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Spending Time With Loved Ones with Hallmark! Interactive Story Buddy Review plus Giveaway

This year I have been determined to create lots of wonderful memories with my family. We set out to do as many things as possible together, help create these special memories with Abby and really just enjoy our time together more. This has been so very important to me this year and it is even more important now. I lost my grandfather back in October and it really took a toll on me. I have so many wonderful memories from my childhood, staying with my grandparents and tagging along behind my grandfather as he worked out in the yard or worked at the fairgrounds or just sat outside on the swing enjoying the day. These are memories that will stay with me forever and I’m so very thankful to have these memories. Along with the loss of my grandfather I also reflect on the tragedy that took place Friday. The families who lost loved ones, especially those who lost their children. My heart broke for those families, I spent the weekend crying for those parents who no longer can hold their little ones and I held my sweet baby tighter. Just another eye opener to how quickly things can happen and how you never know what might happen and when you might no longer be able to spend time with loved ones.

Back in October when my grandfather passed, one thing that bothered me most was knowing Abby never got to meet him. It tore me apart, broke my heart in pieces. We live a good three hours from home, while three hours isn’t that far it is when our car was barely making it ten minutes down the road. As much as I wanted to go home for a visit we couldn’t, my car just would not make the drive and we couldn’t afford a rental. I tried many times to figure out a way to head home, let my grandfather meet my daughter but things never worked out. Then in September we finally got a new (used) van and could make the trip home! We were planning a trip for late October, to celebrate his birthday. That trip would never happen. I received the phone call October 5th. My daughter would meet her great grandfather as she told him goodbye. She would never have the opportunity to create any memories with him.

Ever since then I have made sure to do what I can to make sure she spends times with her grandparents and create lasting memories with them. We still don’t get to see them often but we do every chance possible, she talks to them on the phone, we send messages and emails. When I was give the chance to review one of Hallmark’s wonderful Interactive Story Buddies I knew it would be perfect for Abby to share with family. What could be better than curling up with mommy and daddy or her Mimi or her Grumpy and Nana to enjoy this fun interactive story?

Hallmark’s Interactive Storybooks transform traditional story time into an interactive adventure, allowing you to be a part of the story and the Interactive Story Buddies help bring the story to life! These books are perfect for story time year round and are especially wonderful during the holiday season. Perfect for the holidays are the Interactive Story Buddies Jingle and his new friend Bell!

We received Bell and her Storybook to review and I honestly wish I had recorded Abby’s squeal of delight when she meet her new friend. My mom was visiting for the day so I thought it would be great to let her and Abby get to know Bell together. Bell is so cute, answering with adorable little barks and even barking “I Love You”, Abby couldn’t get enough of Bell and I could tell sharing the story together really made my mom’s day. I know my mom will cherish the memories from enjoying this fun story with her granddaughter! Abby has completely fallen in love with Bell and reads the book every night with her daddy. Thank goodness it comes with a read-along cd for when his voice gets tired!

These next two pictures are the cutest! Bell is sad at one point in the story and when she made her sad bark Abby told me “puppy sad” and made her sad face. Then she told Bell “it okay, it okay puppy”. So sweet!

As families gather for the holidays take time to really cherish your time together, create lasting memories and slow down and just enjoy your time together. Sure the cooking can be a little crazy and we all get caught up in the fast pace of rushing to get everything done but really this is a time to enjoy family. Slow down and enjoy spending time with your family.

Take a moment to stop by Hallmark’s website, check out all the different Interactive Stories and Interactive Story Buddies that are available. There are so many to choose from! Different ones for holiday, special occasions and some for bedtime, there are so many wonderful books and story buddies available.

Along with the Interactive Storybooks and Story Buddies there are also the Recordable Story Books. The Recordable Storybooks allow you to record yourself, your husband, even the grandparents reading the story to your child. These are a perfect way for a child to still hear their loved ones voice even when they can’t always see them (or when one passes). We actually have one hubby recorded for Abby so she could always hear his voice, even when he was away at training or gone on a deployment. A great gift idea is recording your child reading the story for her grandparents! This way the grandparents can still hear their grandbabies’ voice even when they are miles apart. Find the perfect one for your family and enjoy creating memories together with Hallmark!

I am beyond thrilled that not only did Hallmark give me the opportunity to review Bell and her storybook but I also get to have a giveaway for my awesome readers!

One reader will win their very own Interactive Story Buddy 
to create special memories with their loved ones! 

Mandatory Entry:
Leave a comment letting me know one way you create memories with your family during the holidays.

Bonus Entires:
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Follow Adventures in Abbyland on Twitter and tweet “#Win a Hallmark Interactive Story Buddy @Abbyland2010 http://www.adventuresnabbyland.com/2012/12/spending-time-with-loved-ones-with.html ends 12/21!”
Leave a comment on any non-giveaway blog post. This can be done up to three times a day, must be a different post per entry. – 10 entries per post (please leave link to post)

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Giveaway Rules:
Must be at least 18 years or older to enter, open to those in the US only. This giveaway is in no way associated with any of the entry methods, Giveaway will end at 11:59 CST December 21, 2012. The winner will be randomly and contacted via email. Winner will have 24hrs to reply or the prize will be forfeited and a new winner will be selected. Prize fulfillment is handled by the company, Adventures in Abbyland is not responsible for prize fulfillment.
Disclosure: I received the above mentioned product(s) free of charge in exchange for an honest review. My opinions were in no way influenced by the company, all thoughts are my own. This review is my honest opinion of the product(s), I was not required to write a positive review nor was I compensated in any other way. My thoughts and opinions of the product(s) may differ from yours, I am not liable for any issues you may incur from use of above mentioned product(s). If you have any questions you are welcome to contact me.


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Comments

  37. We always watch “A Christmas Story” on Christmas Eve with the in-laws and I’ve started making hand print ornaments of my daughter to give to the grandparents (plus one for me) each year (my daughter is only 1, so this is the first year for us to start traditions with her)

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