Author: Family Friendly Daddy Blog

3 Comments Posted on December 15, 2014December 18, 2014 car reviews, parenting, Uncategorized

2014 Lexus RX 450h 5-DR SUV (DVD Player Equipped): Family Friendly Review

For the rest of this week, go ahead and expect to see several upcoming exciting stories about events that took place last week, while our family was fortunate to review the 2014 Lexus RX 450h from a family friendly perspective…

But first, I would like to highlight the features of this vehicle that stood out the most to our family of three.

In my “2 Minute Walk Around” video above, I mentioned that driving the Lexus RX 450 is like when Super Mario hops in the cloud and drives it. With this vehicle being hybrid, you can’t really hear the engine, providing for an extremely quiet ride and idle.

As you can expect from a Lexus luxury vehicle, the cabin itself is like a really classy lounge. My wife always loves it when we review a vehicle with heated and cooled seats.

This was the first time I actually used them myself. Obviously, as you can see from these photos, things got a bit frosty; so I definitely took advantage of the “bun warmers” feature.

I know this may sound like a peculiar feature to highlight, but I really loved the gear shifter. Granted, this was an automatic transmission. But ergonomically, the shifter handle is in the perfect place and I really liked how the handle was a bit longer than most; it somehow made it glide more naturally than most vehicles I have driven.

Like every Lexus SUV I have ever reviewed, all I have to do is just press the button on the “fifth door” and it closes by itself. That’s always fun.

As for my 4 year-old son Jack, it was very obvious what he liked most about the Lexus RX 450h; the DVD screens on the back of the front screens, with Mark Levinson Premium Surround Sound (15 speakers.)

It was like Jack’s own private theatre in the back seat.

One of his aunts just happened to send him a Christmas present which included a Berenstain Bears DVD.

After I saw how special he felt back there, I decided to cash in some points at Best Buy and let him pick out another DVD.

He chose Disney’s Dinosaur, which is perfectly appropriate and relevant for him at this age.

There’s my quick overview. If you have $60,190 to spend on a new luxury SUV, I can’t imagine how the 2014 Lexus RX 450h would be a wrong choice for your family. I didn’t even mention that fact it averages 29 miles per gallon!

So stay tuned for upcoming posts this week involving the 2014 Lexus RX 450h; including going to see Marvel Universe Live, Santa Claus at Bass Pro Shop, and a Nerf birthday party where they shipped in snow for the kids to play in!

Catch up on the entire series of the Lexus RX 450h Weekend. A lot of exiciting things happened!

2014 Lexus RX 450h 5-DR SUV (DVD Player Equipped): Family Friendly Review

Dear Jack: Marvel Universe Live- Family Friendly Review (Lexus RX 450h Weekend)

Dear Jack: Meeting Santa With Sophie At Bass Pro Shop (Lexus RX 450h Weekend)

Dear Jack: Jacob’s 5th Birthday Party In A Tractor Store (Lexus RX 450h Weekend)

Dear Jack: The Old Abandoned Silo Tower On Main Street in Spring Hill, TN (Lexus RX 450h Weekend)

Dear Jack: Our New House’s Shutters, Mailbox, & Interior Paint (Lexus RX 450h Weekend)

Leave a comment Posted on December 15, 2014December 16, 2014 infographic, Nostalgia, Uncategorized

New Infographic: Where Breaking Bad, Hunger Games, & Lord Of The Rings Were Filmed

I thought this new infographic is cool and worth sharing. I often wonder about stuff like this; regarding where some of my favorite movies and TV shows are actually filmed.

Many years ago, my wife and I visited New Zealand, the country where Lord of the Rings was filmed.

If you asked me now what my favorite TV show of all time is, I would say #3 would be The Office, #2 would be Lost, and #1 would be Breaking Bad.

The infographic shows the places in Albuquerque the show was filmed.

See my post, My Thoughts On The Breaking Bad Finale: Felina (Now On Netflix). Also see, Aside From Breaking Bad Action Figures, What Else Is “Offensive” At Toys “R” Us?

And obviously I’m huge fan of the Libertarian film series, The Hunger Games, which to my surprise, is filmed in North Carolina.

See my post, The Hunger Games: Mockingjay Part 1- Family Friendly Review.

Now, enjoy the infographic!

2 Comments Posted on December 9, 2014 movie reviews, parenting, Uncategorized

Dolphin Tale 2 (and Dolphin Tale): Family Friendly Movie Review

Our family had been planning for months to go see Dolphin Tale 2 when it came out in theatres, but then we started building a new house…

To my surprise though, Warner Bros. reached out to me a few weeks ago and asked if I’d review Dolphin Tale 2… How convenient!

My son Jack just turned 4 and had never seen a movie that wasn’t a “kids’ movie.” That changed with Dolphin Tale 2; it’s not a kids’ movie, it’s a family movie.

What I mean by that is that there are no talking animals. This movie, in my opinion, like Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory (1971) which I just reviewed this past weekend, isn’t necessarily aimed at kids.

