Fun 'N' Hip Mommies of MD, DC & VA

Inflatable Playdates!

2007-10-16T08:15:00.001-05:00

14 Mommies & 18 Kids!

Bounce playdate.

October 8th - 13th

2007-10-06T12:20:00.001-05:00

Fun 'N' Hip Mommies of MD, DC and VA

I'd like to say a big hello to our newest members this week! There's at least 20 of them, from all over Maryland, DC and Virginia!

We'd love each of you to pick an event that is coming up this week and come out and meet with an organizer. After your first meeting on this group, we'll have you move over to our other group: Super Fun 'N' Hip Mommies

Once we've verified via meeting you in person that you are indeed a woman ;-) we'll let you in on sooooo much more fun!!

Here's some things that are coming up:

Monday - 10am.
Park Play on a Fall Day, hosted by Amy Emad.

It's at a park in Silver Spring / Burtonsville area (which is actually called Fairland - but most people have never heard of Fairland) ;-)

You can read more details, and RSVP here: http://moms.meetup.com/1922/calendar/6359813 In addition to Amy, there are about 4 other moms from the "verified" group signed up to go to.

Tuesday 10.30am - Pumpkin Festival! There are about 60 of us going to Butler's Orchard in Gaithersburg, MD for a special fall festival that they're holding over from Columbus Day especially for us! Dalene is hosting this awesome event, and I'll be along a little later (after my son has speech therapy).

Bring your camera and get those really special pictures of your kid(s) on the pumpkins! Buy your pumpkins here for our BIG HALLOWEEN MONSTER PARADE - which is on Oct 31st, and has almost 100 of us attending!!

You can read more details about Pumpkins & Fall Festival at Butlers and RSVP here: http://moms.meetup.com/1922/calendar/6333635/

Wednesday - 10.30am - C&O Canal - I'm hosting a walk at the C&O Canal, and there's about 8 other moms from the "verified" group attending with their kids. This is a gorgeous walk, and you get to stand over the rapids, and take some great shots!

You can read more details and RSVP here: http://moms.meetup.com/1922/calendar/6468582/

Saturday 8pm - Moms night out! Especially for working mommies (but open to all) who can never make it out to our daytime events (which unfortunately make up at least 80% of our calendar) - I'm hosting an Oktoberfest night at Old Europe, in downtown DC! Let's meet, have dinner, socialize and get to know one another!! There are at least 5 of us going from the "verified" group, and we'd all love to meet some new mommies!!

You can read more details and RSVP here:
http://moms.meetup.com/1922/calendar/6468698/

Please note that on the other group - there are about 3 activities per day listed - all over MD, DC and VA. We are all super friendly, and welcoming, and really are looking forward to meeting more new mommies, in the hopes that we build new friendships!

When I started this group, I really had NO friends who were also moms, now I have a handful of women that I consider literally my best friends, and a hundred others that I LOVE hanging out with, and getting to know. I sincerely hope that you too take advantage of everything this group has to offer!

Again, welcome to the newest moms (and to the moms we've yet to meet)!

Julie.

Wheaton Regional Park Playdate!

2007-10-03T14:28:00.000-05:00

We had a "welcome morning" for new mommies at Wheaton Regional Park today. It was absolutely gorgeous outside! The kids had so much fun, and the mommies got a chance to socialize, chat with other moms, and race around after their kids (well those of us who have mobile one's that is)!

Approx 30 of us showed up, several of us from Super Fun N Hip Mommies, and then about 10 new moms who were making it out to their first event ever!

Moms are you looking for an enjoyable, active moms group? Well then, hang on by the seat of your pants and enjoy the ride! We invite you to come have FUN with us!

Our stay at home moms want to promote an encouraging, healthy, safe, creative environment for their children.

We have activities DAILY. Our moms get together for music & movement, gym play, exercise sessions, card games, book discussions, coffee mornings, lunch dates, dinner dates, picnics, movie nights, zoo trips, and much more!

We love taking advantage of all the cool events going on around this great city, while doing FUN things as a group with and without our kids!

Your children will love exposure to new places, playing outdoors & socializing with new "little people"!

It's super easy to sign up with us. Just hop on over to "Meetup.com" and create a FREE and easy profile. (Please upload a photo of yourself, as this is how we recognize you at events)! After getting yourself onto Meetup, then look for our group: Fun 'N' Hip Mommies of MD, DC and VA! Our group is located here.

We'll "approve" your application ASAP, and then you'll get to see our calendar of events for all new moms to come out to! We look forward to meeting you soon!

DC Fun 'N' Hip Mommies, upcoming events!

2007-08-07T16:26:00.000-05:00

New moms who have not yet come out -- not all these events will be listed on your calendar - to find out what's available to you, please log onto: http://moms.meetup.com/1922/calendar

As soon as you make it out to an event and meet with an organizer, you'll then get a password, and can move onto the real group located at: http://sahm.meetup.com/2156 (As you can see we have multiple events listed daily, all over MD, DC and VA)! Come out and play with us!!

Wednesday Aug 8th --->

Teresa is hosting a fitness morning in Wheaton, MD - Please check out the details at: http://sahm.meetup.com/2156/calendar/6050738/

Marcy's hosting a playdate in Vienna VA - Please check out the details at: http://sahm.meetup.com/2156/calendar/6111320/

Friederike is hosting another playdate for Caspar (11 months old) & friends at her home in Alexandria, VA. FULL UP!

Lucinda is hosting a playdate for Gray & his friends at her new house in Olney, MD! Let's get over hump day and let the kids play while we chat. Playdate starts at 10:30 til around 12ish. http://sahm.meetup.com/2156/calendar/6140898/

Thursday Aug 9th --->

Tennaya is hosting this cool Theatre in the woods playdate : http://sahm.meetup.com/2156/calendar/6017111/

Alison is hosting a morning at Bucchaneer Beach! http://sahm.meetup.com/2156/calendar/6118570/

Friday Aug 10th --->

I am hosting airplanes and lunch! http://sahm.meetup.com/2156/calendar/5978351/

Saturday Aug 11th --->

Danielle is hosting a craft day with kites for the "big kids"! http://sahm.meetup.com/2156/calendar/6039129/

Alison is hosting a meet up for a late breakfast or just grabbing some coffee and sitting around and schmoozing. http://sahm.meetup.com/2156/calendar/6134976/

Monday Aug 13th --->

Fitness Training again with Teresa @ Wheaton Regional Park! http://sahm.meetup.com/2156/calendar/6111334/

Water Fun & playtime - Downpour at Algonkian Regional Park - http://sahm.meetup.com/2156/calendar/6021862/

Trinidad is hosting a playdate in VA at Strawberry Cottage - http://sahm.meetup.com/2156/calendar/6032709/

Tuesday Aug 14th --->

Cheryl is hosting a day trip to Sesame Place, in PA - Fun, fun, fun! http://sahm.meetup.com/2156/calendar/6140456/

Tamara is hosting baby time at her home in N.Potamac - FULL UP!
http://sahm.meetup.com/2156/calendar/6035482/

Rayelle is hosting moms night out in VA! http://sahm.meetup.com/2156/calendar/5915166/

Please make sure you have RSVP'd! If something comes up, please send the host an email, and update your RSVP as soon as possible!

If you're an active member on http://sahm.meetup.com/2156 - please consider hosting your own activity! To find out how, please log onto our bulletin board at: http://sahm.meetup.com/2156/messages/boards/view/viewthread?thread=3270099

Watermelon Cookies

2007-08-06T19:15:00.000-05:00

11 Mommies & 18 Kids

We spent this morning making watermelon cookies! Fun cookie cutters & snacks. Afterwards lots of swimming & chatting amongst the mommies! Lunch afterwards at Chee Burger Chee Burger.

Eat Dirt....

2007-07-25T19:27:00.000-05:00

10 Mommies & 18 Kids

We spent the morning making "dirt" pots, using chocolate pudding, oreo cookies, cool whip, and gummi worms! The kids had a great time smashing the cookies to make the dirt!

Finished products....??

Play-date @ Julie's

2007-07-11T19:48:00.000-05:00

11 Mommies & 15 Kids

In-Home Playdate

Several of our mommies brought their 0-4 year olds for a wet & wild pool party! Watching the kids play together (even if some of them are still modeling "parallel" play) is so cool to see. Having them learn to share their toys, and watch some of the more "inventive" children use them for different purposes really is fun to take part in.

They made sandcastles, mud pies, and splashed around in the water!

If you are interested in joining our Fun 'N' Hip Mommies Group, please follow this link for more information.

Rocknocerous Concert

2007-07-10T20:02:00.000-05:00

10 Mommies & 12 Kids

Free concert in Gaithersburg, MD

Rocknocerous played a free concert at the Pavillion in Gaithersburg, MD. Unfortunately it was hotter than blazes, otherwise it would have rated higher on our feedback score. After the hour long musical event, we went for lunch & got to know the new mommies who came out and met us.

Definitely not fine dining, but Old Country Buffet actually worked out really well for all our kids. They got to explore and try some new foods (and make a mess with the jello), and we were able to join about 7 tables together and have a whole section to ourselves. No waiting for the kids food to come out first, so they were able to get started as soon as we got them seated!

If you'd like to find out more about our Fun 'N' Hip Mommies group, please click here!

Wheaton Regional Train Ride

2007-07-04T00:36:00.000-05:00

11 Mommies & 17 kiddies

Wheaton Regional Park, Train & Carousel Playgroup

We had the best time at Wheaton Regional Park! The kids love the gigantic slide, the wooden jeeps and the tire swing!

After playing we walked over and bought our train tickets. The kids had so much fun - unfortunately teaching 2 year olds to stand in line and "wait" for the train to come back and load up the next group, gets a little interesting!

The kids love riding the horses on the carousel and picnic time afterwards!

If you're a mommy in the Montgomery County area of Maryland & would like to join us, please sign up for free here!

Free Music Events

2007-06-17T11:07:00.000-05:00

The Fugees front man - singer Wyclef Jean is giving a free hip hop concert at the Kennedy Center on June 19th, along with performances by Shaggy, the Skatalites and Plunky & Oneness. This special outdoor event on the South Plaza Stage precedes the annual D.C. Caribbean Carnival. Doors open at 5 p.m.

For many more free outdoor concerts, check out The Washington Post's Summer Concert Series.

MLK Lazy River & Tot Pool

2007-06-12T19:17:00.000-05:00

16 Mommies & 22 Kids

Martin Luther King Outdoor Pool Play Event

We spent today in Silver Spring, at the Martin Luther King lazy river pool. We had so much fun ~ Getting into inner tubes with the kids, and floating around the pool was so relaxing! Except of course when the water canon blasts you in the head ;-) or you glide under the waterfall!! They also have a cool toddler pool with a mushroom, and several jets that squirt up out of the floor and it gets a little deep - up to 4ft.

The tot pool was the best - fenced in, with a safety gate, and only a few inches deep up to about 1ft deep. Unfortunately for us, a thunderstorm moved in around 3.30pm so our afternoon got cut slightly short!!

Several new mommies joined us for their first event, and we hope we see them again soon! If you are a mom in the Maryland, DC or Virginia area, who would like to get out of the house more, and meet new friends, please check out our free group on meetup.com!

Weekly Storytimes, and fun kid activities!

2007-06-07T00:53:00.000-05:00

MARYLAND (Thursday, 6/7):
Sing Along with Groovy Mr. Nate (10:30am, Mayorga Coffee Factory, 8040 Georgia Avenue, Silver Spring, MD. All ages, weekly event.)

Bethesda Summer Concert Series (6 to 8pm, Veterans Park, Bethesda. Today's concert features USA Canteen, a tribute to the Andrews Sisters. Free, weekly event.)

Sing Along with Miss Belle (12:30 to 2pm, Moorenko's Ice Cream Cafe, Silver Spring. A fun singalong for kids of all ages. Weekly event.) -- We've gone to this a few times and it's a lot of fun! Their ice cream is delicious by the way!!

Birds and Bugs of the Night (7 to 8pm, Brookside Nature Center, Wheaton. Take a stroll and listen for the sounds of birds, bugs and other night singers. Bring one flashlight per family. RR: online for class #33605, $3, ages 3 and up.)

Pre-K Habitat: Pond and Stream (1:30 to 2:15pm, Brookside Nature Center, Rockville. Explore habitats and learn who lives in them and why they make such good homes for different creatures. RR: online for class #33602, $3, ages 3 to 5.) -- Currently also going on is their "Butterfly Exhibit - totally worth seeing - however, you have to park the strollers at the door!! We are going as a group to this on June 13th, with train rides & carousel to follow at Wheaton Regional Park - which is just a short walk away!

Goldilocks (10 & 11:30am, The Puppet Co. Playhouse, Glen Echo Park, Glen Echo. This tongue-in-cheek retelling of the old tale tells the Bear Family's side of the story, as well as Goldilocks', then lets the audience judge where the truth lies. Tickets: 301.320.6668, grades K to 6, $8/person. Wednesdays to Sundays through 7/15.) -- While you're at Glen Echo, be sure to take a ride on the carousel - it's fabulous!

Camp Big Kid/Little Kid (9:30am to 2:30pm, Locust Grove Nature Center, Bethesda. Your kids will love this two-day camp designed just for them. RR: online for class #35102, $45, ages 2 and up. Also on 6/8.) -- You will need a park-pass to register, but it's easy and takes two seconds. You can also manage all your county activities under one account, and keep track of all the events you sign up for!

Artful Mornings & Afternoons (1:30pm, Gaithersburg Arts Barn. Enjoy a 45-minute sessions during which children can explore a variety of fun arts and crafts projects. RR: 301.258.6394, $5/residents; $8/nonresidents, ages 3 to 5.)

Maryland Storytimes (6/7):
Storytime (10:15am, New Carrollton Library. Stories for ages 3 to 5 with caregiver. Weekly event.)

Storytime (10:30am, Bowie Library. Stories for ages 3 to 5. Another storytime for ages newborn to 12 months with caregiver takes place at 11:30am. Weekly event.)

Storytime (10:30am, Laurel Library. Stories for ages 2 1/2 to 4 1/2. Pick up free ticket at Children's Desk. Weekly event.)

VIRGINIA (Thursday, 6/7):
Strawberry Surprise (9:30 & 11am, Green Spring Gardens, Alexandria. Discover the natural world through stories, lessons, crafts and outdoor exploration. Today, find berry-licious strawberry plants in the garden, learn how to grow some of your own, and enjoy a strawberry snack. RR: 703.642.5173, $6, ages 3 to 5 with adult. Also on 6/9.)

Summer Concert Series (8pm, Veterans Amphitheater at City Hall, Fairfax. Spend summer evenings enjoying a free performance. Weekly event through summer.)

Mr. Don Performs (4pm, Noodles & Noggins. Enjoy this weekly performance of singing and dancing with Mr. Don. Suggested contribution per child.)

Mr. Knick Knack (10:30am, Jammin' Java, Vienna, VA. $5/one child; $7/two children; $10/three children.)

Free Children's Entertainment: Kid Comic (11 to 11:30am, Lake Anne Plaza. Head out to this free performance for children of all ages. There's a different performer every Tuesday and Thursday through August.)

Let’s Talk Turtles (9:30am OR 12:30pm, Claude Moore Park, Sterling. Meet the park’s resident turtles up close, then hike to see turtles in the pond and woods. RR: 571.258.3700, $10.50, ages 3 to 5.)

Frogshackle Open House (2 to 3:30pm, Claude Moore Park, Sterling. Hands-on experience with objects from nature. Children must be accompanied by an adult. Free, all ages.)

Music Under the Stars (7:30 to 9:30pm, Herndon Town Green. Free public concerts every Thursday throughout the summer. Bring a blanket and listen to live music.

Virginia Storytimes (6/7):
Preschool Storytime (10:15am, Reston Regional Library. Interactive story time for ages 2 to 3 with caregiver. RR: 703.689.2700.)

Storytime (10am, Barnes & Noble, Springfield. Stories for children up to age 6. Weekly event.)

Storytime (11am, Barnes & Noble, Manassas. Stories for children of all ages. Weekly event.)

Storytime (10:30am, Mary Riley Styles Library, Falls Church. Stories and rhymes for ages 2 to 5. Weekly event.)

Preschool Storytime (11:30am, Ashburn Library. Stories for children ages 3 to 5. At 10am, Mother Goose Storytime for children 18 to 24 months.)

Terrific 3's (11:15am, Cascades Library, Sterling. Weekly storytime.)

Terrific 2’s (10:45, Ashburn Library, weekly storytime.)

WASHINGTON, DC (Thursday, 6/7):
The Kinderman (10:15 & 11:30am, S. Dillon Ripley Center. RR: online or 202.357.3030, $4/member, $6/non-member, ages 5 to 10. Also on 6/8.)

Music Time (10am, The Family Room, 411 8th Street, 2nd Floor, SE. Little ones can dance, sing and make some music at this new indoor play center. Adults must accompany children. Info: 202.640.1865, $10/ages 1 to 6, $5/sibling, children under 1 and adults free. Weekly event.)

Washington, DC Storytimes (6/7):
Toddler Time (10:30am, Palisades Library, NW. Stories for ages 24 to 36 months. Weekly event, also on Tuesdays.)

Neighborhood Story Time (10:30am, Mount Pleasant Library, NW. Stories and more for ages 1 to 4. Weekly event.)

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

MARYLAND (Friday, 6/8):
Bumper Cars On Ice (6:15 to 8pm, Tucker Road Ice Rink, Fort Washington. Each ride is 4 to 5 minutes in length and are on a first-come, first-serve basis. Info: 301.265.1525, ages 5 and up. Also on Sundays from 4 to 6pm.)

Pirates of Penzance (8pm, F. Scott Fitzgerald Theatre, Rockville. Opening night for this popular Gilbert & Sullivan musical performed by the Victorian Lyric Opera Company. Info: 301.879.0220, $20/adult, $15/child. Weekends through 6/17.)

Wonderfully Wiggly Worms (10am to 11am, Brookside Nature Center, Wheaton. Explore the world of worms through a story, hike and snack. RR: online for class #33606, $5, ages 3 to 5.)

Maryland Storytimes (6/8):
Preschool Storytime (10:30am, Fairland Library, Burtonsville. Stories, rhymes, songs and activities for ages 3 to 5. Weekly event.) -- Open play also available from 11am till noon at the rec center next door!

Fun N Games Night (7:30pm, Barnes & Noble, Rockville. Fun for kids of all ages.)

VIRGINIA (Friday, 6/8):
Celebrate Fairfax! Festival (6pm to midnight, Fairfax County Government Center, Fairfax. Six entertainment stages, along with more than 400 exhibitors, vendors, crafters, activities, food and fireworks. A free shuttle to the festival stops at Fair Oaks Shopping Center and on Fair Lakes Circle. Info: 703.324.3247, $10/adult, $5/children 3 to 10. Daily event through 6/10.)

Little Adventures (10:30am & 12:30pm, Buddie Ford Nature Center, Alexandria. Explore the world of nature through games, crafts, a hike through the forest and much more. RR: 703.838.4829, $2 materials fee, ages 3 to 5.)

Tiny Tots (10 & 11:15am, Long Branch Nature Center, Arlington. Engage your child with hands-on learning through activities like songs, crafts, finger plays and mini-hikes. RR: online or 703.228.4747 for program #644501H (10am) or #644501G (11:15am), $3/child, ages 18 to 35 months with caregiver.)

Worm Campfire (7:15 to 8:30pm, Gulf Branch Nature Center, Arlington. This engaging program will be filled with entertaining activities, which may include stories, special animal guests, games, songs and of course, treats like s'mores. RR: online or 703.228.4747 for program #643205A, $3/child, all ages. Also on 6/9.)

Little Acorns: Fish is Fish (9:30 or 11am, Hidden Oaks Nature Center, Annandale. Investigate local stream fish and compare them to goldfish. Also enjoy a story about the dreams of a fish and make a craft to take home. Dress for the weather. RR: 703.941.1065, $5/person, ages 2 to 3.)

Wild Things Puppet Show: Backyard Birds (1:30 to 2:15pm, Hidden Oaks Nature Center, Annandale. Enjoy a puppet presentation and stories highlighting the wild and wonderful wildlife in urban woodlands. RR: 703.941.1065, $5/person, ages 3 and up with caregiver.)

Friday Night Live! (6:30 to 10:30pm, Town Green in Herndon. Come celebrate summer with one of the most popular outdoor concert series in the area. Free. No pets allowed.) -- Our Fun N Hip Moms group has several of these listed on our calendar!

Mr. Knick Knack (11am, Tysons Corner Center, Level 3. Let your kids burn up some energy in the Kid's Play Area, listen to music and stories from a local favorite, and grab a bite to eat all before naptime. Weekly program.) For those of you who are adventurous enough, come to the best mall playground in the area, and let them run wild!!

Fiesta Friday with Mr. Don (10:15 to 11am, Border Cafe, Centreville, VA. 703.266.4400. A weekly program of sing-alongs, motion songs, rhythm instruments, marching and dancing. Free coffee and admission!) Donations suggested: $5/one child; $7/two children; $10/three children

Banjo Man (10:30am, Jammin' Java, Vienna. $5/one child; $7/two children; $10/three children.)

Friday Night Fun (7 to 9pm, Sweet Life Café, Fairfax. Live Entertainment, dinner and dessert specials. Kids Menu starts at $2.99.)

Oh Susannah! (10 & 11am, Pottery Barn Kids, Tysons Corner Center Mall. Come sing and dance with Oh Susannah! Free, all ages.)

Family Movie Night (8:30 to 10:30pm, Harris Pavilion, Manassas. See a movie as a family. Movie title TBD. Free, all ages.)

Virginia Storytimes (6/8):
Familiar Fairy Tales (10:30am, Martha Washington Community Library, Alexandria. Stories, songs and a craft for ages 2 to 5 with caregiver. RR: 703.768.6700.)

Lunch Bunnies Storytime (12pm, Kings Park Community Library, Burke. Bring your lunch and enjoy stories for newborns to age 5 with caregiver. RR: 703.978.5600.)

Storytime (11am, Aladdin's Lamp Children's Bookstore, Arlington. Enjoy stories with Miss Jenny for ages 18 months to 3 years. Info: 703.241.8281. Weekly event.)

Storytime (11am, Tree Top Kids, Arlington. Stories for kids of all ages. Weekly event.)

