The way it works is you bring a printed out photo of a location from years ago, go to that location, and snap a pic of the two together like so:

Image youarecurrent.com

But then an idea struck me the other day while chatting with a friend on Facebook, and my movie-loving self came out to play. What if you did this exact same thing with your kids, but with stills from your favorite Comic Book movies and tv shows?

The most popular of locations of course is New York, where they’ve filmed for almost every Marvel Movie since the first Toby Maguire Spider-Man. Not that I expect anyone to climb up the sides of skyscrapers, but there are still plenty to check out like these!!!

In fact you can find stills from all over the world from different movie franchises, like a lot of the Marvel and DC movies being filmed in Toronto. Plus the Mission Impossible series has filmed all over the world as well as James Bond!

Looking for a little extra adventure on a trip or in the city where you live? See if a flick shot there and play along!

Cheers!

@pbdadcast

The ocean does something to me and I’m not quite sure how to explain it. It’s the closest I get to true mental relaxation and focus, brings me to that point where I can clear my mind. It could be 10 degrees and snowing and I’d still go out on the beach for a stroll. Another important factor was missing for me though, and I’m glad we finally caught up with it.

We had a very serious conversation a long time ago about the importance of sharing what we love with our little one. To gift upon her the knowledge and the experiences and especially the existence of places that feed into who we are. So since we had been unable to take a trip to my favorite spot, I hadn’t been able to share it with Emma.

My kid had never been to the beach, experienced real sand, or the ocean. This was a deep need. So as soon as my lovely wife suggested we finally take that trip this year, I couldn’t say “yes” fast enough.

The travel to Ocean City Maryland wasn’t bad, about 4 and 1/2 hours. We had taken a long trip before for a wedding down in Arlington within the last year, so we had already “broken her in” to what a long drive entails. The hotel was fun and the weather was perfect for us, and by “perfect for us” I mean: 65-70 degrees every day, on the verge of rain almost constantly, heavy fog for 4 of the 5 days, and 25-30 degree water. For some reason we both really enjoy that “Northern Ireland/Northern France” type weather where you can wear a light sweatshirt at all times.

It was perfect. We were lazy when it was appropriate, indulged in snacks whenever we pleased, wore comfy clothing the entire trip, got the kiddo’s feet into the ocean (which on day 3 she became afraid of for some reason, despite loving it the day before), and she got to play in the sand the likes of which she hadn’t previously. She had a blast and we got to relax all at the same time. If you are familiar with the island and are thinking “did you go to Assateague Island” the answer is no. I’m crazy allergic to horses and we were mega content with being by the boardwalk and just spending quality time together.

Special shout-out to Backshore Brewing Company on the Boardwalk. Holy shit that beer is delicious, and Mary was fun company as we talked about how crazy our kids can be. I promise a full review soon!

We may not do it that often, but when we do, we do it right. This is one of those things I’ve been looking forward to the most as a Dad, being able to take trips with the little one and show her new things. Give her experiences of the world to expand her horizons etc etc. I’m not sure where we’ll go next, but the travel bug that my wife and I share has resurfaced and given us another big 0l’ bite.

Ideas? Tips? Throw em at me! Comment below or tweet @pbdadcast or @bkmullen_ and lets chat!

-B.K.

It only makes sense that my daughter come here.

We’ve taken her to other Zoo’s, and trust me, she had an amazing time and they are really nice places with great staff. But there’s always been a certain level of magic to the Philadelphia Zoo. Maybe it’s cause of the history there, or simply the scale and design of the place. In certain ways it’s like taking a step back in time, or at least the sense of sharing and being a part of this space where thousands of people of spent time in, making memories of their own with their families.

Whatever it is, it’s certainly rubbed off on the little one. She absolutely loves the zoo, no matter what the weather is like, no matter the time of day, she’ll always be down for a trip to the zoo.

We stop in almost every exhibit, although she’s a bit frightened by the big cats. The Cheetah gives her a great smile lately but I think we’ll take our time introducing her to the Tigers.

The craziest part (it seems) is that no matter how many times we go, she’s always in a state of wonder. She has such a grand curiosity when it comes to these animals just like my wife and I did when we were kids. And it’s one of those things that provided a staple of our personalities: the love and protection of animals like these.

Sure, I have a certain level of hatred towards cats. I’m very heavily allergic, as is my whole family, and I once had a dream where a house cat bit off my hand…but I digress. I may curse them and make faces at them (and occasionally threaten their lives) but I would never wish ACTUAL physical harm on them. And when it comes to the types of animals at the zoo, we find ourselves especially sensitive.

A few hours after my daughter was born, I went for a walk. Cruising through the lobby I passed by the gift shop and a little something caught my eye. A stuffed giraffe. I bought it within a few minutes, the first gift I ever got for my daughter. I don’t know what it was but something felt so natural about connecting my child with such a beautiful creature.

The love of animals comes natural to us, and it’s clear in my daughters eyes as she gazes at the Rhino or the Polar Bear or even the Flamingo’s. The place itself feels as comfortable as our own back yard, and I can’t wait for the next trip.

-Ben

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