Mom Life in the PNW

Monster Jam is Coming to Portland Feb 29th!

Monster Jam is Coming to Portland Feb 29th!

Monster Jam Collaboration: I was given free tickets to view the show for this post. All opinions/statements are my own.

The family is super excited to be able to check out Monster Jam this year in Portland at the Moda Center on Feb 29th! I’ve always had a love for monster trucks ever since I was a little girl, but I have never been to a big arena, just the local county fair. It was underwhelming at times but still fun, so I’m thrilled to see it in a bigger arena where they’re able to really maneuver!

It will be the first time we’ve ever been to a Monster Jam, so Arya is antsy for the day to arrive. (only 2 more days or a day and a half if you wanna get technical!) View Post

Our Favorite Winter Escapes for Portlanders

Our Favorite Winter Escapes for Portlanders

Winter in Portland. With the wrong attitude, it can be a dreary time, full of rain, sleet, and generally crummy weather. But winter is also an opportunity for residents of Portland to get out and try something new, to explore their beautiful state in unique ways. All it takes is the right attitude. 

Portland might be famous for its restaurants, book stores, and coffee shops, but the city also happens to be located in the middle of a recreational hub, with plenty of opportunities to play outside all year round. So here’s our list of greatest winter hits around Portland.

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The Importance of Free Play Outside

The Importance of Free Play Outside

Did you know that kids nowadays spend 35% less time playing outside than we did when we were kids? I remember going out and making mud pies, swinging on the tire swing, swimming in the pool, and just creating an imaginary world where everything was fun and what I believed to be perfect.

I admit, it’s sometimes easier to get a break now and then by allowing my toddler to watch videos or play learning games on the tablet while I am trying to take care of things in the house or with baby sis, but I do try to make it a priority to get her outside for free play at least once a day.

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Winston Wildlife Safari in Oregon

Winston Wildlife Safari in Oregon

Growing up, I never knew the Winston wildlife safari existed, let alone was only 3 hours from us. We never did much traveling unless our grandparents planned it. So my husband and I make sure we do things with our daughter so that she can have great memories and experiences with us to look back on.

After I purchased the Groupon for Winston Wildlife Safari, my husband and I decided we should just make a weekend of it since it would be a long drive there and back in one day. So we planned our stay at the Seven Feathers Casino Resort in Canyonville, Oregon as it was only about 25 minutes south of the safari.

Seven Feathers Casino and Resort

Has a pool/hot tubs/sauna, nicely updated rooms, a spa, an arcade, plenty of restaurants and cafes on site. It was almost like I was back in Vegas! I figured with all of these amenities at Seven Feathers Casino and Resort, we’d probably have the best time spending our weekend there.

The first night we arrived, checked in, and then found a grocery store to pick up some snacks. It was an actual Dollar General store. Didn’t think they had any in the state, but I guess we just had to go further south to see one. I was kind of excited about that since I see tons of people posting about Dollar General deals and campaign managers looking for people nearby one. Unfortunately, there isn’t any in the vicinity of me. /tears

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Dizzy Castle: A great indoor play establishment in Vancouver, WA.

Dizzy Castle: A great indoor play establishment in Vancouver, WA.

Since I had my nieces while my sister was in town, I figured taking them to Dizzy Castle would help them run off some energy.

Prices are $5 for ages 0-2, and $10 for ages 3+ which is relatively reasonable considering it’s rainy here 9 months out of the year and they stay dry.

They have tons of tubes, fast-bumpy slides and an area in the middle where you can shoot plastic balls out of air guns, which is fun for the older kids. Tots won’t be able to reach them.

They also have a little area for the 3 and under tots who can’t necessarily roam free around the other play structures. It has a door that prevents them from escaping, which is nice so you don’t have to keep chasing after them. This doesn’t prevent older kids running in there and being rowdy though. I have noticed bigger kids going in there and having no regard for the little’s. This area needs more supervision from the staff.

It would also be nice if they updated some of the ride on play toys in there since they look a little worn out. Surely, they should be able to afford something for that small area.

There’s also rooms you can reserve for birthdays or other events, but they come at a hefty price tag from what I have gathered. It may be worth it if you have a bunch of kids to accommodate, but for the few that I have in my family, we don’t even reach the 12 kids for the group pricing, so I’d essentially be overpaying.

I do like this place though since adults can climb around with their little ones without worrying about them getting stuck or scared at the top. I will be back with my little one for some much needed fun.