Friday, August 31, 2012

Halloween Already?


Shinko came yesterday! And he came exactly when I got my
Halloween photo shoot ready for my boys. I wanted to try out
something cool and new...and Shinko was able to help :-)
He makes a great Pirate Monkey. He had a lot of fun watching
the kids all dressed up and having fun with the smoke from
the Smoke machine!






We have a lot to show him this week! And we are exited to
have him here. For those who want to see all the Pictures
from the Photo shoot here is a Link:

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Shinko is currently being hosted by Sabine Betschart of Your Photo World LTD.
Specializing in Portrait Photography. Maternity, Newborn,
Baby, Child, Family, Wedding and other special occasions



Become a Fan on Sabine's Facebook Page:

Aquarium!!!


Dear Mom,

 Remember the boat I told you about?  Here's a picture of me and my friends Cullen and Addison's mom.  Her name is Jamie.  She held me tight to make sure I wouldn't fall off the boat.


We went to the aquarium and I got to sit in a crocodile's mouth!  He wasn't alive, but he was still pretty scary.


I got to see some real ones too.  This one was white and had weird colored eyes!


We saw lots of other fun animals at the aquarium too, but it was pretty dark in there.  There was so much water!  We got to pet sharks too.


 My favorite part of vacation was breakfast.  We had yummy stuff like pancakes and waffles every morning.  I got my own plate, but had to be careful to keep my tail out of the syrup.

I'm sad to be leaving Addison and Cullen, but I'm very excited to meet new friends.

I miss you and love you,
Shinko


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Shinko was recently hosted by Jamie and family.  You can read more about Shinko's visit at Jamie's blog, Mama Mommy Mom.  You can also find Jamie and Mama Mommy Mom on Facebook.

Thursday, August 30, 2012

"Hanging" with Cullen and Family

Dear Mom,
I was very tired yesterday, but got to take a nap with my new friend Cullen in his car. We were in the car for a long time.  It's a long way to the beach.  Cullen gave me lots of hugs and kisses and I really liked snuggling with him.  His sister Addison is nice, but I like Cullen best.

We got to ride on a really big boat today.  It was so big that we could drive our car on it!  A lot of other people did too.  I got to see some really cool birds, and we even fed them pretzels.  See them flying over my head?  They scared me a little at first because they were getting so close, but Cullen's mom said it was ok and that they wouldn't touch me.

I'm having so much fun, but I miss you too.  I'll write again soon...

Love,
Shinko

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Shinko was recently hosted by Jamie and family.  You can read more about Shinko's visit at Jamie's blog, Mama Mommy Mom.  You can also find Jamie and Mama Mommy Mom on Facebook.

Tuesday, June 26, 2012

Traveling Shinko: Maine to NY



Shinko made it to Maine on Thursday, June 21st.  Spent some his first evening getting to know the other family members who found him very interesting!  

Shinko didn't stay up too late that night though, he was little tired from his travel to us and had to be up bright and early for the big motorcycle weekend trip to NY with my husband Dennis.

They left Friday at 8am for a 5 hour ride and stopped along the way.  One of the best stops was Hogback Mountain in Vermont where Shinko climbed around on a scenic railing taking in the sights.  He had a wonderful day in Pattersonville, NY taking in the sights and eating lots of food.  At the end of the day he was so wiped out and thought it was so cool he was going to be sleeping in a tent, he insisted on a picture of him in the tent!  Sunday they start their ride back home to Maine and should arrive back sometime in the afternoon.

Friday, June 15, 2012

Southern Maryland!


Dear Mom,

I made it here to Southern Maryland. I got a few boo boos on the way here. Nothing a coupleband aids and kisses couldn't fix though. This house is full of boys, its so exciting. I didn't get to relax long after getting here before we were in the car and on our way to a graduation party. I got to ride with Oliver in the car. It was a little bumpy so he made sure to hold onto me tight so I didn't fall. The party was a blast. I got to enjoy some red velvet cake for desert.

The next day we got to go feed some ducks. I rode on Logen's shoulders just to be careful. Their Mom didn't want the ducks to mistake me for a piece of bread. It was fun, I even got to see some fish that came up to eat the bread that was floating in the water.

I get to sleep at night in a bunk bed. Its really high from the ground. The boys Mom told me I had to be careful and not monkey around so that I didn't fall out of the bed. I am having a great time. 

Miss you,
Shinko


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Shinko is being hosted in Maryland right now.  Check out the host Mom's shop, Fluff-N-Stuff Baby, Southern Maryland's one stop for cloth diapers and natural parenting products.  Or check it out on Facebook.