Stop-In for Stories (10am, Central Branch Library, Arlington. Drop-in storytime for all ages. Info: 703.228.5946.)

Storytime (10:30am, Kinderhaus Toys, Arlington. Listen to a fun story each week. Info: 703.527.5929.)

Kinderdance (10:45am, Borders, Springfield. Weekly program of Kinderdance. Free, all ages.) Friday Flicks (10:30am, Chinn Park Regional Library, Prince William, VA. Kipper Goes to the Park, Spot's First Picnic and The Pig's Picnic will be shown. Free, ages 3 to 7 with caregiver.)

Lilly’s Big Day (2pm, Ashburn Library. Listen to Lilly’s Big Day and create a special wedding day craft. RR: 703.737.8100, age 2 to 6.)

WASHINGTON, DC (Friday, 6/8):
The Kinderman (10:15 & 11:30am, S. Dillon Ripley Center. RR: online or 202.357.3030, $4/member, $6/non-member, ages 5 to 10.)

Alligator Feeding (2pm, National Aquarium, NW. Watch the animal keepers feed the aquarium's alligators! Talks and animal feedings occur daily at this time. Admission: $5/adults, $2.50/ages 2 to 10. Weekly event.)

Creature Feature (4pm, Nature Center, Rock Creek Park. Get acquainted with the Nature Center’s live animals and assist a park ranger in their feeding. All ages, repeats weekly.)

Jazz in the Garden (5 to 8:30pm, National Gallery of Art's Sculpture Garden. Every Friday evening, enjoy Washington-area jazz artists. This week's entertainer: Frank LoCrasto Group. Free, all ages.)

Girl Scouts Performance (6pm, Kennedy Center, Millennium Stage. Celebrating the 95th anniversary of the Girl Scouts, various troops perform a choral concert on the Millennium Stage prior to their June 9 sing-along on the National Mall, where more than 100,000 Girl Scouts will gather. Free, all ages.)

Washington, DC Storytimes (6/8):
Friday Morning Storytime (10:30am, Barnes & Noble, Georgetown. Weekly stories for kids of all ages.)
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

MARYLAND (Saturday, 6/9):
12th Annual Takoma Park Jazz Festival (11am to 7pm, Jequie Park, Takoma Park. Enjoy a day celebrating 'body music' - soloists without instruments performing yodeling, whistling, scat singing, tap dancing and other entertainment. The day will also feature popular children's entertainers Cathy & Marcy. Free, all ages.)

Family Campfire (7:30 to 9pm, Old Maryland Farm, Upper Marlboro. Join us around the campfire while we tell stories and enjoy marshmallows. Please bring a marshmallow stick. RR: online for SMARTlink #100273, $2/PG County resident, $3/non-resident, ages 2 and up.)

Father's Day Surprise Craft (3pm to 4:30pm, Croydon Creek Nature Center, Rockville. Learn which one of Croydon Creek's resident critters has fathered a few offspring and make a surprise present you can give your Dad on his special day. RR: Online for course #21890, $7/Rockville resident, $9/non-resident, ages 3 to 12.)

Kangaroo Kids & Lady and the Tramp (10am, Publick Playhouse, Cheverly. An award-winning precision jump rope team brings their talent to the stage and involves the audience in a jump-rope contest, after which a favorite Disney classic returns to the screen. Info: 301.277.1710, all ages, $5/person.)
Live Animal Show (10 to 11am, Clearwater Nature Center. Children of all ages love meeting our live animals! Touching and questions are encouraged. RR, $1, ages 2 and up.)

Potomac River Family Festival (11am to 3pm, Brunswick Family Campground, C&O Canal. A family event on the water! Enjoy kayak, canoe, fishing and water rescue demos, craft show, pony rides, bike rides and dozens of exhibits by area organizations, outfitters and much more. Info: 301.834.7500.)

Saturday Concerts in Old Town Bowie (2 to 4pm, Town Green Park, Bowie. Enjoy an afternoon concert with your whole family. Info: 301.809.3078, free, all ages. Weekly event through 6/30.)

Beyond the Boardwalk (10am to 5pm, National Aquarium & Inner Harbor, Baltimore. Today’s special kick-off will feature live entertainment, face painting, crafts and more. Indoor activities are free with Aquarium admission ($21.95/adults, $12.95/ages 3 to 11, children under 3 free), outdoor activities are open to the public. Weekly event through June.)

Maryland Storytimes (6/9):
Reading Buddies (1 to 3pm, Aspen Hill Library. Grades K to 3.)

English/Spanish Storytime (10:30am, Hyattsville Library. Stories for children ages 3 to 6.)

Storytime (10:30am, Bowie Library, Bowie. Stories for children ages 3 to 5.)

Storytime (11am, Surratts-Clinton Library, Clinton. Stories for children ages 3 to 7.)

VIRGINIA (Saturday, 6/9):
Blue Sky Puppet Theater (10 to 11am, Burke Lake Park. Pig Tales, one of Blue Sky's most popular shows, traces a day in the life of three primary school pigs and is filled with audience participation and humour aimed at all ages. Info: 703.324.SHOW, free, all ages.)

Celebrate Fairfax! Festival (10am to midnight, Fairfax County Government Center. Headline performers including Smash Mouth and Eddie from Ohio join a busy lineup of entertainment on six stages, plus more than 400 exhibitors, vendors, crafters, activities, food and fireworks. A free shuttle to the festival stops at Fair Oaks Shopping Center and on Fair Lakes Circle. Info: 703.324.3247, $10/adult, $5/children 3 to 10. Daily event through 6/10.)

Concerts on the Town (7:30 to 10pm, Reston Town Center. Bring your lawn chairs or picnic blankets, and enjoy rain or shine. Info: 703.912.4062, free, all ages. Weekly event through August.)

Cool Saturday Music (noon to 4pm, Tarara Winery, Leesburg. Come celebrate Summer with some of the areas finest musicians and award-winning wines. Info: 703.771.7100. Weekly event through June.)

Strawberry Surprise (10am, Green Spring Gardens, Alexandria. Find berry-licious strawberry plants in the garden, learn how to grow some of your own, and enjoy a strawberry snack. RR: 703.642.5173, $6, ages 3 to 5 with adult.)

Insect Safari (2 to 3:30pm, Buddie Ford Nature Center, Alexandria. Set out on an insect safari with a Naturalist guide and bring them back alive! Nets and capture jars provided. RR: 703.838.4829, $2/person, ages 6 to 12.)

Dairy Day (10am to 3pm, Frying Pan Farm Park, Herndon. Celebrate National Dairy Month by milking cows and goats, churning butter, enjoying hands-on farm activities and seeing other farm demonstrations. Info: 703.437.9101, $4/person.)

Meadow Magic (10 to 11am, Gulf Branch Nature Center, Arlington. Walk through a forest to the meadow and explore the differences along the way. Search for insects, spiders and other creatures. Dress to get a little dirty. RR: online or 703.228.4747 for program #643204A, free, ages 4 to 6 with caregiver.)

Music at the Marina (6pm, Leesylvania State Park, Woodbridge. Bring lawn chairs and for this entertaining, hour-long musical event for the whole family. Info: 703.670.0372, free, all ages.)

Riverbend River Festival (10am to 4pm, Riverbend Park, Great Falls. Enjoy a fun-filled day by the riverfront with children's activities, fishing contests, kayaking and water safety demos and much more! Info: 703.759.9018, $5/adults and children 4 and up.)

Summer Concert (7pm, Potomac Overlook Regional Park, Arlington. Musical performances by local groups are held at the stage/field. Tonight’s scheduled entertainment includes Celtic music by Jody Marshall and Friends. Picnic suppers are welcome. Suggested contribution: $5/person, all ages. Bi-monthly throughout the summer.)

Children's Art Workshop (10am to 12pm, Reston Museum. Drop in for a free parent/child art workshop. The theme changes every week.)

Explore Nature and Photography (1 to 2:30pm, Claude Moore Park, Sterling. Discover the joys of photographing nature. RR: 571.258.3700, $4, ages 7 to 10 with adult.)

The YoJo Show (10 to 11am, Mason District Park Amphitheater, Annandale. This big, blue, wild and groovy creature called YoJo is a seven-foot cartoon character alive with surprises. His show, Choose to Read, is filled with slapstick, laughter, comic mishaps and a good message. Info: 703.324.SHOW, free, all ages.)

Virginia Storytimes (6/9):
Fathers are Special Storytime (11am, Aladdin's Lamp Children's Bookstore, Arlington. Get ready for Father's Day with storyteller Marlena Thompson and her guitar. Listen to Daddy Hugs 1,2,3 by Karen Katz, Froggy's Day with Dad by Jonathan London, I Love My Daddy by Sebastien Braun, and other stories honoring our Dads and father figures. Ages 2 1/2 to 6.)

Storytime (10:30am, Barnes and Noble, Tysons Corner. Stories and crafts for ages 6 and under. Weekly event.)

Storytime (10am, Barnes and Noble, Reston. Stories for kids of all ages. Weekly event.)

Storytime (11am, Barnes and Noble, Alexandria. Stories for ages 6 and under. Weekly event.)

Storytime (11am, Barnes and Noble, Springfield. Stories for ages 3 to 8. Weekly event.)

Storytime (10am, Barnes & Noble, Clarendon. Stories for kids of all ages. Weekly event.)

Saturday Family Storytime (10:30am, Cascades Library. A weekly storytime for ages 2 to 6.)

Saturday Family Storytime (10am, Ashburn Library. A weekly storytime for ages 2 to 5.)

Second Saturday Storyhour and Craft (10:30 to 11am, Chinn Park Regional Library, Prince William. Listen to a story and make a craft. Ages 2 to 5 with adult.)

WASHINGTON, DC (Saturday, 6/9):
DanceAfrica DC 2007 (8pm, Dance Place, 3225 8th Street, NE. Performances that celebrate dance and music of the African Diaspora. Tickets: online for $20/adult, $7/ages 17 and under. Info: 202.259.1600. Also on 6/10 at 7pm.)

Spring Night Sky (1pm, Rock Creek Park Nature Center. View the brightest stars, planets, and constellations of June and learn their stories. Ages 4 to 12. Recurring event.

Play Time at Proper Topper (10:30 to 11am, Proper Topper, Georgetown NW. Enjoy music, refreshments and more in the garden. Weekly event through 6/16.)

Bridging the Gap (10:30am, National Building Museum. Participants learn about five basic bridge types before solving a transportation problem by choosing a type of bridge to build. Free, ages 5 and up. Weekly event.)

MARYLAND (Sunday, 6/10):
Bumper Cars On Ice (4 to 6pm, Tucker Road Ice Rink, Fort Washington. Each ride is 4 to 5 minutes in length with the last ride beginning 10 minutes prior to the end of the session. Rides are on a first-come, first-serve basis. Info: 301.265.1525, ages 5 and up.)

Thumbelina (1:30pm, Way Off Broadway Children's Theater, Frederick. A magical flower holds a tiny girl the size of a thumb who goes on an incredible journey where she meets singing and dancing frogs, mice, beetles, birds and moles. Tickets: 301.662.6600, $11/person.)

What's a Wolf To Do? (11am & 1:30pm, Adventure Theatre. These are not your grandmother’s fairy tales! Come see all of your favorite characters – Goldilocks, Little Red, three pigs, and a wolf -- in a tale full of twists and turns. RR: 301.320.5331, $8/person. Through 6/24.)

VIRGINIA (Sunday, 6/10):

Performance by The Great Zucchini (12:30pm, Arlington Cinema and Drafthouse. Enjoy a hilarious, comedy-magic show. The interactive nature of the show ensures that everyone, young and old, is part of the magic. Doors open 11:30am. Ages 2 to 6, $6/person.)

Butterfly Walk (12pm, Meadowlark Gardens, Vienna. Walk into the winged world of butterflies with an introductory guided stroll with hobbyist/butterfly enthusiast Mona Miller. The walk is weather dependent, so please call ahead to confirm walk plans. Info: 703.255.3631, ages 1 and up, $4/adult, $1.50/child 7 and up, children under 7 free. Weekly event through 9/30.)

Celebrate Fairfax! Festival (10am to 6pm, Fairfax County Government Center. Final day of this festival, which features a busy lineup of entertainment on six stages, plus more than 400 exhibitors, vendors, crafters, activities, food, and fireworks. A free shuttle to the festival stops at Fair Oaks Shopping Center and on Fair Lakes Circle. Info: 703.324.3247, $10/adult, $5/children 3 to 10.)

Georgetown Flea Market (8am to 4pm, Arlington Court House parking lot. Washington's best antiques and collectibles market is held year-round and is famous for antiques, collectibles, furniture, china, silver, jewelry, art, rugs, vintage linens and clothes, books, old toys, stained glass and more. Previously located at Wisconsin Avenue, the flea market has been temporarily moved to the Arlington County Court House parking lot. Free, all ages. Weekly event.)

Honey Harvest (2 to 3pm, Ellanor C. Lawrence Park, Chantilly. Professional beekeeper Dane Hannum will open an active beehive and you can enjoy a taste of comb honey harvested the old-fashioned way. Children will enjoy a "bee dance" and act out the chores of the queen, drones and worker bees. RR: 703.631.0013, $1/adult, children 2 and under free.)

The Flying Circus Air Show (Gates open at 11am, airshow begins at 2:30pm, Bealeton. A fun activity for kids and adults alike. $10/adults; $3/children 3 to 10; under 3 free.)

Kidtoon Films (10am, Fairfax Corner 14: Cinema De Lux. G-rated movies for kids every Saturday and Sunday. $3.50.)

WASHINGTON, DC (Sunday, 6/10):

Rainforests of the Ocean (10am to 12pm, National Zoo, Visitor Center, NW. Just like trees in the rainforest, coral reefs provide shelter for many species. Rainforests and reefs are the two most diverse ecosystems in the world. Learn about reef animals, from angelfish to octopus, and dive into one of the world’s most populated ecosystems. Program available to FONZ members only. RR: online for $28, ages 6 to 8.)

The White House Un-Tour (10am, Embarks from outside the McPherson Square Metrorail station, White House exit. Explore the ins and outs of the President’s Mansion from the gentle brick paths, shade trees and fountains of Lafayette Park, the president’s “front yard.” $10/person; under 3 free. Weekends through Labor Day.)

DC United vs. New York Red Bulls (1pm, RFK Stadium, SE. Catch an afternoon soccer game with the United taking on the Red Bulls. Tickets: online ranging from $18 to $45, all ages.)

Eastern Market Flea Market - Temporary Location (10am to 5pm, Hine Junior High School Playground, 335 8th Street, SE. Support Flea Market exhibitors displaced by the fire at this temporary new location. Enjoy a fun place to walk around and maybe get a bargain! Free, all ages. Weekly event.)

Arches and Trusses: The Tension Builds (11:30am, National Building Museum. Participants test different building materials and work together to build an arch. Free, ages 5 and up. Ongoing weekly event.)

Spring Night Sky (1pm, Rock Creek Park Nature Center. View the brightest stars, planets, and constellations of June and learn their stories. Ages 4 to 12. Recurring event.)

Exploring the Universe (4pm, Rock Creek Park Nature Center. Join us for a series of planetarium programs exploring the universe for ages 7 and up. Free, weekly event.)

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

MARYLAND (Monday, 6/11):
Flower Buds (10:30 to 11:30am, Brookside Gardens, Visitors Center Children's Classroom, Wheaton. This program features gardening activities, stories, crafts, and garden walks for children with a caregiver. RR: online for class #1907, free, ages 3 to 5.)

Morning Concerts for Kids: Robbie Schaefer - Songs for Kids Like Us, and Parents, Too! (10:30am, City Hall Pavilion, Gaithersburg. Attendees are encouraged to bring a blanket, lawn chairs and a picnic. Weekly event through July.)

Puppet Show & Marshmallows (7 to 8pm, Brookside Nature Center, Wheaton. Roast marshmallows over the campfire, then watch a puppet show. RR: online for class #33612, $4, all ages.)

Wings of Fancy Live Butterfly Exhibit (10am to 4pm daily, Brookside Gardens, Wheaton. Come witness the butterfly life cycle as tiny eggs hatch into caterpillars, which then encase themselves in jewel-like chrysalides and emerge as adult butterflies. $5/adult, $4/child ages 3 to 12, free for children under 2. No strollers, and ongoing through September.

Maryland Storytimes (6/11):
Storytime (10:30 & 11:15am, Laurel Library. Stories for ages 2 to 3 with caregiver.)

Storytime (1pm, Bowie Library. Stories for ages 3 to 5. Weekly event.)

Storytime (11am, Barnes and Noble, Bethesda. Stories for ages 3 and under. Weekly event.)

VIRGINIA (Monday, 6/11):
Evening Stroll: Fireflies, Frogs, and Bats (6:30 to 7:30pm, Riverbend Park, Great Falls. On a short stroll, explore meadows and ponds for evening wildlife. Listen for bats with a bat detector, enjoy an evening chorus of frogs, and watch the flashing of fireflies. RR: 703.759.9018.)

Musical Magic with Rocknoceros (10:30am to 11:30am, Clifton Town Meeting Hall, Clifton. Enjoy a morning with Rocknoceros, sponsored by Noodles & Noggins. All ages, suggested contribution requested. Weekly event.)

Young Explorer: Rock and Roll (3:15 to 4:30pm, Huntley Meadows Visitor Center, Alexandria. Children will earn how we use rocks and minerals at home and at school through a walk and an activity. Program canceled if it rains. RR: 703.768.2525, $3/child, ages 6 to 8.)

Nature Quest: Stream Life (7:30 to 9pm, Hidden Pond Nature Center, Springfield. Young naturalists will explore the Pohick Creek waterway, see some of the creatures that live in and around it, and try to net some. RR: 703.451.9588, $4/person, ages 3 to 5. Also on 6/13.)

Mr. Knick Knack! Show for Children (2 to 3pm, Reston Town Center. Mr. Knick Knack! will be a regular this summer performing his unique, heart-centered music. Weekly through September.)

Miss Belle (10:30am, Jammin' Java, Vienna, VA. Children's songs. $5/one child; $7/two children; $10/three children. Weekly show.)

Oh Susannah! (noon, Jammin' Java, Vienna, VA. Children's songs. $5/one child; $7/two children; $10/three children. Weekly show.)

Mr. Don (10:30 to 11:15, Jamie's General Bean, Centreville. Mr. Don delights children of all ages with his weekly sing-alongs, motion songs, rhythm instruments, marching and dancing! Suggested contribution per child. All ages.)

Butterflies-Natures Jewels (9:30am OR 12:30pm, Claude Moore Park, Sterling. Search for butterflies and caterpillars among the trees and flowers. RR: 571.258.3700, $10.50, ages 3 to 5.)

Virginia Storytimes (6/11):
Camp Read-A-Lot (10:30am, Kingstowne Community Library, Alexandria. Stories and activities about the great outdoors for ages 2 to 3 with caregiver. RR: 703.644.7333.)

Mother Goose Storytime (10:30am, Herndon Fortnightly Community Library. Interactive stories for ages newborn to 23 months with caregiver. RR: 703.437.8855.)

2 and Under Storytime (11am, A Likely Story Bookstore, Alexandria. Stories, finger plays and singing for ages 24 months and under. Weekly event, also on Tuesdays.)

Storytime (11am, Borders, Springfield. Stories for kids of all ages. Weekly event.)

Storytime (10:30am, Kinderhaus Toys, Arlington. Stories for kids of all ages. RR: 703.527.5929. Weekly event.)

Storytime (11am, Tree Top Kids, Arlington. Stories for kids of all ages. Weekly event.)

Baby Lapsits (10am, Ashburn Library. A weekly storytime for babies up to 18 months.)

WASHINGTON, DC (Monday, 6/11):

Shark Feeding (2pm, National Aquarium, NW. Watch the animal keepers feed the aquarium's sharks! Talks and animal feedings occur daily at this time. Admission: $5/adults, $2.50/ages 2 to 10. Weekly event.)

Washington, DC Storytimes (6/11):
Monday Morning Storytime (10:30am, Politics & Prose Bookstore, NW. Stories for kids of all ages. Info: 202.364.1919. Weekly event.)

Preschool Storytime (10:30am, Cleveland Park Library. Enjoy this weekly storytime in the children's area.)
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

MARYLAND (Tuesday, 6/12):
Box Turtle At Long Pond (9:30am & 1:30pm, Meadowside Nature Center, Rockville. Read a story, make a craft to take home and hike down to the pond to see if the turtles are out in the sun. RR: online for class #33503 (9:30am) or #33504 (1:30pm), $5/child, ages 3 to 6.)

Meet the Turtles (4 to 5pm, Locust Grove Nature Center, Bethesda. Meet the turtles today at the Nature Center! RR: online for class #35099, $5, ages 2 to 12.)

Campfire and Forest Walk (6:30 to 8pm, Brookside Nature Center, Wheaton. Bring your own hotdogs and rolls, and the Nature Center will supply the fixin's and marshmallows for toasting. After dinner, you'll explore one of the newer forest trails, looking and listening for evening wildlife. RR: online for class #33617, $6/child, all ages.)

Summer Twilight Concert Series: The Moonlighters (6:30 to 8pm, Brookside Gardens, Wheaton. Tonight's family-friendly performance by The Moonlighters features a lively repertoire of music from the 1950s. Free, all ages. Weekly event through June.)

Tiny Tot Tuesdays: Creatures Great and Small (10:30 & 11:30am, The Puppet Co. Playhouse, Glen Echo Park. Tiny Tot Tuesdays, designed for the youngest patrons, features shorter shows, smaller crowds, lights on and the stage set up on floor! RR: 301.320.6668, ages newborn to 4, $5/person.)

Circle Time (10 & 11am, Takoma Park Library, Takoma Park. Enjoy play, sing and dance at the only independent, municipal library in Maryland. Ages 18 months to 5 years. Weekly event.)

Sing Along with Miss Belle (10:30am, Mayorga Coffee Factory, 8040 Georgia Avenue, Silver Spring, MD. All ages, weekly event.)

Artful Mornings & Afternoons (10:30am, Gaithersburg Arts Barn. Enjoy a 45-minute sessions during which children can explore a variety of fun arts and crafts projects. RR: 301.258.6394, $5/residents; $8/nonresidents, ages 3 to 5.)

Maryland Storytimes (6/12):
Stories, Stories, Stories! (2pm, Rockville Library. Rockville librarian and storyteller Diane Monnier will entertain children with stories requiring lots of audience participation. All ages.)

