August 2012 – Mom on the go in Holy Toledo

The Oogieloves in the BIG Balloon Adventure Review and Audience Feedback

August 29, 2012momonthegoinholytoledo

We went to see The Oogieloves in the BIG Balloon Adventure this morning with our Playgroup. It was a blast! The kiddos each received a butterfly glow stick wand that they waved eagerly as the movie started.

When those butterflies first fluttered across the screen this mama was moving! Hello parents! This movie also gives you permission to get up and move. This is great considering the fact that while I was sitting, I was snacking, so I burned off a few M&Ms, thanks Oogieloves! There were a couple other moms getting up with their kiddos and moving but the rest were either to comfy in their seats or didn’t want to be “that mom”. I will gladly take that title; I am “that mom”. Why miss out on a wonderful and fun opportunity with your kiddos because you are afraid of what others will think? So my advice to all you parents who plan on seeing the movie is to get up out of your seat and enjoy it with your kiddos.

Also, don’t be overly concerned if your child is loud, getting out of their seat, or starting to get cranky. You are among friends, ALL of us parents have been there and this movie allows for getting up out of your seat and talking, shocking but true!

So, when viewing this movie let your child be…well, a child. Embrace the experience, don’t over think things, and most of all, have fun!

Another added bonus of this feature film, letting your kiddos dance, sing, and get in and out of their seat tires them out. So you know what that means, they sleep!! Yet another reason to say….Thank you Oogieloves!

You’ll notice in the following video that all the kiddos look tired and on the verge of napping, that means they enjoyed the film!! And the moms did to…but don’t take my word for it, listen to their feedback….

Mom on the go in Holy Toledo’s Review….

As a parent to young children I thought the plot was perfect. The topics were appropriate; in fact I liked the fact that the story included shapes, animal sounds, and undertones that encourage cognitive development. As a mom to younger children it was also encouraging to have them practice following directions. The characters were vibrant and contained unique features which I think is important because each child is unique. I also liked the fact that the inanimate objects were characters too, it added to the innocence of the movie. The cameos from Hollywood actors, the adult undertones, and the opportunity to dance with your children in a theater make this a positive experience for parents too! No need to bring the aspirin but do wear some comfy shoes!

The price it right too! Earlier this summer our children were begging my hubby and I go see The Fresh Beat Band live show. We had to tell them no due to the cost. It was going to cost more than $150 for our entire family to see the show. And of course as parents we were disappointed too that we couldn’t take our entire family. The Oogieloves in The Big Balloon Adventure is the perfect solution; it is like a Live show experience for the price of a movie ticket. (Also, if you go early ticket prices are discounted and 2 and under are FREE! At least here in Toledo.)

I give The Oogieloves in The Big Balloon Adventure an A, 5 stars, 2 thumbs up!!

Calling all MOMS!!!

In order for this movie to be successful and to hopefully encourage Hollywood to create more TRUE G-Rated films we need your help. Hollywood needs to hear your voice, how?

We need you to support and promote the RatedGGG hashtag.

Like Oogieloves on facebook (https://www.facebook.com/TheOogieloves)

Follow The Oogiesloves on twitter (http://twitter.com/theoogieloves)

Lastly please share your experience, feedback, thoughts regarding the movie. Did you enjoy the film? Have you been yet? Do you plan on going? Do you feel that Hollywood is lacking when it comes to G rated films? You have a point of view and I want to hear it…so please share.

1st day of School …pass the tissues!

August 28, 2012August 28, 2012momonthegoinholytoledo

The morning started early, thank goodness for coffee!

I made the kiddos blueberry muffins for breakfast.

I try my best to make the breakfast table look festive for the big day! Past experience has proven that the more excited mommy is about something the children often reciprocate the enthusiasm.

Our little lady was so excited to finally be able to use her school supplies; she has been eyeing them for the past week. Especially the sparkly pencils!

Yesterday she went through her new school clothes and carefully decided upon the perfect outfit for the first day of school.

She was ready for school early and had to actually wait a few minutes. Then it was time to head out. Here is a picture of her getting on the bus, lol! (We do not have bus transportation so this is her bus and I am the bus driver).

She was as excited as she walked into school eager to see friends, meet her new teacher, see her new books, etc.

