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July 2008
Five things to do with your kids this week Aug. 1-7
Are your kids bored with summer yet? Add some variety to your entertainment with these five ideas for fun Aug. 1-7, 2008:
1. Aullwood Ice Cream Social, Sunday, Aug. 3., 2-4 p.m.: Cool off with a delicious ice cream sundae at the Olde Fashioned Family Sundae in the Marie S. Aull Education Center’s auditorium, plus check out a parade of Aullwood’s animals including its newest resident — a kestrel (a small falcon). Admission to the event is free, but there is a charge for each dish of ice cream ($2 for ages 2-18, $2.25 for senior citizens and $2.50 for adults). Proceeds benefit Aullwood’s environmental education programs for children. Aullwood Audubon Center & Farm is located at 1000 Aullwood Road, Dayton
2. Craft with plants, Wednesday, Aug. 6, 1:30-2:30 p.m., Possum Creek Metro Park: Tired of the usual craft project at home? Bring your little ones to the park for some arts and crafts inspired by nature. Children ages 3-6 can make leaf and flower rubbings in this free program. Call (937) 276-7062 to register. The park is located at 4790 Frytown Road, Dayton.
3. Go fly a kite Tuesday, Aug. 5, 10-11 a.m. at RiverScape MetroPark: The Wright brothers learned about motion and the forces of flight by experimenting with kites and gliders. Using only household materials, children ages 3-8 will build a sled kite to fly and experience the principles of flight firsthand, weather permitting, of course. This free kite workshop is presented by Dayton Aviation Heritage National Historical Park. Bring a blanket or towel for seating. Call (937) 274-0126 for more information.
4. See your Nick Jr. faves on a movie screen, Aug. 2 and Aug. 7, Cinema de Luxe at The Greene: Every Thursday and Saturday morning at 10 a.m., The Cinema de Luxe is featuring Nick Jr. stars Dora, Diego, The Wonder Pets and The Backyardigans on the big screen in sing-along music videos and TV episodes Dora will be featured Aug. 2 and The Backyardigans will be featured Aug. 7. Tickets are $6. On a related note, Regal Cinemas Hollywood 20 at the Mall at Fairfield Commons is participating in the Free Family Film Festival at 10 a.m. on Tuesday and Wednesday Aug. 5-6. Kids and their parents can get in free to one of two selected G- or PG-rated films. First come, first served.
5. Play garden games and listen to garden stories, Tuesday, Aug. 5, 2-3 p.m., Wegerzyn Gardens MetroPark: Play games ranging form hula hoop contests to scavenger hunts, to bingo and more or listen to a garden stories. No registration required. Free. Ages 1-10. The park is located at 1301 E. Siebenthaler Ave.
Got more ideas? Share them here.
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Want to wake up with Hannah Montana?
Just when you thought the Hannah Montana craze couldn’t get bigger …
A TV show, DVDs, movies, CDs, sold-out tours, make-overs at Club Libby Lu, controversial photos, merchandising mania … now Hannah Montana wake-up calls.
Yes, Wal-Mart has teamed with Disney to offer free wake-up calls from Hannah Montana, (Miley Cyrus), as part of its back-to-school campaign. Parents can sign their kids up for a prerecorded wake-up call, an activity reminder or a back-to-school shopping reminder (conveniently at Wal-Mart, perhaps?).
There is no cost to register for a call, however, mobile phone charges will apply.
What will they think of next?
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5 things to do with your kids in Dayton July 25-31
Looking for some ideas for fun with the kids this week? Here are some ideas to spice up your kid-friendly entertainment calendar.
1. Slides, climbing wall at Splash Moraine!: If you’re planning to head to the pool for a day of fun in the sun this week, why not plan your visit around two special events this week at Splash Moraine! at 3800 Main St. in Moraine. On Saturday, July 26, children can take a break from the pool and play on a giant inflatable slide from noon to 6 p.m. On Monday, July 28, children can climb on a 30-foot climbing wall from noon to 6 p.m. For more information, call (937) 535-1095. Regular admission to the water park is $7.50 for youth ages 3-17 and $9 for adults. No additional charge for either event.