Daytime Storytime (10:15 & 11:15am, Bowie Library. 12 to 23 months with caregiver. Limit 15.)

Daytime Storytime (11am, Upper Marlboro Library. Ages 3 to 5.)

VIRGINIA (Tuesday, 6/12):
Kids Night Out (6:30 to 10pm, Reston Community Center. Treat yourselves to an evening of fun or relaxation while your children participate in pizza dinner and supervised activities, such as arts and crafts, movies, games, dancing and sports. RR: online for program 902930-7L, $10/Reston resident, $15/non-resident, ages 3 to 5.)

Free Children's Entertainment: Rainbow the Clown (11 to 11:30am, Lake Anne Plaza. Head out to this free performance for children of all ages. Tuesdays and Thursdays through August.)

Mommy & Me Movies (1:30pm, Arlington Cinema and Drafthouse, Arlington. Attend a movie exclusively for moms (and dads!) with infants. Movies are determined on a weekly basis. $5.50/adult, children free.)

Mr. Don (10:30am, Jammin' Java, Vienna. Enjoy Mr. Don's award-winning music for children. Sing-alongs, motion songs, and lots of rhythm instruments keep it lively and fun for everyone! $5/one child, $7/two children, $10/three children.)

Sing Along with Miss Belle (4pm, Starbucks, Chesterbrook Shopping Center, 6214 Old Dominion Center, McLean. 703.241.9480.)

Family Jump Time (5 to 6:30pm, Pump it Up, Manassas. Play on the giant, soft, fun-filled interactive inflatables. $8/child, ages 2 years and up; height requirement of 34" to play on the inflatable equipment. Weekly event.)

Groovy Mr. Nate (11am, Cameron Perks, Alexandria. Mr. Nate performs every other Tuesday at this location. Sing-a-long and play rhythms to classic and original children’s music. Ages birth to 9, suggested donation.)

Arts al Fresco Concert (11:45am to 1:30pm, Anna and David Plaza, 1525 Wilson Boulevard, Arlington. Enjoy the sounds of Sandra Y. Johnson playing jazz & blues. Tuesdays through 9/25.)

Virginia Storytimes (6/12):
Barbara Effron's Storytime Express (10:30am, George Mason Regional Library, Annandale.
Stories and songs to celebrate Father's Day for ages 2 to 5 with caregiver. RR: 703.256.3800.)

Fun for Kids: Father's Day! (10am, Borders, Bailey's Crossroads. Enjoy some funny, warm stories about dad, including Hop on Pop! and Me and My Dad.)

I Love A Parade Storytime (10:30am, Lorton Community Library. Stories, activities, and a craft for ages 2 to 5 with caregiver. RR: 703.339.7385.)

Miss Leanne Reads (11am, Borders, Tysons Corner. Surrender your heart to dogs of all sorts! Dog biscuit crafts and activity sheets follow.)

Small Wonders (10:30am, John Marshall Community Library, Alexandria. Stories, activities and a craft for ages 13 to 23 months with caregiver. RR: 703.971.0010.)

Tuesdays for Twos (10:30am, Patrick Henry Community Library, Vienna. Stories, music and crafts for ages 24 to35 months with caregiver. RR: 703.938.0405.)

Evening Storytime (7pm, Barnes and Noble, Falls Church. Stories for ages 6 and under. Weekly event.)

Storytime (10am, Barnes & Noble, Reston. Stories for kids of all ages. Weekly event.)

Storytime (11am, Barnes & Noble, Alexandria. Stories for kids of all ages. Weekly event.)

Preschool Storytime (11:30am, Ashburn Library. Stories for children ages 3 to 5. At 10am, Mother Goose Storytime for children 18 to 24 months.)

Baby Lapsit (11:15am, Cascades Library, Sterling. Storytime for 0 to 18 months. At 10:30, Lapsits for 2's.)

Book Club (10am, Pottery Barn Kids, Fair Oaks Mall. Kids of all ages are invited to a special storytime.)

Children’s Storytime (7pm, Barnes and Noble, Manassas, VA. Weekly storytime for ages 3 to 6.)

WASHINGTON, DC (Tuesday, 6/12):
Ride the Dentzel Carousel (10am to 2pm, Glen Echo Park, Glen Echo. Info: 301.634.2222, $1/person.)

Giant Octopus Feeding (11am & 3pm, Smithsonian National Zoo, NW, Invertebrate Exhibit. Watch the giant octopus eat almost anything it can catch! Free, all ages. Daily event.)

Washington, DC Storytimes (6/12):
Preschool Storytime (10:30am, Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial Library, NW. Stories for ages 2 to 5. RR: 202.727.1248.)

Storytime (10:15am, Barnes & Noble, NW. Stories for kids of all ages.)

Storytime Fun with Miss Julie (10:30am, West End Library, NW. Stories for ages 2 to 5. Weekly event.)
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

MARYLAND (Wednesday, 6/13):
Live Animal Show (10 to 11am, Clearwater Nature Center, Clinton. Children of all ages love meeting our live animals! Touching and questions are encouraged. RR, $1/PG County resident, $2/non-resident, ages 2 and up.)

Little Tots Summer Fun Series: Flumpa! (10am to 12pm, Silver Plaza. Kick off the inaugural Little Tots Summer Fun series with Flumpa the friendly tree frog. Free, all ages. Bi-monthly event held every other Wednesday through summer.)

Nature Club (2 to 4pm, Mt. Rainier Nature & Recreation Center. Your kids will learn to appreciate nature at this after school program. RR: 301.927.2163, free, ages 5 to 12. Weekly event.)

Puppet Show (2 to 3pm, Old Maryland Farm, Upper Marlboro. Enjoy a seasonal-themed puppet show, meet a featured live animal, and make a craft. RR: 301.218.6770, $2/PG County resident, $3/non-resident, ages 2 to 10.)

Who's Afraid of the Little Brown Bat Puppet Show (11:30am & 1pm, National Wildlife Visitors Center, Laurel. Follow a night in the life of a little brown bat and discover whether or not all you've heard about "creepy" bats is true! Info: 301.497.5887, free, all ages.)

Bethesda Summer Concert Series (12 to 2pm, Bethesda Place Plaza. Local and regional musicians are showcased at free concerts held throughout the summer. This week's concert features Sam'O playing Caribbean.)

Wacky Wednesdays with Mr. Don (10:30am, Mayorga Coffee Factory, Silver Spring. Sing-alongs, motion songs, rhythm instruments, marching and dancing! Suggested contribution: $5 for 1 kid; $7 for 2; $10 for 3; $12 for 4.)

Maryland Storytimes (6/13):
Storytime Sing-A-Long (10:30am, Borders, Silver Spring. Stories and sing-a-long with the delightful Jane Batt. Today, Jane reads Grandpa and Me by Karen Katz. Weekly event.)

Storytime (10am, Barnes & Noble, Rockville. Stories for ages 6 and under. Weekly event.)

Evening Storytime (7pm, Bowie Library. Ages 7 to 9.)

Evening Storytime (7pm, Hyattsville Library. Ages 3 to 6.)

Daytime Storytime (10:15am, Bowie Library. Weekly storytime for age 2 with caregiver.)

VIRGINIA (Wednesday, 6/13):
Ladybug, Ladybug (3:30pm, Long Branch Nature Center, Arlington. Learn about these lovely spotted insects in this highly interactive program which may include stories, a craft, and a short hike. RR: online or 703.228.4747 for program #644502C, $3/child, ages 3 to 5.)

Dazzling Dragonflies (10:30am to 11:30am, Riverbend Park, Great Falls. Meet a dragonfly up close, then take a short hike to search for other dragonflies. RR: 703.759.9018, ages 4 to 6.)

Fun Club (10:30am, Noodles and Noggins. Read books, sing songs, dance and just have fun. $5/child.)

Rocknoceros (10:30am, Jammin' Java A weekly three-man children's show featuring recognizable children's songs as well as other great hits. $5/one child; $7/two children; $10/three children.)

Mr. Don Sings! (1:30 to 3pm, Stacy's Coffee Parlor, 709 W Broad St, Falls Church. $5/child, weekly.)

Arts al Fresco Concert (11:45am to 1:30pm, Spice of Life Plaza, 1401 Wilson Boulevard. This week: Dixie Power Trio. Free.)

Singalong with Miss Belle (3:30 to 5pm, Moorenko's Ice Cream Cafe, McLean. A fun singalong for kids of all ages. Weekly event.)

Lunches in the Park (11:30am to 1:30pm, Harris Pavilion, Manassas. Bring a bag lunch and enjoy a variety of entertainment each Wednesday. This week see Cletus & Lori. Free, all ages.)

Moms and Moppets Club (10 & 11am, Springfield Mall, JCPenney court. Each month features a different children’s entertainer and is geared toward interactive participation. Free, all ages.)

Preschool Sing-Along (10:30am, Dolley Madison Community Library, Mclean. Sing songs with Miss Belle. RR: 703.356.0770, all ages.)

Mall Munchkins Kid's Club (10 to 11am, Dulles Town Center. Join in on the fun for ages 2 to 5 with adult.)

Virginia Storytimes (6/13):
Bedtime Stories (7:30pm, Centreville Regional Library, Centreville. Evening stories for ages 2 to 5 with caregiver. RR: 703.830.2223.)

Fathers are Special Storytime (11am, Aladdin's Lamp Children's Bookstore, Arlington. Get ready for Father's Day with storyteller Marlena Thompson and her guitar. Listen to Daddy Hugs 1,2,3, Froggy's Day with Dad, I Love My Daddy and other stories honoring our Dads and father figures. Info: 703.241.8281, ages 2 1/2 to 6.)

Let's Play Storytime (10:30am, Great Falls Library. Stories and activities for ages 2 to 5 with caregiver.)

Steps to Reading Storytime (1:30pm, Tysons-Pimmit Regional Library, Falls Church. Stories and activities for ages 4 to 5 with caregiver. RR: 703.790.8088.)

Storytime (10am, Barnes & Noble, Clarendon. Stories for kids of all ages. Weekly event.)

Storytime (7pm, Mary Riley Styles Library, Falls Church. Stories and rhymes for ages 3 to 6. Weekly event.)

Stories in the Park (11am, Fort Ward Park, Area 7, Alexandria. Bring something to sit on and a picnic lunch, and enjoy a summertime story. Weekly event through July.)

Storytime (10:30am, Barnes and Noble, McLean. Stories and crafts for ages 6 and under.)

Wednesdays Wonders (4pm, Chinn Park Regional Library. Stories for ages 3 to 8.)

WASHINGTON, DC (Wednesday, 6/13):
Peter and Wendy (7:30pm, Arena Stage, SW. The story of Peter Pan and the Darling family comes magically to life in Peter & Wendy, a visually stunning and aurally breathtaking theatrical experience. Ages 5+. Single tickets $56 to $61. Buy the TARGET Family Fun Pack: 4 seats, 4 beverages, and 4 snacks for $100. 202.488.3300.)

Young Planetarium (4pm, Rock Creek Nature Center Planetarium. Learn to identify the major constellations and the movement of the heavenly bodies through the night sky. Free, ages 2 to 10.

Washington, DC Storytimes (6/13):
Storytime (10:30am, Barnes & Noble, Georgetown NW. Stories for kids of all ages. Weekly event.)

Check out the Fun 'N' Hip Mommies group to find out what events we're attending & what other events we're hosting that aren't listed above!!! Thanks to Washington Family, Washington DC Kids, Montgomery & Fairfax Co Recreation, Washington Post Kids Section, Washington Parent, About.com, DC-Baby, The Parent-Pages (book), and Our-Kids (a yearly subscription is needed).

Events around town!

2007-06-06T12:53:00.000-05:00

If our calendar doesn't have enough going on for you, then check out this extra stuff around town! Thanks Alison for putting this together!

Upperville Colt and Horse Show
8 a.m. Monday-Sunday, June 4-10
Upperville Show Grounds
Rt. 50, 1 mile East of Upperville Upperville, VA•
Information: 540-687-5740 • Price: $10 per day, Free for children under 12

First held in 1853, the Upperville Colt and Horse Show is believed to have been the first true horse show in the United States. What began as a pursuit to encourage better breeding and treatment of horses has grown into a week-long tradition in Virginia horse country, 40 miles west of Washington, D.C.

The week culminates in Sunday's $100,000 Upperville Jumper Classic. Other activities include pony rides, arts and crafts exhibits, games for kids, a variety of food choices, and a Bassett hound demonstration before the Jumper Classic.

St. Mary's County Crab Festival
Crabs, seafood and even some non-seafood items to munch on while listening to live music, viewing classic cars and browsing for arts and crafts.

Noon-6 p.m.
Sunday, June 10
St. Mary's County Governmental Center
23115 Leonard Hall Dr. Leonardtown, MD • Information: 301-475-5236

The Magic of Music
2 p.m. Sunday, June 10
Rachel M. Schlesinger Concert Hall and Arts Center
3001 N. Beauregard St. Alexandria, VA
• Information: 703-548-0885 • Price: $5 per person, $20 per family

The Alexandria Symphony Orchestra hosts an afternoon of music and art for Northern Virginia's children

The event begins at 2 p.m. with multiple activity stations, including an instrument petting zoo, arts & crafts stations, dance workshops and a wandering magician.

Sunset Parade
The Sunset Parade on Tuesday evenings features a colorful full-dress ceremony by the U.S. Marine Drum & Bugle Corps and precision drill by the Marine Corps Silent Drill Platoon.

June 5-Jul. 31st 7 p.m.
Tuesdays, 6:30 p.m. Aug. 7 and 14
Marine Corps Memorial
N. Meade Street Arlington, VA
• Information: 202-433-6060 • Price: Free Reservations are not necessary. Paid parking with free shuttles is available at Arlington National Cemetery Visitor's Center.

SAAM I Am
1-3 p.m. Saturday, June 9
Smithsonian American Art Museum - Smithsonian Institution
Eighth and F streets NW Washington, DC
• Information: 202-633-1000 • Price: Free Saturday, June 9:

A monthly family art series combines art and kid-friendly culture. Museum staff read from Laura Numeroff's "Why a Disguise?" and visitors participate in a mask-making activity.

Navy Band Summer Concert Series
May 29-Aug. 28: 8 p.m. Tuesdays

U.S. Navy Memorial and Naval Heritage Center
701 Pennsylvania Ave. NW Washington, DC
• Information: 202-737-2300 • Price: Free

Enjoy free summer concerts by the United States Navy Band.

Silver Spring Summer Concert Series
Free music in downtown Silver Spring's Silver Plaza - Ellsworth Drive between Georgia Avenue and Fenton Street Silver Spring, MD

June 7-Aug. 25: 7 p.m. Thursdays, 6:30 p.m. Saturdays

• Information: 301-565-7300 • Price: Free

June 7: Afro Bop Alliance.

Free Concerts at Friendship Heights Village Center
7:30 p.m. Wednesdays (except July 4)
Friendship Heights Village Center
4433 S. Park Ave.
Chevy Chase, MD

• Information: 301-656-2797 • Price: Free

June 6: Greg Harrison Jazz Band.

Crystal Screen Summer Film Series
Dusk Mondays, June 11-Aug. 20

Courtyard at 18th and South Bell Streets, Arlington, VA
• Information: 703-412-9430 • Price: Free

Bring a picnic blanket to downtown Crystal City for this outdoor film fest. The screenings begin at dusk, but viewers can stake out their spots beginning at 7 p.m.

The schedule is as follows: June 11: Hang'em HighMusic at Twilight Concerts at Fort Ward Park

Music under the stars at this Alexandria landmark
7:30 p.m. Thursdays
Fort Ward Park
4301 W. Braddock Rd. Alexandria, VA
• Information: 703-883-4686 • Price: Free

June 7: Alexandria Singers.

Concerts at Gaithersburg City Hall Concert Pavilion
Groove to some tunes in the summer evening. Bring a brunch for Sunday morning jazz shows. Bring the kids for Monday morning shows!

7 p.m. Saturday, June 9
Gaithersburg City Hall Concert Pavilion
31 S. Summit Ave. Gaithersburg, MD
• Information: 301-258-6350 • Price: Free

July 9: Rocknoceros.

Free Concerts at Brookside Gardens
6:30-8 p.m. Tuesday, June 12
Brookside Gardens
1800 Glenallen Ave. Wheaton, MD
• Information: 301-962-1400 • Price: Free

June 12: The Moonlighters.

Check out the Fun 'N' Hip Mommies group to find out what events we're attending & what other events we're hosting that aren't listed above!!! Thanks to Washington Family, Washington DC Kids, Montgomery & Fairfax Co Recreation, Washington Post Kids Section, Washington Parent, About.com, DC-Baby, The Parent-Pages (book), and Our-Kids (a yearly subscription is needed).

Reston Zoo Trip

2007-05-31T13:13:00.000-05:00

29 Fun 'N' Hip Mommies & Kids

Reston Zoo

Reston Zoo is a surprising find in the heart of urban Fairfax County. It's a thirty-acre, family-friendly zoo: an oasis in the middle of the city!

Zoofari wagon rides (included in admission fee) take young and old to see zebras, antelope, bison, ostrich, and lots more. Park staff lead regular animal demonstrations.

Reston Zoo encourages animal interaction. There are plenty of places to get "up close and personal" with the animals. Animal feed and lamb bottles are available, too! You won't want to miss the alligators, camels, reptile house, or waterfowl. You'll be amazed that such an opportunity is so close to you!

Reston Zoo has been a working zoo under several different owners for more than a quarter century. Under the latest owners, the zoo has undergone some major changes and will continue to renovate and add many new exhibits over the coming years.

Fun 'N' Hip Mommies took a day trip out here with the kids, and we had so much fun!! The kids enjoyed running around after the geese, and feeding all the goats & sheep!

If you are interested in joining our moms group, please check us out at: Fun 'N' Hip Mommies Meetup. For our safety reasons we insist that you make one event, meet with an organizer, and then we'll give you a password to our "verified" Super Fun 'N' Hip Mommies Meetup group!!

Other Events around the area!

2007-05-29T15:21:00.000-05:00

CLARK FARM, PETTING ZOO

13 MOMMIES & 19 KIDS

We've got a busy upcoming week, but in case it's just not enough for you --- Here's a few other things going on this upcoming week that aren't on the calendar:

MARYLAND (Thursday, 5/31):

15th Anniversary Capital Jazz Fest (7:30pm, Merriweather Post Pavilion, Columbia. An annual DC rite of summer, offering five days of live jazz played outdoors. Tonight's scheduled performers include Herbie Hancock and The Jazz Attack! Tickets: online ranging from $30 to $150. Daily through 6/3.)

Jack & the Beanstalk (10am & 11:30am, The Puppet Co. Playhouse, Glen Echo Park. Final performances of this classic children's tale about the young lad that doesn't know beans about trading, but still manages to climb his way to the top. RR: 301.320.6668, $8/person, grades K through 6.)

Bethesda Summer Concert Series (6 to 8pm, Veterans Park. Music fills the streets of Bethesda as local and regional musicians are showcased at free concerts held throughout the summer. This week's concert features Patty Reese, playing alternative & original rock.)

Singalong with Miss Belle (12:30 to 2pm, Moorenko's Ice Cream Cafe, Silver Spring. A fun singalong for kids of all ages. Weekly event.)

Strawberry Picking at Shlagel Farms (8am to 7pm, Waldorf. This family-owned farm is gorgeous. Take the kids for a morning or afternoon of strawberry picking. Be sure to check out the greenhouse full of beautiful flowers. $ for goods, no admission fee. Open daily, call for picking conditions: 301.645.4554.)

Maryland Storytimes (5/31):

Lap Sit Rhyme Time Storytime (10:30am, Germantown Library. Stories, rhymes and music for ages newborn to 12 months with caregiver. RR: 240.777.0110.)

Storytime (10:15am, New Carrollton Library. Stories for ages 3 to 5 with caregiver. Weekly event.)

Storytime (10:30am, Bowie Library. Stories for ages 3 to 5. Another storytime for ages newborn to 12 months with caregiver takes place at 11:30am. Weekly event.)

Storytime (10:30am, Laurel Library. Stories for ages 2 1/2 to 4 1/2. Pick up free ticket at Children's Desk. Weekly event.)

VIRGINIA (Thursday, 5/31):

27th Annual Herndon Festival (6pm to 10pm, Historic Downtown Herndon. A four-day town-wide event with activities including live entertainment on three stages, international foods, carnival rides and games, children's entertainment, hands-on art activities, a model railway exhibit, and an arts and crafts show. Daily event through 6/3.)

Kids Korner (9:30 to 10:30am, Ellanor C. Lawrence Park, Chantilly. Kids will enjoy and learn about nature and history through an outdoor activity and craft. RR: 703.631.0013, $5/child, ages 3 to 5 accompanied by caregiver. Monthly event.)

Potomac Nationals vs. Kinston Indians (7:35pm, G. Richard Pfitzner Stadium, Woodbridge. Catch a night Minor League baseball game. Tickets: online ranging from $6 to $12, all ages.)

Mr. Don Performs (4pm, Noodles & Noggins. Enjoy this weekly performance of singing and dancing with Mr. Don.)

Mr. Knick Knack (10:30am, Jammin' Java, Vienna, VA. $5/one child; $7/two children; $10/three children.)

Family Fun Origami (4pm, Cascades Library, Sterling. A paper-folding workshop for the entire family! RR: 703.444.3228.)

Virginia Storytimes (5/31):

Feathered Friends (7pm, Kingstowne Community Library, Alexandria. Stories, activities and songs about birds for ages 2 to 5 with caregiver. RR: 703.339.4610.)

Happily Ever After Storytime (7pm, Chantilly Regional Library, Chantilly. Great read-aloud stories, poems and favorite songs for all ages.)

Lunch Bunnies (11am, Patrick Henry Community Library, Vienna. Bring your lunch and enjoy stories for ages 3 to 5 with adult. RR: 703.938.0405.)

Storytime (10:30am, Mary Riley Styles Library, Falls Church. Stories and rhymes for ages 2 to 5. Weekly event.)

Preschool Storytime (11:30am, Ashburn Library. Stories for children ages 3 to 5. At 10am, Mother Goose Storytime for children 18 to 24 months.)

Terrific 3's (11:15am, Cascades Library, Sterling. Weekly storytime.)

