Franklin Park Zoo, Dorchester, MA (3.5 smiles)

We went to Franklin Park Zoo today and here is my review.....

Date:  9/14/2009

Parking:  Plenty

Gate / Admission:  [$$$$$] Admission rates are listed here.

Birthday Parties:  Yes.  See their birthday page here.

Bathrooms:  I wasn't overly impressed with the bathrooms.  They were really smelly and they reminded me of camping.  They are like out houses.  BUT they do have changing tables and running water :)

Cleanliness:  The park was very clean.

Store:  We went after the peak season so, the park only had one souvenir store and one place to get food.  Most of the food is available on the weekends still though.  Here is there schedule.

In the one store we did go into it had drinks for sale along with a bunch of stuffed animals and typical souvenir shop stuff.

Overall:  I like it.  My son had a great time.  We were disappointed that the train was not running.  They only run the train on weekends this time of year.  We really enjoyed the Gorilla's and the Lion.  I attached a picture of the Lion because it was just so amazing to me that he was posing for pictures.  It is kinda weird to be at a zoo in the city.  You can hear traffic and sirens in the background, but I felt that the animals were sheltered from the hustle and bustle of the city.  They are shooting a movie there, so a portion of the park is blocked off, but they have detour walk ways, so you can still see the animals.  I was pleasantly surprised with the park.  There is plenty to see and if you don't grab a map you will most likely miss a bunch of stuff.  Check out Franklin Park Zoo.  I think it's worth the visit!

Kidzwurld, North Attleboro, MA (4 smiles)

We went to Kidzwurld in North Attleboro, MA today and here is my review.....

Date:  7/28/2009

Parking:  Plenty.  It is located in a strip mall right off of Robert Toner Blvd.  Here's the link to the directions.

Gate/Admissions: [$$] $8.99 per child during the week, $10.99 per child on the weekends.  Under 1 is free with a paid admission otherwise it is $5.00.  Adults are free.

Birthday Parties:  Yes.  Check out their info here.

Bathrooms:  There are two.  The women's room is very large with a changing table and a stool in front of the sink.  Thank You!  (I am amazed at how many places we go and there is no stool.  All the parents come out soaked and the child is wet also let alone the fact that it is nearly impossible to wash a child's hands with one arm holding them and the other trying to lather their hands, get water on them and then switch to the other side).  Anyway, 5 smiles for the stool!

Cleanliness:  Very clean.  They opened only a few weeks ago, so the place is spotless.  However, I did see them walking around with a push broom and picking up after people who left stuff on the tables.  I have a good feeling this place will be pretty clean.

Store:  They do sell food and drinks.  No Food or Drink from outside is allowed into the facility.  They have juice, water and snacks.  They also have tables and chairs to sit at and enjoy your snack or juice at.

Overall:  Clean socks day!  If you forget they sell them for $1.00.  We really enjoyed it.  I thought the blow up bouncy things were really neat for the smaller children.  I have been to a few bouncy house type places and I am always so scared of the little ones being knocked down.  This place has really cool bouncy houses for toddlers.  One of them is a very large train that is like a large tunnel with screens so you can see in (love it), one has a bunch of rescue type vehicles in it and the other is a bounce house with a ball pit.  All of them were perfect for toddlers.  I must also mention that they have two really neat cars that roll down ramps to the floor and go into a soft mat.  The kids love them!  I attached a picture, so you could see what I am talking about.  There is a small wall climbing structure, a see-saw, air hockey (which my son really liked), some arcade type games, two smaller roller coaster type ride on toys, a bunch of ride on bikes, bouncy balls, a few small house structures and a nice spot for younger children (under 3) with a gate all the way around it.  I love that this place is really geared to the younger children.  Everything in there is perfect for them.  We had (2) three year olds there today and they loved it.  It is small, but the perfect size to have fun and be able to keep an eye on your children and still have a conversation.  If you live near North Attleboro go check out Kidzwurld.  I think you will be quite surprised how much fun your kidz will have!

EcoTarium, Worcester, MA (4.5 smiles)

We went to the EcoTarium in Worcester, MA today and here is my review.....

Date: 6/17/2009

Parking:  Plenty

Gate/Admissions:  [$$$]  See pricing page here.

Birthday Parties:  Yes.  See Birthday Party page here.

