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Sponsored Post: Stories, Gossip, and Little Hackers with Museum Hack

DISCLOSURE LANGUAGE

Museum Hack sponsored this article; I received compensation for my time. They did not tell me what to purchase or what to say about any product mentioned in these posts. Museum Hack believes that consumers and bloggers are free to form their own opinions and share them in their own words. Museum Hack’s policies align with WOMMA Ethics Code, FTC guidelines and social media engagement recommendations.

San Francisco has some of the country’s most amazing museums, unique adventures, and sights to see. How do you choose what to do when you have all of these cool experiences to pick from? We’ve got one very unique experience you have to try: a museum tour with Museum Hack! A museum tour might not sound very exciting, but add a little salacious gossip, some scandalous stories, and selfies with the art, and you’ve got an experience fit for anyone who doesn’t like museums.

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Museum Hack is a renegade tour company that runs unconventional tours at the de Young in San Francisco. They have a variety of tours for all interests. The Un-Highlights Tour, which finds the coolest and weirdest stuff in the de Young, is a great introduction to the museum with an energetic spin. Feeling bold? Museum Hack Beta Tours are a unique method the company uses to mint new guides and try out different stories. They recently ran a murder-mystery-in-the-museum-themed beta tour at the de Young!

If you have kids and are travelling in New York City, Museum Hack has a really cool Little Hackers program. Little Hackers tours are private experiences designed for families with children 13 and under! The content is developed specifically for families, meaning all content is family friendly and so are the activities. They do these private tours at the Metropolitan Museum of Art and the American Museum of Natural History in NYC!

Highlights of a private Little Hackers Tour?

* Fun photos with the artifacts!

* Content that will keep your kids keep your kids learning and excited

* Pee Breaks – really! Optimized for the kiddos, so they don’t miss anything

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Why are Museum Hack tours so awesome? They hire passionate guides who actually love what they do and inject high energy into a normally slow-paced environment. No two tours are alike because the guides can customize a tour to fit the group’s interests, but the sassy spirit is always present.

Museum Hack has one other trick up their sleeve: they’ve turned their museum adventures into awesome team building events. If you’re a company looking to have fun with your staff but also encourage team bonding, a Museum Hack team building tour could be a great option for you. Museum Hack will work with you to customize the tour based on your company’s values, history, and goals.

So even if you’re not a big fan of museums, Museum Hack is a unique way to learn and have fun at the same time. Their tours are perfect for anyone visiting San Francisco, but are still great for locals who want to experience their city in a different way!

4 Comments Posted on fatherhood, funny, parenting, Storytelling, Uncategorized

Dear Jack: 1st Parent-Teacher Conference- What Made Me Proud

5 years, 11 months.

Dear Jack: 1st Parent-Teacher Conference- What Made Me Proud

Dear Jack,

I don’t exactly know the best wording for this. Is it “your” or “my” first parent-teacher conference? What I am trying to tell you is that last week, I got to attend my very first parent-teacher conference about you.

My preconceived expectations were accurate:

Your teacher was quick to point out you have a “sweet demeanor.” This didn’t surprise me at all, as you were the first boy Student of the Month of her class this year.

She went on to show me the tests and data proving to me that you are on a 4th grade reading level, which is uncommon among your fellow Kindergarten classmates: That figures when your dad has an English degree and is a blogger, right?

She also explained that she had to move you in the classroom to a different desk because you were getting too distracted by talking to your friend Duncan.

And she laughed as she explained you have a somewhat involuntary habit of “cheerfully making sounds like a crying baby” while you are conversing with your classmates during activity time.

Dear Jack: 1st Parent-Teacher Conference- What Made Me Proud

Here’s why I’m so proud. And no, it’s not actually the part about you being on a 4th grade reading level.

It’s simply the fact you are a well-balanced boy.

Yes, you’re intelligent; and I’m quite grateful for that. But more importantly, you still get yourself into just enough trouble to even things out.

