Family...

Love this saying and LOVE my family!!!

Activity Ideas for January

This page is full of FUN ideas to enjoy during the Holidays with Kid Ideas through-out the year.


January

• Get Organized for the NEW YEAR!!
• "Get Organized" Article by SC Johnson.com
• "Write Thank You Notes" from the holidays with FREE Printable templates
• "3 Ideas for Photo Thank You Cards w KIDS"
• "Ways To Display Your New Years Resolutions" from 24/7 Moms
• Martin Luther King, Jr Birthday -> HOLIDAY (3rd Monday)
• MLK Holiday Activities by "Primary Games.com" crafts, printables, etc.
• Martin Luther King Celebration Committee, Inc. in North Carolina Includes a description of the celebrations, a timeline of his life, and audio clips of some of his famous speeches.
• Meaning of the MLK Holiday by "The King Center"
• Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Day Word Scramble - game
• Martin Luther King, Jr. Day Activities and Games for Kids - Word Search - game
• Dedication of a Dream by "Time For Kids.com" - article
• "I Have a Dream" Youtube VIDEO
• Winter Activities
• 25 Winter Play List Activities in Greater Seattle by Parentmap
• 50 Great Places to Play Inside by Parentmap
• Seattle's Totally Awesome Award Winners for 2012 list by Red Tricycle (great kid activity idea list!)

New Years Tips

Good tips for the New Year!

Happy New Year!!!

Happy New Year!!!

Happy New Years Eve!!

Happy New Years Eve!! We hope you had an awesome 2012 and are looking forward to 2013! Enjoy!!

Merry Christmas!

Merry Christmas from our family to yours! Santa has arrived! Mommy got the best Christmas present ever too, girls still sleeping and it's 7am! Not the normal 5am wake-up we've been dealing with lately! Excited for a wonderful day!!

Merry Christmas Eve

Merry Christmas Eve to all! Enjoy time with your family and try to get some time to relax! :)

Rainy Season Activity Resources

The rainy season is here, use these resources to find some great indoor activities to help those kiddos burn off some calories and sleep well!

Family Event Listings - (Sites that send Weekly Activity Emails)

• Red-Tricycle  - Be in the know! Sign up for their awesome weekend newsletter <www.redtri.com/seattle-kids>
• Parent Map - Easy to read calendar full of local events <www.parentmap.com>
• Ruby Slipper Guide  Family guide to activities on the Eastside <http://rubyslipperguide.com>
• Seattle’s Child - Great parenting articles and resource <www.seattleschild.com>
• Macaroni Kid - Eastside   Bellevue, Kirkland, Redmond, Woodinville, Bothell, and Kenmore <http://the-eastside.macaronikid.com>
• Macaroni Kid - Snoqualmie Valley  Issaquah, Sammamish, Snoqualmie, North <http://snoqualmievalley.macaronikid.com>

"Winter Play List Must Do Activities" by ParentMap

http://www.parentmap.com/article/winter-play-list-must-do-activities-in-greater-seattle

• Some of the ideas for longer day trips include:
• Pacific Science Center
• Space Shuttle trainer exhibit at the Museum of Flight
• Worth the trip to Olympia to see the Hands On Children’s Museum
• Head to Eatonville for to see the animals at Northwest Trek
• HappyNest, a play space in Redmond
• Twirl Cafe in Seattle
• Pump it Up in Kirkland and Lynnwood
• Mountlake Terrace pool and Lynnwood Pool
• Learn to ski - indoors at Mini Mountain, an indoor skiing school in Bellevue
• KidsQuest Children’s Museum in Bellevue
• Imagine Children’s Museum in Everett
• Baby’s Day at the Movies in Kirkland

Most importantly, just take some time to relax & enjoy your family at home.  

Have fun in the New Year!

