Sand Castle Adventure

For our last summer adventure, we took the kids to  Sandcastle.  Sandcastle is a water park located in the Pittsburgh suburb of West Homestead. The park is located on a 67-acre piece of land along the banks of the Monongahela River. 

According to Wikipedia, Sandcastle is owned by Parques Reunidos, who purchased Kennywood Entertainment. 

The company runs its original sister parks, Kennywood, Idlewild Park, and Lake Compounce. The park contains fourteen water slides, several swimming pools, and a handful of other attractions.  We have been to Kennywood and Idlewild but we have never been to Lake Compounce yet which probably because it is in Connecticut.

Anyway, I took this photo of them before  we entered the entrance gate.  We did not bring our packed snacks because it said on the website that it is not allowed.  I did however brought a bottle of water  and put it in my bag and the lady  made me drink it or if I can't  that I have to throw it in the trash.  

I love the setting of this waterpark, it is so relaxing  because it is by the river and  there's lots of trees around,  This willow treee  stood out for me.  I always love the way they look.

We chose to  stay in the area where we could see the bridge.  There were no lawn chairs when we arrived but  we snagged some when some people left.

This big tree provided a shade for me wqhile the three  roamed around the waterpark.

While the kids are having fun, I was  working  at some  reviews done using my phone wich was hard to do

The park has a total of 14 water slides including 3 speed slides. Other slides include the following:

• Blue Tooba Looba (which replaced Bermuda Triangle, the only closed slide in the park)
• Thunder Run
• Tubers Tower and Cliffhangers 

 Other attractions at Sandcastle include a "lazy river," a large swimming pool, Mon-Tsunami, a wave pool, a hot tub and an area of water slides and water attractions designed specifically for children called Wet Willies.

The park also features an entertainment complex called The Sandbar and a marina. 

I wish, somebody in West Virginia will developed a park like this  beside the river, it would be a great attraction during the summer time.

 

Water is luke a huuge magnet to my children so during summer time, we usually go to the community swimming pool since we don't have one.

Me and the kids are so bklessed that my husband love to go somewhere and have fun.  Life is never a dull moment with him.  

We love him dearly!

It said on the website that we are not allowed to bring snacks but  we saw a lot of people there with snacks which looked like a packed snack so I am wondering how they  were able to do that.  The kids wanted something refreshing so they went to buy some  ice cream and it took them almost an hour before they were able to buy something because of the long line.

While I was trying to write review, the boat in the river  was so annoying because they  anchored their boat right where I was  and  other women chilling out.  The said boat with  teenagers  are playing loud music that the entire park could hear and the music they were playing  have profanity words in it  which we were all  wished would go away.  One of the older ladies there actually went to the  management and complained about the  boat but she was told that there's nothing really that they can do.

I went around a li=ttle biut when the kids were resting for a while and took some photos.

This is the wave pool.

Pne opf the ladies in our  spot were kind enough to take a  us a picture. Whoever you are, thank you so mu-ch because we seldom have a family picture when we go somewhere.

We will definitely be coming back there again  next time.
Shadow Shots

Family Golfing: Learning and Laughing on the Links

Golf is a wonderful activity that the whole family can enjoy while learning valuable lessons such as patience, sportsmanship and camaraderie. The sport is also an ideal low-impact exercise and a great way to get kids out into the fresh air. One of the main advantages of playing golf is the chance to spend time in nature, and the four championship golf courses in Whistler are among some of the most beautiful courses in the world. Surrounded by the breathtaking Coast Mountains, Whistler is the ideal place to help your kids foster a love of golf that will develop into a lifelong passion.

Benefits Of Family Golfing

Golf offers many benefits to players of all ages, and playing together as a family is a great way to enhance the experience. Spending time outdoors in the fresh air improves mood and wellbeing and helps to certain prevent mental disorders such as depression and anxiety. A good healthy dose of sunlight each day is a great way to boost vitamin D levels to help the body absorb calcium and build strong teeth and bones. Children that play golf learn to improve their focus and exercise their problem-solving abilities at the same time. According to the Arthritis Foundation, golf is the ideal exercise for those suffering from pain and stiffness in the joints making it the perfect activity for the entire family.