WASHINGTON, DC (Thursday, 5/31):

A Closer Look at the Sun (4pm, Rock Creek Park, Nature Center, NW. Observe the Sun with a telescope equipped with a special filter that allows you to look for sunspots. If the sky is cloudy, there will be a program on the Sun presented inside the Nature Center. Free, ages 5 and older.)

Pirhana Feeding (2pm, National Aquarium, NW. Watch the animal keepers feed the aquarium's pirahnas! Talks and animal feedings occur daily at this time. Admission: $5/adults, $2.50/ages 2 to 10. Weekly event.)

Washington Nationals vs. LA Dodgers (7:05pm, RFK Stadium, SE. Catch a night Major League baseball game with the Nationals taking on the Dodgers. Tickets: online ranging from $5 to $45, all ages.)

Preschool Films & Stories (10:30am, Woodridge Library, NE. Movie time for preschool children. Weekly event. At 4pm, Afternoon Movies for school-aged children.)

Washington, DC Storytimes (5/31):

Toddler Time (10:30am, Palisades Library, NW. Stories for ages 24 to 36 months. Weekly event, also on Tuesdays.)

Neighborhood Story Time (10:30am, Mount Pleasant Library, NW. Stories and more for ages 1 to 4. Weekly event.)

Friday, June 1

MARYLAND (Friday, 6/1):

Nature Tots: Leapin' Lillypads (10:30am & 1pm, National Wildlife Visitors Center, Laurel. Peep! Croak! Ribbit! Introduce your preschooler to the watery world of frogs and toads through stories, songs, and a hike in this fun, hands-on program. RR: 301.497.5887, free, ages 3 to 4.)

Gymnastics Workshops (4:30pm to 5:30pm, Prince George's Sports & Learning Complex, Landover. Children can jump, swing, and bounce in a safe, fun gymnastics facility. Adults must accompany children. Ages 1 to 14 years, $5/child. Weekly event.)

Campfire (6:30pm to 8pm, Mt. Rainier Nature & Recreation Center, Mt. Rainier. Enjoy stories and roast marshmallows over a fire. RR: online for SMARTlink #101700, $2/resident, $3/non-resident, free, ages 8 to 12. Info: 301.927.2163.)

Bumper Cars On Ice (6:15pm to 8pm, Tucker Road Ice Rink, Fort Washington. Ride a bumper car on ice! Each ride is 4 to 5 minutes in length with the last ride beginning 10 minutes prior to the end of the session. Rides are on a first-come, first-serve basis. Info: 301.265.1525, ages 5 and up. Weekly event, also on Sundays from 4pm to 6pm.)

Maryland Storytimes (6/1):

Preschool Storytime (10:30am, Fairland Library, Burtonsville. Stories, rhymes, songs and activities for ages 3 to 5. Weekly event.)

Storytime (7:30pm, Barnes & Noble, Rockville. Stories for kids of all ages.)

VIRGINIA (Friday, 6/1):

27th Annual Herndon Festival (5 to 11pm, Historic Downtown Herndon. Your entire family will enjoy this four-day town-wide event with activities including live entertainment on three stages, international foods, carnival rides and games, children's entertainment, hands-on art activities, a model railway exhibit, and an arts and crafts show. All ages. Daily event through 6/3.)

Summer on the Green: Family Fridays (6:30pm to 8pm, Vienna Town Green. Enjoy this free classic rock evening concert by the Mike Cotter Trio. Please bring chairs and/or blankets. Weather: 703.255.7842. Free, all ages.)

Musical Magic with Rocknoceros (10:30am to 11:30am, Clifton Town Meeting Hall, Clifton. Enjoy a performance by Rocknoceros, the world's finest power trio for children, sponsored by Noodles & Noggins).

Friday Night Live! (6:30 to 10:30pm, Town Green in Herndon. Come celebrate summer with one of the most popular outdoor concert series in the area. Free. No pets allowed.)

Mr. Knick Knack (11am, Tysons Corner Center, Level 3. Let your kids burn up some energy in the Kid's Play Area, listen to music and stories from a local favorite, and grab a bite to eat all before naptime. If you're feeling adventurous join check out the best mall playground in our area! Weekly program.)

Fiesta Friday with Mr. Don (10:15 to 11am, Border Cafe, Centreville, VA. 703.266.4400. A weekly program of sing-alongs, motion songs, rhythm instruments, marching and dancing. Free coffee and admission!)

Banjo Man (10:30am, Jammin' Java, Vienna. $5/one child; $7/two children; $10/three children.)

Friday Night Fun (7 to 9pm, Sweet Life Café, Fairfax. Live Entertainment, dinner and dessert specials. Kids Menu starts at $2.99.)

Celebrate South Riding (5 to 11pm, Conklin Community Park. Music, rides, food and more. $6/gate; under 2 free. $1 ride tickets.)

Braddock Nights Summer Concerts (7:30pm, Lake Accotink Park, Springfield. Bring a blanket and listen to the rockin roots band Ruthie and the Wranglers. Free, all ages.)

Family Movie Night (8 to 10pm, Douglass Community Center, Leesburg. Come see a fun family movie. Popcorn and drinks provided. Bring a lawn chair. RR: 703.771.5913, $12/family.)

Virginia Storytimes (6/1):

Lunch Bunch Storytime (12pm, John Marshall Community Library, Alexandria. Bring your lunch and enjoy stories for newborns to age 5 with caregiver. RR: 703.971.0010. Weekly event.)

Storytime (11am, Aladdin's Lamp Children's Bookstore, Arlington. Enjoy stories with Miss Jenny for ages 18 months to 3 years. Info: 703.241.8281. Weekly event.)

Storytime (11am, Tree Top Kids, Arlington. Stories for kids of all ages. Weekly event.)

Wiggle Storytime (11am, A Likely Story Children's Bookstore, Alexandria. Limber up your limbs for this interactive storytime with lots of songs and stories to get energetic little ones involved. Weekly event.)

Stop-In for Stories (10am, Central Branch Library, Arlington. Drop-in storytime for all ages. Info: 703.228.5946.)

Friday Flicks (10:30am, Chinn Park Regional Library, Prince William, VA. The Remarkable Riderless Runaway Tricycle, Curious George Rides a Bike and The Little Engine that Could will be shown. Free, ages 3 to 7 with caregiver.)

WASHINGTON, DC (Friday, 6/1):

Creature Feature (4pm, Nature Center, Rock Creek Park. Get acquainted with the Nature Center’s live animals and assist a park ranger in their feeding. All ages, repeats weekly.)

Jazz in the Garden (5 to 8:30pm, National Gallery of Art's Sculpture Garden. Every Friday evening, enjoy Washington-area jazz artists. This week's entertainer: Rick Whitehead Jazz Trio. Free, all ages.)

Washington, DC Storytimes (6/1):

Friday Morning Storytime (10:30am, Barnes & Noble, Georgetown. Weekly stories for kids of all ages.)

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Saturday, June 2

MARYLAND (Saturday, 6/2):

Bowiefest (11am to 6pm, Allen Pond Park, Bowie. Celebrate Bowie with your neighbors and enjoy this day of entertainment, games, rides, crafts and much more! Free, all ages.)

Family Backpacking Overnight (4pm Saturday to 9:30am Sunday, Brookside Nature Center, Wheaton. Hike to a lovely spot in the park, enjoy an evening meal cooked over a fire, embark a fun night hike through the woods and camp out overnight. To participate, you must attend a planning meeting the evening of 5/29. You supply your own sleeping bags, backpack, and tent, and the Nature Center supplies the food. RR: 301.946.9071, $15/child, $6/adult, all ages.)

Frederick Festival of the Arts (10am to 6pm, East Street and Carroll Creek Linear Park, Frederick. A two-day fine art and fine craft regional festival, which includes over 130 professional artists from over 20 states, multi-genre performing artists, children's crafts and interactive activities, family-stage performances as well as culinary arts. Info: 301.694.9632, $7/adult, $5/student. Also on 6/3.)

Kite Making Workshop (noon to 4pm, College Park Aviation Museum. Let the experts from Wings over Washington instruct you in building the perfect kite. Ages 6 and up, regular museum admission plus $4 for each kite made.)

Owl Prowl (8 to 9:30pm, Patuxent Research Refuge North Tract, Laurel. Discover the nighttime world of the refuge as you look and listen for owls, frogs, and other nocturnal animals on this guided walk. RR: 301.497.5887, free, all ages.)

Skateboard and Inline Competition (10:30am to 4pm, Skate Park, Gaithersburg. Watch some of the area's best skaters show off their tricks and compete for great prizes. All ages.)

Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs (2pm, Maryland Ensemble Theater, Frederick. Enjoy this classic tale performed by The Fun Company of the Maryland Ensemble Theater. Tickets: online for $12/adults, $8/students. Saturdays through 6/30.)

Strawberry Festival (10am to 5pm, Sandy Spring Museum. The Strawberry Festival is the museum's oldest continuing annual fundraiser and features crafters, demonstrations, entertainment, children's games, a petting zoo, hayrides, food and - of course - strawberry shortcakes! All ages.)

What's A Wolf To Do? (11am & 1:30pm, Adventure Theatre at Glen Echo Park, Glen Echo. These are not your grandmother's fairy tales! Come see all of your favorite characters - Goldilocks, Little Red, three pigs, and a wolf - in a tale full of twists and turns, plus a few tunes. Tickets: 301.320.5331, $8/person. Weekends through 6/24.)

Palmer Park Day (noon to 4pm, Palmer Park Community Center, Landover. Enjoy carnival games where everyone is a winner. There'll be food and great fun for the entire family. Info: 301.773.5665, free, all ages.)

Maryland Storytimes (6/2):

Born to Read (10:30am, Noyes Library for Young Children, Kensington. Rhymes, songs, bounces, movement, and short stories for ages newborn to 24 months. Info: 301.929.5533.)

Teddy Bear Picnic (11am, Kensington Park Library. Listen to stories, watch films and have a picnic! Bring your lunch, a blanket and your favorite teddy bear or stuffed toy to this annual community event. Ages 3 and up.)

English/Spanish Storytime (10:30am, Hyattsville Library. Stories for children ages 3 to 6.)

Storytime (10:30am, Bowie Library, Bowie. Stories for children ages 3 to 5.)

Storytime (11am, Surratts-Clinton Library, Clinton. Stories for children ages 3 to 7.)

Saturday Morning Storytime (10 & 10:30am, Brookside Gardens. Each week children enjoy a fun seasonal, or nature related picture story. Make a craft afterwards. Free, ages 3 to 6.)

VIRGINIA (Saturday, 6/2):

13th Annual Manassas Heritage Railway Festival (10am to 5pm, Historic Old Town Manassas. Celebrate the rich railway history that Manassas has to offer. Enjoy VRE excursion rides, model rail displays, train memorabilia, an antique toy train display, Civil War re-enactors, an animal nursery, dairy demonstrations, children's rides and live music, food, and railroad entertainment. Info: 703.361.6599, free entrance (train rides $5/person), all ages.)

27th Annual Herndon Festival (10am to 11pm, Historic Downtown Herndon. Your entire family will enjoy this four-day town-wide event with activities including live entertainment on three stages, international foods, carnival rides and games, children's entertainment, hands-on art activities, a model railway exhibit, and an arts and crafts show. Through 6/3.)

3rd Annual Fairfax Trails Day (9:30am, Van Dyck Park, 3730 Old Lee Highway, Fairfax. Celebrate National Trails day by enjoying a day celebrating the best of the City of Fairfax's trails and open spaces. Info: 703.385.7868.)

Concerts on the Town (7:30 to 10pm, Reston Town Center, Reston. Bring your lawn chairs or picnic blankets, and enjoy rain or shine. Info: 703.912.4062, free, all ages. Weekly event through summer.)

Cool Saturday Music (12pm to 4pm, Tarara Winery, Leesburg. Come celebrate Spring, overlooking the potomac with some of the areas finest musicians and award-winning wines. Info: 703.771.7100. Weekly event through June.)

Discover the Marsh (2 to 3:30pm, Buddie Ford Nature Center, Alexandria. Journey to a marsh in Dora Kelley Park and learn about its many inhabitants. A critter catch and release outing will be featured. RR: 703.838.4829, $2/person, ages 6 to 12.)

Pinocchio (1pm Lunch & 2pm Show, Riverside Center Children's Theater, Fredericksburg. Enjoy this classic tale during a children's lunch 'n show. RR: 540.370.4300, $15/person, all ages. Weekly event through 6/23.)

Springfield Days' Family Festival (10am to 8pm, Springfield Plaza, Springfield. This annual festival features a parade through downtown Springfield, and a community fair at Springfield Plaza featuring children's rides and games, arts and crafts, live music, stage performances and more. Also on 6/3. Info: 703.569.0285. All ages.)

Teddy Bears' Picnic (1 to 2:30pm, Hidden Oaks Nature Center, Annandale. Bring your teddy bear and enjoy stories, songs, games and light refreshments for humans and stuffed animals alike. RR: 703.941.1065, $10/person, ages 3 to 6 with caregiver.)

Wild Ones: Predator Prey Day (4 to 5pm, Long Branch Nature Center, Arlington. Enjoy some fun and games while learning all about predators and their prey. Dress to get messy. RR: online or 703.228.4747 for program #644503A, $2/person, ages 6 to 9.)

Imagine: Fine Arts for Kids (10:30am & 12:30pm, Cascades Library, Sterling. A fine arts program that builds self-confidence and develops creative thinking and problem solving skills. RR: 703.444.3228, ages 6 to 11.)

National Trails Day (9am to 2pm, Claude Moore Park, Sterling. Join the Loudoun Walking and Volkssport Club on marked 5k and 10k walks. RR: 571.258.3700, free event.)

Virginia Storytimes (6/2):

Storytime (10:30am, Barnes and Noble, Tysons Corner. Stories and crafts for ages 6 and under. Today only, kids can also meet Spot, the Lovable, Huggable Dog costume character. Weekly event.)

Storytime (10am, Barnes & Noble, Clarendon. Stories for kids of all ages. Weekly event.)

Lap Babies Storytime (11am, A Likely Story Children's Bookstore, Alexandria. Enjoy songs, fingerplays and read some simple stories for the littlest listeners in your family.)

Saturday Family Storytime (10:30am, Cascades Library. A weekly storytime for ages 2 to 6.)

Craft Day (all day, Color Book Gallery Store, Occoquan. Come in and make a craft today during the Occoquan Craft Show.)

Saturday Family Storytime (10am, Ashburn Library. A weekly storytime for ages 2 to 5.)

WASHINGTON, DC (Saturday, 6/2):

Glover Park Day (11am to 5pm, Guy Mason Recreation Center. Food, fun, great live music and prizes all in a tropical theme!)

Bridging the Gap (10:30am, National Building Museum. Participants learn about five basic bridge types before solving a transportation problem by choosing a type of bridge to build. Free, ages 5 and up. Weekly event.)

Spring Night Sky (1pm, Rock Creek Park Nature Center. View the brightest stars, planets, and constellations of June and learn their stories. Ages 4 to 12. Recurring event. Read the Our Kids Review.)

Washington, DC Storytimes (6/2):

Storytime: The Adventures of Bandit & Hadgi - The Butterfly Beach Party (11am, Tree Top Kids, Foxhall Square, NW. Enjoy this whimsical story about two fun-loving dogs read by Jeff Balko, author, and Kathryn Leonard, illustrator.)

Check out the Fun 'N' Hip Mommies group to find out what events we're attending & what other events we're hosting that aren't listed above!!! Thanks to Washington Family, Washington DC Kids, Montgomery & Fairfax Co Recreation, Washington Post Kids Section, Washington Parent, About.com, DC-Baby, The Parent-Pages (book), and Our-Kids (a yearly subscription is needed).

Claude Moore Park

2007-05-20T20:50:00.000-05:00

The Claude Moore Colonial Farm

5 Mommies & their families attended.

A few of us got together this morning & went to the "market fair" and farm. It took less than 2 hours to walk through both portions, eat, see a puppet show, and play at the park.

We saw some geese, hogs, a turkey & a newly shorn sheep.

You can learn more about the farm here.

Butlers Orchard

2007-05-20T01:52:00.000-05:00

Butlers Orchard

54 Family Members attended this event!

Fun 'N' Hip mommies (and their family) had an awesome time at Butlers Orchard in Germantown MD.

A Family Farm – A family tradition for 50 years. Right after graduating from the University of Maryland in 1950, George and Shirley Butler of Silver Spring purchased a 37 acre farm with a log house. The original 25 acres of peaches provided their only crop at first, but now the Butlers grow more than 25 kinds of fruits, vegetables and flowers on over 300 acres. Following in their fathers footsteps, three of the four Butler children earned horticultural degrees from the University of Maryland and now live and work on the Butler farm.

We started the evening out with a hayride around the farm, viewing the crops, and taking in the most breathtakingly beautiful scenery. While the hayride was underway, the staff of Butlers got our "campfire" going for us.

We spent the early evening setting up camp, having a picnic, breaking open the beer and wine, and meeting new mommies who were attending their very first event.

Our kids had an amazing time! It was fantastic watching them running wild through this beautiful green field, and learning how to make their very first s'mores! Not having to restrain them, or worry about them escaping was totally a bonus!

As it got darker & a little colder we huddled around the campfire, turned on the music, and watched the kids dance under the stars.

Glow sticks, flashing/blinking light toys, frisbees and balls were all big hits of the night.

Those with little babies left first, and those of us with toddlers or older kiddos were able to get the kids to lay down, relax, and finally fall asleep - at which point we were able to put them into the cars, and tuck them into their blankets, while we sat around and chatted.

It was a gorgeous night. It felt like we were in the middle of nowhere, and was sooo tranquil.

Super Nanny - Jo Frost

2007-05-14T19:00:00.000-05:00

The casting producer of Super Nanny just got in touch with me, and is wondering if I know of any families, or would nominate any families for the upcoming 4th season of Super Nanny...

Is anyone on our group interested in trying out for this?

They'll be in Fairfax on the 19th and in Washington DC on the 20th for the casting calls.

His name is Craig Ekedahl and if you say it's ok, I'll forward your information onto him!

Some links:
http://www.supernanny.us.com/
http://www.ricochet.co.uk/

Gravelly Point Walk, Playgroup & Picnic

2007-05-12T20:11:00.000-05:00

Gravelly Point

16 Mommies & 24 kids

This is one of our most popular activities! Many of us get together early to walk from Gravelly Point up to Roosevelt Island (or as far as the kids will let us), then we come back, fall down exhausted, and pull out our picnics!

All of our kids love watching the planes taking off above us, although some of them "hit the ground" everytime one of the big jets goes overhead!

We bring along trikes, balls, cuddly toys & the kids have so much fun checking out the "cool, new" stuff! Sharing is an interesting concept for 1-3 year olds!

If you are interested in joining our Fun 'N' Hip Mommies group, please log onto Meetup.com and follow the directions! You will be asked to provide a photo (of yourself) and fill out 5 quick questions.

Brookside Gardens

2007-04-28T19:48:00.000-05:00

Brookside Gardens Exercise Session!

9 Mommies & 11 kids

We try to schedule at least 2-3 exercise sessions per week, and love choosing new parks, trails, gardens or lake walks. When we come to Brookside Gardens, we stop off at Wheaton Regional Park, and let all the kids get out and run off their excess energy! They love the slides, swings, and beautiful wide open spaces!

Brookside Gardens is Montgomery County's incomparable, award-winning 50-acre public display garden situated within Wheaton Regional Park.

Storytime & American Horticologist Society

2007-04-23T18:16:00.000-05:00

American Horticultural Society

16 Mommies & 24 kids attended this event!

We spent the morning in Old Town Alexandria, at "A Likely Story", where the kids participated with Miss Dina in a great storytime and music session. Afterwards we drove over to George Washington's River Farm, where we walked through the awesome blooms. It was a gorgeous day - way hotter than any of us expected!

If you are a fun, interesting mom in the MD, DC or VA area, and you'd like to connect with other outgoing, fun and hip mommies, please take a look at our "meetup group"! You can take a look at our other past events calendar to find out if the things we do together are actually activities that you'd be interested in!

Senecca Creek State Park

2007-04-20T17:49:00.000-05:00

Senecca Creek State Park, MD

11 mommies & 18 kids attended this fun event!

We had a fantastic playgroup today at Senecca Creek State Park in Gaithersburg, MD. A fun group of mommies got together for an exercise session, chat and picnic while the kids socialized and played on this fantastic recycled tire playground. We took a walk down to the lake and watched the geese - what a beautiful view!

The weather was fantastic, and it's great meeting new moms & spending time with friends.

If you are a mommy in the Montgomery County MD area and would like to join a fun group of moms - please check out our "meetup" group. Only requirements - be fun, open, and easy going!

Our group is amazing!

2007-04-19T14:27:00.000-05:00

CANDY CANE PARK

8 moms & 10 kids attended!

We've been so busy going to lots of fun activities that we haven't had time to post to the blog, or send any pictures over! If you're a fun, hip and outgoing mommie in the MD, DC, or VA area, please check us out at here.

Our calendar has events MULTIPLE times per DAY, every DAY of the week. They're all over the area, so naptimes, location doesn't matter - you can at least hit one event somewhere! To see a list of our past events, read this.

Ducks & Dinner @ RIO

2007-04-17T22:13:00.000-05:00

Our weekly "Ducks & Dinner" event has been growing by leaps and bounds! We try to make a playdate at the park first for about an hour, or walk around the lake, feeding the "ducks" (they're mostly geese, but what do the kids know)! Many of our working moms, or moms who are scheduling naps, come at 5.15 to make dinner only.

California Pizza Kitchen was VERY accomodating of us this week ~ 17 moms, 17 kids - (13 highchairs)!!! They had two large tables ready to go when we arrived.

Lots of new mommies came out for their first event, and it's also nice seeing now "familiar, friendly faces". Many of us have become fast friends in just the few short months that the group has been going.

Our waiter was one of the best! He got all the kids meals taken care of immediately, and then took our order. As a mom you sure appreciate getting your kid(s) fed first, so that when your food arrives, you can actually eat it!! The fact that he then gave us all individual checks, and included the gratuity is SOOOO HELPFUL! Who do you know with two toddlers that has the brain power left to figure out her portion of the check, and figure out what the tip should be??

If you are a mom in the Montgomery County area of MD, and you'd like to join us for a fun evening, please take a look at our group here.