December Holiday Activity Ideas for Kids - 2012

Here's some of our favorite December holiday activities to enjoy with your kids during the 2012 season!
****Check-out our "Holidays" tab for future updates

December - "Christmas FUN"

• Activity Ideas
• Write Santa
  • Santa Clause House (Northpole, Alaska) - receive personalized Santa letters
  • Northpole.com - send letters to Santa & he writes back.  Fun online activities too.
  • Track Santa's Path w/ Norad - Live Dec. 1 through Dec. 24
  • Santa Claus, Indiana:  There is a little town called Santa Claus and every Christmas the elves (volunteers) receive letters from kids from all over and write back to them.  They work hard during this time and it is FREE!  {Santa Claus, PO Box 1, Santa Claus, IN 47579}
• Online VIDEO creation FUN
  • Portable North Pole - Answer some questions & create a personalized Santa VIDEO!
  •  Turn your family into singing dancers & share online with friends
  Jib Jab Holiday Videos
• Crafts
  • Printable Christmas Tags & To Do Lists (Free) - crafts
  • Create a "Holiday Planner Binder" - Get Organized!
  • Create an "Advent Calendar of Things to do"
  • Create a Christmas Gift Exchange for Family/Friends using Name Drawing.com
• Research Christmas Cities
• North Pole, Alaska - Did you know this city exits & there's a Santa House?
• Santa Claus, Indiana - Did you know this city exists

Holidays - How to explain to kids

• Hanukkah defined by Wikipedia
• Christmas  defined by Wikipedia
• Who is Santa Claus defined by Wikipedia
• "The Truth about Santa" Article  How to share with kids

Events

• Puget Sound
  • "10 Free Holiday Outings Around Puget Sound" Article by Seattle's Child
  • "Downtown Holidays" Activities (Seattle) - Overview
  • MyNorthWest.com Holiday Map - interactive map of ALL holiday activities
  • Best Spots to Visit Santa - by Red Tricycle (Seattle)
• Bellevue / Kirkland/Issaquah
  • "Bellevue Magic Season" - List of FREE Holiday events all month
  • "Christmas In Seattle & Bellevue" - List of FREE Holiday events all month
  • "Enchanted Holidays" at The Bravern (Bellevue) - Tree Lighting, Pony Rides, etc
  • "Snowflake Lane" (Bellevue) - Bellevue Square Mall @ 7pm
  • "Garden d'Lights" (Bellevue)  - Nov - Dec walk through the lighted path outdoors
  • "Magic Season" Ice-Skating (Bellevue) 
  • "Family Gingerbread Workshops" (Bellevue) & "Ginger Bread Lane" Hilton (Bellevue) -  (Provided by KidsQuest)
  • "Christmas Ship Festival" - Argosy Boats
  • "Ivar's Clam Lights at Gene Coulon Park" (Renton)
  • "In the Snow: Who's Been Here?" (Bellevue) - Lewis Creek Park Visitor Center  
  • "Tractor Pulled Hayrides w/ Santa" @ Kelsey Creek Farm Park
  • "Father/Daughter Snowflake Ball" (Kirkland) & Details by Red Tricycle (Ages 3-10yrs)
  • "Issaquah Reindeer Festival" @ Cougar Mountain Zoo (Issaquah)
• Seattle
  • "Christmas In Seattle & Bellevue" - List of FREE Holiday events all month
  • Seattle Kids Weekend Events: Dec 14-16, 2012 by Red Tricycle
  • "WildLights" @ Woodland Park Zoo (Seattle)
  • "The Nutcracker" Pacific Northwest Ballet (PNB) Show
  • "WinterFest" Ice-Skating in Downtown Seattle  
  • "Winter Train and Village"  Seattle Center House
  • "Trans-Siberian Orchestra (TSO)" Concert Key Arena 
  • "Gingerbread Village at the Sheraton Hotel" - 24 hours a day
  • "Wonderland Holiday Carousal" - @ Westlake Park
  • "Indoor Snowfalls at Pacific Place" - Nightly @ 6pm
  • "Toyland Village" - Over 50 lighted sculptures of toys @ the Waterfront
  • "Candy Cane Lane in the Ravenna Neighborhood" Drive through
  • "Jingle Bell Run for Arthritus" 3k run/walk - Downtown Seattle
• Bothell / Mill Creek / Lynnwood / Mountlake Terrace
  • "Tree Lighting" (Kenmore) - (Santa, singing, fun)
  • "Tree Lighting" Country Village (Bothell) 
  • "Storytime with Santa" (Mill Creek) - University Book Store
  • "Festival of Lights & Cookies w/ Mrs. Clause" at Country Village (Bothell)
  • "Winter Break Extravaganza" - FREE Activities at Sno-Isles Libraries (last 2 weeks Dec)
  • "Home Depot Kids' Workshop - Snowman Napkin Holders" - 1st Sat. each month
  • "Wights" Nursery Festive Trees (Lynnwood) - 31 themed trees, village, nativity
• Redmond / Woodinville
  • "Holiday Kid's Express Train" @ Redmond Town Center 
  • "St. Nicholas Day Open House 2011" -  (Wine - Adults Only)
  • "Holiday Events" - FREE Activities at King County Libraries
  • "Redmond Lights - Winter Festival" -  (luminary walk & crafts)
  • "Redmond Lights - Santa Breakfast"
  • "Horse Drawn Carriage Rides" @ Redmond Town Center -
  • "Storytime with Santa at Redmond Town Center"  Center Plaza
  • "Molbak's Nursery" (Woodinville) - theme trees, 14-foot poinsettia tree & pastries
• Everett
  • "Gingerbread Village" Party - ICM (Everett)
  • "Night of the Elves Party - ICM (Everett)  (4-12yrs)
  • "Polar City" Party - ICM (Everett)
• Standwood
  • "The Lights of Christmas" - Thr to Sunday every weekend in December (Standwood, WA)

