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January 31, 2007
Shopper Alert: Changing of the guard at Georgetown boutique
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Well, it's official... The fabulous upscale boutique K Baby on M St. in Georgetown, recommended in the first edition of my book, is closing shop today.
Owner and local mama Kristen Franklin says she has found the balancing act of parenting her toddler son and running the business too difficult (I think we can all empathize on that point!), and has made the decision that something has to give. Sadly for shoppers, that something is her boutique.
But there's a silver lining, people! The equally fabulous Dawn Price Baby is opening in K Baby's Georgetown space! (They're also on Capitol Hill, just down the block from Eastern Market on 7th St. SE.) This means double the Dawn Price Baby in DC - News that makes my day.
The new Dawn Price Baby in Georgetown opens its doors on March 1 and will continue offer many of the same lines K Baby did, plus many new ones.
Congratulations to Dawn Price and her staff on the success of her business and the impending opening of the new location. And just in case you thought she didn't have enough on her plate... Congrats to Dawn and family on the birth Caden Michael Southworth on December 15, 2006. Dawn tells me he's a happy and healthy hunka love.
Posted by Sarah at 11:58 AM. Permanent link to "Shopper Alert: Changing of the guard at Georgetown boutique."
January 30, 2007
Two thumbs up for Safe Start Baby
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As this month draws to a close (already - can you believe it?), I want to thank the January sponsor of the website and the monthly e-newsletter, Safe Start Baby. Kudos to them for subsidizing my work this month, which results in free info and resources for you, the reader!
In case you don't own a copy of the first edition of DC BABY: A Handbook for Parenting In (& Around) the Capitol City, here's an excerpt of my review, based on literally dozens of unqualified, first-hand recommendations from parents who have been happy customers:
"Safe Start Baby gets great reviews from DC mamas. The company does home assessment, professional installation, and safety product sales in NoVa, suburban Maryland, and the District. They also offer private and group Red Cross-authorized CPR classes. Safe Start Baby is a member of the International Association for Child Safety and is a dessignated trianign provider by the National Safety Council.
Michele Spahr at Safe Start Baby is a real pro, not a pushy salesperson, and will help you prioritze what you need and what you can afford. On the horison: Child safety seat inspection and installation by the company's child passenger safety technicians, who will travel to your home or office to do a thorough assessment.
A gift certificate to Safe Start Baby makes for a shower gift that will continue to be used long after junior outgrows those newborn onesies. It's also a nice option for grandparents who want to treat the new family to a truly helpful present they can't and won't refuse.
If you host a "Safe Start Party" in your home with friends and neighbors - a babyproofing educational seminar led by Michele - you earn a free consultation for yourself (a savings of about $75)."
For more info, you can reach Safe Start Baby at 888.240.SAFE or by sending email to: vainfo (at) safestartbabyproofing (dot) com.
Posted by Sarah at 10:03 AM. Permanent link to "Two thumbs up for Safe Start Baby."
January 29, 2007
New daytime parents' group in Mclean
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If you're a Mclean, VA parent who stays home with a child either part-time or full-time, there's a new source of connection and information available.
The brand-new, FREE Neighborhood Parents' Group meets Wednesdays from 11:40 a.m. to 1 p.m., upstairs at the Chesterbrook Starbucks (6214 Old Dominion Dr.).
Here's a description of the group from its founding mamas:
"Join us for free drop-in discussions focusing on parenting, discovering new aspects of yourself, and adjusting to transitions in personal and/or career life, or whatever's on your mind.
Through the efforts of Therapists Without Walls, a collaborative of mental health professionals in the No. VA area, we are building a new community for those hungry to connect with others like themselves. Our goal is to build an ongoing supportive network of people in which participants can nurture themselves and others through casual interaction and conversation.
Discussion will be facilitated by Ellen Murphy, LSW, MPH and Susan Marks, LCSW, BCD, psychotherapists in private practice in Vienna and Arlington."
