Your guide to activities and fun things to do with your preschoolers, toddlers and kids in Washington, DC

Summertime, Summertime, Sum-Sum-Summertime

by Beth Hoffman

June 03, 2009

I keep swearing that I am sticking to one activity per kid for the summer and spending the rest of our time playing at the pool and visiting new places and attending all the kid-friendly events that happen around here in the summer.  But then I keep finding out about new activities that my kids would love, so I'm having a hard time sticking to it.  In case you are still in the market for some ways to pass the weeks until school starts back up, here are some of the things tempting me:

• Yoga!  Soccer!  Ballet!  Arts and Crafts!  Swimming!  Nature hikes!  Gymnastics!  Once a week classes or weeks-long camps!  And cheap!  Oh, Parks and Recreation, where have you been all my life?  Check out your local county, city or town rec center and see what they are offering for the summer.  My almost-four-year-old could keep herself very bus bouncing from camp to class to activity at the local community center.  We've done several programs there in the past year and they have beenalmost without exception fantatic.
• Most of the indoor playground places (Gymboree, Little Gym, My Gym, JW Tumbles, etc.) offer summer camps for preschool-age and up.  I've been considering Little Gym, where you can do morning or afternoon sessions and can buy anywhere from one day of camp to the entire summer.

Fresh Hot Tips for Visiting the National Aquarium in Baltimore

by Beth Hoffman

May 27, 2009

We have been talking about a trip to the National Aquarium in Baltimore for months, and we finally made it up there on Memorial Day.  So, here are my newly-updated tips for your visit.

• Remember the stroller ban.  You can check your stroller when you get to the aquarium, but lines to check them in and out get long.  You might want to leave it in the car and fetch it later if you are staying in Baltimore for the day.
• If you want to see the dolphin show, buy your tickets in advance or be prepared to wait for an afternoon show.  We bought our tickets at 10:00 (the aquarium opens at 9:00), and the next available show was at 3:30.
• Check the aquarium's website for a list of their highest traffic days.  The aquarium basically tells you not to come on those busy days, and you would do well to heed their advice.  Memorial Day was not too crowded, at least in the morning while we were there, but the Saturday of Memorial Day weekend is one of their high volume days.
• Plan a stop at the Harbor View Cafe.  It is about halfway up in the main exhibit and a great place to let the kids have a little more freedom to wander and blow off a bit of steam from all their good behavior.  It is also a great place to let the little kids out of whatever backpack/Ergo/Baby Bjorn you've strapped them into for the visit.
• Pay attention to what the fish are eating.  We saw zucchini, lettuce, and bok choi, and my hgihly vegetable-averse preschooler suddenly wants to try "that thing the polka dot fish was eating."
• Warn the kids well in advance about the sharks.  Also warn the kids that much of the aquarium is rather dark to allow better viewing of the fish.
• Either be prepared to buy tickets to tour the submarine right outside the museum, and rent a paddle boat, and possibly go sailing in the pirate ship that my kid spotted in the harbor, or have your firm nos ready to go.

Weekend Getaway: Charlottesville, Virginia

by Leticia

April 13, 2009

If you are craving to get away from the Beltway, politics, and enjoy some different scenery, head a couple hours south to Charlottesville.  Charlottesville is known as the home of the University of Virginia, Thomas Jefferson’s Monticello, James Monroe’s Ash Lawn Highland, and Michie Tavern.   While it best known as a college town that is filled with history, Charlottesville is also a family friendly place with plenty of fabulous food and room to run that makes a wonderful weekend getaway or even a day trip. 

Here’s a quick guide of some things to do when in the Charlottesville area:

Room to Run:

• Right around UVAs Rotunda is a wide expanse of grass perfect for a game of Frisbee, bubble blowing, kite flying, or just plain roaming.  Off to the sides of the grass are some fabulous old trees with low branches that are just right for climbing. 
• At the end of the Downtown Mall by the Visitor’s Center is a large amphitheater with a large stage.  Our kids loved running up and down the aisles, between the chairs, and up the ramp to the stage.
• There are also numerous parks in Charlottesville.  For the locations and details about the city parks, click here. 

