Wordless Wednesday : All the Kings' men and two Queens.

Chess Club - bringing back the good old days when I went with my Dad who ran a local chess club for kids.

I just beat him with help !

   

    An InLinkz Link-up

   

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Lego Ninjago - Temple of Light ~ Giveaway

Review and Giveaway

I received the 'awesome' LEGO Ninjago – Temple of Light to review with my six year old sons [actually 6yrs 8 months today] and I have 2 to giveaway. The arrival qualifying me for Mother of the Year !

My boys, like most of their classmates, love Lego Ninjago and watch the animated cartoon  so they know the cast of characters and their fancy names. The names Lord Garmadon and Sensei Wu roll off their tongues familiarly.

While I cannot get my head around them , they laugh and say try again.

Despite the age range being 8-14yrs Joel and Sam were able to construct the Temple of Light and The Golden Mech with minimal help in just over an hour. I was very surprised they hardly needed my help at all *sob*.

They each choose one thing to build and helped each other as well.They followed the Lego instructions - easily.

I watched them, to save the little Lego bits from being knocked to the floor and to talk about the characters while they they were building together. I am fortunate to have a genuine interest in something that my boys kids love to do. I love watching the figure and temple take shape and the intense concentration of their faces.

The final epic battle for the Land of Ninjago has begun! Take Sensei Wu and Lloyd, the golden ninja, deep into The Temple of Light. 

Sneak past Lord Garmadon and his minions to put the 4 elemental blades in place at the heart of the temple. Unite their elemental powers to awaken the Golden Mech for the final battle! 

Open the temple, jump into the Golden Mech's cockpit, arm yourself with the Golden Mech sword and fight for the freedom of Ninjago! Defeat Lord Garmadon !

This very impressive set Includes Golden mech and 5 minifigures with weapons: Lloyd (golden ninja), Lord Garmadon, Sensei Wu, scout and warrior

 

• Golden mech features poseable limbs, adjustable hat, cockpit with space for a mini-figure and a large golden sword.Golden mech stands 20cm tall

• Temple has opening and closing sides - clever little hinges , 4 elemental blade holders, trapdoor, weapons rack, gong and a ladder .

 

• Weapons include 4 elemental blades (fire, ice, lightning and earth), spear, ninja sword, 2 sai, crossbow with quiver, Lord Garmadon's staff, Sensei Wu's golden staff, katana and a golden mech sword. The weapons very important apparently.

The variety in the pieces available now (as compared to when DH & I were kids) is amazing. I am so impressed by the detail of this set.

PS : While I encourage creative thinking in free range Lego building I doing my bit to ensure they have ability to build from IKEA instructions in the future ...

You will be excited - I have 2 sets to giveaway thanks to

LEGO Ninjago – Temple of Light x 2 ($99.99 RRP each)

Tell me which is your child's favourite Ninjago character and why to win one of these awesome Lego packs ? 

I might get the little Ninja judges to help me on this one. 

Terms and Conditions: 

 
1. Only Australian Residents are eligible to enter.

2. Entries not answering the question will be deemed invalid. The winner will be chosen by originality and creative merit, not by chance. Judges decisions are final and no correspondence will be entered into.

3.There are two winners- 1 prize each of Lego Ninjago - Temple of Light prize as detailed above $99.95 each RRP.
4. Entries - Open 1/3/2013 - Close 11.59pm  18/3/2013 AEST. The winner will be notified by email, and posted to mylittledrummerboys.blogspot.com.au - the winners have 7 days to respond or a new winner will be drawn.
5. Prizes are not transferable, changeable or redeemable for cash. 
6. Prizes sent out by PR firm directly will not be replaced in the event that they are stolen, lost or damaged in transit.

7. Subscribe to my blog HERE to receive MLDB updates.

8. Follow via Facebook or Google Friend Connect on the sidebar >>>>

Disclaimer : I received a  Lego Ninjago - Temple of Light set to review. No financial payment was received and all opinions are my own and my lucky Ninjas.

Congratulations to Ninjago Winners: 

Bec Sherman

Allison Tait  

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Ten + Diabolical things for kids to do on holidays

1. Plan a holiday photographic scavenger hunt...get the kids input or use the 30 day photo challenges for some ideas. Make it last as long as holidays.

