. There was no sign out front. It’s an extremely interesting place–more on that later!
Since the people reading this are all family (for now), I’ve decided to share our trip information.
We are planning to leave around 3 p.m. on Thursday afternoon, dropping the dogs off at Rocking K Kennel in Adamsville on the way. Â I booked a Park and Fly package at the Doubletree Inn Pittsburgh Airport. They have 24 hour shuttle service to and from the airport and free parking for up to 14 days. I usually book our hotels through hotels.com, but decided to call directly to make sure parking would be available. It’s only $99 plus tax–we’d definitely spend as much or more on parking at the airport. Since our flight is at 7 a.m., spending the night seemed like a no-brainer. I mean, who wants to drive to the airport at 3 a.m.?
Our first flight is American Airlines #2093 which leaves Pittsburgh at 7 a.m. (started at 6:45, then 6:50, and now 7) and arrives in Charlotte, N.C., at 8:33. Â We leave for Charlotte at 9:50 a.m. and arrive in San Juan at 1:23 p.m. If you sit on the left side of the plane, you should be able to see the forts (El Morro and San Cristobal) as you are flying over Old San Juan and preparing to land. By sheer luck, we’re sitting on the left side and hopefully I’ll be able to take some aerial photos of the forts. Puerto Rico is on Atlantic Standard time, but because they don’t use daylight savings time, it will still be the same as home which makes life easier.
Our reservations for our two nights in San Juan are at the Gallery Inn, 204 Norzagaray. This hotel was created from six interconnecting townhouses and only has 25 rooms. There are 19 different “gardens” and five art studios scattered throughout the mansion. I admit this hotel wasn’t my first choice (El Convento was), but it was half the price of El Convento and looks really interesting and historical. It’s on the street that connects the two forts, so it’s a great location and a good rating on hotels.com.
I’ve planned a walking tour for our first night–“Tales of Old San Juan” through Legends of Puerto Rico from 6-8 p.m. Since we really don’t know much (or anything really) about San Juan or Puerto Rico in general, I thought this  give us a nice overview before we started exploring on our own.
For Saturday, I was a wonderful wife and thought “What would Dennis really like to do today?” I thought about ALL the cooking shows he watches and thought “He’ll REALLY like a food tour!” So, I booked the 3 p.m. Flavors of San Juan “Old San Juan Food Tour.” On this tour you go to up to five different restaurants and sample ten different foods and drinks. Since I want to try mofongo, but not order an entire plate of it, this seemed like a good choice. We’ll also visit the forts on Saturday and explore the city.
www.sanjuanfoodtours.com
Sunday is the day we cruise–more on that in my next post!
Welcome to my first attempt at a blog! Dennis and I are getting ready for our next big adventure–we fly to Puerto Rico this Friday and then leave for a Southern Caribbean cruise on Sunday evening. Â I’m all packed and ready to go. Dennis, not so much.
When I first started researching for this year’s trip, I thought we’d go to Texas. I was on a quest to visit all fifty states by the time I turn fifty (2 years–eek!). Â While looking at the different cities in Texas and deciding where to go, I stumbled upon Galveston and cruise ads. Many, many cruise ads. CHEAP cruises. And I thought–five days on a cruise is less money than we’d spend for a hotel and to eat out for the same amount of time. And that is how my search for a spring break cruise began.
Dennis drives a lot for work and I didn’t want him to have to drive for the majority of this vacation (not like the 10 states in 9 days we did for Christmas of 2015). Â I thought cruising would be a great way for him to relax. Neither of us have ever been to Puerto Rico and the prices were great. We (okay, really me) decided to book a seven night Southern Caribbean cruise on the Carnival Fascination. This cruise is port-heavy. Six ports in seven nights with only one day at sea. I was excited about the opportunity to visit San Juan, St. Thomas, Barbados, St. Lucia, St. Kitts, and St. Maarten. Â Other than booking flights and a hotel in San Juan, I didn’t do much research until about a month before the trip. At that time, I started getting nervous. You see, we’re not really beach people. We’re good for about two hours. That’s it. Â So I started to look at tours. I’ve probably overdone it now–we have seven tours booked!
One of the ways you could enter the camping area was through a small tunnel. Kairi figured out that the Little Tikes Cozy Coupe just fit.
t a blog! Dennis and I are getting ready for our next big adventure–we fly to Puerto Rico this Friday and then leave for a Southern Caribbean cruise on Sunday evening. Â I’m all packed and ready to go. Dennis, not so much.