2. Momtopia event at Mall at Fairfield Commons: Need to get a jump-start on your back-to-school shopping? If you head to the mall in Beavercreek on Friday, July 25, check out Momtopia from 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at the mall’s center court. Children can sing and dance to the music of Miss Joanie, while moms can enter a gift-card raffle or get a mini-makeover. No admission charge.
3. Kids can “Get Animated” at The Greene: Your kids can have fun with their favorite cartoon characters without plopping down in front of a television as the Get Animated tour hits The Greene in Beavercreek on Saturday, July 26, from noon to 5 p.m. The 40-city tour, now in its fourth year, is a pro-social, pro-lifestyle program designed to motivate, energize and educate kids ages 6-11 about healthy living choices. Activities include a kickball station, tennis challenge, obstacle course, bicycle race, bowling challenge and limbo competition. There will be character appearances as well. All activities are themed around the Cartoon Network’s original cartoon series.
4. Check out special movie deal for kids: Every Saturday and Sunday at 10 a.m., kids and their parents get into one selected family-friendly movie at the Cinema de lux at The Greene in Beavercreek. A child’s admission for $3.50 includes two coupons for a Kid’s Pack at the concessions, which includes a popcorn and a small drink. On July 26 and 27, the featured film is “Thomas & Friends: The Great Discovery.”
Also at the Cinema de Lux at the Greene, check out Nick Jr. favorites Dora, Diego, The Backyardigans and The Wonder Pets on the big screen in sing-along music videos and TV episodes beginning Thursday, July 31, and continuing every Thursday and Saturday morning at 10 a.m. Dora will be featured July 31 and Aug. 2 Tickets are $6.
Regal Cinemas Hollywood 20 at the Mall at Fairfield Commons is participating in the Free Family Film Festival. Every Tuesday and Wednesday at 10 a.m., kids and their parents can get in free to one of two selected G- or PG-rated films. First come, first serve. Lasts through Aug. 6.
5. Go to Summer Family Fun Day at the National City 2nd Street Market: Listen or sing along with Rum River Blend at the 2nd Street Public Market, 600 E. Second St., from 8 a.m.-3 p.m. Saturday, July 26. Children and grandchildren of market vendors will offer a just-for-kids mini-market where anyone under age 18 can purchase many of the same items as in the main market. Free. While you’re there, stock up on books at the Gloria Dei Montessori Book Fair from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. For more information, call (937) 228-2088.
Have more ideas for family fun this week? Share your ideas here.
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My daughter has Amy Winehouse hair!
My daughter is currently enjoying her third stint in a summer dance camp called Red Hotz and Lollipops.
It’s a two-week program for area preschoolers on up to high schoolers — boys and girls alike. The school-age kids have all-day practices (the Minipops just meet for two hours each day) at a Kettering church, culminating in weekend performances at University of Dayton’s Boll Theatre.
We love this camp. The instructors and assistants are energetic and encouraging, and the results they achieve in just a few short weeks is nothing short of astounding. The shows at UD are outrageously cute.
My daughter gets to dance and sing her little heart out: Something she can’t do at home because her big brother can’t stand her theatrical side. He’s constantly grousing at her to “quit humming!” and “stop singing at the table!”
The camp is a big confidence builder for her. At Red Hotz, she can finally let her hair down.
Or up, as the case may be.
One fun aspect of the program involves daily camp themes that incorporate kid favorites: Pajama Day, Stuffed Animal Day, Crazy Hat Day, and our personal favorite, Crazy Hair Day.
Which my daughter and I had been planning since last summer. Which was today, when we both slept in!
At 9 a.m. this morning she shook me awake with tears in her eyes, knowing we only had a half-hour to get ready for camp — to eat, wash, dress, pack a lunch, change baby brother’s diaper and fix the impatient tot a sippy cup, and create a masterful coif to rival anything a “Shear Genius” could craft.
