Lucinda, Cassie, Christy, Tracy, Cheri, Annie, Deb, Jen, Sangita, Mimi & Laura (Where are you Mimi & Laura?) it was so nice being outside with all of you today! I had such a good time! At least one of my kids is taking a nap ;-) Check out the pictures that I uploaded to the group photo album, and if you guys would like full size versions of any, just e-mail me! I hope we can do this again soon!!
Mommy Wars: Stay-at-Home and Career Moms Face Off on Their Choices, Their Lives, Their Families
Heads up: Leslie Morgan Steiner on The Kathleen Show
We just wanted to take a quick couple of minutes to reach out to moms in the Washington DC community to let you know bestselling author Leslie Morgan Steiner is coming to the DC airwaves on Saturday, March 31 at 2 PM on DC Radio 700 AM
Leslie is a mother of 3, the author of Mommy Wars, and an executive with The Washington Post (she also hosts an online column for the paper called On Balance).
Leslie chats with show host, Kathleen Slattery-Moschkau about the “myth” of the perfect mom and her own personal struggles regarding her decision to stay at home AND her decision to go back to work. (and how she was moved, surprised, and comforted by the stories other mothers shared in her book Mommy Wars).
The Kathleen Show is a fun and inspiring radio program about shaking things up and grabbing life and health by the horns. Show host and acclaimed filmmaker, Kathleen Slattery-Moschkau, also mixes it up with some way behind the scenes peeks at the entertainment industry. Kathleen interviews nationally renowned and entertaining guests who deliver practical advice for taking charge and making changes today. For more information about the show and to listen via download or podcast visit www.thekathleenshow.com
The Montgomery County Department of Parks is sponsoring a "Women's Outdoor Retreat" on May 18-20 at Rockwood Manor in Potomac, Maryland. This is a weekend retreat for women only that offers a great range of activities, including rock climbing, kayaking on the C&O Canal, archery, yoga, road cycling, nature hikes, and a whole lot more.
The cost for the entire weekend (which includes all meals, lodging, and all activities) is $225, or $275 for a semi- private room. Anyone who's interested can sign up for the Retreat by going to ParkPASS and entering Course Number 32149.
ParkPASS is the online registration system for the Department of Parks, and you'll need to register for an account in order to sign up for the Retreat... it's easy to do, and free.
Rockwood Manor Park (a stone's throw from the C&O Canal) is located at: 11001 MacArthur Boulevard, Potomac, MD 21710
What a fun morning we had at the Zoo this morning! It was a moms club event. The elephant bath & tricks were sooo much fun. My kids in particular were just completely taken with the whole scrubbing and hosing the elephant down!
Before going this morning & last night, we had to read Miss Mary Mack, Mack, Mack & What's for lunch? Two of their favorite books, featuring elephants of course!! I had no idea that elephants had such BIG FEET!!!
I was amazed just watching this huge animal do as he was told, getting down onto his knees, and rolling over. We walked around, and visited the monkeys & apes, the kimono dragon, the panda exhibit, kissed some donkeys, and watched the cows. The only disappointing part of the entire day was that the "kids pizza" playground was closed or under some kinda construction! We were all hoping we could release the kids from their strollers and wear them out before loading up and going home! We were able to make do down at the kid's farm while checking out the cows, goats and ducks!
There is just so much to see at DC Zoo, that we're going to need many, many, moms day outs here!
Tomorrow is park & a picnic!
Catch some air with the Montgomery County Department of Parks and the Montgomery County Recreation Department at the official grand opening of the Olney Manor Skate Park. Join us for fee-FREE skateboarding all day, skateboard rider demonstrations, music, food, giveaways and more during this official grand opening to celebrate the much-anticipated Olney Manor Skate Park at Olney Manor Recreational Park.