Santa Picture Spots

• Local Nordstrom -  (Bellevue & Seattle hours)
• Alderwood Mall -  by My Album Pics ("Workshop Santa")
• Original Santa Photos - (Available at Local Malls) 
• Country Village (Bothell) -  by Chapters Photography

Holiday Cooking

• Honey Glazed Ham recipe
• Red Garlic Mashed Potato recipe
• Campbells Green Bean Casserole recipe
• Sauteed Cinnamon Apples recipe
• Apple Pie recipe
• Holiday Cooking and Baking with Children
• 10 Amazing (and Adorable) Holiday Desserts by Red Tricycle
• 10 Amazingly Simple Holiday Cookie Recipes by Red Tricycle
• Note: Save your favorite recipes on FREE Holiday Recipe Card Printables - 24/7 MOMs

December - "New YEARS Eve FUN"

• Events
  • "Celebration Lane" (Bellevue) - Bellevue Square Mall @ 7pm (12/26 - 12/31)
  • "Garden d'Lights" (Bellevue)  - Nov - Dec 31st walk through the lighted path outdoors
  • "Magic Season Ice Arena (Bellevue) - Nov to beginning of January
  • "Rockin' New Years Eve Daytime" Party - ICM (Everett) Dec 31st 
  • "New Year's Eve with The Rhythm Nation" Center House at Seattle Center (FREE)
  • Turn your clocks ahead & celebrate with New York City by watching CNN at 9pm PST
• Crafts
• "Fun New Years Eve with Kids Party Ideas" from 24/7 Moms
• New Years Eve "Countdown Activity Bags" w/ idea list & printable design
• New Years Eve "Countdown Goodie Bags"
• Wine Bottle Decorating Party Ideas
• "Midnight Cookie Favors" great idea even for a wedding or any party!
• New Years Eve "Party Decorating Ideas & Printables"
• "5 New Year’s Eve Tips for Families" from 24/7 Moms
• "Ways To Display Your New Years Resolutions" from 24/7 Moms

Happy Holidays!

Are you "Just a Mom?" We think not!

Are you "Just a Mom?" We think not! Read this note :)

NEW - KidzList Cell App to Locate Kid Activities

Awesome new cell-phone app to locate fun kid activities in your area!  We are already loving this app!