And then it was time…time for mommy to leave.

First Day of School poem

She started school this morning,

And she seemed so very small.

As I walked there beside her

In the First Grade hall.

And as she took her place beside

the others in the class,

I realized how all too soon

Those first few years can pass.

Remembering, I saw her as

She first learned how to walk.

The words that we alone made out

When she began to talk.

This little girl so much absorbed

In learning how to write.

It seems as though she must have grown

To girlhood overnight.

My eyes were blurred by hastily

I brushed the tears away

Lest by some word or sign of mine

I mar her first big day.

Oh how I longed to stay with her

And keep her by the hand

To lead her through the places

That she couldn’t understand.

And something closely kin to fear

Was mingled with my pride.

I knew she would no longer be

A baby by my side.

But she must have her chance to live,

To work her problems out,

The privilege to grow and learn

What life is all about.

And I must share my little girl

With friends and work and play;

She’s not a baby anymore –

She’s in First Grade today.

Source

I thought it would be easier this year, it wasn’t like it was kindergarten, but it was just as emotional. Does it ever get easier?

Thankfully the first day was only half day and she was home to help make lunch and eat together.

I will treasure these moments forever! We will miss her tomorrow, she will have lunch at school.

How did your little ones first day of school go? Did you shed a few tears? Maybe your little one isn’t in school yet, do you have any reservations? Or maybe your children are out of school, in which case I have to ask, does it ever get easier?

Navy Week Anchors Aweigh

August 27, 2012August 27, 2012momonthegoinholytoledo

Our family so enjoyed Navy Week, we are sad to see it end. In fact our son woke up this morning and asked if the Navy had a train we could go see. Which I guess makes sense in his mind since we saw ships and a helicopter; I suppose a train would be the next logical means of transit to see. I could tell he thoroughly enjoyed Navy week between his comments throughout the week and the highlight of his weekend.

Over dinner table conversation or during evening prayers, we ask the children to share their favorite and least favorite part of their days. So I figured instead of typing all their favorites out I would share the photos with you. Here goes, the children’s favorite parts of their days during Navy week……

Yes, one of our toddler’s favorite part of her day was getting a “mommy/daddy water bottle”. The photo clealry illustrates why she doesn’t usually get a water bottle…playtime!

All three kiddos and even my hubby and I enjoyed hearing about how they battled during the War of 1812.

No need to worry moms, the sword is dull. This was by far his favorite part of his day.

Thank you to everyone who made Navy Week in Toledo Ohio possible and a special thank you to the Navy for this amazing week and for the hard work you do everyday.

Toledo Navy Thursday

August 24, 2012August 24, 2012momonthegoinholytoledo

What a day! Since today was the last Thursday of summer break we tried to cram it full of fun things to do around town together. I am going to miss my kiddos so much once school starts. I so enjoy their company, hearing their thoughts and questions, just generally being in their company brings me so much joy. We have had a remarkable summer break and I hate to see it end. But, as many of you know my motto in life is ….Live each day to the fullest for it is a gift, live like it is your first, last, and best day. For we are not promised tomorrow, so cherish today. And boy did we ever!

Our day started off at The Toledo Museum of Art’s Family Center where the Navy was visiting for Navy Week. Our eldest worked on the themed projected that was inspired by Ginny Ruffner’s Beauty and Drama piece (you can view a movie on her tomorrow …click here for more info). Meanwhile the two younger kiddos found much joy in painting. Then we went up to the Gallery for story time. The kiddos each had a clue, a picture of Beauty and Drama to look for and a story that coincided.

The Gallery had me a little nervous because the Glass Ignited exhibit held so much glass, duh! And there were gorgeous pieces displayed on a small platform that was practically level with the floor. Hello! Talk about a toddler’s dream come true and a mother’s worst nightmare! I can’t image that phone call to my hubby letting him know we now owed the museum thousands of dollars, nope, that would not go over to well. But surprisingly the only person who got yelled at was mommy. Yep, me! I was taking pictures in the gallery and apparently there are signs all over that indicate that photography is prohibited, whoops! But I did manage to sneak this pic prior to being informed of the no photos rule. Enjoy…but, let’s keep this between us….

