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December 29, 2007
New Year's Eve *with the kids*
The folks at Austin Grill's Bethesda, Old Town, and Springfield locations are putting a great idea into action: A Children's Countdown to the New Year on the afternoon of December 31st at 4 p.m., complete with sparkling cider and party favors. You can order from the menu to your heart's delight, but there's no "cover charge" to take part in the festivities. For grown-up appetites, the regular menu will be supplemented with specials including crab cakes, bacon-wrapped grilled shrimp, and a mixed grill with ribeye/pork loin/portobella mushroom. And they have a good children's menu, to boot.
For more child-oriented NYE celebrations, don't forget the afternoon party and countdown at The Family Room on Capitol Hill, and the many events planned for First Night Alexandria (both require ticket purchase/cover charge).
Happy New Year!
Posted by Sarah at 9:47 PM
December 17, 2007
New P.A.C.E. support groups forming
P.A.C.E. is now forming new support groups for first-time moms (of babies birth to six months) in NoVa, Montgomery County, and DC. And second-time-moms P.A.C.E. groups are already underway in the month of December.
I've heard from more than one veteran mother that the friends she made in P.A.C.E. are still close contacts and supporters years later! Sessions are led by mothers who are professionally trained in infant development and group leadership. Time is also set aside so that members may share their experiences and discuss subjects of mutual concern.
For more on DC-area P.A.C.E. groups, visit www.pacemoms.org or send email to: pacemom-at-erols-dot-com.
Posted by Sarah at 2:46 PM
December 14, 2007
Weekend Watch: Family Carol Sing & Santa in DC
Looks like the weather may be nasty this weekend, but here's an indoor opportunity little ones can take part in:
The Capital City Symphony in DC will host its Annual Community Carol Sing this Sunday, December 16, at 3:30 and 7:30. The 3:30 p.m. event is recommended for families with young children - and rumor has it that Santa Claus may appear.
The Carol Sing is FREE, but you must reserve your seats in advance by calling their box office: 202.399.7993.
The Capital City Symphony's performance home is at The Atlas Performing Arts Center, 1333 H St. NE in the District.
Posted by Sarah at 2:58 PM
December 12, 2007
Mom's Night Out shopping at DPB
Dawn Price Baby is hosting another of their great Mom's Night Out shopping sprees TOMORROW, Thursday, December 13 from 6 to 9 p.m. at the Capitol Hill location only (325 Seventh St. SE, a block from Eastern Market).
They'll provide the snacks and beverages, plus offering you 15 percent off your purchases for the evening - clothing and accessories, as well as furniture and bedding already on the floor. (The only items exempted are strollers/stroller accessories, gift cards, and custom orders.)
If you plan to attend, kindly give them a ring, so there's plenty of food and drink on hand: 202.543.2920.
Posted by Sarah at 6:09 PM
December 11, 2007
Evening parenting lectures in Alexandria
There are still a few spaces available in two upcoming evening lectures hosted by Parenting Playgroups in Alexandria:
TOMORROW, Wednesday, December 12 from 7:30 to 9 p.m.
Lisa Guernsey, author of Into the Minds of Babes: How Screentime Impacts Children Birth Through Five, will present and lead a discussion on this important topic. All are welcome, even if you haven't read Lisa's book. Cost is $15.
Next Thursday, December 19 from 7:30 to 9 p.m.
"Managing Aggression and Competition Between Children" will be a research-based presentation by Dr. Rene Hackney, with plenty of time for Q&A. Cost is $22 per single individual or $30 per couple.
To register for either of these evening events, send email to: rene-at-parentingplaygroups-dot-com or phone Dr. Hackney at 703.922.0044.
Posted by Sarah at 12:14 PM
December 10, 2007
Family-oriented New Year's Eve
Don't have a babysitter for New Year's Eve? Pondering how to celebrate as a family, with little ones in tow?
The Family Room, which opened earlier this year in the Capitol Hill neighborhood, is planning an all-ages "Ring in the New Year" party on Monday, December 31 from 3 to 7 p.m. A "countdown" with sparkling cider takes place at 6:00, with plenty of food and noisemakers on hand. Tix for non-members are $10 per adult and $5 for children over one year of age. Discounts apply for Family Room members. RSVPs are requested by December 29. For more info, visit their website.
Another great NYE option, especially if your children are preschool-age or older and you live in NoVa: Check out Old Town Alexandria's family-oriented, alcohol-free First Night celebration, with events taking place at multiple venues throughout the evening of December 31.
Posted by Sarah at 3:05 PM
December 7, 2007
Weekend Watch: Bethesda holiday events & area Hanukkah happenings
Tonight and tomorrow, downtown Bethesda hosts several free, family-oriented holiday events as part of their annual "Winter Wonderland."
Tonight, starting at 8 p.m. at the Imagination Stage (on Auburn Ave.), it's a holiday concert featuring four local groups (including an ensemble from the Gay Men's Chorus of Washington, DC - who I saw in concert last Christmas - they rock!)
Saturday at 1 p.m. at downtown Bethesda's Veterans Park (corner of Norfolk and Woodmont), it's a live ice-sculpting demonstration creating wintry works of art... followed by a 2 p.m. children's holiday concert at the same location, featuring choirs from area schools. And a special visit from Santa Claus.
The Oneness Family School in Bethesda is also hosting a free Festival of Lights event tonight, Friday, at 7 p.m. for ages three to 15 and parents, celebrating diverse traditions around the world.
On another holiday-related note... The big and beautiful National Menorah is now lit at the Ellipse near the White House. Happy Hanukkah to those of you celebrating this week!
Posted by Sarah at 11:27 AM
December 5, 2007
Trees aglow in downtown DC
Little children love lights and decorated trees...And as of this week, downtown DC has plenty to see. The tree on the West Lawn of the U.S. Capitol will be lit as of tonight, and tomorrow night the National Tree at the Ellipse near the White House will follow.
We also love taking our daughter to Union Station to see the huge, live lit tree donated each year by the Norwegian Embassy, decorated with American and Norwegian flags -- and the (FREE) model train display depicting Norwegian winter scenes. You'll find both in the main hall of the station. Heads up: The train runs only 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. (seven days a week).
Another model train (bigger and better this year, I'm told) and beautiful decor are also on display at the U.S. Botanic Garden, near the Capitol.
Posted by Sarah at 10:33 AM
December 3, 2007
Holiday book drive for DC-area children
Several local women-owned businesses serving moms and children - Mom Made Foods, Our Kids, Livie & Luca, Parent Child U., Stroller Strides, Health e-Lunch Kids, and Chic Tots - are partnering to sponsor the first annual "Moms vs. Moms Challenge," a DC-areawide book drive for kids.
They need your new or gently used children's books to benefit the Washington-based Books for America! It's a great way to share the spirit of giving this time of year.
During the weekend of December 14, books may be dropped off at area Whole Foods Markets. Donors will receive thank-you gifts from the local sponsors. Also, one of seven grand prizes will be awarded to the top donors - So get your moms group, neighborhood, office, or preschool in on the action.
For all the details, click here.
Posted by Sarah at 4:57 PM