Afternoon Trip to Santa's Wonderland

Holiday Fun in Houston:
Nightly through 12/31/07: If your family likes looking at Christmas lights, you’ll love Santa’s Wonderland. Located in College Station, TX., you’ll need to plan this as a late afternoon into evening trip. There are literally millions of lights and themed displays that are amazing. Hayride tours are available or you can just drive through the park in your own car, tuning in to the local radio station established by the park. Tip: Head out of Houston around 3:30 pm so that you arrive in the Hempstead and Navasota around 4:30-5 pm. Stop for dinner at the Black Canyon Express Restaurant in Navasota (on the west side of Hwy. 6). This is a tasty treat and not expensive. The owner Kevin welcomes kids, too. Then, head to Santa’s Wonderland for the opening gates at 6 pm.

Physical location: From Houston, take 290 to Hempstead, then take Hwy.
6 north to College Station. Exit at Texas World Speedway. Cross over the overpass and stay on the feeder road. Travel nearly one mile.
http://www.santas-wonderland.com/ 979-690-7212

Until the next nap time...

Make Your Own Ornament

Holiday Fun in Houston:
Decorate your own tree ornament or a cookie plate for Santa at the Mad Potter. Spend a few minutes choosing an item to decorate and then take an hour or more (if you're inclined) painting your masterpiece. The store will glaze and fire these creations for pick up later in the week. Our family's kids just loved this.

Cost: $8 per child painter + $8-$16 per pottery piece

Until the next nap time...

Christmas Lights in Houston

Holiday Fun in Houston:
Pack the kids and holiday treats like cookies & cocoa into the car to enjoy the Christmas lights around Houston. Two of my favorite neighborhoods are Shepherd Park Plaza and Candlelight Plaza that have holiday-themed streets. Also, check out Main Street in downtown for the marching soldiers on the sides of the buildings. The Heights also has "Lights in the Heights" display, which is fun to drive or walk through with kids in a wagon. For more details on where these displays are and additional lights around Houston, visit http://1075khits.com/MARKET/shared/event_guide/2006xmaslights.html for a great list.

Until the next nap time...

SuperKid Contest + Alley Takes on Dickens

Hope you like the new layout of my blog. I thought I'd make a few changes to kick off the New Year right. Well, I'm ahead of the game for once!

I want to tell you briefly about the SuperKid Contest and being part of our mission to educate about the severity of food allergies. Here's a link containing a fun quiz about food allergies: http://www.allergykids.com/donation.php?sc=921f09. The quiz takes less than one minute and is an easy way to learn about the potential hazards of food allergies. Did you know that people who were born without any allergies can later develop them? Wow. Good to know. I hope you'll take this quick quiz to learn more and share the information with your friends. The quiz and research is provided by the company AllergyKids, founded by former Houstonian Robyn O'Brien.

Holiday Fun in Houston:
Through Wednesday, 12/27, the Alley Theatre plays Dickens’ “A Christmas Carol” but with a few twists. The Alley invites families to enjoy this holiday favorite by offering 2:30 pm and 7:30 pm performances. Tickets begin at $38 each.

Santa's Hot Line Free for Houston Kids

Holiday Fun in Houston:
This really does work. If you have children, grandchildren, nieces, nephews or
you're a big kid yourself, try calling the 800 phone number below to listen to Santa Claus. He is very jolly and from Dec 13th - Dec 24th, there is a new message from Santa everyday. He reminds the children to be good and thoughtful to others and he sounds authentic. Best of all for parents, it is FREE! So encourage your youngsters to pick up the phone. 800-972-6242

Until the next nap time...

Don't Forget Your Camera, Houstonians

Don't forget to take your camera on all of those holiday activities. At yearend, you can burn them all to a CD with the year written on it for safe keeping.

Until the next nap time...

Holiday Flower Fun & Cautions for Houstonians

Holiday Fun in Houston:
Holiday fun on a budget is still do-able. Ask your kiddos to help you find Christmas flowers to decorate your home or porch. Poinsettias start around $4 (larger arrangements are about $10) and add great color for the season. This also provides an easy photo opp for Christmas cards and photo frames for family members. Remarkably, poinsettias are not as dangerous for kids as they once were thought, although most experts advice watching your kids around all plants and holiday decorations.

"Poinsettias are often thought of as one of the most dangerous holiday plants, but research has found that a 50-pound child would have to eat 500 to 600 leaves to be affected," said Ward Upham, instructor of horticulture, forestry and recreation at K-State.