Then we were off to our next stop, Black Kite Coffee and Pies. They have the most amazing coffee and pies! We had their quinoa, tofu, pine nut, and dried tomato pie with fresh pesto and it was like a symphony for the taste buds amazing! We also enjoyed their breakfast bar filled with so much goodness. And I purchased an iced hazelnut latte. I have to honest, I braced myself for the worst as I took that first sip and I was pleasantly surprised at how satisfied I was. It was better than Starbucks, yep, BETTER!! You heard it here first.

Then it was off to our next stop….Imagination Station!

As we walked up we were greeted by some rockin music, it was the Navy band. So we sat down for a few minutes and listen to the music before heading into Imagination Station.

Once inside we headed for the Navy Week exhibit where they had various uniforms and gear the kiddos could try on…and even some adults partook in the festivities (my sister).

We played in the Kid’s Space for a little while then went down to the docks to eagerly await the arrival of the Flagship Niagara, USS DE Wert, and the USS Hurricane on the Toledo Channel. We walked along the water and even noted a few wildlife friends.

The ships were a little later than we had anticipated but watching the Flagship Niagara arrive made it all worth it! All three kiddos got excited when they had their first glimpse of the flagship. “It’s Ariel’s ship” my daughter yelled. “Pirates” my son exclaimed. It was such an amazing experience to share.

I am so thankful for this Thursday and I hope all of you embraced your gift and lived today to the fullest. How did you spend your Thursday?

For the local followers,

Listed below is a roster of events for Friday, August 24 through Sunday, August 26 as we continue on with the Navy’s Commemoration of the Bicentennial of the War of 1812 and Toledo Navy Week.

Some notable events include:

Tours of the USS De Wert and USS Hurricane are open to the public

Where: International Park and Maritime Plaza, Toledo, OH

When: Friday at 12-5 p.m. and Saturday and Sunday: 12-7:00p.m.

Tours of the Flagship Niagara – Tours of the ship are open to the public

Where: Maritime Plaza, Toledo, OH

When: Friday at 11 a.m.-4 p.m.

GIVEAWAY: Spreading the Oogielove

August 21, 2012August 21, 2012momonthegoinholytoledo

Kenn Viselman, the creator of The Oogieloves in the BIG Balloon Adventure (due out “Oogust” 29th) believes in the Power of Mom. So much so he and his team have been traveling around the country engaging bloggers in conversations about what constitutes quality G-rated entertainment. Other than a few wildlife documentaries and a re-release in a popular children’s movie in 3-D, Hollywood has completely ignored the youngest moviegoer. The best they give us for our kids – animated PG films – are loaded with aggression and bloodshed.

Moms….

You have the power to change what Hollywood pushes on your children. In fact, there is no voice more powerful than yours. You control the home, the family budget and your child’s welfare. Aren’t you tired of watching moms die in the first ten minutes of so many animated movies? Aren’t you tired of seeing your children confused by the aggression towards their beloved movie characters? There’s no place for such violence in a children’s movie. Enough is enough.

It’s this “enough is enough” attitude that got Kenn Viselman, the marketing genius who introduced us to Teletubbies, Thomas the Tank Engine, Noddy and Eloise, mad as h*ll. The end result: The Oogieloves in the BIG Balloon Adventure, a film that reinvents the movie-going experience. This film – basically a movie and a live show rolled into one – is the first-of-its-kind interactive family musical that encourages the audience to get out of their seats, dance, and sing. Visual and auditory cues invite the audience to “move” the action along, allowing parents and kids to interact not only with the characters, but also with one another.

GIVEAWAY….a $150 value….

It’s Oogieloves Kids Prize Pack that includes:

Tent

Mobile

Glitter Tattoos (2)

Stickers (2)

Beach Balls (2)

To win this awesome GIVEAWAY you need to:

1. Like The Oogieloves in the Big Balloon Adventure facebook page.

2. Like Mom on the go in Holy Toledo facebook page.

3. Follow The Oogieloves in the Big Balloon Adventure on Twitter and help spread the #RatedGGG

4. Post a comment below stating you have done all 3 and who you will be taking with you to see The Oogieloves in the BIG Balloon Adventure (due out “Oogust” 29th)

***Winner will be randomly selected August 26th***

About the Movie….

