Skagit Valley Tulip Festival - Washington

If you live in Western Washington, you must go see the Skagit Valley Tulip Festival each spring!  The tulip fields are AMAZING and your family pictures will be adorable!  This is a tradition for our family to visit the fields each year and the girls love it!  Check-out these helpful websites for more information.

Tulips Bloom typically from April 1 - 30

Main site -> http://www.tulipfestival.org/

Tulip Field Bloom Map to plan your trip -> http://www.tulipfestival.org/map

**Interactive Bloom Map to show what's ready to view -> http://www.tulips.com/bloommap.cfm

Don't forget to check-out their Facebook page for daily updates -> https://www.facebook.com/SkagitValleyTulipFestival

HAVE FUN!!!

2011 Family Pictures

Easter Egg Hunts

Looking for some FREE Easter Egg hunts in Eastside, WA area to take your kids to?  Check-out this fabulous list by Ruby Slipper!

***  Easter Egg Hunt Guide   ***



AWESOME article about "10 FREE Holiday Outings around Puget Sound" by Wenda Reed in the Seattle's Child!  We LOVE every idea!!

10 Free Holiday Outings around Puget Sound

"The holidays can be a magical time, when children’s eyes light up at the displays and the pageants and performances. In these recessionary times, they can also get spendy. Here are my 10 favorite absolutely free ongoing events (for one-time events, such as tree lightings and free performances, please see the Seattle’s Child calendar).

1. Christmas Ships: It’s a chilly night. Flames from a bonfire leap upward toward the stars. The sounds of familiar carols and songs waft toward us as the lights of the Christmas ship and its accompanying flotilla of yachts are reflected in the dark waters. If you’ve never done this quintessential Northwest outing, don’t miss another year. Bring a thermos of hot chocolate and don’t forget the gloves and warm coats. Stops at 45 waterfront locations from Tacoma to Edmonds; nightly Nov. 26-27, Dec. 1-23, varying hours; www.argosycruises.com for schedule – starred locations have bonfires.
   
2. Gingerbread Village at the Sheraton Hotel: Each year, Seattle architectural companies build these fantastical buildings of sugar and imagination with intricate details to delight the child in all of us. This year’s theme is “Holiday Express” with historic train stations and the North Pole. Bring holiday books or videos to occupy children while they wait in line; afterwards, walk a couple of blocks south along Sixth Avenue and then back on Fifth Avenue to see all of the silver and golden lights in the trees. 1400 Sixth Ave., downtown Seattle; daily Nov. 22 - Jan 1, 24 hours a day; www.downtownholidays.com.
   
3. Indoor Snowfalls at Pacific Place: You can come in from the cold and take a break from shopping by stepping into the flurry of thousands of “snowflakes” falling five stories inside the shopping center. Sixth Avenue and Pine Street, downtown Seattle; Nov. 25 - Dec. 31, nightly, 6 p.m. Free holiday entertainment, from traditional carols to jazz to world music, is offered in the atrium Friday through Sunday Nov. 25 - Dec. 18 and daily Dec. 19-24, noon to 2 p.m. and 5 to 7 p.m.; www.pacificplaceseattle.com.
   
4. Winterfest at Seattle Center: Who can resist the choo-choo trains puffing through those carefully crafted buildings and miniature hills and forests on the Center House floor? Dickens Carolers in full costume stroll around the Center grounds, and young performers from more than 100 local schools and youth groups perform on the stage. 305 Harrison St., Seattle; daily Nov. 25 - Dec. 31; Center House is open Sunday through Thursday, 11 a.m. to 9 p.m., Saturday and Sunday, 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Watch internationally-known ice sculptors carve outside the Fisher Pavilion Saturdays, noon to 2p.m. It’s also free to watch the ice skaters inside the pavilion ($2-$7 to skate, including rentals); www.seattlecenter.com/winterfest.
   
5. Candy Cane Lane in the Ravenna Neighborhood: Neighbors on this quaint, looping street have been decorating for the holidays since 1950. Drive – or, for more fun, stroll – along the street, starting with the familiar mechanical carousel in the traffic circle. Santa may be there on weekends, handing out candy canes. See how many “peace” signs in various languages you can see on the front lawns of many of the houses. N.E. Park Road, off 20th Avenue N.E. and Ravenna Boulevard., Seattle; nightly mid-December through the end of month, 4 to 11.p.m.
   
