Legacy

A couple years ago, Bo bought an ATV.  And then a buggy. And then another ATV.  And another buggy.  (Okay, I don't really know all that is in the side yard -- suffice it to say we have a few of each.) He was excited; he had talked for years about wanting them to ride with the kids. I pretty much stayed out of it. He & the kids have gone riding tons of times since the first one was purchased, and they all had a blast.  For some reason, I steered clear.

Until a month or so ago. Last August, Bo and the boys took a camping trip with a bunch of buggy enthusiasts Bo met online. They had a blast, but I still wasn't interested. This year, we have the RV and Bo asked if I wanted to go. I agreed and we went as a family.

We arrived in the evening, and in the morning Nate asked if I wanted to go for a ride. I climbed into the 2 seater buggy and let my 11yo drive me out on the Cinders. (really amazing area near Flagstaff that is covered in volcanic cinders that makes it great for driving buggies & ATV's.)  He hit the gas and took off!  We flew over bumps and hills and I couldn't stop laughing.  It was an absolute joy!  The harder I laughed, the faster Nate drove, and later I heard that Bo was getting a bit concerned when he saw how fast Nate was driving.  There was no need to worry, as I was having a blast, but he couldn't hear me laughing.

During the weekend, I rode a few more times, and I drove a few times.  It really is fun, and I'm looking forward to the next time we head out.  The video above is one of the rides I took with Bo.

While riding, it brought back a vivid memory of my Dad.  When I was little (I'm thinking 3 or 4?) my parents took me to a small amusement park.  There was a roller coaster and my Dad and I took a ride.  Looking back, I'm sure it was one of those small, kiddie, roller coasters -- but to me at the time it was pretty exciting!  The roller coaster had sharp curves (as roller coasters do!) and I was convinced for years that the only reason the car made those turns was because my Dad was driving and controlling the little car.  I don't remember ever talking to anyone about it, but I knew that I was safe and I remember thinking at the time that I wouldn't ride with anyone but him since I knew he would keep me safe.   It was a great memory to have.

Today is my Dad's birthday.  He would have been 65 years old.  Nate served at Mass this morning, and the homily was about the kind of legacy people leave behind. While it brought many tears this morning, it was also fitting for the day.

I guess I'm not sure what kind of legacy my Dad hoped he would leave behind. But I do know the legacy he left.  He left a legacy of loving your family passionately and unconditionally.  He left a legacy of romance towards my mother. He left a legacy of learning and curiosity. He left a legacy of always doing your best and trying your hardest. Above all things, he was guided by love.  And, I think that's a pretty amazing legacy to leave behind.

Time for an Oil Change

My Ford Expedition warns me when I need an oil change.  It gives me early warnings, then it tells me when I MUST change the oil.  I admit that I like that feature very much!

Recently, I learned about a site called "Motor Oil Matters" that includes a ton of great information.  I admit, Bo takes care of a lot of our car issues, but I am not helpless.  I liked the fact that the site includes an informative checklist -- which was useful last week when I had my oil changed in my truck.

One of the things I never thought about was the viscosity of the oil!  For the first time ever, in response to reading through the checklist, I looked into the owner's manual to find out what was recommended.  This time when I went to have the oil changed, I knew more about what to ask.  In the past, I just hoped they would take care of me.  Thanks to the information on the site, I knew I could take care of myself!

I felt more empowered and prepared when I took my Expedition in for an oil change.  You can, too, if you visit Motor Oil Matters!

*Disclosure: I received a gift card to get my oil changed and the information about oil changes from www.motoroilmatters.org.  No additional compensation was provided.*

Wordless Wednesday -- Selfie

How Often Do You Change Your Oil? (Giveaway!!)

When my truck needs an oil change, it reminds me with a message on my dash.  I appreciate the reminder, because I'm sometimes terrible about remembering the schedule for oil changes!

My truck is reminding me right now that I'm getting close to needing an oil change.  So, I found it interesting that I received some information from the site -- MotorOilMatters.org -- that provides excellent information about what you should look for in an oil change!  At the site, you can even find a downloadable PDF checklist that gives you tips about what you should look for when getting your oil changed.

I know that I often blindly trust the mechanics that change my oil.  I have no idea what viscosity oil my truck needs -- but after reading through the materials, I am going to look in my owners manual to find out!  I really shouldn't leave it up to them and/or Bo to make sure my truck is well taken care of.

