Winter Fun at Camelback

This past weekend, we headed to Pennsylvania for some snowy, winter-weather fun in the Pocono Mountains.   My husband and son absolutely love winter, the snow, and all that goes along with it, so they were very excited for this adventure.

ski lessonsCamelback has a lot to offer guests in the winter.  You can go skiing, snowboarding, snow tubing- even ride a mountain coaster.  Camelback offers both skiing and snowboarding lessons, for children and adults (separate classes), as well as private lessons.  We did avail ourselves to lessons- no need to spend the whole day tumbling down everything, now is there?

You can bring your own skiing or snowboarding equipment, or you can rent some there. They have ski or snowboard boots, skis, poles, snowboards, and helmets in sizes from small children through adult. Not having our own equipment, we used rentals.  They size you up, you give them your height and weight (yes, you have to tell the truth), and they find a set that will work for you.  Even my little snow-bunny had the perfect sized skis.

20150207_121102None of us are skiers, so this was going to be a learning experience for the lot of us. The very first thing that we did after getting into our borrowed ski-gear was head to our respective lessons.  My son was with the children, so I dropped him off and signed him in.  He was given a nametag, and I was given a magnetic card on a lanyard so that they would know I was his mother, and would be authorized to pick him up. Without that lanyard, no one can pick up the children for security.

He did a great job, falling a few times, but getting the hang of it in general.  He totally freaked out the first time he fell- he wasn’t hurt, but it scared him, and the feeling of not being able to get up easily in his strange boots and skis (they really are hard to maneuver in for us newbies) was not comforting.  However, the staff was fantastic with him and very patient, and he was soon back at it and heading back down the training hill.
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The Key To Happy Road Trips #AlamoDriveHappy

Disclosure- This is a sponsored post.  All opinions are my own and honest.

Most people know that we love to travel, and do so as often as we can over here at Have Sippy headquarters.  We have certainly had a lot of fun on those trips, as well as made a lot of memories- and we look forward to more of both in the future.  Lately, we have been thinking about our travels and how we use them as a jumping off point for our travel resolutions for this year.

10 19 11 new 010My son and I take a lot of trips, both road trips and otherwise together.  Sometimes daddy comes, sometimes another family member(s), sometimes we go by ourselves- but we always have a lot of fun. One of his favorite road trips was to the Bob Evan’s homestead and Fall Festival- he still talks about it, and although he really liked Bob Evan’s restaurants before, he is hooked now.

pic4My grandmother went with us on that trip, and the three of us had a great time.  It was a very long drive- about 12 hours- and we of course stopped half way to get a hotel room for the night.  Neither my son nor grandmother had the constitution for a drive longer then that in one day!  It’s important to keep everyone’s ages, stages, and abilities in mind when planning a trip- road or any other kind.  Don’t overdo it, and DO stop for breaks (bathroom, food, and in general when your passengers need a break.  Everyone isn’t you, so to do something like “ban” pit stops will do no one any favors).
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Day 7- Last Day On Board the Breakaway

We began our last day on the Norwegian Breakaway by sleeping in pretty late. It was warmer then I expected when we got up- we were at the very bottom of Virginia, and the weather was still OK for shorts and t-shirts, which was a nice surprise.

We opened the balcony to get some warm, fresh air while we got ready for the day.

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We headed up to breakfast, first grabbing some cereal and a bowl for my son on the way up. He was thrilled to see that they got more of his favorite cereal in- they had previously run out. We had a nice, quiet breakfast while looking at the ocean, a view we are sure to miss this time tomorrow.

We dropped the boy of at kids club, although it was only open for 45 minutes by that time. One thing I would like is if they would have more/better hours at the kids club- it seems they are closed as much as they are open.

My husband and I headed over to the pool area, and climbed into a hot tub. It was a little cool, but we had been wanting to use one since we got here, and it just hadn’t happened- this was for sure our last chance. We were not in the hot tub 5 minutes when a coast guard helicopter started circling- they were rendezvousing with our ship to transfer a sick person to a local hospital. While there is medical staff on board, the person was more seriously ill and needed a hospital. It was pretty cool watching the rescue operation, and pretty much everyone on the sip came out to see it. (No one was glad that someone was ill, but seeing the procedure was neat. Yes, we are bad people, every one of us.)

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It was time to go grab the bugger from kids club, and then we went back to the room to change into dry clothes.

We headed out to lunch, and then wanted to try bringing the kiddo back to kids club (since they had been closed for two hours and were supposed to be open again), but they wouldn’t let him in, since they were only taking kids who wanted to be in the talent show. Even when they are open, they are closed. He was really bummed, he wanted to play with the kids before we left. He didn’t want to preform, he just wanted to play, poor bubbie.

Instead, he came with us to watch the International Crew Talent Show, which let the crew show off their stuff. Everything from singing to traditional dances were performed, it was fun, and pretty neat to see what a talented group is on board here.
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The Winter Clove Family Resort in the Catskills

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Winter is a great time to visit the Catskills in upstate NY. With the wide variety of winter sports and activities to do in the area, head East, young man (or woman) when next the weather looks stormy. What a great place to get stranded during a blizzard!

When we last visited, it was less then a winter wonderland. In fact, it was downright balmy at 50 degrees. While that made for a nice day outside- no chapped cheeks or frozen noses and toes to speak of- it did take the wind out of some of the typically snowy activities.

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There was still plenty to do, even if Mother Nature wasn’t cooperating. The resort we stayed at, The Winter Clove Family Resort, has a great location for family fun and activity in the area. It’s local to several mountains, horseback riding, and the Baliwick ranch.

