Many families here at the Jersey Shore have made the trip south to Walt Disney World in Florida.  Some have even traveled to visit Mickey Mouse and friends in the Sunshine State many times.   Why?  It is the type of vacation destination that is always changing.  Every year, WDW offers new attractions for its guests.  It’s a place where families can visit year-after-year because there is always something new to see or do.  And, 2011 is no different.  This year, there are many noteworthy events and sights to see at the magical paradise for kids and adults.

Beginning February 25, WDW will host the Disney Princess Half Marathon Weekend.  The event, which is presented by Lady Foot Locker, will bring women of all ages together for a half marathon, a 5K, kids’ races, and a health and fitness expo.  The weekend’s events will focus on the attributes every princess possesses: commitment, courage, determination, fantasy, perseverance, and strength.  This is a special time when women can achieve greatness together.  In addition to Disney’s Princess Half Marathon, there will be the Beauty and the Beast Royal Family 5K, Disney’s Royal Family Kids’ Races, and Disney’s Fit for a Princess Expo.  Participants must register online before the event.  For more information, log on to www.downtowndisneyhotels.com.

ESPN will also host a special weekend for WDW guests from March 3-6.   ESPN The Weekend is a winter special event at Disney’s Hollywood Studios theme park   The weekend will feature all-star athletes, live ESPN broadcasts, broadcast personalities, and the opportunity to participate in interactive sports experiences with some of the sports world’s best athletes.  This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for fans to see many of their sports heroes up close and personal.  There will be informative presentations, motorcade parades with many athletes, and in-depth public discussions.  The ESPN Sports Zone Interactive Area will also be available.  Disney’s Hollywood Studios theme park admission is required.  ESPN The Weekend events are included with admission to Disney’s Hollywood Studios theme park.   For more information, visit www.disneyworld.disney.

Also new in 2011, Disney Parks is asking guests to share their memories by uploading photos and videos at a special “Let the Memories Begin” online hub at www.DisneyParks.com/Memories.  Disney Parks is looking for videos and photos of your special moments, such as your daughter’s first encounter with a fairy princess or meeting a favorite character while walking through the Magic Kingdom.  What’s really unique is that if you decide to participate in this special program, these photo memories will be shared with other guests in the Magic Kingdom Park.   In the evenings, the guest photographs will be magically animated onto a grand canvas to celebrate the memories of the Disney Guests from that very same day in the park.  Guests will listen to “Let The Memories Begin” as the photos are displayed through state-of-the-art projectors which will bring Cinderella’s Castle to life. The picture show will end with a mesmerizing finale filled with animated and actual fireworks.

Finally, guests of Disney hotels can sail the Seven Seas Lagoon during the Pirates & Pals Fireworks Voyage. This special tour takes young seafarers from hotels near Walt Disney World and their families on an exciting boat tour that includes songs, tales of adventure, and a perfect view of the nightly fireworks show.  Families from Orlando hotels will begin their boat ride at Disney’s Contemporary Resort, where they will gather with the other participants and enjoy refreshments before setting sail. Throughout the trip, young sailors will be treated to songs, Disney trivia games, and the tale of Peter Pan. Before returning to shore, visitors from Disney hotels will be treated to the Magic Kingdom Fireworks from their place on the sea. For those visitors from Disney hotels interested in the Pirates & Pals Fireworks Voyage, advance ticket purchase is required. For more information, guests of hotels near Walt Disney World should visit the Disney Orlando website.

If your family is planning its first trip to Walt Disney World in 2011, keep these helpful hints and tips in mind as you make reservations this year.

1.)Research-

Before you head off to this magical mecca for children of all ages, do some research beforehand, speak to repeat visitors, and devise a game plan or strategy to see the sights.  If you take the time to plan ahead, the much anticipated vacation will go more smoothly and the whole family will thoroughly enjoy the all that Disney has to offer.  Use the website, borrow books from friends, or order the planning guide and DVD from Walt Disney World.  A little bit of preparation ahead of time will definitely pay off in the long run.

2.)Plan the length of the trip-

The first and most important step when planning your Disney vacation is to decide how long the trip should last.  How much time do you think your family needs to see everything?  Frequent Disney travelers say the vacation should last a minimum of seven days.   To squeeze everything in, it’s important to book events ahead of time, such as the highly popular Disney characters meals.  If you don’t have a reservation, it will be very difficult to secure a spot once you’re there.

3.) Research tickets-

The Disney Park Hopper ticket enables families to visit the four Walt Disney World Resort Parks unlimited times.  Guests can “hop” around the parks as often as they would like, for as many days as the ticket is purchased.  With Park Hopper passes, families can spend the day on the rides at the Magic Kingdom and then head over to Epcot in the evening to see the fireworks.  Hoppers provide flexibility so families don’t feel like they have to spend all of their time in one place.  Kids usually have a few favorite rides, too, so the Hopper Pass makes it possible to revisit those attractions your kids reallyenjoyed.

In order to keep the kids moving, it’s also a good idea to get FastPass which allows you to place your ticket into a computer for the more popular rides and then it will tell a good time to return with either little or no wait.  For those traveling with children, especially with younger ones in tow, this new innovation is truly priceless.  Remarkably, it works very well and the wait-time for rides is drastically reduced.

4.)Decide where you will stay–

Another big decision to make during the planning process is where to stay.  There are many pros and cons to staying on and off the property.  Many repeat Disney customers strongly recommend staying at one of Walt Disney World’s resorts.  Convenience to all of the attractions and events is the biggest factor.  Plus, as a resort guest, your family will have access to the parks at off hours and enjoy special privileges and perks.  One advantage to staying off property is that usually, the hotels are less expensive.  So, if you are looking to save a few dollars, this is the way to go.  There’s ample parking at the parks, and numerous shuttle services.  If you stay off property, don’t worry because there are plenty of ways to get where you need to go.

5.)Meal Plan Option-

Many avid Disney enthusiasts also highly recommend purchasing the meal plan.  This is the most effective way to eat throughout the parks.  Also, another helpful tip is to make reservations at the extremely popular character breakfasts in advance.  These popular meals with all of Disney’s favorite and beloved characters book up very quickly, so it would be wise to book these breakfasts and lunches with the princesses and superheroes as soon as possible.  Some of the most popular places to eat are: Chef Mickey’s at the Polynesian Resort and Breakfast at Cinderella’s Castle.

