Visiting the Easter Bunny

By now, I’ve seen about a dozen Easter Bunny photos on Facebook to know that my readers have been to one of the nearby malls to get their baby’s picture taken.  I used the Bunny Easy Pass online and purchased my portrait package so I wouldn’t have to wait in line.  The packages were relatively cheap, and I went with the package that included the CD and four 5x7 pictures.  I thought it was a great deal especially since I would receive a $20 gift card for Shutterfly in return.  Just because I thought it was super cute, I added a keychain for $2.99 so I could see her cute face even more often.   All seemed good in the world as I confirmed my payment and headed to the Exton Mall.

If I was worried about lines on a Monday afternoon, I was concerned for no reason at all.  There was only one kid in line so we didn’t have to wait long to get her on the bunny’s lap.  As far as Easter Bunnies go, this one wasn’t so creepy.  My own Easter Bunny pic would definitely make the SketchyBunny.com.  My daughter took being held by a giant rabbit in stride.  If a thought bubble could have appeared above her head it would have said, “This happens all the times in my dreams.”  I probably would have screamed bloody murder if this creature tried to hold me. 

The picture was a success! The staff took their time trying to get the right smile, and for that I’m grateful.  However, I never received my Shutterfly gift card (I’m wondering if anyone did…), AND I never got the picture that goes in the keychain!  They just gave me an empty keychain!  So I feel slightly ripped off by the Easter Bunny.  Worse yet, he didn’t even bring me candy this morning!  WTF Easter Bunny?  I’ll be coming for you next year.  

Anyway, I thought I should share the cutest photo ever with you all (note the Hartstrings strawberry outfit I had my eye on…leave it to grandma to spoil her grandchild!)

Event Review: Baby Toddler Expo

Despite some initial bad reviews from friends about the Baby Toddler Expo, I decided it was worth it to check out for myself (and for you) if this event was worth the $6 cover charge.  My verdict?  Yes and no.  For babies, there wasn't a whole lot to do other than stroll them around the expo center and look at the vendors who weren't necessarily baby related.  Sure Chicco was there with their high price (yet awesome) strollers, but most of the vendors were for vacation resorts, home improvments like window treatments/ insulation, and banks.  Worse yet, I ended up signing away my personal information for the chance to win several gift cards.  I expect a barrage of annoying solicitation calls to start any minute. 

The plus side of the vendors is that I got free chocolate milk from Leigh Valley Farms (that really made my day), a free childproofing kit, 2 free baby bottles, and a lot of samples (yummy Cabot cheese).  I  also found a particularly cool multicultural children's book stand and a some really nice bags at ThirtyOneGifts.   The most valuable resource I discovered at the Expo was MommySitters.com, a free planning calendar for moms to link up with one another to make playdates, babysit, etc.  I just set up a calendar myself!

As for the fun and games, we saw the diaper derby, and were asked to participate; but my baby is far from crawling.  That was about it for the wee little ones. Now for toddlers, this expo would have been awesome.  There was a petting zoo with the cutest darn piglet and the largest bunny rabbit I ever saw.  Elmo was running around saying hi to kids.  There were also inflatable bounce houses, sliding boards, jungle gyms, see saws, and magic shows for kids.  It looked like a lot of fun for the older kiddies.

Overall, I think it was worth the entrance fee.  I had fun, and let's face it sometimes you get a little stir crazy and want to do something, anything with the baby. 

Easter Bunny Visits Phoenixville!

I still remember my first picture with the Easter Bunny.  The rabbit was a wee bit menacing looking, and I cried through the whole thing.  However, it is a right of passage for babies, and I am certainly going to sit my daughter on the lap of some poor soul in a bunny suit the same as my parents did to me.  I am grateful that Phoenixville has it's own Eggstravaganza at the Grace Valley Fellowship @ the National Christian Conference Center in Phoenixville on Saturday, April 17 from 1-2pm.  Their website boasts of an egg hunt, free pics with the Easter Bunny, moonbounces, face painting, candy, crafts, and music.  But only an hour?  That makes me a little nervous.  Will there be a ridiculous line? 

Just in case you need a Plan B I was going to make a list of local egg hunts, but Playgroundbuzz.com already beat me to it.  For a full list, click here.

But if your baby can't hunt eggs (what's an egg, mom?) and you just want a picture then here are the places nearby where you can get that done (Click on any of the links to go directly to the Bunny info page)

Exton Square Mall
King of Prussia Mall (The Court)
King of Prussia Mall (The Plaza)

Happy hunting! 

16th Annual Baby and Toddler Expo Event Alert!

If you are looking for something fun to do with the baby this month, try heading out to the 16th Annual Baby and Toddler Expo @ The Greater Philadelphia Expo Center in Oaks on April 16-17 from 10am-5pm.  Their webpage boasts of the following fun entertainment:

Check out products and services specially tailored to families with young children and prospective parents.

Visit the Montgomery Media/Parents Express pavilion and have your baby's picture on a souvenir front page of your local paper.

Enjoy our giant inflatable play park, petting zoo and hourly entertainment.

Watch the crawling set at the ever-popular Diaper Derby.

B-101’s Buzzbee and the Bee Crew will be on hand from 11 to 1 both days with plenty of games and prizes.

Safe Kids of Southeastern PA Car Seat Safety Check Sunday from 11-3

I wish I could steal a few photos of their Diaper Derby, because it looks hilarious to see a bunch of babies attempt to race to the finish line (imagine herding cats).  I can't wait to see how it is in real time! 

Admission is  Adults $6, Children 3-12 $4, and Babies FREE!  Hope to see you there and maybe I'll get to post my own photos!