Review: Greenbelt Park & Buddy Attick Lake

2007-04-17T14:25:00.000-05:00

On our calendar today was Greenbelt Park, where we were going to go walk/exercise. Unfortunately it was NOT what we thought it was going to be. The trails are really hiking trails, with no pavements that we could find. However we noticed driving in, a large playground, and decided to backtrack over towards the Azaela Trail. The playground area is actually pretty cool - big luscious green areas, with a baseball diamond, and two playgrounds with public toilets, and tons of picnic tables.

It would be perfect to go just to play in the park, let the kids run around with balls and frisbees, and have a picnic. I think they also had grills available.

The rest of the Greenbelt Park area is all off road trails. This is obviously not stroller friendly, and unless you've been here a few times, finding your way around is a little difficult (even with a map)!

Greenbelt Park is a 1300 acre wilderness island. Within this lush green kingdom hides a great deal of wildlife: white-tailed deer, red foxes, raccoons, squirrels, groundhogs, and 320 species of birds. In spring the dogwoods, laurels and azaelas put on a magnificent show.

Greenbelt park has several short hiking trails that wind through the wilderness. A favourite hike uses both the Perimeter Trail and the Blueberry Trail, making a loop in the south end of the park.

Because we did want to walk, we went to Buddy Attick Lake, which is just a few minutes away, and they have a very nice (but short) paved walk around the lake. They also have a HUGE playground, lots of picnic tables, and views of the lake and ducks..

Now, I enjoyed walking around the lake, and the park was great looking, but when I got home and thought about it - the lake is a big draw to little people, especially MY little people, so I'm not sure that I'd want to do a picnic here, unless I kept TWO eyes on my kids all the time. At the Greenbelt Park playground, it was such a wide open green space, with bar-b-que grills, and some trees for shade, that it would take little legs a while to reach the forest areas, so hopefully less likely that anyone would get lost, AND certainly no one would be swimming!!

Would definitely go back by myself to hike around Greenbelt Park, and if you're in fairly good shape with a small child who fits in a "baby bjorn" carrier - you could probably also have a nice walk. Will definitely take my kids back to Buddy Attick Park.

Moms night out at Chevy's

2007-04-14T22:04:00.000-05:00

We had 14 moms show up on Saturday night for our weekly "moms night out". I love going to these! Everyone of the mommies are so nice, and we had some really funny conversations. Top shelf margarita's help get the tongues wagging! Two new moms came out & were lovely, and fit right in.

We went to Chevy's in Gaithersburg again, and had so much fun! The waitress was fantastic, and they actually put us into our own little private room. Service, food and drinks were all great! Of course all this eating out isn't helping us lose any weight, so we've decided we're going to do a "Biggest Loser" competition. The next 12 weeks may have to be "fat and alcohol free" so we can all squeeze into swimsuits come July!!

Let's Explore; Snakes, Turtles oh my!

2007-04-12T18:47:00.000-05:00

We took the kids over to Croyden Creek Nature Reserve this week, and had the best time!

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.

Snakes and turtles, oh my!
Homer was named in honor of being found on the stage at Hometown Holidays 2001. Found as a juvenile, Homer, a black rat snake, had gray markings with black blotches and was only 18 inches long. Today, he measures over 5 feet in length. Black rat snakes, Elaphe obsoleta obsoleta, are Maryland's largest snake species. The average is between 6 and 8 feet long.

Homer woke up while we were all playing with puzzles, and soft toys and gave us a show by slithering up the wall, and showing the kids plenty of tongue action! They were all very impressed with his athletic capabilities!

Rover is an Eastern box turtle who received his name by virtue of having a dog eat part of his carapace (top shell). Without these crucial couple of inches, Rover would be a sitting snack for any raccoon, fox or dog since there is nothing to protect his head or front legs. Rover and Carolina, our female box turtle, will live out their entire lives at the nature center, which could be another 80 years!

Currently, the nature center is also home to 4 different species of water turtles, 4 species of snakes, a salamander, toads, tree frogs and insects, all native to this area. Most of our captive animals are permanently injured and could not survive in the wild.

The nature center had lots for little hands to do. The kids enjoyed playing with the canisters filled with various seeds & rice, and loved the noise each of them made! They loved watching the turtles swim, and touching the gorgeous mosiac wall.

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. Unfortunately it's too "off road" for strollers! We took advantage of the lush lawns of Rockville Mansion, and the kids got to play in the two parks.

They loved the tire swings, and shooting down the slides! The walk there and back across the open grassy areas was enough to tire them out!! Mission accomplished!

Stroller Skate in Manassas!

2007-04-08T11:33:00.000-05:00

This event was so much fun! The rink was huge, and it was packed with mommies & kids. They had 70's, 80's, and 90's music playing, disco lights, smoke and two huge moonbounces. They also had trikes available for the kids to roll around on.

We had to use the strollers to hold us up in the beginning, but like riding a bike, you remember what it was like 20 years ago! What a sight it was seeing moms zooming around the roller rink, with the kids hanging on for dear life in their stroller!!

Fisher price skates were also available for the toddlers - and they snap on over their shoes!

It was also an amazing work out. My right leg/thigh was hurting by the end of it, and according to my heart rate monitor, after 2 hours of skating I'd burned 1580 calories!! Not too shabby!!

We'll definitely put this as a regular feature on the events calendar! Too bad we don't have a place in MD that starts around 10ish.

April "Family Events" in the Washington DC area!

2007-04-02T22:41:00.000-05:00

April is Panda Month at the National Zoo: April 1 - 30, 2007. Visit the Zoo any day in April for special giveaways and activities. The first 500 children who visit the Fujifilm Giant Panda Habitat in April will receive crayons and a special coloring page featuring Washington's favorite Panda family.

Ringling Brothers and Barnum & Bailey Circus. The 136th Edition of the Ringling Brothers and Barnum & Bailey Circus takes audiences on a journey filled with imagination and circus-sized spectacles. Packed full of surprises, the all-new show breaks circus tradition with high-speed action, cutting-edge technology, and an interactive adventure. Tickets are available through TICKETMASTER [202.397.SEAT; http://patriotcenter.com/] Ages: 3 and up Each Wed-Sun 3/29/07-4/8/07

Stellaluna with the StoneLion Puppet Theatre. Share the magic of friendship in an interactive puppet show, adapted from the beloved classic picture book, Stellaluna, about a little bat in a bird family, and the discovery that what makes us different also makes us perfectly perfect! [202.357.3030; http://www.discoverytheater.org] Ages: 2-8 Each Tue-Fri 3/27/07-4/5/07 - Shows at 10.15am and 11.30am.

Parents & Kids Happy Hour - Calvert House Inn - Riverdale, MD. A chance to hang out responsibly with other local parents in a smoke free environment. The Inn provides some toys and activities (and the occasional live music show), but feel free to bring the kid's favorite toys and CDs as well. A buffet of kid-friendly foods is available, as is the rest of the dinner menu - and with a 20% discount! [301.864.5220; http://www.calverthouseinn.com] On going Each Wed; check with location for exceptions.

April 4th - 11am and 1.30pm McLean Community Center - A Dinosaur Book of World Records. Help DinoRock unearth the newest info about nature's own real-life monsters, the dinosaurs. Children can meet some new prehistoric dinosaurs in this story with puppets and music presented by the award-winning DinoRock. [703.790.9223; http://www.gocitykids.com/forward.jsp?url=http:%2f%2fwww.mcleancenter.org] Ages: 4 and up

Thursday April 5th - Banjo Man Frank Cassel performs a show aimed at young audiences every Thursday morning. Sangha - Sangha also serves as a performance space for live music, chanting, art films and documentaries, mini-lectures, and various activities for children. Takoma Park, MD [301.933.9190; http://www.banjomanfc.com] Ages: 0-6 Ongoing Each Thursday, check with location for exceptions.

Discovery Theatre presents (10:15 & 11:30am. If it's Spring, there must be bunnies! Sing bunny songs, listen to hip-hop-hippity Rabbit tales, and pose with a giant 6' tall Easter bunny; then go home with a sweet treat. $6/general admission). Also on 4/7.

The National Cherry Blossom Festival Fireworks Show and Musical Prelude: Saturday, April 7, 2007 - Prelude begins at 5 p.m., followed by fireworks from 8:30 until 8:50 p.m. at the Southwest Waterfront Promenade

A pre-fireworks Prelude features family fun and entertainment plus food and beverage vendors at the Southwest Waterfront, followed by a fantastic fireworks extravaganza.

Family Workshop: The Gargoyle's Den Saturday, April 7, 2007 - Sunday, April 8, 2007
10:00 AM - 2:00 PM Location: Washington National Cathedral.

A fun, friendly place to come pet a gargoyle, try your hand at stone carving, and make your own gargoyle to take home. Also explore other crafts like stained glass, mosaics, and Cathedral construction.

Adams Morgan Art Market Saturday, April 7, 2007
12:00 noon Location: Western Market

Western Market is a weekly outdoor arts market in the heart of hip and lively Adams Morgan held every Saturday from noon to dark, rain or shine, from March through December.

Mother Goose And Her Fabulous Puppet Friends Saturday, April 14, 2007 9:30 AM

Diane Ligon entertains the kids with games, songs, and stories of classic children’s poems. Performances at 9:30 and 11 am Helen Hayes Gallery Tickets: Free, but seating is limited. Tickets are required, and are distributed without charge 30 minutes prior to performance, on a first-come first-served basis.

General Information: The National Theatre
Tickets: 800-447-7400
Address: 1321 Pennsylvania Avenue, NW
Metro: Metro Center

The National Cherry Blossom Festival Parade: Saturday, April 14, 2007 from 10 a.m. - Noon on Constitution Avenue, NW between 7th and 17th Streets

One of Washington's most popular events, this spectacular parade features marching bands, performance teams from Japan and the U.S., balloons, clowns and much more.

45th Annual Sakura Matsuri - Japanese Street Festival: Saturday, April 14, 2007 from 11 a.m. - 6 p.m. along 12th Street and Pennsylvania Avenue, NW

This not-to-be-missed annual event includes arts and crafts, martial arts demonstrations, performances, a Ginza Arcade, a Japanese marketplace and "Taste of Japan" featuring yummy Japanese foods.

April 21st - The Kids & Family Expo, for parents and families with preschool through elementary school age children. 10am till 3pm at Prince William County Fairgrounds. Rt 234 South of Manassas. $2 admission for 3 years and up. Fun run, Camp Fair, Petting Zoo, Amusements, Concessions, Touch a truck, Fun and games and costumed characters! For more information check out www.pwcparks.org

Guppy Gala at the National Zoo: Friday, May 11, 2007 from 6 - 8:30 p.m.

Every year, children ages 2 to 12 participate in a wild party unlike any other, while raising funds for the National Zoo's conservation and education programs. This fun evening for kids and their families features animal encounters, rock-climbing walls, moonbounces, mazes, costumed characters, kid-friendly foods and much more. Tickets: $20 - FONZ members / $28 - nonmembers.

Check out the Fun 'N' Hip Mommies group to find out what events we're attending & what other events we're hosting that aren't listed above!!! Thanks to Washington Family, Washington DC Kids, Montgomery & Fairfax Co Recreation, Washington Post Kids Section, Washington Parent, About.com, DC-Baby, The Parent-Pages (book), and Our-Kids (a yearly subscription is needed).

Walking Events around the city - April 21st.

2007-04-02T21:14:00.000-05:00

Saturday, April 21, 2007, [b]Across the City[/b]http://www.culturaltourismdc.org/calendar2532/calendar_show.htm?doc_id=469941

Are you interested in getting out and meeting more people in the city?

Join Cultural Tourism DC for more than 60 free walking tours (and a few bike and boat tours) in 18 neighborhoods across Washington, DC.

What you need to know:

All tours are free.
Reservations are not required, with the exception of the bike tours and a few others. Just show up!
Consider taking Metrobus, Metrorail, or the Circulator. Most tours are readily available via public transportation.
Tours are held rain or shine.
Visit the City Guide at washingtonpost.com to check special features and post a review.

SATURDAY, APRIL 21
Anacostia by Bike: The River and the RidgeSaturday 8:30 am – 12:30 pmMeet at the Harbor Police parking lot at the south end of Water Street, SWReservations required: 202-518-0524 or waba@waba.orgThis 26-mile ride combines a tour of the Anacostia River Walk Trail with the spine of the Potomac Ridge. See Martin Luther King, Jr. Avenue, historic Anacostia, the Frederick Douglass National Historic Site, and the Anacostia Community Museum. Participants should expect rough pavement, hills, and traffic, which will be heavy in spots. Helmets are mandatory. Bring water, food, and ID. Led by volunteer Jon Fleming and presented by the Washington Area Bicyclist Association.

Explore Florida Market/Capital City Market Saturday 9 – 11 am
Meet outside the north entrance of New York Avenue Metro station (exit to Florida Avenue)The Florida Market is the city’s major wholesale food distribution center. Walkers will visit two Korean restaurants and vendors inside the DC Farmers Market building. The tour will also address development issues, such as increased demand for urban living. Led by Richard Layman and presented by Citizens Planning Coalition, Frozen Tropics weblog, and Rebuilding Place in the Urban Space weblog.

Spies of Georgetown Walking Tour Saturday 9:30 am – 12 noon
Meet outside the Georgetown Public Library, corner of Wisconsin Avenue and R Street, NWReservations required: 703-569-1875 or jcbessette@aol.com Discover a different side of high-profile, fashionable Georgetown: espionage and intrigue. This tour will highlight sites associated with spies and counterspies, and will include personalities as diverse as Alger Hiss, “Wild Bill” Donovan, James Angleton, and Allen Dulles. Led by professional tour guide Carol Bessette and presented by Spies of Washington Tours.

Capitol Hill Saturday 10 am – 12 noon
Meet outside Eastern Market Metro station
Most people think of Capitol Hill as a place of business, law, and politics. But “the Hill” is much more. Find out who has called Capitol Hill home over the years and visit the “other” Lincoln memorial. Spot the contemporary row houses among the authentic Victorian ones, but plan to snack when we end at the ever-popular Eastern Market. Led by professional tour guide Sarah Fischer and presented by Washington Walks.Note: This is a popular tour!

Capitol Hill: A Half-Century of Gay, Lesbian, Bi-sexual, and Transgendered History
Saturday 10 – 11:30 am
Meet outside Mr. Henry’s at Sixth Street and Pennsylvania Avenue, SE
Capitol Hill's GLBT tour discusses the development of the club scene along Pennsylvania Avenue, the Metropolitan Community Church on Seventh Street, and the birth of women’s clubs. Highlights include the first gay “super” clubs, Lammas (the de-facto women’s center of its day), the Furies collective, and drag shows on Capitol Hill. Led by John Olinger, Ph.D. and presented by The Rainbow History Project.

Mt. Vernon Triangle
Saturday 10 am – 12 noon, Noon - 2pm
Meet in front of the Old City Library/City Museum (Eighth and K Streets, NW)
Mt. Vernon Triangle is one of the city’s newest historic districts, a developing mix of 19th-century residential and commercial buildings and new high-rise apartments. We will explore the remnants of the old neighborhood as they are incorporated into new developments, discuss the area’s history, and visit some nearby sites of interest. Led by Hayden Wetzel and presented by DC Preservation League.

Logan CircleSaturday 11 am – 1 pm
Meet outside McPherson Square Metro station (14th Street exit)
Few Washington neighborhoods have witnessed as breathtaking a renaissance as Logan Circle, the city’s only unaltered Victorian residential district. It evolved from rural obscurity to an enclave of architectural splendor, home first to affluent whites and later to African American residents. Led by professional tour guide Carolyn Crouch and presented by Washington Walks.

History of Our Waterways Cultural Cruise
Saturday 11:30 am – 2 pm
Meet at the gazebo outside the Gangplank Marina, 600 Water Street, SW
Reservations required: 202-547-1250 or lgossens@NMHF.org
Join the National Maritime Heritage Foundation for a fun and educational cruise on the Potomac and Anacostia Rivers. Relax aboard our 65-foot schooner as we set sail and enjoy the sights from a new perspective and learn about the DC Waterfront. Led by Carl Cole and presented by the National Maritime Heritage Foundation.

Georgetown on the Underground Railroad
Saturday 12 noon – 1:30 pm
Meet in the garden of the Old Stone House at 3051 M Street, NW
Mary Kay Ricks, author of the recent book, Escape on the Pearl: the Heroic Bid for Freedom on the Underground Railroad, will highlight the people and places in Georgetown connected with the infamous 1848 escape when nearly 80 fugitives attempted to flee Washington aboard a schooner. Presented by A Tour DC.

Mt. Vernon Triangle
Saturday 12 noon – 2 pm
Meet in front of the Old City Library/City Museum, Eighth and K Streets, NW
Mt. Vernon Triangle is one of the city’s newest historic districts, a developing mix of 19th-century residential and commercial buildings and new high-rise apartments. We will explore the remnants of the old neighborhood as they are incorporated into new developments, discuss the area’s history, and visit some nearby sites of interest. Led by Hayden Wetzel and presented by DC Preservation League.

Dupont Circle's Gay, Lesbian, Bi-sexual, and Transgendered History Uncovered
Saturday 12:30 – 2 pm
Meet at the Community Building, counterculture HQ, at 1724 20th Street, NW
Join for us for a tour focusing on how community developed in the Dupont Circle area beginning in the early 1970s. Visit significant sites such as the three homes of Lambda Rising, the California Kitchen, and We’wha’s N Street home. The tour includes women’s history sites Lammas and Tess, and highlights the growth of Dupont’s club scene. Led by Rainbow History Project Founder Mark Meinke and presented by the Rainbow History Project.

Discover Foggy Bottom East and The George Washington University
Saturday 1 – 3 pm
Meet in front of the Gelman Library, 2130 H Street, NW
The university’s campus includes many historical buildings that were once hotels, apartment complexes, businesses, and private residences. The tour includes discussion of the area. Led by G. David Anderson, George Washington University archivist and historian.

Embassy Row Saturday 10am till 12 noon and 1 – 3 pm
Meet outside Dupont Circle Metro station (Dupont South exit by the pay phones)
This walk features some of the most impressive turn-of-the-century residences in the city (today, most house embassies and consulates). Imagine fabulous wealth, extravagant parties, and scandals of the past while glimpsing the life led by Washington’s diplomatic community today. The walk concludes at the Phillips Collection, a private mansion-turned-art-museum. Led by professional guide Mary Anne Hoffman and presented by Washington Walks.
Note: This is a popular tour!

Reel Washington: Bikes, Camera, Action!
Saturday 1 – 4:30 pm
Meet at the rear plaza of the Old Post Office Pavilion, 12th Street between Pennsylvania and Constitution Avenues, NW
Reservations required: 202-842-BIKE or www.bikethesites.com
You’ve seen the Exorcist, All the President's Men, No Way Out, Broadcast News, and others filmed in Washington. Join us by bike to find out where and how they were filmed. We’ll utter the famous lines, reveal the famous gaffes (where is the Georgetown subway station?) and provide enough Washington film trivia to satisfy your favorite movie junkie. Led by Sarah Fischer and presented by Bike the Sites.
Special Instructions: Optional bike rentals $20. Please arrive 15 minutes prior to the scheduled departure time. Minimum age: 13 years.

Before Harlem, There Was U Street Saturday 10.30am - 12.30 and 1:30 – 3:30 pm
Meet outside U Street/African-Amer Civil War Memorial/Cardozo Metro station (13th Street exit)
Take a walk along Washington’s “Black Broadway,” where Duke Ellington grew up and was inspired, and where musical greats such as Cab Calloway and Dizzy Gillespie played into the wee hours of the morning. Here in the shadow of Howard University, African Americans created a strong community that produced leaders for the city and the nation. Led by professional guide Phyllis Fleming and presented by Washington Walks and Cultural Tourism DC.Note: This is a popular tour!

Capitol Hill
Saturday 1:30 – 3:30 pm
Meet outside Eastern Market Metro station
Most people think of Capitol Hill as a place of business, law, and politics. But “the Hill” is much more. Find out who has called Capitol Hill home over the years and visit the “other” Lincoln memorial. Spot the contemporary row houses among the authentic Victorian ones, but plan to snack when we end at the ever-popular Eastern Market. Led by professional tour guide Dwane Starlin and presented by Washington Walks.
Note: This is a popular tour!

Within Sight of the White House: Hooker’s Division and Murder Bay
Saturday 1:30 – 3:30 pm
Meet outside Federal Triangle Metro station
The Classical Revival buildings of the Federal Triangle stand today atop historic and, at times, rather infamous foundations. The area formed an integral part of L’Enfant’s grand vision for the Federal City, but unfortunately deteriorated into a notorious slum known as Hooker’s Division and Murder Bay. Led by Michael Kelly and Heidi Dietze and presented by National Park Service - National Mall & Memorial Parks.
Note: This program contains adult subject matter

Old Takoma Park
Saturday 2 – 4 pm
Meet at Takoma Metro station
Explore the residential and commercial origins of the suburban community founded by B.F. Gilbert in 1884. Landmarks include the 1911 Carnegie branch library, some of the neighborhood’s oldest homes, and one of the few remaining original 1791 boundary stones marking the federal border. Led by neighborhood resident Diana Kohn and presented by Historic Takoma, Inc.

Southwest Waterfront
Saturday 2:30 – 4:30 pm
Meet outside Waterfront-SEU Metro station
Since Pierre L’Enfant drafted the first city plans for the District of Columbia, Southwest has been home to a diverse community that has included wealthy speculators, free blacks, and European immigrants. Learn how urban renewal brought wholesale change and reinvention. Led by professional tour guide Carolyn Crouch and presented by Washington Walks.

For more events, and Sunday April 22nd events, please visit their website here.

Best "mommy date" ever!

2007-03-30T15:42:00.000-05:00

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!!

The Mommy Wars comes to the airwaves!

2007-03-29T15:36:00.000-05:00

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

Women's Retreat for Hip Mommies!

2007-03-28T22:53:00.000-05:00

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

Beautiful Day for a moms playgroup at the park!

2007-03-27T19:55:00.000-05:00

DC HIP N FUN MOMMIES!

We had a fun time at the Wheaton Regional Park playgroup today with our moms group. My kids came home utterly exhausted & slept for 2 hours! That's unbelievable!! We played at the park, chatted (or tried to while racing after very quick 2 year olds) and then went for a walk down to Brookside Gardens. The weather was finally really nice! I'm so glad that spring has finally sprung, and can't wait to start planning some bar-b-ques & picnics around the Maryland, DC and VA areas for our moms group.