6.)Bring snacks and water-

As those with children know, kids are always hungry and thirsty throughout the day.  In order to save time and money, it would be a good idea to pack a cooler full of healthy snacks and bottles of water to keep your kids full and hungry while waiting on some of the long lines for rides.  If you have little ones with you, it’s probably wise to bring a stroller, too.  This will help keep little legs fresh and recharged especially since there is so much to see and so much ground to cover!

So if you are planning your family’s first trip or maybe its tenth, you promised the kids a vacation to Walt Disney World and now you must follow through and plan the vacation of a lifetime.  As you sit knee-deep in Disney World brochures and magazines, don’t panic.  Simply plan a vacation that will suit the needs and interests of your own individual family.  Decide how long you would like the vacation to be, where you want to stay, the types of meals you would like to indulge in, and which attractions your family would like to see the most.  Oh, and after all of the planning is accomplished, remember to have fun!

By Tricia Berwick

Tropical breezes, warm temperatures, tons of activities, and lots of your kids’ favorite characters.  All of this can be enjoyed aboard the Disney Dream, the third ship in the Disney Cruise Line fleet.  Brand new in 2011, the luxury liner originates from Port Canaveral, Florida and sets sail for a Bahamian cruise.

The ship is approximately 40% larger than the Disney Dream’s sister ships, the Disney Magic or the Disney Wonder.  The 130,000-ton vessel features 14 decks and includes 1250 staterooms which can comfortably accommodate up to 4,000 passengers and 1458 crew members.   Specially made with families in mind, the cruise liner offers parents and children many ways to relax and have fun together.

The first step in planning a Disney Dream vacation is deciding just how long your family would like to be out at sea.  For first-time cruisers, it may be best to begin with the three-night Bahamian cruise.  This weekend getaway takes passengers to the islands of Nassau and Castaway Cay, Disney’s private island retreat.  In Nassau, your family can explore the shops and boutiques in town or enjoy the beautiful beaches.  Atlantis Resort is also nearby which features an aquarium, a water park and many restaurants.  The next day, spend time relaxing on the island of Castaway Cay which is reserved exclusively for Disney Cruise line guests.  Your family can have tons of fun snorkeling, touring the island on bikes, or renting a kayak or paddleboat.  Mom and Dad can even indulge in an adults-only open air massage while the kids are exploring Scuttle’s Cove.  The four and five-night cruises go to the same locations, but spend more time either at sea or on one of the islands.

What makes the Disney Dream unique is the size of its staterooms.  In order for families to fully relax and unwind, they need ample space.  The Disney Dream provides comfortable and spacious staterooms so families can have the best possible trip.  There are many accommodations for families to choose from.  For example, guests can opt for a private verandah which looks out onto the sea and scenery, deluxe rooms with expanded space, Magical Portholes for rooms without windows, as well as rooms with crystal-clear portholes some with built-in seating.  Many of the rooms even feature split bathrooms which is perfect for families and is a cruise line industry first.  All of the rooms feature many of the amenities your family enjoys at home, too.  Each stateroom has an iPod Docking Station, so remember to load up your iPod with the family’s favorite music before you set sail.

As for activities, there is something for everyone on board the Disney Dream.  If your children are three months to three years-old, take them to It’s A Small World Nursery.  The nursery features an acclimation area which is designed to help the little ones adjust to the nursery, a main play area, and a special spot for children to rest and take naps.  If your family is interested in this option, there will be an additional fee and reservations must be made in advance.

For older kids, there is the Oceaneer Club or the Oceaneer Lab which are both children’s activity centers.  Your kids will have a blast dressing up as a favorite princess or superhero, playing computer games, putting on a play, or constructing a few crafts.  There is something to match every child’s interest level in one of these centers.  Edge, a tween hotpot is specifically for kids ages 11-13 where they can listen to music, watch television, and play videogames.  And, there’s also a place just for kids ages 14-17 called Vibe which is a trendy indoor lounge.  If you would like to have some fun with the kids, head to D Lounge where parents and kids can sing and play games in this family entertainment center.

There are also many dining options aboard the Disney Dream.  Cruisers can enjoy diverse menus, themed restaurants, and Disney’s Rotational Dining which allows guests to enjoy a different restaurant every night of the cruise.  Families can dine together in multiple places or mom and dad can visit two adults-only restaurants for a romantic evening together.

If your family likes to splash and get wet, the Disney Dream features the very first water coaster out at sea.  The AquaDuck is a 765-foot-long water coaster which takes guests on a journey up and around four decks, over the side of the ship and through the Forward Funnel.  There are also three themed freshwater pools-one for kids, one for adults only and one for families.  If your kids are very young, spend some time at Nemo’s Reef which is an interactive wet play area based on the hit Disney-Pixar movie, Finding Nemo.  This 1500 square-foot play area features fountains, bubblers, and pop jets.  There is even a mini-sized water slide for the little ones.

Guests can also enjoy various forms of entertainment, too.  There are multiple Character Greetings where children and adults can mingle with some of Disney’s most popular characters and two large-sized theatres.  The Buena Vista Theatre is a cinema that shows first-run movies and digital 3-D films.  Moviegoers will be treated to plush, stadium-style seats and a giant movie screen.  The Walt Disney Theatre is a live performance venue.  Guests will be treated to Broadway-style Disney live shows, as well as first-run films.

For those who want to experience sheer relaxation and pampering, the Disney Dream offers Senses Spa and Salon for guests.  Spa treatments and beauty salon services such as massages, facials, and more are all available.  Guests can work out at the Fitness Center or play mini-golf and other sports, too at Goofy’s Sports Deck.

The Disney Dream is currently sailing from Port Canaveral to the Bahamas.  If your family is interested in cruising aboard Disney’s newest ship, browse through the cruise line’s website to watch videos, view slide shows and see a virtual tour of the ship.  For more information and to read all about the ship’s specific amenities and features visit the website at www.disneycruise.disney.go.

