Thursday, May 29, 2014

Yoga in the Park

Namaste Works 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 16th, but check the schedule because there are a few excluded dates.  All participants must be 18 or older to participate and please arrive 10 minutes early to sign in.  For more information about Namaste Works Yoga & Wellness, visit their website!

Friday, May 23, 2014

Pool Time!


The outdoor pools are officially open!  Here is a schedule for the pool hours - it changes throughout the summer depending on lessons.  All of the rec center pools are different, and each have something special

Be sure to label your pool toys, and keep the favorite ones at home.  We have lost a bunch of toys at the pool.  Now I have a separate bin in my garage of pool toys, and I only let Jack bring those.  I know that if those toys dodn't make it back home, he wouldn't mind.  See you at the Pool!

Monday, May 19, 2014

Parker Performing Arts School

Parker Performing Arts School is a proposed K-8 Douglas County charter school.  The school will provide a unique mix of academic rigor along with training in the performing arts.  There is an upcoming parent meeting, details below.  For more information about the school, check out the website.  If this school seems like a good fit for your child, complete the online intent to enroll form.

When: June 25th at 6:30pm
Where: PACE Center (20000 Pikes Peak Ave. in Parker)
Contact: shelly@parkerperformingarts.org

Saturday, May 10, 2014

Modmarket is coming to Highlands Ranch!


The Grand Opening for Modmarket in Highlands Ranch (537 W. Highlands Ranch Parkway) will be Friday, May 23 at 8am.

The first 50 guests will each receive a $25 Modmarket gift card. Various prizes, including a one month free supply of popchips, IM=X Pilates Highlands Ranch gift certificates, yoga mats and other healthy living items, will also be awarded throughout the day to those who register at the restaurant.
                                                            
Founded in 2009, Colorado-based Modmarket is a farm fresh fast-casual restaurant company that serves real food made from simple, whole ingredients.  Established by two friends wanting to make it easier for people to eat food that is good for them, Modmarket serves healthy, delicious and affordable food in beautiful environments. From salads, soups and sandwiches to pizzas and homestyle plates, all entrees are made from scratch using fresh, quality ingredients that can be traced back to farms. For more information about Modmarket, visit their website!

Image: Natalie Pigliacampo

Wednesday, May 7, 2014

Colorado Legacy

During the month of May, Colorado Legacy is hosting a FREE Friday kick around at ThunderRidge High School in Highlands Ranch.  From 5pm - 6pm on May 16th, and 30th; boys and girls ages 3-10 are welcome.  For more information check out the Colorado Legacy website.


Saturday, May 3, 2014

Farmer's Market 2014

The Highlands Ranch Farmer's Market will begin this Sunday, May 4th!  It's held every Sunday from 10am - 2pm at Town Center South until October 26th.  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.

Friday, May 2, 2014

Tips for Traveling with Kids


 We love traveling with the kids, but I know it can be stressful for some, so I thought I would write a post about my top 5 tips for traveling with kids.


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A friend told me about these when we were going to Ireland, and I have been using them ever since.  I love them for the airplane because you can put them on the tray table, and you don't have to worry as much about germs.  They are perfect for eating or playing.  I got a cars one for Jack a few years ago (it had a picture of a road), brought him some cars,  and it was a easy way to keep him busy on the airplane.  The edges are sticky so it will stay in place and when you are done you peel it off and throw it away.  They are also great for restaurants, it helps to minimize the mess babies and toddlers can make while eating :)


2. Bring everything you need!
We used to always fly Frontier, but with the amount of stuff you need to travel with kids, we only fly Southwest.  They will let you check 2 bags per person for free! (once your child turns 2 or if you decided to buy a ticket for a child under 2, they also get to check 2 bags).  
Baby items like a stroller or pack and play don't count against your 2 checked bags :)  

I always bring the kids carseats instead of renting them.  For Jack's, I will check it with our luggage, and Ella's I check at the gate.  I leave it right outside the plane door with her stroller and when we land, it's there waiting for us!  

Sometimes if the plane isn't too crowded the flight attendant will let you bring the carseat on the airplane and put it on the seat next to you.
They let me do that on Ella's first plane ride.  I wasn't planning on having my hands free since she was a lap child but she ended up sleeping in her carseat the entire time so I had nothing to do.  Traveling with a baby is way easier than traveling with a toddler or preschooler.


3. Snacks.  I always bring more snacks than I think Jack will eat.  You can never have enough!  Traveling takes kids away from their regular schedules, so even though he might not usually eat at that time, as long as I have food I know he will stay busy and happy.  Kids aren't used to so much walking and the huge airports can be exhausting.  Plus you never know with air travel, you could be delayed on or off the plane.  When you are on an airplane for over an hour more than you thought, you will be glad you had extra snacks.  I usually try to make sure Jack eats healthy, but when we travel I will allow him to eat junkfood. I know it isn't the time to test out Jack on sugar, but he did have Cheetos for the first time on an airplane :)


4. Backpack.
Jack was given a this rolling luggage a couple of years ago.  We only use it for traveling.  If I tell Jack we are going out of town the first thing he does is pack this bag :)

I let Jack pack whatever he wants in it (usually we end up bringing the most random things through security - so far no problems).  He brings toys and books to keep him busy.  If your child is too young to bring their own bag, and you are packing for them, try to bring new toys, or borrow toys from friends.  I think toddler aged kids are the hardest to travel with, because they want to get moving and won't sit still for too long, so new toys will keep them distracted longer than the toys they play with everyday.


5. Hand Sanitizer.  Airplanes are so dirty.  I always bring plenty of hand sanitizer and wipes.
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I have been using these wipes for years.  It's so gross hearing people cough on a plane and really there is nothing you can do - especially if you are traveling around flu season.  Just make sure those little hands are clean, because they touch everything. 


Remember to Have fun!
 You are making memories.  Try not to stress too much, but enjoy your time traveling with little ones.  They will be big before you know it!

The best part of traveling with little kids is everything is so exciting for them.  When else do kids get to ride a bus, a train, and a plane in one day? 



Thursday, May 1, 2014

BabySTEALS!

STEALS.com has some really cute products for a great price.  I just ordered some Jelly Strands teething necklaces for 47% off!  Ella has been putting everything in her mouth lately, and I thought these would be perfect for when I am outside playing with Jack and wearing Ella.  If you are interested in buying some, check out their website.  You might want to bookmark the page as they have new deals everyday :)