The story follows the Oogieloves – Goobie, Zoozie and Toofie – as they prepare for a surprise birthday party for their friend, Schluufy. When their guardian, J. Edgar, loses the last five magical balloons in all of Lovelyloveville, the Oogieloves take action. Along the way, they meet Rosalie Rosebud (Toni Braxton), Dottie Rounder (Cloris Leachman), Lola and Lero Sombrero (Jaime Pressly and Christopher Lloyd), Milky Marvin (Chazz Palminteri), and Bobby Wobbly (Cary Elwes). The movie opens in theaters “Oogust” 29th.

SS. Col. James M. Schoonmaker (Willis B. Boyer) Museum Ship

August 21, 2012August 21, 2012momonthegoinholytoledo

I have fond childhood memories of touring the Willis B. Boyer when I was a young child. As an adult I was excited to finally share the experience with my own children. Last Friday my mom, my kiddos, and I meet up with our playgroup to tour the S. S. Col. James M. Schoonmaker which was previously known as Willis B. Boyer.

Situated on the Maumee River, in the shadow of downtown Toledo, is the Col. James M. Schoonmaker/ Willis B. Boyer Museum Ship. Launched in 1911, the 617-foot freighter was once the largest bulk freighter on the Great Lakes. After 60+ years of service, the “queen of the lake freighters” was retired in 1980. After many years of careful restoration, the ship opened to the public as a floating nautical museum in 1987 and has been a downtown destination for thousands. With tours lasting about an hour, the museum offers its visitors a unique, hands-on experience as well as a glimpse into the ship’s huge size and beautiful interiors, including the officer’s dining room, captain’s quarters and awesome engine room. Many visitors have their pictures taken next to the ship’s wheel. The Boyer is docked at International Park on the east side of the Maumee River. http://www.toledo.com/attractions/james-m.-schoonmaker-willis-b.-boyer-museum/

In 2007 the threat of scrapping the Boyer arose because the city of Toledo, which bought the freighter from Cleveland-Cliffs in 1986 after six years of lay-up, decided it could no longer afford even basic upkeep and would lay off Mr. LaMarre, then a city employee as caretaker, that summer.

But the Toledo-Lucas County Port Authority stepped in, hiring Mr. LaMarre at an increased salary to give him time to reconstitute a nonprofit museum organization and raise money. Last year, the agency also struck the deal with the Great Lakes Historical Society to develop its national museum at the Maritime Center, built by the port authority as a ferry terminal but so far used minimally for that purpose. Moving the Boyer/Schoonmaker to an adjoining berth is part of the museum plan. http://www.toledoblade.com/local/2011/03/24/Boyer-preservation-to-turn-back-clock-to-Schoonmaker.html

Mr. Schoonmaker, a retired businessman from Naples, Fla., said he had long hoped the Boyer might someday be renamed after his grandfather, a Union colonel in the Civil War who was later heavily involved in mining, banking, and railroads in western Pennsylvania.

Great Lakes Historical Society…..

The Great Lakes Historical Society’s mission is to preserve and make known the history of the Great Lakes. We achieve that mission by (1) operating the Inland Seas Maritime Museum and Clarence S, Metcalf Great Lakes Maritime Research Library in Vermilion Ohio: (2) publishing our award winning quarterly journal Inland Seas. (3) conducting underwater archaeology through our Peachman Lake Erie Shipwreck Research Center: (4)offering educational programs to children and adults alike. In 2010, The Great Lakes Historical Society entered into an agreement with the Toledo Lucas County Port Authority to create the National Great Lakes Maritime Museum in Toledo, Ohio which will open in the Spring of 2013.

OCTOBER 13….

The S.S. Col. James M. Schoonmaker will be traveling down the Maumee River to its new home where it will sit next to the New Home for the National Museum of the Great Lakes.

2^nd Annual Luck on the Lakes Raffle (need not be present to win)

I would like to express my gratitude and send a thank you to the following restoration sponsors. Thanks to you one day I too might be able to tour the S.S. Col James M. Schoonmaker with my grandchildren.

Sesame Street Party: Look who turned two!