6. Snowflake Lane in downtown Bellevue: Sixty drummer boys and girls in red stand stock still on giant drum pedestals. Then the drummers dismount and march down the street playing, as throngs of us on the sidewalk join the carolers accompanying them. Lights move in dizzying snow patterns, confetti falls, and it feels like Mardi Gras with mittens. If kids need to work off some energy, visit the recently-remodeled huge enclosed play area on the top floor of Bellevue Square. Bellevue Way and N.E. 8th Street, Bellevue; nightly Nov. 25 - Dec. 24, 7 p.m.; Celebration Lane New Year’s show Dec. 26-31, 7 p.m.; www.magicseason.com.
   
7. Garden d’Lights at Bellevue Botanical Garden: Every year this mind-boggling, walk-through display of lights includes more – critters as well as fantastical flowers. This year, the extended walk passes a river of lights and four waterfalls. Can your children find: a frog, a spider, a pulsing jellyfish, a huge slug, a peacock, an octopus and the new “Snap d’Dragon”? 124th Avenue N.E. and Main Street, east of downtown Bellevue; Nov. 26 - Dec. 31; free nights are Nov. 28, 29 and 30, Dec. 5, 6, 7, 12, 13 and 14 (other nights it’s $5, children 10 and younger free, 5 to 10 p.m.; www.gardendlights.org.
   
8. Horse-Drawn Carriage Rides at Redmond Town Center: This is a great way to see all of the lights and decorations at this people-friendly shopping center. Loading at N.E. 74th Street and 116th Avenue N.E., downtown Redmond; Friday-Sunday, Nov. 25-27 and Dec. 9-18, 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. The central plaza (with the fountains and bear sculptures) hosts free performances by local groups Dec. 4-18 at various times. Santa reads Christmas classics at the plaza Tuesdays and Thursdays Nov. 15 - Dec. 15, 11 a.m. Not quite free: $3 Holiday Express train rides Friday through Sunday, Nov. 25 - Dec. 11, except Dec. 9, and daily Dec. 15-24, noon to 8 p.m.; www.redmondtowncenter.com/events.
   
9. Ivar’s Clam Lights at Gene Coulon Park: Most of the other major light shows around the Sound cost something, but this one, with dancing clams and crazily- colored lighted trees, is free. Hot food is available on site at Ivar’s and Kidd Valley. 1201 Lake Washington Blvd. N., Renton; kickoff ceremony with entertainment, Santa’s covered wagon, Christmas ships and parade of boats is Dec. 2; display is open nightly Dec. 3 - Jan. 1, 5 to 9 p.m.; www.ivars.com.
   
10. Nursery Displays: We make an annual holiday trip to Molbak’s Nursery in Woodinville to see the theme trees, thousands of poinsettias and the 14-foot poinsettia tree and eat Danish Kringle pastry. Other great decorated nurseries are Swanson’s in north Seattle (Reindeer Festival features two live reindeer, a camel and a miniature donkey; miniature train runs around the store); Watson’s in Puyallup (two reindeer on site, free piano music); and Wight’s in Lynnwood (31 themed trees, village and nativity set-ups)."

Join Kirkland Parks & Recreation Classes

The New Year is right around the corner-Why not consider the Gift of Recreation?
Sign up now for a Kirkland Parks Winter Class

Enroll online 24/7 at www.kirklandparks.net
Link to the brochure at www.kirklandwa.gov/depart/parks/Recreation_Programs/currentbrochure.htm

We LOVE the Toddler movement, Art, and Singing classes!

Kirkland Parks and Community Services
<mailto: eparks@kirklandwa.gov> 

Visit "The Lights of Christmas" display in Stanwood, WA

"The Lights of Christmas" is the perfect holiday destination for you, and everyone you love!

www.warmbeachlights.com

More than 1 million Christmas lights will be displayed, a spectacle spread over 15 acres at Warm Beach Camp in Stanwood, Washington, during 20 days in December. The Lights of Christmas offers live music, theater, crafts, pony rides, a petting farm, and Polar Express Train rides. Visitors can shop for Christmas gifts, listen to carolers and visit with Santa Claus or Bruce the Spruce, the talking Christmas tree. Food choices will range from clam chowder, and kettle corn to rib tips, chef salad, corn dogs and apple pie.