Saturday, April 14, 2007 12:00 noon – 3:00 pm Olney Manor Skate Park At the Olney Manor Recreational Park 16601 Georgia Avenue, Olney, Maryland The skate park is located behind the swim center at Olney Manor Recreational Park.
For more information on the grand opening see www.MontgomeryParks.org.
For more on the Olney Manor Skate Park, including hours of operation, fees, rules and regulations, visit www.montgomerycountymd.gov/rectmpl.asp?url=/content/rec/sports/skatepark/olneyskate.asp.
Mommies, check out the Family Festival, celebrating spring coming to Audubon Nature Center. Take a day off to enjoy the outdoors at the Audubon Nature Fair. The Washington area's largest family nature fair takes place at the 40-acre Woodend preserve of the Audubon Naturalist Society.
The fair offers a food court, crafts & garden marketplace, native plant sale & organic farmer's market, entertainment, and hands-on nature activities.
Sunday, 11am till 5pm. Rain or Shine. Adult $5, kids free. Banjo Man, Billy B, Scales & Tales and the Washington Revels will be there as entertainment.
8940 Jones Mill Road, Chevy Chase MD. Directions to Woodend Sanctuary:
From the Capital Beltway (I-495), exit Connecticut Ave. south (exit 33) toward Chevy Chase. From Connecticut Ave., go left on Manor Road, right on Jones Bridge Road, and left on Jones Mill Road to 8940 on the left. (Look for Nature Center road sign.)
Theodore Roosevelt Island is located just across the Potomac River from downtown Washington DC. This is probably one of the best park and bike locations due to it's close proximity to most major bike paths.
If you haven't been here before - you are missing out! Amazing statues, lovely views, and a nice easy walk. My kids love playing over here, and there's tons of stuff to climb on for them!
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Theodore_Roosevelt_Island
http://www.theodoreroosevelt.org/modern/trisland.htm
For our walk please note:
1. Kids are welcome and encouraged! Bring a friend if you want!
2. Regular strollers will do just fine on this walk. On the Island itself, it does not have paved walks - but there is a boardwalk, and a heavy duty dirt trail (which is easily passable with a regular stroller - maybe even with an "umbrella" stroller).
3. We're not off roading it, so once you've all seen the main monuments on the Island and the kids have run around for a bit, we can immediately turn back and actually walk the nicely paved trail on GW parkway - heading down towards Gravelly Point and the airport. (It looks like you can just reach up into the sky and pull down a plane, it's really amazing & very cool)!
4. Don't feel that you have to walk the whole way - if you have other things to do, great, no problem!
5. Going over to the Island is great for the "little walkers".... they get to explore safely, and no we're not worried that you're holding us back. This is just a nice way to meet everyone, chat, and get out in the fresh air!!
6. Plan for 2 hours. 30-60 minutes on the Island, and 30 minutes walking down the parkway, then back again. There's ducks to be fed on the way, so perhaps bring some day old bagels or a loaf for the kids to feed the "geese"...
7. The kids should be in their strollers for the walk part down the parkway, (we can't "dawdle" along the GW trail - as there will be many bikes and joggers going past at quite a clip, so it's hard pulling kids out of the way in time)!!!
The weather should be nice out, so come on out & enjoy the fresh air, sights and sounds. Bring a camera - there will be some good picture taking opportunities on the foot bridge, or on the island with the kids. Do bring snacks - there's nowhere there to buy juice or anything. They do have water fountains though! Don't dress them "fashionably".... it's woody, and my kids in particular love to touch and climb on fallen trees, and pick up sticks - so durable - jeans & sweaters, sneakers! Bring some handwipes!
Hope this clears it up! If you now think that this sounds good for you, please RSVP via the link.
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Mommies - do you live in the Washington DC metro area? Why don't you join our fun moms group? Hip Mommies of Washington DC, MD & VA! Here's just a few things that you can expect to do with us!!
