Heights Chamber Hosts Annual Crawfish Festival in the Heights on Saturday, April 6, 2013

Greater Heights Area Chamber of Commerce Hosts Annual Crawfish Festival in the Heights on Saturday, April 6, 2013

HOUSTON— Tuesday, March 5, 2013 — The Greater Heights Area Chamber of Commerce is gearing up for its annual Crawfish Festival in the Heights to be held Saturday, April 6, from 11 am until sunset. With expected attendance nearing 10,000 people, the Festival will be held at Northwest Mall, located at 9500 Hempstead Highway and Mangum, to accommodate the large crowd.

“We think this prime location and large, open area will attract even more families and festival goers,” Chamber President Ken Stallman said.

The Festival will include activities for the entire family such as:

·         live music by Steve Krase and the In Crowd,

·         a Show and Shine car and motorcycle show,

·         Shoppers’ Paradise with more than ## vendor booths with items for purchase,

·         a kids world with loads of children’s games, rides and activities, and

·         the Idol of the Heights singing finale.

“The success of last year’s event fueled our energy to make this year’s festival bigger and better than ever,” Mickey Blake, Heights Chamber chairperson, said. “One of the big changes is the incorporation of the Idol in the Heights song competition with one winner taking home the grand prize of $1,500. The talent is awesome!”

The Idol of the Heights preliminary rounds are being held on Fridays in March. Complete details are available online at http://www.heightschamber.com/crawfish-festival-idol-of-the-heights.

Festival attendees are encouraged to buy crawfish food tickets online in advance for $15 each through April 1, 2013. Crawfish food tickets will be available at the event for $20 on a first come, first served basis. The crawfish food ticket buys three pounds of crawfish, corn and potatoes as well as one drink (soft drink, water or beer). Other festival food will also be available at the event.

Supporters are encouraged to purchase $10 raffle tickets for a chance to win a 2013 Hyundai Elantra, sponsored by North Freeway Hyundai and the Greater Heights Area Chamber of Commerce. Winners do not need to be present at the event to win. Buy raffle tickets online or by calling the Heights Chamber at 713-861-6735.

About the Greater Heights Area Chamber of Commerce

The Greater Heights Area Chamber of Commerce is dedicated to promoting and developing business and industry beneficial to the economic viability of the greater Houston Heights. Through monthly breakfast presentations, luncheons, expositions and other events, the Chamber works to develop local commerce. The Heights Chamber is located at 545 W. 19^th Street in the Chase Bank building. Learn more by visiting www.HeightsChamber.com.

Reporters: Please contact Megan F. Salch at 832-256-6676. 

Until the next nap time...

Houston's Presidents Heads and Other Fun Statues

How can you combine art and history for kids in Houston? Houston has some really interesting statues but some are more fun for young kids than others. Yesterday, Little K, her daddy and I went to visit the Presidents Heads, as I fondly call them. For those of you who frequently take I-45 into downtown, you likely see a sampling of the Presidents Heads that I'm referencing. Each time we drive by this small section on I-45, Little K and I shout "Hi, Presidents Heads!" I'm not even sure how that started but it's funny so I keep doing it.

Years ago, Little K and I made this same trip to artist David Adickes' outdoor studio, but there were significantly less statues and my daughter now doesn't remember that. (I think she was only three years old.) 

The studio location is just south of the Target store on Taylor Street (near I10) and very close to downtown Houston but you have to search a bit. You may recall a warehouse area near there. That's where you'll aim. You only need 10 minutes to browse the statues, although you could spend much more, if you want. Little K thought these statues were really cool, especially when we examined how the eyes were constructed. It looks like instead of coloring the irises, Adickes and his team carved that area deep into the structure so that the dark shadow would give the appearance of a darker color. Clever.

This visit also presents a history lesson since few kids would know who all these individuals are. Not only did we tell Little K about who they were, but also what great things they did. The statue at left of Little K and President Bush was perhaps only their first meeting. (wink). The larger than life size of these statues seems to emphasize the importance of the individuals. It also grabs your attention, no matter what your age.

There were a handful of these large statues for close-up viewing as soon as we pulled into the studio yard (as shown at left). Numerous other statues would cordoned off behind a metal fence. I'm not sure why that was and there wasn't anyone available to ask. There were a few "other" statues, of course, like the "We Love Houston" sign and the statues of the Beatles rocking out on guitars. There's something for everyone.