If you would like to host Shinko in your home for a week, please be sure to read all the details on his blog pages here (tabs above) then email sockmonkeytrails@gmail.com to get the process started. SockMonkeyTrails.blogspot.com is a blog of As You Wish Creations, a Mom-owned small business specializing in creating lovable sock monkeys like Shinko.
On Facebook: As You Wish Creations


Chillin' in the Calm of Early Morning


Dear Mom,

This is my last day here in Baltimore before I go to my new host family.  I decided to spend the morning in the sunroom, enjoying the peace and quiet before everyone gets up and moving. This is a crazy household!  They are always doing something so it’s nice to have a little time for myself.   I’ve had a great time with the Baltimore Monkeys and all their friends. 

They want me to tell you that I was a perfect guest and that I’m welcome to visit any time.  I know you miss me as much as I miss you but thank you for sending me on this adventure!

See you soon,
Shinko


__________________________________________________
Shinko is being hosted in Maryland right now.

If you would like to host Shinko in your home for a week, please be sure to read all the details on his blog pages here (tabs above) then email sockmonkeytrails@gmail.com to get the process started. SockMonkeyTrails.blogspot.com is a blog of As You Wish Creations, a Mom-owned small business specializing in creating lovable sock monkeys like Shinko.



On Facebook: As You Wish Creations


Monday, June 11, 2012

Shinko: Mail Carrier Assistant


Dear Mom,

You know how when I travel from host family to host family, I always have to travel in an envelope in the back of a mail truck?  Well today I got to travel in style and deliver some mail with my host family’s neighbor!  She is a mail carrier and stopped by the house just so I could ride with her.  She thought since I spent so much time riding in the back that just this once I could have a different view.

This was so much fun!

See you soon,
Shinko

__________________________________________________
Shinko is being hosted in Maryland right now.

If you would like to host Shinko in your home for a week, please be sure to read all the details on his blog pages here (tabs above) then email sockmonkeytrails@gmail.com to get the process started. SockMonkeyTrails.blogspot.com is a blog of As You Wish Creations, a Mom-owned small business specializing in creating lovable sock monkeys like Shinko.



On Facebook: As You Wish Creations


Sunday, June 10, 2012

Good Times in Baltimore


Dear Mom,

What a weekend!

Friday night in Baltimore was crazy – at least eight tornadoes in the area! – but don’t worry, none close to where I was.  We decided to stay home and watch movies.  I got to be in charge of the popcorn.  The dogs go crazy for it so I “accidentally” dropped some on the floor.

Saturday morning was beautiful so everyone decided to go kayaking on Chesapeake Bay.  Here’s a picture of me getting a safety lesson before we went on the water.  I had a great time waving at all the other boaters and even managed to stay dry!

Saturday night we went to Frederick, Maryland.  I played with my new friend, Colton (thanks to Liam for all of his hide-and-seek tips!), and then we left the boys home so we could have a girl’s night out.  Adelyn offered to share her food with me because her mom brought…..bananas!  I like popcorn a lot better than baby food but it was a nice gesture.

I was so wiped out from all the fun on Saturday that I spent Sunday lounging on the deck.  Don’t worry, I used SPF50 sunscreen!

See you soon,
Shinko


__________________________________________________
Shinko is being hosted in Maryland right now.

If you would like to host Shinko in your home for a week, please be sure to read all the details on his blog pages here (tabs above) then email sockmonkeytrails@gmail.com to get the process started. SockMonkeyTrails.blogspot.com is a blog of As You Wish Creations, a Mom-owned small business specializing in creating lovable sock monkeys like Shinko.



On Facebook: As You Wish Creations

Monday, June 4, 2012

Magic in Baltimore


Dear Mom,

You must have worked some awesome magic in Baltimore!  I went from staying with Liam and his family to staying with their friend and her two “monkeys”, Seamus and Finnegan.  I didn’t even have to travel in an envelope to get there J

Finnegan works really hard to be good and his first picture with me was a little blurry because he wanted to say hi.  He’s still a puppy.  Seamus showed him how to pose so we finally got this great shot of the three of us.  After the photo shoot, the boys took me to their favorite park and taught me how to go down the slide like they do.  I even got to meet some of their other friends.  Since I was new, they did a lot of sniffing but it seems I passed their test.  One even brought me a stick to play with (I have to say, I don’t really understand why dogs are so fascinated with sticks but I was polite and threw it for her).

Can’t wait to see what else these guys have planned for me!

