Color Me Happy

Sometimes -- not all the time, which is probably a blessing -- a good deal comes along on Groupon or LivingSocial or even our local newspaper's "Big Deals." (I think we'd go poor if they came along too often.)

That said, we got an awesome deal this past spring for four tickets to the Crayola Experience. (It used to be just the Crayola Factory...but adding "experience" makes it seem all the more exciting, I guess?)

A.W.E.S.O.M.E.

I love crayons. I love coloring. (In college, I used to use coloring as a study break...and give all of my friends coloring books and crayons for their birthdays or Christmas.) I love doing crafts with my kids, though I'm kinda lazy so it doesn't happen as often as they (or I) would like.

So tickets to Crayola? Score!

The cost was $20 for the four tickets, plus $10 off a $30 purchase at the store. We went there last September for Ethan's first-ever birthday adventure, and the tickets then were $10 each.  They recently went up to $12 each, so I think we got a great deal.

To avoid crowds (bwhahaha!), we'd planned to go there when Stuart traveled to Kansas in mid-June. It didn't expire until early July so there wouldn't be too mad a rush. Perfect, right?

Hmm...

So last Friday, a mere three days before the coupon (a coupon I feel sure a BILLION others also bought) expired, we headed to Easton, Pa., to experience Crayola again.

Still in all, we had an awesome time together. We got there when the factory opened and didn't have to wait to do any of the projects. We got front seats to watch the "how they're made" show about crayons and markers and even managed to quickly snag our Happy Meals and head outside to sit under a tree for an impromptu picnic. (Though it was VERY hot last Friday.)

A colorful day of colorful fun in a colorful place!

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Fireworks Fun

I don't know about you, but we missed out on seeing Fourth of July fireworks this year due to the rain -- though who knew a nearby borough would still show them despite the steady downpour...much to the dismay of our kids.

Oh, well. Hopefully next year...

In the meantime, I found this fun and simple craft idea on Crayola.com to create our own fireworks display.

Enjoy!

Fireworks are used around the world to celebrate special occasions. Remember an ahhh-some show, or create your own Fiery Fireworks!

1. With fireworks, communities celebrate in a big way! Not only do fireworks display amazing colors and shapes, they proclaim their presence with loud bangs and booms.

2. On black construction paper, draw a fireworks show with Crayola® Gel Markers or crayons. Fill the night sky with bright color and sparkling light. Show glowing rockets zooming through the dark, and sparks cascading toward earth.

3. In the foreground, include yourself and other spectators enjoying the show. Dress people in clothing for the season and country where the show is taking place.