We Laughed for Hours and It Only Cost a Dollar

tmnt-whoopeeMy wife and I recently went to Party City to pick up some supplies for Alex’s first birthday party next weekend. While we were there it was my job to find some trinkets for the goody bags. Immediately I headed over to the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtle items. There were some really cool little toys. Some finger puppets, Rubik’s cube, bubbles, crayons, etc… What I found on the bottom of the rack though is something that I haven’t played with in a very long time. A Whoopee Cushion. A Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles whoopee cushion at that! The best part is it was only a dollar, so what did I have to lose? And who was printed upon the green bag of joy? Dr. Prankenstein himself, Michaelangelo.

Upon arrival home I had to show my new toy to the kids. Alex fell asleep so I was left with Abby Doodles to bear witness to the greatest invention ever. I took the cushion out of the package and while Abby pondered the peculiar object I filled it with its precious fuel, air. Now this is where the fun begins. I set the cushion down on the chair and asked mom to have a seat. She happily obliged and let out a loud air biscuit. Maniacal laughter began pouring out of little Abby’s mouth and already it was requested to fill the cushion again, and again, and again.

There’s something to be said about the sound a whoopee cushion makes. It’s just hilarious to kids. Even some adults such as myself. I had so much fun with my daughter for a few hours with a toy that only cost one dollar. I would mark that as a win in any book. Tomorrow Alex will get his chance to fill the house with laughter… and fart noises.

httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yfx9KJkUMQI

Free Comic Book Day 2015

Free Comic Book Day is an event my family participates in every year. For the last few years we have made an attempt to hit as many local comic shops as possible to pick up freebies. Of course we also like to make some purchases at each store as well since most offer great deals during the FCBD event. Such as The Fantasy Shop in St. Charles. They usually have a huge back issue sale. So not only can you pick up the free comics, you can also pick up a ton of back issues to keep your kids reading for days.

Last year we did not take Alex with us since he was still so little, but this year we plan on getting him out there to see the world of comics, costumes, games, and more! These are my favorite pictures from 2012, 2013, and 2014 Free Comic Book Day!

FCBD 2012 FCBD 2013 IMG_1159

Free Comic Book Day (FCBD) is the first Saturday in May and what happens is many comic shops around the country (and the world) offer free comic books. This is a great event that 1) get’s kids into comic books, and 2) more importantly, get’s kids reading. Now this event is all about the kids, there are over 50 comics that will be offered up for free. These include titles like Pokemon, Spongebob, The Simpsons, and my personal favorite Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles. Adults are not left out either. There will be some more mature comics offered as well. Click here for the full list.

St. Louis area stores participating in FCBD

The Fantasy Shop – all locations

Comic Book Relief – St. Charles

Slackers – pretty much all locations

Newcastle Comics & Games – McKelvey Rd, in Maryland Heights

V Stock – Mid Rivers

The Wizard’s Wagon – Delmar

To find a comic book shop in your area click here!

YouTube Kids Review

YouTubeKidsMy daughter loves YouTube. She can spend a ridiculous amount of time watching different videos about Barbie, Play-Doh, and more. She loves YouTube so much that her and I have actually started making our own videos.

The other day Google announced a new YouTube app specifically aimed at kids called YouTube Kids. It was released on Android and iOS and I have had the opportunity to play with the app. Upon first launch parents are prompted with the options to set restrictions for their kids like time limits the ability to turn off search. You can change these options later by tapping on the lock icon in the bottom right of the screen. You will be prompted to enter a code that is displayed on the screen. Parental controls are always nice touch in the YouTube Kids app. The overall interface is super slick and made with kids in mind. YouTube Kids has four main categories presented on the screen; Shows, Music, Learning and Explore. I was amazed at how much content is on the app. Sesame Street, My Little Pony and more.

My biggest wish for this app is for a search function that understands those kid voices. That is something the main YouTube app does not do well in regards to kids. This is something that I need to put to the test, which is exactly what I did. Check out the video below to see the results!

httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8rCPdjgssoM