3decades3kids Visits Sesame Place Let’s Chat With Sean Roach from Sprout!

3decades3kids
Visits Sesame Place
and
Let’s Chat With 
Sean Roach from
Sprout TV
Recently our family visited Sesame Place and had the chance to 
get an up close meet up with Sean Roach from Sprout TV and his friend Chica from the Sunny Side Up Show!
Our family has been watching Sprout since just after Emily was born, so it was great to finally meet Sean and Chica! They have been a part of our morning for a long time. 
Emily could not have been more excited, especially when Chica had a conversation with her! What a great day!
We also had the chance to watch Sean and Chica as they put on a little show for all the fans at the Monster Rock theater. 
Sprout Weekend with Chica and Super Why was just one of the great Concert Weekends held at Sesame Place throughout the season.
I also had the chance to catch up with Sean Roach of Sprout”s Sunny Side Up Show and Noodle and Doodle! It was a delight to chat with him. Okay, so I did feel like I already knew him from years but it was great to see him on this side of the TV!

Let’s Chat With
Sean Roach 

Sean Roach Interviewed by 

Diane Sullivan

Diane: What is your primary job at Sprout?
Sean: I am the host of the Sunny Side Up Show and also the host of Noodle and Doodle.
Diane: How long have you been with Sprout?
Sean: About 4 1/2 years.
Diane: Well, that would be the whole time we have watched Sprout, since my daughter Emily is 5.
That’s why I feel like you have been on the show forever!
Diane: Do you live close to where the show films?
Sean: Yes, I live in Pennsylvania, but I spent many of my younger years growing up in Korea.
The years when I was a Spoutlet! They helped to shape me to be the person I am today.
Diane:What is your favorite part of working for Sprout?
Sean: My favorite part of working at Spout is the enjoyment I get knowing how much the children enjoy watching the show. It’s very magical to come out and do a live show and see the excitement on the faces of the children and everyone when they meet Chica in person. I love to travel and meet the fans and families. It’s such a pleasure to look into the audience and see everyone so happy and to know I am a part of that! I also love filming for Noodle and Doodle!
Diane: What is it like to work at Spout?
Sean: It’s a true pleasure. It’s great to work with the children on Noodle and Doodle and get to see them make a craft right there along side of me. The crew are like family to me. We all get along and have fun as we work! We all enjoy our jobs!
Diane: Speaking of Noodle and Doodle, I have to ask you, do you drive the bus?
Sean: Actually, I do drive the bus! The Noodle and Doodle bus is a real bus that has be refurbished for the show. It’s from some point in the 60’s. I do drive the bus, but the craft segment is filmed on set.
Diane: So you feel comfortable with all the wonderful recycled crafts and healthy cooking you do on Noodle and Doodle.
Sean: I do. My mom was a third grade teacher for many years. She would always have me come into her class for art projects. Her and I were very close and I miss her very much.
Diane: Your mom would be very proud!
Diane: Did you go to school for acting?
Sean: Actually, I went to school for fine arts. I love all of the arts- painting, pastels, watercolor, sculpture and drawing. I have a website that features my art: seanroacharts.com
Diane: I will definitely check it out. (I did check it out after the interview and you really need to take a look! Sean is very, very talented!).
Diane: Are you married? Any children?
Sean: I am married for a few years and have one son who is 2 years and 2 months old. His name is Everest.
Diane: What a great name. He is a lucky little guy.
Diane: Does your son watch you on Sprout? What does he think of Daddy being on TV?
Sean: My son does watch me on the Sunny Side Up Show and Noodle and Doodle. He loves the shows.
Diane: Does he call you Sean because on the show?
Sean: Everest calls me Daddy at home but, Sean if he wants to get my attention.
Diane: What a cutie!
Disclosure: Special thanks to Sesame Place for park passes/interview access. Special thanks to Sean Roach for taking out time from his busy day to meet up with me. It was such a pleasure to meet him and all the crew that accompanied him that day. 
All opinions are that of Diane Sullivan. 
Diane Sullivan/3decades3kids is a Sesame Place Ambassador Blogger.
sesameplace.com



Advance Auto Parts Monster Jam Path of Destruction Let’s Chat With Spider-Man Driver Bari Musawwir

Advanced Auto Parts
Monster Jam
Path of Destruction
Let’s Chat With
Spider-Man Driver
Bari Musawwir


Monster Jam Path of Destruction

Bari Musawwir  Interviewed By Diane Sullivan



Diane:How long have you been involved with Monster Jam?
Bari: I got started with Monster Jam in 2010, where my first race was in Panama City, Panama. In 2011, I competed and won the rookie of the year in the Young Guns Championship Shootout, where they take 8 of the best new drivers at the time and race head to head, elimination style.

Diane: What inspired you to drive a Monster Truck?
Bari: I’ve always loved cars and trucks growing up. At 6 years old, my mom took me to my first monster truck show and I was hooked. Soon after, we found a radio controlled car group in the area which became my hobby and turned into my passion. I maintained the cars, and of course raced them at home and at events. While racing the cars at an event, I got noticed by a Monster Jam representative who thought I could be successful as a monster truck driver, since a lot of the skills from RC cars transfer to monster trucks. I visited a test facility, did a few runs and the liked what they saw!

Diane: Were you always a driver or did you work in other ways like car repair?
Bari: Well the RC cars really gave me a crash course in the monster truck world as some of the skills of repairing and tricking out the cars transfer.