Maybe I’m being too honest, but I actually I you to get into some trouble. As your teacher put it, “Yes, Jack is certainly all boy.”

For me as your Daddy, it was one of the biggest compliments I could have received- that my son is not only smart, but he’s also not perfectly behaved.

While you do have a “sweet demeanor,” you also get a bit rowdy with the other boys in the class; especially Duncan, who you tell us so much about each day when you get home from school.

So keep being smart. Keep being sweet.

Dear Jack: 1st Parent-Teacher Conference- What Made Me Proud

And keep sneaking in references to passing gas in your classwork, as you recently named your Pirate Pumpkin, “Poody Pop.”

Yep, that’s my boy.

Love,

Daddy

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Dear Holly: Your First Halloween- Your Brother’s Original “Baby Diaper Man” Costume, Plus His “Drive-Up Dracula” Service

6 months.

Dear Holly: Your First Halloween- Your Brother’s Original “Baby Diaper Man” Costume, Plus His “Drive-Up Dracula” Service

Dear Holly,

I realize that at 6 months old, Halloween is a new concept to you. I’m sure you were confused by what was going on, so I figured it’s a good idea for me to tell you about the fun our family had.

On Sunday, the day before Halloween, our family ventured over to Thompson Station Church for a fall celebration.

Even though Mommy and I already had your brother’s Count Dracula costume ready for him, which is what he’s been wanting to be this whole time, he decided about 15 minutes before left the house that he instead wanted to be “Baby Diaper Man,” which apparently was loosely based off of a villain he saw on Scooby Doo.

Dear Holly: Your First Halloween- Your Brother’s Original “Baby Diaper Man” Costume, Plus His “Drive-Up Dracula” Service

Jack insisted in wearing a diaper over his shorts, as well as one over his head, like a Captain America-style helmet. I suggested he also wear his cape and eye mask from his Jack-Man costume, to bring the concept to full fruition.

Dear Holly: Your First Halloween- Your Brother’s Original “Baby Diaper Man” Costume, Plus His “Drive-Up Dracula” Service

Dear Holly: Your First Halloween- Your Brother’s Original “Baby Diaper Man” Costume, Plus His “Drive-Up Dracula” Service

He was so proud of his original costume. Once we arrived, he ran ahead of you and Mommy, eager to enjoy the festivities. But the moment he saw another girl about his age, it’s like it hit him:

Wait, I don’t want kids my age to see my wearing my sister’s diapers!

Dear Holly: Your First Halloween- Your Brother’s Original “Baby Diaper Man” Costume, Plus His “Drive-Up Dracula” Service

Immediately, he insisted on taking your diapers off. Then Jack became Jack-Man; his character in the 22 episodes of his series.

He really enjoyed getting candy from everyone, as well as going in the “jumpy houses.” Meanwhile, you completely slept through the whole thing; that was nearly a 3 hour nap!

Dear Holly: Your First Halloween- Your Brother’s Original “Baby Diaper Man” Costume, Plus His “Drive-Up Dracula” Service

Then the next day on Halloween, our family got the double stroller into gear and canvased the neighborhood so your brother could collect candy: to eat, to experiment on, and to sell to the dentist for money (the candy is donated to the American military troops).

Mommy decided to carry you, instead of letting you ride shotgun in the double stroller, since it was already so dark at 6:45 PM, after dinner. It also was the warmest Halloween I’ve ever experienced! It felt like we were back in San Diego.

Dear Holly: Your First Halloween- Your Brother’s Original “Baby Diaper Man” Costume, Plus His “Drive-Up Dracula” Service

Your kitty hat (which served as your costume) couldn’t have helped the situation; as it was intended to keep you warm outside in the assumed October chill.

After visiting just a few houses, your brother Jack decided that instead of walking to each house, he wanted remain on the stroller right up unto the point where he was only a few steps away from each neighbors’ front door.

What a lazy Dracula!