Bathrooms:  They are everywhere.  I was amazed at how many bathrooms they have.  You will find them on every floor and outside by the dining area.  All of the bathrooms we went into had changing tables.

Cleanliness:  It was clean.

Store:  They have a souvenir store inside and an indoor lunch area with vending machines or an outside dining area with tables, chairs and umbrellas.  The menu is small, but we found what we needed.  They also serve slush drinks outside.

Overall:  We really enjoyed the EcoTarium.  The building is more like a museum/nature center with three floors of hands on exhibits.  There are also live animals inside ie. turtles, snakes, frogs, ferret and an opossum.  The outside has really nice walking trails.  Outside you will also find the Polar Bear, the Bald Eagle, numerous Owls, a Red Fox and a really nice playground area with a large sandbox.  The other really cool thing is that they have a train!  My son really enjoyed riding the train.  At one part there is a tunnel that the children love to yell in.  It's a really great place to go with children any age.  My friend and I went with two three year olds and we found plenty to do!  Go check out the EcoTarium.  You won't be disappointed!

Southwick's Zoo, Mendon, MA (4 smiles)

We went to Southwick's Zoo in Mendon, MA yesterday and here is my review.....

Date:  5/16/2009

Parking:  Plenty of parking in a grass field

Gate/Admissions:  [$$$$] Pricing page here.  My son was free (he's still under 3) and we printed the coupon from the website.  A $2.00 off per person coupon icon is at the bottom of the pricing page.

Birthday parties:  Yes (see website here)

Bathroom:  There are bathrooms throughout the zoo, but some are port-o-potty style or chemical trailers.  The chemical trailer I came upon had a ramp for strollers and a changing table.  There is a bathroom after you enter the zoo by the food with plenty of changing tables also.

Cleanliness:  Very clean

Overall:  We had a great day.  I did not bring a stroller for my son, so he had run of the place :)  It worked out well.  I just packed a backpack and followed him around.  He was smiling 90% of the day.  The first unhappy 5% was when we walked in and he could hear the Macaw behind a fence making very loud noises.  He decided then (at the front gate) that he had enough and was ready to go home....some coaxing and explaining, then just carrying him in past the Macaw and showing him what it was finally worked!  The other 5% of unhappiness was leaving!  I was amazed at how close you can get to the animals.  It is a pretty big zoo.  It took us 2.5 hours to cover most of it.  We didn't go on the rides, but they do have them.  You buy tickets or you can buy a combo ticket at the front gate.  There is a playground with a huge sandbox also.  You can bring in your lunch and you will find picnic tables scattered all around the zoo.  There was lots of shady spots and park benches along the way.  My son loved the train ride!  We drove 2.5 hours to get there and I would do it again.  We had a blast!  Go check out Southwick's Zoo!

Museum of Science, Boston, MA (5 smiles)

We went to The Museum of Science in Boston on April 29 and here is my review.....

Date:  5/2/2009

Parking:  Parking garage onsite.

Gate/Admissions:  [$$$$$] See pricing here

Birthday Parties:  I did not see birthday parties on their website, but in my opinion you can do a party just about anywhere!

Bathroom:  Plenty and well marked in the museum.  All of the bathrooms I went into had changing tables.

Cleanliness:  Very clean.

Store:  They have a wonderful cafeteria with just about everything.  They also have a souvenir store with lots of educational toys.

Overall:  We had a great time.  I recommend bringing a stroller or I saw some families with the child leashes.  I let my son walk around most of the time, but it is a huge museum and even though I only have one to chase after in a place this size with the amount of people it can be pretty difficult to keep your children close.  I found strolling through the exhibits that were geared for older children and letting him get out and explore the exhibits that were more hands on for his age, worked out great!  The other thing I love about the museum is that there is so much for all ages.  I was concerned that the museum may be geared for older children and adults and that he may not have as much of a good time, but I was wrong.  There was plenty for him to touch and explore.  The frog exhibit is great and don't forget to check out the Discovery Center.  That exhibit has stuff for children age birth to eight years old.  Lots of hands on stuff in there.  We also went to the Charlesbank Playground right around the corner from the museum.  You can see my review here.

Perpetual Motion, Lowell, MA (4 smiles) -- Closed

We went to Perpetual Motion in Lowell, MA today and here is my review.....