On the first Thursday of every month, Skate N Fun in Manassas, VA holds a stroller skate. Can you imagine all those moms out there pushing their stroller around the track, jammin out to 80's music!! What a great way to sweat off a few pounds! Two hours, and only $5, I am definitely looking forward to our moms group upcoming visit!
Frying Pan Farm Park is in the busiest season of all times - all of their animals have just given birth, and there are a lot of babies available to see. Lambs, goats and calves deliver during the cold winter months. Now that spring is here, the babies are ready for visitors. Sit back and enjoy a 20-minute wagon ride through the woods and fields of Frying Pan Farm Park. While taking your ride, learn about the plants and animals that live in the park.
Croyden Creek Nature Center Just minutes away from Rockville Town Center are 120 acres of beautifully preserved forest, open meadow areas, and a winding creek bustling with a variety of wildlife. The City of Rockville has added a feature to this natural wonder – the Croydon Creek Nature Center. Filled with excitement and discovery, the nature center highlights nature in the urban setting. Interesting exhibits and informative programs provide educational opportunities to help visitors understand the importance of “thinking globally and acting locally.”
Outside the nature center, Rockville Civic Center Park offers marked and unmarked trails through the forest and by the creek for hikers of all ages to explore the natural beauty of the park.
Please think about joining us, making new friends, and having a fun time with your kids! Our group is located here: Fun 'N' Hip Mommies
1 p.m. Monday, March 19 - The Circus comes to town! Watch out - elephants crossing!
Verizon Center
601 F St. NW Washington, DC
• Information: 866-640-2830
• Price: Free
When the Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus circus comes to town, the elephants, wearing beaded multicolor headdresses, are offloaded from the train early to walk the rest of the way in. This year, the elephants will be joined by fellow four-legged performers like Andalusian horses and an "zedonk," which is part zebra and part donkey.
The walk is scheduled to start at 1:30 p.m., but that's subject to change depending on train issues.
For same-day updates on the parade's progress across town, call 866-640-2830. The animals disembark from the circus train at 32nd and D streets SE, just north of Fort Dupont Park. From D Street SE, they walk up Minnesota Avenue to East Capitol Street and cross the Whitney Young Memorial Bridge near RFK Stadium. They continue on East Capitol to Fifth Street NE and turn on Massachusetts Avenue to walk in front of Union Station, one of the popular viewing points. From there, they walk across E Street NW and turn on Sixth Street NW to enter the Verizon Center at G Street.
The Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus will be at the Verizon Center March 22-25, and then at the Patriot Center March 29-April 8 and the D.C. Armory from April 11-15.
Details
10:30 a.m. and 7:30 p.m. Thursday, March 22nd - 7:30 p.m. Friday, March 23rd, 11:30 a.m., 3:30 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. Saturday-Sunday, March 24-25th.
Washington DC Shamrock Festival
Details: Noon Saturday, March 10th till 10pm
RFK Stadium
2400 East Capitol St. SE Washington, DC
Take Metro Blue or Orange Lines to the Stadium-Armory Station.
• Price: General Admission starts at $15; VIP passes start at $80.
Music Lineup here.
Editorial Review at Washington Post
More than 280 international and domestic wineries will provide samples of more than 1,100 wines at this festival featuring wine and food tasting, cooking demonstrations and seminars.
Details:
7-10 p.m. Friday, March 9th
3-7 p.m. Saturday, March 10th
2-6 p.m. Sunday, March 11th
Ronald Reagan Building & International Trade Center
1300 Pennsylvania Ave. NW Washington, DC
• Information: 800-343-1174 • Price: $65-$180
http://tinyurl.com/3bvakd
2007 White House Easter Egg Roll
This years White House Easter Egg Roll will take place on April 9, 2007 from 8am to 2pm. Kids take part in hunting for Easter eggs as well as racing them. Date for distribution of tickets has not been announced.
Tickets for this very popular event, which are timed for entrance will be distributed on a first-come, first-served basis at the Ellipse Visitor Pavilion (southwest corner of 15th and E Streets). Tickets are limited to a maximum of five per person.