Dolphin Tale 2 is aimed for the whole family. It is a completely clean movie; it contains no words that I would imagine would be particularly inappropriate for young children. “Heck” and “darn” are about as intense as it gets there.

The movie is rated PG, as opposed to G. My guess is because the movie begins with one of the older dolphins, Panama, dying of old age. Several shots are shown of the dolphin’s body lying at the bottom of the pool; though nothing graphic.

And thus begins the movie’s plot line: A companion must be found for Winter, the dolphin with the prosthetic tale, in order for her to stay at the facility; according to state regulations.

Dolphin Tale 2 is actually the first movie I’ve ever seen in Blu Ray. Definitely a step up from what I’m used to.

My son Jack obviously loved the movie; he’s never seen so much footage of dolphins before.

Our family felt good about watching this movie together; it was very appropriate and entertaining for all of us; but not in a cheesy “Hallmark movie” kind of way.

If you’re looking for stocking stuffers for children, I think Dolphin Tale 2 would make a much appreciated choice.

Our family also sat down together and watched the first Dolphin Tale movie as well. It contains the same clean, family-friendly kind of content along with the same cast of actors revisited.

In the first movie, Winter the dolphin is discovered caught up in a fisherman’s trap which ultimately causes her to loose her tale, so people come together to create one for her in order for her survive.

I have a feeling there will be a Dolphin Tale 3, and I hope there is!

Dolphin Tale 2 Photo Gallery

https://www.flickr.com//photos/warnerbrosentertainment/sets/72157649447139751/show/

Official Press Release Info:

“Dolphin Tale 2” reunites the entire main cast, led by Harry Connick, Jr. as Dr. Clay Haskett; Nathan Gamble as Sawyer Nelson; Ashley Judd as Sawyer’s mom, Lorraine; Kris Kristofferson as Clay’s father, Reed; Cozi Zuehlsdorff as Clay’s teenage daughter, Hazel; Austin Stowell as Sawyer’s cousin, Kyle; Austin Highsmith as Winter’s lead trainer, Phoebe; and Oscar® winner Morgan Freeman (“Million Dollar Baby”) as Dr. Cameron McCarthy. The film also features Bethany Hamilton as herself.

“Dolphin Tale 2” is produced by Oscar® nominees Andrew A. Kosove and Broderick Johnson (“The Blind Side”), together with Alcon President of Worldwide Marketing, Richard Ingber, and Steven P. Wegner. David Yates and Robert Engelman served as executive producers.

“Dolphin Tale 2” will be available on Blu-ray Combo Pack for $35.99 and includes the film in high definition on Blu-ray disc, a DVD, and a digital version of the movie in Digital HD with UltraViolet. Fans can also own “Dolphin Tale 2” via purchase from digital retailers.

SYNOPSIS

The inspiring true story of Winter isn’t over. Several years after receiving a prosthetic tail, Winter loses her surrogate mother, leaving her alone, grieving and unwilling to engage with anyone, even her best human friend, Sawyer. Worse, she may have to be moved from her home at the aquarium due to regulations requiring dolphins to be paired. When Dr. Clay Haskett and his dedicated team can’t find her a companion, it looks like they may lose their beloved Winter…until an unexpected turn of events brings them Hope.

BLU-RAY AND DVD ELEMENTS

“Dolphin Tale 2” Blu-ray Combo Pack contains the following special features:

· Dolphin Tale 2: Underwater Magic Dolphin Tale 2: True Story

· Look Who’s Running The Show

· Bethany Hamilton Meets Winter

· Dolphin Tale 2: The Mission

· Cozi Zuehlsdorff – “Brave Souls”

· Gavin DeGraw – “You Got Me”

· Blooper Reel

“Dolphin Tale 2” Standard Definition DVD contains the following special features:

· Dolphin Tale 2: True Story

DIGITAL DISTRIBUTION ELEMENTS

On December 9, “Dolphin Tale 2” will be available for streaming and download to watch anywhere in high definition and standard definition on their favorite devices from select digital retailers including Amazon, CinemaNow, Flixster, iTunes, PlayStation, Target Ticket, Vudu, Xbox and others. “Dolphin Tale 2” will also be available digitally on Video On Demand services from cable and satellite providers, and on select gaming consoles.

ABOUT DIGITAL HD WITH ULTRAVIOLET

*Digital HD with UltraViolet allows fans to watch a digital version of their movie or TV show anywhere, on their favorite devices. Digital HD with UltraViolet is included with the purchase of specially marked Blu-ray discs. Digital HD with UltraViolet allows consumers to instantly stream and download movies and TV shows to TVs, computers, tablets and smartphones through UltraViolet retail services like CinemaNow, Flixster, Target Ticket, VUDU and more. For more information on compatible devices go to wb.com/ultravioletdevices. Consult an UltraViolet Retailer for details and requirements and for a list of HD-compatible devices.