Dear Holly: Your First Halloween- Your Brother’s Original “Baby Diaper Man” Costume, Plus His “Drive-Up Dracula” Service

I’ve never heard of a Count Dracula who gets has his own drive-up service. Seriously, your brother is a funny boy…

Next year, you’ll be a little bit more aware of what’s going on, so you can truly appreciate your Daddy pushing you around in a double stroller with your brother.

Love,

Daddy

Dear Holly: Your First Halloween- Your Brother’s Original “Baby Diaper Man” Costume, Plus His “Drive-Up Dracula” Service

1 Comment Posted on fatherhood, food reviews, parenting, Storytelling, Uncategorized, vegan

My Family’s Plant-Based Road Trip across San Diego in a 2016 Mitsubishi Outlander

Dear Holly: Your Uncle Jake’s Wedding at Tom Ham’s Lighthouse (San Diego Vacation/2016 Mitsubishi Outlander)

Exactly a month ago, we traveled across San Diego as we enjoyed a week-long family vacation for my wife’s youngest brother’s wedding. Something that made our road-trip in the 2016 Mitsibishi Outlander a bit unique was that we’re a vegan/vegetarian family.

I am a vegan; my wife and kids are vegetarians.

So when it comes to traveling, especially on the other side of the country, since we live in the Nashville area, it is vital that we plan out our stops accordingly to where we can eat.

We have to make sure that wherever we dine, there are options for those who don’t eat meat (vegetarian), as well as those who additionally also don’t eat eggs or dairy (vegan).

My Family’s Plant-Based Road Trip across San Diego in a 2016 Mitsubishi Outlander

My wife did about half our research online before we left. Then once we arrived at our hotel, I sat inside the Mitsibushi Outlander in the parking lot for a solid 30 minutes, searching “plant-based” options in the San Diego area and plugging them into the GPS.

Fortunately, we were staying only a few miles from a glorious place called Jimbo’s… Naturally! It served as our base. We drove there each morning, stocking up on our snacks for the day- we even had a few meals there as well.

My Family’s Plant-Based Road Trip across San Diego in a 2016 Mitsubishi Outlander

I loved how they had a made-to-order sandwich/wrap/veggie burger bar!

Our San Diego Vacation in the 2016 Mitsubishi Outlander (Table of Contents)

They even carried vegan marshmallows, Dandies, which we used for the family bonfire on the beach.

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The first actual restaurant we stopped at was Oggi’s, which was where the family first reunited. (My wife is one of 9 siblings.)

My Family’s Plant-Based Road Trip across San Diego in a 2016 Mitsubishi Outlander

I discreetly and privately told my waiter that I was a vegan. He went back to the cooks and reported back to me that they could do a veggie pasta dish for me. I was also “feeling like being bad,” as my wife would say, so I ordered a big plate of fries too.

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They were so good. And because I’m a nice dad, I even shared them with my son.

Next up was Wahoo’s Fish Taco, which despite the name, was extremely prepared for vegans like me. I had a dish with tofu, veggies, and beans. It was good- like an Asian/Mexican fusion.

My Family’s Plant-Based Road Trip across San Diego in a 2016 Mitsubishi Outlander

The next restaurant on our trip was Fig Tree Café, which served up a great looking, and great tasting, vegan burger. I even was able to get Kombucha on tap!

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My wife loved her French Toast. It was a fun place to dine.

In the same shopping center, there is also a convenient Trader Joe’s, as well as Sammy’s Woodfired Pizza & Grill, where we enjoyed the ambiance and food so much, we went back at 2nd time, taking one of my sisters-in-law’s family with us.

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They accommodated my dietary needs by actually having Daiya cheese as a substitute for dairy cheese for our pizza. And my wife and I really enjoyed their Asian salad as well.

So there you go. If your family is also vegan/vegetarian and is planning a road trip through San Diego, feel free to use all this is a guide for your trip.

Thanks for reading!