Date:  3/31/2009

Parking:  Plenty.  I made the mistake of parking when I pulled in and saw the sign.  I had to walk down an alley way to the other side of the building.  The alley way had broken glass on the ground and garbage.  There is a sign that points to the indoor play area, but being my first time there I didn't realize the door was on the other side of the building.  Now you know :)

Gate/Admissions:  [$$]  The price was $9.50 for my son and free for me!  They have a pricing structure based on age.  Click here for their pricing page.

Birthday Parties:  Yes

Bathrooms:  There are two in the under 6 area and two in the 6 and over area.  They are large. The one we used was in the 6 and under area and it has a huge counter for a changing table and a small sink!

Cleanliness:  It was clean.  I saw staff sweeping and putting toys away while I was there.

Store:  They have a lunch counter with tables set up between the two play areas.  It is very large.  The menu items were pizza, hot dogs, yogurt, chips, cookies, milk, water, juice and a few other things.  You can also bring in your lunch!

Overall:  We enjoyed ourselves.  Here are the highlights:  large sandbox, indoor swings, a slide into a ball pit, a huge train with stairs and slides, circular bike thing you can ride on and a great climbing structure.  I like that the older children's indoor climbing area is separate from the younger one, but it got me thinking about a family with multi-age children.  If you go with a toddler and a six year old you really need two adults.  The younger children are not allowed into the older children's area.  Just keep that in mind incase you fall into that category.  The space is really large and bright.  It is in an old mill building so the ceilings are really high and the windows are huge.  Getting there is pretty easy.  You really have to look to see the sign as your driving by.  It is not right on the main road it is set back and you have to drive down an alley to get to the indoor playground area.  I would go back.  If you live around Lowell I would imagine this would be the perfect spot for a rainy day!

The Children's Museum in Easton, North Easton, MA (4.5 smiles)

We went to The Children's Museum in Easton, North Easton, MA today and here is my review.....

Date:  3/4/2009

Parking:  Plenty.  There are spots along the street in front of the museum and a large lot behind the museum.

Gate/Admission: [$$$] $6.00 per person, children 1 year and under are free.  Staff is extremely friendly and attentive!

Birthday Parties:  Yes, see website for details.

Bathrooms:  There are two bathrooms.  Both are quite large with changing tables and stools for the children to step on to wash their hands (love the small details!).  The upstairs bathroom also has a small seat that you can strap your child into so you can use the potty!  Imagine that :).

Cleanliness:  The museum is clean.

Store:  There is a small store behind the counter where you pay admission.  They have educational toys, etc.  No food or drinks are sold here.

Overall:  Fabulous!!  We loved our time at the Children's Museum in Easton.  My son spent one hour on the main floor not even realizing that there were two other floors to explore!  There is so much to do in the museum.  They pay close attention to detail.  The camp area is adorable and they have so much hands on stuff that you can spend a lot of time at each exhibit.  I also love that they incorporate learning into playing and they also have so much for toddlers and older children to do that this makes for a perfect spot for families with multi-aged children.  We spent at least a half hour pushing balls down tubes and waiting for the bells to ring.  If you live anywhere near this museum, this is a must do!  We drove 2 1/2 hrs to go and it was well worth it.  We had a great day!  They have a lunch area in the lower level.  Bring your own lunch though they do not provide food or drinks.  One other note, if you are a stroller roller...not here.  With three floors there is no space for a stroller and no way really to get it up and down stairs.  We loved it.  I only wish we had a duplicate closer!!  I also noticed that in the summer they have an outdoor area for the children to play and picnic tables to sit at.  We will have to go back in the summer!

Kids Playground, Woburn, MA (4 smiles) - Closed

We went to Kids Playground in Woburn, MA today and here is my review.....

Date:  2/13/2009

Parking:  Plenty

Gate/Admission:  [$$$] It cost $8.99 for my son and $3.00 for me.

Birthday Parties:  Yes

Bathrooms:  There are two bathrooms near the food area which are large with stalls and a changing table.  They also have stools for the children to stand on to wash their hands.  Thank you!  I am sure you have all tried the juggling act of holding your child up to the sink to wash their hands.  It's not easy.  Anyway, there are also two bathrooms to the back of the center near the climbing structure.  Only one stall and no changing table.