Children of all ages can attend, but there must be at least one child seven years old or younger in the party along with no more than 2 adults per group. Call 202.456.7041 for more information. Tip: The line generally forms well before the actual distribution time. Plan ahead!
Butlers Orchard:
Come to the 12th annual Bunnyland, held on April 5, 6, 7 & 9 and April 14 & 15, 2007. From 9am to 3pm enjoy hayrides, egg hunts, animal visits and play in the kiddie hayromp and castle. $7/child; $5/adult. Food vendors will offer hot dogs, veggie pitas, popcorn, cookies and more. There will also be face painting and kids crafts which are an extra fee. Call 301.972.3299 before heading out to the farm if the weather is unpredictable.
Easter Bunny Sightings in Maryland:
LakeForest Mall: The bunny arrives on March 17 and will be available for photos until April 7th. Photo packages are available.
Marley Station: The bunny arrives on March 18th and will be available for photos until April 7th in his springtime garden in center court. On select dates - March 31st & April 7th enjoy Breakfast with the Easter Bunny at Rocky Run Restaurant. Tickets are $6 each and will go on sale at the Customer Service Desk on March 12.
Westfield - Montgomery: The bunny arrives on March 23rd and will be available for photos until April 7th in the Center Court. Receive special treats & giveaways when you have your photo taken with the Easter Bunny.
White Flint Mall: The bunny arrives on March 23rd and will be available for photos until April 7th on level one, Lord & Taylor Wing. On Saturday, April 7th have breakfast with the Bunny at Dave & Buster's at 9am. Enjoy continental breakfast, a visit with the Bunny and arts & crafts. Admission is $10, children under 2 free. Tickets are available at the concierge desk. Tickets go on sale, March 5th at the Concierge Desk, Level Two.
Easter Bunny Sightings in VA
Dale City Recreation Center: Have breakfast with the bunny on April 7, 2007 at 11:30am. This annual special event is for children ages 10 and younger, and children must be accompanied by an adult. The cost is $10 per ticket and includes lunch and a photo with the Bunny. RR: 703.670.7112, ext. 221.
Dulles Town Center: The bunny arrives on March 15th and will be available for photos until April 7th. Also enjoy Breakfast with Bunny on March 25th. The morning includes continental breakfast, an exciting magic show, carousel rides, awesome prizes, and lots of fun! Admission is only $10. Children under two free. Tickets available at the customer service desk in early March.
Fair Oaks Mall: The bunny arrives on March 17, 2007 and will be available for photos until April 7th. Every child receives a gift and photo packages are available.
Pentagon City Mall: The bunny arrives on April 1st and will be available for photos until April 15th in the food court. Photo packages are available. Free samples of the Nestlé WONKA® EGG HUNT™ product line will be available.--
Potomac Mills: The bunny arrives on March 21st and will be available for photos until April 7th in the Grand Court, Neighborhood 2. Receive sweet giveaways and if you like, purchase a special photo to remember your "hoppy" occasion! Hours are as follows: Monday to Saturday: 10am to 8pm (carrot breaks from 1 to 1:45pm and 4:30 to 5:15pm); Sunday: 12 to 7pm (carrot break from 2:30 to 3:15pm). Please call 703.496.9301 for more information.
Springfield Mall: The bunny arrives on March 2nd and will be available for photos until April 7th in the JcPenney court. Come and visit with the bunny and have your photo taken. Breakfast with the Bunny will be held on March 31st at 8:30am in the Food Court. RR: 703-971-5509, $10/adults; $5/ages 3 to 12; under 2 free.
Tysons Corner Center: The bunny arrives on March 24, 2007 and will be available for photos until April 7th. Photo packages are available.
Easter Egg Hunts in Maryland and DC
Deerfield Run Community Center: On March 24th at 10:30am, it's an eggcelent egg hunt in celebration of spring. Free, all ages.