Diane: Have you driven other monster trucks besides Spider-Man?
Bari: Yes. I started driving Backwards Bob, which has the body reversed and looks like the truck is actually driving backwards. Then I drove Monster Mutt and El Toro Loco which have great fans and the trucks are fun to drive.

Diane: Have you ever been involved in a serious accident due to Monster Jam?
Bari:No, knock on wood. The Monster Jam trucks are really safe and the seat technology has come a long way. They actually custom fit the seats to your body, almost like a mold, so I’m the only one who can drive my truck. Plus the seat harness and the helmets keep you safe all around.

Diane: What is your favorite part of Monster Jam?
Bari:The fans! I was such a huge fan of the show growing up (still am) and I love interacting with them at the Pit Parties, where they can meet the Monster Jam drivers and see the trucks up close. I do consider myself to be a role model, since I was in a lot of their shoes, being a fan of the show and all and now I’m living my dream.

Diane:What does it feel like to be inside that Monster Truck!!!??
Bari:It’s amazing! From the moment I start the engine it’s like a transformation. My heart starts pounding, I tighten my harness, hear the crowd and I’m ready to go.

Diane:What does your family think of you driving in Monster Jam?
Bari:They love it! My dad is a pretty laid back guy, but when it comes to the Monster Jam shows he gets so into it. My wife totally supports me. We’re newlyweds, so it’s a little harder when I’m on the road, but I really only travel on the weekends so it works out.

Diane: Do you have children? Do they have an interest in driving Monster Trucks?
Bari:I have a step-daughter who’s 12 years old. I’m not sure if she would get involved in monster trucks. She thinks it’s cool, but she’s really into the girly things right now, so maybe her interest will grow a little further down the road.

Diane: I can’t even imagine getting into a regular car/truck after leaving the event. What is the transition like driving home from the event, after being in a monster truck?
Bari:Good question. I actually drive like a grandpa when I get home. You know I’m driving with the family in my Dodge Ram and it’s a lot more relaxed.  Plus my wife would kill me!

Diane:Thanks so much for taking time out of your day for this interview. I really appreciate it.Being a mom of three ages 21, 13 and 5, I have to say that we are new to the actual Monster Jam event, but long time fans of Monster Trucks! I am in awe of Monster trucks and their drivers! You rock! Would you like to add anything?
Bari:Thank you! I love talking about Monster Jam especially to people who aren’t familiar with it so they can fall in love with it like I did. At the Pit Parties I always end up talking to someone who’s seeing the show for the first time. Even if you’re not a motor sports fan, there’s just something about seeing it live that creates these die-hard fans and leaves people wanting more. But everyone should come out and see for themselves – especially the double back flip attempt by Tom Meents at the Path of Detruction at MetLife Stadium on June 16 – it’s going to be crazy!

Disclosure: Review, Giveaway and Interview Access provided by Monster Jam/Feld Entertainment. All opinions are that of Diane Sullivan.

Bari_Musawwir

Sesame Place -A Great Summer Choice -Langhorne, PA

Sesame Place
A Great Summer Choice
Langhorne, PA
About 2 hours from NYC
I was very honored this year to be chosen as a Sesame Place Ambassador Blogger. It’s quite exciting for me, especially since I have been a Sesame Place fan for the past 21 years! 
It’s hard to believe that after all these years, our family still enjoys making memories at Sesame Place. Maybe it’s because my three children are all 8 years apart being 21, 12 and 5. Sesame Place is located in Langhorne, PA and so close to NYC! 
Every time our family thought they had seen the last of our favorite theme park, a new little one would come along. Don’t get me wrong, my older kids come along to share the fun with their little sister, but on the other hand, they never do complain about being there. It brings back memories for them of when it was their own Sesame Place magical time.
Recently, we visited Sesame Place and the day could not have gone any better!
We visited during Sprout Weekend! As part of Sesame Place’s events and concerts you can see many different venues of talent!
It’s very heard to choose just one. A few weekends ago we visited during the Lazy Town weekend and it was fantastic.
You can check out the Concert Series by Clicking Here! Although, most concerts are free, you have to book ahead online to reserve your spot! There are still plenty to choose from: Dan Zanes and Friends, PBS/Super Why Kids Weekend with Sid and Buddy,
Besides the great concert series, you can have plenty of fun for the full day! You will never go bored at Sesame Place.
Our day started with a special buffet breakfast that included a meet and greet will the characters from Super Why and Sean and Chica from Sprout! There are also a bunch of character dining experiences you can choose from. You can check them out here.
If you don’t want to dine with the characters, you can always catch a character on Sesame Street, at a show, or during the parade!
No matter how many times we visit, we never leave without seeing the parade! You won’t want to miss it when you are there.
It was great weather for swimming on our trip and the kids could not wait to hit the water. After breakfast we headed to a little splish splash time. What I love about Sesame Place is that there are so many different areas for water fun! You can choose what is right for your family. If you have toddlers, they will probably love the Teeny Tiny Tidal Wave(a wave pool for the little ones). 
After drying off, we headed to one of the shows, the parade and of course the game section (the kids had to try their luck before the ride home).
Did I mention we always stop for a yummy treat?
We have a great time every time we visit Sesame Place and it’s a park that just keeps getting better!
We love it and you will, too!
Open EVERY DAY this summer!
Disclosure:Review Passes provided by Sesame Place as a Sesame Place Ambassador Blogger.
All opinions are that of Diane Sullivan.