Things to See:

• If you want to integrate a little history lesson into your visit to Charlottesville, head to Monticello.  Home to Thomas Jefferson, Monticello boasts many amenities that make it family friendly.  Skilled guides tell you everything you need to know about President Jefferson’s home in 30 minutes, which is the perfect length for those 6 and under.   Make sure to allocate plenty of time for roaming the grounds and gardens.  Monticello also boasts a brand new visitor’s center complete with a café, hands-on Griffin Discovery Room for children, and family restrooms.  For a list of family friendly activities at Monticello, come back tomorrow when I cover it as a Tuesday List topic.
• The Virginia Discovery Museum is the perfect place for the 10 and under set.  With plenty of hands on exhibits to delight kids, wallet friendly admission ($4 per person), and in and out privileges, this is a must do.  For rates and hours, click here.  Also know that the first Sunday of the month is pay-as-you-wish day! 
• Right in front of the Discovery Museum is a great chalk wall for channeling your inner artist and a 1920 push carousel.  The scaled down carousel is more like a merry go round because parents have to push their kids but it is a fun free ride that our kids didn’t want to leave!

Cheap Must Eats:

• On the Downtown Mall, stop at Christian’s Pizza whose tasty flavor combinations on the most crisp crust remind me of true New York pizza. 
• On the back side of the Downtown Mall is The Flat (closed Sundays and Mondays) which serves huge sweet and savory crepes.  My pick is the ham, brie, and apples but you can choose one of their flavor combinations or create your own. 
• Located in the shopping area known as the Corner (across the street from the Rotunda) Arch’s frozen yogurt serves up delicious flavor combinations.   
• For snacks and other restaurants, stop anywhere on 29 which you took into Charlottesville to find Whole Foods, Kroger’s Grocery, Giant, and lots of restaurants.

Friends Forever Girls Dolls: Ethnically Diverse Dolls with a Positive Message (and Giveaway!)

by Leticia

March 23, 2009

I consider the DC Metro Area pretty culturally diverse place and want the things in our environment to reflect the world we live in.  Ever since Little Miss Techie was little, I’ve strived to find dolls that reflect her Chinese-American heritage and our mixed family.  So far we haven’t had much luck.  She has a baby Yang Corolle doll that was bought before her little brother was born and then a Cabbage Patch with dark hair, eyes, and tanned skin. 

We’ve been on the hunt for a more grown up doll for her now that she’s getting older so I was thrilled to be introduced to the Friends Forever Girls Dolls collection.  The 6 Friends Forever Girls are ethnicallydiverse, fun loving and have their own special and unique personalities. Thedolls come to life through a series of books that take the reader through the challenging and exciting adventures of growing up girl.

We were sent Reina, a tan skinned dark haired beauty with beautiful brown eyes, who is already much loved by Little Miss Techie.  Little Miss Techie loves that Reina is bigger than her other dolls (18”) and carried a backpack very similar to her own.  She loves that Reina arrived wearing a pink shirt, capri jeans with the pink fringe, and has a red shawl in case it gets cold.  Reina also came with The First Day of Forever Book and a Butterfly Promises bookmark.  There was also a card in the box that told us a little bit about Reina like how she loves animals and wants to be a veterinarian soshe works “really hard in school because I need good grades to be an animal doctor. Last year I got mostly A’s.”

Little Miss Techie and I have enjoyed reading The First Day of Forever chapter book that came with Reina to learn more about the girls, their personalities, and friendships.  I love the positive messages of friendship, individualism, family, and pride in their culture that the girls represent.  Each of the other girls (Marlee, Natalie, Nika, Kristina, and Kyleen) serve as strong role models that are suitable for any child. The Butterfly Promise Pledge also reinforces positive self esteem and encourages respect. 

I have a feeling that we will be purchasing more Friends Forever Girl dolls for Little Miss Techie. I’d love to add Kristina- the Asian American doll- to her collection so she'll have an older doll that is more representative of her.

Interested in getting your own Friends Forever Girl? Why not try to win one!

Mom Blog Marketing and Friends Forever Girls Dolls are giving one lucky Being Savvy DC reader a doll of their choice!

To enter, click here to visit the Friends Forever Girls Dolls Store and leave a comment telling me which doll you would like to receive and why before Midnight on March 31.  You must put a valid e-mail address in the comment field so I can contact you when you win.  Winner must provide an address within the continental US for shipping purposes.

Being Savvy Washington DC readers can also take advantage of a special coupon code (Spring) that entitles you to a free Girls Friends Forever T-shirt with any doll purchase. Coupon code expires April 20.