Love,
Shinko


_________________________________________________
Shinko is being hosted in Maryland right now.  

If you would like to host Shinko in your home for a week, please be sure to read all the details on his blog pages here (tabs above) then email sockmonkeytrails@gmail.com to get the process started. SockMonkeyTrails.blogspot.com is a blog of As You Wish Creations, a Mom-owned small business specializing in creating lovable sock monkeys like Shinko.
On Facebook: As You Wish Creations

Shinko In Baltimore




















Dear Mom- Me again.

 As I've said, I'm having a great time here in Baltimore. There is lots to do and see with my new buddy Liam outside the house. But, we've also had a ton of fun inside.

His family is in the process of painting the entire inside of their house and they let me help which was a lot of fun. I was really careful to make sure that I didn't get any on me.

 I also got the chance to go with Liam to school. We were all smiles and giggles and we had a great time on the way. I also got to ride in his carseat on the way back to pick him up, it was so comfy and I loved being able to surprise him.

We have had such an amazing week together and I'm sad to go. Liam and his mamma knows the next host mamma and they say she's really awesome. She has two dogs and I can't wait to have a great time with her too. I can't wait to meet my next host mom.

I can't wait to meet my next host mom. If you want to check out more about Liam's mom, Alissa, you can find her at CleverCompass.com, on Twitter and Facebook.

Love- Shinko

Tuesday, May 29, 2012

Shinko Likes To Play



Dear Mom-

My travels to Baltimore were uneventful. I had a great time checking out all the different post offices on my way there. I had a great time waiting in Baltimore for Liam and his family to come get me. Their mailbox is tiny, but I just grabbed myself some bubble wrap and took a nice nap.

The wait was well worth it, because I just loved hearing how happy Liam was to have me visit for a week. He's an only child and I just loved every part of being his baby brother this week. He taught be all about his love for playing and for being outside. We played endless games of hide-and-seek (I've really gotten good at counting.), how to climb a tree, and I had a ton of fun with chalk. I had myself traced and even drew a flag with my tail!

I've had a really great time so far in Baltimore. I can't wait to tell you more about it soon. If you want to check out more about my host mom, Alissa, you can find her at CleverCompass.com, on Twitterand Facebook

Love-

Shinko








Monday, April 30, 2012

Learning about Community Caring


"Shinko came along to our local Culver's restaurant tonight. We usually do a monthly fundraiser there to collect money for our home and school board, but tonight's fundraiser was for a 12 year old boy named Eric.

Eric was at baseball practice last week when he was struck in the neck with a ball. Sadly, Eric passed away the day after the accident. Our wonderful community came out in full force tonight to show support to Eric and his family. Culver's is donating a portion of the entire days proceeds to Eric's family to help lessen any financial worries they may have.

I was told by our sweet waitress that the restaurant was packed all day long! The district had a half day today so it was a steady stream of students from our community throughout the whole day. It's pretty chilly today so nobody was eating outside. It was standing room only inside the doors, and the drive thru was wrapped around the parking lot at least twice with many many more cars in surrounding lots waiting to pull in.  Such a heartbreaking loss, but I am so proud of my community."  ~Nikki, host Mom


_________________________________________________
Shinko is being hosted in Illinois right now, with his third host family.  Check out the host Mom's lovely shop for some unique gifts for all ages at DreamNColor and follow DreamNColor on Facebook.

If you would like to host Shinko in your home for a week, please be sure to read all the details on his blog pages here (tabs above) then email sockmonkeytrails@gmail.com to get the process started. SockMonkeyTrails.blogspot.com is a blog of As You Wish Creations, a Mom-owned small business specializing in creating lovable sock monkeys like Shinko.
On Facebook: As You Wish Creations

Thursday, April 26, 2012

Shinko in Illinois

 Shinko is awesome! We are loving his visit with us. 



Matylin and Kaylin wouldn't stop fighting over him at first, so we decided they would each get a day with him, and flip flop through the week.
He had a great time at the library!!! Helped Matylin pick out some really great books. I couldn't pull either one of them away from a fascinating book about the Wright brothers.  When I said it was time to go, Shinko and Matylin disappeared, but I found them tucked away in the reading cubby.

Reading about the Wright Brothers
FOUND in the reading cubby!

Unfortunately Kaylin has been having some pain in her lower back, so we had to go to the doctor. Shinko LOVED all the cool tools in the room, he couldn't stop playing with them!  When the doctor started to come in he froze by the blood pressure cuff. He said later that he was hoping the doctor wouldn't notice him.


Giving his love and support...

Hiding from the doctor.














We made a trip to hospital as well for some lab work. I asked him to stay home and keep an eye on Simon (our big fat cat), but he was so worried for Kaylin that he managed to sneak into her bag. He is a pretty tricky monkey.  So he kept the girls giggling while we waited for our turn.