2. A twilight zone sausage sizzle in a park or nature reserve. Grab your forks (tongs) , snags , sauce and bread. Remember torches and insect repellant if it applies.

3. An all day DVD movie marathon , pop some popcorn and stay in your pjs all day. (PS - I've got some DVD giveaways read to go )

4. Get on your bikes or scooters and head down to a bike track somewhere.

5. Take your kids to live stage show or concert , shopping centres run free shows . Have you entered my BEN 10 Live Time Machine family pass giveaway .

6. Boxes, boxes and more what can't you do with boxes free at local Bunnings ...let them use their imaginations and then toss them in bin for recycling.

7.Head to a beach or river even if it is too cold to really swim, paddle in shallows, build sandcastles, fly a kite or throw a ball up ball around.

8. Camp out in the backyard overnight.

9.Have a Lego block building Challenge (PS I've also got a brand Lego Giveaway just waiting for it to arrive)

10. My top tip is to check out what your local area has on offer for free -
 

Billboards

I love reading billboard signs  - there are so many clever ads and slogans.

Forgot about morning breath !

Clever

Punishment or reward ?

Funny and serious.

I Love Kermit

Short and sweet.

Mona

*This isn't a sponsored post -I just think it is fun idea so I decided to share it with you - from the LEGO Festival of Play as the 50th anniversary celebrations continue.

You can now submit a personal message you would like to see built with a custom-made giant LEGO letters and displayed on a special LEGO Builtboard for all to see.

Brisbane will be abuzz as a giant double-sided 4m tall x 5m wide LEGO Builtboard is installed in King George Square, Brisbane from August 29 – September 2.

You can submit a message (up to 36 characters long) at LEGOfestival.com.au - NOW , so get your thinking caps on! There’s limited spots and only the most unique will secure a space.

Each message will be hand built by LEGO Certified Professional, Ryan McNaught, who will be on site every day spelling out your message. The LEGO letters are approximately 80cm tall, and are made out of hundreds of LEGO bricks in white, yellow, blue, green and red. 

Whether it's a declaration of love, a happy birthday message or a big announcement – GO say it in LEGO!

These are 2 - I did for hubby 

Keep calm – let’s do the time warp again

Keep Calm – you only stepped on Lego

PS : * I do have a Lego giveaway coming up soon !
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Bonus LEGO® Games build, play and change ~ GIVEAWAY

As a mum of 5 year (almost 6yr) old twin boys I have to work on finding time and playing with them. I like doing things they like (except playing in the dirt). I don't get a lot of time for play now they are at school. Homework is stressful enough , play has to be fun not forced.

Lego Games ticks all the boxes - and it was fun ! Except when I step on a Lego, lose a vital piece or have to retrieve tiny bits from the vacuum cleaner !!

Word on the street is Lego has just released some hot new LEGO® Games. Games that you build, play and change.  Complete with the unique buildable LEGO Dice and changeable rules - we all know how kids like to make their own rules, break and change them.

We tested out two new LEGO Games over the weekend . The verdict is in - Thumbs up - it is a great way of having fun together with family and friends and with different aged kids.

Game #1 Join the chase in LEGO City! Alarm (RRP $29.99)

Thieves are on the loose with lots of stolen money! Help the police officers to catch them and lock in jail before they get away! LEGO CITY Alarm is an exciting race game for 2–4 (teams) players. Game play is approximately 10–20 minutes.

It took us a lot longer to build the city with just my two boys (or one of them for most part) and I.The buildings are 'cute' and very clever - including a tiny croissant, jewel and pizza, a tiny helicopter and even the jail. The build instructions were easy for my almost 6yrs old (game recommended from 6yrs) to follow . The 6 micro figures are also cute though not jointed (eeekkkk ~ @ 240 LEGO pieces I didnt count)

The game itself is quick to play and free play was the most popular. Creating your adventure game is more fun.

The box is sturdy with top lid and bottom .The game packs away complete for storage without having to mess it up.

I liked that there were no mini guns, just a classic cops and robbers chase.

My boys did get a little distracted because just as we began building our City - Lego Ninjago started on Cartoon network ( Nanny has payTV we do not !) .


Game #2 Star Wars Battle of Hoth 8+ (RRP $49.99)

Defend Hoth™ as you battle against your friends and the Empire!

Battle on the ice planet and defend the secret base as you compete against your friends in a buildable LEGO® Star Wars™ game!

It is a dark time for the Rebellion. Darth Vader has discovered Luke Skywalker’s secret base on the remote ice planet of Hoth™, and Imperial ground forces are ready to attack!

The Battle for Hoth™ is a game of strategy with different figures on a target unit plus Darth Varder, Luke Skywalker, Hans Solo and Chewbacca & others and the Rebel and Imperial infantry units...miniature Snowspeeder, Tauntaun, AT-ST and AT- AT  - very clever little figures. The 32 Lego microfigures won over all the boys ( total of 305 Lego pieces not to step on or vacuum)

Game play lasts about 20 mins or so till either force moves into the opponents base or destroys their units.The moves are a little chess like with different pieces having different move ability. The battlefield layout can be changed and also the rules -no game has to played the same twice. Instructions offer suggestions or you create your own. The rules are a little complicated but it is designed to suit 8+ or older.

We roped in my nephew 9yrs (almost 10) and his friend 8yr (almost 9) - they said it was very cool . They ripped through the building the battlefield (game board) quickly. Again the battlefield comes apart in two pieces for storage in a sturdy box without destroying the game for the next battle.

The only disappointment was there were no red laser guns - as shown on box illustration ;).

 The other new Lego games are Kokoriko (RRP $14.99) Join the fun down on the farm! and Mini-Taurus (RRP $22.99) Enter the mini-labyrinth version of Minotaurus.

You can view the animated game guide demos online too, I couldn't get it on my iPad and my mum's internet was too slow today.

Giveaway is for 2 winners including 

1 x Lego City Alarm &
1 x Star Wars Battle of Hoth 

1 x Kokoriko

1 x Mini-Taurus

for each winner.

What character or personalities or game idea would you like to see in a Lego game ?

1. Follow my blog or Like my Facebook page ~ 
2. Two winners will be chosen for their creative comment in answering the question above.
3. Open to Australian residents only. 
4. Entries Close 30th April 2012
5. RRP approx: $ 235.98 (2 winners each 127.46)
6. Judge's decision is final and no correspondence will be entered into
7. Winner has to make contact within 4 days of the winner being announced, otherwise the prize will be re-drawn.
8. Prizes are not transferable, changeable or redeemable for cash.Prizes sent out will not be replaced in the event that they are stolen, lost or damaged in transit. 
9. One Extra entry by creative comment for sharing on FB . 

Disclosure: I received the 2 LEGO® Games products for review purposes -  thanks to Lego Australia and One Green Bean . 
No financial payment was offered nor accepted for this post. All opinions expressed are purely my own.


April 15th was the 50th anniversary of Lego in Australia -a national initiative was launched.

LEGO Australia premiered a 90-second trailer -  LEGOfestival.com.au illustrating how the LEGO brick, since first arriving in the suitcase of John Peddie in 1962, has sparked the imagination of kids and adults across Australia for half a century.

Congratulations to Jenny and Bridget - hope you enjoy the Lego Games on their way to you.

 ♥

Lego City - Team up to Catch the Crooks ~ GIVEAWAY

 

Uh on it is villain alert !

LEGO^® City

The baddies crooks have stolen all the gold from LEGO® City and are now hiding in the Forest. It’s up to the City police and the Forest police to team up to catch the mischief-makers and restore the peace and bring justice to LEGO City.

It is no wonder Lego has been popular with boys and girls , Mums , Dads and gift givers alike for 50 years ~ Did you know 2012 is the 50th Anniversary of the LEGO brick in Australia.

LEGO City is based on the re-creation of everyday life scenes . LEGO has just introduced 13 exciting new products into their range including Forest Police, Forest Fire and Great Vehicles.

Lego is fabulous for encouraging kids to use their imagination with enhanced role-play. I get so many laughs watching my boys play LEGO together. I also laugh when they step on Lego they have left on the floor !

