The Polar Express - Kidstage Performance

All Aboard!  Kidstage - (where kids perform for kids) will be performing The Polar Express!  This free event will take place at Southridge rec center on Sunday, December 15th from 5:30pm - 7:30pm.  Go to the HRCA website to print off the free tickets, or stop by one of the rec centers.

Breakfast with Santa

What could be better than Pancakes and Santa?  If you're looking for something fun to do this weekend, bring your children to have breakfast with Santa!  Saturday, December 14th is the annual event at Eastridge from 9am - 10:30am.  Pricing is $9 for kids and $11 for adults in advance, and $11 for everyone the day of (if not sold out).  Your child can do crafts, write a letter to Santa, and then hand deliver it.  Santa will be giving away a small gift to all children attending.  Be sure to bring your camera for some memorable pictures.

Teddy Bear Tea

The Holiday Teddy Bear Tea is Saturday, December 7th at Southridge.  Tea time will be 10:30am - 11:15am, and the showtime is 11:15am - 12:00pm.  Tickets are $11 in advance and $15 the day of the event.  You can register at any of the Rec Centers or by calling 303-471-8859.  Children (2 and older) must be accompanied by an adult.  Be sure to bring your favorite teddy bear!

Holiday Celebration

On Saturday, December 7th the annual Holiday Celebration will be held at the Highlands Ranch Mansion.  This event is from 10am - 3pm.  Santa will be there to visit with the children.  Entertainment will include performances inside of the mansion by local elementary school choirs, a puppet show, horse drawn hay rides, and more!  This is a free event, however vendors will be there selling holiday crafts as well as refreshments.  There is NO parking at the mansion - buses will provide free shuttles from Mountain Vista High School from 9:45am - 3:30pm.  Parents - don't forget your camera!

Hometown Holiday

 

Friday, December 6th is the Highlands Ranch Hometown Holiday Celebration!  This free event will be at Town Center South.  Some of the festivities will include: caroling, live entertainment, food, and Reindeer.  The tree lighting will be at 5:00pm.  Your children will even have a chance to meet Santa!

Give Thanks!

Nutcracker Highlights

The International Youth Ballet is coming to Southridge rec center to perform the Nutcracker Highlights.  This family-friendly event will take place on Friday, November 29th from 7pm - 8pm and on Saturday, November 30th from 3pm - 4pm, and 7pm - 8pm.  Tickets are $7 in advance and $10 the day of - if not sold out.  For more information, check out the HRCA website.  I can't wait to take Ella when she's older :)

Guru Girls!

Belly Up Spa is hosting Guru Girls, which focuses on expanding self-esteem through art, conversation, and yoga.  Belly Up Spa is located at 7600 E. Park Meadows Drive Suite #600 in Lone Tree.

The Guru Girls for moms and daughters (ages 8-12) dates are: Jan 8, 15, 22, & 29 from 6:30pm - 8:30pm. 

The Guru Girls for young women (ages 13-18) dates are: Feb 12, 19, 26, and March 6 from 6:30pm - 8:30pm.

If you register before November 22nd, the price is $250, but if you register after November 22nd the price is $300.

To register contact Nicole Woodman:
email: nicole@newyoucounseling.com
phone: 303-895-8280
 

Baby's First Christmas

Babies"R"Us is hosting a fun and free event to celebrate your Baby's First Christmas!  They will have a craft, giveaways, and prizes.  Everyone that attends will receive a $10 gift card :)

Saturday, November 16th from 9am - 10am (babies born April - June)

Saturday, November 23rd from 9am - 10am (babies born July - Sept)

Saturday, December 7th from 9am - 10am (babies born Oct - Dec)

The Highlands Ranch Babies"R"Us is located at 7155 Business Center Dr.

This is a great way to meet other moms with babies born in 2013!

Turkey Day 5K!

 

The 10th Annual Highlands Ranch Turkey Day 5K is this Thanksgiving Day, November 28th.  Early bird registration closes on November 19th.  Right now it's only $25 to register (for an adult), pre-registration is $35 if you register before November 26th, and race day registration is $45.  A portion of the race proceeds will go towards The Colorado National Guard Foundation.  For race day information including a course map and registration, click here. 