One of the best things about this trip is that you can easily weave it into a trip to Target, the bank or a restaurant on nearby Washington Avenue. I know many parents feel like their schedules are already so jam packed but this is easy to incorporate and break up the monotony of routines. Why not take your kids and see how many statues they'll recognize? Surely, they'll at least recognize the newest addition, President Barack Obama. Let me know what your kids say. 

Do you have other statues in town that your family likes to visit? Share it here.

Until the next nap time...

Cake Decorating with Kids

The girls are getting plenty spoiled by Grammy in Ohio, not just PaPa Don. At left, you can see how the three of them got into some sugar. Grammy is a fantastic cook and baker. 

One of our favorite things to do with Grammy is bake a doll cake. You maybe have seen these in the local grocery store. They're easy to make and so fun for little girls. It's also a great birthday party idea.

All you need is the right pan for the cake to serve as the Barbie dolls skirt. I Googled "barbie doll cake pan" and tons of inexpensive options came up for the pan and the Barbie doll to insert. (The pan allows the cake to cook while leaving a cylindrical hole in the center of what becomes the dolls skirt.) Once the cake is baked and cooled, you can insert the Barbie's legs into the cake so it looks like she's wearing the cake as a skirt. 

Now mind you, the Barbie has no top on at all so it's best to keep men like PaPa Don out of the kitchen or you'll hear cat calls. (Perhaps that's just our PaPa Don! Did I mention he's a Marine?) 

Next, you need to have your icing ready. Grammy usually helps us make the icing (from scratch of course) while the cake is baking and cooling. With a flat icing knife, the kids can carefully put the icing on the doll's skirt to make it look like cloth. As you can see in the photo, Grammy has icing tips and bags so that we can then decorate the skirt to look like it has lace or ruffles. You'll need the icing bag and tip to also design a shirt/top for the Barbie. We prefer matching colored icing but that's up to you. 

As a final touch, we use the icing bag and tip to fashion the Barbie with a ring on her hand and maybe a bracelet on the other arm. In order to practice our delicate touch, Grammy helps us put icing on our own hands and wrists. That's the best part because you can lick the icing off and do it again until you get the icing jewelry just perfect! :-)

I think in the above photo, it looks like Little K is staring at her cousin as if to say "That icing is absolutely delicious! You get it, right?" 

Even if you're not much of a chef, this is a fun thing to do with kids in Houston or elsewhere. It's perfect for rainy days, too hot afternoons or just because. When the kids are bored and don't know what to do, "let them eat cake!" 

Until the next nap time...

Adolf Hoepfl Garage Hosts 7th Annual Fish Fry on Saturday, March 24 to Fundraise for the Multiple Sclerosis (MS) Society

The team at Adolf Hoepfl & Son Garage is used to the heat of car repairs. On Saturday, March 24, the crew will kick into high gear with a fish fry that’s open to the general public. All funds raised benefit the Multiple Sclerosis (MS) Society.

Dinner will include Cajun fried catfish, cole slaw, French fries and dessert. A chicken plate is also available for non-fish eaters. The suggested donation for the adult food plate is $15 and $6 for the kids plate. Music with a festive DJ, dancing and friendly conversations will serve as the evening’s entertainment. The festivities will run from 4:30-8 p.m. at Adolf Hoepfl Garage, which is located at 4610 N. Shepherd Drive in the Garden Oaks/Oak Forest area.

 

“This is our seventh annual fish fry and it’s a great community builder,” owner Kathryn van der Pol said. “In addition to being passionate about car care, we’re also passionate about supporting our community through the MS Society.”

In fact, owners Kathryn and Sybren van der Pol ride in the MS 150 bike ride from Houston to Austin each year. Photos from last year’s fish fry can be viewed online.

Guests are not required to be avid cyclists to participate in the March 24 event. Friends of all ages are encouraged to attend. Call 713-695-5071 in advance to reserve your tickets.

About Adolf Hoepfl and Son Garage

Adolf Hoepfl & Son Garage is committed to leading the auto repair industry by providing the highest quality workmanship and the most helpful service for our customers. Since 1946, Adolf Hoepfl Garage has been committed to exceptional, quality car care and the friendliest customer service. Adolf Hoepfl Garage understands that the best investment we can make for our future is contributing and giving back to our community. For more information, please visit www.adolfhoepfl.com call our crew at 713-695-5071 or stop by the shop.