Elephants, Donkeys & Pandas oh my!

2007-03-26T17:26:00.000-05:00

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!

Olney Skate Park Open Day April 14th

2007-03-24T22:24:00.000-05:00

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.

Audubon Nature Fair, May 6th

2007-03-23T22:26:00.000-05:00

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.)

Roosevelt Island, great family activity.

2007-03-21T12:18:00.000-05:00

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.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Driving Directions:
The parking area is easily accessible from the northbound lanes of the George Washington Parkway. If you are coming from I-95 to the south, take the Route 1 exit heading north. Next, make a right onto one of the cross streets, go about 3 blocks, then a left onto Washington Street. This becomes the GW Parkway, taking you north past Reagan National Airport to the island.

If you are coming from I-495 to the north., follow the parkway past the island and under the Roosevelt Bridge. Exit at Memorial Bridge (just after stone arch), and head toward the Lincoln Memorial. There is a traffic circle just prior to crossing the bridge. Follow the circle 3/4 the way around, and get back on the parkway heading north.

If you are coming from downtown DC, take Constitution Ave west. Follow signs to I-66. This will take you across the Roosevelt Bridge. Once on the bridge, get in the right lane and take the very first exit on the far side of the river. The parking area is just beyond the bottom of the ramp.

Moms in DC, MD & VA - Events coming up!

2007-03-20T20:39:00.000-05:00

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

Lions & tigers & Elephants Oh my!

2007-03-15T15:46:00.000-05:00

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.

Green Beer Fest... St Paddy's in DC

2007-03-09T09:50:00.000-05:00

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

International Wine Festival in DC

2007-03-09T09:48:00.000-05:00

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

Easter Events around town..

2007-03-06T17:03:00.000-05:00

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.

Best playgrounds and parks in VA for kids!

2007-03-06T13:33:00.000-05:00

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.

Best playgrounds and parks in Washington DC for Kids

2007-03-06T02:05:00.000-05:00

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.

Best playgrounds and parks in Maryland for kids

2007-03-05T00:29:00.000-05:00

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 - Vienna VA

2007-03-04T01:14:00.000-05:00

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!

National Building Museum - Washington DC

2007-03-03T23:52:00.000-05:00

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.

Puppet Show - March 3rd - May 12th - Sat/Sun only

2007-03-03T11:55:00.000-05:00

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.

Tiny Fingers - Sign Language for babies

2007-03-01T14:10:00.000-05:00

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 .

Events around town, March 6th

2007-02-28T15:40:00.000-05:00

MARYLAND (Tuesday, 3/6):
No Dragons On My Quilt (9:30am OR 1:30pm, Meadowside Nature Center. Read a story and make paper quilts you can take home. Register online, $5, ages 3 to 6.)

Discover Nature "Early Bugs & Buds" (10 to 11am, Locust Grove Nature Center. Trees and wildflowers are already blooming and that means their insect partners are out and about. Learn about them and hike. Register online, $5, ages 3 to 6.)

Flying Squirrels (5:45 to 6:30pm, Brookside Nature Center. Catch a glimpse of these nighttime gliders and find out how they live. No RR, free, all ages.)

Sing Along with Miss Belle (10:30am, Mayorga Coffee Factory, 8040 Georgia Avenue, Silver Spring, MD. All ages.)

Children's Book Fair (9:30am to 5pm, Jewish Community Center of Greater Washington, Rockville. 19th Annual Children's Book Fair featuring an outstanding selection of Judaic titles, books by award-winning authors and illustrators, fiction and nonfiction, and the newest releases. Through 3/8.)

Gymnastics Workshop (11:30am to 12:30pm, Prince George's Sports & Learning Complex. Do your children have energy to burn? Take them to this open workshop where they can jump, swing, and bounce in a safe environment. Info: 301.583.2400, $5/child.)

Eat My Trash? (3 to 4:30pm, National Wildlife Visitors Center. Discover what your trash and worms have in common in this exploratory program. Learn what compost is and how to do it yourself at home! RR: 301.497.5887, free, ages 3 to 4.)

Maryland Storytimes (3/6):
Time for Twos Storytime (10:30am, Davis Library. 'Speckled Frogs and Furry Dogs.' Stories and activities for ages 2 with adult.)

Time for 2's & 3's (10:30am, Silver Spring Library. Stories, rhymes, and songs for ages 2 to 3 with adult.)

Born to Read (10:30am, Bethesda Library. Stories, rhymes, songs, and activities for children 0 to 24 months.)

Toddler Tales (10:15 & 11:15am, Aspen Hill Library. Stories, songs, and activities for ages 2 to 5 with adult.)

Toddler Time! (10:15 & 11am, Chevy Chase Library. Weekly program of stories, rhymes and other activities. For ages 18 to 36 months. Seating is limited. Free tickets will be distributed before each program.)

Alphabet Adventures Preschool Storytime (10:30am, Damascus Library. Hear Zin! Zin! Zin and other stories, songs and rhymes about xylophones and music featuring the letter "X." Ages 3 to 5. Also on 3/7.)

Daytime Storytime (10:15 & 11:15am, Bowie Library. 12 to 23 months with caregiver. Limit 15.)

Evening Storytime (7pm, Bowie Library. Ages 4 to 6.)

Daytime Storytime (11am, Upper Marlboro Library. Ages 3 to 5.)

VIRGINIA (Tuesday, 3/6):
Live Music: Jody Marshall & Maggie Sansone (noon, Olsson's, Crystal City. America's premier hammered dulcimer players perform lively Celtic music for St. Patrick's Day. Free, all ages.)

Mommy & Me Movies (1:30pm, Arlington Cinema N Drafthouse. Take part in the first Mommy & Me movie today. These movies are exclusively for moms (and dads, too!) with infants. $5.50/adult, weekly event.)

Open Swim (12 to 3:15pm, Spring Hill Rec Center, McLean, VA. Ignore the cold weather--put on your bathing suits and swim! Beach entrance to the pool makes it easy for the little ones to play. $6.50/Fairfax County adult resident, $4.75/child resident, $8.70/non-resident. Kids under 4 are free.)

Sing Along with Miss Belle (4pm, Starbucks, Chesterbrook Shopping Center, 6214 Old Dominion Center, McLean. 703.241.9480.)

Kids Appreciation Night: Musical Excitement! (6 to 8pm, Silver Diner, Springfield. Come sing, dance and play instruments with Mr. Don. Mr. Knick Knack performs weekly at the Tysons Corner Silver Diner.)

Open Play (9am to noon, Barcroft Sports & Fitness Center, Arlington. 703.228.4712. Open gym with loads of great toys for the kids. Ages 0 to 6. $3/adult.)

Mr. Knick Knack Performs (11am, Tree Top Kids, Fairfax Corner. Listen to the music of Mr. Knick Knack. $3/child.)

Pentagon Row Ice Rink (12 to 9pm, Arlington. The rink will close soon so lace up your skates, hit the ice, and then grab a hot cocoa at the nearby Starbucks. $8/adult, $7/child 12 and under, skate rentals $3.)

Family Hike (Claude Moore Park, Sterling. Come enjoy a kid friendly circuit hike in this beautiful park, hiking about 2 ½ miles. Weather permitting, picnic along the way, next to a pond. After the hike, enjoy the activities and turtles in their visitor center and/or visit the Loudoun Heritage Farm Museum located in the park. INFO: Lauren Lang at94L@netzero.com or 571.242.3950.)

Leprechaun Hats (3pm to 5pm, Tree Top Kids, Arlington. Make Leprechaun hats just in time for the St. Patrick's Day Holiday. RR: 703.469.2090, free, ages 3 and up.)

Virginia Storytimes (3/6):
Book Babies (10:15 & 11am, Reston Regional Library. An interactive story time for you and your child ages 13 to 23 months with adult. RR: 703.689.2700.)

Tiny Tots (10:30am, Martha Washington Community Library, Alexandria. Stories and songs for ages 13 to 23 months with adult. RR:703.768.6700.

At 7pm, Storytime Adventures. Stories, games and creative activities for ages 5 to 8.)

Happy Birthday, Dr. Seuss (10:30am, Lorton Community Library.Stories, activities and a birthday treat for ages 2 to 5 with adult. RR: 703.339.7385.)

Wonderful Colors (10:30am & 2:30pm, Herndon Fortnightly Community Library. Stories, activities and a craft. RR: 703.437.8855, morning session: ages 2 to 3; afternoon session: ages 3 to 5.)

Storytime (10:30am, Mary Riley Styles Library, Falls Church, VA. Weekly stories and rhymes appropriate for ages 18 to 36 months.)

Tuesday Tales Storyhour (10:30am, Chinn Park Regional Library, Prince William. A weekly storytime for ages 2 to 6 with adult.)

Preschool Storytime (11:30am, Ashburn Library. Stories for children ages 3 to 5. At 10am, Mother Goose Storytime for children 18 to 24 months.)

Tuesday Tales Story hour (10:30am, Potomac Community Library, Woodbridge. A weekly storytime for ages 2 to 6 with adult.)

Baby Lapsit (11:15am, Cascades Library, Sterling. Storytime for 0 to 18 months. At 10:30, Lapsits for 2's.)

Book Club (10am, Pottery Barn Kids, Fair Oaks Mall. Kids of all ages are invited to a special storytime.)

Children's Storytime (7pm, Barnes and Noble, Manassas, VA. Weekly storytime for ages 3 to 6.)

Tuesday Morning Storytime (10:30am, Independent Hill Neighborhood Library, Manassas. Storytime for ages 3 to 5.)

WASHINGTON, DC (Tuesday, 3/6):
National Geographic MAPS: Tools for Adventure (9am to 5pm, National Geographic Museum at Explorers Hall. This kid-friendly exhibit engages the entire family by demonstrating the role maps play in daily life and by offering collaborative, hands-on activities that help children map their own adventures. Exhibit runs through 7/29/07.)

Open Play at Jonah's Treehouse (11:45am to 1:15pm. Enjoy open playtime indoors with your child! $7/hour for enrolled children, $15/hour for non-enrolled children.)

Visit the Building Zone (10am to 5pm, National Building Museum. Build with big, soft Legos and building blocks, look at architecture picture books, play with kid-size construction equipment try on somehard hats and tool belts. Ages 2 to 6. Free, open daily.)

Washington, DC Storytimes (3/6):
Storytime Fun with Miss Julie (10.30am, West End Library, NW.Stories, songs, dances and fun with Miss Julie. Ages 2 to 5.)

Preschool Storytime (10:30am, Martin Luther King Jr. MemorialLibrary, NW. Morning story time features children's stories, poems, flannel boards, books, puppets and films. Ages 3 to 5. Also on Thursdays.)

Events around town, March 5th

2007-02-27T15:32:00.000-05:00

MARYLAND (Monday, 3/5):

Nature Tots: Eww! What's That? (10:30am & 1pm, National Wildlife Visitors Center. If you want to find out, you'll have to bring your preschooler to this hands-on, interactive program all about Roly-Polies and Worms! RR: 301.497.5887, free, ages 3 to 4.)

Maryland Storytimes (3/5):
Time for Twos Storytime (10am, Kensington Park Library. Stories, fingerplays, songs, and stretches for you and your child.)

VIRGINIA (Monday, 3/5):
Ice Skating (12:15 to 2pm, 4 to 5pm, and 6:15 to 7:45pm, Kettler Capitals Iceplex, Arlington. Lace up your skates and hit the ice! $7/adult, $6/child under 13, $3/skate rental.)

Mighty Mondays with Mr. Knick Knack (10am, Noodles & Noggins, Clifton Town Meeting Hall. Sing, dance and have fun with Mr. Knick Knack. Suggested contribution $5/child, weekly event.)

Miss Belle (10:30am, Jammin' Java, Vienna, VA. Children's songs. $5/one child; $7/two children; $10/three children. Weekly show.)

Oh Susannah! (noon, Jammin' Java, Vienna, VA. Children's songs. $5/one child; $7/two children; $10/three children. Weekly show.)

Pop in Playtime (10 to 11:30am, Pump It Up, Manassas. Play on giant,soft, fun-filled interactive inflatables. Play on the giant, soft, fun-filled interactive inflatables. $8.00/child, ages 2 years and up;height requirement of 34" to play on the inflatable equipment.)

Mr. Don (10:30 to 11:15, Jamie's General Bean, Centreville. Mr. Dondelights children of all ages with his weekly sing-alongs, motionsongs, rhythm instruments, marching and dancing! Suggested contribution per child. All ages.)

Old Town Hall Children's Performance Series (10:30 to 11:30am Old Town Hall, 3999 University Drive, Fairfax. StoryTime Express will entertain and bring a smile to your face. Free, all ages.)

Virginia Storytimes (3/5):
All Join In (3:30pm, Reston Regional Library. Stories for all ages. RR: 703.689.2700.)

Exploring With Bob the Penguin (2:30pm, Pohick Regional Library,Burke. Author, John Jamaldinian reads his book Bob Winging It. RR:703.644.7333, ages 4 to 8 with adult.)

All Join In (10:30am, Great Falls Library. Share stories, songs and fun. No RR, ages 1 to 5 with adult.)

Small Wonders (10:30am, Chantilly Regional Library. Stories and activities for ages 12 to 23 months with adult. RR: 703.502.3883.)

2 and Under Storytime (11am, A Likely Story Children's Bookstore,Alexandria, VA. Join Miss Dinah to read stories, perform fingerplays, and sing together. Free.)

Bedtime Storyhour (7:15pm, Chinn Park Regional Library, Prince William. Stories for ages 2 to 6 with adult.)

Baby Lapsits (10am, Ashburn Library. Storytime for 0 to 18 months.)

Washington, DC Storytimes (3/5):
Monday Morning Storytime (10:30am, Politics and Prose Bookstore. Start your week off right with some coffee for you and some stories for the kids. Free, all ages.)

Thanks to Our Kids for the information!

Events around town, March 1st.

2007-02-26T21:18:00.000-05:00

MARYLAND (Thursday, 3/1):

Astronomy: Saturn & Moon Conjunction (7 to 8:30pm, Black Hill Nature Center. Don't miss this one as two of the great heavenly bodies come within a half degree of each other near the amazing Bee Hive Cluster. Register online, $6, ages 6 and up.)

Banjo Man (10:30am, Sangha. Enjoy this weekly performance of the Banjo Man in Takoma Park. Coffee and light fare are available. Admission is $5 for one child of your own, $7 for 2, and $10 for three.)

Radish Rabbit & the Dangerous Mugwump (And Chicken Little, Too!) (10am, Adventure Theatre, Glen Echo. Radish Rabbit has always longed for red wings, but when he finally gets them, his mother won't let him in the house. And Chicken Little has a worse problem – the sky is falling! $5, pre-K through 2nd grade, every Thursday through 5/07.)

Super Saver Ice Skating (3 to 5pm, Tucker Road Ice Rink. Skate for a discounted fee during select public sessions. $4, fee includes skate rental.)

Maryland Storytimes (3/1):

Preschool Storytime (10:15am & 1:30pm, Olney Library. Weekly program of stories, songs and a film for ages 3 to 5.)

Time for Twos (10:30am, Damascus Library. "A Letter to Amy" and other stories, songs, rhymes, activities, and a craft just right for children age 2. RR: 240.773.9444, no siblings.)

Preschool Storytime (10:30 & 11:30am, White Oak Library. Stories, flannelboards, and music for children ages 2 to 5 years with an adult.)

Born to Read (10:30am, Silver Spring Library. Songs, rhymes, and very short stories for ages newborn to 2 years with adult.)

Preschool Storytime (10:15am & 1:30pm, Rockville Library. Weekly program of stories, music and activities for ages 4 to 6.)

Daytime Storytime (Thursdays, 10:30am, Laurel Library, MD. Pick up free ticket at Children's Desk. Ages 3 to 5.)

Daytime Storytime (11:30am, Bowie Library, MD. Newborn to 12 months with caregiver.)

Daytime Storytime (10:30am, Bowie Library, MD. Weekly storytime for ages 3 to 5.)

VIRGINIA (Thursday, 3/1):

Discovery Bag (9am to 5pm, Hidden Oaks Nature Center. Head to the nature center and take a hike. Enhance your enjoyment of the 1/3-mile Old Oak Trail which loops behind the nature center by requesting the Spring Discovery Bag. Each bag contains activities and learning enhancements ideal for young child and parent adventures along the woodchip path. Available daily except Tuesdays.)

Community Concert (7:30pm, Kenmore Middle School. The US Army Concert Band with the UNC at Greensboro Wind Ensemble puts on a community performance. Free.)

Paint a Pot (9:30 OR 11am, Green Spring Gardens Park. Learn about clay and how pots are made. After looking at pots in their tropical greenhouse turn a clay pot into a masterpiece in the "paint studio." RR: 703.642.5173, $5, ages 3 to 5. Also on 3/3.)

Open Bounce (10:30am to noon & 5 to 6:30pm, House of Bounce, Manassas. Burn off some steam with this cold weather and let the kids bounce! Remember to bring socks; adult lounge with coffee & drinks. $9/child; $5/under 2. Also open other days for open bounce. Schedule changes frequently, please call to confirm before going.)

Open Gym Time (2:30pm, JW Tumbles, Arlington, VA. For ages 4 months to 9 years. Let your little one blow off some steam. $10 members ($5 each additional child); $15 non-members ($10 each additional child.) 703-531-1470. Program also on Monday, Wednesday, and Fridays at different times.)

Drop-in Playtime (4pm, Wee Play, Herndon. Come in out of the cold and enjoy this weekly drop-in playtime. $5/enrolled families; $10/child non-enrolled; $18/2 non-enrolled children. Ages 1 1/2 to 5 years.)

Pop in Playtime (10 to 11:30am, Pump it Up, Manassas. Play on the giant, soft, fun-filled interactive inflatables. $8.00/child, ages 2 years and up; height requirement of 34" to play on the inflatable equipment. Weekly event.)

Mr. Don Performs (4pm, Noodles & Noggins. Enjoy this weekly performance of singing and dancing with Mr. Don. Suggested contribution per child.)

Mr. Knick Knack (10:30am, Jammin' Java, Vienna, VA. $5/one child; $7/two children; $10/three children.)

Kiddie Open Gym (1:30 to 2:30pm, Herndon Community Center. Bring your toddler and enjoy this weekly open play, tumbling on the mats, and kiddie basketball. $4, ages 0 to 5.)

Open Play (1 to 3pm, Kids N Motion, Manassas. Come in and play in the gym or bounce on the inflatables. $5/first child, $3/each sibling. Crawlers through age 9. Call to confirm: 703.794.0100.)

Stroller Skate (10am to noon, Skate and Fun Zone, Manassas. $5/person includes skates and moon bounce. For kids under 6 with an adult.)

Virginia Storytimes (3/1):

Stop In for Stories (4pm, Aurora Hills Library, Arlington. Drop-in storytime for all ages.)

Storytime (10:30am, Mary Riley Styles Library, Falls Church. Stories and rhymes for ages 2 to 5.)

Preschool Storytime (11:30am, Ashburn Library. Stories for children ages 3 to 5. At 10am, Mother Goose Storytime for children 18 to 24 months.)

Terrific 3's (10:30am, Cascades Library, Sterling. Weekly storytime.)

Terrific 2's (10:45, Ashburn Library, weekly storytime.)

Thursday Morning Storytime (10:30am, Dale City Neighborhood Library. Storytime for ages 0 to 5.)

WASHINGTON, DC (Thursday, 3/1):

All That Brass! The Monumental Brass Quintet (10:15 & 11:30am, Discovery Theater. Movie music, a brassy game show, garden hoses, and funnels make this music and science program a honking good time. Purchase tickets online, $6, all ages.)

Our Solar System (4pm, Nature Center, Rock Creek Park. Take a close look at members of our solar system, including the Sun, planets, satellites, comets, and learn why Pluto is now classified as a dwarf planet. Ages 5 and older.)

Open Play at Jonah's Treehouse (2:15 to 3:45pm, 2121 Wisconsin Avenue, NW. Enjoy the weekly open play time indoors with your child! $7/hour for enrolled children, $15/hour for non-enrolled children.)

New York City Ballet: Balanchine's A Midsummer Night's Dream (1:30 & 7:30pm, Kennedy Center. The New York City Ballet dances George Balanchine's glorious A Midsummer Night's Dream. Also on 3/1 to 3/3.)

Washington, DC Storytimes (3/1):

Toddler Time (10:30am, Georgetown Library, NW. Stories, fingerplays and music for ages 12 to 24 months with adult. Also on Tuesdays.) Preschool Storytime (10:30am, Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial Library. Weekly storytime features children's stories, poems, flannel boards, books, puppets and films. Ages 3 to 5. Also on Tuesdays.)

Neighborhood Storytime (10:30am, Mt. Pleasant Library. Weekly storytime with flannel boards, songs, fingerplays and puppets. Ages 1 to 4.)

Storytime (9:45am, Chevy Chase Library. Songs, finger plays, stories and more! Ages 6 months to 4 years with parent.)

What's the grossest thing you can think of ??

2007-02-25T20:57:00.000-05:00

Burps? Gas?

Ickology is a hands on exhibit and craft experience where kids experience everything gross about the human body!

Each week focuses on a different part of the body. Come on by and explore the good, the bad, and the ugly ways the human body works.

The exhibit runs every weekend in March starting March 10th.

Brought to you by Noodles & Noggins, Washington DC's favorite kid's store. Reservations required. $5/child. Parents free! Includes a take home craft if you are brave!

SCHEDULE:
March 10-11: Noses
What makes your nose work? How do you smell? What are boogers and snot? We'll show you everything you ever wanted to know about your nose! You'll even get to make some snot!

March 17-18: Mouth
What are teeth....really? How do you taste. And what do mouth germs really look like? You'll learn all about mouths and learn why you really shouldn't kiss your dog!

March 24-25: Skin
Why do things feel hot and cold? What is skin anyways? What are scabs and zits? We're going to show you everything about skin. We're going to make scabs and zits, and show you lots of gross fun stuff!

March 31-April 1: Your Insides
We saved the most fun for last! What are farts and burps? Why do we do them? How come we poop and pee? Everything you ever really really wanted to know about how your insides work!

Visit their site to make reservations and learn more --> http://www.noodlesandnoggins.com/ickology/

DC Hip Mommies Calendar of events: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/DCHipMommies/cal

Outdoor fun in DC for the whole family.