For more info, contact Ellen Murphy (ellen.murphy1 (at) netzero (dot) net) or Susan Marks (surobbin (at) comcast (dot) net).
Posted by Sarah at 10:57 AM. Permanent link to "New daytime parents' group in Mclean."
January 26, 2007
Weekend Watch: Lilly comes to the Adventure Theatre
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If your little one loves the series of Lilly books by Kevin Henkes as much as ours does - and I can hardly express how much we love them - you'll want to know that a children's production of the story "Lilly's Purple Plastic Purse" opened this week at Adventure Theatre at Glen Echo Park (on MacArthur Blvd., in Glen Echo across the MD border). To see a coupla photos from the show, click here.
Saturday shows are at 11 a.m. and 1:30 p.m., through February 25. The final performance at 1:30 p.m. on February 25 will be presented in ASL (American Sign Language).
Heads Up: The Adventure Theatre is undergoing renovation - So this production will be presented in a temporary space directly across the park, at the east end of the Spanish Ballroom building. Look for the double red doors to enter.
Posted by Sarah at 7:07 AM. Permanent link to "Weekend Watch: Lilly comes to the Adventure Theatre."
January 25, 2007
Womb to Move
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The new fitness club/spa/juice bar MINT in Adams Morgan, DC (1724 California St. NW) is hosting a special pregnancy fitness workshop, "Womb to Move," on Saturday, February 3 from 2 to 4 p.m.
There will be guest speakers and prenatal-friendly snacks catered by Whole Foods! Expectant mamas will learn more about pregnancy-safe exercises, prenatal fitness guidelines, prenatal nutrition, massage during pregnancy, and preparing for postpartum.
Cost is $25 for MINT members and $35 for non-members. Space is limited, so you need to reserve your spot in advance by calling the studio: 202.328.6468. Visit their website at www.mintfitness.com.
Posted by Sarah at 1:42 PM. Permanent link to "Womb to Move."
January 24, 2007
Working Mothers, Unite!
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Working mamas - and those who are planning toward or toying with the idea of going back to work after a full-time stay-at-home stint: Apparently yesterday's Oprah show was all about us and the bazillion challenges we face. If you were, um, working during the show and missed it, you can watch clips and read more at the website.
Speaking of working parents... Did you see the DC law office of Arnold & Porter featured at #26 in the new FORTUNE "Best Companies to Work For" Guide? Get this: "The Washington, D.C., partnership has a center caring for 44 enrolled children and also provides backup care for employees whose regular arrangements fall through." They rock! We just need lots and lots more of the same, here in Washington and across the country.
In my view, two of the leaders focusing on the work-life challenges of mothers today = MomsRising.org (a nonpartisan but politically active nonprofit) and the excellent Working Mother magazine. I also like the blog - and the lively public discussion board - by Leslie Morgan Steiner for the Washington Post Online: "On Balance."
Posted by Sarah at 11:23 AM. Permanent link to "Working Mothers, Unite!."
January 23, 2007
Helpful resource books for DC parents
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While browsing in the bookstore recently, I came across two new-to-me resource books that could prove very helpful to DC-area parents:
1) The 13th Edition of the Independent School Guide for Washington, DC & Surrounding Areas, which includes over 525 private schools ranging from preschool and daycare to academic programs for grade school through high school, LD/ED programs, athletic and summer programs, information on tuition and financial aid, and a guide to educational specialists/consulants. This edition, edited by Jill Zacharie, was published by Alexandria-based Lift Hill Press in 2004. While I can tell you that it's not 100 percent comprehensive in regard to preschool programs (for example, neither our daughter's NAEYC-accredited preschool nor the fabulous preschool and private kindergarten at our church - both in Old Town, Alexandria - are included in the book), the book is still 300-pages of helpful listings and information. It sells for about $19 at Barnes & Noble.