The resort itself has quite a bit to occupy you and your family- it is also a great place to unwind and relax, spend some time reconnecting. We are all so busy, running this way and that, it’s nice to spend some time as a unit now and again. In addition to it’s activities, pools (both indoor and out) and bowling ally and game room, there is a grand room for spending time together, relaxing by the fireplace. Read, do a puzzle, check out a newspaper, play some board games- the lodge has lots of options to suite just about everyone. There are also sitting room areas on each floor, if you would like to watch TV or a movie.
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Top 5 Locations You Need To Visit On Your Road Trip Around The USA

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Jack Kerouac inspired a whole generation to drive across the United States in search of the unknown. Back then, Kerouac relied heavily on meeting people and making stops to keep himself occupied during his long drives. These days, more and more roadside attractions are popping out for those who want to spice up their road trip around the highways and back alleys of the country. From towering dinosaurs to visiting the King of Rock, here are the top 5 locations that you need to visit during your road trip around the country.

Iowa 80 – The world’s largest truck stop

Throughout the course of your road trip, you need to rely on the number of truck stops and pit stops where you can use the bathroom and enjoy the local delicacy. If you want to visit the ultimate truck stop, then head on to Interstate 80 where the world’s largest truck stop is located. Iowa 80 is a sprawling truck-stop that’s located in a 200-acre land. Much like ordinary truck stops, you can choose from the variety of food services and get a full tank in one of the fifteen refilling stations. It’s huge and it’s wonderful.

Cadillac Ranch – Where cars come to die

Built in 1974 by an art group called Ant Farm, Cadillac Ranch is an art installation that shows how the Cadillac car has evolved throughout the years. Brightly painted Cadillac cars emerge from the ground at an angle that is reminiscent of the Great Pyramids of Giza. Bruce Springsteen famously wrote a song about his experience when he visited the site. Today, people are encouraged to write graffiti and add their own artistic flair to the installation pieces.
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Digby Pines Golf Resort and Spa

Nestled in a setting so lovely you might never want to leave is the Digby Pines Golf Resort and Spa. Located in the scenic town of Digby, Nova Scotia this resort offers a one of a kind stay with the natural beauty of the area, the superb amenities and the unforgettable hospitality of the staff.

nova scotia hotelsDigby Pines features rooms and cottages to accommodate your needs. From luxurious king size beds to cozy little twins, the rooms are charming, very comfortable, and handsomely appointed with all of the great things you want on your trip. Flat screen tvs, phones, hair dryers, wireless internet. Cottages include fireplaces and verandas as well.

20140822_145840Several dining options are available such as Churchill’s Restaurant and Lounge, a Nova Scotia restaurant, Terrace Cafe – enjoy your dining experience outside on our terrace and the 19th Hole Clubhouse & Eatery. {The food at all 3 places was exceptional!}

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Cruise Like a Norwegian – Day 5

We tried out the Uptown Grill for breakfast today instead of the main buffet. It had much less in the way of options, but also way less people, so it was a nice change of pace. The food was also a little different, so that was cool.  We are going to try it again tomorrow, but we will stop in the regular buffet first for cereal for the little mister and bring it up with us, he’s on a huge cereal kick right now.

After breakfast, we headed down for origami making. Today, it was paper boxes. We learned how to make them, and also paper airplanes that worked very well- like, across the restaurant and down the hall well. The planes might not be origami, but they were fun to make.

Then we made our way to the top deck for another go on the Breakaway Bounce

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and my son tried the ropes course. He was a little freaked out to do the big one, so he did the “mini” one with mom as a chaperone. He enjoyed it, and he felt like” hot stuff” afterward. There were quite a few kids in his age group doing the mini course, so that was a good thing.

Since we figure today is going to be the last “warm” day, we made sure to get some pool and water slide time in, of course. My son really loves the splash park, and he is going to miss it.

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There was also a “Nick Live Poolside” competition today, and while my son didn’t want to participate, we had fun watching. Kids had relays, water balloon toss, and got pie in the face and of course- the famous Nickelodeon slime.

We grabbed some hot dogs by the pool, and watched as one of the crew created an ice sculpture. It took him almost no time, and he made the Statue of Liberty (fitting, as we will see it again soon).

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After drying off, we headed inside for a towel folding demonstration. My son is enthralled with this, and how it is done- and he is excited every night to see what kind of animal will wait for him on his bed. The staff made quite a few animals, from turtles to monkeys to swans- some were really, really impressive (and seem super complicated).
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Norwegian Breakaway Cruise Day 4

Today we woke up to a beautiful, sunny day and gorgeous view. The sparkling blue waters of Nassau were right outside our door, and we could not wait to greet them in person.

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After a quick breakfast, we headed into town. We walked through the shopping district a bit, but mostly were interested in some beach time. The closest one was Junkanoo Beach (also known as “The Long Warf”), about 15 minutes away. As soon as we arrived, it was time to hit the beach. We of course had to build sandcastles, then my son and I were in the water for most of the day. Daddy preferred his beach time. (Hmmmmm….ha)

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After spending most of the day, we decided to head back. We stopped in a few local stores (we were looking for something special for a friend of ours who made a request) and headed back to the ship. After grabbing a quick bite to eat, we showered and headed down to the “Breakaway Pier Party”, which was so much fun. The crew was out en masse, dancing and partying the whole time.

Even SpongeBob and Patrick got in on the action, and posed for some photos with the kids as well.

SponeBob was a dancing machine, let me tell you . He really knows how to bust a spongy move.

We stayed out for nearly the whole party, and were having a great time- it really was super fun. One thing that stuck me as well was that Julie, the Cruise Director, who is Canadian but whose last name I don’t know- was out on stilts. She is the one in the pink pants. Really! That’s something. One of the kids club crew was the clown on stilts- very multi- talented. Julie also danced in the last song in “Burn the Floor”, and will soon make several more appearances today. The woman does not mess around.
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