New Stockings!

If you were planning to get new stockings this year, today is the day to order them!  Pottery Barn has free personalization (on select stockings) and free shipping today!  I love anything that is personalized or monogrammed, but sometimes it ads up quickly and suddenly you are spending way more than planned.  Stockings have to be personalized, or else, how is Santa going to know which stocking to put what toy into? 

How cute are these?

I love the little elf stocking for the kiddos.

I also love their stocking holders.

A bunch of the stockings at Pottery Barn Kids are on sale and have free shipping today.  They have so many to choose from.  Basic Christmas themes as well as:

Dancers

Airplanes

Trains

Simple & Festive!

Only 43 Days till Christmas ~ Happy Monday!

Home Depot Birthday Party

This year we had Jack's Birthday Party at The Home Depot in Highlands Ranch!  It was such a cute theme; perfect for Jack's 4th birthday.  The Home Depot hosts birthday parties all over the country.  There is no charge to have a birthday party at The Home Depot (the project that the kids do along with an apron are also free).  

 

When the kids arrived I had them decorate their party hats with stickers!  I found these cute construction hats (pink and yellow) on Amazon.  Once everyone was there, Jerry (the awesome Home Depot employee that coordinates the parties) told the kids about the different projects they could build.  There were about 8 to choose from.  Jack chose a rescue airplane.  The kids parents got busy building :)

It took about 20 or 30 minutes for everyone to finish their projects.  Jack had 12 friends at his party, and I think that since the ages were 2-4 most of the parents helped out quite a bit.  For the parties with older kids, they mostly can do their projects themselves so the project part might take a bit longer.  

The kids really had a blast making their projects!  After they were built, the kids decorated them with markers and stickers.  Next we took a group picture in the hall - it was so cute - everyone in their decorated hats, Home Depot aprons, and with their projects!

Snack time!  Since the party was at 2pm I had light snacks and drinks, but not a full meal.  (The Home Depot allows you to bring in food, drinks, candles, and balloons) 

Cookie cake from Eileen's Cookies - in Highlands Ranch

After the cake, Jack handed out the goody bags (a beach pail & shovel, measuring tape, Bob the Builder bubbles, and a Bob the Builder blow-outs), and thanked his friends for helping him celebrate turning 4!

Once everyone left, we did a quick clean up, and thanked Jerry for all of his help and we were on our way!  

Jerry is the person in charge of the Kid's Workshops and Birthday Parties at The Home Depot in Highlands Ranch.  He is super nice and helpful :)  He is one of those people who truly love their job and it shows!

One of my favorite things about having a party at the Home Depot is the shopping carts.  We were able to clear out with only one trip to the car :) 

It was such a fun Birthday Party and we hope to go to one of the Kid's Workshops soon!

Halloween Candy Buy Back

I hope everyone had a fun Halloween!  If you are looking for something to do with all of the Halloween treats that your child received, this post is for you!  Jack's dentist, Colorado Kids Pediatric Dentistry is taking part in the Halloween Candy Buy Back.  They will pay your child $1 per pound of candy, and then send the candy to the military troops in Iraq and Afghanistan.  All you have to do is put the candy in a zip-lock bag, along with a picture of your child in their Halloween costume, and a note to our brave soldiers.  Colorado Kids Pediatric Dentistry is located in the Highlands Ranch town center.  Check out their website for more information along with the schedule of when to drop off the candy.

By the way if you are looking for a dentist for your child, I highly recommend Colorado Kids Pediatric Dentistry!  Jack loves his dentist.  The entire staff is so kind, and they do an awesome job of making children enthusiastic about dental hygiene!

Freaky Friday!

If you are looking for something fun to do tonight I highly recommend The Denver Botanic Gardens at Chatfield.  We missed the pumpkin festival last year because Jack was sick.  However, we ended up going there on a Friday night and Jack basically had the patch to himself :)

Tonight, they have a corn maze going on until 9pm and a haunted field of the undead until 11pm.  Check out their website for all of the weekend events!

Happy Halloween!

