Sports, Music, Exercise & Health Top Houston Weekend

At 7 pm on April 13th (Yes, Friday the 13th!) experience River Oaks Chamber Orchestra (ROCO)'s uniquely informal and intimate music making at Colonial Park in West University. Eleven of the 40 members will perform music such as Mozart's Wind Serenades. Bring a blanket and/or chairs and a picnic for the Music Under the Stars concert series from West University. A map and driving directions are available online.

Take advantage of the wonderful spring weather (& probably sunshine) this Saturday, April 14 at the Holy Mackerel Bike Race in the Houston Heights. Details are available in my blog from 4/12/07. This promises to be a morning of cheers and fun with bike races for folks age 3 and up, as well as a moonwalk and concessions.

Also on Saturday is the 2007 Fleishman Family Festival (in honor of the late Dr. Gary B. Fleishman). This year, the event will be held across the street from the hospital (921 Gessner) on Memorial City Mall property. This family-oriented fair will provide a variety of activities, including extensive opportunities to talk "one-on-one" with physicians of different specialties, health and safety exhibits and displays, free health screenings (including blood pressure, glucose, cholesterol, pulmonary function testing and more), live entertainment and refreshments. Expected attendance is ~1,500 people. Head out to the Fleishman Family Festival this Saturday from 11 am 2 pm. There is no cost to attend. Plus, this is a great way to spend a Saturday with friends and family while learning about healthy lifestyles!

Sunday, April 15 at 5:05 pm, catch the last Houston Aeros hockey game of the season on Family Day. The Aeros play the San Antonio Rampage for a Texas-sized game. Family packages and tickets are available online. Go Aeros!

Have a wonderful weekend! Until the next nap time…

Bike Rides in the Sun This Saturday

Looking for a fun way to enjoy Houston's spring weather?

Head to the 2nd Annual Heights Holy Mackerel Bike Race. Join the Baptist Temple Church in the Heights and the Woodlands Cycling Club for an exciting day of bicycle racing and wholesome family fun in the historic Houston Heights. Experience the thrill of watching top-ranked men and women cyclists compete for cash and prizes and enjoy food, fun and exciting activities for the whole family at "RACE HUB" in the church parking lot.

Children ages 3 to 10 are invited to participate in Kid's Races ranging in distances from 70 yards to 1.5 miles. Youngsters ages 10 to 18 may ride in the Juniors category race, sanctioned by USA Cycling, and adults 18 years and older can race for cash and prizes in the Texas Cup Pro-Am Series* races.

Don't miss the thrilling spectacle and family fun of the 2007 HEIGHTS HOLY MACKEREL! Baptist Temple Bike Race. See you there!

http://www.baptisttemple.org/
DATE AND TIME: Saturday, April 14, 2007
The Kid's Bicycle/Tricycle Race begins at 10:45 a.m.
Bring the whole family and enjoy exciting Pro/Am Texas Cup racing throughout the day from 7:15 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.
LOCATION: Baptist Temple Church in the Heights is located at 230 West 20th Street in Houston.
Parking will be available on streets near the course and in designated lots. Inform an HPD Officer at one of the road barricades that you are attending the race and follow instructions to parking areas.
REQUIREMENTS: Helmets for all participants are required. All participants must furnish his or her own bicycle/tricycle and helmet. Closed toe shoes and appropriate dress are required. A parent or guardian must sign a release of liability and be responsible for the safety and welfare of their child at all times (no child care provided). Participants should be able to pedal and drive their bicycle or tricycle without assistance for their age category distance.

REGISTRATION: Participants may pre-register online. Pre-registration closes at 5 pm on April 11. Space is limited to 25 participants per age division. No refunds. Race day registration (April 14) will be available from 8 to 9 am only at "RACE HUB" and limited to space availability on a first-come, first-served basis. Race day registrations will incur a $5 late fee. Cash only.

