Zootopia Makes for a Fun Family Movie Night

Last Monday I took the kids to a preview of Zootopia. We don't go see many movies all together because the kids all have such a big age gap (7 years between Anika and Noah) so we don't all find movies that really entertain the whole family. Zootopia pretty much accomplishes it.

Zootopia is Walt Disney Animation Studio's 55th animated feature. The movie is set in a different time where animals are all modern and civilized. Judy Hopps is a rabbit who grew up on a carrot farm and had always dreamed of becoming a cop in the city of Zootopia. Problem was, no rabbit had ever become a cop before.

Make a Family Memory: See Kung Fu Panda 3

Kung Fu Panda 3 hits theaters today, but my family and I were lucky enough to snag an invitation to a local red carpet premiere a couple of weeks ago and excitedly went to the theater to watch it before it was released.

We have always been a fan of the Kung Fu Panda movies, so naturally the kids were very excited to see movie number 3. I went mostly for the kids at first, with no idea that I would end up loving this animated feature so much!

Big Hero 6 Baymax Candy Necklaces

 This shop has been compensated by Collective Bias, Inc. and its advertiser. All opinions are mine alone. #BigHero6MovieNight #CollectiveBias

Tonight I’m sitting on a cozy bed with the sound of the ocean roaring outside. We drove down to Lincoln City this afternoon for an extended family weekend, but we really began our weekend last night at home – watching one of the kids’ newest favorite movies – Big Hero 6!

We first saw Big Hero 6 when it was in theaters a couple of months ago, and then I purchased it a couple of days ago at Target when it was released on DVD. The kids’ were really excited because they know what’s included when we have a movie night – snacks and goodies! 

We normally stick to our usual snacks, but I thought that for Big Hero 6 we could have a couple of treats that fit in with the movies theme, so when I was shopping I stocked up on some things that the kids could use to make their own candy necklaces to munch on during the movie.

I bought a variety of candies that would be easy to add onto string, and I purchased some marshmallows and melting chocolate as well. 

 I wanted to make Baymax faces as pendants for the necklaces, and so I sliced a large marshmallow in half and lined them onto a cookie sheet. Then I melted some chocolate and piped Baymax face onto each marshmallow and let them dry.

 The kids then took some string and tied it onto some toothpicks and layered the candy in whatever pattern they wanted too, adding the marshmallow pendant halfway.

We made several necklaces and the kids had a lot of fun – it was a fun activity that made our movie night a little more special.

 I also made some simple Baymax cracker snacks – I spread some chive cream cheese on whole wheat crackers and then sliced olives to create the Baymax face. They were quickly devoured.

Have you had a chance to watch Big Hero 6 yet? If not you should pick up a copy at Target (in the entertainment section) – it’s a good family movie that is becoming one of our family favorites!

Do you make any special snacks or crafts when you have a movie night? I’d love to hear about them!

~Melissa

10 Father's Day Ideas + a DVD Deal!

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I cannot believe that Father's Day is only 6 days away, because that will also mean that June is already half over! I always like to make sure we do something a little special for Wayne, so the kids and I will normally make him breakfast in bed, followed by special cards and presents that they make and buy for him, and then we try to keep the entire day relaxing by having a BBQ dinner for him as well. After the kids go to bed sometimes we will then have a special date night in with since we rarely have the opportunity to go out - and so this year I think I'm going to make him a little Father's Day movie night gift package from myself with the latest DVD release.

Starting tomorrow, June 10th, Walmart is having a great deal on a two pack movie special including The Italian Job and the new release: Jack Ryan: Shadow Recruit for only $12.96 plus you can also receive $15.00 off of sports tickets at Ticketmaster! (The offer is good Tuesday 6/10 - Saturday 6/14 only) Since we rarely get to see movies at soon at their are released - especially 'grown up' movies, I think the #JackRyanBluray one will be a good thriller that we can watch and you seriously can't beat that price! If you haven't heard of the movie yet, here's the trailer for it:

What do you normally do on Father's Day? As much as I love having the kids give and make gifts, to me Father's Day should be spent doing things for your Father (and husband) as a family, whether that be letting him relax while you spoil him a bit, or getting out and doing some of his favorite activities together. Here's a couple ideas to get your own ideas flowing. 

Do you have any other ideas you'd like to add? I'd love to hear!

Thanks #CollectiveBias for another great idea!

~Melissa