But as we all know, moms work best under pressure. With the help of a plastic tumbler, two handfuls of hair gel, two dozen bobby pins and several assorted trinkets, here’s what we walked out the door with.
Enjoy your kids while they’re young. Hair today, gone tomorrow!
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Restaurants that really cater to kids
I don’t know about you, but sometimes I find eating out with the little ones more trouble than it’s worth.
Even the most well-behaved children have their moments, and as moms, it can be incredibly stressful worrying about your kids talking or whining too loudly, making messes or disturbing other diners. As much as we hate to admit it, we’re really bothered when we hear snickers from other tables or snide comments about our parenting skills. Not to mention it’s darn near impossible to eat your own food when you’re constantly hushing your kids, picking up crayons that keep rolling on the floor, cutting up their food into tiny pieces, etc., or making about 10 trips to the bathroom with your toddler or preschooler.
The good news is there are many restaurants that are really going above and beyond to make families feel welcome and comfortable.
I have to share a recent dining experience with you: I visited Mimi’s Cafe at The Greene in Beavercreek for the first time last weekend. Talk about kid-friendly dining. Before I was even finished buckling my 11-month-old into his high chair, out came the waitress with a bowl of Cheerios, a pack of crackers and an orange slice to serve my baby.
Hello. It was free, and I didn’t even ask for it. Max immediately had his favorite form of entertainment (food) right before him, letting me focus on getting my 4-year-old settled and help her decide what to eat…
Oh wait, no need for that. The kids menu offered pictures of each kids meal entree and side choices. Sophie told me immediately she wanted the chicken fingers with fruit. I didn’t even have to help her decide (a couple other restaurants like Bob Evans and Friendly’s offer similar menus).
And it gets better. I needed to make a bottle for my baby and asked the server if she could bring me some warm water. As I was starting to get up to go into the restroom to rinse out the bottle (we had been gone all day, so I ran out of new bottles and needed to wash one out), the server offered to wash it out and fill it up for me in the kitchen. Wow, that’s something you don’t encounter often. I was sure to leave her a nice tip.
Speaking of great family dining options, Parents magazine recently published its list of the 10 Best Family Restaurants. Local dining spots that made the list included Mimi’s, Uno’s, Chili’s, Red Robin, P.F. Chang’s and Denny’s.
Where’s your favorite restaurant? What’s the best deal when it comes to eating out with the kids? Share your thoughts here.
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Calling all Wiggles fans
The Wiggles are coming to Columbus’ Nationwide Arena on Wednesday, Aug. 13. In preparation for their big concert, we’re going to get a chance to talk with one of the Wiggles (Purple Wiggle Jeff) and need your help, or rather, your child’s help.
Do your children have questions they want to ask The Wiggles or Jeff specifically?
Send your questions, including your child’s first and last name, age and hometown (to appear with the article) to 937moms.com/513moms.com editor and mommy blogger Michelle Fong at mfong@coxohio.com or simply post a comment to this blog entry with the same information.
We can’t guarantee all questions will be used, but will do our best.
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5 things to do with your kids in Dayton July 18-24
Looking for things to do with your kids? Check out these five events from July 18-24:
Dayton Air Show, July 19-20: The Vectren Dayton Air Show returns to the grounds of the Dayton International Airport this weekend, July 19 and 20, starting at 9 a.m. each day. Sights abound, both in the sky and on the ground, with highlights that include the United States Air Force’s F-22 Raptor, here for the first time, and stunt pilot Sean Tucker. Check out the Kids’ Hangar, where children can dig in a huge sandbox, enjoy face painting and crafts, climb on a backyard gym and more. Admission to the kids area is free. Children must be accompanied by a parent. An added bonus: Air Show performers sometimes stop by to sign autographs for the littlest fans as well. The Kids’ Hangar is open from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. both days.