FYI: Another great resource book of this same type, penned by a local author, is Georgia Irvin's Guide to Schools: Metropolitan Washington Independent & Public. A bit more dated, this was published in 2002 - and it's unfortunately not stocked on the shelves of the two Alexandria bookstores I checked, so it may be out of print. But it gets rave reviews, and you can buy it gently-used on Amazon.com.
2)For those who are nagivating metro with a stroller and small kids for the first time - and especially for families who are new to the city - I LOVE the skinny, portable StationMasters: Guide to Station Neighborhoods Served by the Washington, DC Metrorail System, 7th Edition. There are 86 neighborhood maps for all 86 metro stops in and around DC - with markers for station exits and all the surrounding landmarks (including everything from museums and major office buildings to grocery stores, shops, and public libraries). SO easy to use. Whoever dreamed up this concept for a pocket map guide is a genius! It sells for about $9 at Barnes & Noble.
Posted by Sarah at 9:56 AM. Permanent link to "Helpful resource books for DC parents."
January 21, 2007
Snow Day 101
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Hard to believe that we might be getting our first snow day of the season so late in the game, in the middle of January. But here are a few good resources for surviving - enjoying, even? - these frigid temps with your little ones:
Washington Parent magazine's article, "10 Tips for Celebrating Snow Days"
Our Kids' compilations of Indoor Plays Areas in Metro DC and Rainy Day Activities.
Need snowman-making inspiration? Click here. For kids' winter crafts: projects, check out these links.
Forecasts, blogs, and announcements related to DC-area weather at the fabulous independent site, Capital Weather.
Check closings and delays of local offices, businesses, schools, and childcare providers at the NBC Channel 4 site. You can even sign up to get email alerting you of a closing at a particular school or organization.
Let it snow, let it snow, let it snow!
Posted by Sarah at 11:23 AM. Permanent link to "Snow Day 101."
January 18, 2007
Weekend Watch: Good winter sales for babies & kids
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This weekend the semi-annual "Crawl, Walk, Run Sale" starts at the fabulous Dawn Price Baby boutique on Capitol Hill (just down the block from Eastern Market). Sale pricing applies to all baby and toddler fall and winter clothing and accessories. How it works: The discounts get greater as the selection gets lower:
Jan. 19 - Jan. 25 - 15% off
Jan. 26 - Feb. 1 - 25% off
Feb. 2 - Feb. 8 - 35% off
Feb. 9 - Feb. 18 - 40% to 75% off
Also having a big sale...One of the largest and best children's consignment stores around, Enkore Kids in Frederick, MD has fall and winter clothes and accessories marked down from 10 to 75 percent. They're also doing a buy-one-get-one-half-price on holiday Robeez and winter Robeez booties, and buy-one-get-one-half-price on the wonderful Melissa & Doug arts/crafts items.
And the upscale Piccolo Piggies of Georgetown (which also has a nice Bethesda location) has a sale on winter children's clothes and coats... with the new perk of shopping ONLINE! You don't even have to leave home. Click here to check out the online sale.
Posted by Sarah at 7:55 PM. Permanent link to "Weekend Watch: Good winter sales for babies & kids."
"Miss Dinah" recommends winter children's books - Hear the podcast!
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Did you happen to catch local children's bookstore owner Dinah Paul on NPR's Kojo Nnamdi radio show back in December? Dinah was a special guest during Kojo's annual Winter Reading Show, and shared tips on the best books for children and families this season.
If you missed the show, you can listen to it online as a podcast, with either Real Audio or Windows Media. Just click here!
Many congratulations to "Miss Dinah" (as my kiddo knows her) on the birth of her daughter Sabrina, who arrived (a few months prematurely) on New Year's Eve. We send our best wishes!
Posted by Sarah at 1:52 PM. Permanent link to ""Miss Dinah" recommends winter children's books - Hear the podcast!."