Savvy Guest Jim Silver from TimeToPlayMag.com Discusses Games for Preschoolers

by Leticia

March 20, 2009

Coming Attractions

by Beth Hoffman

March 12, 2009

Here are a few options if you are looking for things to do with the kids this weekend.

NSO Community Music & Arts Festival at THEARC.  This event takes place from 10AM to 2 PM and all ages are welcome.  There's a concert at 10AM targeted to 3-6 years olds, who are invited to bring their teddy bears.  At 11, there's a musical instrument "petting zoo," an appearance by Maestro Mouse, face painting, balloon artists, and more, and finally a full orchestra family concert at 1 PM.  Admission is free, but you do need tickets, so hit the website for more info.

Pi Day at the Maryland Science Center.  Planning to be near the Inner Harbor?  Check out Pi Day at the Maryland Science Center from noon to four.  Entrance is free with paid admission and they are offering pie, a Pi memorization contest and a hula hoop contest.  (Let's see.... 3.14159.... I'm out.  Who can beat me?)  It's Einstein's birthday too, so you can take a shot at explaining relativity to your preschooler.  I wish you luck on that one.

Elephant Walk through D.C.  The circus is coming!  The circus is coming!  And at 10AM Tuesday (weather permitting), the elephants are coming to take a stroll through the streets of D.C. from Garfield Place to the Verizon Center.  They're even bringing a bagpiper in honor of St. Patrick's Day.  I'm definitely heading downtown for this one, I think the sight of elephants walking down city streets will blow my three-year-old's mind.  Read more...

Cookology Cooking Classes for Kids

by Beth Hoffman

March 12, 2009

On my way from here to there yesterday, I ran into Dulles Town Center Mall in search of Easter outfits for the kids and noticed a slightly out of place looking storefront called Cookology .  A few minutes of googling later, and I am in love with this place where I have, admittedly, never been.  It bills itself as a "recreational culinary school" and offers cooking classes for all age groups.  There's a Mommy and Me series for 3-5 year olds, classes for 4-6 year olds, 5-8 year olds, tweens and teens.  They offer adult classes too, along with wine and beer tastings and an ettiquette class dubbed "The Art of Mingling." 

The place seems to be brand new and I am hoping the schedule will fill out with some weekend classes for working parents or those who don't want to try to make rainbow cupcakes with their baby in a backpack or howling from his stroller.  But the concept, at least, looks fabulous.  The kid classes last an hour and cost $25, which seemed expensive to me until I thought about them supplying all the materials and all the clean up.  If you had ever seen how far my three year old can scatter a cup of flour, you would agree that was totally reasonable.  Each class focuses on one food, and most of the little kid classes deal with treats, but there are also classes focused on fruits instead of sugar.

Sounds like fun, and we will be checking it out soon.   Read more...

Coming Attractions

by Beth Hoffman

March 05, 2009

Looking for things to do with the kids this weekend?  Here are a few of the events and activities happening around town.\

Smuckers Stars on Ice at the Verizon Center (District)
Ok, so I'm cutting this one a bit close since the show is Friday night (3/6 at 6:30 PM), but I mention it for two reasons.  First, it features Michael Weiss, who I went to high school with.  Well, who attended my high school at the same time I did, not that I ever clapped eyes on him.  Second, when I first read the press release I thought it said the show featured Michael Phelps, and I had such fun trying to envision how that would work that I just had to share.  Also, ice skating is strangely captivating for many of the preschoolers I know, maybe yours feels the same way.

Majestic Eagles at Mason Neck State Park (Lorton, VA)
If you want to head to the park this weekend (the weather is supposed to be fabulous), they are running an educational program about bald eagles and will loan you binoculars and a spotting scope so you can try to sneak a peak of one in the wild.  Good excuse to get outside and enjoy our early Spring.

Shushan Street Festival, a Purim Party (District)
The District of Columbia Jewish Community Center is holding a Purim Party this Sunday from 11:00 AM to 1:00 PM.  Wear costumes, catch a puppet parade and puppet show, and join the dance party.  $15 per family, tickets available at the door.

Zomo at the Zoo (district)
Have you heard about "Zomo the Rabbit: A Hip-Hop Creation Myth" at Imagination Stage?  Well the zoo is hosting a bunch of activities based on the show at the Kid's Farm this weekend.  Admission is free, and be sure to take advantage of a less-crowded winter time trip to visit the animals while you are there.