Closer to home, experts at Texas Children's Hospital have published a helpful tip sheet for decorating your home with children under foot. Texas Children's Hospital suggests: "Mistletoe and holly can be poisonous and poinsettias can irritate a child’s mouth and throat." The point is: put your holiday plants out of kiddos' reach or on a porch, where you're able to watch them closely. The holidays present plenty of hazards (Uncle Larry and his overpowering cologne not withstanding!) without inviting dangers for our kids.

A special thanks to the MOPS in the Heights group, which welcomed me today as a speaker. I truly appreciate your support.

Until the next nap time...

Holiday Fun in West Houston

Holiday Fun in Houston:

Wonderland in Westchase
Thursday, Dec. 14, 2006 5:30 PM
Location: Quillian Memorial Center 3663 Westcenter Drive Houston, Tx 77042

The Houston West Chamber of Commerce (HWCOC) is expecting more than 7,000 people to join us in 60,000 lbs. of snow during the holidays at Wonderland in Westchase, hosted by Westchase District, HWCOC and Quillian Recreational Center. The event is sponsored by Amegy Bank of Texas, MemberSource Credit Union, Raising Cane's Chicken Fingers and First Methodist Church with corporate support from a number of Westchase area businesses. The event features child-centered activities, including face-painting, children’s crafts, hayrides, two moonwalks, climbing wall, hay rides, petting zoo, real snow, and – of course – Santa. Mrs. Claus reads children's stories, while choirs, handbells, harpists, and dancers provide entertainment on two stages. Bring a toy or non-parishable food item to support the West Houston Assistance Ministries!

Until the next nap time...

More Holiday Fun in Houston

For the first time, I watched the TV show "Brothers & Sisters" last night. I have to applaud it for showing ways to embrace both Christmas and Hanukah in one family -- no easy chore. Perhaps more important, I found its message to adults about valuing the true meaning of the holidays (however you celebrate it) wonderful. The show emphasized faith in God, in yourself and in your family members. Watching this show was a refreshing change.

Holiday Fun in Houston:
Friday, 12/15: Holiday Lights in Hermann Park is Houston’s version of “Central Park.” The event begins at 6 pm with the lighting at the Jones Reflection Pool. Children of all ages enjoy the holiday production presented by the Hermann Park Conservancy. Then, Houston families enjoy the lights on weekends throughout the month 6-9 pm. Pack up the kids with bikes, trikes or even roller blades and put that energy to good use. This makes a nice alternative to the usual after-dinner routine. Strollers are welcome.

Until the next nap time...

Houston Holiday Celebrations

If you're looking for a fun holiday activity this weekend with the kids, I've got a few suggestions.

This Saturday, 12/9, take a drive with the family. A Candlelight Christmas is available at Washington on the Brazos State Historical Site in Washington (about an hour drive northwest of Houston). Hear stories of Christmas customs and traditions celebrated in 19th century Texas. Enjoy music, carols, buggy rides, and arts and crafts to take home. You can even decorate the historic house for the holiday. Activities in the afternoon are more geared toward kids while the evening is slightly more appropriate for adults. Light refreshments are served. If you can’t make it this weekend, head out later in December for a classic view. Our family plans to head up to Washington next weekend since we'll be attending the Symphony's "A Very Merry Pops" this weekend. (For details, see yesterday's entry.)
Adults $6; kids $4

Another option this Saturday is the Houston Symphony’s annual Christmas Family Concert. It offers holiday music and fun for youngsters with "How the Grinch Stole Christmas." The symphony offers a charming way to spend a morning as a family during the holidays. Youngsters can participate in arts and crafts before and after the children’s show. Each performance usually includes singing, dancing, costumes and a visit from Santa.
Recommended age: 4+ years;
Adults $15; Children $9;
Time: 10 am and 11:30 am performances

Until the next nap time...

A Very Merry Pops in Houston

This weekend, 12/8-12/10/06, the Houston Symphony celebrates with “A Very Merry Pops,” which is a sing-along for kids of all ages. Young family members can take advantage of the matinee performances while older families can enjoy the evening productions. Enjoy the sights and sounds of the season with tunes from the Grinch to more traditional songs. Tickets begin at $28 each. This is one of our family's favorites.

Until the next nap time...

Free Christmas Plays in Houston Heights

Holiday Fun in Houston:
Friday, 12/8 from 7-8:25 pm

Two FREE shows by the AD Players -- "Apostrophe" and "Wintery Kingdom" are appropriate for all ages. The Christmas plays will be held at the Baptist Temple in the Heights near the corner of 20th Street and Yale. A reception will follow, allowing kids to meet the performers and enjoy Christmas cookies and wassail. There will be a 15 minutes intermission with a Carol Sing between shows. The total time is approximately 85 minutes.