College Park Youth Services Center: On March 31st from 10am to noon, enjoy old-fashioned family fun such as 3-legged races, a balloon toss, and more. Free, ages 3 to 12.
Berwyn Heights Community Center: On March 31st at 11am, enjoy an egg hunt and an egg race between parents and kids. Free, ages 10 and under.
Rollingcrest-Chillum Community Center: On March 31st from noon to 2pm, take part in this annual egg hunt, magic show and more. Free, all ages.
Beltsville Community Center: On March 31st at 11am, take part in an egg hunt. There will also be crafts, refreshments and more. RR by 3/28: 301.937.6613.
Brookside Nature Center: Take a woodland egg hunt on March 31, 2007 to search for eggs with a fun treasure inside. Various times available, register online, program for ages 1 to 7 with adult.
The Maryland Zoo in Baltimore: March 31, April 1, 7 & 8, 2007. A very popular Bunny Bonanzoo Egg Hunt presented by Mary Sue Candies. This year's Egg Hunt is more egg-citing than ever. Now held in scenic Waterfowl Lake Pavilion, guests will have acres to search for the hidden eggs. Egg hunt times run between 10am to Noon, and 1:30 to 4pm. Enjoy live entertainment, magic shows, rides, face painting and more. Free with general zoo admission.
Meadowside Nature Center: Take part in their annual Easter Egg Hunt on April 6, 2007. Various times available, register online. $5/child, times divided by age group.
Easter Egg Hunts in Virginia:
Colvin Mill Run: On Saturday, March 31, 2007 from 1 to 3pm, children ages 2 to 9 can hunt for hand-dyed eggs, make a craft and listen to a story. The Easter Bunny will also be on hand. RR: 703.759.2771 by 3/27, $5/child.
Gadsby's Tavern Museum: On Saturday, April 7, 2007 take part in the Hunt for History program. The history is easy to find, but where are the eggs? Help find the Tavernkeeper’s Easter Eggs and learn about the past at the same time. Light refreshments included. RR: 703.838.4242, $5/adults; $3/children 2 to 17. Tours are from 10am to 5pm.
Frying Pan Park: On Saturday, March 31, 2007 discover spring on the farm and enjoy an egg hunt at the park. You need to use the registration form in Parktakes Magazine and send it directly to Frying Pan Park. Cost is $6/child, call 703.437.9101 for more information.
Herndon Easter Egg Hunt: On Saturday, April 7, 2007, have fun hunting for Easter eggs on the Herndon High School front lawn.
Lake Accotink Park: On Saturday, April 7, 2007 from noon to 3pm, enjoy a spring egg hunt with your kids. This event is for all ages. Kids can hunt for eggs and meet the Easter bunny. RR: 703.569.0285, $8/child.
Ben Lomond Community Center: On Saturday, April 7, 2007 from 11am to 1pm, take part in the Eggstravaganza. There will be entertainment, arts ‘n craft activities, lawn games and, of course, an egg hunt. Each child will receive a goody bag filled with treats. Expect a visit from Peter Cotton Tail. Cost is $8/child and the event is for children ages 2 to 10. Tickets on sale at the Community Center starting March 1st. Info: 703.361.7126.
Reston Community Center: On Saturday, March 31, 2007 (rain date April 7) at 1pm, children ages 8 and younger participate in an "egg-stra" fun time hunting for Easter eggs. Grandpa & Grandma bunny will be on hand for photos and there will be carnival games and an egghunt with prizes and free candy.
Sully Historic Site: On Saturday, March 24, 2007, (rain date 3/31) from 1:30 to 3:30pm, children ages 3 to 7 can hunt for Easter eggs in Sully's fields. Find the special egg and claim your prize. Visit animals and enjoy a craft or two. RR: 703.437.1794, $5/child.
City of Manassas 2007 Egg Hunt on March 31, 2007. Various times for different age groups.