August 16, 2012October 2, 2012momonthegoinholytoledo

Our baby turned two on Saturday, my how the time flies. It seems like just yesterday we brought her home from the hospital. I held her in my arms as our older two children came running inside (they stayed with Nana and Papa while we were in the hospital. I had her around noon on a Wednesday and we were out of there by 3pm the next day) eager to see if they had a baby brother or a baby sister. I asked one last time what they each thought we had and both said a baby brother. So you can imagine their surprise when I pulled back the blanket and the baby was dressed in pink. They let out a huge cheer and life has gotten, well, busy ever since.

We enjoyed our family birthday tradition, donuts for breakfast (as most of you know we like to only have donuts on birthdays so that they are a truly a special treat).

Now that she is two the volume in our house has increase exponentially. Mariah Carey has nothing on this kid (and of course whenever she is around our friends she is quiet as a mouse). And she now, like most toddlers do, has adopted a few favorite words including, MINE, NO, and MY TURN (this might just be one that toddlers with older siblings have mastered). She also enjoys changing her wardrobe like 5 times a day but when it is time to change her clothes in order to go somewhere she refuses. This is one outfit she refused to change out of…..

We threw a play date birthday party (one during the weekday, just after nap time) yesterday and she had such a wonderful time….

The theme was Sesame Street and thanks to Earth’s Best the snack table was covered! Earth’s Best has cookies, crackers, fruit bars, yogurt smoothies, etc. that our toddler enjoys.

We had Telly’s Tactile Tubs set up in the dining room for the kiddos to play in and play they did…

She had such a wonderful time. We are so blessed to have such amazing friends in our lives.

Navy Week: Navy’s Commemoration of the Bicentennial of the War of 1812

August 15, 2012momonthegoinholytoledo

Ships of the U.S. Navy, U.S. Coast Guard, and Royal Canadian Navy are scheduled to visit Toledo as part of the Navy’s Commemoration of the Bicentennial of the War of 1812 and Navy Week, August 20-27. The week will be packed with family-friendly special events recognizing the Navy for keeping the sea free for more than 200 years.

Area residents will have the opportunity to learn about the War of 1812 and about the Navy’s capabilities and relevance to national security, as well as see the U.S. Navy, U.S. Coast Guard and Canadian Navy firsthand through a wide array of community events and outreach. During the festivities, the public can attend Navy Band Great Lakes concerts, view Navy Color Guard performances, interact with the Navy F-18A Flight simulator, and visit U.S. and Canadian Navy ships.

“Toledo was carefully chosen as one of 15 cities this year where America’s Navy will ‘come home’ to demonstrate the mission of the U.S. Navy and the proud Navy and Marine Corps heritage,” saidCarla E. Lucchino, assistant for administration, Department of the Navy. “We’re honored to have the City of Toledo host us as we engage with local corporate and community leaders, interact with the public and perform various community service projects.”

Arriving at the Maumee River front in downtown Toledo on Aug. 23, will be the coastal patrol ship USS Hurricane (PC 3) and the frigate USS De Wert (FFG 45), accompanied by the historic US Brig Niagara – a War of 1812 replica tall ship first constructed using the original wreckage salvaged from a Lake Erie bay in 1913. Tours aboard the ships will be open for public visitation.

Additionally, sailors from the Toledo area, the visiting ships, as well as local U.S. Marines and Coast Guardsmen will participate in many community service projects, including volunteering with the Maumee Valley Habitat for Humanity, interacting with students at the Imagination Station, and participating in a softball game with athletes from the Special Olympics.

“The Great Lakes Region is as important to our Navy today as it was 200 years ago. Toledo is one of the many Navy cities in the region that continue to inspire and support our maritime forces,” saidRear Admiral Gregory M. Nosal, Commander, Carrier Strike Group Two. “I look forward to our Navy and Marine Corps team visiting this region to commemorate the bicentennial of the War of 1812, and showcase our ships as well as our men and women who stand the watch 24 hours a day, seven days a week, 365 days a year, protecting our way of life.”