Cleanliness:  Overall the place was clean.  The facility is in a large warehouse area so it is kinda dusty on top of the structures.  I know I am picky!  Otherwise, the equipment looked good and I noticed an employee vacuuming when we got there.

Store:  There is a cafeteria with lots of lunch items (or dinner if you go at night).  They sell juice boxes, milk, soda, coffee!, pizza, hotdogs, chicken fingers, french fries and snacks.  No outside food or drink is allowed.

Overall:  We had a blast.  We were there for 3 hours!  That is a long time with a toddler.  The place was big enough and had a little bit of everything.  He definitely was not bored!  I climbed through the structure with my son and noticed some loose styrofoam in places.  I gave some to an employee and let them know where I found it in hopes that they would investigate.  The structure is huge and lots of fun.  There are benches all around to sit and enjoy watching the kids.  They have a cool tree house with a slide, two bounce houses, a small climbing wall structure, rooms with a theme (ie: police station, music room) a section for children 2 and under.  I did notice that a lot of the mats were pretty worn.  I think an upgrade in the mat department is needed.  That really is my only complaint unless you count dusting the top of the structure.  Otherwise, this is a great place.  I will go back!  Thanks to my friend Bryan for the recommendation!

New England Aquarium, Boston, MA (4 smiles)

We went to the New England Aquarium in Boston, MA today and here is my review....

Date:  1/20/2009

Parking: There is a parking garage right at the Aquarium. We paid $30.00 to park there for 2.5 hrs.

Gate/Admissions: [$$$$] My ticket was $19.95 (Adult), my son was free (2 and under). No lines today.

Birthday Parties: I would think you could. They have group tickets.

Bathrooms: There are bathrooms when you enter (after they snap your souvenir picture) and there are family bathrooms on the same floor as the Cafe. Note to stroller users - when you go in take a right and follow the sign to the elevator to get up to the Cafe. Once your on that floor there are family style bathrooms with changing tables.

Cleanliness: Very Clean!

Store: There is a souvenir store (on the ground level) and a Cafe (on the second floor). The Cafe has lunch items and drinks of all sorts. You can also bring in your lunch.

Overall: We had fun. It was very quite today so my son could run around and check out all of the different exhibits. I brought a stroller an anticipated on using it, but being so quite there today it wasn't really necessary. I have been there in the past when it is very busy and being so dark in there I was afraid I would loose track of him weaving in and out of people. I brought my large stroller. Note to self: next time bring the umbrella stroller! There is a great touch tank there and the tank with all of the large fish is located in the middle of the Aquarium. The Aquarium itself is not very big. In my opinion it works well with a small child because you can take your time or if you have energy go around and around and around (like we did). I always get a little nervous driving in Boston. Today I got totally lost! The website says that if you heading there from the North take exit 25-24. I never found that exit. I ended up taking 24A and getting all turned around. It took me quite a while to find the Aquarium. Okay it took me about 45 minutes! If you are heading there I would call ahead just to get directions directly from somebody or if you have one of those very fancy navigators I would use that! I will go back. We really had a great day.

UPDATE:  I contacted the New England Aquarium.  They fixed the directions on their website!

CoCo Key Water Resort, Fitchburg, MA (4.5 smiles)

We went to CoCo Key Water Resort in Fitchburg, MA today and here is my review....

Date:  12/10/2008

Parking:  Plenty

Gate/Admissions:  [$$$$$]  The daily ticket is kind of pricey.  (Much cheaper then flying the family to the Islands though!)   They do offer a variety of ticket packages.  See their online pricing here.  Children 2 and under are free.

Birthday Parties: Yes

Bathrooms:  There are two family style bathrooms with showers, a changing area and changing tables.  The family rooms are huge.  They also have bathrooms/locker rooms which are also huge.  They have a bunch of lockers and showers.  There is also a changing table in the handicap stall.

Cleanliness:  Very Clean!

Store:  They have a food counter and a bar located in the water park area.  They sell everything you can think of.  I saw hotdogs, hamburgers, pizza, french fries, etc.