Explore nature with your baby, July 23: Check out Backpacking Babies: Flutter By Butterfly from 10-11 a.m. Wednesday, July 23, at Sugarcreek MetroPark, 4178 Conference Road, Bellbrook. Let your baby get an up-close look at butterflies and more. A baby backpack or carrier is required for this program as trails are not stroller friendly.
Night of magic, July 18: Want to see some magic, up close and personal? You’re in luck: “An Intimate Night of Magic II” is the perfect opportunity for you to see magic right before your eyes. The two-hour event will be presented in six acts; each act will have a host and a pro from the Society of American Magicians, Assembly 56. The event takes place Friday, July 18, at 7:35 p.m. at the Xenia Adult Recreation and Services Center, 130 E. Church St., Xenia. Doors open at 6:59 p.m.. Tickets are $15 ($25 for two), and are limited — advance sales are strongly advised, so call (937) 372-0516, or visit www.xeniaact.org. Tickets will also be available at the door on a first-come basis.
Rock out, kiddie style, July 20: Now on their second national tour, “Kidz Bop Live” will make its way to Fraze Pavilion on Sunday, July 20. The youth-friendly rock-and-roll concert features today’s most popular songs sung by kids for kids. Tickets range from $15-20.
An Evening of Astronomy at the Boonshoft, July 18: The Boonshoft Museum of Discovery, 2600 DeWeese Parkway, Dayton, will present An Evening of Astronomy from 7-11 p.m. Friday, July 18. The museum’s astronomy experts will provide an in-depth look at eclipses, moon phases and blue moons. Participants also can take part in night sky viewing through the museum’s observatories (weather permitting), and watch planetarium and laser light shows. More specifically:
Eclipses, Phases & Blue Moons at 7 p.m.: Discover where you need to be to observe the Aug. 1 Total Solar Eclipse. Learn what a Blue Moon is, how frequently one occurs and more. Tickets are $3 for members and $5 for nonmembers.
What’s Up? at 8:30 p.m.: Featuring planets, the moon, bright stars, major constellations and current astronomical events through special effects, this planetarium show answers the question “If I go out tonight what will I see if it is clear?” Tickets are free for members and $1 for nonmembers.
Night Sky Viewing from 9-11 p.m.: The Miami Valley Astronomical Society will be on hand to operate the telescopes in the Museum’s Apollo or Junior Observatories. Visitors are encouraged to look through the telescope lens and explore the cosmos. Admission to night sky viewing is free (weather permitting).
Laser light shows, beginning at 9 p.m.: For older kids or teens, laser light shows featuring music by The Doors, Tool and Pink Floyd begin at 9, 10 and 11 p.m. respectively. Tickets are $3 for members and $5 for nonmembers.
Have more ideas for fun this week? Share them here.
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Birthday fun for kids and adults
Who knew a kid’s birthday party could be so much fun.
Really!
We recently celebrated my daughter’s 4th birthday with a party at Pump it Up in Miamisburg. If you haven’t heard of Pump it Up (which also has a location in West Chester), it’s an indoor inflatable playground featuring two rooms of bouncing fun — from bounce houses to obstacle courses, to a really fun giant inflatable slide — plus a private room for snacks, food, cake and gift-opening.
The best part was the adults could play, too.
So while my daughter, her cousins and preschool pals jumped and squealed with delight, most of the adults kicked off their shoes and joined in the fun.
This was honestly the most fun I’ve had in a while. We jumped and played like school children. I got some much needed exercise and laughed until I nearly wet my pants (I said nearly, don’t worry).
A couple highlights:
My husband and sister-in-law pretended to be on “American Gladiators” with a little jousting match complete with helmets and padded poles inside the bouncy. It was hilarious.
A bit jealous of all the fun the “big kids” were having, my other sister-in-law (who suffered a recent ankle injury, by the way) whipped off her walking cast and climbed up the giant inflatable slide more than once. Shhh. Don’t tell her doctor.