Dates for 2011: Dec. 1-4, 8-11, 15-23, and 26-28
Gates open at 5pm. Event closes at 10pm.

Featuring

Brilliant Light Displays (Over 1 million) 5 Entertainment Stages Pony Rides Polar Express Train Rides Dinner & Snack Options Stunning Nativity Bruce the Talking Spruce Petting Farm Holiday Shopping Story-Teller FREE Parking

Cash is preferred at the event. ATM available on-site. Sorry, no pets or alcohol.

The Lights of Christmas has been selected by tourism professionals as one of the American Bus Association's Top 100 Events in North America for 2010, 2011 and 2012!

Warm Beach Christian Camps and Conference Center
20800 Marine Drive, Stanwood, WA 98292

360-652-7575 / 800-228-6724

"Snowflake Ball" for Fathers & Daughters by Kirkland Parks!

The annual "Snowflake Ball" is a new tradition Fathers & Daughters (ages 3 - 10) will NOT want to miss!  The Kirkland Parks & Recreation group hosts this enchanted evening of music & dancing each winter season! 

Save the DATE for the "Snowflake Ball"

Father/Daughter Dance

Date: Friday, December 9th, 2011

Time: 6:30pm - 8:30pm

Location: North Kirkland Community Center

Address: 12421 103rd Ave NE, Kirkland, WA

Price: $23 resident / $28 non-resident (2nd child is $12/$15)

Class # 34161

Reserve your spot **online** or call 425-587-3350

To view pictures of the 2010 party click this link -->  **Lauren Kahan Photography**

Picture by: Lauren Kahan Photography

http://kirklandparks.net

Toddler Bouncy Ring for Indoor Play - Highly recomend you Purchase!

We just got back from a play-date with this Jumpy Bounce Ring in our friend's family room and my toddler girls LOVED it!! We just ordered one for our house and the rainy days to come for endless fun. Highly recommend!  This product is fabulous and Amazon will deliver it right to your door!  I can't wait for ours to arrive in a couple days!  The girls bounced their hearts off and were sooo exhausted afterwards!  Sure made for AWESOME naps this afternoon!  (Thank you Brooke!)

Don't forget to buy some plastic balls to add to the fun too!! 

Bouncy House FUN!

Every kid party or festival we attend always has a bouncy house!  Some friends rent them, others have decided to just buy their own.  Our girls are starting to get to the age where they LOVE to jump in the bouncy house!  We found an AWESOME website that has reasonable priced bouncy houses that we just had to share.  This is a GREAT way to tucker-out your toddler! :)

*** Play House Bouncers ***

       

Ruby Slipper's "Best of the Eastside 2011- Winners!"

Ruby Slipper's is a WONDERFUL website that posts about activities for kids on the Eastside in WA State.  They recently posted an amazing list of ideas from their activity contest.  Click the link below for fun ideas of where to take your kids!

Best of the Eastside 2011- Winners!

This was a couple of our favorite categories to read about...

Favorite Indoor Play SpaceWith all the rain we have been having lately, it is no shock that this was one of the most popular categories in the survey.  And I can say from personal experience that all the nominees are super places for kids to get some exercise and fun hanging out.  One nominee was a vote-getting powerhouse this year, and for good reason.  With lots of space and great interactive exhibits, the winner of Best Indoor Play Space is:

Winner:  KidsQuest Children’s Museum in Bellevue

.
Other nominees:Orange Blossom Society in Redmond
Dizzy’s Bus Stop in Bellevue
Adventure Kids Playcare in Issaquah
KidsCove at Bellevue Square
Great Play in Redmond
Nest in Woodinville

Favorite Special EventOn the Eastside, we know how to come together as a community and celebrate all year long.  The nominees this year cover almost every season.  For summer, we have Strawberry Festival in Bellevue, Derby Days in Redmond, and River Days in Renton.  For autumn, you nominated Salmon Days in Issaquah and Remlinger Farms Harvest Festival in Carnation.  For winter, there is Garden d’Lights at Bellevue Botanical Gardens and Snowflake Lane in Bellevue.  It turns out, though, that most of you like your days merry and bright, because the winner of this category is:

Winner:  Snowflake Lane in Bellevue
.