There will be snacks and drinks available for the participants and concessions for purchase before and during the event. Don't miss the moon walk, attractions and other exciting activities taking place at the 2007 HEIGHTS HOLY MACKEREL! Baptist Temple Bike Race.

Until the next nap time...

Tell Your Tale Web Site

Thanks for those of you wondering what's going on with my Web site. For now, you can visit http://www.megansalch.com/. Thanks!

Until the next nap time...

Photo Opps Abound in Houston

It's a beautiful day in Houston and photo opps abound. If you haven't had a chance to snap that photo of your kids with the Easter bunny, don't sweat it. Northwest Mall on Loop 610 near Hwy 290 hosts the friendly rabbit every day through Easter Sunday. While most malls have visits from this guy, we like Northwest Mall the best because it's easy to make a FAST trip. If you enter on the northwest side of the mall at the main entrance (near CiCi's Pizza), you can walk straight through the food court and then reach the Easter bunny at center court. The line is either short or non-existent so this is an easy thing to do. Say "Cheese!"

This is also a great time to snap a few photos amongst the Texas state flower: the bluebonnet. Here are a few areas you can go to find them:
- Memorial & Wilcrest: a photographer friend of mine has been doing photoshoots here this year because the field is full of them. This is probably the best place I've seen/heard of this year.
- Loop 610 and TC Jester, just west of the Boy Scouts of America building. There aren't as many bluebonnets here as last year but it still provides an easy set up for good photos.
- Brenham and Hempstead: head north on Hwy 290 in about an hour, you'll see beautiful fields of bluebonnets and the redish/orange Indian Paintbrush flowers. Make a day trip out of this and head to the Blue Bell Creamery in Brenham.

Another fun activity this Saturday is the Grand Kids Festival in Galveston. This is another great day trip for Houston families.

I hope your families enjoy a wonderful Easter holiday! Until the next nap time...

Easter Candy for Peanut Allergy Kids

A special thanks to Shannon W. for sharing these Easter candy suggestions for families with peanut allergies. Hey, I wouldn't want to miss out on the sweets!

• Lifesavers Jelly Beans
• Jolly Rancher Jelly Beans
• Sweet Tarts “Chicks, Ducks and Bunnies”
• Smarties
• Hershey Mini Robin’s Eggs
• Double Bubble Eggs
• Topps Ring Pops
• Palmer “Jummies”
• Lifesavers Gummies “Bunnies and Eggs”

Enjoy! Until the next nap time...

Best & Worst Mom's Day Gifts?

Okay, moms. I'm working on the next issue of the Houston Family Fun newsletter and want to first hear from you. (Subscribe to this FREE, monthly newsletter & get updates on local family activities.)

What is the best Mother's Day gift you've received? The worst? What are some things you wish others knew about Mother's Day but you haven't told them? Do you think your own mother feels the same?

Email me your ideas or add a comment to this blog. Thanks for your tips!

Until the next nap time...

Astros Kick Off '07 Season

Monday, April 2 at 6:05 pm kicks off the Astros’ first home game against the Pittsburgh Pirates. The first 30,000 attendees will receive an Astros rally towel, so arrive early. Plus, the Astros Street Festival from 1-5 pm is FREE in downtown Houston today & is a fun activity for families and fans.

How can you make this a special event for the kids?

• Head to CHEW CHEW EXPRESS (Sections 133 & 416), which provides smaller meals for younger fans.
• Squeeze Play is located on the NE corner of the ballpark at the Right Field Entrance near Section 133. Young fans, accompanied by an adult, can test their speed with an interactive Squeeze Play game or their hitting prowess in the Splatting Cage.
• To cool off, fans can indulge in delicious slushies at the Minute Maid juice bar. With the availability of picnic tables and several TV screens, this is the perfect place for the whole family to enjoy an evening at Minute Maid Park. Look out for Junction Jack, the Astros mascot, who loyally attends every game.