We've got lots of work to do in the studio this week and Shinko is being very helpful. He has quite an eye for color! 

We're super excited for Sunday to get here because Matylin and Kaylin's Aunt Dawn is running in her first marathon, and we're all going to cheer her on!

I'll write again soon! Shinko told Kaylin he misses you very much!!!

__________________________________________________
Shinko is being hosted in Illinois right now, with his third host family.  Check out the host Mom's lovely shop for some unique gifts for all ages at DreamNColor and follow DreamNColor on Facebook.


If you would like to host Shinko in your home for a week, please be sure to read all the details on his blog pages here (tabs above) then email sockmonkeytrails@gmail.com to get the process started. SockMonkeyTrails.blogspot.com is a blog of As You Wish Creations, a Mom-owned small business specializing in creating lovable sock monkeys like Shinko.



On Facebook: As You Wish Creations

Monday, April 23, 2012

Dear Mom

Dear Mom,

I'm enjoying my last morning here in Ohio. I have had a wonderful time.

Saturday, Neacel had his first soccer game, and they won. Then we all went and got some hot cocoa. I didn't love it to be honest. Saturday the weather was yucky so we relaxed at the house, but relaxing always has to come with something sweet, so we made some Triple Chocolate Muffins. A perfect game of hide and go seek to go with the muffins. I kept hiding in the toy box, I blended in perfectly and no one could ever find me. I am really good at hide and go seek.





My week was so much fun. Tons of playing and site seeing. Plenty of sweets thanks to a pregnant moms cravings, and I made some pretty great friends.  Looking forward to my next adventure in Illinois! 

Missing you!
Love,
Shinko

____________________________________________________________________________
Shinko is now leaving his host family in Ohio right now. You can learn more about the host family and learn more about "raising boys, staying sane, finding deals, freebies, giveaways and more" at the host Mom, Mandy's, blog Raising Little Dudes.

If you would like to host Shinko in your home for a week, please be sure to read all the details on his blog pages here (tabs above) then email sockmonkeytrails@gmail.com to get the process started. SockMonkeyTrails.blogspot.com is a blog of As You Wish Creations, a Mom-owned small business specializing in creating lovable sock monkeys like Shinko.
On Facebook: As You Wish Creations

Nature Reserve

Shinko recently visited a nature reserve with his host family in Ohio!

"We have been trying to keep Shinko busy and show him everything we can in the area. We went on a little "hike" as Neacel calls it. It's really just a paved walk at a nature reserve, either way its really pretty. Shinko was a little concerned about other animals there, but we only ran into a dog...." 

Please read the rest of the story and see more pictures at Raising Dudes.
____________________________________________________________________________
Shinko is being hosted in Ohio right now, with his second host family. You can learn more about the host family and learn more about "raising boys, staying sane, finding deals, freebies, giveaways and more" at the host Mom, Mandy's, blog Raising Little Dudes.

If you would like to host Shinko in your home for a week, please be sure to read all the details on his blog pages here (tabs above) then email sockmonkeytrails@gmail.com to get the process started. SockMonkeyTrails.blogspot.com is a blog of As You Wish Creations, a Mom-owned small business specializing in creating lovable sock monkeys like Shinko.
On Facebook: As You Wish Creations

Wednesday, April 18, 2012

I Love Ohio!

Dear Mom,
Hi from Ohio!
Mom this place is pretty cool! I got to go on a train ride.  It was longer than expected, but we got to see the conductor and everything. He was really nice. We have gone to the park, played with toys, rode bikes (well not me personally but Neacel held on to me), and they are planning a fun picnic with the other animals in Neacel's room.

Tomorrow we are going into Akron to see Neacel's friend Hugh. I heard he has drums that I can play, and a sandbox full of rice. How neat is that? Tonight I got to go watch Neacel practice soccer.  He has his first game on Saturday and I'm so excited to go.

Neacel's little brother Brody is pretty nice too. He doesn't talk, but I get a ton of hugs from him. He does scream at Neacel though when Neacel tries to get me back.   :0)

I miss you, but I want you to know I'm having a blast here.

Miss you tons
xoxo, Shinko

PS. I hope you like the picture. I was able to act like a train conductor for a few minutes. I will send you some more pictures and another letter soon...  Oh, and you can read more details about my train ride at my host Mom's blog, Raising Little Dudes.
____________________________________________________________________________
Shinko is being hosted in Ohio right now, with his second host family. You can learn more about the host family and learn more about "raising boys, staying sane, finding deals, freebies, giveaways and more" at the host Mom, Mandy's, blog Raising Little Dudes.