We’re in the thick of winter now, and boy it’s a cold one!!!  But thanks to a few snow storms we were able to get a fun winter sledding picture for the cover!  I was very excited to see that our model was a client of mine.  It was a nice surprise to see Gianna after taking her first birthday pictures 2 years ago.  Gianna hadn’t had much experience sledding so mom and dad weren’t sure if she would like it on her own.  But as you can tell by her smile, she had a blast!!  She would get down the short hill at Winward Beach and say “again!”  It was easy to get a great shot.

Well, until the weather warms up I will be shooting in my studio.  Come on in for birthday pictures, family portraits and soon enough Easter and Communion portraits.  Easter is late this year, but it’s never too early to get your portraits done.  Plus, this spring I am launching a new and improved dock/fishing set.  As you can see from my MODEL SEARCH ad, I will be looking for 3 and 4 year old boys for portfolio building sessions.  Please email if you want to take advantage of some discounts on that session and winners get featured on my website and credit toward a family beach portrait!

Stay warm and hope to hear from you all soon!

Bee Mine Children’s Consignment and Specialty Boutique was invited to outfit a Fashion Show on March 5th at the Ocean County Mall.

It is at the end of a week long Dare to Care fundraiser, for Ocean of Love. Ocean of Love is a non-profit,charitable organization dedicated to helping Ocean County children with cancer and their families. Their purpose is to assist the children through their illness. They provide financial and emotional support so that they can experience the “normal” joys of childhood, knowing their lives are significant and meaningful to each and every one of us.

Bee Mine is in search of 10 boys and 10 girls ages  Newborn to 13 years old, to walk the Hollywood themed runway on March  5th. But we will also be looking for children to just wear some of our  items, such as headbands, hats and tutu’s and to be a part of the audience,  too! There is no limit for that!

In an effort to help raise funds for  Ocean of Love, Bee Mine will be conducting a Model search at our location,  1717 Route 37 East in Toms River, part of the Pied Piper Swim  School building, on Saturday, February 12th from 10AM to 3PM. There is a $10  application fee which will go directly to benefit Ocean of Love.  All kiddies interested in being a model, must be photographed by  Michael, our awesome photographer from The Picture People. If you are  interested, but not able to make it on the 12th, please call to make other  arrangements. Please call the store at 732-360-7793 or stop in, by  February 9th to fill out the application. We can also set an appointment  time for you that day!

Many activities will be taking place at the  shop on February 12th! E Video Productions (evideoproductions.net) will also  be there documenting the events of both days! Once Upon A Dream, Birthday  Parties For your Little Princess, will be polishing nails, Tracey, from  Tracey’s Funtastic Face Painting will be here from 11AM to 3PM!Designer  cupcakes will be provided by Joyful Treatz, as well as many other neat  surprises and events going on that day!

One applicant’s family will  also be chosen as The Focus Family for a month for the Your Child Today  magazine. If your child is chosen as one of our Models, you both must commit  to being at the Fashion Show at The Ocean County Mall on March 5th. We  strongly encourage all participants to attend the show on March 5th. There  will be a band and entertainment as well as other exciting activities, as well.

Please help us raise money for such an amazing organization.  They have helped Ocean County families with children with cancer since  October 1988 when it was co-founded by Linda Gillick and the late George  Goldt. In the words of the founder, “I hope that in my  lifetime we will be able to close our doors because cancer will have been  eradicated.  Until that day, we will do our best to provide the daily  needs of these children and their families.  We will hold their hands.  . . hug them tight. . . and provide the love and support emotionally and  financially to walk the road of hope”. Let’s help try to make that a  reality!

By Jennifer Enright

Nicole and Larry DelliSanti were high school sweethearts when they both attended Brick High School in the 1990’s, but Cupid’s arrow didn’t shoot them straight to the alter.  Like many young couples, they went their separate ways after graduation.  Nicole attended college in Florida, while Larry stayed in New Jersey. But every time Nicole came back home during school breaks, she would run into Larry – at the Toms River Diner or over in Seaside.  By the spring of 1998, Cupid’s aim was right on target and the two reunited for good.  Married in September 2003 at Aberdeen’s Garden Manor, the location of their 1994 prom, they have matching prom and wedding photos in front of the Manor’s famous fountain.  Cupid must have been checking on them in February 2008 as the twosome became a threesome with the birth of daughter Gianna.  Gianna will soon become a big sister, as they are expecting a baby boy in June.  Rounding out the family are Boxers Bella and Luigi.

The family resides in Toms River where Larry owns and operates Amazing Creations Landscaping and Lawn Care, which he started in 1998 under a different name.  The company has been under its current name since 2002.  Nicole works part-time for Verizon Wireless, commuting to Philadelphia three days most weeks.  She started working at the Toms River Verizon Wireless store 10 years ago while continuing her education at Georgian Court University.  She was able to obtain a Bachelor’s Degree in Business and Marketing, paid for by Verizon.  “They have a fantastic education program.  As long as you maintain good grades, Verizon will pay for your entire degree, including books!” Nicole claims.

YCT: Tell us a little about your family and your daughter’s personality.

Nicole: Gianna’s got a great big personality.  She’s a very happy child and only gets cranky if she’s tired or sick.  We call her a trip because she is hilarious, has an excellent vocabulary and understands everything we say.  Even though she’s a girly-girl who wears tutus, she holds her own with the boys at her school – she can be quite a brute!  We are fortunate to have lots of extended family in the area.  My mother and Larry’s mother and stepfather all live right here in Toms River.  My sisters and brother, and Larry’s sister are all close by and we see them often.  Although my father passed away years ago, Larry’s dad fills the grandpa role for Gianna fantastically.  Even though he lives up north, he tries to come down and see her every weekend.  Gianna is the first grandchild on both sides of our family, and she is certainly spoiled with love and attention.  It will be interesting to see how she reacts when our son is born and she doesn’t get the spotlight all to herself anymore!

YCT: What is a typical day like in your home?

