Twenty years after high school seems like a life time ago, but with social media, it’s a lot easier to keep up with what your old classmates have been up to over the years. They get married, have kids, post pictures of their life, and even share their journey creating something they believe in.
James Boyce is someone that I have known for a lifetime. His passion for creating has been in him for as long as I can remember. So when he sent a message about an idea he was working on back in 2020, I told him that I would put something up on the blog about it. Here we are 3 years later with a fully realized idea. Check out his Kickstarter to learn more!
Bubba Lee Trucker Tote | Efficient Storage for Drivers
James and his team really went all out in marketing their awesome product. They even have a handy video you can watch that breaks down their product in an easy to follow format. Watch below!
A lot of time and research went into this awesome organizational tote into how it can help keep you organized while on the road. Creating something like this takes a lot of skill, patience, and commitment. So if you can sometimes be an unorganized mess like me, The Bubba Lee Trucker Tote may be exactly what you need.
We made it through another year and let me tell ya, 2021 did not disappoint when it comes to fun and adventure. Let’s go over (in no particular order) some of my favorite moments, events, and other awesome happenings from 2021!
Jason Beware 2
The biggest highlight of the year was the production of Jason Beware 2. From writing the script to the premier party it was a memory that will be cherished forever. As I have said before, I am so proud of the kids and all of their hard work, as well as very thankful for Victor Miller for agreeing to participate as well. If you haven’t watched Jason Beware 2 yet, head on over to Facebook.com/JasonBewareMOVIE to like, subscribe, and watch the short film for free!
Korn Concert
Seeing Korn live in concert was something that had been on my bucket list for a long time. It finally happened and it was just as amazing as I imagined it. I definitely want to see them again, as well as get more bands off my bucket list!
Yellowstone
After falling in love with Hell on Wheels last year I needed a new show with that same grit. Well, Yellowstone has it and more. I am kind of surprised it took me this long to start watching it, but it is really good and I highly recommend it to anyone needing something to watch.
Antenna Install
Replacing our wireless antennas at work was a huge accomplishment that I am very proud of. We are now pushing some crazy bandwidth speeds across several miles and it was a great feeling to get done.
Don’t Forget Your Password
I really don’t promote myself too much, but this year I wrote and illustrated a book! Don’t Forget Your Password!: Tips and Tricks for Creating The Perfect Password was something that I had brewing in my head for a while and I finally got it done. So far, I only sold a handful of copies, but I did it! Instead of illustrating someone else’s story, I wrote and created my own! It is available in digital and print! Grab a copy today!
I also was able to speak to my daughter’s class last spring about illustrating books. It is kind of weird thinking of myself as an illustrator, but according to these kids, I am. So I’ll take the confidence boost, and hopefully they learned something from my talk!
The Lost Girl
Not only did I write and illustrate my own book, so did my daughter! She also outsold my book significantly! I am very proud of her hard work in making her own little story. She is so talented! If you don’t buy my book, at least buy hers. She is just a child!
Al’s Gaming Channel
Along with his regular YouTube channel, my son started his own gaming channel. We have a few videos up there but have plans to make even more!!! Right now we are working our way through Super Mario Brothers on the SNES. We will see where we go next but so far so good!
We also started a Dad vs Son chess channel. We record our matches and talk about whatever comes to mind. We have a few matches uploaded so far, and plan on continuing the fun well into 2022! Be sure to like and subscribe to both channels!
Dr. Williams’ albums
Over the years, I have released instrumentals in various degrees. This year I re-released several of my old instrumental albums and also released a new album with plenty of new beats all for free! Check them out at MissouriMobileProductions.com!
Olivia Rodrigo
She took the country by storm this year. Her album, Sour, is phenomenal and is influential in so many ways. Hearing my daughter talk about Olivia and her music is a testament to her talent. But geeze girl, your concert tickets are PRICEY, we love your music, but not at that price.
Scarefest
Another year of haunted houses in the books. This year was amazing with scare after scare!
2022 and Beyond
This coming up year I have plans to complete the Jason Beware trilogy, write another children’s book, put together a book of my mom’s poems and stories, plus much much more! So check out the rest of my 2021 favorites in the awesome graphic below!
The season for holiday cheer is here and I am very excited to announce that The Polar Express is back and this year they have train rides again!
Last year due to the global pandemic, The Polar Express changed how they operated and switched to a walk-through of sorts. It was pretty cool, but the train ride is what kids missed the most. This year they were able to bring it back! Along with the awesome winter wonderland walk-through you get to ride the rails and experience The Polar Express like it is meant to be experienced.
Tickets are now on sale today for THE POLAR EXPRESS™ Train Ride at St. Louis Union Station at www.stlpolarexpressride.com.
After a year as a stationary walk-through experience during COVID-19 restrictions, the real train rides are rolling to the North Pole again at the popular holiday attraction for 2021. Tickets are on sale now.
The magical story of a boy’s search for the meaning of Christmas begins at St. Louis Union Station on November 19 and continues through December 30, 2021.
Coach tickets for this St. Louis holiday tradition begin at $35 and may be purchased online at www.stlpolarexpressride.com. First Class and Premium tickets also are available. Prices vary by day and time.