I almost got stuck inside the obstacle course when trying to squeeze through a tight space behind my 3-year-old niece. Poor girl: she didn’t know what to think. Somehow, I made it through, though.
Pump it Up has pop-in playtime on Wednesday, Thursday and Friday mornings (broken down by age groups) for $7. This is a great way to check out the facility before committing to spend a fair chunk of change on a birthday party (though we felt the money was well worth the fun).
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Are you a lonely mom?
Feeling isolated? In desperate need of some support? You’re not alone.
According to ivillage.com, moms are feeling more isolated and stressed than ever and are crying out for some support. Through a new initiative — Momtourage.com — iVillage is stressing the importance of making connections and building a support network … or a momtourage as they call it. The Web site offers moms advice on how to create that network, plus offers some cool features that moms may find handy, particularly as they get ready for the busy back-to-school season.
Some highlights:
Printable tips on creating a dining co-op, hosting a swap and building a baby-sitting co-op. For example, a dining co-op allows moms to socialize, kids to play and yields a week’s worth of meals in one sitting. Here’s how it works: a group of friends gather in a kitchen and prepare a variety of meals in one afternoon or evening. The meals are then divided into freezable containers and everyone takes home a week’s worth of dinners.
A swap gives moms a way to dump some unwanted stuff in exchange for things they want and need. Swaps provide an inexpensive way to update a wardrobe or trade in unwanted toys.
A baby-sitting co-op is an arrangement where parents take turns caring for each other’s children without exchanging money. This could come in handy when you don’t have money for sitters (but desperately need some alone time with your husband) or when you don’t have a lot of family in town to rely on for some relief.
A kids snack swapper tool helps moms find healthy substitutes for the quick-and-easy junk food we often turn to in times of desperation. For example, instead of giving your kids that bag of fruit-flavored snacks, try a simple recipe for fruit dip or opt for frozen fruit bars instead. This tool provides healthy alternatives, most of which are pretty simple, to 21 junk-food snacks.
How to save some money in these hard financial times. The Recession Survival Guide offers advice on cutting your grocery bill (for example, go meatless two days a week), sprucing up your house without breaking the bank (make some no-sew curtains to give your room a new look at a low-cost) and budgeting and spending wisely (add up how much you spend on bottled water).
Some advice worth checking out …
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Celebrity Moms: How they rate
Been thinking a little too often about how life would be with Brad Pitt by your side?
Most of us just can’t get enough dish about their favorite celebs. Lately, the hot topic has been celebabies. Millions of dollars for baby’s first photo spread? I just don’t get it. But maybe I’m just jealous — think of all the diapers that would buy …
I didn’t follow Angelina’s hospital exploits in France — mainly because I was having my own France exploits at the time.
And here comes BettyConfidential.com, which rates celebrity moms and leaves six-time mom Ms. Jolie completely off their list! (Click here to see what stars made the cut and why.)
It’s fun to fantasize about the nannies and villas and personal trainers that the rich and famous enjoy. But it’s also fun to picture those same VIPs dealing with the everyday chores of parenting. Even megastars have to change a poopy diaper now and then!
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Our trip to France! — financial madness
First, a financial update on my recent trip to France with my two older kids and a group of our friends:
Got thousands of dollars just molding away in your mattress? Do what I did: Exchange them all for euros and spend every last one of them taking your children to France!
I’m just kidding about the mattress part: Hubby and I had saved our entire tax refund and stimulus check for airfare. And we don’t do credit cards, so we scrimped and saved to bolster our checking account for my daily ATM assaults from abroad.
Also kidding about spending every last euro: I actually made it back to Dayton with a fiver left in my pocket. It was later found sloshing around in our washing machine.
When we left for France in mid-June, the exchange rate was $1.67 U.S. per euro, and it dropped a bit to $1.57 during our trip. Big whup.
A 6 euro Coke was not unheard of. You do the math.
The drain on our financial reserves started with the airline tickets. After we committed to the trip in January, we searched for discounted rates for months online and with travel agents to no avail. We ended up paying through the nose: $1,200 per ticket!!! Ouch.
