Houston Zoo

On Tuesday afternoon, I took Little K to the Houston Zoo as some spring break fun. We had a great time but will never return during Spring Break. We spent


~45 minutes trying to find a parking place -- any parking place. It was uber frustrating! I'd love to see the City of Houston & the Houston Zoo partner to invest in a parking garage for that area. I'd pay for parking if it didn't take almost an hour to find a spot.


Any ways...

Finally, we entered & lived looking at all the usual animals. For the first time we visited the aquarium section & Little K was thrilled with the clear tube that she crawled through, going right through the aquarium. Fish were everywhere!

I also liked listening to the kookaburra birds, which really sounded like they were laughing (just like the song)! The cheetahs were gorgeous too! The only bad thing (besides the parking) was that we ran out of time before we saw every animal! Guess we'll have to return again soon!

- Until the next nap time...

Incorporating Art into Houston Kids' Lives

Enter the world of Claude Monet, Mary Cassatt and Vincent van Gogh at the upcoming MFAH Family Day Pleased to Meet You: The Artists of Impressionism. Listen to Opera in the Heights perform a special selection of Impressionist music in the gallery, sketch the paintings of masters and listen to a storybook in the gallery featuring Vincent van Gogh. Create an oil pastel landscape inspired by Monet and learn more about the characteristics of impressionism at the family-friendly gallery cart.


Don’t miss Storybook Films for the youngest ones at 1:30 p.m. featuring animated adaptations of the popular storybooks Art, Ish, and The Dot. The Reel Kids film series at 2:30 p.m. features a showing of the French classic slapstick comedy My Uncle starring Jacques Tati.

All activities take place in the MFAH permanent collection galleries.

When: MFAH Family Day takes place 1:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m. on Sunday, April 3; Family Activities 1:00 – 4:00 p.m., Museum hours are 12:15 - 7:00 p.m.

Admission: Admission to the museum is $7 for adults and $3.50 for children and seniors. All Family Day activities are free with the price of general admission. Discounts available. For information on the ticketed exhibition Impressionist and Post-Impressionist Masterpieces from the National Gallery of Art, visit http://www.mfah.org/.

Where: Family activities will take place throughout the MFAH’s two buildings. The Caroline Wiess Law Building, 1001 Bissonnet Street, has free parking across the street. Call 713-639-7300 or visit www.mfah.org/planyourvisit for more information.

Activities: Beck Building Activities
Performance by Opera in the Heights
Second Floor, Gallery 214
2:00 p.m.

Listen to the beautiful sounds of impressionism at this in-gallery performance by Houston’s Opera in the Heights.

Sketching in the Galleries
Second Floor, Gallery 222
1:00 – 4:00 p.m.
Pick up a pencil and sketch works of the impressionist era. An MFAH Teaching Artist is on hand with clipboards, paper and drawing materials at this informal program.

Lemonade Stand
Porte Cochere

Masters of Color: Gallery Cart for Families
Second Floor, Gallery 223
Explore the techniques Impressionist artists used to create their works on view in the gallery. An MFAH Educator is at the gallery cart with hands-on materials and activities to help you explore color, brushstroke, and more!

Storytime: Camille and the Sunflowers
Gallery 218
1:30 and 3:00 p.m.
An MFAH Educator reads this lovely storybook in the galleries. Meet Vincent van Gogh as he befriends a young boy in a French town. Then explore a work of art by van Gogh in the gallery with hands-on materials and looking activities.

Light, Color, Landscape!
Porte Cochere
Rain Locations: Lower Level, SW Bell Studio and Farish Classroom
1:00 – 4:00 p.m.
First, be inspired to create your own impressionistic landscape with oil pastels. Then be amazed as you see your work anew through a filter of color and light you build in the studio! MFAH Teaching Artists are on hand to get you started with materials in the Porte Cochere, just outside the Main Street entrance to the Beck Building.