January 17, 2007
Not your mother's parenting mag: New reading for a new year
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As someone who writes and blogs about parenting-related stuff, I have fun keeping tabs on what's "out there" being written and read. And with the start of the new year, there are a couple of newcomer web publications that you just might wanna check out:
1) The edgy, decidedly urban Babble, launched by the same people who once upon a time created the sexed-up Nerve. The Babble schtick: "It will be a revolution in parenting magazines: a publication that talks to parents not just as caregivers, but as fun, smart, intellectually curious people." If you ask me, Babble is a breath of fresh air.
2) On the more conservative side, but supplying a whole range of news and commentary that probably wouldn't be touched on a site like Babble, The Wall Street Journal has launched its own parenting-related blog, The Juggle. Me likee this one, too.
3) Also on the more mainstream-to-conservative side, check out Fortune/Business Week's blog, Working Parents, which features entries from a rotating lineup of writers.
Happy reading!
Posted by Sarah at 10:26 AM. Permanent link to "Not your mother's parenting mag: New reading for a new year." | Comments (0)
January 16, 2007
Free tastings & wider availability for Mom Made Foods
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Remember that Holiday Shopper coupon for local-mom-owned Mom Made Foods ? If you loved their stuff - or if you've yet to check it out - here's new news:
Mom Made products for babies and toddlers are now available at more stores - You can find them in the freezers of Whole Foods Markets in the Mid-Atlantic region, and at Balducci's markets! You can also order some of the products for home delivery through eGroceries.
To celebrate the expanded availability of the products, Mom Made is doing tasting events from Washington, DC to Bethesda, MD to Charlottesville, VA. Stop by with your little one and sample their yummy, healthy treats - This Friday and Saturday they'll be at Fair Lakes Parkway in Fairfax, VA.
To see stores where you can now find Mom Made foods, and to view the calendar of free tastings, click here and here.
Posted by Sarah at 10:10 AM. Permanent link to "Free tastings & wider availability for Mom Made Foods."
January 15, 2007
New drop-off camp for ages 3-4 in NW DC
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Jonah's Treehouse in Glover Park/Upper Georgetown, DC is launching an afternoon DROP-OFF camp (yes, drop-off, as in mama leaves and kiddo stays) for three- and four-year-old children. The program is designed for kids already participating in a morning preschool program but who could benefit from activity and engagement in the afternoon.
Afternoon "camp" at Jonah's Treehouse will run M-T-W-TH from 1 to 4 p.m. - Each child attends one day every week of the session week (e.g., every Tuesday). Camp includes:
* advanced play and movement classes
* arts & crafts
* play-acting and storytelling
* music & song (guest children's musicians in the works)
* and of course, snack
The first session runs six weeks (January 29 - March 1) and costs $300. It is not possible to drop-in for just an isolated day here and there; children must register for the entire session block. Children who attend must also be fully potty-trained. Groups will be small - They're only accepting six children per camp day for this session.
To register or get more info, call Jonah's Treehouse at 202.298.6805.
Posted by Sarah at 9:34 AM. Permanent link to "New drop-off camp for ages 3-4 in NW DC."
January 12, 2007
Weekend Watch: Sweet Honey in the Rock performs children's show in DC
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I can't think of a better way to celebrate and model for our children the values of Dr. King on this MLK holiday weekend than taking the little ones to Sweet Honey in the Rock's Annual Children's Show in the District.
It's Saturday, the 13th, with shows at 3 and 6 p.m., at the Peoples' Congregational Church in DC (4707 13th St. NW). Sponsored by the Washington Performing Arts Society.
Here's a description:
Dance in the aisles, and sing along with the women of Sweet Honey in the Rock during their annual children's concert. The beloved ensemble inspires youngsters and the young at heart with songs of hope, encouragement, and togetherness.
Cost is $12 per person. For more info or to purchase tix, call 202.785.9727 or click here.
We love, love, love their music and their message. This is a great chance to see them perform live, in a child-friendly setting.
