Go West, Young Man! 20 Top Performers at the Houston Rodeo This Year!

Ever since I read Ron Franscell's The Crime Buff's Guide to Outlaw Texas last year, I've been wanting to go to Texas.

And after seeing the concert line-up for this year's Houston Rodeo event starting March 1, 2011, through March 20th, I really want to head west with Houston Rodeo Tickets in hand!

Each night features a concert by a popular act. This year's line up includes Trace Adkins, Tim McGraw, Rascall Flatts, Brad Paisley, Alan Jackson, and many more chart topping country music singers.

Country music isn't your thing? No problem. Other concerts will feature KISS, Kid Rock, Janet Jackson, Selena Gomez, and La Arrolladora Banda El Limon, La Leyenda.

Concerts aren't the only big attraction.  There's something for everyone at the Houston Rodeo.  Visitors will also enjoy a cookoff, parade, and carnival! 

This is an awesome 20 day celebration that's perfect for families.  I can only wish that I lived in Texas so I'd so be able to go because, I gotta admit, this would be right up our alley!

Let me live vicariously through you.  Get your tickets, visit the Houston Rodeo, then come back tell me how much fun ya had for us all! ;)

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Legoland California Vacation Deals, Starting at $71

I heard today that California is experiencing record temps.  Being that I'm here in Middle Tennessee with cold rain falling in sheets, those highs sounded rather inviting.

Of course, being September, those temps won't stay high that long but your family can still pick up some great deals for Legoland in Carlsbad, California.

Right now, you can book a 2 day/1 night stay for two at the luxurious Pala Mesa Golf Resort, get two tickets to Legoland, and a free Platinum Fun Discount Card for only $71.  (Have you seen the Pala Mesa resort?  It is absolutely gorgeous!  Talk about luxury!)

Can you believe it?  What normally retails for $276 is now being offered at a 74% OFF.  WOW!

And, yes, I know that the average family is bigger than 2 people.  That's not a problem.  Upgrades are available just by asking!

I wish I was headed West because I'd definitely love to cash in on this deal.  Several times I've seen Legoland on television, read about others vacations there, and it looks like a place my whole family would love.

For now though, I'd just have to settle for enjoying vicariously through others.  So if you go, come back and tell me all about it, okay?

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A Zoo-rific Deal That You Can't Pass Up!

I love doing fun things with my family, especially when it's something educational.

And where can you do more learning that at a Zoo?

Unfortunately, we haven't visited one in a couple of years but talk about it quite a bit.

But for those of you on the West Coast, there's no excuse to just sit and talk about going anymore.  Not with the deal for the San Diego Zoo currently being offered!

Right now, you can book a vacation to the San Diego Zoo for only $57! 

No, that's not a typo.  You read that correctly!  That's 74% off regular pricing! What typically costs $223, now costs the equivalent of a meal in a nice restaurant.

Here's what you get for that ridiculously low fee:

• 2 Days & 1 Night for 2 at the luxurious Pala Mesa Golf Resort
• 2 Tickets to San Diego Zoo
• Platinum Fun Discount Card

I know, I know....your family is bigger than 2 people, right?  No problem!  There are upgrades, and even additional nights, available - all you have to do is ask!

I've always heard so many great things about the San Diego Zoo, and I hope someday I make my way to California so I can see it for myself.  

But for now.... go on, take the deal.  Make me jealous! ;)

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Gulf Vacation Cancelled? Visit Morey's Pier in Wildwood, NJ!

While our hearts go out to the Gulf Coast areas, it's not surprising that many have cancelled their Gulf Coast vacations.  If you're one of those and still looking for somewhere else for your summer vacation, let me recommend something fun along the Atlantic coast:  Ghost Ship at Morey's Piers!

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Ever had this happen to you?

If you've ever enjoyed a holiday, stayed in a hotel (especially near the beach), did you ever long to stay in a roomy, home-like, and much more peaceful vacation rental?