Law Building Activities
Storybook Films: Art, The Dot, and Ish
Brown Auditorium Theatre
Law building - Lower Level
Free with General Museum Admission
1:30 p.m.
Meet the young artists of three celebrated storybooks who, like the Impressionist artists, let their creativity and imagination guide them. Families with young ones will enjoy these animated films, adapted from beloved children’s picture books.

Art
Art, a young boy, joyfully draws scribbles that squiggle, splotches with blotches, zigs and zags, doodles and dogs, and so much more! Based on the book by Patrick McDonnell, with narration and music by the versatile Bobby McFerrin (6 minutes).

The Dot
Vashti may not be able to draw, but she can at least make a dot. When she sees the dot framed above her art teacher’s desk she decides that she can make a better dot. Soon Vashti is making big dots and small dots, red dots, blue dots and purple dots (based on the book by Peter H. Reynolds, 8 minutes).
Ish
With a little encouragement from his sister, Ramon discovers that creativity is about a lot more than getting things just "right." (Based on the book by Peter H. Reynolds, 9 minutes).

Reel Kids Film: My Uncle (Mon Oncle)
Brown Auditorium Theatre
Law building - Lower Level
Free with General Museum Admission
2:30 p.m.
Slapstick prevails in this French film when Jacques Tati’s eccentric hero Monsieur Hulot is let loose in the ultramodern home of his brother-in-law, and in an antiseptic factory that manufactures plastic hose. Tati directs and stars in the second entry of the Hulot series, a delightful satire of mechanized living. (116 minutes)

Until the next nap time...

Pet Parade

What has beads, dogs, cats, a


snake, ferrets, chickens & more? The annual Krewe of Barkus & Meoux (Aka Pet Parade) in


Galveston!



- Until the next nap time!

Galveston Mardi GRAS is Kid-Friendly

Several people have asked me


about Galveston Mardi Gras being kid-friendly. Yes, you can find some good clean fun on the seawall at day parades.

This weekend we attended the


Krewe of Aquarius parade & had a ball. At the day parades the themes tend to be more kid-oriented with fire trucks in the event & giveaways like stuffed animals, cups & of course beads.

Check 2 of the family-friendly parades next weekend (the first weekend of March). The Children's parade starts at 1 pm, followed by the Pet Parade at 2 pm on Sunday on the seawall. It's a fun couple of events after church. Hope ti see you there!


- Until the next nap time...

Go Texan Day in Houston

Today is Go Texan Day in Houston. While other cities just don't get this annual celebration, we absolutely love the hats, horses & friendly chatter. Although I raced to my daughter's dance at school from a required business meeting, I made it in time for the finale. I haven't yet mentioned denting someone else's bumper as I whipped into my parking spot but oh well.



It's always fun to see the kids country & western dance. I remember dressing up & dancing with my annual partner Kris Lambert while in elementary school. It was a good break from the norm.




Again this year, we waved to the trail riders as they journeyed south on Shepherd. They make a put stop at the Sears so kids can pet & ride the horses, check out the chuck wagons & talk to the cowboys & cowgirls. Reminder: this is right in the middle of the 4th largest city in the U.S., but it feels like a small town. We are looking forward to seeing these trailriders on TV tomorrow during the Rodeo Parade. Too fun! Yew haw!

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Who's Preparing for Mardi Gras?

This morning as I got ready for church, I decided I'd wear the pearls that my father-in-law gave me for Mardi Gras 2 years ago. I looked in my jewelry box but they weren't there. Our house is on the market so I worried that someone grabbed them from my hidden spot. Nah. I likely put them with my costume jewelry by accident. I checked but the necklace wasn't there either. I double checked both places again. Little K & I recited: " Tony, Tony, look around. Something's lost & can't be found."

I looked again but nada.

I went downstairs to tell Trent with tears bursting from my eyes. On top of it all, we are 1 week from the 1 year anniversary of my FIL's passing. Ugh.