Fans age 2 and under may be admitted to Astros games without an admission ticket. However, they must sit in the lap of an accompanying adult. Sixteen family restrooms are available throughout the ballpark so, yes, Daddy can change the diaper or take the little tikes to the bathroom. Game tickets begin at $1 per child and $7 per adult, increasing in price based on seat location.
Schedule for this week:
Tuesday, April 3: 7:05 pm against Pittsburgh
Wednesday, April 4: 7:05 pm against Pittsburgh
Friday, April 6: 7:05 pm against St. Louis
Saturday, April 7: 6:05 pm against St. Louis
Sunday, April 8: 1:05 pm against St. Louis
Until the next nap time...

Impact of Day Care on Kids

"A Downside to Day Care?" is an article published in Newsweek that examines research conducted about the result on young children being in early child care programs. The results are interesting. This research seems to confirm that too much learning and structure at too young of an age can actually be detrimental to a child's behavior. As my cousin Juli pointed out, it makes me steer clear of Montessori programs for sure.

What I like best about this article is the insight & research interpretation provided by Margaret Burchinal, a psychologist at the University of North Carolina and a co-author of the study. Burchinal says: "The take-home message (of the research) is parents of young children need to figure out what makes their lives work so they can be the kind of parent they really want to be with their children...Parenting matters far more than any single decision about child care--or all the decisions put together. Quality parenting predicts school success."

My take? So if you're a parent who works outside of the home, focus on the time you have with your kid(s). Make that time count. If you're able to stay home with your child/children, be sure that you're happy with that decision and find it rewarding. No matter which way you work (at home with the kids or in an office), a parent needs to find fulfillment. The impact is not only on you but also on your youngsters. Let me know what you think by adding a comment to this blog.

Until the next nap time...

Indoor Houston Activities Invite Imagination

I've been worried that it's going to rain all day but nothing yet. I clearly remember the weather forecast calling for a 40% chance of rain today. Little K will be home with me tomorrow so the raindrops will likely come then. Thank goodness we have MOPS in the morning to keep both of our minds active.

If you're looking for a fun indoor activity when it's raining or just too hot (those days aren't far away!), take a trip to Memorial City Mall. Little K loves the Carousel. I love comparing this photo with last year's photo. It's amazing to see how fast our children grow up. After a $1 ride on the Carousel, grab a bite to eat in the nearby Food Court. Then, wander through the mall until you come to the Milky Way Playcastle. There is a height restriction of 48" tall to enter so this is best for young kids. Burn off some energy while you & your child climb through the fantasy world of mushrooms, nets and slides.

If your child is older and an aspiring author, bring him/her to Brazos Bookstore on Tuesday, March 27 at 7 pm, when the store celebrates the arrival of author & former Houstonian Laura Moser. Moser is the co-author of the book series including The Rise and Fall of a 10th Grade Social Climber, All Q, No A: More Tales of a 10th-Grade Social Climber, and Foreign Exposure: The Social Climber Abroad -- the latter of which Moser & co-author Lauren Mechling will be showcasing Tuesday night. Encourage your preteens and teens to meet these authors in the flesh and learn how to pursue a writing career. See the Teenreads.com interview with these authors to determine if this is a good fit for your young writer. It's motivating to hear from young women like these who have turned a passion for writing, exciting travels and fun into a profession. I don't think the kids will be the only ones to learn from these authors. Hope to see you there.

Brazos Bookstore also has a young children's reading area and hopes to begin a parent & child story time. More updates to come.

So now you have at least a few options to spark your imagination whether it rains tomorrow or not. Until the next nap time...

Parents, You Feel Overextended but Making an Impact

Thanks to the Heights MOPS group for a great trip to Art Mix Learning Center today. We got our hands full of paint, play doh and tools for creating wonderful art pieces that now decorate our refrigerator. The camaraderie of this group is so refreshing and Little K continues to learn important lessons like sharing, cleaning up and returning to the fun place another day. (Smile!) You know those lessons.