Veterans Park on March 31, 2007, start time at 10am. Various times for different age groups. Visit Peter Cottontail and hunt for hidden treasures. Free, pickup tickets at center. Call 703.491.2183 for more information.
Moms in Virginia? Come join our group & participate with other mommies in the area! Check our calendar for daily/weekly activities!
Ashburn Park 43546 Partlow Road, Ashburn, VA A 16-acre park with three separate playgrounds for different ages. Plenty of shade.
Burke Lake Park 7315 Ox Road, Fairfax Station, VA Beautiful park with newly renovated playgrounds, a train, carousel, ice cream parlor, nature trails, a lake, fishing, boating, and soccer fields.
Great Falls Grange Playground 9818 Georgetown Pike, Great Falls, VA (703)938-8835 Newly renovated playground with rock climbing walls, tire swings, merry-go-round, and a cave with dinosaur fossils. Plenty of shade, benches, pavilions and picnic tables.
Algonkian Park 20280 Cascades Parkway, Sterling, VA (703) 444-1459 One of the biggest playgrounds in the area with swings, tunnels, bouncing bridges, slides, and ladders. New equipment, plenty of shade, and lots of picnic tables and benches.
Woodmont Park 2422 N. Fillmore Street, Arlington, VA (703) 228-6525 Woodmont Park has new play equipment and nearby facilities for a wide range of ages. Play area includes play houses, rocking whale, slides, a rope bridge and monkey bars. Other facilities include benches, pavilion, basketball court, and a baseball field.
DC moms - please come join our group & take part in daily/weekly activities with and without our kids!
East Potomac Park Hains Pt & Ohio Dr S (202) 554-7660 East Potomac Park is a 300+ acre peninsula located between the Washington Channel and the Potomac River. Hains Point, at the southern end of the park, is a popular picnic spot with a great view of the city and features a mini-golf course, a playground, a public outdoor pool, tennis courts, picnic facilities, and a recreation center. New equipment is set on rubber mat surfacing which accommodates strollers and wheelchairs. This beautiful park has plenty of shade, bathrooms, picnic benches and lots of areas for kids to run around.
Friendship "Turtle" Park 4500 Van Ness Street, NW (202) 282-2198 This is one of the best playgrounds in DC, with plenty of slides, swings, tunnels, and climbing structures. There is a fenced area with plenty of shade, benches and picnic tables. Other amenities include a sand box with turtles, basketball and tennis courts, softball/soccer fields and a recreation center.
Kalorama Park 19th Street & Kalorama Rd. NW. Kalorama Park is a large playground in the heart of Adams Morgan next to Kalorama Recreation Center. The playgrounds are divided into big-kid and little-kid fenced play areas.
Moms in Maryland - join our group and spend time with our social, fun, laid back moms while the kids play at one of these great playgrounds in the Maryland area! Check out our calendar for playdates!
Wheaton Regional Park 2000 Shorefield Road, Wheaton, MD (301) 946-7033 Great park with more play areas than you can imagine. Play equipment includes endless climbing structures, swings, giant slides, a sand castle and much more. Children especially like the old fashioned carousel and a train ride that goes through the park (only open in the summer).
Other amenities include picnic areas, Brookside Nature Center, Brookside Gardens, a lake, ice rink, indoor/outdoor tennis courts, lighted ball fields, trails, and Wheaton Stables. Plenty of shade.
Cabin John Regional Park 7410 Tuckerman Lane, Rockville, MD (301) 299-0024 Huge park with lots of climbing structures, slides, mazes, play houses, swings, Cinderella's pumpkin carriage, airplane, and cars. Other features include miniature train, snack bar, rest rooms, hiking trails, picnic areas, indoor/outdoor tennis courts, ice skating rink, Locust Grove Nature Center and lighted athletic fields. Plenty of shade.