Nicole: On the days that I work, I leave at 7am and don’t get home until 6pm.  Larry is gone all day, especially during the busy summer season.  Gianna goes to Oceans of Fun in Toms River for two hours twice a week. She loves all the crafts and activities they do.  She also goes to the Learning Center, which is tied to the Toms River school district schedule.  They have a more structured curriculum and the teachers are so nice.  Larry’s mom also watches her one day a week.  Dinner depends on what kind of day we had, but we tend to go out quite often so we can spend more time with Gianna without having to focus on getting dinner ready and cleaning up.  We try to give her a bath before dinner, so that she can settle down and get to sleep by 9pm.  We are going to convert her crib to a regular bed soon, and plan to begin nightly story time then.  She wants to hold books when we read to her and it’s difficult with her still in the crib.  Larry made up a bedtime song and sings it to her every night.  She can’t go to sleep without it!

One the days that I’m not working, we always have something going on.  Gianna loves to keep busy and absolutely loves water, so we often go toaquariums and waterparks, including indoor places when it’s cold.  We try to do something fun with her every weekend and recently took her to NYC to see the holiday decorations and Toy Story on Ice.

YCT: What other activities does Gianna enjoy?

Nicole: She goes to swim lessons at Pied Piper – we started before she could walk and now she can swim by herself.  Last year, she attended classes at Shore Ballet.  Now that she’s potty trained, we have more options open to explore.

YCT: What is your favorite thing to do locally with your family?

Nicole: Our favorite place is the beach and boardwalk – both Point Pleasant and Seaside. Larry’s cousin owns a restaurant on the boardwalk in Seaside so we go there a lot in the summer.  Last year, Gianna was a little bit big for the kiddie rides but not quite ready for the big kid rides.  She has absolutely no fear, so we’re really looking forward to this summer when she’ll be able to ride the bigger kid rides by herself.  She absolutely loves Bounce U in Lakewood, and the Euro Jump in the Ocean County Mall.  She will stay on that all day if we let her, and she usually charms the operator into giving her extra time on it.

YCT: Do you have any favorite local vacation spots?

Nicole: About nine years ago we decided to get away for a long weekend, and started driving down the Parkway.  After we crossed the Delaware on the ferry, we just kept going and saw signs for Ocean City, Maryland.  We decided to check it out and discovered that we absolutely love it there.  Since then, we’ve gone back every year.  It’s perfect for couples, but even better now that we have a child.  It is so clean and the boardwalk is very family-oriented.  The hotel where we always stay has two pools, with water slides and a lazy river.  We rent bikes and ride right up on the boardwalk for our meals.  We are big seafood lovers and they have the best crab in the world there!

Next month, we are taking our first big family vacation to Disney’s Animal Kingdom in Florida.  Gianna is going to go nuts when we get there because she watches the Disney Channel all the time and loves Mickey Mouse.

YCT: Have you ever gone on vacation without the kids?

Nicole: In November 2009, we went to Mexico for eight days.  Both our mothers took care of Gianna, but the trip was too long, and the last few days were rough on the grandmas and on us.  We hope to take a shorter trip before the baby is born in June.  We will definitely be going away in November to attend the island wedding of our close friends.

YCT: Do you have a favorite family-friendly restaurant?

Nicole: We love Shogun in Toms River.  We have been going there since Gianna was a baby, and they all know her and love her.  It’s like she’s a celebrity when we go – the owner walks around with her, showing her off to all the guests.

YCT: What is your favorite date night location and how often do you get to go out with just your husband?

Nicole: We rarely go out alone even though both grandmas will watch her any time.  But since we only have one child now, we just take her with us.  I’m sure that will change when the new baby comes, though!  Once in a while, we go to the Long Branch Pier or Atlantic City with friends or Larry’s sister.  We don’t like to gamble, but we love all the restaurants.

YCT: What is your favorite non-mommy thing to do and how often do you get to do it?

Nicole: I know it sounds like a cliché, but I just love to go shopping.  It’s like meditation to me.  I enjoy shopping for other people as much as myself.  It’s my getaway.  I love everything but the credit card bill!  I also enjoy a monthly dinner out with my girlfriends.  Sometimes, we’ll head to NYC and see a Broadway Show.

YCT: What is your husband’s favorite non-daddy thing to do?

Nicole: Larry likes to go to the gym or work around the house.  He’s always got a house project going on and really enjoys working with his hands.  He used to surf and have lots of other hobbies, but now his whole like is working on his business and spending time with family.

YCT: Do you patronize any advertisers from our magazine?

Nicole: Besides Shore Ballet and Pied Piper, we also enjoy Jenkinson’s and the Casino Pier.  Gianna also has a great time at Oceans of Fun.  We went to Sue’s Point of View Photography for Gianna’s first birthday portrait and Sue did a great job.  She’s so patient and didn’t get upset when Gianna smashed birthday cake all over the place.  The pictures were so good that printed them as her first birthday party invitations.  We’re looking for a summer program for Gianna, something to keep her busy while I tend to the new baby, and are considering Kum Sung Academy.

YCT: Do you have any parenting advice that you would like to offer our readers?

Nicole: I really believe that living in an area like this, surrounded by water, that teaching your kids to swim is crucial.  For us, it’s just as important as going to school.  We feel that starting Gianna with swim lessons when she was just six months old was the best thing we ever did.  We think that it’s easier to start when kids are very young, before they develop any fear of the water.

YCT: What is your favorite part of Your Child Today magazine?

Nicole: We really rely on the calendar of events because we like to keep busy and are always looking for something to do with Gianna.

By Tricia Berwick

Imagine trying to steady yourself on a surf board as you attempt to catch the perfect wave or floating down a lazy river on an inner tube without a worry in the world for an entire afternoon.  A little hard to fathom at this time of the year?  Absolutely!  Especially with all the snow and ice that has covered the New Jersey landscape for the past month or two.  Don’t give up on those daydreams yet though.  It is possible to ride a few waves, and swim and splash, even during these frigid, frosty months.  At Sahara Sam’s Oasis Indoor Water Park in West Berlin, the forecast is 84 degrees every day, which makes it the perfect playground to chase away the winter blues.

This 58,000 square-foot water park, which celebrates summer year-round, offers many attractions for all ages.  There are thrilling water slides for older kids and grown-ups, and quiet little pools and splash areas for toddlers and babies to frolic and play too.  Between the warm temperatures and the tropical theme, this relaxing and fun atmosphere is an indoor paradise where families can take a short vacation from the every day routine without leaving New Jersey.

Although the staff at Sahara Sam’s wants all their guests to have tons of fun, Marcy Edwards, the park’s Director of Marketing, says their main goal every day is to create a safe environment.