(When my Hubby and I went to Paris nine years ago, we found an exceptional online deal of $325 per ticket — the bargain of a lifetime.)
Every kir, every crepe, every cafe creme seemed to cost double what it did in 1999 — but that was BB (before Bush).
What would prompt a college-educated woman to make such a wildly foolish expenditure, especially with the U.S. economy currently in the crapper? you may ask.
Here’s the method behind my madness: My dear friend Kirsten Halling, French professor extraordinaire at Wright State, was leading the charge. A few years back, K had floated the suggestion that we take our children on the ultimate “sixth-grade trip.” A few other families in our circle agreed that it would be a grand opportunity for the kids, and a plan was born.
K is the perfect travel companion: She’s been to France countless times during her studies and as a guide for her WSU students. Her inside knowledge of French history and culture is astounding. And obviously she speaks the language (I only know the menu words). I figured if anyone could make this a mind-expanding excursion, it would be her.
But that was back before the economy wasn’t so dismal. Everyone everywhere was preaching, “Vacation close to home!” But when it came to decision time, I reasoned that if we put off the trip, a thousand different things could get in our way.
So we went. And I don’t regret it.
The kids and I will replay our memories of France forever. Exposing our children to different cultures and broadening their awareness may not be cheap, but it will enrich their lives and change them for the better. It’s a price I was willing to pay.
Next up: Highlights and lowlights of our journey, and tips on surviving and thriving in iffy youth hostels.
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“Where’s my grandpa?” A real tearjerker
Want to hear a real tearjerker?
After an extra-big, post-vacation grocery shopping trip today, I started chatting with the older gentleman who had sidled up to me in the parking lot. During the exchange, I was off-loading my brimming cart into the family truckster with the help of my big strapping 12-year-old son. (Little strapping 2-year-old son was bossing the job while repeatedly trying to toss his sandals across the lot.)
The gent and I laughed when we compared shopping buggies: Mine with bulging bags even stuffed underneath and his with a single bag riding in the “tot seat.” He said that back in the day, when he was raising his five kids, his carts looked like mine. We both agreed that while parenthood may be expensive, the good times make it worth all the sacrifices.
The whole exchange warmed my heart. But then the other shoe dropped.
As the man was rolling away in his car, my toddler turned to me and asked, “Is that my Grandpa?”
That’s when my older son and I turned to each other and started bawling, right there in the Kroger parking lot.
See, my father — who shares my older son’s distinctive Italian name — died just a month after his namesake was born. And my husband’s father died a few years before that, leaving my three children never to know the love of a grandfather. Just like I had lived my life, always feeling like I missed out on something profoundly wonderful.
My 12-year-old and I have spent many weepy moments together grieving his grandfathers. It’s so hard to console him when I’ve felt the same sense of loss so acutely. I’m not revealing any weak chin or character flaw in my son: He’s as stoic as they come (like his dad), but he’s also sensitive and reflective (like his mom).
And thus a simple question from an innocent child can bring us to our knees.
“No,” I said. “That’s not your grandpa.”
“Where is he? Let’s go pick him up,” the toddler said with his usual directness.
I managed to choke out my standard response: Your grandpas are in heaven. They died before you were born, but they are watching over you. And they’re smiling down on you right now.
As we climbed into the van, I tried to comfort my older son with a little humor.
“If that was your grandpa, you’d be lucky. He was driving a Lincoln.”
He stiffened his upper lip and shot back: “Imagine the presents …”
Parenthood: the hardest job you’ll ever love.
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Why birthday parties are like weddings
With all my checklists and my growing-by-the-second things to do list, you’d think I was planning a wedding instead of a child’s birthday party … or that I would have learned my lesson by now.
Nope. Here I am again going crazy trying to pull off yet another “perfect” birthday party.
It’s less than a week to my daughter’s 4th birthday party, and the countdown to madness is officially under way in my house.