Magic Show

Friday, September 27th is the magic show at Southridge from 7pm - 8pm.  Tickets are $7 in advance and $10 at the door.  Children under 2 are free.  This event is recommended for all ages.  Prepare to be amazed!

Oktoberfest 2013

The Highlands Ranch annual Oktoberfest is this Saturday, September 21st.  The day will start off with a 5k / 100yard dash at 8:30am.  For race information click here.  The Oktoberfest will be held in town center south from 12:00pm - 10:00pm.  The annual Dachshund race will begin at 3:30pm.  This is a free event with food and drinks available for purchase.  There will be plenty of fun activities for children including music, dancing, balloons, and magic!  For more information, including a schedule of events, check out the HRCA website.  Also because the 4th of July fireworks were cancelled this year, at 9:30pm there will be fireworks!

Highlands Ranch Days!

The Highlands Ranch Days are here!  September 5th through 7th from 9am - 2pm.  Ticket prices are $4 for adults and $2 for children.  Highlands Ranch Days will take place in the at the Highlands Ranch Mansion.  For more information including a map click here.  There will be fun and educational activities for children of all ages!  On Saturday there will be a pancake breakfast from 8am - 11am ($7 adults & $4 kids).  Parking is limited on Thursday and Friday.  Saturday there is no parking at the mansion but a free shuttle from Mountain Vista High School.  

Touch a Truck!

Saturday, August 17th is the 2nd annual Touch-a-Truck event from 9am - 1pm.  Kids will be able to climb on and explore everything from fire trucks to tractors (and even a helicopter)!  This free event will take place at Cherry Hills Community Church parking lot (Fairview Pkwy & Grace Blvd).  The first hour will be horn free :)  We have been looking forward to this event all summer!

Dive in Movie!

Saturday, August 3rd is the annual Highlands Ranch Dive in Movie!  This free event starts at 8:15pm, doors open at 7:30pm.  They will be showing the movie, The Lorax.  You can bring food and drinks.  The event will take place at Westridge Rec Center (outdoor pool) - weather permitting :)

Project Live! Presents: Laurie Berkner

The Douglas County Libraries is hosting Project Live! Presents: Laurie Berkner.  This Saturday, August 3rd at Civic Green Park from 10:30am - 12:00pm.  Tickets are $10 per person, and can be ordered here!  Laurie Berkner is a popular Kindie Rock musician.  It is sure to be a fun concert for all!

Movie in the Park

This Friday, August 2nd is the first Movie in the Park of the Summer.  This free event will be at Civic Green Park.  The Lorax will be playing at dusk (approximately 8:15pm).  Be sure to bring a blanket and some snacks.  The other movies playing this summer are: August 9th - Madagascar 3, and August 16th - Rise of the Guardians.

German Festival

The German Festival will be at Civic Green Park in Highlands Ranch, this weekend!  Saturday, July 27th from 10am - 10pm, and Sunday, July 28th from 10am - 8pm.  Entry is $6 for adults, kids 12 and under are free.  There will be dance performances, live music, food, as well as face painting and other activities for kids.  For more information, check out their website. 

Ice Cream Social

Wednesday, July 10th is the annual Littleton Fire Rescue Ice Cream Social.  All you can eat ice cream is $1.  There will also be Fire Truck displays and demonstrations, live music, face painting, and more!  This event takes place at Civic Green Park from 6pm - 9pm.

4th of July!

The Independence Day Celebration is something you won't want to miss!  It will start at 8:00am with the 5k run/walk.  The family bike and pet parade starts at 8:45am.  The community parade is 9:00am - 10:30am!  This all day celebration will be from 9am - 7pm in both town centers (north & south), and will include vendors, music, rides for the kids, hot dog eating contest, and even a pet adoption fair.  For more information and a schedule of events check out the HRCA website.  The fireworks display has been cancelled ~ tentatively rescheduled for Oktoberfest on September 21st.

Kidfest 2013

This Saturday, June 18th from 9:00am - 12:00pm, is the Kidfest in Highlands Ranch.  This free event will be held at Civic Green Park (next to the Highlands Ranch Library).  There will be music, several fun activities, and learning opportunities for your little ones.  Hope to see you all there!