Overall:  WOW!  As soon as we walked in I felt like we were on vacation!  The music was like being in the Islands.  The water park is really cool.  It has a lazy river (small one), large water slides, an indoor/outdoor jacuzzi, a pool with basketball hoops, an adventure pool with a net across the top and cool things to walk across and of course the large water playground area for the younger kids.  Beware that there is a large bucket that fills up on the top of the structure and dumps water over the structure.  A bell rings to warn you, but if it's your first time you have no idea!  My son was a bit scared of the water dumping all over the place, so he decided he enjoyed the showers in the locker room the best!  You just never know when they are 2 what they will gravitate too!  They have lifejackets in different sizes for the the small children also.  I was thrilled!  The temperature was beautiful and the water was warm.  I will go back to this park again in the dead of winter when I need the vacation cure!  They have other locations in New England:  Danvers, MA and Waterbury, CT.

**See comments - CoCo Key Management posted a note regarding visitors issues please see comments!

Imajine that, Lawrence, MA (4.5 smiles)

We went to Imajine that in Lawrence today, October 21, 2008 and here is my review.....

Date:  10/21/2008

Parking:  Plenty.  It's located in a large mill building with a huge parking lot.

Gate/Admissions:  [$$]  The staff is friendly.  Coats are hung in the hallway which is outside of the play space.

Birthday Parties:  Yes

Bathrooms:  There are two located in the hallway outside of the place space (where you hang your coats).  Both rooms are equipped with changing tables!

Cleanliness:  Very clean.  The toys look well cared for also.

Store:  There is a food counter there with a dining area.  They have all sorts of things for kids.  The prices are great also.  I noticed grilled cheese, mac & cheese, chicken nuggets, french fries, yogurt, fruit, animal crackers, hot dogs, pizza to name a few.  They also sell juice, milk, water, soda and snacks.  The dining area has highchairs and is very clean.

Overall:  We really enjoyed Imajine that!  I had heard about it a while ago and wanted to check it out.  The location is great!  Once you get off of the highway it is right around the corner.  Easy to get on and off the highway.  My son loved the dinosaur climbing structure.  It is perfect for toddlers and preschoolers!  Not too big, easy to maneuver and neat nooks to explore.  He spent most of his time in there.  The craft area is wonderful.  I have been to quite a few places and I think this place had the best craft area and here is why.  The tables and chairs are spread apart so each child has their own space.  The crafts that they have out on the tables are perfect for toddlers and preschoolers (ie. stamping, play-dough, painting and drawing).  There is a large chalk board with large chalk.  The craft supplies are lined up along a wall with counter space and a sink.  The lighting in there is cheerful and the space is roomy.  The large mill windows supply the space with wonderful natural light also.   When we arrived they had a woman with a guitar singing children's songs.  When she finished singing they had fun children's music playing.  I know that sounds like a given, but you would surprised how many places we go to and they don't have music playing in the background.  I love when they do because I enjoy watching the children get into the music!  It's so cute to watch them make up their own dance moves.  Back to the review...there is a bounce house, an area for younger children / babies, a reading area, a boat to climb around in, a play house with a kitchen, living area, a garden area outside the house and a large grocery store!  My son enjoyed pushing the cart around and choosing his own plastic food!  Great place.  Worth the drive.  Check it out!

Polkadot Playhouse, Salisbury, MA (3 smiles)

We went to Polkadot Playhouse in Salisbury, MA today and here is my review.....

Date:  9/24/2008

Parking:  Plenty (it's in a strip mall off of 110)

Gate/Admissions:  [$$] - No charge for adults!  The ladies behind the counter were very kind.

Birthday Parties:  Yes

Bathrooms:  The bathrooms are large with changing tables.

Cleanliness:  The facility is very clean.  The toys look used, but well taken care of.

Store:  They sell drinks on site (water, juice, etc.) and they also have light snacks.

Overall:  My son had fun.  We were the only people there for about a half hour.  They have a climbing structure that is geared for the younger children.  They have a ship for the kids to climb on, a kitchen with play food, a train set, lego station and a large craft area.  They also have soft blocks to play on and toys for very young babies.  I noticed that they have a party room for birthdays also!  This is a nice spot, but it's pretty small.  We stayed about an hour. If your in the Hampton area and are looking for a spot to hang out I would suggest checking it out!

Davis' Farmland, Sterling, MA (5 smiles)

We went to Davis' Farmland in Sterling, MA today and here is my review.....

Date: 9/11/2008

Parking:  Plenty

Gate/Admissions:  [$$$$$]  No lines today!  Must be the time of year.

Birthday Parties:  Yes

Bathroom:  All of the bathrooms are in the building where the dining area is located.

