New Blog Design

So, you may have noticed that the Kids Activity Queen's blog has a new look & feel. This is a precursor to the re-launch of our new Web site, coming next week. We are so excited and hope you will find the blog and soon-to-launch Web site easier to navigate.

Your thoughts and comments are welcome here always.

Until the next nap time...

USA Today Shares Fun Things to Do in Houston

Interesting article in USA Today about fun things to do in Houston. Read it online at http://traveltips.usatoday.com/family-things-houston-texas-14895.html.

Our Circus Act

As I mentioned in my July newsletter, we visited the circus. I'll post photos later. We arrived early to see the pre-show of animals up close. So glad we did. We saw zebras, tigers, horses, elephants, clowns getting dressed for the show & lots if tricks. We even saw an elephant paint on an easel!

The circus is in town for ~2 more weeks. I highly recommend going as a family. Even this Mommy was wide-eyed!

Until the next nap time...

New Pool Float

After a day of errands & weeding at the house, Little K enjoyed a dip in the pool with a little help from our new pool float. Who's Texas proud?


Until the next nap time...

Pirates Take over Summer Camp

It's "Dress Like a Pirate" Day at Summer Safari (camp) and we really got into it.

I actually drew up a treasure map (on a torn grocery paper bag) with hints around the house for Little K to follow to the treasure chest. We'll do that after Daddy and Little K return from camp and the pediatrician. (A bad case of the coughs make it hard for my little pirate to say "Arrr!")

With a white t-shirt, brown pants and a bandana on her head, my sweet girl headed to camp with her map in hand. Upon arrival, the camp counselor was preparing the kids with temporary tattoos. So cool!

Earlier in the week, they had made pirate hats from black construction paper. The treats today included a wristband compass, an eye patch and a necklace. Activities are including: walk the plank (an old mattress), water balloon toss to the other pirates' sail (a bed sheet with a pirate image across it) and more. I can't wait to hear about the day's activities.

It seems like this theme would also be great for a pirate birthday party. How fun!

Until the next nap time...

Stay Dry in Houston while Painting Your Own Pottery

After a day of Summer Safari (camp), the rain started pouring really hard at our house. Still, Little K and I wanted to do something special together. So, we headed to Young at Art Studio in the Heights.

Once there, we dried off and then picked two large tiles to paint. At left, Little K shows off her tile with a collage of flowers on a red background. Apparently, I was taking too long because my daughter also had time to color a page with markers and stamps, thanks to Mrs. Laura's creativity.

At the end, we headed back out into the downpour to return home. We'll pick up our tiles next week after they've been fired. We're hoping to do enough off them to create a new tile top on my old sewing machine table. Good thing we started last summer!

Young at Art Studio is still one of our favorite ways to get out of the Houston heat or rain. Maybe we'll see you there.

Until the next nap time...

Post-Partum Depression

A friend of mine was recently blessed with the birth of a daughter. While very excited, she is struggling a bit  through post-partum depression. She is seeing a post-partum specialist so I feel like she is on her way to healthy feeling. Still, I'd like to do something fun but simple for her.

Any suggestions?

Until the next nap time...

Show Your Kids that You'll Stand by Them

I've seen this video before but I still think it's cool. Mark Johnson is uniting people around the world and changing lives through the power of music. The video says it all and it’s quite powerful. Check it out, share it with your kids and talk about standing by each other. Watch the Stand by Me video at http://www.playingforchange.com/

Until the next nap time...

Enter the Animation Coloring Contest

I thought this contest looked fun and is an easy indoor activity to beat the heat. I hope Little K will be intrigued.

Download an entry form or pick up a copy of the Greensheet now and enter to win the Health Museum's Animation coloring contest! The winner from each category, ages 2-5 and 6-10, will receive a prize pack that includes a museum membership! But get your coloring finished soon - all entries must be postmarked by July 27.

Two grand prize winners will receive prize packs that include a membership to the museum and Cartoon Network merchandise in this contest presented by The Health Museum and Greensheet. Pick up a copy of the Greensheet June 14 - July 23 or download an entry form now that includes the complete official rules.


Entries must be postmarked no later than July 28; winners will be announced August 10. Limited to ages 2 – 5 and 6 – 10. No purchase necessary to enter.

Until the next nap time...