How To Get Started

One of the most important things to remember when teaching children how to play golf is to keep the experience fun. Try to place more emphasis on laughing and enjoyment rather than actual technique to ensure that young children do not become bored or frustrated. According to Golf Digest, smaller children can struggle with simple tasks that adults take for granted such as inserting a tee into the ground and balancing a ball on top of it. Make sure you are on hand to assist your children at every stage and provide plenty of support and praise whenever they attempt a task. Safety is also extremely important when it comes to outdoor sports, so always take time to explain the correct way to swing the club to avoid injury and where to stand while others are playing.

Whistler Golf Courses

Whether you are an advanced player or a complete beginner, Whistler offers the ideal setting for you and your family to enjoy the perfect golfing holiday. Choose from four award-winning courses that are open throughout the year in one of the most picturesque settings in the world. The town of Whistler also offers excellent skiing facilities, a mountain bike park, vibrant bars and restaurants and luxurious Whistler accommodations.

Contrary to popular belief, golf is not a sport reserved primarily for the rich as people from all walks of life regularly enjoy the game. The vast majority of courses also offer golfing lessons to help you get started or improve your current skills. Always check that your chosen course provides licensed instructors to help teach your children the correct way to play golf to enhance their enjoyment and prevent injury.

Layla Green has worked as a travel planner for a number of years. She likes to share her insights online and has previously written for several different travel-orientated websites.

Water Balloon Fun in the Backyard

My son had this idea for us to play in the backyard with water balloon.  So we bought a pack of it in the store.  The fun begin in filling the balloon with water.  At first, Rylie did not know how to control the water so the balloon would popped whenever she put too much water.  

They found it difficult to tie them so they  designated me to officially tie all the balloons.  Then they have this question lurking in their minds as to why the balloon company hasn't come up yet with  balloons that will automatically closed when the  it's filled with water.  I told them maybe they should come up with an idea on how to do it  and then suggest it to the company.  Maybe in every size  of  the balloon, there's a way you can just pinch the end and it will close.  I don't know if that's possible lol.

The balloon idea worked out well in our backyard because  some of the grass are  turning into brown so it really need the water.

When it comes to games like this, my husband is their perfect  buddy because he is like a big kid lol.

On the first day, he was the target.  He did not have any water balloons so both of the kids are  just aiming on him lol.  It was fun to watch them.

On the next day, my husband  got his fair share of water balloons so they were all blasting each other.  Of course, I am the official photographer of the fun they are having which I don't mind.

Even the dogs had so much fun chasing them and they too, got blasted with water.   So guys, if you are looking for something fun to do before the summer end, buy a bottle of this balloon.  A bottle cost $2.50 and there's 500 balloons.  You would think that we ran out of it already?  Nah, we still have a lot of fun left.  You can watch the video below that I posted oon IG when I became the target lol. 

Water balloon fun with my kids

A video posted by rose (@chubskulitrose) on Aug 31, 2015 at 1:36pm PDT

Memories in the Mountains: A Visit to Mont-Tremblant Village

Of course, most are well aware of the sports-related activities associated to the Mont-Tremblant area.  It’s a prime ski destination that’s on must-go lists of athletes and amateurs alike.  However, some people are not big skiers yet love to be in the mountains.  If you’re looking forward to making memories in the mountains, but more prone to staying in the village than skiing down mountainsides, consider the following activities.

Rest and Relaxation

Leave racing down the mountain slopes for the athletes.  Even if you are one for activity, you need some rest and relaxation time too.  The Scandinavian spa is an indulgent experience that you can’t find just anywhere.  And, if you’re feeling especially restful and don’t feel like exiting your room, you can take advantage of massage services offered by selected Mont-Tremblant accommodations.

Window Shopping and Buying

Now that you’re feeling relaxed and flexible, start slow and take a casual stroll around the shopping district for a stint of window shopping and possible purchasing.  To date, over thirty-five stores inhabit the Mont-Tremblant Village.  Whether you prefer quaint shops or mainstream suppliers, both and all in between are represented in the shopping area.  Grab items you need for your stay, those on your Christmas list, or out-of-season trinkets you can use later in the year.

Eat and Drink

All that shopping is sure to work up an appetite.  It’s a good thing the Village hosts over fifty places to enjoy a beverage and fill your stomach.  Conveniently, you have a choice of fine dining to casual atmospheres.  You can enjoy a few beverages at a local bar while other family members are off shopping or skiing, or you can dine out with the entire clan at a place with a menu that appeals to the majority.