They have family rooms and men's and women's rooms.  All have changing tables and are very clean.  They also have small sinks!  Hurray!

Cleanliness:  The park is pretty clean.  It is a farm however, so expect all the traditional farm things like animal poop!  They do have running water outside to wash hands and plenty of antibacterial lotion dispensers.  There were a lot of flies in the dining area, but there are a bunch of picnic tables with shade that you can use right outside of the dining area.

Store:  They do have a traditional souvenir store and they have a wonderful lunch counter.  They offer just about everything that a toddler would eat!  They also offer a variety of lunch options for adults.  I thought the prices were reasonable.  You can also pack your own lunch and eat it at the picnic tables if you prefer.

Overall:  So far this year this is my favorite pick!  We loved it.  They have calves, pigs, sheep, llama, ponies, chickens, ducks, cows, horses and a bunch of goats.  (I am sure I am forgetting a lot of animals).  The children can feed them and pet them.  They have milking demonstrations and egg collecting!  They have a wonderful hayride that we enjoyed and play spaces for toddlers.  They have little houses that the children can play in with lots of toys.  They have structures for the kids to play on!   There is a water sprinkler park, but today was a bit too chilly for that.  It looked great though.  Next year we will plan to go on a day that my son can play in the water also.  They really did their homework here.  There are minimal "No's".  Everything is geared towards toddlers and young children.  I love that!  In my opinion Davis' Farmland is a must do!

Boston Children's Museum, Boston, MA (5 smiles)

We went to the Boston Children's Museum today, July, 16th and here is my review.....

Parking:  There are two parking garages nearby that the museum can validate the ticket and you get a discount for parking (ours was $8.00 off).  Follow the directions on the museum website and it's pretty easy to find.

Gate/Admission:  [$$$$] Helpful and lots of attendants we had no wait!

Birthday Parties:  Yes

Bathrooms:  Everything you could possibly need and then some.  There are bathrooms on each floor, some with miniature toilets and sinks for the kids.  Every bathroom has a changing station!

Cleanliness:  very clean.

Store:  There is a store on site with the typical souvenirs.  There is a lunch room if you choose to sit and eat inside, there is a restaurant (Au Bon Pain) attached to the museum and there is a sandwich / snack shop right outside.  There are plenty of spots outside to sit and eat your lunch overlooking the water and the cool tall buildings that the kids love to look at.  The boardwalk is pretty cool.  You can take a quick stroll down the boardwalk after lunch!

Overall:  This is a great place for children 2-6 years I would say.  It's all hands on!  It's three floors with plenty of things for children of those ages to do.  I really liked that you could go in one room and they had an exhibit for smaller children right near the exhibit for older children.  It can be a little hectic with more than one child.  There is a lot to do there so be prepared to jump from one thing to the next!  Have a blast and go explore the Boston Children's Museum!

Stone Zoo, Stoneham, MA (3.5 smiles)

We went to the Stone Zoo, Stoneham, MA today and here is my review....

Date:  7/11/2008

Parking:  Great!  Lots of spaces and it's very easy to find off the highway.

Gate/Admissions:  [$$$] Helpful & Kind

Birthday Parties:  Yes

Bathrooms:  The bathrooms are trailers with chemical toilets (not port-o-pottys).  They have individual stalls.  There is a sink with running water and a changing station.  The one thing I noticed though is if you are there alone with your child in a stroller, you have to go up a few stairs to get into the trailer and the trailer itself will not accommodate a stroller.  You will have to leave it unattended outside.

Cleanliness:  It's clean!

Store:  There is a store on site with typical souvenirs available.  There are a few vending machines near the picnic tables.  We did notice that the price of soda/water in the vending machine was quite high.

Overall:  I liked this zoo.  Not as much as York's Animal Kingdom (we went last year), but it's clean and it has a place to get food and a spot to picnic if you bring your lunch.  The zoo itself is pretty small.  It's great for young children.  There are some rough spots if you are pushing a stroller though.  It looked like some of the sand trails were washed out from rain so it can be a little bit of a struggle.  There were some areas where there were not any animals but there were still cages.  Not sure if they are working on expanding or if those animals no longer live there.  They had two beautiful black bears and a few large cats.  They also have wolves!  I would say it's worth the ride.  Go check it out!  Let me know what you think!