The War of 1812, also known as America’s second war for independence, is regarded by many as the conflict that started our country’s rise to global influence. From 1812 to 1815, the United States fought to expand to the north and west, and to assert rights to trade freely with other countries without interference from Britain’s Royal Navy ships on the high seas. America’s modern Navy and its role as a global maritime force are deeply rooted in the events of 1812 to 1815. Earlier this year,the United States Navy and its sea-service partners began a three-year commemoration to the Bicentennial of the War of 1812 and the writing of our National Anthem, the Star Spangled Banner.

A full event schedule will be available online in mid August:http://www.navyweek.org/toledo2012/index.html and http://www.ourflagwasstillthere.org/

Live Experience & Review of The Oogieloves in The Big Balloon Adventure

August 14, 2012September 24, 2012momonthegoinholytoledo

As the movie began and the audience received instructions on the Oogieloves “dance” I have to be honest I did think to myself…will I be able to tolerate this movie….is it going to be obnoxious ….should I have taken an aspirin or two? Then the vibrant colors, those cute Oogielove characters, and the entire storyline unfolded and I forgot about that preconceived notion that children’s movies are often intolerable to parents. Speaking of parents, the movie contains adult undertones to, the first one being J. Edgar, the vacuum, get it? Then the fun began….

The butterflies fluttered across the screen and my 2 year olds eyes lit up as she sprang to action. She boogied her little heart out and then as the turtles slowly walked across the screen she made her way back into her seat. What I found was that she was so much more attentive to this movie than any other she has seen in the theater. This was a pleasant surprise because again, I have to be honest; I was worried about how I would get her back in her seat and calm down in order to continue watching the film. After I had put aside my worries what I found was I was having fun dancing with my two-year old in a movie theater, never thought I would say that!

Meanwhile my 6-year-old followed the queuing with ease. She also sprang to action at the first sign of the butterflies. She got up and danced, said the phrases when queued, and was captivated by the plot and the Oogieloves adventures!

My only child that seemed a little apprehensive about getting up out of his seat and talking during the film was my 5-year-old son. He has just gotten to that point where he knows what is appropriate movie going etiquette. So as the butterflies fluttered across the screen he eased to the edge of his seat but that was about as far as he would go. It was as if he was afraid that the usher was going to ask him to leave if he looked like he was having too much fun. But he wasn’t the only one experiencing this dilemma.

Most of the theater stayed seated during the dance portion. I think this is just a norm that is difficult for to break. In fact, as I got up to dance the third time it dawned on me that maybe the people behind me couldn’t see and that I should sit. But then it occurred to me that if they can’t see, perhaps they should be getting out of their seats and dancing too? Why would you want to miss out on this fun experience with your children?

And a wonderful experience it was!

Review….

The price it right too! Earlier this summer our children were begging my hubby and I go see The Fresh Beat Band live show. We had to tell them no due to the cost. It was going to cost more than $150 for our entire family to see the show. And of course as parents we were disappointed too that we couldn’t take our entire family. The Oogieloves in The Bog Balloon Adventure is the perfect solution; it is like a Live show experience for the price of a movie ticket.

I give The Oogieloves in The Big Balloon Adventure an A, 5 stars, 2 thumbs up, and I can’t wait to see it again. In fact, I plan on placing it on our play group’s calendar and can’t wait to share this experience with other moms and their kiddos.

I would like to send a special thank you to the followingin The Oogieloves in The Big Balloon Adventure family for providing a TRUE G-Rated film for my family to enjoy.

Matthew Diamond (director), Scott Stabile and Kenn Viselman (story creators), Scott Stabile (writer), Kenn Viselman (producer), Angela Rivet (co-producer), Michael A. Chirco, Scot J. Moceri and David R. Schwarcz (Executive producers), Scott Stabile (lyrics) and Josh Gronner (original song writers) and stars…..Toni Braxton, Cloris Leachman, Christopher Lloyd, Chazz Palminteri, Cary Elwes and Jaime Pressly

Calling all MOMS!!!

In order for this movie to be successful and to hopefully encourage Hollywood to create more TRUE G-Rated films we need your help. Hollywood needs to hear your voice, how?

We need you to support and promote the RatedGGG hashtag.

