This past weekend, I went with Nicola to the Modern Mama brunch held at the Brock House for Pregnancy Awareness Month. I didn’t attend any pregnancy events with my first pregnancy, so it was all new to me, in a way. It’s different being pregnant with people you know, that’s for sure!
Check out our complimentary portrait – I also won a newborn photoshoot with the same photographer.
Modern Mama hosts events for to-be or new families on topics ranging from fashion to parenting. For example, they are just about to host an event on sleep featuring the same sleep consultant we used with Aiden.
Despite the fact that I’m not a new mama, and this is not my first pregnancy, I did manage to learn some new things from the set of speakers that were on hand for the brunch. I learned, for example, that belly support after birth does have a more-than-just-aesthetic purpose (thx FitnessDoula). Go figure!
Disclosure: I was invited to the Modern Mama event but was not asked to write a post. I also have a continued working relationship with the sleep consultant featured in their next event.
Today we took Aiden out to Squamish to board the Polar Express 2011 run by the West Coast Railway Association. Just like the book and movie, the Polar Express invites children young and old to board a train to the North Pole. The 60 minute train ride includes some of the story over the speakers (sadly, a little too quiet), a cookie and hot chocolate (huge hit) and the singing of Christmas carols.
The train doesn’t go very far during the ride (my geek of a husband tracked it) and made stops during food delivery, but all the kids seemed quite happy with the ride they did get. If you go in the afternoon as we did, it will be getting dark just as you return.
After the train ride, you stop at the North Pole, set up inside the Roundhouse, which is a great open space featuring a few trains to look at as well. There were lots of crafts set up, a gift shop, and a little coffee shop. The line to visit Santa takes some time, but it’s worth it. A visit to Santa brings the “first gift of Christmas” – the reindeer bell. Totally awesome.
Included in the coach ticket is a lanyard with the Gold ticket, the train ride with goodies, access to the North Pole to visit Mr. & Mrs. Claus, one ride on the mini train and access to all the crafts set up on site. Though seating is first come first served, it didn’t appear to be an issue for anyone. The first class tickets, sold out for the year, also include a free collectors mug with the assigned seats.
Next year we will read the story (which we bought there) and watch the movie before the ride too, to really get into it. Even without that, Aiden had a downright fantastic afternoon. He was thrilled with every aspect, even if he didn’t want to sit on Santa’s knee. When asked what he wanted for Christmas, to tell Santa, Aiden said “apple,” then “treat,” both of which we can easily manage. He rode the mini train (huge for him), and was heard to say “Bye Bye Santa” as we left. See all our photos here.
Tips for families: Lots of people got into the spirit by wearing PJs, but do bring warm clothes to put on top. Also bring your camera, as you’re encouraged to snap your own shots with Santa (save on mall Santas?!). I was kicking myself all afternoon for forgetting our SLR. Next year!
Disclosure: We received one adult and child pass complimentary, but paid for the additional two passes.
This Fall, Disney opened up a new Resort in Oahu called Aulani. I am a big Disney fan, so we made a point of going to see it, stopping for dinner after our day out visiting the sights of the Island. Aside from how gorgeous the property is, my first impression was definitely: “Where’s the Disney touch?” Aside from the gift shop, the resort was almost Disney-free. Apparently the resort was meant to celebrate Hawaii, though as a guest I think I may have missed the Disney touches.Although Mickey Mouse came out to say hi at one point, only hotel guests are allowed to take a picture with him. Big sad on that one.
We walked the property checking out the fun tube route and waterside, the wading pool and the infinity hot tub looking out over the manicured beaches. All very impressive. I know from the website, the on-site activities are impressive, so I think that part of the resort would be fun to experience. As a plus, the resort does cater to younger kids with their kids club.
The resort is quite far away from Honolulu and Waikiki, so most of your meals would probably have to be on property, as a guest. There are 4 restaurants and 2 bars – and all are very expensive. As a guest, you could expect your stay to be very expensive based on food alone.
We dined at the Makahiki buffet restaurant, which was a pricey $43 per person. Despite the hefty price tag, the food was very impressive. The assortment was large, as each section of the buffet was kept small and refreshed often. From fresh seafood and sushi to many hot meal items including some traditional Hawaiian dishes, we definitely made the most of our meal. The desserts were particularly impressive, including the mini lava cakes. Yum. There was also a kids buffet, featuring food that kids may eat more of such as pizza and macaroni.
If you’re very hungry and willing to make the drive, the meal is worth it – thankfully, if you eat on property, at least the parking is free!
I think a stay at Aulani would be amazing, but only if you go expecting to pretty much stay on property or if you rent a car. I think having to dine on property at the Disney prices is crazy, but perhaps it would be worth it for all the amenities the resort offers. What do you think?
Mid-way into our Hawaii stay, we walked down the road from our hotel to the Outrigger Reef on the Beach, another great hotel a little closer to central Waikiki. There we dined at the Kani Ka Pila Grille, the poolside dining option at the hotel. It was one of our best meals in Hawaii.
Kani Ka Pila Grille was recently rethought by Outrigger to feature more authentically Hawaiian entertainment, and I do have to say it was the best we heard in Hawaii. A lot less touristy and more subtle – just fantastic.
Aiden had his own gigantic burger from the kids menu, while we shared a crab cake for appetizer followed by some great meals. I had a seafood pasta while Ianiv had veal – both were amazing. Really well done (prawns were not overdone!) and well presented. The bread pudding dessert is what made the meal though – wow. Go there just for that.
Disclosure: Our meals were compliments of the Outrigger Reef, whose Director of PR invited us out even after we chose a different hotel for our stay.
Aside from our Luau date night, we decided to spend one more night on our own while on vacation. My pregnancy food aversions steered me clear of the steakhouse or seafood options, so we went to Sergio’s Italian Table at the Hilton Hawaiian Village. I wish we’d gone to Tropics instead.
The restaurant is quite dated. Upon first entering, we were told the restaurant wasn’t serving alcohol, but we could bring our own. Weird. When we were seated, we were given stale bread – Mmm. Our dining options were restricted because apparently someone forgot to do the ordering. What we did order – myself the Bolognese – was very unimpressive. About as plain as it could be made, with poor ingredients, and very oily. A sad meal for our date night!
More Dining at Hilton Hawaiian Village
Another restaurant we wouldn’t give rave reviews to at the Hilton Hawaiian Village would by CJ’s New York Style Delicatessen. We went there for brunch one day and found the service poor and the food ok – but not outstanding.
On the flip side, we did very much enjoy the Round Table Pizza for lunch a couple of times, had an ice cream at Lappert’s Ice Cream and hit up both of the Starbucks locations. For full dining options, read here. The Tapa Bar also makes a mean Blue Hawaii.