Passengers can also book holiday rides on the St. Louis Wheel and an adventure at the St. Louis Aquarium at Union Station where Scuba Claus will dive in Shark Canyon on selected dates.
Trains will depart St. Louis Union Station at 4:30, 6:00 and 7:15 p.m. every night during the season. Trains also run at 8:30 p.m. on selected dates.
The adventure comes to life when the real train departs for a round-trip journey to the North Pole led by a cast of talented characters. Set to the sounds of the motion picture soundtrack, passengers will relive the magic of the classic story as they are whisked away on THE POLAR EXPRESS™ for a one-hour trip to meet Santa.
Once on board, the Conductor will work his way through the coach and punch golden tickets before hot chocolate and a delicious cookie are served by dancing chefs. Passengers then read along with the classic children’s book, The Polar Express, by Chris Van Allsburg. Santa and his helpers board the train to greet passengers and each guest is given the first gift of Christmas.
During the trip, characters on each car lead fantastic onboard entertainment – just like in the film. Each guest will take home a keepsake sleigh bell and souvenir golden ticket in addition to the wonderful memories made on this magical trip. Just like the kids in the book, families are encouraged to wear their pajamas for the ride! This immersive family-oriented experience has hosted over 1.4 million riders at 54 locations in the US, Canada, and the UK in 2019 when the read trains last rolled.
Passengers also can enhance the magic by staying overnight at the St. Louis Union Station Hotel in a special holiday suite complete with a decorated Christmas Tree. Get hotel information and train tickets at: www.STLpolarexpressride.com.
BEYOND THE POLAR EXPRESS — MORE ACTIVITIES AT ST. LOUIS UNION STATION
In 2021, all of St. Louis Union Station’s holiday events are gathered under the name Joy at Union Station.
Inside the massive Joy at Union Station tent on the Purina Performance Plaza, guests will find the Jolly Old Elf himself ready for family pictures with Santa, steaming hot chocolate and snacks, holiday carnival games and a variety of other activities including holiday crafts for children. In addition to posing with families, Santa will be available for Puppy Pics on Friday, November 19 from 5 to 7 p.m., Saturday, November 20 from 2 to 7 p.m. and Sunday, November 21 from 2 to 7 p.m.
The St. Louis Aquarium at Union Station will welcome Scuba Claus to Shark Canyon on Saturdays and Sundays at 1:15 p.m. Guests can talk with Santa as he and his elf dive with sharks, rays and the other fish in the 250,000 gallon habitat. The diving Santa experience is free with Aquarium admission Friday, November 26, Saturdays and Sundays at 1:15 p.m November 27 through December 19 and again on Christmas Eve, December 24.
Soda Fountain at Union Station, the retro diner restaurant at Union Station, has introduced a new holiday Freak Shake for 2021. “You’ll Shoot Your Eye Out,” starts with an Ovaltine chocolate malt shake, served in a Leg Lamp-inspired glass. The shake is topped with a La Bonne Bouche Ralphie Bunny sugar cookie, a Kit Kat Oh Fudge bar and a candy cane. Whipped cream, a cherry and a sprinkle of Ovaltine dust complete the treat.
The St. Louis Wheel at Union Station will be lighted in holiday colors throughout the season. The 200-foot-tall observation Wheel’s 42 gondolas are kept at a comfortable 72 degrees year round. Union Station’s outdoor Fire & Light shows on the lake will be set to popular Christmas carols. Shows take place on the hour. Union Station’s carousel, mini-golf course, ropes course and mirror maze add to the fun.
Guests can meet Mr. Claus and enjoy a delicious Santa face pancake breakfast during the popular Pancakes With Santa annual event in the beautifully decorated Grand Hall at St. Louis Union Station, Saturdays and Sundays in November and December. The 3-D holiday light show will play on the Grand Hall ceiling during breakfast. Seatings are available at 8:30 and 10 a.m.
A family entertainment destination today, St. Louis Union Station first opened in 1894 and was the biggest and busiest train terminal in the country with 22 railroads moving passengers across the nation. The St. Louis Union Station Hotel has been called one of the world’s top railroad-themed hotels.
St. Louis Union Station is located at 201 S. 18th Street, St. Louis, MO 63103.
Come join this family fun event that brings some Boo to The Lou starting TODAY October 8 and continuing daily through October 31!
Created for children 12 and under and their families, the Union Station Halloween Experience is a themed walking journey through the historic railroad terminal’s stationary rail cars. Each train car features a spooky theme and guests are encouraged tp wear their Halloween costumes to the event.
The journey starts inside a huge tent filled with not-so-scary skeletons, a maze through a series of boo-rific decorated rooms and a big barnyard where guests 12 and under receive a free pumpkin! Onboard the train cars, guests will find spooky surprises and interactive elements. Kids get a special treat at the end of the journey!
When you are finished making your way through Train or Treat, be sure to check out the other amazing things to do at Union Station. Ride the St. Louis Wheel and get an amazing view of the city, or grab something to eat at the Soda Fountain! Or if you plan accordingly you can also visit the Aquarium and Train or Treat in the same visit!
Train Or Treat is open daily, October 8 – 31 from 4 to 8 p.m., Sundays through Thursdays and 4 to 9 p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays.
