Happy Day!

I know - the slacking hasn't ended.  Despite how hard I tried, I just never got back here to post,but today, I found out about an amazing product that is just about to get better, so I had to hop on and share!  Later this summer, we are going to be seeing the LeapPad2!!

This seriously excites me more than any announcement that could have come from Apple, or any other tech company.  My kids are addicted to their LeapPads, and the new improved features that will be coming with the 2 are amazing!  Here's a sneak peak at what you might be seeing...

First of all, this happened...

You should have seen Bean's face when she saw this!  Disney and LeapFrog have partnered to make this adorable princess bundle.  I think I want one.  For me.  Not only do  you get an adorable princess case, but you get the gorgeous stickers and decorated device.

The green version is also really cool, with an updated face plate that I think will give better contrast with the screen.

A few of my favorite new features -

• Longer battery life!  Wooohooo!! We already use rechargeable batteries, but these kids can go through those batteries quite quickly, especially on long trips.
• Front and back cameras with better quality images and the ability to record video.  Fun!
• More memory!  Yes!  We have so many apps and videos - this will definitely come in handy!
• Faster processor for easier playing.

I didn't think that the LeapPad could get better, but it just did.  I was able to find this amazing video on the LeapFrog site that made me even more excited!  First, for all of the new games, like the Brave one and the animation studio, and second because I know my kids are going to go wild for it all!  They can literally animate, narrate and put their own face into a unique video!  As P likes to say, how cool is that?!?

I remember that when the first LeapPad came out there were "over 100 apps and cartridges" and now there are more than 325!  I can say with all honesty that every game and video that my children have on their LeapPads is in some way or another educational.  They have learned reading, math, and social skills.  They are so tech savvy, and in this day and age, it is extremely important!  I can't say enough good things about this product or the company.  Even though the recommended age range is 3-9 years, Bean has had one since she was 18 months old and she really knows how to use it.  She can get to all of her videos, and she LOVES to take care of her pet.  She is constantly feeding him, playing with him and giving him a bath.  It is adorable to watch her blow in to the microphone to dry him off. :)

So, what do you think?? Will  you be pre-ordering the LeapPad2 on July 18th??  Mark your calendars or sign up for a reminder here. Keep in mind how impossible it was to find the LeapPad last year at Christmas!  I had alerts set up on my computer to help my friends and family who were searching frantically for them!  And in case you were curious, today marks the half way point to the holiday...yikes! 

Stay tuned - as I find out more I will be happy to share! :)

** I would just like to add that when my children get the new LeapPads I will be donating their old ones or tag selling them and donating the money.  Luckily, all of their games and downloads will work on the new device, with the 3 device limit remaining. :)