Hope to see you all at this fun event for the family. 

Until the next nap time...

More Fun Things to Do in October in Houston with Kids

     Each month, I publish an email newsletter with fun ideas of things to do in Houston with kids. If you haven't yet subscribed, take just 1 minute to sign up online and tell your friends, too. 

    There are so many fun things to do in Houston in October with kids that I couldn't fit them all in my October newsletter. Here are a few more that I hope you'll try.

    1. Saturday, Oct. 8 – Sunday, Oct. 9 (10 am – 6 pm) is the Bayou City Art Festival, where you can walk through downtown to view all sorts of art from nationwide artists. Welcoming children, the Gexa Energy Creative Zone includes more than 12 activities designed specifically for young, aspiring artists. From creating custom jewelry to making mini art cars, your kids will have a blast. Parents and grandparents will enjoy strolling through booths featuring art work for sale by more than 300 artists. This is a fun way to spend the day outdoors and appreciate art. The festival is showcased in front of City Hall and around Hermann Square on the streets of Walker, Bagby and McKinney, as well as Sam Houston Park. Admission is $12/adult and children are free.

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    2. We had a blast at the Scarecrow Festival in Chappel Hill, Texas last year. It’s about 1.5 hours from Houston. If you have the day free, head out of town to enjoy this outdoor event together. Aim to arrive early as the traffic on Hwy. 290 heading into Chappel Hill backs up for miles. It’s worth the wait though. I enjoyed all the festival food (yum!) and the autumn décor and early holiday shopping. The children’s area includes a small ferris wheel ($5), a train ($3), a petting zoo ($3) with the cutest pot belly pig baby & much more. Be sure to bring cash as each booth has different fees and I didn’t see a place that accepted credit cards. Check out our photos from last year. This year, the festival is Saturday, Oct. 8 (10 am – 6 pm) and Sunday, Oct. 8 (noon – 5 pm). There is no admission fee but parking is $5/car.

     

            3. Monday Oct. 10 is Columbus Day. Do your kids know who Christopher Columbus is? If your children span various ages, encourage your older children to read a story or make up a play about Christopher Columbus so the younger kids can learn. Teach them the “1492 Poem.”Or check out these fun ways to celebrate Columbus Day that I found online.

4. Attend Energy Day 2011 on Saturday, October 15 from 11 am to 5 pm at Houston’s Hermann Square (downtown at Smith between Walker & McKinney. Sponsored by the City of Houston and Consumer Energy Alliance, Energy Day is a FREE family-friendly festival that will celebrate and highlight the importance of energy in our daily lives and Houston’s role as the Energy Capital. The event is designed to educate youth of all ages about the overall role all forms of energy play in meeting our current and future needs. With more than 80 kid-friendly innovative exhibits, demonstrations and booths focused on some of the coolest energy-related scientific breakthroughs, games and interactive displays, Energy Day is sure to be a can’t-miss event for the entire family. Energy Day will also feature Live Music, Food and Prizes. Free parking is available. For more information, visit www.energyday2011.org.

5.   On Friday, Oct. 28 at 11 am, Miller Outdoor Theatre presents “The Adventures of Tom & Huck”, an adaptation of the book by Mark Twain. Bring a picnic blanket and lunch so you can enjoy this one-hour musical with your youngster. You’re sure to laugh, too. Miller Outdoor Theatre is located in Hermann Park at 6000 Hermann Park Drive. Arrive early to find parking before the production begins. Price: no charge

Until the next nap time...

Houston Kids and Tennis

Do you have a tennis player in the making in your home? The United States Tennis Association if making tennis available to any child under 10 years of age in the United States.If your Houston kids are interested in tennis, here's a great opportunity for them. USTA memberships for 10 and under players are free until December 31, 2011. They even have small courts and racquets for youngsters learning the game. Plus, this is a game that people can play for a lifetime. Visit www.tryusta.com/kids for complete details. 

Thanks to Catherine Kruppa for sharing this tip!

Until the next nap time...

Theater District Open House in Houston, August 28 from noon - 4 pm

I just saw this opportunity today and only wish I had seen it earlier so I could have mentioned it in my newsletter. I suppose this gives readers one more reason to come to my blog. This looks like a fun family activity.