“One comment that we always hear from the public is how safe Sahara Sam’s is,” says Edwards.  “We always have plenty of lifeguards on duty at all times to monitor all of the different play areas and even more on busy days such as holidays and weekends.”

Sam Girlya owns the water park and his son, Ilya, is the managing owner.  Because the park is a family-run business, the owners know first-hand that ensuring their guests’ safety is the first and most important step in creating an environment in which families can feel comfortable enjoy their experience.

“The owners of Sahara Sam’s Oasis take pride in making the water park a place where families can participate in the activities together with their children while having a great time,” says Edwards.  “They know what type of product the public wants.”

Since its inception, the public has been quite pleased with what Sahara Sam’s Oasis has to offer its customers.  One of the most popular attractions is the Flow Rider Surfing Simulator, the only attraction of its kind in New Jersey.  Participants need to be at least 8 to surf.  Other attractions include: Snake Eyes Tube Slides, Mt. Kilamanjaro Family Raft Ride, Tim-Buk Tu Tree Fort with Tipping Bucket, a Lizard Lagoon for younger guests, the Crocodile Flats Cargo Rope Course, Sam’s Slam Dunker Water Basketball, and the Congo Bongo Adventure River.

On a recent trip to Sahara Sam’s Oasis, my twin six-year-old daughters relished the opportunity to wear their bathing suits during the winter months.  They absolutely loved sliding, splashing, and swimming underwater.

One ride they couldn’t get enough of was the Congo Bongo Adventure River.  The girls had a blast floating down this lazy river while getting sprayed and splashed with water.  While one of my daughters was a little apprehensive about the Crocodile Flats Cargo Rope Course, the other was determined to get her little body across without falling into the pool.  Although her arms weren’t strong enough to successfully navigate to the other side of the pool successfully, she had lots of fun trying and even enjoyed falling off into the pool.

Our favorite ride together was the Mt. Kilamanjaro Family Raft Ride.  Once we climbed to the top of the water slide, the whole family piled into a circular raft and prepared ourselves for the trip down though the dark, wet tube.  Once the attendant nudged our raft into the tube’s entrance, we quickly picked up speed and raced down the chute while winding through all of its twists and turns.  Of course, there was lots of giggling and screaming from my girls, and my hubby, as we made our way down the slide and finally exited the tube with a thunderous splash in the pool at the bottom!  We loved the raft ride so much that we went down a few times throughout the course of the day.

Once your family is completely tuckered out from all of the water attractions, there are showers and dressing rooms to change back into dry clothes before the ride home.  If your crew has worked up an appetite, you can treat them to a slice of pizza or some chicken tenders at the full-service Sand Dune Café.  And for the adults, Sahara Sam’s now has a full modern lounge with bar right inside the water park.  The bar features specialty cocktails, draft and bottle beers, and signature frozen drinks.  Food service is also available at the bar.  The lounge area also has several flat screen televisions which will feature many sporting events.

In addition to all of the water attractions, Sahara Sam’s Oasis also has a 3,000 square foot arcade to entertain the kids once they’re all dried off.  The great thing about the arcade is that the kids can take a break from the water rides for a little while, play a few games, and then return to the water park.  Guests can easily go back and forth between the two areas.

Sahara Sam’s is about a 60 to 90 minute drive from the Shore area.  So if you’d like to extend your trip into an overnight or weekend getaway, take advantage of one of Sahara Sam’s “Stay and Play Packages.”   Though not connected to a hotel, the water park has great connections with some area hotels.  All of the packages offer tickets to the water park with a hotel reservation.

After your trip to Sam’s, keep it in mind for your child’s next birthday party or special occasion.  As a complete indoor entertainment center, Sahara Sam’s has private party rooms which are perfect for hosting all kinds of events, including birthday parties, group trips for schools, camps, scouts and youth groups, bar or bat mitzvahs, family reunions, company picnics, and fundraising programs.

With spring still many weeks away, you and your family can take a break from the doldrums of winter while staying right here in New Jersey.  Just pack up your pool bag and head over to West Berlin for a day of family fun at Sahara Sam’s Oasis Indoor Water Park.  Sahara Sam’s is located at 535 Route 73 North.  For more information, splash over to their website at saharasams.com, or call 856-767-7580.  Be sure to check out the online 360 degree tour of the water park before your trip.  You can even sign up for their e-newsletter which will provide exclusive offers and discounts, as well as details on upcoming events and special promotions.

Some noteworthy upcoming events at Sahara Sam’s Oasis include:

1.) Sahara Sam’s Special Needs Exclusive Nights .  Admission is only $15 per person (regularly $29.95).  Non-participating chaperones are only $5.  Tickets for these special evenings are limited, so they suggest purchasing tickets online to guarantee admission.  The evening will feature water play on Sahara Sam’s most popular attractions that offer a variety of sensory stimulation.  There will also be a quiet room available.  The lighting and sound will be modified throughout the water park and arcade.  Guests can bring their own snacks into the water park or dine from the full-service café.  Sahara Sam’s wants all of the guests to be comfortable, so T-shirts and shorts are okay to wear for swimming.  There will be plenty of seating available throughout the water park.  Guests just need to bring their own towels.  These evenings are open to all ages and there are activities for everyone.  Siblings, friends and family are welcome to attend this “no judgment zone” event.

“Our family understands firsthand what it means to have a special needs child,” says Sam Girlya, the Chairman of Sahara Sam’s.  “Our daughter Gabriella has inspired all of us to be patient, sensitive, and understanding.  One of our goals here at Sahara Sam’s is to encourage all people to come together and have fun.”

2.) During the month of February, Sahara Sam’s Oasis is hosting “Wacky Wednesdays.” All weekday tickets are only $14.95 through February 28.  These special tickets are available online or at the door.  However, if you purchase your tickets online, your family is guaranteed admission.

3.) Also during the month of February, Sam’s is featuring “Buy One Get One Free Weekends.” These tickets are also available online or at the door, but Sahara Sam’s highly recommends buying the tickets online to guarantee admission.

4.) If you travel to the water park during your child’s birthday month, their admission ticket will be just $12.  Guests must show proof of age either by showing a state issued license, birth certificate, or military identification.