Until the next nap time...

Snow Hits Houston for Holidays

Holiday Fun in Houston:
Snow Flurries in Houston

Attention all kids ages 10 and under! The National Weather Prediction Center has forecast a major snowstorm at the Houston Museum of Natural Science on> > Saturday, December 9, 10 am - 4 pm. Don't miss out on this year's winter wonderland as we celebrate Snow Flurry III. This year, Santa and his reindeer will deliver 80,000 pounds of real snow along with holiday wishes. Learn more at http://www.hmns.org/education/children_families/special_events.asp.

Until the next nap time...

Dickens on the Strand for Families

12/2 – 12/3/06: Dickens on the Strand is Galveston’s return to the era of Charles Dickens and is a neat holiday activity. Families can walk the 10-block area in Galveston to see how characters from Dickens’ stories lived. Costumed vendors and performers stroll about to entertain all. Children’s activities include visiting the Royal Menagerie Petting Zoo, taking a ride on a pony and an elephant, playing in the “Snow on Sunday,“ joining in the Scrooge’s Scavenger Hunt, hearing a storyteller, participating in a Backyard Circus and joining in the Puppet Parade as well as crafts and other projects. Adult tickets are $12 at the gate. Children 7-12 are $6 at the gate. Children under 6 are free. TIP: Dress in Victorian costume to be admitted FREE.

This is a great way to spend a few hours or the day with the family focused on the holidays.
www.DickensOnTheStrand.org 409-765-7834

'Tis the season. Yes, the Christmas season is roaring into full gear & the cold weather in Houston is a great reminder. In the spirit of the season, I promise to post more than 20 fun holiday activities throughout the month of December. Check back frequently for regular updates. Drum roll please. Here's the first Christmas activity for your family.

Holiday Fun in Houston:
Bundle up for fun for the whole family. Head to the Heights for “Holiday on 19th” tonight, Friday, 12/1 from 6-10 pm. Taste wassail. Shop for those on your list. Ride the trolley while listening to music and caroling. Grab dinner at any of the cafes and restaurants. The action takes place on 19th Street in the Historic Heights between Shepherd and Yale. Hope to see your family there, bundled up in coats and gloves but with plenty of holiday spirt.

Thanks to all of you who came to the official book launch at Barnes & Noble in West U last night. If you didn't make it but are interested in buying the new edition of my book 100+ Activities for Houston Kids, buy it online and I'll ship it straight to you. Alternatively, you can buy the new book at any of the following stores:

• Barnes & Noble stores citywide
• Berings (both locations)
• Blue Willow Bookshop at Memorial & Dairy Ashford
• Borders stores throughout Houston
• Brazos Bookstore at 2421 Bissonnet Street
• Houston Invitation Service at 2503 River Oaks Boulevard (across from Lamar High School).
• Midsummer Books in Galveston
• River Oaks Bookstore across the street from Lamar High School

Happy Holidays! Until the next nap time...

Christmas TV Specials = Family Time

It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas. So many of us get busy with the holidays that we forget to take time to spend with our little ones. I love finding opportunities to cuddle and some Christmas TV specials provide the perfect opportunity during the week. "Christmas in Rockefeller Center" airs tonight at 7 pm (central) on NBC. With singing from plenty of stars, this is one way to bring the season to your home and you can even get some decorating done. Happy holidays!

Remember: my new book "100+ Activities for Houston Kids" makes a great gift. Join us at the Barnes & Noble in West University on Thursday, 11/30 from 6-9 pm for the offical book launch party. Hope to see you there.

Until the next nap time...

Charlie Brown Christmas Airs Tonight

Here's an easy way to kick off the holidays as a family. Tune in tonight at 7 pm to "A Charlie Brown Christmas" on ABC. This fun classic sneaks in the real meaning of Christmas, while incorporating all the festivities. Plus, it's FREE so you don't have to pull from the holiday budget. Enjoy!

For more fun activities for kids in Houston, check out my book 100+ Activities for Houston Kids, now available in local book stores and through my Web site at www.TellYourTale.com/Kids. And sign up for my FREE, monthly newsletter by visiting http://www.tellyourtale.com/resources.html.

Until the next nap time...