-Nick Shell of Family Friendly Daddy Blog

My Family’s Plant-Based Road Trip across San Diego in a 2016 Mitsubishi Outlander

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Dear Jack: Uncle Jake and Aunt Stephanie’s Wedding Reception (San Diego Vacation/2016 Mitsubishi Outlander)

5 years, 11 months.

Dear Jack: Uncle Jake and Aunt Stephanie’s Wedding Reception (San Diego Vacation/2016 Mitsubishi Outlander)

After a cinematic-quality wedding ceremony on the water, we all made our way inside for Jake and Stephanie’s wedding reception, which was also quite the class act.

You buddied up with your cousin Savannah, who you don’t often get to see when we fly out to California each summer. As I look back on these pictures from a few weeks ago, I can’t help but notice how much she looks like Mommy, just without the bangs.

Dear Jack: Uncle Jake & Aunt Stephanie’s Wedding Reception (San Diego Vacation/2016 Mitsubishi Outlander) r6

I’m not used to this, but it turns out I wasn’t the only vegan there! I was one of 4, actually, and that’s not even counting Mommy, who ordered the special vegan option on the menu; even though she’s not actually a vegan, but a vegetarian instead.

Dear Jack: Uncle Jake & Aunt Stephanie’s Wedding Reception (San Diego Vacation/2016 Mitsubishi Outlander)

Since there were other vegans there, that also meant I actually got to enjoy vegan sweets. I fully recognize this may be the only wedding I ever attend that had its own special vegan wedding cake.

Dear Jack: Uncle Jake & Aunt Stephanie’s Wedding Reception (San Diego Vacation/2016 Mitsubishi Outlander)

Outside on the deck overlooking the water, there was a blank canvas that anyone could help paint, which served as a wedding memory for Jake and Stephanie. You painted a fish for them.

Dear Jack: Uncle Jake & Aunt Stephanie’s Wedding Reception (San Diego Vacation/2016 Mitsubishi Outlander)

After the meal, your cousin Savannah let you play a fun game on her phone, and even took you out to the dance floor!

Jake and Stephanie entertained everyone with a special montage for their first dance. It was very impressive. They obviously had practiced a lot for it.

Dear Jack: Uncle Jake & Aunt Stephanie’s Wedding Reception (San Diego Vacation/2016 Mitsubishi Outlander) r14

During the midst of the dance party, your baby sister Holly did her best to keep up with all the fun. But granted, it was getting past her bed time.

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It’s safe to say that she partied ‘til she dropped!

The wedding and reception were nothing short of magical. Such a good time. Memories that we’ll be holding on to, for sure.

Dear Jack: Uncle Jake & Aunt Stephanie’s Wedding Reception (San Diego Vacation/2016 Mitsubishi Outlander) r12

Jake and Stephanie’s wedding was the whole purpose for our trip. While we had a wonderful time celebrating with them, I can’t deny that we made an epic family vacation out of the trip.

Dear Holly: Your Uncle Jake’s Wedding at Tom Ham’s Lighthouse (San Diego Vacation/2016 Mitsubishi Outlander) Dear Holly: Your Uncle Jake’s Wedding at Tom Ham’s Lighthouse (San Diego Vacation/2016 Mitsubishi Outlander)

We got to visit the San Diego Zoo Safari Park, as well as Legoland. We enjoyed a bonfire, we walked along the coast, and played in the sand. We got to drive all across San Diego in a 2016 Mitsubishi Outlander, with the 3rd row seat which you claimed as your own.

Dear Jack: Uncle Jake & Aunt Stephanie’s Wedding Reception (San Diego Vacation/2016 Mitsubishi Outlander)

And it was all because Aunt Stephanie became a part of the Tuttle family, just like I did 8 years ago.

Too bad we don’t have a big family wedding to attend every year in California!

Love,

Daddy

Dear Jack: Uncle Jake and Aunt Stephanie’s Wedding Reception (San Diego Vacation/2016 Mitsubishi Outlander)