Other nominees:
Strawberry Festival in Bellevue
Salmon Days in Issaquah
Derby Days in Redmond
Garden d’Lights at Bellevue Botanical Gardens
Remlinger Farms Harvest Festival in Carnation
River Days in Renton

Woodland Park Zoo Shuttle Service ends Sept. 4th

The Woodland Park Zoo wanted to let you know that their Eastside Shuttle will be running this weekend even though 520 will be shut down. They'll use I-90 as an alternate route, and you can view that schedule here: www.zoo.org/shuttle . Also, as a reminder, the Eastside Shuttle service will end on Sept. 4. The zoo thanks everyone for their ridership and support of this pilot project.

www.zoo.org/shuttle

Looking for a Slide for indoors?

This is the slide we have in our house and we LOVE it!  Its smaller size fits great and the girls love climbing up and sliding down.  Get free shipping through Amazon Prime for being a MOM!

Little Tikes Endless Adventures Climb and Slide Castle

Buy new: $79.99 $71.46

Evergreen State Fair (August 25th - September 5th)

The Evergreen State Fair is almost here!  This is a great time to get the kids out to see the animals and experience the fun rides!  Plan a family day/night now since the fair will only be here from August 25th - September 5th.  Of course there is always that YUMMY food to eat too!

http://www.evergreenfair.org

Check out FREE entrance deals on the 'events' page

9/1 - Kids DAY (Under 15yrs old = FREE all day)

9/2 - bring 3 cans of food before 3:30pm for FREE admissions)

http://www.evergreenfair.org/daily-schedules.asp

Evergreen State Fairgrounds

14405 179th Ave SE

Monroe, WA 98272

Directions from the South via I5

• Northbound on I-5, Take Exit to Hwy 2;
• Continue East for approximately 14 miles;
• Fairgrounds are located on left side, North of US Hwy 2, just prior to entering Monroe;
• Take left on 179th for West Gate entrance;
• Take left on Cascade View Drive for East Gate entrance.

3rd Annual PEPSapalooza Festival - This SATURDAY 8/13

3rd Annual PEPSapalooza Family Music Fest

This WEEKEND - Saturday August 13th

Benefits PEPS (Program for Early Parent Support)
Saturday, August 13, 2011
11 am - 3 pm (Rain or Shine)
Doors open at 10:30am
Location = The Bowl at Redhook Brewery, Woodinville'

Mainstage Music Line Up = Caspar Babypants, The Not-Its!, and Recess Monkey

Register at the link below. 

Reserve your family's (2 adults and their children) spot by making a $40 online gift TODAY to support PEPS using the link below.

http://www.peps.org/support/pepsapalooza

The event also includes activities such as: jump rope shows by Rene Bibaud (who used to be my jump rope coach 20 years ago!), Turk the Magic Genie, PNW Drumline, Pony Rides, the Tumblebus (gym on wheels), Trampoline jumping, milk truck, face paintings, arts & crafts, visit by Smith Brothers Farms Dairy Fairy & Bessie the Cow, BBQ, and Red Hook Beer (cash only)

Sounds like an AMAZING day!!  Get your tickets NOW!!

Kids Bowl FREE (Nationwide)

Select bowling centers and schools around the country are participating in the first ever Kids Bowl Free program. This program is designed by bowling centers to give back to the community and provide a safe, secure, and fun way for kids to spend time this summer.

Children whose age does not exceed a limit by a participating bowling center are eligible to register for 2 free games a day, all summer long, courtesy of the participating bowling centers along with the schools and organizations.