National Aquarium Washington

by Beth Hoffman

March 04, 2009

Have you been to the National Aquarium?  I mean the one in the basement of the Commerce Department, not to be confused with the National Aquarium in Baltimore.  (And if you have been to both, there is no risk of confusing them.)  My parents used to take me to the National Aquarium when I was a kid, and I remember really liking it.  They had these shallow pools full of starfish and you could touch them and even pick them up, if you were brave enough (they aren't there anymore).  My parents always seemed to giggle when I requested a trip to the National Aquarium, and the first time I visited as an adult I understood why.

The National Aquarium is, in many ways, an embarrassment.  It is a basement, it is small, it is cramped, it is poorly lit, the exhibits are insufficiently annotated, and it is frequently populated by incredulous tourists, shaking their heads and wondering how they were duped into spending their time and money on such a lackluster attraction.

However!  It is an ideal outing for a young kid.  It is small enough that the preschool set hardly has time to get bored and start whining before you have seen all there is to see and it is time to get lunch.  It generally isn't too crowded (word about its shortcomings has apparently gotten out) so you get fewer dirty looks about your kid pressing their nose against the glass at a favorite exhibit.  And then, there are two major areas where the National Aquarium Washington has it all over the National Aquarium Baltimore: a family of four can visit Washington for the price of a single child's admission to Baltimore, and Washington allows strollers. 

If you are visiting D.C. for a week, do not under any circumstances take the time to visit the National Aquarium.  But if you live here and are sick of the bugs at Natural History and are looking for an hour or two of family togetherness with your preschooler, definitely check it out.  You will be disappointed, but your kid will have fun.

A Being Savvy Look Back at Math Activities for Your Child

by Leticia

March 03, 2009

Math is all around us although it doesn't always seem like it to your child.  If you want to incorporate some more math into your everyday activities, here are a list of fun things you can do that are a far cry from the statistics, algebra, and geometry that they will meet in their later years. 

Besides my list of savvy pre-math activities, the following fabulous posts written by fellow Being Savvy City Editors will make math fun:

• Being Savvy Halifax’s Raechelle Masuda has a list of ideas to get your preschooler counting.
• Vancouver’s Gwen Floyd writes about math with manipulatives like pattern blogs and Legos for some hands on fun.
• Laura Stallard Petza of Being Savvy Baltimore wrote about math at the 32^nd Street Farmer’s Market.  Take a little trip up 95 with her guide to let your child test out their knowledge of money like counting, making change, and spending or use her ideas at your local farmers' market or neighborhood grocery store.
• Music and math?  Indeed!  Being Savvy Austin’s Nicole Basham explores the links between music and math with through her interview with Petra Soltis, Early Childhood Coordinator at the Austin Lyric Opera’s Armstrong School of Music. 
• There are lots of posts about money including Nicole Teed’s review of the Lunch Money album on Being Savvy Charleston, a guide to introducing your child to money by Amy Mumper in Cincinnati, a review of the Preschool Money Manager by Naomi from Being Savvy Cleveland, and a post called Money Makes the World Go Around by Jenny Meade from Being Savvy Kansas City.
• For tips on teaching to tell time, check out Being Savvy Dallas.  Or wow your kids with your knowledge of clock facts compiled by Milwaukee’s Amy Jo Jones.  Then take a trip to a couple hours north where Cecily Kellogg tells you the best Philly landmarks with clocks.
• And math is everywhere!  Shauna Reynolds of Being Savvy Nashville finds it at the park, West LA’s Susan Choi finds it when shoe shopping, and Jennifer Signore (Pittsburg) finds it around the neighborhood and on the mini golf course. It's also part of bowling according to San Antonio editors Emily and Colleen Pence, and a big part of any baseball game whether you are rooting for the Nats, Os, Tampa, or Tuscon!
• Math is also embedded in many favorite stories.  Terese Farmen from our San Diego site shares her favorites here while our Toronto City Editor, Katie, lists some of best counting songs and rhymes in her post.

With all of these great ideas from the Being Savvy City Editors, your child will be ready for algebra in kindergarten!   