"Check the vegetable crisper & I'll look upstairs," Trent said. Oddly, my MIL found a diamond tennis bracelet in the vege crisper so it's not that odd of a statement. Unfortunately, it wasn't there either.

I followed my husband upstairs on the search. He looked in the same spots but nothing. Then we looked everywhere else & Little K looked through her jewels. I feared the worst. Gone!

Then Trent said: "Are these them?"He pointed to the small stash of my favorite Mardi GRAS beads from over the years. They hung in my closet. There on top of them all ...was my pearl necklace. What? I would never have put the pearls there. But since my FIL loved Mardi Gras, I wondered.

Who's preparing for Mardi Gras?

- Until the next nap time.

Discovery Green Park

The weather was so nice today


that we met some old college friends with their kids at Discovery Green.


Little K had fun playing on all the playground equipment & I like the rubberized floor. Why have we not been here more recently?



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Little K hugged Father Clint after mass with a smile.

He replied with an innocent smile to my 5-year old: "You smell good."

"Oh, I took a tubbie," Little K responded.

Was that necessary for her to share? The man in the collar just smiled.

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Denis' Seafood is a Great Restaurant for Families

We have been going to Denis' to eat for years. Somehow I've forgotten to post a review on its kid-friendliness. We went there again today & Little K ordered a bowl of shrimp gumbo.

The staff was exceptional, bringing a high chair for her doll & a small tea cup for the doll.


Of course, I loved the gumbo that I had & Trent enjoyed his lobster bisque & sea scallops. You will love the super fresh seafood!

- Until the next nap time...

Location:Houston

Black-eyed Pea for Warm Food

With all this cold, rainy weather in Houston, we headed to Black-eyed Pea for grub to warm us up. Great grilled chicken & broccoli. Trent loved the chopped steak &


Little K ate most of her spaghetti. Her favorite was the ice cream sundae included with the kids meal. I guess she didn't need to warm up after all.

- Until the next nap time...

Location:Deauville Plaza Dr,Houston,United States

The grinch Who Stole Christmas

It was another great TUTS performance. We loved "The Grinch!"


- Until the next nap time...

Making a Christmas Poster

It's a beautiful afternoon in Houston. Our indoor Christmas decorations are up so my husband bravely agreed to hang the out door lights. Years ago, he chastised me for singing & dancing to Christmas carols while I was holding the ladder. Atop the ladder was my husband, bouncing around amidst strings of lights!

Today, Little K needed help "finding something to do" & I wanted her within eyesight. We decided to set up an outdoor art studio, where Little K could paint a Christmas poster. Instead of wearing a beret, she donned a Santa hat!




I helped write in pencil "Merry Christmas!" & then she painted over the cheerful message. Then she added her own designs. To dry, we hung her masterpiece on the gate, which again proved to be a good display area. It was a nice way to spend time outside with my daughter.

- 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 Holiday Music from the Veggie Tales for Youngsters

For a limited time, the Christmas collection "The Incredible Singing Christmas Tree" by the Veggie Tales is available through Amazon.com for FREE. It has 16 songs by those adorable Christian vegetables. Amazon walks you right through the process in about 2 minutes.

Surprise your youngsters with this festive music.

Until the next nap time...

Thanksgiving Art Work

This morning, Little K & her CiCi made this little Indian. They took a tangerine from CiCi's tree in her back yard. They carefully taped two yellow leaves to the back of the fruit. Then they pushed cloves into the front of the fruit to make the face. Ta da! Thanksgiving art work.

- Until the next nap time...

So it's the eve of Halloween & we're on the way to a Halloween party in Galveston. Little K lost her red hood, which was the key piece in her handmade-by-her-Grand "Little Red Riding Hood" costume. My husband just announced that he forgot his cowboy hat (he was dressing like a western bandit!) and Nestle recalled Raisinets & lollipops because they failed to mention that peanuts are in the candy. Really? As a mother of a child with a severe peanut allergy, that's a big miss! Nestle should have been more responsible.