When's the last time you had your oil changed?  The folks from MotorOilMatters.org have generously offered to provide one of my readers with a $50 gift card so they can get an oil change!  Check out their site and leave a comment below with one fact that you learned to be entered into the giveaway.  You can earn a second entry by liking my blog's Facebook page or the MotorOilMatters Facebook page.  (www.facebook.com/mylittlepatchofsunshine or www.facebook.com/motoroilmatters)  Just leave a second comment letting me know that you "liked" the page and which page you "liked."

I'll let random.org choose a winner on July 31, 2013!  Be sure to leave an email address so I can contact you.

*Disclosure: I received a gift card to get my oil changed and the information about oil changes from www.motoroilmatters.org.  No additional compensation was provided.*

Wordless Wednesday - Unique View of a Favorite Place

Wordless Wednesday -- NSA Nap

Can't Wait! #NSAinAZ13

Another Coppertone Summer!

I'm happy to say that we are an official Coppertone Family again this year!

Living in Arizona, sun protection is important year round!  We love the Coppertone products and I loved the selection of lotions we received.

This year, we are headed to the National Stuttering Association National Conference right here in Arizona!  We're staying at the beautiful Westin Kierland Resort, and I know we will use plenty of sunscreen enjoying those pools!  I will be packing extra to share with our NSA friends as well.

We spend plenty of time in our pool, and unless the sun is down, the kids all know to slather on the sunscreen lotion!  I like the pleasant scent of the Coppertone products and I especially love the sticks for easy application on everyone's face and tips of ears.

If you're headed out in the sun, don't forget your sunscreen! 

*Disclosure:  I'm part of the Coppertone Mom program sponsored by Coppertone and MomSelect.  In exchange for sharing information about Coppertone, I have received Coppertone products for our personal use.  No additional compensation was provided.*

Review: Built to Amaze -- Another Fun Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Show!

Last night's Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey's show, Built to Amaze, was downright amazing.  I loved the construction costumes the dancers wore and thought the traffic cone stilt walkers were fantastic.

All of the Ringling shows start with a pre-access show that runs an hour before showtime. Everyone can go down onto the arena floor and interact with performers.  At least 2 performers are doing a mini-act at any time and there are opportunities to have your picture taken with clowns and even try on some costumes!  It's always very popular, and last night was no exception.

Once the show started (right on time!  I love it when things happen on time!) it was exciting and fun.  One thing that always amazes me is how they are experts at distraction.  You are always so engrossed in the performing act, that you don't notice them setting up for the next act in the darkness.

All 3 of my kids had a good time, as well as me and hubby.  We always choose our favorite acts in the car ride home.  This year, Lydia loved the act with the trained poodles and the lead clowns.  Nate enjoyed the Steel Vortex the most during this show. (2 large steel wheels that peformers spin around and climb in and out of!)  Colin said that he liked the trampoline act the most.  Bo loved the high wire act. My favorite act were the gymnasts that swung from long ribbons hanging from the ceiling.  And, I couldn't help thinking of a friend when one performer was shot from a cannon across the arena! Even though we all can choose our "favorite" act, it just reminds us of the other amazing acts we saw and it's hard to choose just one!

The show is in Phoenix through the weekend at US Airways Center.  Tickets can be found at Ticketmaster.  Even if you've been to a show in the past, you'll be amazed with the new acts and performers.  I highly recommend going!!

*Disclosure: I am a Feld Family Ambassador, and in exchange for my time and efforts in attending shows and reporting my opinion within this blog, as well as keeping you advised of the latest discount offers, Feld Entertainment has provided me with complimentary tickets to Feld shows and opportunities to attend private Feld pre-Show events. Even though I receive these benefits, I always give an opinion that is 100% mine.*

Review: Sweet Shine Dolls

A couple weeks ago, Cepia (a small toy company that we've worked with before) sent us 2 dolls that are limited in their release to the Phoenix area right now.  They have created an adorable line of dolls that are colorful and fun to play with called Sweet Shine dolls.  We received Lola Twinklepink (see her there in Lydia's backpack ready for one of our camping trips!) and Pipsy May Peachburst (which we are donating to the NSA Silent Auction to help raise funds.)

One of the fun features of these dolls is taht they light up and project secret shapes!  Twinklepink has a button on the back of her head, that when pressed, displays shapes on the wall or ceiling.  Lydia likes the fact that she's like a doll AND a flashlight!  She also likes the tiny accessories that came with her, which included hair flair, a tiny purse that looks like a cupcake and a pet bunny.

After the jump, Lydia made a video review for all my readers!

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