Tuesday List: Savvy Pre-Math Activities

by Leticia

February 10, 2009

The other day we were talking about school and the fact that Little Miss Techie will be in kindergarten this fall.  Little Miss Techie asked about the kinds of things she would do in kindergarten.  We rattled off reading, math, writing, art, music, PE, etc.  When we said math, she got a worried look on her face and said, “But I don’t know how to do that.”  Once we assured her that math masquerades as measuring during cooking, counting, or creating bead patterns when making necklaces, she felt much better and exclaimed with confidence, "I know how to do that!"

Math is all around us although it doesn't alway seem like it to your child.  If you want to incorporate some more math into your everyday activities, here are a list of fun things you can do that are a far cry from the statistics, algebra, and geometry that they will meet in their later years.  Just make sure that you mention the word math from time to time so your child isn't thrown for a loop like Little Miss Techie was!

Savvy Guest: National Children's Museum's Tips for Combating Winter Boredom

by Leticia

February 09, 2009

Today's Savvy Guest post is by the National Children's Museum whose experts are providing fun and educational ideas and activities to cure the cold-weather blues. "The winter months find most families inside, reading books, playing games, and finding ways to keep boredom at bay," said Linda Coulombe, Manager of Science Programs, National Children's Museum. "But most pediatricians and experienced  Read more...

Tuesday List: 100 Things to Do Before Kindergarten

by Leticia

January 27, 2009

As a mom of a child who will be a kindergartner this fall, the thought of kindergarten readiness can be daunting. As a former first grade teacher, I often think of the skills that my students entered my classroom with having learned or not learned in kindergarten. It is true that kindergarten is becoming increasingly academic but the chances are if you read to your child, talk to them about the  Read more...

Tuesday List: Best Inauguration Crafts for the Toddler and Preschool Set

by Leticia

January 20, 2009

Like many families, we will be watching today's inaugural address and parade from the comfort of our home rather than braving the chilly temperatures and crowds with our small children in tow. While it would be great if our 5 and 2 year old would sit next to us on the couch, hands folded, straining to hear every word of Barack Obama's speech, I am not delusional. I have no doubt that there will  Read more...

Product Review: Leapfrog Clickstart My First Computer

by Beth Hoffman

January 08, 2009

My three-and-a-half year old received a Leapfrog Clickstart My First Computer for Christmas. My husband and I decided to get her a "computer" because she is fascinated by our laptops and because she enjoys the games she can play on the stations set up in the children's section of our local library. So far, the gift has been a huge hit with her and with us. As with all things, there are pros  Read more...

Savvy Indoor Activities for Winter Months

by Leticia

December 19, 2008

It is that time of year when the days are short, weather is cold, kids are sick, and we find ourselves spending more time inside than weâ??d like. When we start to go stir crazy indoors I find that a good activity puts everyone in a better mood. Luckily the Savvy Source Activity Finder is full of great ideas for the cold winter months. Browse the section called Around the House and find lots  Read more...

Spicing up Early Literacy

by Beth Hoffman

December 09, 2008

I don't know about you, but I have a heck of a time keeping a three year old and a nine month old entertained long enough to get dinner on the table every night. At least I did, until I turned my spice rack over to the kids. Now, my spice rack is really a low shelf in a cabinet, so when I need to get dinner started I just open up the door and point the kids in that direction. The baby  Read more...

Montgomery Cinema and Drafthouse: Catch a Movie, Local Music, or a Night Out

by Leticia

December 03, 2008

There's a new venue in Montgomery County that's great for the whole family! The Montgomery Cinema and Drafthouse recently opened its doors and shows first-run movies, Sunday afternoon and Monday night Redskins games, and live comedy, magical, and musical performances. We went to the new Drafthouse to catch a performance of local favorite kid-rock band, Rocknoceros , and to see what the new  Read more...

Savvy Guest: National Children's Museum Offers Tips to Beat Winter Boredom

by Leticia

November 12, 2008

Today's Savvy guest post is by the National Children's Museum . When it opens in 2012, The National Children's Museum (NCM) will be a world-class cultural and educational center dedicated to engaging children and empowering them to make a difference. The mission of NCM is to inspire children to care about and improve the world. Today the National Children's Museum experts provide families with  Read more...

Everybody Into the Pool

by Beth Hoffman

October 27, 2008

Looking for indoor activities to pass the time once it gets too cold for the playground? Hurry on over to your local rec center's website and check out their schedule for preschool swimming lessons. Most centers seem to offer several levels of classes for the 3-5 year old set, from swim with mom or dad lessons to splash around with an instructor to actual, albeit closely supervised,  Read more...