If you would like to host Shinko in your home for a week, please be sure to read all the details on his blog pages here (tabs above) then email sockmonkeytrails@gmail.com to get the process started. SockMonkeyTrails.blogspot.com is a blog of As You Wish Creations, a Mom-owned small business specializing in creating lovable sock monkeys like Shinko.
On Facebook: As You Wish Creations

Friday, April 13, 2012

Ultimate Blog Party 2012: Meet Shinko!

Ultimate Blog Party 2012



Welcome
Ultimate Blog Party Guests!

Sock Monkey Trails features sock monkeys from As You Wish Creations on the adventure of a lifetime - traveling across the country in search of new experiences! Host families take care of a cute little -and maybe a little mischievous- sock monkey while taking him/her on the daily adventures we call life. Here you will see and read about all the adventures!

At Sock Monkey Trails you can follow in the footsteps of your favorite little stuffed monkey...  Is he taking a hike this week? Did he go to story time at the library? Is he hangin' around the monkey bars at the playground? Whatever this little sock monkey is doing, he is making the most of it, enjoying himself to the fullest, and always saying "cheeeezze" with a BIG smile when he's in front of the camera! Sock monkeys from As You Wish Creations always love a great adventure - large or small outing - they are going to have fun! And they're sure to make you smile too when you see them having fun!

Want to know the best part of this Sock Monkey Trails adventure? You can have a sock monkey visit you too... and you can take him (or her) on all your adventures for a week and share with everyone, through this blog, what you two did together - what your adventures were and how the monkey liked it! And we hope you'll take pictures to share as well!

Are you ready to host a monkey? Read more about it on the Hosting page and email me.

 

Dear Mom

Dear Mom,
We were on our way to the post office this morning so that I could be on my way to my next adventure when I got a really bad pain in my leg, Jenni took one look at me and knew right away I would need stitches. They didn't hurt much, and I was very brave. They asked if I needed a band-aid, but I said no, I wanted them to know I was tough.

Talk soon,
Love Shinko

Oh no, Shinko! 
I have decided, in the interest of product improvement, to bring Shinko home before his next adventure. He will come home for reconstruction and will head back on out to his next adventure in the days to come.
 (he will be an all-new, new and improved Shinko!)

Friday, April 6, 2012

UPDATE!

It seems that Shinko is getting into more things than just the hanging birthday banner...  See more of him at Monday Morning Coffee!  UNBELIEVABLE!  I did say he was a bit curious... 

Love, Shinko

Awww!  Shinko wrote a letter to me.  I am so happy to hear directly from him and want to share it with you:
Shinko hanging from the birthday banner.
Oh BOY!  I sure hope Shinko isn't making too much trouble for his host family!

Dear Mom,
Thank you so much for sending me out to Colorado. I am having a lot of fun playing with the kids, their dogs and especially their toys! Just the other day I found a fun, colorful birthday banner that I could swing on, it made the children laugh when they saw me! I hope that you are having a good week, I miss you!
                              Love,
                                  Shinko

 

Shinko is being hosted in Colorado right now, with his very first host family. You can learn more about the host family and check out some great recipes, photography and reviews/giveaways at the host Mom, Jenni's, blog
Monday Morning Coffee.  You might even find more about Shinko's visit there!

If you would like to host Shinko in your home for a week, please be sure to read all the details on his blog pages here (tabs above) then email sockmonkeytrails@gmail.com to get the process started. SockMonkeyTrails.blogspot.com is a blog of As You Wish Creations, a Mom-owned small business specializing in creating lovable sock monkeys like Shinko.
On Facebook: As You Wish Creations

Thursday, April 5, 2012

Bananas and Legos

Devin, Shinko's very first host, wrote in about his arrival. Apparently, he has learned something new...

"I think that when Shinko first arrived he was a bit nervous and scared to be in a new place, but I was so excited and I could not believe that we were his first host family. As soon as he settled in from his travels we got right to playing legos. Then he asked for a banana, so my mom had to run to the store to get some!! He asked to play legos again, he is really good at building creations. I am really having a good time with Shinko."

~Devin

Shinko is being hosted in Colorado right now, with his very first host family.  You can learn more about the host family and check out some great recipes, photography and reviews/giveaways at the host Mom, Jenni's, blog Monday Morning Coffee.

If you would like to host Shinko in your home for a week, please be sure to read all the details on his blog pages here (tabs above) then email sockmonkeytrails@gmail.com to get the process started.  SockMonkeyTrails.blogspot.com is a blog of As You Wish Creations, a Mom-owned small business specializing in creating lovable sock monkeys like Shinko.

On Facebook: As You Wish Creations