2007-02-21T07:12:00.000-05:00

The National Gallery of Art Sculpture Garden ice-skating rink is open mid-November through mid-March, weather permitting. (Hurry up and get down there!!!) View magnificent works of sculpture while skating in the open air and enjoying music from the state-of-the-art sound system.

For a list of all KIDS EVENTS at NGA please click here for the calendar!

Ice-Skating Rink Hours
mid-November through mid-March, weather permitting
Monday–Thursday, 10:00 a.m.–9:00 p.m.
Friday–Saturday, 10:00 a.m.–11:00 p.m.
Sunday, 11:00 a.m.–9:00 p.m.

Admission
(two-hour sessions, beginning on the hour)
$7.00 adults
$6.00 seniors (age 50 and over)
$6.00 students (with valid ID)
$6.00 children (age 12 and under)
$195.00 season pass

Skate and Locker Rentals
Skate rental: $3.00 (ID required)
Locker rental: $.50 ($5.00 deposit required)

The Pavilion Café
Serves freshly made wraps, sandwiches, gourmet pizzas and salads. Coffee, tea, hot chocolate, wine, and beer are also available. For reservations, general information and opening announcements call (202) 289-3360.

Sculpture Garden Hours
Monday–Saturday, 10:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m.
Sunday, 11:00 a.m.–6:00 p.m.

Beginning mid–November through mid-March 2007
Monday–Thursday, 10:00 a.m.–9:00 p.m.
Friday and Saturday, 10:00a.m.–11:00 p.m.
Sunday, 11:00 a.m.–9:00 p.m.

Pavilion Café Hours
Monday–Saturday, 10:00 a.m.–4:00 p.m.
Sunday, 11:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m.

Beginning mid-November
Monday–Thursday 10:00 a.m.–7:00 p.m.
Friday and Saturday, 10:00 a.m.–9:00 p.m.
Sunday 11:00 a.m. –7:00 p.m.

The National Gallery of Art, is located on the National Mall between 3rd and 7th Streets at Constitution Avenue NW. Washington, DC 20565. Telephone - 202-842-6880. Admission is always FREE.

Consignment Stores for kids stuff!

2007-02-17T13:20:00.000-05:00

Please let me know of anyother's I've left out in the local area!

MARYLAND:

Kensington Caboose
10508 Connecticut Ave, Kensington, MD 20895
301-929-0178
Quality children's clothing, maternity wear, nursery furniture, toys, wooden puzzles and books. Serving the DC Metro area for 17 years!
http://www.kensingtoncaboose.com

Wiggle Room
4914 Del Ray Ave, Bethesda, MD 20814
301-656-5995
Top labels for newborn to 8, hip & stylish maternity, nursery bedding, strollers, toys, gifts, accessories & much more!

VIRGINIA:

Frilly Frocks & Polliwogs
20691 Ashburn Road, #160, Ashburn VA 20147
703-858-4940
New & Gently used fine children's apparel, furnishings and toys.

Paddington Station
448 Maple Ave, E Wolf Trap Shopping Center, Vienna, VA 22180
703-938-0378
Goodies for mum to be, and children's sizes from newborn to 10. Clothing, nursery furniture, toys, books and accessories.
http://www.pschildrenconsignment.com

Small Change
Lake Anne Plaza, Reston VA
703-437-7730
High quality clothes, toys, and equipment for babies through teens.
http://www.smallchangeconsignments.com

Remember to check our local Craigs List too!

How not to ruin your life

2007-02-16T04:48:00.000-05:00

According to Ben Stein to get rich, just follow the directions!

I kept waiting for the instructions, but all I could figure out is if I want to be his bodyguard, I should be really, really, really good at reading directions, and following orders.... Maybe the fact that I'm reading it at 4.53am has something to do with it (but I don't think so).. yahoo must be hard up for articles on finance at this point.

Theatre Trips..for mno Feb/March?

2007-02-14T12:57:00.000-05:00

I've actually been dying to go to the theatre for a while, but my husband only does it when his mother makes him do it (LMAO), and since having two small children, there's not much time to fit it in anyways.

King Lear
By Carolyn Kriss
The Folger Library and the Classical Theatre of Harlem team up for an unorthodox but successful production. Read More
The Passion of the Crawford
By William O'Sullivan
A hilarious, high-camp skewering of Joan Crawford using the movie star’s own words Read More
Orson's Shadow
By Leslie Milk
A front row seat to the backstage battle of two theatrical giants—Orson Welles and Sir Laurence Olivier. The war of words is fascinating to behold. Read More
Gem of the Ocean
By Leslie Milk
An electrifying drama about African Americans struggling to find freedom in the early 1900s, decades after emancipation. Read More
Rough Magic
By Catherine Andrews
A magical interpretation of "The Tempest" that falls flat towards the end. Read More
Into the Woods
By Leslie Milk
Sondheim and Lapine retell the fairy tales with great music and a tart twist. Read More
Richard III
By William O'Sullivan
An involving production of Shakespeare’s tragedy about a villainous monarch. Read More
Sleeping Arrangements
By Leslie Milk
A sweet play about a young girl growing up with two eccentric uncles in the Bronx.Tickets are $15 to $45. Call 800-494-TIXS for more information. Read More
This Is How It Goes
By Susan Davidson
Two men and one woman, high school classmates, meeting again several years after graduation find the truth elusive. Tickets are $39 to $55. Call 202-232-7267 for more information, or visit www.studiotheatre.org. Read More
Noises Off
By Susan Davidson
A hilarious farce about what goes on (and comes off) backstage is at Arena Stage’s Kreeger Theater through January 28. For tickets ($55 to $74) call 488-3300 or visit www.arenastage.org. Read More
The Light in the Piazza
By Susan Davidson
The most melodic, romantic, enchanting musical to come along in a very long time. Read More
TempOdyssey
By Leslie Milk
A dark comedy about temporary office workers, has a few funny moments but is a very bumpy trip. surreal play is at the Studio Theatre 2ndstage through December 31. For tickets ($29), call 202-332-3300 or visit studiotheatre.org. Read More
She Loves Me
By Susan Davidson
A Christmas gift from Arena Stage, She Loves Me—in the Fichandler through December 31—is a pleasant musical about two people who get to know each other through letters. Read More
The Long Christmas Ride Home
By Susan Davidson
Paula Vogels 90-minute play about a dysfunctional family, though well produced, seems like an interminable journey. Its at Studio Theatre (1501 14th St., NW) through December 31. For tickets ($39 to $55), call 202-332-3300 or visit studiotheatre.org. Read More
The Little Prince
By Leslie Milk
Round House Theatres family friendly production for the holiday season, is a harmless but also hapless production. It runs at Round House (4545 East-West Hwy., Bethesda) through December 10. For tickets ($25 to $55; $20 for youths under 20), call 240-644-1100 or visit Read More
Martha, Josie, and the Chinese Elvis
By Chad Lorenz
A comedy with equal parts absurdity and tenderness, is at Woolly Mammoth Theatre Company (641 D St., NW) through December 17. Tickets ($32 to $46) call 202-393-3939. Read More
The Beaux’ Stratagem
By Leslie Milk
The Beaux’ Stratagem by George Farquhar, adapted by Thornton Wilder and Ken Ludwig, is a frothy farce about English society with just enough intelligence to keep things interesting. You can catch the comedy at the Shakespeare Theatre Company (450 Seventh St., NW) through December 31. For tickets ($30.50 to $76.25) call 202-547-1122 or visit shakespearetheatre.org. Read More
A Midsummer Night’s Dream
By Drew Bratcher
It is not unusual to see Shakespeare in modern dress, but the result of this production is a sleazy slumber party rather than a beautiful dream. Read More

These are all playing this month, and most of next month also. Wanted to catalog them so I can take the time to go through each of them and see if anything appeals to me!

Arlington Cinema N Draft House

2007-02-08T00:08:00.000-05:00

Family friendly review of their new weekend kiddie activites - all showings at noon, Sat and Sunday.
Previously blogged about it here.

Why Hip Mommies of DC was started, and all the drama from DCMM (DC METRO MOMS)

2007-02-07T11:55:00.000-05:00

What the hell is up with me? In the space of a day, I've pissed off more people than George Bush. Yesterday I get this email from the person I guess is the owner of DCMM and it's to all the moderators of all her yahoo groups (of which I'm The Rockville Chapter DCMM Moderator). (It's like she's got some sorta little mommy-dom thing going on)...

----- Original Message ---- From: Toni Hansen <hungrybug@gmail.com> To: DCMMTeam@yahoogroups.com Cc: Jennifer Zaranis <jennifer.zaranis@verizon.net> Sent: Monday, February 5, 2007 5:52:19 PM
Subject: [DCMMTeam] Email Settings Requirements for Team Site Attention

All Chapter Chairs and Subgroup Moderators,We seem to be having quite a few members not setting their email settings for this group to individual emails recently.***It is very important that all members are aware of all DCMM happenings and up to speed on a regular basis.*** We would like to put the following guidelines in place regarding email settings. 1) The first request you will receive a warning via email.2) The second request will receive a final warning via email.3) The third request your chair privileges will be revoked or if you are a subgroup moderator the subgroup will no longer be affiliated with DCMM.

Any questions regarding this please contact myself and Jennifer directly. ToniDCMM Owner/Moderator
**************

So, I wrote the following:

Tony, I'm sorry, I can't stand it anymore. There are just way too many rules & consequences. I'm so much a go with the flow kinda girl & not real organized. I hate feeling like I'm about to be "reprimanded" and cracked across my knuckles with a ruler! Or worse yet.. banished into cyber space!

If this is going to actually be the rule that is enforced, then Please go ahead and remove me now as moderator.

I need to read my group email in digest version, or on the web. I have serious ADD and when my inbox gets swamped all day long, it just stresses me out. I am one of those people whose brain just works completely the opposite way to how it should, and to make it try and do something else is too much effort. For some reason 10 digest versions with 10 emails in them a piece, doesn't stress me out as much as seeing 100 individual emails!

I hope that you'll allow me to stay a member of DCMM, because I think it's a great resource, and I appreciate all the work that you and the other volunteers put forth. God just staying on top of the summaries you want every month is a lot! It shows that it's a labour of love for all of you - especially the volunteers.

I've also met some really terrific mums & would not have had that opportunity, had it not been for DCMM. I love event planning & putting together fun activities for people to do with me, and my kids, and if it's ok, I'd like to still be able to do that with my local chapters. If not, I guess I'll be looking for another group to join!

******************

She responded with:

Team Members, The email setting for this group has been like this for years. This is not something new at all.It is clearly stated on the home page and in the guidelines that you must set your email to individual emails and so far Julie you have met that requirement,so I am not really sure why you are questioning it. I have contacted several members who have recently joined to remind them of the guideline and have reset their setting to go back a day or two later and see that it has been set back to no mail or daily etc.

I typically only send messages sometimes several to remind members to set their settings to individual emails and they have no problems with it after at least one (either they didn't know etc.). Just recently several members have fallen into a rut where this doesn't work them and they don't even discuss it with myself and Jennifer after I have sent them a reminder notice,so in the best interest of the group,we set up the guidelines. The monthly summary has been done for the chapters for several years as well. I am sorry if this too overwhelming for some of you,but this is the only way myself and Jennifer can keep up with what is going on in the groups and to help each other when our chapter or subgroup may not be active and seek advice from others. You can also gain suggestions for events etc to try in your chapter that worked well in another etc. It typically takes 10 minutes to fill out if even that.(if you are unsure how to find the information,I would be happy to walk you through it). I personally have to fill out four of them and a week is plenty of time to fill out one or two per chapter/per person and everyone knows it comes at the first of every month.

I know we all volunteer for this including myself and Jennifer and I appreciate all your efforts in helping DCMM be a great asset to moms in the local area and on the main list. If anyone feels that these tasks do not fit into their chapter chair or moderator role,please contact me directly and we can discuss further.

Julie-If you wish to step down that is up to you,but we appreciate the time you helped with the Rockville Chapter.
Please contact Rubina if you would like to step down and she can post for a new co-chair if necessary.
ToniDCMM Owner/Moderator

************

Then I wrote:
In a message dated 2/6/2007 12:01:16 A.M. Eastern Standard Time,
Julie writes:

Toni, I realised that my mail setting had been changed a week or so ago, back to individual mail, and I was just going to go change it back... because this week in particular there's been a ton of messages welcoming new members, and banning people, and I'm just totally overwhelmed by the amount of seemingly unnecessary mail that I get - and it's not just from this group!! Most of these emails back and forth don't seem like "team" emails, or are totally necessary for me to read.

************

Finally someone else stood up and spoke up saying:

Re: [DCMMTeam] Email Settings Requirements for Team Site
FROM: AutografWD@...

I was planning to bring this up myself. I think this brings up an issue that probably needs to be talked about a little more before we dismiss a moderator for it. I don't blame you, Julie, for feeling overwhelmed with the amount of e-mail this month. I love e-mail and don't have much of a problem getting through it normally. But I have found the amount this month, with the addition of the club chairs, to be punishing. I am not reading any of them now because there is just too much. And therefore I am wondering what purpose it is servicing me to receive them?

In fact, what is the total purpose of doing them if others are not reading mine either? (And out of curiosity, what is the info used for?) I also reject the idea that you should leave your post just because you are feeling overwhelmed by the e-mail responsibility. As a moderator too, it is SUPER hard to find a good person to run a group. And if you are more social versus doing detailed reporting, then I think that is AWESOME for your chapter.

Most chapter members don't even know that there are main list reporting and could care less. They joined because they want to meet people and have fun. And if you are filling that need for them, then I think you are doing your job. In my mind, all this main list reporting is secondary to running the chapter. And does it in fact serve the chapter members in anyway?

The fact that this is the way that reporting has been done for years, doesn't mean that we can't change some things. After all, the seems to be no issue making more rules on any given subject/day. Why can't we subtract some? I believe we should rethink the reporting and maybe all the moderators should have a voice in how this is done since we are on the front line between the main list and representing our chapter.

I would like "reporting" to turn into more of an exchange of ideas and an outlet for support for the chapter. So I would like to hear if I am off base with this. Are other people feeling the same?

*************************

Then someone else:

--- In DCMMTeam@yahoogroups.com, Mandy wrote:

I have a question.. is this requirement up for discussion within the group? can we take a vote? I second Julies comments that many of these emails are not necessary to be read as they come thru.. if you do daily digest, they can be read daily as I am sure most of us are not watching our inbox for new messages the minute they arrive. I do have this setting becasue I was told to do so (actually I think someone changed it for me). But I still end up moving them to another folder and reading when I have time.

Anyway.. I guess back to my original question.. is this something that the group can vote on or is this a things that is not up for discussion? Mandy

*************************

Then yet another person:

--- In DCMMTeam@yahoogroups.com,
"Frances M. Hartnett Angara" wrote:

Please identify yourself so that we can contact you offline. For public discussion, I can swallow the new requirements if only I could set my e-mail to daily digest. Then I could skim through one daily e- mail instead of being confronted with several, most or all of which have no relevance for me as moderator of the knitting subgroup. Unfortunately I often can't judge whether they are relevant until I click them open. Gettin daily digest is like finding one newsletter in your mailbox as opposed to nine postcards. Frances Hartnett Angara Oak Hill, VA

***********************************

Then Mandy again:

--- In DCMMTeam@yahoogroups.com,
Mandy wrote:
I agree.. I just delete othes posts when I see reporting info and all the banned stuff gets very overwhelming.. so again I just delete if I get too many or cannot go thru them all.. So I guess this get the same question I just sent out about the email settling. Can we vote on this? Can we make changes.. Many times we need rules and things set in stone in the beginning, but once things get up and running, they should be re-evaluated and possibly relaxed. Mandy

****************************

Finally Toni from DCMM writes:

--- In DCMMTeam@yahoogroups.com, "Toni Hansen" wrote:

Yes,we can discuss the email setting and the summary,but I would like to discuss them separately,so things are not missed. I would be happy to change it to daily if needed,but special notices or no email,I have no idea if the member is even reading it. Most of the messages that come through here are the summaries or if there is a member issue.

You are all more than welcome to ask for advice on how to get your chapters or subgroups active if needed. That is what the forum is for. Does anyone have an issue with having the setting to at least daily,but you are welcome to set it to individual if you wish?

I am sorry to be honest DCMM has really been great group to moderate and in the past six months I have had more drama with DCMM then I have ever had in the last 3 years since becoming a member/moderator. This job is not easy! There have been several times in that six months where I have wanted to step down due to the stress on me and my family,but I think this a great resource for moms,so I just keep going at it. Anyway,thanks for listening.
Toni DCMM Owner/Moderator

********************************

Rubina from the Frederick County DCMM Chapter then writes:

--- In DCMMTeam@yahoogroups.com,
Mama2Peep@... wrote:
Getting e-mail: I don't mind individual or daily digest. I'd read them all any way. I think daily digest will serve the same purpose. Summaries: I personally like the summaries. I read (or at least skim) most of them. Sometimes, other members have ideas in their summaries that I "steal". Just my 2 cents worth. -Rubina Frederick County moderator & Maryland State -moderator for DC METRO MOMS (DCMM)

*********************************

Mandy then writes:

--- In DCMMTeam@yahoogroups.com, Mandy wrote: Toni.. I am sorry I did not see this as drama.. but rather just a question. Anyway I would be very happy with setting to Daily Digest. Mandy

*********************************

Rosa writes:

--- In DCMMTeam@yahoogroups.com, "rosamoy" wrote: I would appreciate if it was daily digest at least- I usually only read on the web - it cuts down on volume. Thanks Toni for all your efforts it must take alot to coordinate all this. Not sure how you have the time! Rosa --- In DCMMTeam@yahoogroups.com, "Toni Hansen" wrote: > > Yes,we can discuss the email setting and the summary,but I would like to > discuss them separately,so things are not missed.

*************************************

--- In DCMMTeam@yahoogroups.com, "Toni Hansen" wrote: Team Members, Is there something on the summary specifically you don't like or having to fill out the summary itself? They are posted on the team site specifically to share ideas with other chapters/subgroups and to create discussion among team members. Toni DCMM Owner/Moderator --- End forwarded message ---

**********************************

Angela from the Howard County Chapter of DCMM writes:

--- In DCMMTeam@yahoogroups.com,
Angela Render wrote:
I guess this can count as my "required" participation this month. I do the individual emails out of habit, but I find that I get 10 times the number on the team site that I do on Howard County. Because of that, I tend to skim the subject line and then delete the messages unread if I feel it doesn't pertain to me. I dumped the main list because of volume and thank goodness I never made joining it a requirement for joining Howard County.

No offence, Toni, because I think you've done a marvelous job all these years. I certainally could not have put up with everything you have. I'm not that benevolent and patient a person.

Like Julie, I am a laid-back person when it comes to doing something I started for fun. I'm happy to organize an event or two, meet people and all, but I absolutely do not have the time or the patience for all this paperwork. Thank goodness for the other two marvelous ladies who have stepped in as co-chairs for Howard County becuase this is the primary reason I stepped down the last time. I offered to re-up because I didn't want to see my chapter sumarrily dismissed because we didn't meet some minimum requirement someone set somewhere. Just my 2cents. Angela

************************************

Then my co-host Rockville Chapter of DCMM writes:

Ming Wong wrote: I prefer to read daily digest as well. I am on many listservs (over 20) that provide so much information and I often scan through to get what I need. Ming, co-chair Rockville Chapter

************************************

Then:

--- In DCMMTeam@yahoogroups.com, Jennifer Perilla wrote: I also prefer the Daily Digest otherwise my inbox is full all the time and I can't keep up :) Jenn

*************************************

Then another:

--- In DCMMTeam@yahoogroups.com,
"Chrissy Rey" wrote:
I prefer to set my Yahoo Groups to web only because I get an insane amount of e-mail on a daily basis. I know I'm less likely to miss something if I log in to Yahoo Groups and read through the messages every day or so (I try to log in daily). We're all busy moms, and each of us has different methods for coping with the flood of e-mails. I don't think anybody should be penalized for using a specific method, so long as they are keeping up. Just my two cents :-)

Chrissy Rey-Drapeau DCMM Prince George's County
DCMM Book Club MD East

******************************************

Then chimes in Margaret, who I believe is Toni's partner in crime perhaps?

--- In DCMMTeam@yahoogroups.com, "Margaret McGowen" wrote:
I agree with Rubina. I tend to at least skim through everything when I get a chance. I tend to mentally prioritize messages based on the subject line. I think that in the last month with all of the sub group chairs joining up on the team list that traffic has been really high but generally the team list is pretty light on traffic except the first week of the month. I feel that once everyone is acclimated that traffic will decrease. Margaret

******************************************

--- In DCMMTeam@yahoogroups.com,
"Bier, Laura" wrote:
I have to say that I barely have time to read the emails, let alone contribute to the discussion. I would prefer to spend my time in activities that benefit the members, like organizing activities. I think daily digest would help. As volunteers (and mothers!), all of us find out time is precious. Laura Arlington FC Chair

************************************************

Then in response directly to Toni's email comes this:

--- In DCMMTeam@yahoogroups.com,
AutografWD@... wrote:
I am hearing a few issues that have been coming up over this discussion. I listed them here and maybe we can break them down and vote on them or come up with solutions that better represent the group's needs/desires:
1. Report design - should we come up with a different design? Shorter? More focused on bring out issues/ideas/support instead of statistics?
2. Report frequency - should it be once a month? Once a quarter?
3. E-mail settings -should there be a requirement? Should people set there own? Is "No E-mail" an acceptable setting? Do people read it on the web?
4. Moderator duties - should there be term limits for the main list moderators and the chapter moderators? One year for chapter? Two years for the main list? Or one for each? (Alexandria just start this last year and it gives the leader a way out and encourages another member to step up.)

Toni - this is not a reflection on the efforts you put into the group, because I think everyone can see the time you dedicate to this group. But I also believe that there might be an easier way to come up with solutions that benefit and strengthen the group. And maybe, as a by-product, lessens your load and the chapter leaders. I hope you view this as a healthy discussion and not personally discouraging. I view DCMMTeam as a place to work through ideas and work together on solutions to make it stronger for future members/leaders.