The 18th Capital One Bank Theater District Open House is a fun-filled way to experience dance, music and theater for FREE! Bring the whole family for a day in Houston's world-renowned Theater District as the Alley Theatre, Hobby Center, Jones Hall and Wortham Theater Center swing their doors wide open. Guests can expect live performances, meet-and-greets with costumed performers, Capital One Bank trolley rides & the best ticket deals of the year on season subscriptions!

If you're trying to squeeze in some fun, yet educational opportunities for your kids this summer, the Museum of Fine Arts Houston just made it easier. Check out these events and start penciling in activities on your calendar.

All Summer Long Breakfasts and Boxed Lunches, MFAH-Style
Bring the kids and enjoy a meal in the museum’s Cafe Express, located in the MFAH Beck Building, Lower Level, or enjoy a picnic in the sculpture garden with its delightful café seating.

MFAH Family Packs (MFAH Law and Beck Buildings)
Family Packs are filled with hands-on activities, looking games, and books. These interactive resources are available at the Membership Services desks in the Beck and Law buildings during museum hours and at the Kinder Foundation Education Center Tuesday through Friday from 10:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. Borrow them free of charge during your museum visit.

o Buildings and Beyond Family Pack: Explore your inner architect with this blue pack. Use the laminated guide that’s designed like a blueprint to guide your visit throughout the museum. Recommended for children ages 4+


o People and Personalities Family Pack: Meet a variety of people that are featured in paintings and sculptures at the museum using the family guide in the green pack to guide your visit. Recommended for children ages 4+


o Let’s Play! Gallery Games with Mwamba and Naki Family Pack: This purple pack is filled with puzzles, sketching activities, and looking games that will help everyone have fun while learning about art from all over the world. Recommended for children ages 4+


o Five Paintings to See With Your Little One: Designed just for the younger child, with an emphasis on colors and shapes, this resource helps families have great experiences with little ones in the galleries. Recommended for children ages 2+


Kick-off and Finale Events FREE Summer Programs Kickoff Performance at the MFAH (MFAH Beck Building)
Thursday, June 9:  Kick off the summer on Thursday, June 9 at 2 p.m. in Gallery 214. No admission for Free Thursdays. Experience the original performance by Houston’s most unusual string ensemble, Two Star Symphony. The group aims to create new and diverse music that speaks to the collective conscience of a broad audience offering a unique and powerful sound, as each instrument reverberates off the others and fills the audio spectrum with a deep, dark, melodic blend.

Thursday, August 11 FREE Summer Programs Finale Performance (MFAH Beck Building)
A chamber group from the River Oaks Chamber Orchestra will fill the museum with beautiful music during a concert in the galleries that will delight guests, Thursday, August 11 at 2:00 p.m. in the Beck Building.

Tuesdays-Saturdays Detective Days at Bayou Bend
May 31- August 26: 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. There’s mystery afoot at Bayou Bend Collection and Gardens this summer! Located a few blocks away from Memorial Park, Bayou Bend has 14 acres of woodlands and gardens for summer sleuths age 6 and older to explore. Beginning May 31, go on a self-guided outdoor detective adventure. Educational themes range from plants and trees to sculpture and architecture. And, starting August 2, you can also go on an indoor detective adventure. Tour the historic mansion which is filled with antique treasures from the 18th and 19th centuries. Every Bayou Bend detective gets an “Investigator’s Kit” to help them with their sleuthing, and a bottle of water to keep cool during the hunt. Children 12 and under are free; $5 for everyone else. Ages 17 and under must be accompanied by an adult. Bayou Bend Collections and Gardens is located at 6003 Memorial Drive @ Westcott St.
Beginning May 31, 2011:

• The Case of the Missing Trees – Searching for 10 special trees hiding amidst a thousand is kind of like trying to find a needle in a haystack! Locate and identify the trees using special clues we will provide the detective--images of their leaves and rhyming clues. Recommended for children ages 6+
• On the Trail of the Evolving Plant – Take a trip through time as you track woodland and garden vegetation back to the age of the dinosaurs! One problem – those pesky plants are masters of disguise and adaptability, so you’ll have to use your top-notch detective skills to keep up with them. Recommended for children ages 10+

Beginning July 12, 2011:

• The Architect’s Evidence – The 1920s era mansion at Bayou Bend was carefully planned and thought out – clearly, this was no accident. Explore all of the details of the house’s exterior and sort out the rhyme and reason behind its design and construction. Recommended for children ages 10+
• Mysterious Messages – The statues located throughout the gardens have messages for you – but what are they trying to say? Using informational clues, our summer sleuths will learn how to interpret art through history. Recommended for children ages 7+