All this said, the weather in Houston is gorgeous & I'm thankful for my family. We had a great time at the St. Rose School fall festival last night & I'm eager to learn how much money the school earned from the event. (In spite of the fun, it's still a fundraiser, you know.)

My fingers are crossed that my daughter will have no run-ins with peanuts this weekend. It's a high alert holiday when you have a peanut allergy. I hope Little K & all kids revel in the spirited fun of Halloween. I can't stop smiling when I see all the great costumes. Too fun!

- Until the next nap time...

Masquerade Ball at the Houston Symphony for Kids

This morning, Little K (aka Little Red Riding Hood) and I went to the 10 am Houston Symphony performance - Weatherford Family Concert. The theme was "Masquerade Ball" so kids were encouraged to wear their Halloween costumes. It really helped the guests get into the Halloween spirit.

The music was fantastic and the conductor was great about explaining what the music was describing in advance of playing a piece -- super for young audiences. I liked the chance to snuggle in our seats with my daughter and relax for almost an hour. We heard music from Ghostbusters, Night on Bald Mountain and Danse Macabre. Fantastic! Plus, the symphony put projections of jack o'lanterns, witches and ghosts on the walls to tie into the music. Even Little K was excited to tell her daddy about the music.

On our way out, we found Radio Disney playing games and music outside Jones Hall. It was a good end to the morning. I highly recommend season tickets to the Houston Symphony's Weatherford Family Concerts. It's ~ $100 for the annual subscription for one child and one parent with a symphony each quarter. One performance is at 10 am and a second on is at 11:30 am. Here's the line up for the rest of the year:

- Saturday, Dec. 4: Raymond Briggs' classic The Snowman (with a visit from Santa)
- Saturday, Feb. 19: Music from The Lion King
- Saturday, April 2: Symphony in Space with tunes from Star Wars and ET

Hope you'll check these out with your families. Until the next nap time...

Fishing Tales

All this fishing this evening reminds me of a funny fish tale. When I was young, Dad took me fishing regularly at Grandfather's ranch.



Once, I was apparently quite talkative. The trees lazily hung above us in a canopy. Dad just wanted a few fish.

"Megan, If you keep talking, you'll scare the fish away. You have to be quiet," Dad said.

My little brain suddenly flooded with hundreds of questions for dear Dad. Finally, one burst from my lips: "Where are fish's ears, Daddy?"

It was suddenly time to go & I had no idea why. Patience is priceless but so are good fish tales with Dad.

- Until the next nap time...

Location:Navasota, TX.

Scarecrow Festival in Chapel Hill, TX

Today, we decided to take our first trip to the Scarecrow Festival in Chapel Hill, Texas. It was really fun.



They had tons of booths with items for sale like a traditional street festival. They had an area for the kids that included a small ferris wheel ($5), a train ($3), a petting zoo ($3) with the cutest pot belly pig baby & much more. Of course, the costs add up quickly.

Food ranged from everything on a stick, fried Twinkies & potato chips, gyros, sausage, snow cones, fruity tea, lemonade, beer & much more. Dieters: be ware!


Little K's favorite part was getting her face painted & getting a unicorn doll now named Abby.

The adults had fun, too, walking around & enjoying the nice weather. Trent said: "I went all the way to the Scarecrow Festival & all I got was poor!' it was really fun though. I'd like to go to the Scarecrow Festival in Brenham tomorrow to do a comparison. Maybe they'll have more scarecrows. I'm not sure I can convince my family to get up tomorrow to go though. We'll see.

- Until the next nap time...

Addressing Obesity in Our Children

I think this is a great idea so I have to share. According to the American Heart Association, "currently, 25% of the nation’s children are showing early warning signs of heart diseases, but this can be undone."

Our own family set out just last week to eat healthier and be more active. I know, it's only been a week but we all have to start somewhere. Check out the following facts about childhood obesity and health in general and then learn how your family can do more to care for each others' health.