Tricia Berwick

February is here and that means it’s time for the annual Valentine’s Day get-together or “love party” at our house.  This festive afternoon celebrates my daughters’ friendships with their cousins and close buddies.  The kids love to come dressed in their red and pink clothes and frilly dresses, and of course, we always have lots of holiday treats on hand like heart-shaped sugar cookies, cinnamon hearts, cupcakes, and pink lemonade.  Here are some tips on how to throw your own “love party” this month:

1.) Hunt for Hearts- Once the kids are stuffed with sweets, have them burn off a few calories with a special scavenger hunt.   Place small cut-out hearts throughout the house and listen for the giggles as the kids “Hunt for Hearts.” Either cut out some pink and red construction paper hearts before the party or let your guests lend a helping hand as an activity.  Then, hide them all over a large space in your house like the family room, or better yet the basement.  Gather all of the kids, have them close their eyes, and then let them loose at the same time to find the hearts sprinkled throughout your living room.  At the end of the game, let everyone be a winner and allow each guest to pick a small treat from a prize bag.  For example, this year I bought a bunch of heart-shaped bracelets and will have each girl choose one after the game is completed.  In order to avoid lots of hard feelings, it’s probably better to buy the same item, such as bracelets or pencils, so you don’t hear, “Hey! I wanted that prize!”

2.) Hot Heart—This activity works just like the classic game “Hot Potato.” Simply use a plush heart, gather all of the kids into a large circle, get some music ready in the background, and then have the kids gently pass the stuffed heart to one another.  The child holding the plush heart when the music stops it out of the game.  Have the kids continue until a winner is determined.  This is always one of the kids’ favorite activities!

3.) Make valentines— It doesn’t matter if you buy a box of valentines, or if your child pastes pretty pink and red hearts together.  Everyone enjoys receiving a love note at this time of the year—from grandparents to your child’s classmates.  If your kids love crafts, make homemade valentines and have them help with their guests.  Even if it will be a little messy, allow the children a chance to be creative.  Make sure you have plenty of heart-shaped pieces of paper on hand and then let them decorate with paint, glue, crayons, markers, and lots of sparkles.  You can find ready-made printables at http://familyfun.go.com, including hearts, cupid, and jokes, to printables such as stickers and temporary tattoos.

4.) Have treats—Let the children decorate cookies or cupcakes themselves.  Have plenty of heart-shaped cookies on hand so the guests can decorate them with red icing and sprinkle candies. Yes, it can be very messy, but try and let the kids have their fun and then worry about the mess later.  You can always ask a few of the adults to help out after the party ends.

5.) Show a movie- If the kids are getting a little crazy, settle the troops down with a short, but sweet flick about the holiday.  A Charlie Brown Valentine is a 22-minute animated television special, based on the characters from the Charles M. Schulz comic strip, Peanuts.  It features the Peanuts characters during the week leading up to Valentine’s Day.  As the big day nears,Charlie Brown finds himself once again wishing he could gather the courage to ask the Little Red-Haired Girl to the Valentine’s Day dance.  He remains unaware that Peppermint Patty and Marcie likes him and wants to ask him to the dance.

6.) Read a few stories- Somebody Loves You, Mr. Hatch by Eileen Spinelli is a picture book perfect for kids four to eight-years-old.  The story conveys a powerful message about how good it is to feel loved and how important it is to help others feel loved. Valentine’s Day was written and illustrated by the mother and daughter team of Anne and Lizzy Rockwell.  The children in Mrs. Madoff’s elementary school class come from a variety of cultures and backgrounds. The story, told as much in pictures as in words, centers on the students’ creating Valentines for their friend Michiko, who is thousands of miles away in Japan.  Roses Are Pink, Your Feet Really Stink by Diane deGroat is a story that discusses teasing which is quite prevalent with elementary school children. When Gilbert writes two not so very nice notes to classmates, he is quickly taught a lesson.  The book’s message is to respect the feelings of others and the importance of friendship.  Nate the Great and the Mushy Valentine is another great choice to read, especially for a crowd of second and third graders.  This children’s book is from the Nate the Great detective series for beginning readers by Marjorie Weinman Sharmat. Nate the Great starts out with one case, finding out who gave his dog a Valentine, and then, his friend Annie asks him to help her find a missing Valentine. This story is filled with lots of illustrations by Marc Simont.  Happy Valentine’s Day, Mouse! is yet another terrific selection for your Valentine’s Day party.  Readers will join mouse from If You Give a Mouse a Cookie as he celebrates Valentine’s Day with all the friends he loves.  Author Laura Numeroff has written another book about Mouse and conveys an important message to all of the young readers.  Numeroff’s books are extremely popular with young children because they are not too long and always capture the attention of the kids.  Plus, the stories always have meaningful themes.

7.) Teach compassion- If you are looking for something new and unique to do at your Valentine’s Day party, share the love and teach the kids how to care for others. Have the children make care packages for troops serving overseas, lost pets at an animal shelter, homeless children or another group in need of love and compassion.  Before the gathering, make a list of needed items and have each child bring in a donation.  At the party, package up the items with care and explain how fortunate each and every one of us are, and how it is important to share with others.  This is a great lesson to teach your kids and their guests.  Another idea is to bring a few crafts or care packages to a local senior center or nursing home.  The residents would thoroughly enjoy receiving a little tender loving care for an afternoon.

8.) Have Valentines Tattoos—According to my daughters, a party wouldn’t be complete without a few sparkly tattoos for their arms or hands.  I usually ask one or two of the moms to set up a “tattoo station” for the kids.  Before they get started, I make sure each mother is equipped with a cup of water, a fresh sponge and plenty of tattoos for the kids to choose from.  To avoid all of the kids waiting in line for awhile, we’ll send a few of the girls over to the tattoo station while the others are busy working on a craft or participating in another activity.

9.) Catch My Heart game–This is a great of Valentine’s Day game because it doesn’t require a lot of set up and preparation beforehand.  All you need are some bean bags and some room for the kids to move around. They can also sit and catch the bean bags if you’re tight on space.  This Valentine’s party game is a terrific wintertime activity because it gets the kids moving and gives them a chance to work off a lot of pent-up energy.