Beginning August 2, 2011:

• By the Numbers – A riddle has been discovered in the gardens this morning, and the secret to solving it lies within the two-story historic mansion, filled with antique treasures from the 18th and 19th centuries. You’ll have to have a pretty sharp eye to find all of the clues, but we are counting on you to figure it out! Recommended for children ages 10+

Wednesdays (June & July) from 10 a.m. – 11 a.m: Storytime Tours at Rienzi
Summer time is story time at Rienzi every Wednesday in June and July. Introduce children to the magic of art and literature in an intimate house museum setting. Rienzi’s Storytime Tour is a fun and interactive activity featuring stories related to themes highlighted in Rienzi’s collection. Admission is free. Reservations are suggested and space is limited, please call (713) 639-7800 for reservations. Recommended for children ages 3+ Rienzi is located at 1406 Kirby Drive.


11 a.m. REEL Kids Summer Movies (Brown Theater Auditorium, MFAH Law Building)
Free Summer Movie Matinees with paid museum admission are fun for the entire family. This incredible line up of films, several with Oscar® connections, screen on Wednesdays at 11 a.m. in the Brown Theater Auditorium and are free with museum admission and free to members of the museum’s Film Buffs patron group. And here's the line-up:

• June 1 The Karate Kid* (Directed by John Avildsen, USA, 1984, 126 min)
• June 8 The Kid (Directed by Charlie Chaplin, USA, 1928, 72 min., silent with musical soundtrack)
• June 15 The Parent Trap* (Directed by David Swift, USA, 1961, 129 min.)
• June 22 Bugsy Malone* (Directed by Alan Parker, UK, 1976, 93 min.)
• June 29 E.T.: The Extra-Terrestrial** (Directed by Steven Spielberg, USA, 1982, 115 min.)
• July 6 My Bodyguard (Directed by Tony Bill, USA, 1980, 96 min.)
• July 13 It Came from Outer Space 3D (Directed by Jack Arnold, USA, 1953, 81 min.)
• July 20 Howl’s Moving Castle* (Director by Hayao Miyazaki, Japan, 2004, 119 min.)
• July 27 Secret of the Kells* (Directed by Tomm Moore and Nora Twomey, France/Belgium/Ireland, 2009 75 min.)
• August 3 National Velvet** (Directed by Clarence Brown, USA, 1944, 123 min.)
• August 10 Fantastic Mr. Fox * (Directed by Wes Anderson, USA, 2009, 87 min.)

Thursdays Creation Station (Beck Building): (June, July & August) 11a.m. – 2 p.m. Guests are invited to create art with an MFAH teaching artist and explore the galleries. Each week, explore a different work of art and learn a new art-making technique. Recommended for children ages 4+


Gallery Investigations (MFAH Law and Beck Buildings)
This summer, kids and families can become Art Detectives, investigating a new work of art each week in the galleries—looking carefully, uncovering details, and thinking about the intriguing things discovered. As each case is completed, investigators will earn a clue for their “Clue Book,” which will be used to guess the mystery work of art to be unveiled at the end of the summer. There are two chances to participate each week – Thursdays, 11 a.m. – 2 p.m. and Sundays, 2 p.m. – 4 p.m. All Art Detectives are eligible for a special prize-drawing at the end of the summer. Participation in the MFAH Art Detectives program is free with admission. Recommended for children ages 4+

A Book and a Look (Kinder Foundation Education Center, Law Building)
NEW PROGRAM! At this storybook check-out program, families can check out a storybook and take it into the galleries to read together in front of a work of art that that they will also “read” with the help of hands-on materials and looking questions. MFAH staff will match up each family’s interests and favorite things with a storybook and art pairing. Recommended for children ages 2+

Artful Thursdays (MFAH Brown Theater Auditorium)
Explore the museum June 16th, July 14nd and August 18th beginning at 6:30 p.m. for a themed evening with the MFAH. Mythological Subjects and Titian and the Golden Age of Venetian Painting in June, The Music of Cole Porter; Presented by Michael Lasser in July and Aesthetics of the Everyday Presented by Tacey Rosolowski in August.


