As the weather is freezing outside and Tanner is finally consistently on one nap a day, I've been racking my brain trying to find ways to entertain him. Sadly we can't go walking around Taikang Lu anymore and with Tanner walking now he wants to go everywhere and get into everything.

I was so pleasantly surprised when I went to Grand Gateway the other day and saw Toys R Us opened. Thinking, "Great I can take Tanner into Toys R Us and play with some of the toys," I was even more pleasantly surprised when I turned the corner and saw what used to be the sad little ball pit play space renovated and now being managed by Toys R Us! Not only have they renovated the ball pit (so it now looks much cleaner) they also have a variety of large plastic play toys perfect for kids 0 - 4. There are slides, swings, rocking horses and other nifty toys, and best of all a Little Tikes car. Sadly there is only one car and all the kids want to ride it, so you have to be careful of mini carjackers. We had a lesson in sharing and lining up the other day, but it did kind of ruin the experience for little T as he had his car jacked from him. Luckily there are plenty of slides for all the play on so he was easily distracted.

Best of all, after playing we headed downstairs to eat at Bistrow by Wagas only to find that the other half of Bistrow is now Wagas! I was able to enjoy some yummy Wagas pasta while I got to finally get that yummy Bistrow chicken burger I've been craving for 3 weeks. And top if all off with some great fresh squeezed juice, Grand Gateway really is children's paradise now for winter time. With Kidtown closed for renovations until end of January, Grand Gateway is definitely the place to take your kids. See you guys there!