Party Like a Local

When the sun sets the evening comes alive at a number of local hangouts, replete with those in search of a good time.  Learn to party like a local as you hop to one hotspot to the next.  Even if you’re not one who enjoys an alcoholic beverage, you’ll have plenty of opportunity to listen to DJ’s, bands, and let loose on the dancefloor.  You haven’t partied in Montreal until you’ve had a night out in Mont-Tremblant.

Win at the Casino

If you’re vacationing at Mont-Tremblant, you’re already a winner, yet if you want to push your luck, try a hand at the tables inside the Casino de Mont-Tremblant.  If your hand is particularly hot, you can win enough for an extended stay or cover the expenses of your present trip.  Of course, there is plenty of other entertainment to be had at the casino, including eateries and live musical entertainment.

Of course, many come for the outdoor activities, but if you’re in the Mont-Tremblant area, you can fill days without even leaving the immediate Village.  If a non-skier in your family or crew is a point of worry, you won’t feel guilty bringing them along.  There’s plenty of eating, shopping, relaxing, partying, and sightseeing to be had within Mont-Tremblant Village.

Lucinda Grey has been working as a tour guide for many years. She likes to share her insights with an online audience and has written for a number of different travel-related websites.

Corbet's Couloir, Jackson Hole: Taming America's Scariest Ski Slope

Jackson Hole, Wyoming is popular for a range of reasons.  Whether it’s summer or winter, it’s an outdoor playground for skiers, swimmers, joggers, hikers, etc.  However, some slopes and trails are considered more intense.  Corbet’s Couloir, deemed by some as “America’s Scariest Ski Slope,” is on the must-ski list of many.  Do you have what it takes to tackle this slippery and most-scary slope?  If you think so, consider the following tips.

Get in Shape

Much like a beginner surfer should not try and surf a number of Hawaiian waves, you should be an avid and near-expert skier before visiting Corbet’s.  Even so, you better be on top of your game.  If you have rich experience, but are rusty from last season or have not been practicing of late, you need to log in more hours before heading to this run.  You need to be a master at making tight turns, stopping on a dime, and maneuvering between trees and over bumps.

Check the Report

Even the best athletes in the world need to consider a number of elements before engaging in chosen sport.  For example, an expert tightrope walker doesn’t want to stroll across the Grand Canyon on a windy day.  Likewise, you don’t want to head up to Corbet’s Couloir when conditions are poor and icy.  You want to visit when the snow is soft and there’s powder in the Couloir.  Otherwise, save the adventure for another day.

Choose Wisely

Your chosen course matters.  Skiers can either go left, which is initially easier, but demands a sharp right turn after the immediate launch (or else you’ll be met with a rock wall), or go right, which requires a longer jump from the cornice, which is about 30 feet.

Be Sure to Commit

You can’t ski Corbet’s halfway.  You must commit to your line and ski to the best of your ability.  Despite the intense decline, you’ll want to keep your weight forward, over your ski tips and fight the urge to lean back.  Also, keep legs relaxed and nimble, especially as you attempt your landing.  If you don’t land gracefully, you’ll be rolling down the Couloir, and it won’t be a pretty sight.

Steep and Deep Camp

The locals and those hanging around Jackson Hole lodging know of the Steep and Deep camp, which costs upward of $800 dollars, consisting of ski lift tickets, served lunches, and intense coaching by premier, Wyoming skiers.  The locals, not ones to sacrifice drama, post a warning at the beginning of the mountains stating, “give this special mountain the respect it deserves!”

Graduate to Other Slopes

Corbet’s Couloir may be the scariest slope in Wyoming or anywhere, yet America does not have a shortage of hair-raising declines.  Aside from Corbet’s, visit Silverfox in Snowbird, Utah; Two Smokes in Silverton, Colorado; The Palisades in Squaw Valley, California; and, Keyhole in Alpine Meadows, California.

Many brave skiers grace the snow at Corbet’s, but few have what it takes to successfully ski down it.  Do you have the skills to master the mountain?  There’s only one way to be sure.

Tina Sarandon has worked as a travel advisor for a number of years. She enjoys the opportunity to offer her insights to an online audience and has written for various travel-related websites.