Also: On Monday evening at 6 p.m., The Kennedy Center is doing an all-ages musical tribute to Dr. King, "Let Freedom Ring." It features Brian McKnight and the Let Freedom Ring Choir. Ticket purchases are required, and this is a very popular event that fills up quickly. See the website for details.
Posted by Sarah at 11:08 AM. Permanent link to "Weekend Watch: Sweet Honey in the Rock performs children's show in DC."
January 11, 2007
New classes: Prenatal fitness in DC & suburban Maryland
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A few upcoming prenatal fitness and yoga classes in DC and suburban Maryland that will be of interest to the expectant mamas among us:
All of these classes are offered by Vionna Jones of Fit in DC, LLC, and pre-registration is required -
Zen Mama Prenatal Yoga
Tuesday mornings (started January 9) for eight weeks
at YogaTales, Bethesda, MD (8020 Norfolk Ave.)
301.951.YOGA
Hot Mama Prenatal Fitness
"...prepares all fitness levels for labor and delivery, and helps to reduce common discomforts of pregnancy. A great way to meet other expectant moms. Two classes are being offered."
Tuesdays at noon (starting January 16)
Fridays at 5:30 p.m. (starting January 19)
at City Fitness Gym in DC (3525 Connecticut Ave. NW)
Prenatal Yoga, Montgomery County Department of Recreation
Thursdays (started today, January 11) 11 a.m. to noon
at the Potomac Community Center, MD
For more info about any of these classes, contact instructor Vionna Jones at 202.423.7445 or vionna (at) fitindc (dot) com.
Posted by Sarah at 1:39 PM. Permanent link to "New classes: Prenatal fitness in DC & suburban Maryland."
January 10, 2007
Spanish-language fun for early childhood
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New Spanish-language early childhood enrichment programs starting this month, throughtout the DC area:
1) Jane Norton's Spanish Amigos program in Reston, VA has just added a new playgroup that meets Wednesday mornings at 10 a.m. - Starts January 17. For more about Jane and the groups, or to register, visit www.spanish-amigos.com, send email to jane (at) spanish-amigos (dot) com, or phone her at 703.380.8240.
2) The Spanish for Children program in Kensington, MD, for ages two to six, starts a new session January 20 (runs through the end of February). Classes are Saturdays at 9:30 and 10:30 a.m. Cost of the six-week session is $70, and space is limited. For more information or to get a registration form, contact founder-instructor Elizabeth Zifcak at: zifcamb (at) erols (dot) com, or phone her at 301.962.8795.
3) For those of you who have read my glowing reviews of the Arlington-based Hola Baby program, with which my family has had (wonderful) personal experience, an update: Founder-instructor Maria Elena Greene is taking a brief break from classes through spring 2007, as the Greenes are expecting a new baby soon! But never fear - Hola Baby expects to offer summer and fall programming, and there may be some free demo classes for newcomer families at that time. For more info or to be added to Maria's email list for future announcements, contact her at: maria (at) holababy (dot) net.
4) And finally... In Alexandria, VA, we love the early childhood Spanish enrichment instructor at our daughter's preschool in Old Town. KidSpanish, founded by Larissa Giacoman, is an interactive language/drama curriculum. In addition to her work at DC-area preschools, Larissa and her team of instructors teach Spanish at several Alexandria schools, and they offer classes to children at Northern Virginia Community College's Alexandria campus on Saturdays. For more info about Larissa and KidSpanish, go to www.kidspanish.org.
For more Spanish-language stuff for young children, check out: Parlez Vous in Old Town, CommuniKids in DC, locally-owned Bilingos books and toys, Candida's World of Books in DC, and the Amigas Vecinas playgroup.
Posted by Sarah at 10:08 AM. Permanent link to "Spanish-language fun for early childhood."
