NEW Items Available

I have listed several new LEGO items for sale, including LEGO stickers and sets of LEGO plates.  This month, with any $5 purchase, you will receive instructions [pdf file] for this model - FREE!

Check it out, either by clicking the "FOR SALE" tab above, or following this link.

New Ninjago Spinner Packs - 9569, 9572

The new Ninjago spinner packs are starting to arrive in stores.  LEGOBoy came home the other day with news that a boy on the playground had NRG Kai.  I was surprised that another LEGOParent had apparently acquired new LEGOs before us!  Sure enough, we found the new stuff, too.

Then just yesterday I found Spitta (9569) and NRG Cole (9572).

I really do like the spinner packs, which is unfortunate because it means that as soon as I see one I grab it. Both of these guys came from the local Target.  *Finally* poor Lasha has a friend.

Review - LEGO Mini Modulars - VIP Exclusive (10230)

As promised, here's a little info about set #10230, the Mini Modulars Exclusive Set.  Each building comes in its own bag, which is kind of cool.  I learned a lot of techniques and new uses for pieces by building these little guys.  The detail is just amazing.

I really think the only way to truly appreciate this set is to build it for yourself.  I also built this just after finishing the Fire Brigade, and it was neat to build the mini of it while the full-size version was still fresh in my mind.

If you are a fan of the Modular Buildings, then this set is a no-brainer.  You need it.  It's inspired me to try and create a mini-mod as cool as these.  So far I've been having a rough time of it, which just gives me an even greater appreciation for the LEGO designers who come up with a set as cool as this.  It's really tough to make intricate buildings on a scale this small.

I will say, however, that I'm about sick of piling 1x1 plates on top of each other.  The darn things bother me if they aren't perfectly lined up with each other, and it's just so easy for them to be slightly twisted out of place.  I'm sure there are a lot of folks who don't have that particular hang-up, and will find this build more enjoyable as a result!

Side note:  My seven-year-old built the Green Grocer, despite the fact that this set is 12+.  You do have to have a good eye for detail, though.  A lot of pieces get thrown down in a single step, and they're all so tiny!

Building Challenge #13

Happy Friday once again!  This week we managed to choose a building challenge theme, and one of us got around to completing a model.  One of us got sidetracked by a microscale building project.  Anyway...

Building Challenge #13 - A Monumental Task

This week we decide to try and recreate a famous monument.  I had trouble trying to decide what to make, and ended up being the one who got sidetracked.  LEGOBoy, however, came up with a great model - the Washington Monument.

Washington Monument, by LEGOBoy

I had to try and darken up the background so you could see the monument part of it in the picture.  We didn't have the piece he wanted for the top of the monument - he wanted a four-sided slope.  I was able to convince him that the cone was a good enough alternative.

I love how he did the flags and the reflecting pool.  He hasn't seen the monument in person yet, and I thought he did a great job.  I suspect he might change a few things up once he does get to see the real thing.

Oh!  I forgot!  We have a first-model-ever to show from LEGOGirl, who is a year-and-a-half old.  It's kind of like a monument or statue.

Monument, by LEGOGirl

I made the underlying structure of it, and walked away.  LEGOGirl added all her Princess & Pooh friends and carried it over to show me.  I think she did a great job!  It's hard for her to get everyone standing so close to each other like that.  So there you have it - LEGOGirl's first model!

Enjoy your weekend - here's hoping it's LEGO-filled and fun!