South Germantown Recreational Park 18041 Central Park Circle, Boyds, MD (301) 601-4400 Newest park in Montgomery County with multiple play areas including a castle and pirate ship, a climbing wall, music area and saucer swings. Other amenities include trails, picnic tables, driving range, miniature golf, Splash Playground, indoor sports and soccerplex, and a dairy museum. Limited shade.
Hadley’s Playground at Falls Road Local Park Falls Road, Potomac, MD Themed play areas include a castle, fort, pirate ship, and two-lane road, all of which include ramps and other features to accommodate wheelchairs and strollers. Plenty of open space for kids to run, play ball or ride bikes. Limited shade.
Candy Cane Park Beach Drive & Rollingwood Dr. Chevy Chase, MD Huge park that has recently been renovated. There are separate big kid and little kid play areas, tennis courts, basketball courts, playing fields, bathrooms, pavilions and shade. The park is located next to Meadowbrook Stables so kids can walk around and look at the horses.
Seneca Creek State Park 11950 Clopper Road Gaithersburg, MD (301) 924-2127 Beautiful park with a huge playground made with recycled tires. Kids love the zip line, ‘Bouncy Spider Hammock,’ and the ‘Dragon’. Lots of climbing equipment. Park has a lake, boating, fishing, hiking tails, a disc golf course, pavilions, bathrooms and lots of shade.
Watkins Regional Park 301 Watkins Park Drive Upper Marlboro, MD (301) 218-6700 Park with playgrounds, picnic areas, hiking and biking trails, Watkins Nature Center, the Chesapeake Carousel, Old Maryland Farm, the Watkins Regional Park miniature train, Watkins Miniature Golf Course, softball, football and soccer fields, basketball courts, indoor and outdoor tennis courts, and 34 campsites.
Jammin Java
227 Maple Ave E, Vienna, VA 22180
[703.255.1566]
http://www.jamminjava.com/ (Please always check THEIR calendar for updates/changes)!
Jammin' Java is a music venue presenting local, regional, and nationally touring acts seven nights a week, as well as a variety of popular children's concerts daily, Monday-Friday.
Jammin' Java also offers a music school, providing lessons for all skill levels and for all ages in piano, guitar, fiddle, drums, and voice. Lessons are 30 minutes and meet weekly.
To schedule lessons, or for more information, email rebecca@themusicschoolonline.com or call 703.435.7677.
Every Monday at 10.30am - Miss Belle - Singer - songwriter Miss Belle performs a combination of original children's songs and well known kid favorites, accompanied by her folk-style guitar playing.
Every Tuesday at 10.30am - Mister Don - Unusual pets, insomnia woes, sibling rivalry, and fables about the importance of gratitude, caring for the Earth, and forgiving others are some of the themes that run through Don's award-winning music for children. Sing-alongs, motion songs, and lots of rhythm instruments keep it lively and fun for everyone.
Every Wednesday at 10.30am - Rocknoceros, a three-man band, features original children's songs as well as some universally recognizable standards. The show caters to children from ages one to nine, but is designed to entertain grown-ups as well.
Every Thursday at 10.30am - Mr. Knick Knack's magical mix of stories, songs, and musical fun have been a Jammin' Java favorite for years. His popular program deals with major themes in an entertaining, musical way: unconditional love, parental protection, the importance of self-expression, growing bigger in the world, and forgiveness.
In addition to the weekly schedule they have many other events listed on their calendar. Please visit their site for current calendar information!
Hip Mommies of Washington DC, Maryland and Virginia have frequent playgroups at this location, and many others! Check out our free yahoo group for more information!
Our next mom & kid activity will be at the National Building Museum downtown DC. Please see our calendar for details!
For Hours/Directions: http://www.nbm.org/Info/visit.html#hours
Info: http://www.nbm.org/Exhibits/current/building_zone.html
Welcome to the Building Zone, a hands-on introduction to the building arts designed especially for the Museum's youngest visitors, ages two to six. In this new exhibition, children can:
• Build a tower or brick wall.
