A LEGO Exclusive - 3300003

This weekend we attended our first ever LEGO Store Grand Opening.  We went to the store in Victor, NY about 20 minutes before it opened.  The line was a bit long, but not terrifying.  The main purpose of our trip was to try and get one of the exclusive LEGO Brand Retail Store models they were giving away. Fortunately, they had a decent supply on hand, so we were able to get one!

It's a really cute set.  The door handles are attached to transparent clear headlight bricks, which is the first time we've run into those.

There's a Pick-a-Brick wall in the back, and a stack of cups next to the register.

On the sides are LEGO sets, with technics acting as the displays.

We also finally caved in and bought the VIP-Members only Mini Modulars set.  I'll try to post about that soon.  It's still a work in progress.

Building Challenge Update

I'm actually remembering to post this week!  Yay!  This week is sort of a hodgepodge, though.  I hope to get back to "organized" building challenges next week.

LEGOBoy made a cool model that I keep forgetting to post, so I'll start there.  Here's his microscale Optimus Prime in vehicle mode.

Optimus Prime, by LEGOBoy

It took him no time at all to whip up this model, which is pretty impressive.  He also designed it so the cab is easily detached from the trailer, as shown in the picture below.  Gotta love his attention to detail.

A few weeks ago I posted this picture of a partially constructed modular building I started.

I'm happy to report that building has progressed.  Here's what it looks like now:

Modular Residence, by LEGOMom

I finished the second floor, redesigned the front light, and have started the roof.  It still needs landscaping though.  It's very plain compared to the complicated facades that LEGO comes up with, but overall I'm satisfied with it.  I wanted a residential property to squeeze next to the LEGO buildings, and this fits the bill.

That's the latest from here.  Thanks for dropping in for a visit!

Visiting a LEGO Store

I know, I know...Fridays are supposed to be building challenge days, but life has gotten a little hectic. I'm managing to find time for a quick post, though, so that should count for something!

Last week the LEGOFamily and I went to visit our nearest LEGO store, which means visiting a foreign country.  The closest store is just outside of Toronto, so we made the trip up there.  (A new LEGO store will be opening at the end of the month in upstate NY...YAY!)

It's very cool to see all the sets and displays that the LEGO store has, and they usually have a small clearance section.  But for us, the big draw is the Pick-a-Brick wall.  For one price you get to jam as many pieces into a plastic cup as you can.  The supply of pieces is limited, but it's still a lot of fun.  I should mention that we are casual Pick-a-Brickers.  I've read accounts of people taking the time to stick pieces together to minimize the empty space in the cup.  We do try to fill up the cup completely, but we don't take any extraordinary measures in doing so.

LEGOGirl, being a LEGOBaby, thought it was great fun to reach into the bins of pieces and pull out pieces to walk around with.  Thus we ended up taking home some pieces we really didn't need more of.  If you haven't ever experienced the joy of Pick-a-Brick, I'd encourage you to do so.

We also enjoy the Build-a-Mini kiosk.  There you can build any minifig you want from the available pieces.  This time there were parts from some of the recent collectible minifig series.  It's fun to be able to take home some specially designed little people.

One of the cutest moments we had in the store was when LEGOGirl found the keychains.  There were many cast-offs at the bottom of the display, and she had the best time hanging them back up on the hooks.  Of course, she didn't care about putting Kai back with all the other Kai's, and LEGOMom couldn't let that slide.  And then LEGOGirl decided to start taking them all down again, and then it was time to be picked up by Mom.  :)

Building Challenge #12

Welcome back to our regularly scheduled Friday Building Challenges!  We hope you enjoyed the tour of our LEGO room.  Now we're back to share what we've been up to.

Building Challenge #12 - Think Spring!

This week we decided to make creations that remind us of Spring.  The warmer temps we had a few weeks ago have caused many plants to begin budding earlier than usual, putting us into a spring-y state of mind.

Up first this week is LEGOBoy with not one, but TWO, nature-inspired models.  The first is his very clever "April Showers Bring May Flowers".

April Showers Bring May Flowers, by LEGOBoy

I really love how he managed to support the cloud using clear transparent pieces and put blue ones into those same supports so it would look like rain was falling.  He's one clever kid :).

For his second model, he built a Bamboo Plant.  I really love this model - there's something sort of Zen about it and his design was very clever once again.  Inside the base he used technic pieces to attach that long green piece from one of the Atlantis sets.  It just amazes me how he engineers things.  So cool.

Bamboo Plant, by LEGOBoy

I borrowed the base from LEGOBoy's Bamboo Plant to photograph my contributions.  I've been wanting to try making some LEGO flowers, so I took about 2 hours and played around with different designs.  The first is my best attempt at a Daffodil.  I like it, but it was a very difficult build.  I tried lots of variations.

Daffodil, by LEGOMom

 My second flower came together much more quickly.  It's sort of like a Gerber Daisy.

Gerber Daisy, by LEGOMom

For the petals, I used baseball hats.  I think it looks sort of cool.

Hope you enjoyed our latest creations!  Have a great Easter weekend!