Kids Bowl FREE

http://www.kidsbowlfree.com/

Click the link above to register your kids (15 and under) & select your state & city to see what dates/times kids bowl free in your area

Awesome August Kids Day at Country Village - THIS WEEKEND

Country Village in Bothell, WA
AWESOME AUGUST 11:00-4:00 

AUGUST 6-7

Come out and celebrate all things kids during the 3rd Annual Awesome August Kids Day on August 6th and 7th. The event will run from 11 am to 4 pm on Saturday and Sunday. Bring the kids and enjoy fun performances, like magic and dance shows, crafts, art, music, outdoor toy demonstrations, free snacks, pony and train rides, cookie decorating, and much more!

Bring your family, friends, and neighbors out for a weekend of kid & budget friendly fun at Country Village’s Awesome August Kid’s Day!

List of Kid's Activities

http://www.countryvillagebothell.com/kids/

Seafair & Blue Angels - THIS WEEKEND

Its that time of year for the Seafair Parade & Weekend Celebrations!  Watch out for bridge closures as the Blue Angels start flying overhead.  Get the latest schedule announcements on the Seafair website.  This is a FUN weekend for kids & adults in Seattle, WA!

http://seafair.com

This week the Blue Angels are flying into town for their annual performance at Seafair. This means that I-90 will be closed several times a day during their practice and performance, but it also means that you get plenty of opportunities to see them in all their glory!

Thursday, Aug. 4: 9:45 a.m. - noon & 1:15 - 2:30 p.m., (Practice)
Friday, Aug. 5: 12:45 p.m. - 2:40 p.m., (Practice)
Saturday, Aug. 6: 12:45 p.m. - 2:40 p.m., (Full show)
Sunday, Aug. 7: 12:45 p.m. - 2:40 p.m., (Full show)

Float the River for an Adult Night-Away!

Need an idea to do with your spouse for the day or for an overnight trip?  Head to Leavenworth, WA and go float the river!  We just did this trip last weekend and it was so nice to get a kid break and have fun!  The sun felt great and yes you can bring a case of beer and rent an ice chest and tube to tag along with you.  Don't forget your green grapes to eat down the river as you float.  So tasty!  Afterwards there's a beer garden to enjoy where you just checked in for tubing and karaoke at the Old Post Office Tavern playing until past midnight.  We usually enjoy wine tasting in Leavenworth but this past weekend we enjoyed sampling the beers!

Reserve your Tube today at:

Lets Go Tubing!

https://letsgotubing.com/

 -> Float the Icicle River then into the Wenatchee River for an 1hr 45minute trip

Adults $17 & extra cooler/tube is $10 - Children can come for $13

Another site to look at for outdoor fun in Leavenworth is River Rider

http://www.riverrider.com/

Happy 4th of July!!!

Today is the day we celebrate America's Independence.  Have a wonderful 4th of July!  Be safe lighting off those fireworks (if allowed in your city) and/or enjoy those family BBQs. 

Happy 4th of July to our FANS!

Don't forget to check this link for local activity ideas for today:

http://www.redtri.com/seattle/seattle-fourth-of-july-roundup

Happy Father's Day!

We hope all our families have a wonderful time celebrating the Fathers in their lives!  There's a ton of great ideas you can do this weekend such as a trip to the zoo, local park, baseball game, BBQ, etc.  ParentMap has put together a full list of ideas too.  Take a look and see if something interests you!

Click here -->  Father's Day Events by ParentMap

Yo Gabba Gabba Tickets on SALE

Yo Gabba Gabba! Live! is going on the road again! The It's Time To Dance! Tour Presented by Kia Motors is traveling to more than 50 cities! But this time, it's an all new show. Come see all your favorites like DJ Lance Rock, Brobee, Foofa, Muno, Plex, and Toodee, with special guests Hip Hop Legend Biz Markie and Razzle Dazzle Superstar Leslie Hall. You won't want to miss it!
http://yogabbagabbalive.com

THE GABBA-TIX PRE-SALE STARTS NOW (no code needed)

Q: Does my child need a ticket?
A: Unless otherwise noted, everyone requires a ticket regardless of age. Babes in arms are not allowed, and children under four years of age are discouraged. (Some of these policies may differ for events that are specifically geared toward children. Ask a ticket agent or check the sales page for that event.) Some events offer discounts for children, so as you order, be sure to ask. For events geared toward children at The Paramount Theatre, booster seats are available on a first-come, first-served basis.