KidzList on-the-go

By KidzList Inc

Download KidzList from itunes

 

Description

KidzList helps you find places to go, things to do and family events in 60 US cities and metro areas. This mobile app has over 375,000 listings of places to take your kids. Perfect for parents on the go or traveling on vacation. You can save reminders about upcoming events, notify your friends and families about cool places to take your kids, view everything on a map and get directions.
Features:
• Browse through categories, such as Amusement Parks, Restaurants, Museums, etc..
• Filter events by age, cost and type or browse by day.
• KidzList uses your GPS locator or you can chose on of our 60 cities to locate places to go.
• Add ratings and reviews and upload pictures right on the spot with the app.
• Save places you like to your favorites. Send a text, email or post a message using facebook to all of your friends.

 

Amazing Kids Sleep Coach & Book Recomendation

Just got off the phone with a sleep consultant that was so very helpful!!!  We're having some serious sleep issues with our almost 3yr olds!  Her contact info is below.  She has 30+ years of experience and was amazing!  She also recommends the book below & I've placed my order!

Marianne Jacobson

Pediatric Sleep Consultant

206.999.6362
marianne@pediatricsleepconsulting.com

www.PediatricSleepConsulting.com

The Sleep Lady's Good Night, Sleep Tight: Gentle Proven Solutions to Help Your Child Sleep Well and Wake Up Happy

 

 

 

 

 

 

Christmas Sticker Books on Amazon - $1.50

Looking for an inexpensive stocking stuffer for your kiddos -or- an activity to do indoors with them now???  Check out these $1.50 sticker books on Amazon!  Such a great idea!  (Thanks Emily!)

Decorate a Snowman With 35 Stickers

    

Book Description

• Dress this delightful snow person in traditional scarf, cap and mittens or as a pretty little "snowmiss," with a mop of yellow hair and a warm jacket. Accessories included.

 

 

Holiday Canvas Painting Idea for Kids

A friend had an AWESOME Christmas present idea.  Let the kids finger paint on canvas with these washable paints and give the art master pieces as gifts!  I'm using my Amazon Mom Prime membership to get these paints sent to my doorstep for some holiday art fun!  Excited!!

Crayola Washable Kids Paint set of 10 Bottles (2 fl oz/59mL)

Art Alternatives 10 x 10 inch Pre-Stretched Studio Canvas (Pack of 5 Canvasses)



Happy Painting!!

Free Hands?

Oh the luxury of having both hands empty these days is rare!

Love this idea!

Frozen decorative water balloons!

The Kid in You...

Product of the Day = Power Wheels Car

The girls rode these at a friend's house all afternoon and loved these motorized cars!  At almost 3 they quickly figured out how to push the button and turn.  The smiles were priceless!

Power Wheels Barbie Lil' Quad

 

Product Features

• Sporty ATV styling mixed with all the fun of Barbie
• Built-in footrests and a cute cargo rack on the back
• Cool Barbie graphics and colors
• Easy push-button operation for simple stop and go
• Power Lock brake system for a safe but exciting ride.

 

Happy Thanksgiving!

Gobble gobble! Happy Thanksgiving!

Funny Thought....

This made me laugh today....hope you find the humor in it too :)

SAHM or Working Mom - two great articles

Two great articles to remind ourselves that we are not alone in this, whatever the choices we make.

 

What It's Really Like to Be a Stay-at-Home Mom
http://pregnant.thebump.com/new-mom-new-dad/your-life/articles/what-its-really-like-stay-at-home-mom.aspx

 

The Truth About Being a Working Mom
http://pregnant.thebump.com/new-mom-new-dad/your-life/articles/working-mom.aspx

 

 

 