Yoga in the Park

Namaste Yoga & Wellness will be offering free yoga all summer long!  Every Wednesday and Saturday from 8:15am - 9:15am at Civic Green Park.  This will be offered until August 31st.  All participants must be 18 or older to participate and please arrive 10 minutes early to sign in. 

Children's Book Week!

Celebrate CHILDREN’S BOOK WEEK at The Tattered Cover hosted by RMC-SCBWI (Rocky Mountain Chapter of the Society of Children's Book Writers and Illustrators) and Tattered Cover Book Store!  This event will offer great storytelling, wonderful authors, and book giveaways!

Saturday, May 18, 10:30a.m.
Tattered Cover Highlands Ranch
9315 Dorchester Street, Highlands Ranch, CO 80129
Join picture book authors/ illustrators Leslie Ann Clark, Carmela LaVigna Coyle, Julie Danneberg and Claudia Cangilla McAdam for a group picture book reading and signing.  It will be a grand story time for all!

Farmer's Market in Highlands Ranch

 

The Highlands Ranch Farmer's Market will begin this Sunday, May 5th!  It is held every Sunday from 10am - 2pm at Town Center South until October 27th.  I'm glad that we get the chance to meet and support our local farmers!  It's also a fun place for kids, they have different activities and booths throughout the year.  For more information check out the Denver Farmer's Market website.

Natal to Nest

An education, wellness, and support center for pregnant women, new families, and those trying to conceive has recently opened up in Highlands Ranch!  They are located at 8955 South Ridgeline Blvd. Suite 500.  Their promise is to nurture the whole family right from the start :)

The owner, Stacey is a doula, and has taught and supported more than 1500 couples on varying aspects of birth!  Some of their other practitioners include: an RN lactation consultant, a holistic nutritionist, a doula who also teaches a hypnobirthing class, a life and wellness coach, a massage therapist, and yoga teachers.

They have so many yoga classes to choose from, fertility yoga, prenatal, postnatal, as well as mom and tot yoga for varying age groups.  This Saturday, April 20th they will have a kids yoga class from 10:15am - 11:00am, ages 4-8, for a drop in rate of $5.

One of the many classes they offer is an early pregnancy class designed to educate women from the very beginning of their pregnancy.  On Monday, April 22nd from 6:30pm - 8:30pm they will be holding a free early pregnancy class, (space is limited so call 303-221-6378 to register).  For a complete listing off all the classes they offer and more information about this amazing support center in Highlands Ranch, check out their website, www.nataltonest.com!

MOPS Sale

Saturday, April 13th is the MOPS Children's Consignment Sale at Cherry Hills Community Church from 8:00am - 2:00pm!  You won't want to miss this sale - try to get there early as hundreds of shoppers are expected throughout the day.  The church is located on Grace Blvd off of Fairview Pkwy in Highlands Ranch.  Some of the items they will be selling include: toys, clothing, baby essentials, and even maternity clothes all gently used and up to 75% off.  For more information check out their website.  There is a $2 entrance fee.

New to You Sale!

CLC MOPS is holding its Spring & Summer sale at Christ Lutheran Church in Highlands Ranch on Friday, April 5th from 8am-4pm and Saturday, April 6th from 8am-12pm (half-price sale, select items).

$1 admission at the door benefits Lutheran Family Services and gives shoppers access to gently-used items from over 160 consignors!  This fantastic sale features all things baby, kids and maternity, including spring & summer clothing and shoes (infant to size 12), swim-wear, maternity-wear, toys, games, books, baby equipment, gear & furniture, outdoor toys, bikes, sports equipment and so much more!

Cash, local checks and credit cards accepted at checkout.

Visit www.newtoyousale.org for more full details!

 

Easter Egg Hunt

The Highlands Ranch Easter Egg Hunt is Saturday, March 30th at Northridge Park.  It will start promptly at 10:00am.  Be sure to arrive early as the eggs are usually gone within minutes.  This event is free for members; to register call 303-791-2500.  Limit of six eggs per child.  Bring your Easter basket and get ready to meet the Easter Bunny!