Sketching in the Galleries (MFAH Law and Beck Buildings) Sundays in June - August
An MFAH teaching artist guides adults and children of all drawing levels during sketching
1 p.m. – 4 p.m. in the galleries. Sundays from 1:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m. Recommended for children ages 4+

Creation Station (MFAH Law and Beck Buildings)
Guests are invited to create art with an MFAH teaching artist and explore the galleries. Each week, explore a different work of art and learn a new art-making technique. Recommended for children ages 4+

July Family Art Workshops at Rienzi
Family Art Workshops encourage families to come together to create art, write stories and poems, and watch performances inspired by Rienzi’s collection. Admission is free. Reservations are suggested and space is limited, please call (713) 639-7800 for reservations. Recommended for children ages 4+ Rienzi is located at 1406 Kirby Drive.

• Sunday, July 10, 2011: Cinderella Stories from Around the World -- Instructions from the Rice Literacy and Culture Project will explore the many Cinderella stories written from the point of view of different cultures and countries. Families will enjoy hearing these international tales, write their own Cinderella story, and have the opportunity to make puppets for an impromptu performance.
• Sunday, July 17, 2011: Portrait Miniatures; Love Tokens before the Digital Age -- Discover what was used before photography to represent portraits. Learn about Rienzi’s Caroline A. Ross Collection, which includes portrait miniatures by European and American artists between c. 1710 and 1900. Families will explore this unique artistic tradition and create their own version for family and friends.
• Sunday, July 24, 2011: “The Fantastic Fables of La Fontaine”, a musical recital for children -- Early Music Southwest presents “The Fantastic Fables of La Fontaine,” a musical tale of wise and foolish animals from 17th century France. The narration with accompanying chamber ensemble will delight kids of all ages. The musical recital will be followed by a cookies and lemonade reception. The recital will begin promptly at 1:15pm.

1:30 p.m. – 2 p.m. Sunday Storytime (MFAH Law and Beck Buildings)
Family-friendly Sunday Storytime introduces young learners to the world of art through hands-on gallery activities, close looking, and the reading of a storybook in MFAH galleries. Recommended for children ages 2+

2 p.m. – 4 p.m. Gallery Investigations (MFAH Law and Beck Buildings)
Join the MFAH Art Detective program. Each Art Detective case takes kids into the galleries to investigate a work of art. Each investigation is different, but all ask Art Detectives to look carefully, uncover details, and think about what cool stuff can be discovered. Recommended for children ages 4+


Locations: Caroline Wiess Law Building, 1001 Bissonnet, Houston, TX 77005
Audrey Jones Beck Building, 5601 Main Street, Houston, TX 77005
Bayou Bend Collection and Gardens, 6003 Westcott @ Memorial, Houston, TX 77007
Rienzi, 1406 Kirby Drive, Houston, TX 77019


MFAH Parking: All-day parking is only $6.00 at the Visitor Center Garage or free across the street from the Caroline Wiess Law Building.

For m
Until the next nap time...

Free Summer Movies & Cheap Summer Movies in Houston for Kids

Looking to escape the summer heat? There are numerous movie theaters throughout Houston offering discounted or no fees for kid-friendly movies. Here are six different locations offering little to no charge for great movies all summer long. Find one by you and check out a flick.


- Studio Movie Grill at City Centre hosts children every weekend at 11 am with rated-G Kid Toons (cartoons like Olivia) for just $2. Additionally, Studio Movie Grill offers free movies for families raising children with special needs. The lights are dimmed and the volume is softer to help accommodate these children. The next opportunity is on Saturday, June 4 at 11 am when Kung Fu Panda 2 will be showing. Lastly, Studio Movie Grill kicks off the 2011Summer Series with 11 movies played over three months of summer for $1 per child and $2 per adult. Check out the schedule of upcoming movies and start planning.

- Cinemark Tinseltown (in Houston on Hwy. 290 and in The Woodlands) debut the Summer Movie Clubhouse with 10 movies shown throughout the summer for only $5 in advance or $1 at the door. A different movie will be played each week and all movies are rated either G or PG. All shows start at 10 am. Check online for the Houston schedule and The Woodlands schedule.

- For older kids, head downtown to Market Square Park to watch Indiana Jones & the Last Crusade on June 18 at 8 pm. There is no charge to attend.



- Rave Motion Pictures launches its Family Film Fest at Yorktown Crossing in Houston. Each Tuesday and Wednesday at 10 am a rated G or PG movie will be played at no charge. Check out the Rave web site for updates on the schedule.