My cousin Juli forwarded this link to a fantastic and intriguing article posted to MSNBC called "Despite 'Mommy Guilt', Time With Kids Rising." I hope you'll check it out. The reporter does a good job of explaining how parents' expectations of ourselves has dramatically increased over the last several decades, yet we're doing more for our families. It's helpful in putting things into perspective and reminding ourselves that we are, indeed, doing a good job as parents.

Also a special thanks to Colyn for bailing us out of a pinch yesterday. When both parents are called to work in the late evening, it's great to have my sister nearby to lend a hand. And Little K loves to play with her Aunt "Juji".

Until the next nap time...

Celebrate St. Patrick's Day in Houston

Well, I know I'm not the only Houstonian who is glad to see the sunshine finally come out to play. The rain has certainly made for a soggy Spring Break.

The good news is that St. Patrick's Day is this Saturday, March 17 and there's plenty of fun in store. The City's annual St. Patrick's Day Parade starts at noon with the route beginning at Texas and Crawford in downtown Houston, ending at Prairie and Caroline. Darn your greens and celebrate being Irish or pretending to be Irish for the day! The parade will wrap up around 2 pm.

For older kids and their families, head to Miller Outdoor Theatre to see a live performance by the Trinity Irish Dance Company starting at 8 pm. These dancers are amazing and have been highlighted on shows like Johnny Carson and Jay Leno. Welcome them to Houston this Saturday. Bring a blanket for a nice picnic and pack some Irish snacks... potatoes, Irish beef stew, Shepherd's Pie or delicious scones. I've actually visited Ireland and loved the food. Try one of these tasty recipes from Kraft.

Until the next nap time...

Rodeo Even Fun in the Rodeo

Don't let the rain keep you away from the Houston Livestock Show & Rodeo. The Livestock Show has tons of things to do indoors including:
- Destination AGventure has critters to pet and learn about

- Check out the boots & saddles that are available for sale (Little K tries out a saddle here!)

- Color and veg out in bean bags while you learn about fruit and vegetables

- Ride a pony

- Capture your kids' joy in a photo while they sit on top of a longhorn bull

- The treats are finger-licking good!

We were lucky enough to visit last Saturday when the crew from 93Q Morning Zoo was there. My nephew thought it was so cool to meet radio stars, especially Jenny Law. Whew! With only a week left of the rodeo, be sure to spend a few hours there -- rain or shine.

Until the next nap time...

Bayou City Art Fest Prepares Its Canvas

The Bayou City Art Fest in Memorial Park is great activity for the whole family. With stroller in tow, we loved walking through the park and looking at so much great art. And they even had activities for the little ones. This year's details are below. Mark Your Calendars!

The world will set the stage for the Bayou City Art Festival Memorial Park’s diverse performing arts presentations -- from MECA mariachis and Houston Salsa Dancers to Shaolin Kung Fu and Dance Asia; and from Celtic Bands to Eastern Indian dance.

Celebrating its tenth spring in Memorial Park, the 36th Annual Festival is slated for Friday, March 23 through Sunday, March 25, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. The performing artists will join more than 300 fine artists and dozens of international food and wine café vendors in transforming the park’s meandering, tree-lined trails into a magical art colony offering a host of visual, performing and culinary delights.
The multi-cultural performers, dressed in traditional costumes, along with crafts demonstrations by the Gulf Coast Wood Turners’ Association, origami artist Joan Son, The Blacksmith Association and Clay Houston potters, are presented by the Houston Arts Alliance. Bayou City Art Festival is funded in part by grants from the City of Houston through Houston Arts Alliance.