10.) Valentine’s Day Pictionary- Have the kids engage in this special Valentine’s Day version of the game which will have the kids drawing pictures of a Cupid’s arrow, a broken heart, or a box of chocolates.  The kids will most definitely get excited about this game, so try and keep the troops on track and focused so a winner will be determined.  Award prizes at the end of the game.

As your guests leave, remember to give them goodie bags filled with Valentine’s Day treats so they will remember the special day.  Valentine’s Day is an excellent opportunity for parents to teach their children about expressing love to those around them, as well as their own family members.  Unlike the holiday season or your child’s birthday, this is one occasion that does not revolve around presents.  It’s simply a time to show and tell your children how much they are loved and how much they mean to you.

By Dr. Elisa Velazquez

February is National Children’s Dental Health Awareness Month.  Each February, since 1949, the American Dental Association (ADA) has sponsored National Children’s Dental Health Month to raise awareness about the importance of oral health.  There are two great events going on in Ocean County.

To observe this month, many dental offices and clinics throughout the country are offering a day of FREE dental care for children under 12 for GIVE KIDS A SMILE DAY.  This day is Friday, February 4, 2011.  This event targets children who otherwise do not have access to dental care.  Visit NJDA.org/GKAS for all locations in New Jersey.

The doctors of Ocean Pediatric Dental Associates are volunteering in Give Kids A Smile Day for the 4thconsecutive year.  We have treated over 300 children for free and provided services such as cleanings, X-rays, and extractions.   Our goal this year is to examine and treat 100 children in need for Give Kids A Smile Day.  We want to educate families about the importance of the prevention of decay.  We will provide dental exams, cleanings and necessary urgent care for children in need AT NO COST.   Many children live each day with dental disease resulting in pain & infection.  Dental pain prevents children from concentrating & learning in school and results in missed school days.  In the current economic climate, many families push health care to the back burner.  Give Kids a Smile Day is our opportunity to help our community.   Every child deserves to live pain free and should be examined by a qualified dentist.  On February 4th, we will open our doors in Toms River to help those families in need and provide free dental care for children ages 1 thru 12.  We want to educate families about prevention and diagnose any problems that are present.  Call to reserve an appointment for your child, or refer any families that you think would benefit from this day.

There is also a dental health fair at the Ocean County Mall on Sunday,  February 13th.  This event is sponsored by the Monmouth-Ocean County Dental Society.  (www.M-OCDS.org)  We have prizes, give-aways, a magician & several local dentists, orthodontists, and pediatric dentists to answer any questions.  The Stafford Police Department is participating and will fabricate digital ID cards for children that participate.  This event has been a HUGE success in the past, and we look forward to another great day.

DENTAL FACTS

*The ADA recommends that children be seen by a dentist at AGE 1

*Cavities are a bacterial infection  & Cavities can be prevented!

*Tooth decay is the most common chronic childhood disease

*Tooth decay is dramatically on the rise for children ages 0-5 years old

For More information contact:

Ocean Pediatric Dental Associates

368 Lakehurst Road  Suite 305

Toms River, NJ 08755

732-473-1123

Visit www.oceanpediatricdental.com

January is here and it is time to put away the holiday decorations. I love December because it is great to spend time with all my close family and friends and remember everything that you are thankful for.  January, however, is a time to start over; it is a brand new year and a time to make all those promises to yourself that are so hard to keep for an entire year.  This year I want to get more organized, start a successful diet and travel to see more of the country.

Your Child Today has compiled the top 10 New Year’s resolutions.  I hope you will be inspired by the list and take some of the advice to add to your own list.  The beginning of a new year is the perfect opportunity to make some improvements in your life.  These commitments or promises often bring about lifestyle changes.

My family will venture south this January to Atlantis Luxury Resort. I have never visited the resort before, but I have heard families talk about their vacation there as one of the best experiences. There are so many activities for the whole family and the average temperatures in January are in the low 70’s. It will be a nice break from the Northeast temperatures, especially this year, as it seems like it is going to be a long winter.  If you have been there then we would love to hear your input and tips for visiting the resort.

I want to inform the readers that my family and I did purchase the Ipad this Christmas for my son. My wife and I took a test drive of the device before wrapping it up for the holidays and all we can say is that it’s an amazing piece of technology.  It is the future, I can see Dak typing up reports and emailing them to his teachers.  Just imagine the cost savings in books and paper.  We downloaded the “How to Train Your Dragon Book” as an app.  I can’t wait for Dak and myself to read this book together.  It does seem foreign holding a tablet instead of a book, but with all new technology it takes some getting used to.

By Jennifer Enright

The third time was the charm for Janice and Patrick Farrell of Manchester Township.  Having met, and briefly dated, twice before deciding to go their separate ways, they did not seem destined to spend their lives together.  Yet when a mutual friend suggested they go on a date several years later, something clicked and they have been together ever since.  They married in 1998, originally settling in Pat’s hometown of North Brunswick before moving to their current home in Manchester in 2002.  “I don’t know why it didn’t work out the first two times we dated.  I guess it just wasn’t the right time,” Janice describes.  “Something was pulling us together, though, because it was my co-worker’s boyfriend, who was also a good friend of Pat’s, who suggested we go out that third time.  It really is a small world – with so many possible connections,” she notes.

The couple were blessed with two daughters, eight-year-old Kiley, and Bailey, age 10.  Rounding out the family is a six-year-old Maltese named Archie.  “He’s a real mama’s dog, the son I never had,” quips Janice, adding that Archie loves to be on Janice’s lap when he’s not delighting the kids by dancing on his back legs.

Janice left her job as a manager at Verizon to stay home when the girls were small.  About two years ago, she found a job as aparaprofessional at Manchester Township Elementary School aiding children with challenges.  “I have the best job in the world.  I make less money than I used to, but I get so much joy from my job and the kids,” she claims.  Pat has worked for the NJ Department of Corrections for the past 11 years.  Since he often has to work on weekends, the family tries to “seize the moment,” says Janice, and spend as much time together as possible.