Like Oogieloves on facebook (https://www.facebook.com/TheOogieloves)

Follow The oogiesloves on twitter (http://twitter.com/theoogieloves)

UPDATE:

We’re having a party! Join Celebrations.com in celebrating the upcoming release of the new interactive film for kids, The Oogieloves in the Big Balloon Adventure! We hope you can join us for a fun filled Twitter chat about the Oogieloves. Come ready for trivia about the movie and talk kid’s party ideas with us for the chance to win some BIG Oogieloves themed prizes.

Date: Monday, August 20th

Time: 8-9pm EST

Hashtag: #OogielovesParty

Host: @Celebrations

Sponsor: @Oogieloves

Tweet Grid: http://bit.ly/MDpe41

And if you’re planning a back to school party or just a birthday bash, check out the Oogieloves/Celebrations party info at http://www.celebrations.com/content/oogieloves-theme-party-for-the-kids

The Oogieloves in The Big Balloon Adventure World Premiere

August 13, 2012August 13, 2012momonthegoinholytoledo

Wow! That is the first word that comes to mind when I think of The Oogieloves in the Big Balloon Adventure world premiere. The second word, or question rather, that comes to mind is, why Michigan?

The Michigan film tax incentive played a huge role in giving life to the film. It was written by Michigan native Scott Satible and funded by Mike Chirco and Scot Moceri both of whom reside in Michigan. Also, the movie was filmed in various locations throughout Michigan, one such example is the Tulip Festival in Holland Michigan and another scene, Milky Marvin’s, in a diner in Canton. Also, over 90% of the film crew was from Michigan. But there was also a little Hollywood in the movie thanks to the cameos from Cloris Leachman, Chazz Palminteri, Toni Braxton, Jamie Pressly, and Christopher Llyod. So, as Tim Allen would say, The Oogieloves in the Big Ballon Adventure is Pure Michigan. On with the Premiere….

As we entered the Emagine Theater in Royal Oak Michigan the lobby had been transformed into a child’s dream come true. Our first stop was Sparkeliciousness stencil glitter tattoos that caught the eye of my 5 & 6-year-old. What better way to express your Oogie love than in glitter?

Meanwhile the cubes and tubes seemed to be very entertaining to my toddler, I don’t get it but toddlers love it!

Then the excitement began, the masses crowded to hit the red carpet for a photo opportunity followed by the introduction of the creator, writers, marketers, etc.

After which the film producers presented Henry Ford Health Systems with a check for $150,000 to support funds for a new program aimed at combating childhood obesity. Then the party was officially started….

As we entered the party space the atmosphere was inviting, it was a symphony for the senses. The aroma took you back to childhood memories, like a day at the circus. The aroma potpourri of pizza, hot dogs, root beer floats, cotton candy etc. was a warm welcome. The golden balloons that danced in the air, the screens playing clips from the movie, clowns with animated expressions, and the smiles on the children’s faces was such a wonderful vision. They even had a favorite snack for adults that were sure to channel childhood memories, Cracker Jacks!

The soirée successfully awakened our senses and in doing so brought back fond childhood memories and it was as if you couldn’t tell where childhood ended and adulthood began. The crowd had transformed and we were all childlike at heart. The anticipation, excitement, and energy continued building as we made our way to the theater to view the world premiere of The Oogieloves in the Big Balloon Adventure.

Synopsis: THE OOGIELOVES IN THE BIG BALLOON ADVENTURE is a simple story of a loving friendship, a surprise birthday party and a BIG adventure…It’s a beautiful day in Lovelyloveville. It’s Schluufy’s birthday and the Oogieloves (Goobie, Zoozie, and Toofie) along with their friends J. Edgar, Windy Window and Ruffy, are organizing a party (Ssshh! It’s a secret). Everything is going along just perfectly until J.Edgar trips and loses the last five magical balloons in all of Lovelyloveville – OH NO!!! The Oogieloves immediately take action and set out to find the magical balloons in time to save their friend’s party. Along the way they meet some very interesting characters indeed, including Dotty Rounder (Cloris Leachman); Bobby Wobbly (Carey Elwes); Milky Marvin(Chazz Palminteri), Rosalie Rosebud (Toni Braxton) and Lola and Lero Sombero (Christopher Lloyd and Jaime Pressly). Can these new friends help them recover the magical balloons and get back to the cottage in time to celebrate Schluufy’s surprise birthday?

Review to follow…..