The entertainment line-up is:
Saturday, March 24
11 a.m. - Bayou City Concert Musicals – Musical Theater
noon – Dance Asia
1 p.m. – MECA Mariachis
2 p.m. - Del Espadin Baile Espanol flamenco dancers; CORE Performance Company
3 p.m. – Houston Bay Area Ballet & Theater
4 p.m. – Houston Metropolitan Company dance troupe; CORE Performance Company
5 p.m. – Bill Klecka Band Celtic musicians

Sunday, March 24
11 a.m. – Brazilian Arts folkloric dancing
noon – Shruthilaya - Traditional Indian Dance from the Indian Cultural Center
1 p.m. – Houston Salsa Dancers, Inc.
2 p.m. – Revels singers; CORE Performance Company
3 p.m. – Ambassadors International Ballet Folklorico from Central and South America
4 p.m. – Shaolin Kung Fu Academy; CORE Performance Company
5 p.m. – Bayou City Performing Arts musical theater
Bayou City Art Festival Memorial Park selected impressionist landscape artist Michael McKee as its featured artist. His featured piece, “Fragrant Twilight,” embodies his rich, earthy colorations and reflects his love for soft pastels and an appreciation of the balance between “color, expression and technique,” according to the artist.

Bayou City Art Festival showcases works representing 19 media formats: clay, drawing/ pastel, fiber/textiles, furniture, glass, jewelry, leather, metal, mixed media, painting, photography, printmaking, sculpture, watercolor and wood, plus the Emerging Artists installation art by area high school students. Budding young artists enjoy the interactive Creative Zone presented by Museum of Fine Arts, Houston, which engages children in creating their own art works to take home. Adding to the festive outdoor gallery atmosphere is a “Broadway theme” in Houston's Broadway Café, the performing arts stage, plus performance art by CORE Performance Company, whose costumed dancers will perform the world premiere of “Shedd” amidst the pines.

“You won’t need to leave the park if you’re hungry or thirsty – refresh yourself at the wide range of international food and beer and wine cafes,” said Joe Pogge, president of the board of the Art Colony Association, producer of the Bayou City Art Festivals.

The City of Houston, Budweiser Select, Houston Parks & Recreation Department, Smooth Jazz 95.7, Burt’s Bees, David Powers Homes and KPRC-TV are the Festival sponsors.

Over the past 36 years, the Bayou City Art Festivals, a 501c(3) organization, has raised more than $2.3 million for local charities. The 2007 charity partners are: Art League Houston, Bering Omega Community Service, DiverseWorks Art Space, Houston Center for Contemporary Craft, Lawndale Art Center, Memorial Park Conservancy, Multicultural Education and Counseling through the Arts (MECA), Museum of Fine Arts, Houston, CORE Performance Company, SPARK School Park Program, Spay-Neuter Assistance Program (SNAP), The Orange Show Foundation, Texas Accountants and Lawyers for the Arts (TALA), and YMCA of Greater Houston Downtown.

Admission is $10 for adults and free for children 12 and under.

There is no public parking in Memorial Park. Free shuttle service 9:30 a.m. to 7 p.m. to and from the Park on Friday from Northwest Mall on Hwy. 290; and on Saturday and Sunday from Northwest Mall and Downtown: Memorial Drive at Rusk, Rusk at Smith and Smith at Capitol.
For schedules and further information check http://www.bayoucityartfestival.com/ or call (713) 521-0133. # # #

Houston Precinct 4 Serves Up Spring Fun

If you're looking for some fun outdoor activities, Harris County Precinct 4 has a lot planned. The precinct's newsletter Parkscape is a wonderful resource for Houston families, especially those living in or near precinct 4. (Here's a map of precinct 4's parks.)

During Spring Break, Jones Park will have various activities planned to teach kids about frogs, fangs and stargazing. For kids 10-15, the Junior Canoe Training will teach the basics of canoeing and then take the kids on a half-day trip. Reservations are required.

I especially like the Calendar of Events section of the newsletter that spells out all the activities throughout precinct 4 from March - May. From Breakfast with the Easter Bunny on March 31 to nature hunts to the Fishing Derby on April 28, you're bound to find something that entices your kids.

Sign up to receive the precinct's FREE printed newsletter by visitng http://www.hcp4.net/, calling 281-893-3726 or mailing your request to Public Affairs Department, 1731 Hugh Road, Houston, TX. 77067.

Until the next nap time...

Veggie Tales Take on Chicken

Do your children love Veggie Tales?