November - "Thanksgiving FUN" ideas

• Activity Ideas
• Thanksgiving Coloring Pages
• Thanksgiving Activity Ideas
• Create a "Thankful Tree" for your family
• Printable Thanksgiving / Fall Kit (Free)
• 101 Fall Celebration Tutorials
• Teaching Thankfulness with Fun
• Bethany Roberts' Thanksgiving Fun for Kids crafts, printables, projects, etc
• Thanksgiving crafts by Kaboose crafts, printables, projects, etc
• Thanksgiving games by Lil-Fingers
• Veterans Day - How to explain to kids (Second Monday in November)
• Veterans Affairs Kids, K-5th topics, games, crafts, projects, printouts
• Enchanted Learning - Veterans Day celebrate & make crafts from items around house
• Veterans' Day at the Department of Veterans Affairs history of holiday, FAQ
• History of Verterans' Day how the holiday was started
• 35 Veterans Day Freebies
• Thanksgiving - How to explain to kids
• Crew's Nest Thanksgiving - Explanation
• Thanksgiving Around the World
• Thanksgiving defined by Wikipedia
• Holiday Cooking - Thanksgiving
• "The Perfect Turkey" recipe
• Campbells Green Bean Casserole recipe
• Sweet Potato Casserole recipe
• Stuffing recipe
• Pumpkin Pie recipe
• Events
• "Kringle Town" Party - ICM (Everett)
• "Holiday Craft Show" at Peter Kirk Community Center
• "WinterFest" Ice-Skating in Downtown Seattle \

Product of the Day = Video Baby Monitor Dropcam

Our techy friend registered for this baby video monitor and as we transition the girls to toddler beds we're feeling the real need for one. They weren't as great 2 years ago but so glad we'll get one before baby #3 arrives and use now for our crazy almost 3 year old toddler antics!  This way we'll know what the girls are up to, where they are, what type of cries we're listening to (real or just a sleepy dream), and when to enter their room.  We just ordered it tonight and are so excited to have it sync securely to our iphone that we had to share it with our readers too.   Check it out! :)

 

Dropcam HD Wi-Fi Wireless Video Monitoring Camera

 

Product Features

• Peace of Mind for your home and your baby with mobile alerts, night vision, two-way audio, and offsite DVR.
• Fast and easy setup - online and securely streaming 720p HD video in 60 seconds.
• Talk back and Zoom in on what you see on camera with two-way audio and digital pan and zoom.
• Dropcam DVR - Secure offsite recording. Motion detection. Mobile alerts. Video clips. Peace of mind.
• Your video is protected using AES 256-bit encryption, the same technology as top online banks.

 

 

October - "Halloween FUN" ideas

October - "Halloween FUN" ideas:

• Kid Activity Ideas
• October Guide (By Ruby Slipper)
• The top Kids Costume Shops in Seattle (By Red Tricycle)
• Halloween Activities (By Alderwood Mall) Pumpkin carving, costumes, games
• 10 Pumpkin Carving Tips for Tots
• Events
• "Harvest Festival" - ICM (Everett)
• Harvest Festival at Country Village (Bothell)
• Brewfest (Snohomish)
• Halloween Festival Eastside FourSquare Church (Bothell) - Bouncy Houses
• Pee Wee Monster Bash Party (Kirkland) (under 5yrs)
• "Halloween with the Lights On" - ICM (Everett)
• Pumpkin Patches
• Festival of Pumpkins - List of Pumpkin Patches (Snohomish, WA)
• Pumpkin Patches - List (By Ruby Slipper)
• Where to get your pumpkins and stroll a corn maze by Herald.net
• Stocker Corn Maze & Festival Field - 8705 Marsh Road, Snohomish, WA
• Bailey Vegetables & Pumpkin Patch - 12711 Springhetti Road, Snohomish WA
• Bob's Corn and Pumpkin Patch - 10917 Elliot Road, Snohomish WA
• Carleton Farm Produce - 630 Sunnyside Blvd SE, Lake Stevens, WA
• Craven Farm - 13817 Short School Road, Snohomish, WA
• The Farm at Swan's Trail - 7302 Rivershore Road, Snohomish WA
• Trick-or-Treating
• Halloween trick-or-treating Spots (By Red Tricycle)
• Best Trick or Treating Around Puget Sound Area Businesses
• Family friendly places for Halloween around Puget Sound
• Country Village (Bothell) (under 12yrs)

My HEART is empty without my children...

This is so TRUE!!!

The truth about my days...

Oh this makes me laugh!! Some days I even wonder what I did all day besides chase toddlers around the house and clean up messes! Forget getting any chores done or relaxing!!

Driving Fix...

I can totally see my husband doing this to the girl's car someday!! :)