• Curl up with an architecture picture book in the Book Nook.
• Drive bulldozers and other construction play trucks in theConstruction Zone.
• Imagine being a craftsperson complete with a hard hat, tool belt,and goggles.
• Explore in a playhouse.
The space is further enlivened by a child-scale mural of cities and neighborhoods designed and painted by artist Sarah L. Smith.
Why Play at the National Building Museum?
Just as a building's foundation lays the groundwork for a structure,child-initiated play lays a foundation for learning. Through imaginative play, children learn to interact with others, to recognize and solve problems, and to gain confidence. Play helps children make sense of their physical and social worlds and their place within them.
Please remember:
• This gallery is designed for children ages 2-6.
• An adult must accompany children at all times.
• No food or drink is permitted in the gallery.
• Maximum capacity is 25 visitors.
• Photography is permitted.
Review of Little Red Riding Hood at Classika Theatre by Julieann Hamilton
Little Red Riding Hood, playing at Classika Theatre, is an entertaining and educational puppet show. The puppets are soft hand styled instruments resembling playful stuffed animals. The actors are visible on stage and play multiple characters.
The story follows the classic fairytale where Red Riding Hood’s mother tells her not to walk by herself to her Grammy’s house and not to talk to strangers. Little Red does not recognize her own vulnerability in the world and defies her mother’s rules by going the journey to Granny’s house on her own. Further, she stops to talk to a “doggy” that is really the Big Bad Wolf in disguise.
Each character represents humanity and interrelationships complete with self-interests, good and bad intentions, and unavoidable personality flaws. The Fox is deceitful and two-faced. He pretends to be against the Big Bad Wolf when he is among the other animals, but is truly seduced and awed by the power of the Wolf and in his accomplice.
The Bear has the benefit of an intimidating stature and is friendly, but interested only in satisfying his own needs for sustenance and personal protection. The Rabbit lacks confidence and exposes all her vulnerabilities and fears at once. She appears to be helpless and weak but, because she possesses the right instincts, is able to save Little Red and her Grandmother by reporting accurate information to the Woodsman. The Wolf is evil and uses every skill he knows to capture Little Red and her Grandmother.
By watching Bear, Rabbit, Fox, Little Red and Wolf, our children see the nuances of social interaction where motivations and desires can be conflicting among friends. They see that not all individuals can be trusted and that they are sometimes not even whom they pretend to be. These are difficult lessons to teach and grasp as it asks us to give up some of our innocence.
The show is a bit scary, but appropriate for the recommended audiences of 3 and up. The show runs from March 3 to May 12, 2007 on Saturdays and Sundays at noon. Tickets cost $12 and can be purchased by calling the box office at 703.824.6200 or online. ($2 surcharge added if purchased online.)
Classika Theatre is located at 4041 S. 28th Street, Arlington, VA 22206. For information: www.classika.org or 703.824.6200.
Signing for babies!
Workshops in Alexandria:
Saturday, March 10 at 4 p.m. Covers 30 first signs and mealtime signs.
Additional workshops will be offered on:
Saturday, March 24 at 10 a.m
Saturday, May 5 at 10a.m
NoVa classes starting soon:
Fridays, March 9 at 11:30am in Alexandria (3-week class)
Thursday evenings, March 15 at 6:30 p.m. in South Arlington (6-week class)
Fridays, March 30 at 12 noon (6-week class)
In Maryland:
Classes will be scheduled to begin in late March or April in both Rockville and Gaithersburg. Contact Tiny Fingers to be put on a mailing list informing you when registration for these classes is open.
Tiny Fingers offers baby sign language taught by teachers who have achieved conversational fluency in American Sign Language, with day, evenings, and weekend options. For details on classes and workshops, the schedule, registration process, and fees, go to www.tinyfingers.com/classes .
