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Father’s Day Weekend + LEGO Juniors Lightning McQueen Speed Launcher
This past weekend was Father’s Day. We usually do low key things at home to celebrate. This weekend Tristan and Meshach grilled almost all of our meals, watched Netflix and played with LEGO Juniors Lightning McQueen Speed Launcher set from Disney Pixar Cars 3.
Tristan was so excited when we surprised him with the 47 piece set sent to us by the friendly team at LEGO.
It’s suggested age range for the set is 4 – 7 years and although Tristan is inching closer to 4, he did not seem to have any trouble putting it together. He also has experience with “big kid” LEGOs because he plays it with his older cousin.
What’s Inside
– A simple instruction guide
– Lightning McQueen from Disney Pixar Cars 3
– Easy to Build Speed Launcher with a leaderboard, launch function and a starting ramp
Lightning McQueen
Tristan is a big fan of Disney Pixar Cars. He must’ve watched it on Netflix hundreds of times. It never seems to get old for him.
In this LEGO Juniors set, Lightning McQueen is ready to race from the starting launcher!
All you need to do is place Lightning McQueen on the launcher and hit the red button. Off he’ll go! It’s very simple to do, although Tristan did ask for help a couple of times before getting the hang of it.
If you want to know the specs according to the LEGO website: Lightning McQueen measures over 1” (3cm) high, 2” (7cm) long and 1” (3cm) wide. The Speed Launcher measures over 2” (6cm) high, 4” (11cm) wide and 2” (6cm) deep.
Just the right size for tiny hands like Tristan’s to launch Lightning McQueen into the race.
Bonding Time
The boys had a great time building the Speed Launcher and Tristan has been playing with it all weekend (and helping daddy grill!)
I remember playing with LEGOs when I was a child. It’s a time honored tradition in almost every childhood and we are so glad to pass it along to Tristan.
Thank you to the team at LEGO for sending us the LEGO Juniors Lightning McQueen Speed Launcher for review. As always, opinions are our own.
Did you play with LEGOs as a child? Do you play with them with your kids? Comment below and share this post with your friends!
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Chasing Lights: NC Chinese Lantern Festival
Updated: December 3, 2019
We had the opportunity to experience an ancient Chinese tradition over the weekend – it was illuminating!
The Chinese Lantern Festival is back for another great season. The festival travels around the country, showcasing amazing lantern displays that will transport you to China from your hometown. The festival is currently at Koka Booth Amphitheater in Cary, North Carolina and ends on January 12, 2020.
The Origin of Chinese Lanterns
Chinese lanterns originate from the Eastern Han Dynasty (206 BC – 220 AD). They can be made with different materials such as silk, paper, wood, bamboo and straw. They were used as lights for homes, palaces and streets. The common red lanterns (oval, decorated lanterns) are hung as a symbol for prosperity in life.
Emperor Han Mingdi of the Han Dynasty got the idea to hang lanterns after learning Buddhist monks lit lanterns as a sign of respect for Buddha on the fifteenth day of the first lunar month. The Emperor ordered that everyone in his realm should do the same. It quickly became a widespread festival celebrated in February or March each year.
The Displays
Walk the trails and enjoy the well-crafted lanterns created by a talented team of artists. There are 20 all new displays at this year’s festival with the return of its 200 foot long Chinese Dragon on Symphony Lake. Believe me when I say this: it is a huge dragon! Its body seems endless!
Ambiance
Cultural performances and artisan crafts are another addition to this year’s festivities. We really enjoyed the solo dance performance and the acrobats. The performances, decorative lanterns and music combined created an ambiance of a genuine Chinese festival.
Fun for Everyone
The NC Chinese Lantern Festival is a great option for people who want to have a unique cultural experience during the holidays. I recommend a visit to the festival for anyone who is looking for a fun night out. We saw couples, families and people of all ages who were enjoying themselves. Not to mention we had one of the best outings ever!
You can purchase tickets upon arrival (the line can get very long though!) or buy them online. Parking is free of charge and there are food vendors available for drinks and meal purchases.
We had an amazing time and would love to return again! I will leave you with a few more photos of the lanterns we saw on our visit.
Have you ever been to a lantern festival? What is your favorite lantern? Comment below and share this post!
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In 2016, we were invited as guests by the Koka Booth Amphitheater, as always my opinions are my own.
2016 North Carolina Chinese Lantern Festival
The Chinese Lantern Festival is back for another great season. You can read about here. The festival travels around the country, showcasing amazing lantern displays that will transport you to China from your hometown. The festival is currently at Koka Booth Amphitheater in Cary, North Carolina and ends on January 15, 2017. We were invited as guests, as always our opinions are our own.
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