Jammin Java: Jammin for kid, Java for moms

by Leticia

August 21, 2008

Guest writer Linda Kerr lives in Fairfax County with her two children. She and her clan venture out to find fun and excitement close to home that doesn't break the bank. Great indoor places for kids and moms to escape the heat, rain, cold, snow are few and far between. Finding a great indoor place that suits both mom and children of so many ages is a jewel. Jammin Java in Vienna is one of  Read more...

Come Fly With Me: College Park Aviation Museum

by Leticia

August 20, 2008

This past weekend we were invited to a birthday party at the College Park Aviation Museum and while we haven't been there in awhile, we were reminded of what a wonderful treasure this museum is for the toddler and preschool set. The College Park Aviation Museum is located across from Route 1 from the University of Maryland College Park campus. The building is on the grounds of the world's oldest  Read more...

Savvy Pick: Favorite Being Savvy Posts from Around the Country (Part 2)

by Leticia

August 01, 2008

Yesterday I covered the first 10 Being Savvy sites from across the country and picked my favorite post by my fellow City Editors. Today I'm back to give you more! the best of the rest. My favorite posts by my fellow Being Savvy City Editors include parenting anecdotes that we can all relate to, tips for exploring their cities with your children, and fabulous activities for your 2-6 year old that  Read more...

Get Your Groove on at Rock-n-Tots

by Leticia

June 18, 2008

This spring we took a family vacation to Boston. The Boston area will always be near and dear to my heart since it is where I spent two wonderful years during grad school . While I spent a lot of time studying, I also made sure to have plenty of fun. I used to love rockin' the clubs in Boston as an alternative to my coursework. Dressing up and hitting Lansdowne Street with a bunch of friends  Read more...

Indoor Fun for a Hot Day

by Leticia

June 09, 2008

With this weekend's heat index reaching triple digits, we retreated inside for most of Sunday. It was a perfect low key day where we stayed in our PJs until an embarrassing time of day and took it easy. There are some days where we stay inside and Little Miss Techie (4 years) and Captain Computer (almost 2) just drive me crazy. Not yesterday though. The key to them not making me batty while we  Read more...

The Budding Art Critic: How to Make the National Gallery a Place Your Child Loves

by Leticia

June 02, 2008

In college I was a psychology major who loved taking art history classes. I ended up taking so many art history classes that I had enough credits for a double major. For me, learning about artists and their paintings was just for fun. Every day when my children take out the art box, I watch them and am reminded about the masters I learned about and whose techniques are very similar to those my  Read more...

Local Music- Rocknoceros

by Leticia

May 30, 2008

We were introduced to Rocknoceros a year ago during their performance at a local coffee house and became hooked. Ever since then we've been checking their online calendar and following them around the DC Metro Area like groupies. Hailing from Northern Virginia, Rocknoceros' Coach Cotton, Boogie Woogie Benny, and Willie Bob have been friends since they were kids. Now these three dads play gigs  Read more...

50 Things To Do in the DC Metro Area With a Child Before They Grow Up

by Leticia

May 29, 2008

In no particular order, here's a list of 50 things to do in the DC Metro Area with a child before they grow up: Head out the night before and brave the elements for your tickets to the White House Easter Egg Roll just to say you've done it Witness the beauty of the cherry blossoms at the Jefferson Memorial at their peak Go kayaking at Mason Neck State Park in Virginia since it is a great place  Read more...

Top 5 Things to Do in the DC Area on a Rainy Day

by Leticia

May 27, 2008

Top 5 Things to Do in the DC Area on a Rainy Day Sometimes rainy days make me want to curl up on the couch underneath a blanket with my two children cuddled close with a stack of books for a reading marathon. Other times we feel like we've been stuck in the house for days and need to escape. National Building Museum's Building Zone - - My children love anything construction related so we hop  Read more...

Cultivate Your Child's Green Thumb with a Planting Party

by Leticia

May 14, 2008

There came a point during winter when I was just ready for spring. I was tired of the barren landscape of my backyard, the extra time it took to dress my children for the great outdoors, and my winter wardrobe. I decided to turn my nose up at old man winter and jump start our spring with a planting party. My Type A obsessive compulsive self realized this meant my children would have  Read more...