********************************

And again she writes in response to Toni:

--- In DCMMTeam@yahoogroups.com, AutografWD@... wrote:
Unless there is a specific reason that I am not aware of, I would like to take any statistics out. I am not sure if number of e-mails or number of people at an event, spurs discussion. With each chapter having different member numbers, it just isn't a valid statistic for evaluating success or failures. I would be happy to take a shot at designing one. Let me know. I wouldn't mind proposing a full report quarterly, if we still want statistics, and maybe a shorten report monthly to create discussion among the leaders.

********************************

Mandy then writes:

--- In DCMMTeam@yahoogroups.com,
Mandy wrote:
Toni.. this is an interesting question.. for me.. I usually do not like doing things that I do not understand the reason for.. So for this one.. I can honestly say that when I read the summaries (or saw them) I never thought they were to help share idea's or create discussion.. I figure we do that independant of the summaries. For me.. they make no sense other than to "bean count" so to speak..

Now I am not sure if you just look at the data and then discard, or you keep some kind of stat's.But if they are mainly for you, I would prefer to send them to you and not the whole group so as not to clutter what they have to read. But if your intent really is to create discussion or talk about things. for me.. these summaries do not do that.. but maybe I am just missing something. This seems like something that I could see was very useful in the beginning or for a group asking for help with membership.. but for 2 of my group we have minimal issues and discussion and that works for those groups..
Mandy

********************************

Then comes this one:(by the way, I appreciate you taking the time to read this far!!!)

--- In DCMMTeam@yahoogroups.com,
Carol Amie wrote:
Short answer: I basically agree with Margaret and Rubina with regard to mail.
Long answer for those who are interested: the list has been crazy with new messages the last few weeks but that was atypical in my limited experience and I chalked it up to all the added subgroup welcome posts and then the monthly summaries. I love reading through the summaries~I like to know how all the groups compare, who has great ideas, who might be open for suggestions and who is just working their rearend off to keep the boat afloat. It helps me get to "know" the other chapters and I enjoy that.

The mail influx is likely to really settle down as the month goes on and the new members settle in so if you can just keep your head above water with a liberal "delete" button I think it will get better soon. As for individual v.s. digest, I'd say either should probably be an option. I had to put the main list on digest mode in order to avoid being overwhelmed by the messages but I still read it primarily online only. I don't think it's too much to have the messages delivered to your inbox but if it's overwhelming your personal management system a digest option would work much better for you. At any rate, Thanks Toni, for keeping all these balls in the air at once...I'm still trying to figure out how you do it!
Carol Amie Co-Chair Loudoun County Chapter DCMM

**************************************

Then Jennifer Zaranis who is Toni's Co-Moderator on the main lists (and maybe more?):

--- In DCMMTeam@yahoogroups.com, Jennifer Zaranis wrote:

Mandy and others, I can say that the monthly summaries are used to share what are happening within our chapters and subgroups. They are not intended for anyone to be judgemental on the performance of a group. Our main focus and purpose as a team is to support on another and give input and assistance. In addition to the discussion about daily digest or individual messaging. The main reason why individual messaging is preferred, if we needed to contact you immediately instead of having to pull your personal email info. and cc: the team.

It's much easier to post it on the team site and know we are going to get your immediate attention. I personally understand in many cases it doesn't make much difference if it's daily digest or individual because of family obligations, etc. But when it comes down to being a team player, it means more if it's an individual and a daily digest just sends a sign of " O, I'll get to it later" I know as a moderator and as a team player that each and everyone of you are working hard in keeping this group going and I personally can't thank you all enough. I hope what I said makes sense and feel free to email me if you have any questions. Thanks, Jennifer

***********************************

Then Laura writes again:

--- In DCMMTeam@yahoogroups.com,
"Bier, Laura" wrote:
For me, I have to make up half of the statistics as we don't track attendance. I just use averages for the events I attended (and guess for the others), rather than an accurate figure. I think if that was removed it would be easier. Total number of emails and total number of members are on the yahoo page so they are easy to provide.

*********************************

Finally I've logged back on, and I've just started reading all of the above that's come through in the middle of the night, and early AM. I've NOT received anything directly from Toni either privately or not... so I send this in:

From: Julie
To: DCMMTeam@yahoogroups.com Sent: Tuesday, February 6, 2007 2:13:45 PM
Subject: Re: [DCMMTeam] Monthly Summary & Setting Discussion (long)

Jennifer/Toni, I'm sorry, but for me, that's just silly.... I'm not at my computer ALL DAY LONG, and if you really need to contact me, you should have my telephone number in a database somewhere. Not that I often answer that either. Some days I don't even log onto the computer, in fact some weeks I don't log onto the computer.

BUT... more to the point, why would we need to be contacted in an emergency? What can we do - that Toni as the owner of all groups couldn't do herself? I mean she, I would assume, has the access to ban, or delete or do anything that you might be trying to get a hold of me for. Emergency to me means my husband has been in a car accident, or my child has been kidnapped while out with the babysitter. Nothing about this group in my mind, could be considered life or death, that I need to deal with immediately. Certainly not a "team" email.

I'm sure Mandy was not meaning that she's interested in being judgmental of any group, (and I'm not entirely sure this is what you were saying below, but it's how I read it) and as for being a "team player" I think anyone who signed up to do this, is going way and above the call of duty. Just my opinions,
Julie.
----- Original Message ----
From: Jennifer Zaranis To: DCMMTeam@yahoogroups.com Sent: Tuesday, February 6, 2007 1:24:40 PM Subject: [DCMMTeam] Monthly Summary & Setting Discussion (long)
Mandy and others,I can say that the monthly summaries are not intended for anyone to be judgemental on the performance of a group. The main reason why individual messaging is preferred, if we needed to contact you immediately instead of having to pull your personal email info. and cc: the team. It's much easier to post it on the team site and know we are going to get your immediate attention. But when it comes down to being a team player, it means more if it's an individual and a daily digest just sends a sign of " O, I'll get to it later" Thanks,Jennifer

*************************************

Then I am still writing away, not knowing that *MY* messages are NOT being sent thru to the group, although, I'm still allowed to receive & read them.....

From: Julie To: DCMMTeam@yahoogroups.com
Sent: Tuesday, February 6, 2007 1:56:38 PM
Subject: Re: [DCMMTeam] Email Setting Discussion

Autograf - I really want to meet you! You say everything I'm thinking, but can't eloquently get out, for one reason or the other!! Perhaps you are also a lot more diplomatic than I am - my husband constantly tells me that I frequently speak, before saying things the "PC" way... :-(

I think I'm just "blunt". I am shocked that so many other people were thinking the same thing, but had never spoken up! Yikes!

I think that for anything to be successful - business, hobby, relationship, we should all be able to say what we think, and feel ok about tossing out ideas. I think the points that you laid out should be discussed and reviewed on a regular basis. I think for a mommy one year might be too long - she may get pregnant inside that time & totally have no time for other duties! Perhaps 6 months, which automatically renews, unless you want to step down. I understand basically why Toni wants the summaries - she can quickly get a handle on a group that's possibly "sinking" the ship, or can find out what one group is doing if it's going gangbusters.

I however, feel like I’m acting as “big brother”, and that’s not something I’m interested in doing, and I’d certainly never ban someone for not posting. Life happens.

I think having perhaps regular meeting times (online) for team members (perhaps once a month that is mandatory to a degree - if you miss 3 in a row, you're done..). and during these online chats - which can happen in real time, allow for each person to have their say, or throw out other suggestions for bettering the group in general, or their group in particular.

During these chats, Toni and other top mods (state moderators) take notes, and then at a meeting that they hold by themselves, discuss what they thought was good, bad, or indifferent. For me, having the same questions to answer each month seems retarded.

The basic questions should be:
1. Have we grown the chapter any this month?
2. Did we facilitate any play groups, meetings, mno's
3. Did you BAN anyone this month and why? (This should only be done if this person is a danger to herself, or others, or she's not really a she)!

At the online meetings the team members could discuss in real time the best ways that they've found to get people talking, connecting, and having fun. Obviously if you have a chapter that's doing well, new chapters want to know everything about it.

I still think that there are *too* many sub groups and chapters. Why can't there just be a "Montgomery Co" chapter instead of 10 sub groups for each individual neighborhood? I can drive in less than 10 minutes from one to another.

Has anyone thought instead of sub groups for things like hobbies, depression etc., how about going to a php driven forum? So, you'd keep your main yahoo group, and possibly your local chapter groups (of which I just personally think SHOULD be combined down) and drive everyone regardless of their interests -- to the bulletin board. On the bulletin board, they can start topics for new moms, breastfeeding, sleeping issues etc., Your bulletin board could be similar to: http://mommysavers.com/boards/index.php -- but localized for Washington DC.

People log on when they want, and they're not overwhelmed by email after email! I know that myself as a previous web designer could offer some help on this, and there's a bunch of mommies on the group that I've met who are also developers, designers, photo editors.

Toni, I also noticed last night that you have some files related to merchandising on the TEAM group - but I have never heard anything about it (and I'm sure I've never seen anything posted to the main group or my chapter group).

If you are interested in branding your own items, and selling them, I have some expertise in that area too and can set up online shopping carts, help you with manufacturers, and business issues like taxes (which if you're selling online, and your online site is technically based on a server in HI, then perhaps you don't really need to collect sales tax on an item that is "technically" not being sold out of DC)...

I know the "shows" to go to to find your manufacturers, and maybe distributors who sell it for you directly. These are all my areas of expertise - but no one would know that because it's not asked on your team form. ??? D'OH!

There are probably a lot more talented moms who do other things that might make for great events - huge events. I know that we could have a booth at the Cherry Blossom festival coming up soon, where we could grab and "convert" other mommies who are walking by - and it's not going to cost very much money to run up brochures, or cards. We could also actually get together rent a space, and for your marketplace group, we could bring all our high end gear and sell it ourselves together - by taking out a few ads in the gazettes, or posting it online to other groups etc., The main group would make money either by taking a small percentage of all sales, or charging a door fee to other parents to shop. There should be a "Valentine's Day" (or Xmas, or New Years) dance for all the parents to get together & it's so easy to get a ballroom in a local hotel for free, by explaining how they'll benefit from our efforts in advertising their services.

Anyway, as you can see, my ADD is in full gear! So many thoughts, I can't get them all down, logically, or explain them in detail the way I'd like to! I need to quit, I could just go on and on, but a lot of people may not be interested in this period!
Julie.
----- Original Message ----From: "mailto:AutografWD@****" To: DCMMTeam@yahoogroups.com Sent: Tuesday, February 6, 2007 12:19:46 PM Subject: Re: [DCMMTeam] Email Setting Discussion : 1. Report design - should we come up with a different design? Shorter? More focused on bring out issues/ideas/ support instead of statistics? 2. Report frequency - should it be once a month? Once a quarter? 3. E-mail settings -should there be a requirement? Should people set there own? Is "No E-mail" an acceptable setting? Do people read it on the web? 4. Moderator duties -

*********************

OK, so now at this point, I'm looking for my responses, but they're not coming through - and I've figured it out.

So I write to Toni directly, and CC it to who I was originally responding to:

TO: TONI CC AUTOGRAF
On 2/6/07, Julie wrote:

Toni, I'm sending this directly to AutografWD, because even though I'm still getting team emails (how ironic is that) I'm no longer allowed to post to the "team" list.

I can't believe I've now been censored, considering I took the last hour to answer the emails & give you and the others input (or constructive critizism) that I thought *you* asked for. As I said in the previous e-mail (which also did not get put through) I in no way wanted to cause you any drama, and I'm sorry if this has caused you problems.
Julie.

*************************

So then I receive these two emails back to back from Toni several hours later:

----- Original Message ----From: Toni Hansen
To: Julie Cc: AutografWD@aol.com; Jennifer Zaranis
Sent: Tuesday, February 6, 2007 3:13:55 PM Subject: Re: Censorship?

The issues that involve yourself and the moderators do not need to involve other team members and we would appreciate if you would leave them out. Feel free to contact me directly if you have an issue.Toni

******

Julie, You can receive messages from the groups,but your messages that you send are moderated.I have been out for several hours today with my children and I am sorry I didn't stay home so you could get your messages through to the group. Toni

*********************

SO... because I am who I am, I was pretty furious, and hammered off this email to her directly:

Toni, Am I just being really thick here? I don't know whether to laugh at you, or take you seriously.

First of all, the fact that you're NOT at your computer full time (nor should you be) is the exact point about what difference does it make if you read your mail on the web, in a digest version, or individually. The point is that you read it eventually.

I respectfully asked last night if there was any real need to have the DCMM team emails individually sent out, because I was having an issue keeping up with them. If it was going to be that way, I apologised and said that I couldn't do the job of moderator that was asked of me. I then volunteered to stick around until Rubina could get someone else at your request, or her request, I'm now no longer sure whose request it was at.

Today when I logged on, I was still getting e-mails, and my option had been turned back yet again to individual team emails!!! ?????

I read the emails with interest, and thought that YOU had asked for feedback about the chapter summaries and other issues. I thought I appropriately answered those, giving what I thought was valuable feedback, to someone who had essentially asked for it - YOU.

I obviously foolishly mistook those e-mails to be a "discussion forum" for all team members to talk about ways to help improve DCMM. Interestingly enough, even though none of those messages got posted, you also didn't bother to respond to them. What I gather from all of this, is it's either your way or the highway, and as the owner of a group, I fully understand that is within your right.

Toni, I wish I could say that I've had a "great" experience with you, and your DCMM Momdom, however, that's not been the case. My first clue should have been when you censored me and the other moms from discussing getting together for a drag queen show, or martini's out and without our kids.

However, then I was asked to be part of the "team" and help grow the neighbourhood chapters. I was thrilled to be able to schedule and attend 8 events in 3 weeks, and although I don't necessarily agree with everything you wanted to know about those events, and my chapter, I submitted it, neatly, in the form you wanted, and on time.

Don't worry about moderating me, I'll be going now to unsubscribe myself from all of YOUR DCMM groups because now not only do I not agree with some of your rules, but I'm all for my first amendment rights of free speech, which you've thought is your right, to go ahead and take away.

Your team members aren't stupid. They'll figure out what went on, and from what I've heard so far today privately, this isn't the first time that people have butted heads with you, and been sent on their way. Losing 40 moderators in the space of a few months should tell you something.
Julie.

********************

There so first off, I kinda miss-spoke. I wasn't "banned" - well I sorta was, but here's the gory details, for you, if you are not affiliated with DC Metro Moms and are trying to figure out all the above emails!!

I *WAS* a moderator of DCMM for Rockville. When I was asked to be one, and the job duties were explained to me, I balked and said that most of those were things I couldn't do. I basically told them I'm not interested in banning people, I'm not interested in tracking or moderating people, and that I'm just here to have fun, make new friends, help connect people, and do interesting things with my children, and that I'd happily take on the role of "social director" cause that's what I like to do. I like to "chat" and I like to go out and let my hair down ;-)

I did agree to keep track of *who* came to the activities & events, what the discussions were about & to enthuse life into the chapter. I also agreed that I'd work on their calendar, and make sure that I planned events & attended all the events I planned.

I had a co-chapter host - Ming - who would do all the tedious jobs, and she agreed that was her forte, not socializing.

Each month Toni (whoever the hell she is -- apparantly some say she's just another Moderator of the Loudon County Chapter, others say she came in and forced out the original members who started DCMM and took over) asks for a detailed summary of each group. She wants to know from her "team" members how many people joined, what's the difference between this month and last month in numbers, how many people were removed for not "posting", who was banned, what events were planned, how many people showed up, what is being discussed on the group, how many *posts* there were that month, is it up/down from the previous month, and this HAS to be turned into the TEAM group by the 7th of each month.

The main reason I am not with them anymore is because I disagreed with a rule -- as a TEAM member (unpaid, volunteer) you MUST keep your e-mail settings for group stuff to individual -- not digest, and certainly NOT read on web only.

Now, I explained when I joined that some things are not my strong suit - for instance, 300 individual e-mails will throw me for a loop because I can't handle it that way - but 10 digest versions with 30 emails inside them are no problem for me... I know very strange, but hey, that's the way my brain works and processes things. To me, there's no difference - I'm still reading it.

Toni said that if you have to be told once, you're in the "warning stage" if you are told "twice" you're basically "fired".... and I simply wrote back to the TEAM board saying that this doesn't work well for me, and could she ease up on it, or allow for a discussion of it. I said that I was overwhelmed enough just with filling out "reports" monthly, and that those are in my mind unnecessary.

Well of course I opened a can of worms. I personally can't believe after how many volunteers agreed with me, that NONE of them had ever suggested any of this in the past. I also explained that I knew how hard Toni worked, and that the things I was mentioning were just ideas/opinions, and there'd be no hard feelings etc., because the bottom line is, if I stepped down as moderator, I'd still want to post and host events on the calendar - just as a regular member mommy.

I also said that if the mail staying as individual emails was seriously going to be enforced, then I'd automatically get kicked off. So... fast forward to the next day - imagine my surprise when I logged onto the computer, and had all these emails - from a group that I'd just the night before once more changed my status to NO EMAIL (because I read it on the web) and out of all the e-mails that went through during this discussion - Toni did not once choose to respond to me either via the group, or personally.

Most of the emails were about other suggestions/ideas.. I responded to a few, and then went to play with the kids. When I next logged on, I saw all these posts that had come through -- except for mine. I knew I was now being "moderated"... so I wrote to her personally and privately asking her why ironically I'm getting all the private TEAM mail, but I'm no longer allowed to voice my opinion.

She "ironically" had been out with her child and wasn't at her computer.. imagine... my whole point in the first place was that not all of us are seeing mail as it comes through, but eventually we are reading the emails.

SOOOOOOOOOOOOO.... a few weeks before all of this, and because Toni Hansen had censored me on the main group, and explained her having rules about not setting up playdates via the main DCMM group, I for fun started DC Hip Mommies, and in less than 3 weeks, without trying it's now got about 150 women on it.

I never understood why, if I didn't mind driving out of my neighborhood, I couldn't connect for a moms night out with moms from MD, DC and VA. I mean the chances of connecting with 30 people in your local chapter are slim, but with 1000+ moms in the metro area, then you really have a good chance of making a very good friend for life.

I'm happy to focus my time and energy on DC Hip Mommies. However, some of you might not know about the site, and may want the opportunity to join it - I'd welcome that. http://groups.yahoo.com/group/dchipmommies

If you've read this far through, you now know the saga of a DCMM moderator!

What is with control freaks & why when they're women are they such BITCHES??

2007-02-06T21:38:00.000-05:00

I'm trying to stay calm despite wanting to pull someone's hair out of their bloody head. Several weeks ago I signed up for a local moms group that had interesting possibilities for finding other mommies to hang out & get drunk with. After I'd posted a few times, I obviously ruffled the feathers of the owner, by challenging one of her (many) rules. I simply had asked if anyone wanted to get together for a margarita.

I managed still to somehow become moderator of one her many sub-groups, (basically because I like to party, and know my way around the city with children in tow) and I know how to set up & organize play dates. Woo Hoo! That's a job to have on my resume!

Anyway, last night on the TEAM sub group, I disagreed with her yet again. She in turn did something slimey. Why do women only grow balls when they're sitting anonymously behind a computer screen? It's disgusting. Yes I'm fuming..

Best "Kid" Activities in the Washington DC Area

2007-02-06T11:09:00.000-05:00

As a mother, and more importantly -- a stay at home one, I'm constantly looking for things to do with my kids. Just getting out of the house is a hassle, BUT, staying home with them all day would drive me up the wall & I'd be trying to sell various body parts of theirs and mine on ebay!

We add to this page often, so check back frequently! Please feel free to post your own comments about various locations we haven't added, or what you think of the place that's been listed!

Xtreme Acrobat & Cheer
Sculpture Garden Ice Skating
Building Museum

Xtreme Acrobat & Cheer Gym - This has an open gym several times during the week, this means that instead of being a full time member, I can pay per use for each of my kids. They charge approx. $5 per visit. This is a great place for "out of sync" children, who need a lot of "rough", and "energetic" play. Rope swings, trampolines, and monkey bars. Perhaps you've got an aspiring ballet dancer, or a cheerleader on your hands! Xtreme Acro also offers scheduled classes for various age groups, from tumbling, to acrobatics, to cheerleading.

They are located in the Rockville Area, and their hours for open play are: Mon thru Fridays noon till 1pm, and Monday mornings 9.30am - 10.30am, and Wednesday's 1.30pm-2.30pm. (This schedule may change, so please check their website directly)! Many of our moms schedule weekly play dates here, so check out our group for details on the calendar! On Tuesday mornings they have a special for moms - from 9am till noon it's $30 and as long as your kid is potty trained.

*********

The National Gallery of Art Sculpture Garden ice-skating rink is open mid-November through mid-March, weather permitting. (Hurry up and get down there!!!)

View magnificent works of sculpture while skating in the open air and enjoying music from the state-of-the-art sound system. For a list of all KIDS EVENTS at NGA please click here for the calendar!

Ice-Skating Rink Hours mid-November through mid-March, weather permitting

Monday–Thursday, 10:00 a.m.–9:00 p.m.
Friday–Saturday, 10:00 a.m.–11:00 p.m.
Sunday, 11:00 a.m.–9:00 p.m.

Admission (two-hour sessions, beginning on the hour) $7.00 adults $6.00 seniors (age 50 and over) $6.00 students (with valid ID) $6.00 children (age 12 and under) $195.00 season pass

Skate and Locker Rentals Skate rental: $3.00 (ID required) Locker rental: $.50 ($5.00 deposit required)

The Pavilion Café Serves freshly made wraps, sandwiches, gourmet pizzas and salads. Coffee, tea, hot chocolate, wine, and beer are also available.

For reservations, general information and opening announcements call (202) 289-3360.

Sculpture Garden Hours

Monday–Saturday, 10:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m.
Sunday, 11:00 a.m.–6:00 p.m.

Beginning mid–November through mid-March 2007

Monday–Thursday, 10:00 a.m.–9:00 p.m.
Friday and Saturday, 10:00a.m.–11:00 p.m.
Sunday, 11:00 a.m.–9:00 p.m.
Pavilion Café Hours Monday–Saturday, 10:00 a.m.–4:00 p.m. Sunday, 11:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m.

The National Gallery of Art, is located on the National Mall between 3rd and 7th Streets at Constitution Avenue NW. Washington, DC 20565. Telephone - 202-842-6880. Admission is always FREE.

********

National Building Museum

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. They also have a great coffee shop inside for moms to gather and have a cup of java while the kiddies play together!

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.