Thanks to Meghan Allen at the American Heart Association for these facts.

"Our nation is facing an increasingly dire obesity epidemic and this includes the Houston community. The number of meals being eaten outside of the home has reached an all time high. Since foods eaten away from the home are typically served in large portion sizes and are higher in energy density compared to meals eaten at home (My insert: not to mention they're usually drenched in salt), it is extremely important that Houstonians are well informed about what they are eating.

The American Heart Association is pleased to announce the launch of the Houston DINEs campaign. Houston DINEs is a local education and awareness campaign to provide dining information and nutrition education to all Houstonians.

The American Heart Association wants to empower consumers by encouraging them to ask questions about the calories they consume. This will increase the ability of consumers to make informed choices in the food and beverages they purchase in restaurants."

Learn more about what the American Heart Association is doing and how it can help you & your family. Visit http://houstondines.blogspot.com/ to learn more.

On a Friday evening, my thoughts of restaurant eating have been curtailed and healthier choices are trickling in. How about you? How do you encourage your kids to eat healthy?

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...

Snow Cone Time

Although school is in full swing, it's still hot in Houston. Yesterday, Little K had been so helpful, that


she earned a snow cone after dinner. These snow cone wagons have popped up all over Houston & are a refreshing treat. This one, at Ella Blvd. & 43rd St., is open until 8 pm. Tasty!

- Until the next nap time...

Location:Houston Heights

That Pizza Place on Ella

We are now trying "That Pizza Place on Ella", formerly Double Dave's. My salad was fresh & the beer was cold. Trent's Stromboli & my calzone is in the oven. There is a good variety of pizzas, subs & more here.

This is a fun, casual pizza joint for families. They have an air hockey table & a handful of video games. The big screen TV caught my eye, too. My favorite part is the wooden patio in the back, which is great for parties & even a DJ. While they will deliver (713-686-3283), kids will enjoy the joint.

And now for the taste test. Yummy!

- 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...

After a yummy breakfast of homemade biscuits & gravy, we met Aunt Patti & cousin Bentley at the movie theater at The Greene. We watched "Toy Story 3" & really enjoyed it.

Afterward, we walked around the outdoor mall (like Town & Country Villages in Houston). When we returned to the car, a family had run into my PaPa Don's parked car! Luckily, they stayed to talk to a police officer until we showed up. That was our only downer of the trip, except PaPa Don's ear ache. Here's hoping his doctor appointment Tuesday returns good news & the accidental driver pays for the car repairs.

We're waiting for our flight in Dayton & are oddly ready for home. I'm craving our schedule & a bit more play time before Little K heads to kindergarten this Friday. Where did the summer go?


- Until the next nap time...

Young's Dairy Farm

During our Ohio trip, we went to Young's Dairy Farm for our first time. It's similar to Dewberry Farm in Houston but has a large dining area that focuses on dairy products (although burgers are available).









A video shows how the staff males the cheese. The ice cream was tasty but too much for us to eat. Little K enjoyed the outdoor activities with our Barrett family. Perhaps we worked off some of our calories.


- Until the next nap time...

Dig Taters

Many moons ago, my mom, sister & I came to Ohio in August to escape the Houston heat. The other years, we came in early June to celebrate the start of summer. June trips also meant pea picking.

This August, we found the weather in the low 80s. PaPa Don blamed the lack of peas on the rabbits as he had done in years past, although it is really past harvest time. I in turn taught my daughter the potato song:

"This summer I went to Ohio.
I went there to help PaPa pick peas.
The rabbits arrived there before me.
Dig taters cuz there ain't no peas.
Taters, taters, dig taters cuz there ain't no peas!"



When Little K found a little potato, she hollered "Souper!" since the little taters go in Grammy's soup. When she found the big potatoes, she threw up her hands & yelled "Mongo!", taking after cousin Lauren when she was a youngster (She turns 24 today).