This year we’re having our first party away from home. I booked a party at Pump it Up in Miamisburg — the indoor inflatable playground — to let my preschooler, her cousins and some of her friends bounce off some energy. It should be a lot of fun for the kids (and the adults, too!)
But for some reason, I had convinced myself that having a party away from home would be less stressful. I could just book the party and relax for a change. No worries … plus, the cost of having the party elsewhere would be worth the smiles on the kids’ faces and the stress relief for me.
Um, I was wrong about the less-stressful part. Sure, there’s less pressure to find the perfect party theme (we’ve done the traditional first birthday party, a summertime backyard fun theme with sprinklers and little pools and a princess tea party). There’s definitely less pressure to clean every nook and cranny of the house (though something tells me I will still be cleaning like mad this week just in case any relatives or friends drop in before or after the party). Plus, I don’t have to worry about cooking for a large group of people!
But these parties away from home are still a lot of work. Instead of worrying about what appetizers I’ll be serving, I’m worrying about my checklist for the party. Will I forget to bring the waiver, the socks, extra drinks and snacks for the kids? And what about the birthday cake? Will it be OK for the car ride or will it slide all over the place and get ruined? Will the guests who haven’t responded yet just show up or are they not coming?
Plus, I swear I’ve read through the packet Pump It Up sent me about a million times to make sure I’m not forgetting anything.
There’s always something to stress about, I guess.
Things should get interesting in about 20 years or so when I actually am planning a wedding!
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Help in surviving those long car rides
Planning on spending a lot of time in the car this summer? Whether you’re going to grandma and grandpa’s house or taking a trip to the beach, here are five car games courtesy of Baby Center to help you pass the time and avoid the dreaded, “Mommy, are we there yet?” Plus, they allow you to spend some quality time with your kids — much better than having your kids watch DVDs or play video games the entire way.
1. I’m Thinking of an Animal
Ages: 3 to 4
Number of participants: Two
How to play: One player thinks of an animal, and the other tries to guess which animal it is by asking no more than 10 “yes” or “no” questions. If the child guesses correctly in 10 questions or fewer, he gets to think of the next animal. If not, the first player divulges the answer and then thinks of another animal. No one really wins, and the game is over when the children don’t want to play anymore.
2. Automobile 21
Ages: 5-8
Number of participants: At least two
How to play: In this game, children must find the numbers one to 21 in that order on the license plates of passing cars. Each license plate can be used by only one player, and players can use only one number from each license plate. When a player spots a number, he must say it out loud. The first person to get to 21 wins.
3. Motor Bingo
Ages: 5 to 8
Number of participants: Two or more
What players will need: Cardboard or paper for bingo cards, pens
How to play: Before the trip, players create bingo cards (a 5 x 5 grid with 25 squares) with a letter or number in each square. Be sure to use some double-digit numbers or the game will be too easy. While on the road, players scan the license plates of passing cars for a number or letter on their card. When they find one, they can cross off that square. The first person to cross off five squares in a row wins. Or instead of numbers or letters, put items you expect to see on your trip in each square. If a child can’t read very well, draw the items or use icons.
4. The Alphabet Game
Ages: 5 to 8
Number of participants: Two or more
How to play: While on a road trip, players try to find the letters of the alphabet in order by looking at passing license plates, billboards, road signs, and all other signs. The first person to complete the alphabet wins.
5. Name That Tune
Ages: 5 to 8
Number of participants: Two or more
How to play: Here’s a game that’s great for those who like to sing or hum a tune. One player thinks of a song that everybody knows and hums its first few notes. The other players try to guess the name of the song. If they can’t guess, the first player keeps humming more notes in the song until someone comes up with the right answer. There are no winners or losers in this game; it ends when everyone tires of it. Share your ideas: How do you pass the time and keep your kids entertained during a long car ride?
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New splash pad opens in Oakwood park
To the delight of dozens of area children, Oakwood celebrated the opening of a new splash pad and renovated play area at Orchardly Park on Wednesday, July 2.