January 9, 2007
Today on the Diane Rhem Show: "NO"
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TODAY, at 11 a.m. on WAMU (88.5 FM), what promises to be an interesting program on the Diane Rhem Show:
The guest is Dr. David Walsh, president and founder of the National Institute on Media and the Family. And the subject matter is that of his new book, No: Why Kids - of All Ages - Need to Hear It, & Ways Parents Can Say It.
Here's the programming summary:
"One of the most important, but often most difficult, thing for a parent to do is say 'no' to their child. But saying no lays the foundation for vital skills including self-reliance, self-discipline and integrity. A look at the importance of saying 'no.'"
You can listen online with streaming audio, or tune in the old-fashioned way to 88.5 on the radio dial. If you miss the live program, archives will be available on the website within a coupla hours after airing. (Transcripts, etc. require purchase.)
Posted by Sarah at 9:43 AM. Permanent link to "Today on the Diane Rhem Show: "NO"."
January 8, 2007
News on early childhood enrichment classes - & free demos!
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Today I have announcements from several DC-area enrichment programs specializing in movement and music - with opportunities to try classes for FREE:
1.) Classic Tales 'n Tunes, an integrated arts program for little ones, is offering free demo classes on on Wednesday, January 17 and Saturday, January 20, at the Falls Church Community Center. Ages 1 1/2 - 4 years, accompanied by a parent or caregiver. The classes incorporate stories, singing, instrument play, movement activities, and some ASL and Spanish. To reserve a spot in one of the free demo classes, or to find out more about their classes in Alexandria and Arlington, call 703.248.5077 and visit www.classictnt.com.
2.) Music Together Vivo, directed by Cheryl Sabo, is offering a free demo class on Wednesday, January 17 at 10:30 a.m. at the Stafford County Gymnastics Center in Virginia. Their new session of classes, offered throughout NoVa, begins January 12-19, and there are still spaces in several classes. For more info or to register, call 703.619.6441 and visit www.mtvivo.com.
3.) Tranquil Space Bethesda is launching several new yoga classes for kids and families. Registration is now open for:
Yoga for Two: Kids & Parents (ages 3-5)
Sundays, January 21-March 11
9:30-10:15 a.m.
This class is structured like a kids class with an emphasis on partner poses and interaction between parent and child. Poses are introduced through songs, stories, and creative play. Class concludes with a relaxation time for both parent and child.
Yoga for Kids (ages 6-9)
Fridays, January 19-March 9
4:30-5:15 p.m.
An interactive class designed to introduce children to yoga in a fun, relaxed atmosphere. Through the use of yoga games and exercises, children will learn about yogic concepts and philosophies such as belly breathing, mindfulness, cooperation, and relaxation.
plus, Yoga for Pre-Teens (ages 10-12)
Tuesdays, January 16-March 6
4:30-5:15 p.m.
For more info or to register, send email to: andrea (at) tranquilspace (dot) com or call 301.654.9642. You can also register at their website, www.tranquilspacebethesda.com.
4.) Parent Child University is offering free demo classes next week at the Walter Reed Center in Arlington! An early-afternoon demo class of Kindermusik and a late-afternoon demo of Signing Smart still have some open spots. PLUS, founder-instructor Tracey Kretzer is offering $10 off to DC BABY families! Just drop our name when you RSVP. Send email to: MissTracey (at) parentchildu (dot) com or call 571.643.1002.
Posted by Sarah at 9:33 AM. Permanent link to "News on early childhood enrichment classes - & free demos!."
January 5, 2007
Weekend Watch: Quick, before the lights go down - & Pilates for mamas
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Heads up: This is the final weekend for several holiday-themed, family-oriented outings, including the Bull Run Festival of Lights in Virginia and the Garden of Lights at Brookside Gardens in Maryland. Go now, or wait 'til next year!