I took a turn at digging up green onions & garlic, which I taste tested. It had such a strong flavor! I've since been told that I should brush my teeth. Oh well. I've freshened my green thumb & Trent is helping me with our own garden ideas.

- Until the next nap time...

Pa Pa Don Still Makes the Best Pancakes

Add together 2 eggs, 1/4 tsp


vanilla, 1/2 tsp baking powder, 1 Tb cooking oil, "some milk". Mix well in the mixer.

Put in a cup of Hungry Jack


pancake mix. Mix well. Add in more pancake mix as needed.




The mixer seems to really get the pancakes fluffy. However, the true test is in the tasting. Yummy pancakes! Thanks, PaPa Don.

- Until the next nap time...

Location:Dayton, OH.

Tease-y

After dinner, there clearly was tickle time between Little K &


Uncle Sean. He was so surprised at the difference between our daughter & his at the same age. (photos tomorrow night will also be telling!) Too bad they both like teasing.

- Until the next nap time...

Location:Dayton, OH.

Do a Hair Do

As tradition demands, Little K "fixes" PaPa Don's hair. Unlike her mother & her aunt, she doesn't have any temporary hair dye!

- Until the next nap time...

Location:Dayton, OH.

Mini Burgers & Good Memories

Little K earned $2 this morning by picking up all the twigs that fell after last night's Ohio t-storm. We then went to a local rummage sale, where she bought coloring pages for 50 cents.




We'd worked up quite the appetite so we drove to the Hamburger Wagon in Miamisburgh, OH.

My PaPa Don says the original owner sold the famous mini burgers for just 10 cents each.


They now go for $1.10 each but are cooked right in front of you & are delicious!

My sorority little sister replied to my FaceBook post about this & says she has fond memories of this "monument", too.

Of course, there is the distinct possibility that we both love this place because our grandfathers have brought us here for years.

What are/were your favorite pitstops with your grandparents?

- Until the next nap time...

Location:Miamisburgh, OH

Baby Birds Need Space

This morning, we took a peak at


two baby Robbins that were nestled in a nest outside of my grandparents' big window. Little K thought they "were so cute".

Unfortunately, my mug got too close & one of the baby birds lept out of the nest. The mother & father bird quickly flew into action but the baby couldn't fly back into the nest! We obviously backed WAY back but we'll keep a eye on the little feathered friend.

Little K was quite upset with me, claiming I didn't even apologize to the baby bird for scaring it. Ha!

- Until the next nap time...

Location:Dayton, Ohio

Good Start to our Trip to Great-Grandparents

So each summer, we make a trip to visit my maternal grandparents, Little K's great-grandparents, in Dayton, Ohio. We also have aunts, uncles & cousins there. Each year, it proves such a rewarding experience... for me. The opportunity for my daughter to really get to know her great-grandparents is truly priceless.

We landed today to be greeted by PaPa Don & Grammy. An hour or so later, we arrived at their house & Little K promptly headed out to PaPa Don's garden. She picked okra, green


beans, baby pumpkins, cherry tomatoes & even luscious, big, juicy tomatoes! The funniest part is that my mom said they were "her tomatoes" but she didn't fly up here to eat them! Her. Her. Eat your.... Tomato out!

- Until the next nap time...

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...

I had a 7:30 am flight to Fort Worth this morning for work. Trent & Little K agreed to take me since my car is in the shop. At 5:30 am, I gently woke my daughter, saying it was time to go to the airport.

My sleepy girl arose, grabbed her baby dolls & headed to Daddy's car.

"I can't believe I'm in my PJs," she said sleepily with a slight sound of a giggle.

"I can't believe we are driving at this hour!" I replied. It was still dark outside. All in a day's work, right?

After my meetings, I head back to the airport. Surprise! Flight delay! Oh, I'll be home soon if those Houston storms will clear.

Until the next nap time...