The active family likes to take spontaneous trips, often to locales complimenting the girls’ school curriculum.  They have traveled to the historic village in Allaire State Park in Farmingdale and Monmouth Battlefield to tie-in with the girls’ studies of colonial times and NJ history.  Since Janice considers herself “directionally challenged”, the advent of GPS has been a boon to the family’s journeys, noting, “I just yell ‘road trip!’ and everyone is ready to go in 15 minutes for a surprise adventure.  In the past, I wouldn’t tell them where we were going in case we got lost, but now we have GPS and sometimes still keep it a secret just so it will be a big surprise when we get there.”

YCT: Tell us a little about your family and the personalities of each of your children.

Janice: Bailey is kind and confident, and wants to be a lawyer.  She loves to write and scored advanced proficient on her NJAsk Language Arts test last year.  She often writes about our road trips in her journal.  A very serious student, she has a really great sense of humor.  Her classmates have even commented on how funny her written stories are.  Kiley, on the other hand, is very different.  She’s very free-spirited, our ‘hippie’ child, and loves nature and being outside – she’d rather climb a tree or ride on her scooter than do her homework.  She wants to be a chef and recently told me she is going to open a five-star restaurant in Paris right under the Eifel Tower!

Patrick is a casual guy, both in the way he dresses, and in his attitude.  A history buff, he loves to watch the History Channel on TV.  He’s very family-oriented and would rather spend his free time with his family than be off by himself.  He can be silly and likes to be the ‘fun dad’, so I sometimes have to reign him and the girls in to get homework and chores done.  I love to laugh and strive to maintain a harmonious balance between work and play.

YCT: What is a typical day like in your home?

Janice: Since I work at the school the girls attend, I usually drive them in.  But because I want them to have their own identities at school, I try not to have too much contact with them once we are all there.  After school, we talk about our days while the girls have a snack and do homework.  Then we’re off to activities or the girls play with friends before we reconnect at dinner time.  Bailey loves to read in her room at bedtime, and I often read with Kiley, since it is not her favorite thing to do!

YCT: What activities do your children participate in after school?

Janice: Their absolute favorite activity is to go to Mathnasium in Toms River.  I was really bad at math as a kid – I actually used to cry because it was so difficult for me.  When Bailey was in third grade, she started to struggle a bit with her math lessons, and I didn’t want her to get frustrated like I had been.  So we signed her up for Mathnasium and she thought it was fantastic.  Kiley saw how much Bailey enjoyed it, and asked to go, too.  They incorporate fun games and activities to teach math concepts.  All the tricks and methods they teach make it easy for the girls to be successful at math, which builds their confidence so much.  Even though facts and figures haven’t changed since I was a kid, the way the concepts are taught is so different that there are times that I really can’t help them with homework.  At school, the kids are in large classes with other students of all different levels of math abilities.  Mathnasium gives them individual attention, geared to their own aptitude – a proven recipe for success!

Bailey has taken Irish stepdancing lessons for the past three years.  She performs in the winter concert in December and the June recital.  This year she is looking forward to participating in some St. Patrick’s Day events.  Kiley has gone to gymnastics for several years.  Since third grade is such a challenging academic year, she is not taking lessons this year, but plans to return to classes next year.  And both girls go to CCD at St. John’s Church in Lakehurst.

Kiley loves to swim in our pool in the summer – she’s such a natural and started swimming when she was just two years old.  But both girls are really looking forward to snow!  Last year they built two snowmen – Snowy and Snowy Jr. – in our yard.  They spent a lot of time sledding at Christ Episcopal Church in Toms River.  We can’t wait to take them snow tubing and skiing in the Poconos this year.

YCT: What is your favorite thing to do locally with your family?

Janice: We love to go to Great Adventure and always get season passes.  The girls are fearless on roller coasters.  They also enjoy thesafari, and their favorite thing is Fright Fest where they watch all the dancers perform spooky routines.  The beach is a favorite spot in the summer.  We often go to Seaside’s Casino Pier and Jenkinson’s Boardwalk and Aquarium in Point Pleasant.  The girls also love to go to Castle Park in Toms River when the weather is nice.

YCT: Do you have any favorite local vacation spots?

Janice: During the summer, the girls attend week-long camps at Ocean County College.  Last summer, Kiley did a CSI detective session and Bailey did a “make your own movie” class.  This summer, Bailey plans to attend a writing workshop.  Summer is a big time for our road trips.  We’ve gone to see Lucy the Elephant in Margate, Ripley’s Believe It or Not Museum in Atlantic City and the Barnegat Lighthouse.  We go to Florida to spend a few weeks every summer with my mother and are really looking forward to planning a European vacation to Ireland and Scotland in 2012.

YCT: Have you ever gone on vacation without the kids?

Janice: We really wouldn’t want to.  We enjoy experiencing new things with our kids and seeing things through their eyes.  It’s so interesting to get their take on things and what it all means to them.

YCT: Do you have a favorite family-friendly restaurant?

Janice: We don’t go out that much, but the Golden Dragon Chinese Restaurant on Route 37 in Toms River and Chevy’s in Brick are our favorites.  And we all love Dairy Queen – Bayville, Tinton Falls, Millstone or Toms River – it doesn’t matter – we will drive for Dairy Queen!

YCT: What is your favorite date night location and how often do you get to go out with just your husband?

Janice: Now that the girls are older, we can get away to the Renault Winery in Egg Harbor or the casinos in Atlantic City for a few hours once in a while.

YCT: What is your favorite non-mommy thing to do and how often do you get to do it?

Janice: Most of my girlfriends are single without children and every couple of months, we will go to dinner and not talk about kids!

YCT: What is your husband¹s favorite non-daddy thing to do?

Janice: He enjoys taking a nice long motorcycle ride towards New Egypt, or going trap-shooting.

YCT: Do you patronize any advertisers from our magazine?

Janice: Besides Mathnasium, Jenkinson’s and the Casino Pier, the girls have gone on the Jersey Shore Pirate Adventure.  We are planning a day at Sparkle Diva and also at Color Me Mine.

YCT: Do you have any parenting advice that you would like to offer our readers?

Janice: My husband would say “you gotta let them be kids” and I would add that it’s so important to spend time with them and hug them.  Especially working with so many kids at school, I can tell you that a little hug can go a long way.

YCT: What is your favorite part of Your Child Today magazine?

Janice: Of course it’s the Calendar of Events.  We are always looking for the next Farrell family adventure!