And just for the mamas this weekend: I recommend checking out one of the two new sessions starting Saturday, January 6, at Evolution Pilates in Alexandria. The MOMilates (postpartum) class meets at 10 a.m. and the Prenatal class meets at 11 a.m. Both are taught by physical therapists who are certified in Pilates - AND, they are promoting these classes in the New Year with a 20 percent discount for registrants. For more info, contact Megan Bellamy Brown at: megan (at) evolutionpilates (dot) net, or click here to visit their website.
Posted by Sarah at 12:00 PM. Permanent link to "Weekend Watch: Quick, before the lights go down - & Pilates for mamas."
January 4, 2007
Grab your swimmie diaper - It's a winter family getaway!
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Who knew? Just two hours' drive from the Beltway in the Blue Ridge Mountains near Harrisonburg, VA, the Massanutten Resort has expanded its small ski and golf center by opening a ginormous (42,000-square-foot) $30 million indoor water park tailored to kids and families.
Here's an excerpt from a recent story in the Washington Post:
"The centerpiece is a kind of mountainous waterworks calliope that climbs to the rafters as the kids climb on it, sliding down the chutes, aiming industrial water guns and dumping buckets on one another. Every few minutes, a tank the size of a cement truck tips over, dousing the ecstatic crowd with thousands of gallons of slightly salty water."
"A fast-paced wave machine creates a perfect eternal breaker for one surfer or boogie-boarder at a time. There's a commodious indoor-outdoor hot tub; an enchanting frog pond for the littlest pre-swimmers; and a selection of towering extreme waterslides, some pitch dark, some large enough for three-person rafts. Winding through it all is a wavy river where tubers float serenely through the hubbub."
That, plus the resort also has skiing (if it EVER snows), horseback riding, basketball courts, a go-cart track, tennis courts, hiking trails, mini golf, real golf, indoor/outdoor pools, and so on.
At $38 per person, per day, this shindig doesn't come cheap. But the good news is, tots under two years of age get in FREE, and kids shorter than 42" (approx. age 7) get in for $26. And if you don't want to do the drive there and back in one day, check out the on-site hotel, condo rentals, and the many restaurants and shops.
Posted by Sarah at 10:02 AM. Permanent link to "Grab your swimmie diaper - It's a winter family getaway!."
January 3, 2007
Just for the mamas & daddies...Feeding preschoolers & "how to talk"
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Check it out! Two upcoming events of special interest to parents of young children:
1) A FREE parent education forum, "The ABCs of Feeding Preschoolers," is set for Thursday, January 18 at 7:30 p.m. at Concord-St. Andrew's Cooperative Nursery School in Bethesda (5910 Goldsboro Rd.), presented by licensed clinical social worker and certified nutrition counselor Karen Schachter. This event is open to the public - All are welcome. The forum will "review the basics of what constitutes a healthy diet for preschool-aged children, with some practical suggestions for kid-friendly, healthy foods. The forum will also focus on HOW to help children begin to enjoy these healthier options and how to encourage them to eat without power struggles. This forum is intended to reduce parents' anxiety and make feeding children easier and more fun!"
2.) The fabulous Francine Ronis, licensed child/family therapist, has a few spaces still open for her parenting workshops based on the now-classic book, "How to Talk So Kids Will Listen, & Listen So Kids Will Talk." The group starts next Tuesday, meets for six weeks, and the total cost is $97, which includes the workbook. What's great about Francine's workshop is that it gives you a chance to talk about the ideas in the books, go home and try them, and then share your experiences (good, bad, and in-between) and get feedback afterward. Francine says, "The group experience adds a dimension that you don't get reading the book in isolation, and helps you to really use the methods to your advantage." FYI, this is a very guy-friendly group, and there are already two other dads registered for this session. (So don't be shy, fathers.) To register or get more info, contact Francine at frgilbert (at) gmail (dot) com or 571.213.9215.
Posted by Sarah at 9:59 AM. Permanent link to "Just for the mamas & daddies...Feeding preschoolers & "how to talk"."