Where a kid can be a kid.

I have been thinking lately about the art of homemaking and how it relates to family life. And I have come to the conclusion that I need to be more of a “fun mom.” Yes, I read to my children, teach them to do chores, cook with them, drive them everywhere…..but after vacation ended this summer I haven’t had a lot of time to play together with them. We have been on the go with various tennis and piano lessons, parties and other summer activities and in the last couple of weeks, time has slipped away for play. And I felt like we needed a few more of those fun moments before school started.

So, when we were asked if we would like to receive a guest pass to Chuck E. Cheese's, the “fun mom” immediately jumped on board and said yes. This was exactly one of those moments we needed before the school routines began.

And so off we went to visit this guy…..

(He is now affectionately called "Chuck E Please" in our house now)

We ate pizza and salads, played skee ball (I have to admit, I still love skee ball), rode rides, earned tickets and got to experience all the bright-eyes, smiles and sounds of a great family outing.

I have to tell you Chuck E. Cheese's was the perfect place for all three of my kids’ages right now. The ten-year-old was in video game heaven (and so was his dad for that matter), 7-year-olds, well I have found that they love every social event, and the 2-year-old was having a ball just running around taking in everything.

We spent just over an hour with the family and it was the perfect amount of time. With tummies full, drinks in hand and prizes won…..we all left happy. And while we were at the door getting our glowing-numbers checked out by a friendly teen (what a great safety feature for moms!), we met a group of giggling teens who were on their way into Chuck E. Cheese's to celebrate and have their own fun afternoon with the mouse too.

While looking at those giggling girls, I realized how fast they grow up.....

and boy was I glad to have taken that moment.

For more information, visit Chuck E. Cheese's website and stay connected by liking Chuck E. Cheese's page on Facebook.

For a chance to win a $100 Chuck E. Cheese's gift card, answer "Why does your family love Chuck E. Cheese’s?"

Rules:
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This giveaway is open to US Residents age 18 or older. Winners will be selected via random draw, and will be notified by e-mail. You have 72 hours to get back to me, otherwise a new winner will be selected.
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This sweepstakes runs from 9/4/2012-10/4/2012.
Be sure to visit the Chuck E. Cheese's brand page on BlogHer.com where you can read other bloggers’ reviews and find more chances to win!