Art Mix is Great Mix for Kids

If you're looking for something to do with your kids during the week or looking ahead to the weeks when the kids are out of school for the holidays, consider Art Mix at 3701 W. Alabama. This place has wonderful, artful activities for children starting at 18 months of age. My daughter loved painting at the easel, reading books about art and gluing art pieces onto an animal cut out to make her own collage. I really like this because it's a creative way to interact with my child. Next time, we'll tackle play dough.

Art Mix offers regular classes for kids 2-12 years but -- extra cool -- it also has a "Pop In Studio," allowing families to get imaginative for only $5 per 30 minutes of play time. I really appreciated the staff teaching me how to work with my daughter. For instance, one lady showed me how to explain the glue to my 19 month old and how the glue holds the art cut-outs onto the paper. She also showed me how to help my toddler use little tots' scissors so that Little K will develop hand muscles. Art Mix gets a thumbs up. Thanks for creative play time!

Until the next nap time...

Thanksgiving Houston Style

What are you most thankful for this Thanksgiving? I love this time of year because most of us have a long weekend to stop and think about our blessings. It's no surprise that on a blog about kids that I'll say I'm most thankful for my family. It's true though. After losing a close friend this week, the value of family has been quite evident to me.

Thanksgiving gives us the opportunity to spend more time with our loved ones... however you define your family. If you're looking for family fun in Houston, here are some great ideas.

Thanksgiving morning at 9 am is the Thanksgiving Parade, underwritten by HEB. The parade begins on the east side of downtown, traveling 20 blocks starting at Minute Maid Park at Jackson and Texas. I always suggest taking families with youngsters to the beginning of the parade route. This allows the kids to see the parade participants when they're fresh AND prevents long waits before the parade arrives at your spot. The parade is FREE unless you want reserved seating. For $21 each, grandstand tickets are located in the TV Zone in front of Minute Maid Park at Jackson and Texas. Scheduled performances will stop in the TV Zone to be filmed for the television broadcast. For $13 each, reserved Turkey Seats are located outside of the TV Zone along Texas Ave between Jackson and Crawford. Performers will not stop outside of the TV Zone but you will have a guaranteed seat with great viewing as the parade passes by. I suggest heading downtown and not worrying about buying tickets. If you wake up late, you can still catch the parade on channel 11, KHOU. Parking is available along the parade route.

If you're not a morning person, don't worry. Another favorite is the Uptown Holiday Lighting Ceremony. The evening of Thanksgiving, the City of Houston kicks off the holiday season in grand style with the lighting of S. Post Oak Boulevard in the Galleria area. Fun for the entire family, Houston lights its outdoor Christmas trees and decorations to turn bustling blocks into glistening gems. Typical features include performances by local choruses, brief reenactments from the Houston Ballet’s Nutcracker, and a fireworks display to conclude the evening. Parents can purchase hot cocoa and cider from some of the nearby hotels. Children love the holiday souvenirs that vendors sell on the street. And, of course, Santa makes an appearance as well. Holiday music and concessions start at 4 pm. The band starts at 5 pm and the fireworks begin at 7 pm. This is another FREE activity for families and it's a wonderful holiday jumpstart.

Many blessings to you & your family this Thanksgiving. Until the next nap time...

Living Life

I'm sorry.

Those are important words to learn at any age. I'm again learning them as I received news earlier this evening that my high school friend Kelly (Plummer) Lester passed away from liver cancer. Why do I bring this up on a blog about raising Houston kids? One: it's obviously on my mind. Two: it's the lesson we all learn again and again: live your life so you are not sorry for regrets. Live your life to its fullest.

My friend Kelly was a sassy gal who didn't take grit from anyone. Even in her last days, she made sure her husband was clear: she did NOT want to be buried wearing panty hose! That's my friend Kelly. But for parents, at least one lesson is to show our kids that life is short. (Kelly died at only 31 years of age.) Live life to its fullest and don't hold back. God didn't put us on this earth to live with a barrier around us or to live with hesitation. Instead, God said "here is everything for you to enjoy. Live." Enjoying life is so much more rewarding than worrying about the next test at school, wearing the right clothes or being popular. My friend Kelly thumbed her nose at all of that and instead loved life. When she could barely utter a word, she told another friend: "It's been a good ride." I choose to remember her that way. How will your children remember you? Add your comments to this blog to share with me & others your thoughts on the importance of being a good influence on living life. I hope to hear from you.

A salute to my Grandmother Frazier, who turned 93 this week, and to my friend Kelly, who was a great example of not letting life hold you back from enjoying it all.