I can't tell you how many places I've stayed where I could have really used that guy from the above vacation rental commercial to save me from the headaches associated with hotel stays. (Although I prefer to be saved me before I arrive instead of at the front desk!)

If you're planning a vacation, you've got to check out Vacation Rental.org to find rentals at your destination whose owners strive to meet the highest standards of quality.

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Hassle Free Vacationing with VacationRental.org

Hotels are nice, but there's nothing better than condos, cabins, or a cottage to make a vacation even more pleasurable.

This time of year, many of you (lucky people!) will be seeking out warm weather spots. You need to check out Hawaii vacation rentals from VacationRental.org - a site that brings renters and owners together in one convenient site.

With over 200 Hawaii vacation rentals to choose from, you're sure to find something to your liking and pleasing to the budget.

Whether it's a mountain ski chalet, beach bungalow, or a Hawaii vacation rental that you're looking for, you can find it at VacationRental.org!

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Experience of a Lifetime: Houston Rodeo and Livestock Show

As just a small child, I remember taking a trip out west to visit several states.

While I can't really recall exactly where I was at the time, I do remember attending a rodeo.

It wasn't like anything you'll experience here in your eastern States. This show was truly a rodeo.

As an adult, I've wanted my children to share in those feelings of seeing those dedicated to the rodeo profession perform. While you have a great number of talented individuals in and around Tennessee (where we live), it's simply not of the magnitude offered in places where the cowboy dream is alive and well.

In researching locations for family vacations, I've come across information about the Houston Rodeo and Livestock Show.

Looking at the photos, I can tell this is a rodeo of high caliber; one that I most definitely someday want to attend.

If you're headed to the Houston area, or are lucky enough to live in or around it, don't miss the 2010 Houston Rodeo and Livestock show to be held March 2 - 21. This 2+ week event is sure to leave you with many of awesome memories for you and your whole family.

Not to mention, you just might awaken the cowboy (girl) dream inside of you!

Reserve your seats today! Houston Rodeo concert tickets are available online at very affordable prices; starting as low as $16 per person!

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Boredom Breakers for Labor Day Weekend

With four kids (okay, just three since one is a licensed driver), it seems that I spend my life in the car.

And, as it seems to go with children these days, they need entertainment.

Rand McNally's Boredom Breakers is a lifesaver!

The first game we tried was Car Karoake.

My 4-year-old loved it!

I really wanted to share a video of him trying to sing along, but he would freeze up every time I turned it on. :)

But he had a blast trying to sing along to songs like Twist and Shout, She'll Be Coming Around the Mountain, The Ants Coming March In, and 9 other fun songs; holding on to the inflatable microphone included.

For those of us who could read - the lyrics were included.

The worst part: I was always getting the "Please Stop" rating card while everyone else received either So-So, Pretty Good or Superstar ratings. :(

The second game we tried was Car Game Countdown.

A crazy combination of I-Spy and Madlibs, the 18 laminated cards give players ideas for things to spot along the roadway, things to say, or test their memory skills.

A clip-on, battery operated timer adds heightened excitement to each play.

My four-year-old had a little more difficulty with this game - as is to be expected. However, my 13-year-old enjoyed showing off his "spying" skills; not so much on the other games.

After trying out these games, the boys have decided they'd like to try Travel Card Games for a trip over Labor Day weekend.

I'll be sure to let you know how it goes!

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Have Kids, Will Travel -

Find family friendly hotels at Baby Safe Travel
This is a paid advertisement. Please scroll down to the lower portion of this page for full disclosure policy.

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Planning One Last Summer Getaway?

Find a quality, affordable vacation rental!

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Hillbilly Hilton (Wordless Wednesday)

Townsend, Tennessee (near Gatlinburg)

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Review: Walt Disney World's Magic Kingdom Ride and Attractions

My family and I had the wonderful opportunity to take our first trip to Walt Disney World in Orlando, Florida last year.

While I spent weeks (more like months) reading all that I could on what or what not to when we reached our vacation destination, there just wasn't enough detail provided.