Wednesday March 7 from 5:30 – 8 PM join Bob and Larry for songs and dancing, arts and crafts and video entertainment.

Bring your camera and have your picture taken with Bob and Larry. Here's a special event at Chik-Fil-A at 3101 W. Holcombe Blvd.

Call 713 660-8200 for more information.

Until the next nap time...

Vote for Texas Children's Hospital

I credit Texas Children's Hospital (TCH) with saving my daughter's life from a staph infection when she was only 2 weeks old. Our lives would be drastically different with TCH. In turn, I ask each of you to help this amazing hospital in Houston in a contest to win a new fun center for the facility's patients. To vote for TCH, click here and click on the Get Started box in red. For details on the contest, click here.

Thank you for your votes!

Until the next nap time...

10 Tips for Navigating Houston Livestock Show & Rodeo with Kids

10 Tips for Navigating the Livestock Show & Rodeo with Kids:

1. Enter the parking lot at the Kirby & Westridge entrance and tell the parking attendants that you have children. During the week, they’ll let you park up close to minimize the walk, although you’ll need to leave by 1 pm. Arrive as early as 9 am.
2. Before you arrive, talk to your family about how to gently pet animals. Many of the exhibitors instruct kids to use the “2-finger pet” but in the excitement, arms are flying. Prepare your youngsters by showing them how to use two fingers to pet animals.
3. Back pack, back pack. Forget the purse and strap on your backpack so your arms are free to help your kids explore.
4. Pack hand wipes. While the petting zoo area does have hand sanitizer available, our hands still felt filthy after an hour. We were glad we had a bag of wipes.
5. Eat a snack on the way & avoid spending too much money on pricey carni-fare.
6. Wear closed-toe shoes. Not everyone can pull on boots, but avoid flip-flops or sandals. I was surprised how many people walked around the show in flip-flops and filthy feet. Ewww!
7. Wear a cowboy/cowgirl hat that fits. Encourage the kids to wear cowboy hats that have the under-chin strap so that the wind doesn’t blow off their hats. Pull back long hair on windy days.
8. Head to Reliant Center first to explore indoors at Destination: Agventure. Most of these activities are included at no extra charge, although photos on the bulls and the pony rides are extra. If the kids still have energy after this, then head outdoors to the carnival and food area. This will minimize the money you spend there. Don’t forget the Horse Arena for a view at these beautiful animals.
9. Bring your own camera to capture candid moments. Discounted prices exist at the longhorn bull photo shoot for those who brought their own camera.
10. Don’t feel like you have to cram it all in. Buy the FunPass! for $20 and you can return as many times as you’d like. Shorter trips are easier on young children. Kids under 2 years old are FREE.

Houston Rodeo Great for Kids, Families

It’s officially Rodeo time in Houston, providing a great way for kids to learn about agriculture, animals and sports. Head to Destination: AGventure where your kids can pet various types of rabbits, learn how chickens hatch from eggs of many colors, and see more animals than on most farms. The petting zoo gives children a chance to pet and feed chickens, goats, lambs and even Kangaroos! Take a ride on a pony or do a photo shoot on the back of a longhorn bull. Yeehaw!

For families with young kids, I recommend attending the livestock show for a few hours during the week. If you can take off from work, this is the best way to avoid the crowd. Families can park up close by entering the Kirby & Westridge entrance. Just tell the parking attendant that you have young kids and you’ll be directed upfront. The Ford Truck Tram will take you right to Reliant Center for Destination: Agventure. Close parking is available between 9 am and 1 pm during the week. Weekday parking is $7. Weekend parking goes up to $12.

Rodeo performance tickets begin at $17. Entrance to the livestock show is only $6/person. If you plan to attend the livestock show more than once this year, buy the FunPass! for $20 and you gain access to everything except the concert for all 20 days of rodeo.

Weekend matinees are perfect for kids. See bull riders, barrel racers and famous performers from Martina McBride to Brooks & