Want to go to Ikea?

So, the kid loves Ikea. I don't think he would go to the extreme of saying it's as much fun as Disney, but for me, at least during the very hot summer, it is! By the way, that top picture in the middle is a chair that spins. He'll get in there and then ask me to spin him around. All I hear is laughter after that. There's music playing too, so on the picture at the bottom left corner he's dancing between the rugs. And then, there are of course the cinnamon buns that for some reason we don't ever seem to be able to avoid on our way out.

I was too into eating the cinnamon bun and didn't get a picture. So that shot was borrowed from the Ikea website.

Max & Oli, Winter Garden

We met some friends at Max & Oli and spent a few fun hours there the other day. The kids didn't want to leave. It's not a huge place but it has lots to do. There's a train, a merry go round, spaceships and cars to ride on, inflatables, and, the big hit – the pool of balls. It's basically a little indoor amusement park, which is nice considering the heat right now. The cost is $8 for children 3 and under, and $12 for 4 and up.

Max & Oli
4036 Winter Garden Vineland Rd. 
Winter Garden FL 34787

Monday through Saturday 10 am - 7 pm, Sunday 10 am - 6 pm

Update on Sunday, January 27, 2013 at 3:53PM by Zig & Zag

Max & Oli is no longer open -

Saturday Fix

I seriously spend the whole week craving the pancakes and waffles my husband makes on the weekends. And I'm thankful my 3 year old is right there with me so I don't have to beg alone. I have tried to find a place out there that can make good pancakes and waffles so we can give the guy a little break, but always end up disappointed by their lack of yumminess. So, as of now, if you want to eat the best waffles and pancakes in Orlando I recommend you come to our house. However, if anybody does know of a place, please do write it in the comments. I would love to try it out.

The pictures show a "Pancake of the Sun" and a "Pancake of the Planet" made with molds from Williams - Sonoma (the chef doesn't seem to appreciate them, but that's irrelevant) The waffle is cooked in a Villaware Uno belgian waffle iron.

Orlando Science Center

If you haven't taken your kids to the Orlando Science Center yet, I highly recommend you do. I have yet to hear of any child not liking this place. It opens at 10 a.m. and, with our determination to always avoid crowds, that's usually when we get there. Here are some of O's favorites:

1. Kid's Town (Level 1): Playing with boats, kitchen area, and picking oranges.

2. Science Park (Level 2): The favorite activity here is the race car ramp. (Even though he can't reach yet and I have to pick him up to participate)

3. All Aboard (Level 2): He loves this whole area!

4. DinoDigs (Level 4): Not into the giant dinosaurs so much, but he does enjoy digging for bones in the sand boxes.

They also have fish, turtles, alligators, and the likes on Level 1. And, if hunger strikes there's a Subway also on Level 1 for a quick fix.

The temporary exhibits are worth checking out too. The last one we saw was Curious George and it was really great.

Tip: Parking is $5, and admission isn't cheap. However, if you become a member after you spend a day there, what you paid for parking and admission will be taken off of the membership price.