As a result, my family spent a great deal of time on some rides and attractions we would have been better off to skip.

The following is my reviews on rides and attractions at Disney World's Magic Kingdom. While this is only my opinion, I hope that you will find it helpful when planning your Disney vacation.

The Magic Kingdom at Walt Disney World Resort is probably the most anticipated park by children. Filled with rides to accommodate all ages and shows that entertain the young and old alike, it is a fun place to be.

• Splash Mountain: This is a must-do ride for anyone 40" inches or taller. Having taken a lot of "log rides" in my life at various theme parks around the country, Splash Mountain was, by far, the best I have ever ridden.
  
  Not only are riders of this attraction given the much enjoyed fifty foot plunge into a pool of water, but the extended ride through a story of Brer Rabbit and his adventures makes this ride unique.
  
  Be sure to use Disney's Fast Pass option on this ride as the wait is very long otherwise.
  
  
• Big Thunder Mountain: While this ride is available to anyone 40" or more in height, those over five feet tall may find it a bit "young" for them; but it is still worth riding.
  
  Again, be sure to use the Fast Pass option as the wait times on this ride can be rather extensive.
  
  
• Space Mountain: I've ridden a great deal of roller coasters in my lifetime, but this one was by far the best. Space Mountain was the first in a long time that I found myself terrified.
  
  Space Mountain is an indoor roller coaster that is predominately in the dark. Riders are only given very little light; just enough to make out the track outline and to see how high up you are. Moving at very fast speeds with multiple twist and turns, there are many breath-taking drops.
  
  This too is a ride that you should use the Fast Pass option because of extremely long wait times. Riders must be 52 inches or taller to ride.
  
  
• The Haunted Mansion: You can't hardly discuss the Magic Kingdom with anyone and not hear about The Haunted Mansion. This slow moving ride with no height restrictions is geared more toward the youngsters but is still fun for the older folks nonetheless.
  
  In addition, if you are visiting Disney World during the summer months, this is a great ride to take in order to rest and cool off as the entire ride is air conditioned.
  
  View the wait times before wasting a Fast Pass here. The ride is constantly moving, so the lines move quickly. When we decided to ride The Haunted Mansion, the sign read a 50 minute wait time but we were able to board in less than 30 minutes.
  
  
• It's A Small World: You can't visit Disney World without taking a ride on the timeless classic It's A Small World. With no height restrictions, constantly moving lines, indoors with air conditioning, this is a must for the whole family.
  
  While geared more toward the tiny tikes, it's nonetheless interesting for even the older Mouseketeers as a slow moving boat ride takes you through amazing mechanical scenes, based on countries, all singing It's A Small World in their native languages.
  
  As with The Haunted Mansion, the Fast Pass option should be used only when the wait times are extremely excessive as this ride is constantly loading and unloading and the lines move very quickly.
  
  
• Stitch's Great Escape: This attraction was formerly known as Alien Encounters but has been redone to be in line with Disney's Lilo & Stitch.
  
  There is a height restriction of 40 inches, for which I can't figure out why it's there. This is not a ride, but more of a show.
  
  Unless you enjoy having the smell of burped chili dog in your face and silly, bordering on stupid, storyline, I would recommend skipping this. Only those between the ages of 6 and 10 might enjoy, and that is a BIG "maybe."
  
  Definitely don't waste a Fast Pass on this attraction.
  
  
• Astro Orbiter: This adorable, high-flying ride is a big hit with the wee folk! Similar to the ever-circling Dumbo ride, the young and old alike can make several orbits around the planets, high above the Magic Kingdom.
  
  There are no height restrictions on this ride and, at the time of this writing, no Fast Pass option was available.
  
  
• Tommorrowland Transit Authority: Those under three feet tall may enjoy this mild tram-like ride that circles the Tomorrowland section of the Magic Kingdom. Anyone who has been able to ride the "bigger" rides (like my 3 year old) will find this ride extremely mundane.
  