BASICS

PRODUCT SRP

Blu-ray Combo Pack $35.99

DVD Amaray (WS) $28.98

Standard Street Date: December 9, 2014

DVD Languages: English, Latin Spanish, Canadian French

BD Languages: English, Latin Spanish, Canadian French

DVD Subtitles: English SDH, Latin Spanish, Parisian French

BD Subtitles: English SDH, Latin Spanish, Parisian French

Running Time: 107 minutes

Rating: Rated PG for some mild thematic elements

DLBY/SURR DLBY/DGTL [CC]

2 Comments Posted on December 9, 2014December 10, 2014 car reviews, funny, parenting, Uncategorized

Dressing As A Super Hero For Abbi’s Birthday/2014 Hyundai Santa Fe Weekend

4 years.

Dear Jack,

I mentioned how you chose to wear your “super hero costume” to open your birthday gifts from Mommy and me when you turned 4 a few weeks ago; having received the outfit as a gift from your friend Madison at your Lego birthday party at Bricks 4 Kidz.

Well, this weekend you were quite excited when Mommy and I learned that Abbi’s birthday actually had a costume theme.

While I tried to convince you just to wear your Ninja Turtle hoodie and be Donatello, you insisted on wearing your costume from Madison.

The logistical problem with that is that we had already boxed it up in our storage unit, as our new house should be ready by the end of next month.

Mommy was up for the challenge so we loaded up in the 2014 Hyundai Santa Fe we have been driving this week, as we await the news of whether or not my own car will be totaled thanks the albino deer that hit me on the way home the night before Thanksgiving.

Something really cool about every Hyundai I have reviewed is that basically the entire ceiling is a moon roof. You love that! You love being able to see so much of what’s going on.

Mommy’s favorite feature of the Santa Fe is the heated seats, especially this time of year.

My favorite thing about it is the size. Now more than ever, I like a good strong SUV that help protect me in the event I get hit by another albino deer. Hyundais are just nice vehicles anyway, as I’ve been quick to mention in my other reviews of them.

Speaking of safety, I also really appreciate the Blind Spot Detection System, which alerts me anytime another vehicle or object is getting dangerously close to me. (After having recently been hit by a deer, this is something I’m quite sensitive to this days!)

And not to mention, the back-up camera saves me a lot of worries too. (See below the relevant song that happened to come up on XM radio this week while we were driving the Santa Fe.)

Well, thanks to Mommy’s supreme packing skills, she was able to pull up the door of our storage unit, then immediately open up the box with your super hero costume! You then curiously asked about your monster trucks- she found that box too.

Before Abbi’s birthday party, we decided we should stop by our new house which is still under construction and see the latest updates.

Afterwards, as part of our tradition, we stopped by the model home so you could say hi to the in-house real estate agent. You had hidden a piece of foam (which you refer to as your “pizza parlor”) in the bushes and decided to crawl under the Christmas tree as a gift… because that’s normal for 4 year-old boys, I assume. (See top picture, again.)

When we arrived to Abbi’s party, we were greeted by hens, which we fed some dried worms to.

Once we walked inside the house, I was glad we had found your costume beforehand, because I realized your Ninja Turtle hoodie wasn’t quite enough for this costume-themed party.

You kept your eye mask on the entire drive and at least the first 30 minutes of the party.

And of course, your friend Madison (who gave you the costume) was so happy to see you wearing it. (Pictured below.)

You were lucky: you basically got to have an all-you-can-eat sweets buffet while we were there.

So we decided having dinner at Whole Foods would be a good way to offset that, but first we stopped to see some Christmas lights along the way.

Needless to say, we had a really fun week in the Santa Fe. And you especially had fun, being a super hero the whole time!

Love,

Daddy

2014 Hyundai Santa Fe Standard Features:

5 year/60,000 mile New Vehicle Warranty

10 year/100,000 mile Powertrain Warranty

7 year/Unlimited mile and Perforation Warranty

5 year/Unlimited mile Roadside Assistance

Advanced Safety Technology:

Vehicle Stability Management (VSM) with Traction Control

ABS with Electronic Brake Force Distribution & Brake Assist

Blind Spot Detection System

Powertrain Technology:

3.3 L Gasoline Direct Injection V6 Engine

290 Horsepower @ 6,400 RPM

Fuel Economy:

21 MPG average: 18 city/25 highway

Annual fuel cost: $2,500

Leave a comment Posted on December 4, 2014 funny, infographic, Uncategorized

New Infographic: What Would It Take to Store Santa’s Gifts?

I assume, like most kids, I was confused and troubled by the complicated logistics involved in Santa’s overnight delivery to all the (good) kids in the world… in a single night.

Not only would there be physical restrictions, but financial ones as well. Even with all the free labor (?) of the elves, I still questioned how Santa could budget such a feat.

Now, as an adult, thanks to this new inforgraphic, I can get confirmation that I had everyone reason to feel unsettled aboutall this.

So here it is, “What Would It Take To Store Santa’s Gifts?”

Enjoy.

Courtesy of: SpareFoot Storage Finder

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