- The Houston Silverado IMAX on Hwy. 249 in Tomball welcomes families for Family Film Festival every Saturday at 10 am. Just $3.99 provides kids with "all you can eat pancakes" as well.

- Enjoy $1 movies throughout summer on Tuesdays and Wednesdays at 10 am at The Marquee on I-10. Choose from two movies each time. The show line-up is available at The Marquee and offers a coupon to the Red Robin Restaurant in the same complex.

Until the next nap time...

Singing the Meaning of the Holidays

So Thanksgiving is just 2 days away and I don't like it when we forget about Thanksgiving and jump straight into a shopping spree-induced holiday season. So when my husband sent me this link http://www.philly.com/philly/video/106492678.html, I was hesitant to open it. I'm so glad I did.

When you see and hear things like this, it brings the best of both Thanksgiving and Christmas to mind... and heart. My daughter loved this music and enjoyed looking for the people who wore the big buttons because they are the singers. Great publicity, too! What do you think of this?

Enjoy! Until the next nap time...

FREE DAYS AT THE ZOO

"Rather than offering free admission on already-crowded holidays, patrons now will be admitted for free after 2 p.m. the first Tuesday of every month." - according to By PAIGE HEWITT of the HOUSTON CHRONICLE

So which Tuesdays are the free days. I checked out the Zoo's web site and found: "the Houston Zoo will offer free admission to our guests on the first Tuesday of every month from 2 p.m. until closing. During the months that Daylight Saving Time is in effect, the Houston Zoo closes at 7 p.m. (last admission at 6 p.m.). During Central Standard Time, the Houston Zoo closes 6 p.m. (last admission at 5 p.m.)."

For more information, visit http://www.houstonzoo.org/. Perhaps we'll see you there.

Until the next nap time...

Have a Splash at Discovery Green

I've been "itching" to take Little K to the fountains at Discovery Green this summer. When I realized last week that summer was almost over and we had not made atleast one visit, I sent a text to my sister Colyn.

Want to go to Discovery Green fountains? Please say "yes".

Luckily, Colyn agreed. Last night, we took the girls just before 5 pm downtown to the fountains. My sister had not yet been there but seemed to really like it. Her daughter Claire (age 2) and my 5-year-old loved every minute of it. I really like that the fountains will slowly increase in height and strength and then stop altogether.

"Where'd the water go, Claire?" I kept asking my niece. My daughter echoed. She'd look around & around  & around until finally, the water started up again. It gives the kids a bit of suspense. I just like to watch.

Looks like we'll make a repeat trip since I deleted ACCIDENTALLY all the great photos that I took of them playing in the water. Oh well. We always need fun things to do. Hope to see you there. I've posted here some of my favorite photos from the fountains at Discovery Green Park. Enjoy!

Until the next nap time...

Burn Off Some Energy

Little K was bored to tears (almost). I promised an adventure after I finished my work. She stood close by, watching over my shoulder as I typed. (Clearly, she's never heard the tale about the watched kettle that won't boil!) She didn't have camp that week because we were heading out of town to see my grandparents in Ohio in a few days. Trent & I would take turns entertaining her throughout the week. (That does bring up the point that my mom stayed at home with me when I was little but didn't entertain me every moment of the day. Perhaps I'll save that for another blog post.)

Finally, it was her turn. I had promised that we'd head to the "jumpee thing" at Memorial City Mall before school started. She never seems to forget those promises. So, we drove over, parked and head for adventure. (Enter near Eyemasters and Target.) After a short wait, I paid maybe $10, and the excitement began. The staffer strapped Little K into the harness and she jumped for 5 very long minutes on a contraption that seems like a twist between a trampoline and an bungee cord jump. She loved it and eventually figured out how to flip herself over once she was mid-air. It was cute... and did I mention EASY?

Next, she stepped over to the rock wall, was again strapped in, and then she looked a bit confused. "Get to climbing, girl," I told her.

Honestly, what did she think she was signing up for? I didn't push it.

Little K gave it a good shot and I was surprised when she was so close to the top, she slid down. But there's a bell to ring at the top so everyone knows you accomplished your goal, I thought. Okay, so there are a few differences between my daughter and me but only a few. She gave it another try but gave out a bit sooner. I really think her little legs had just been through enough.

My new secret weapon: the "Jumpee thing" at Memorial City Mall. Little K slept like a baby that night. I smiled in glory! My only regret? I can't find my photos and video on my iPhone. Darn!

Until the next nap time...