Watching the intense concentration as they work out which bit goes where and waiting for them to ask for help - it is a great way to bond with my boys. Free play or following numbered 'instructions' besides inspiring imaginative play, it's great for their fine motor skills and teaching opportunities (about Police)

The Forest Police and Forest Fire crews have the optimum to catch and cuff the pesky robbers and team up to fight the fires. With patrol cars and quad bikes the villains won’t stand a chance against the Police hotshots who promise to save the day!

The Forest Fire team will be the first on the scene to fight the fires, with powerful fire ATV’s, trucks and planes to extinguish the flames and keep LEGO City safe. Prices range from a pocket money friendly RRP$7.99 for the Fire ATV to RRP$119.99 for the awesome Forest Police Fire Station.

The LEGO play experience and opportunity to role play is even more enhanced with a new concept called Great Vehicles recently introduced into the LEGO City range. It boasts great vehicles for your little BIG heroes! Products include the Ambulance, Garbage Truck, Dirt Bike Transporter, Tipper Truck and Caravan. Starting at RRP $29.99.

My boys love their LEGO and the new tipper truck is one of the favourite - It even tips just like Grandpa's.

In my opinion LEGO City Great Vehicles are great value for money perfect for gifts or anytime treats!

Each individual piece vehicle adds to the LEGO City scape collection . A collection that most families will want to keep forever.

Older kids can also team up in a cool online game to help the LEGO City Police and Forest Fire crews catch the crooks at www.LEGO.com. 

What boy (or girl)  doesn’t want to become the hero of their very own LEGO City ? 

Thanks to Lego Australia I have 3 vehicles (sets) to giveaway - 1 winner takes all !

To win

4434 Tipper Truck x 1
4437 Police Pursuit x 1
4436 Patrol Car x 1

Tell me ...

Why would you like to win a this set of LEGO® City Forest Police  & Concept vehicle

or your favourite Lego memory. 

1. Follow my blog or Like my Facebook page ~ 
2. One winner will be chosen for their creative comment in answering the question above.
3. Open to Australian residents only. 
4. Entries Close 16th April 2012

Disclosure: I received the same 3 LEGO® City products for review purposes -  thanks to Lego Australia and One Green Bean . No financial payment was offered nor accepted for this post. All opinions expressed are purely my own.
 STOP PRESS !

PS - LEGO^® Australia in conjunction with Toyworld stores, is searching for the nation’s best LEGO builder in 2012 for the National LEGO Building Competition with entries opening on the first of April 2012. 

To enter, all children are required to build their ultimate LEGO creation (using only LEGO products) - See the full details here  - entries are via Toyworld stores starting 1st to the 30th April 2012

The competition gives Australian children of all ages the opportunity to use their creativity and construction skills to build the LEGO model of their dreams for the chance to win the grand prize of a family trip to LEGOLAND® California.

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Chalk it up ...

A few weeks ago I mentioned how I had plans for a little play space project after reading the latest issue of Inside Out magazine.

I was all inspired to Chalk it up and let my boys get creative with chalk.

Finally, we had three dry good weather days in a row to get started.

I also planned to use an old coffee table but that is a project for another day when I can crank up the belt sander with a new sanding belt. It would have involved a bit more preparation. I may use it for a destination board.

Step 1: Choose a tabletop to re purpose - , fill in holes and sand it smooth* or in our case hubby cut a piece of flooring ply to size to fit our existing saved from landfill play table. He sanded the plywood smooth and decided we didn't need to prime it. 

We didn't have to mask our edges but you may have to if you need neat edges.
*If using an old table remove all loose /flaking paint or vanish, and the same applies for glossy or enamel surfaces.

Buy a tin of blackboard paint - available in black or school green (we already had rollers and paint brushes) - we used White Knight because it was what was available .Our project used every drop of the 250mls.

Step 2: Apply First coat - leave it to dry  (Follow the paint tin instructions - we painted in outside in 28 ° - the paint was touch dry as quickly as we applied it almost. (Don't paint above 30 °) 

Of course I had to have helpers :s

Step 3: Re- coat  after 16 hrs

 

Step 4: Chalk it up 

Black is really hard to photograph

I was amazed how easy and quick it was to create and how great it looked. The boys love it.

PS: This is not a sponsored post - I just loved the idea. Like them on FB here.
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