The ribbon-cutting ceremony was attended by a throng of hot, eager neighborhood kids (and their hotter parents) who have watched the construction crew’s daily progress since the project began in April.
My 2-year-old son dragged me to the park — between Orchard and Wonderly on Delaine Avenue — daily to see the big diggers and concrete mixers. What a time we had watching the machines and men in hard hats work their magic. We continued our research into all things construction at Wright Memorial Public Library, where the librarian helped us find a stack of children’s books filled with bulldozers and rollers and the like. He ate it up.
Anywho, back to the park opening: At the appointed time (5 p.m.), a few Oakwood officials gave short remarks, talking about the pride of community and the history of the park, which hadn’t been updated in 15 years. The ribbon was cut and the water was turned on, and joy was unbound.
My favorite part of the ceremony — besides the cookies, popcorn and ice cold water provided by the city — was the kudos given to Oakwood supermom Sheila Eifert, who had raised the issue of providing accessible play areas to community children.
A few years ago, Sheila was in final running of a contest sponsored by Playskool that built an accessible playground in the winning community. When she and her team of supporters asked Oakwood officials for a spot on city land at the Old River soccer fields for the proposed playground, she met with resistance.
The city’s decision not to support the effort created some bitterness among community parents, but during Orchardly’s grand re-opening Sheila got due credit: She was lauded as the impetus behind making sure that the Orchardly project took into account children with limited abilities — and a pledge was made that future city projects will be designed with that consideration as well. Bravo, Sheila!
I keep getting off topic. Back to the park itself: My older kids loved the new spinny, climbing contraptions, but my toddler was totally overwhelmed both by the volume of clamoring kids and the complexity of the equipment. There are simpler slides and swings on another part of the site, but we didn’t get over to explore it yet (we’ll save that for another day).
He did enjoy the costumed characters — Dora, Scooby, Cat in the Hat — making their rounds at the celebration. Some kids don’t handle interactions with imposing furry creatures well, but he lit up when he saw Scooby and gave him a big hug. That’s handy to know for future outings to the ballpark and such.
But alas, despite the blazing sun and lack of shade over the play area, I couldn’t convince my tot to try the spray area. Too many shouting, running big kids for his taste. We’ll have to work up to that on a quieter day.
While I’m grateful that Oakwood saw the value of improving its heaviest-used park, I do have a few concerns about the new site. My main worry is for the park’s sandbox, a beloved feature that’s used nine months of the year. The old one will be torn out and turned into green space (a friend said there were health concerns about the cleanliness of the sand).
A new sandpit was put in, but apparently during the grand opening, water pipes in the area actually sprung a leak and the sand area actually flooded! It didn’t dampen spirits, though, and city engineers rushed over to assess the situation.
Also, one little friend noted that the rubberized surface under the play equipment was so hot that it was burning her bare feet — it’s adjacent to the splash pad, so of course kids will shed their shoes. Not sure if that can be remedied, except with a pair of water-friendly sandals like Keens or Crocs.
And I’m sure there will be more kinks to work out, but the hope is that Orchardly Park will continue to be a highlight of the community.
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Are gas prices slowing you down?
I don’t know about you, but with gas prices hovering around $4 a gallon, our family is spending a lot more time at home.
Not that this is a bad thing.
We opted against a vacation this year to save some money, which translates into more time in our backyard and our community. Plus, since it’s summer, we’re not constantly driving our daughter to school, dance class, swimming lessons or running never-ending errands for school projects, theme days, etc. And even more, we are just going out less — cooking out instead of going out for dinner, spending time in the backyard instead of constantly day-tripping to museums and more.
I have to say, it’s really nice to spend time at home.
But I’m wondering if these rising expenses and with the general economic downturn whether there will be a lasting impact on families. Will this ultimately force families to slow down a bit (for example, I imagine all the constant driving to soccer practice and games this fall will not be pocket-book friendly).
How is your family economizing?