  
• Indy Speedway: It doesn't matter how old you are, it'll be a lot of fun to jump in a tiny race car and drive around the track. The race cars are centered on tracks (versus freestyle driving) and reach speeds of (maybe) approximately ten MPH. Irregardless of slow speeds and controlled tracks, our whole family just enjoyed the trips around the track and trying to dodge all the tiny "future drivers."
  
  This ride offers a relatively fast moving line. Fast Pass option is available, however you may wish to check wait times before choosing to use the option.
  
  
• The Barnstormer at Goofy's Wiseacre Farm: This munchkin sized roller coaster is sure to elicit giggles and squeals from your toddler or preschooler, along with an accompanying parents smile. However, tweens and teens find this ride a bit too mild for their taste.
  
  Fast Past option is not available on this ride (at the time of this riding) but I'm happy to report that the wait time is relatively short.
  
  
• Tom Sawyer Island: If you're in the mood to tour around a tiny island and take a gander at some old buildings and such, then the short raft ride over to the island will be well worth the wait.
  
  The wait to get on the raft can be a little long, but the trail around the island is a self-guided tour and can be performed at your own speed.
  
  
• Buzz Lightyear's Space Ranger Spin: This is a wonderfully cool ride for the whole family (literally, it's air conditioned!). Constantly moving, making for super short wait times, riders are invited to play along with Buzz and has friends in an effort to rack up points by laser-shooting the "Zs." Be sure each member of your group gets their own "gun" and compete to see who can get the most points!
  
  
• Cinderella's Golden Carousel: We didn't find very much special about this Carousel, other than it offered a breezy break from the heat.
  
  Although there is not a Fast Pass option available for this ride, there is no need for it as the lines move quickly. No height restrictions mean everyone can enjoy it!
  
  
• Monster's, Inc. Laugh Floor: We walked into this attraction thinking that it would be only more animated show that only our preschooler would enjoy; however, we left pleasantly surprised.
  
  This interactive animated show is a hilarious event for the whole family!
  
  
• The Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh: Riders of this adorable, indoor ride are invited to ride through a Winnie the Pooh story in a cozy Honey Pot.
  
  This is a ride geared toward preschoolers and younger, if you're at the Magic Kingdom in the heat of the day it will be pleasant break for everyone.
  
  Fast Pass is available, however be sure to check estimated wait times before using the option.
  
  
• Dumbo The Flying Elephant: This Magic Kingdom timeless classic is a circle of fun for the little tikes; however, be prepared for the lengthy wait times and there is no Fast Pass option available.
  
  
• Liberty Square Riverboat: If you've ever been on a riverboat ride before, you'll find this one is not much different. Visitors board an old fashioned riverboat fueled by paddles and take a ride down the river and around Tom Sawyer's Island.
  
  The pros of this attraction include that the only wait time includes only waiting for the next boarding and it is a great way to rest and cool down for a little while.
  
  
• Swiss Family Treehouse, Ariel's Grotto, and Pooh's Playful Spot: These playground type settings are a great place to take a break and let the little ones free for a while. You may even get the chance to meet with some of your favorite characters at these spots!

While this is not a complete listing of all the attractions at Disney's Magic Kingdom, I do hope that it is a listing that will be helpful in making your vacation plans.

For even more information on rides and attractions at Walt Disney World's Magic Kingdom, please visit The Largest Unofficial Online Guide To Disney World or one of the many other great sites focused on Disney's Magic Kingdom!

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From Atop Stone Mountain Georgia (A Thousand Words Thursday)

This photo was taken July 2007 at Stone Mountain, Georgia - a wonderfully peaceful but fun vacation spot for families just outside of Atlanta.

As many of you know, since having Princess A in January, we've started addressing the three boys as Big, Bigger and Biggest Brother.

This is Big and Biggest brother enjoying the view from Stone Mountain's highest point as Bigger brother captured the shot!

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Can You Guess Where I Am? (Wordless Wednesday)

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My Three Mouseketeers (Wordless Wednesday)

Taken during our visit to Walt Disney World in Orlando, Florida in June 2008.

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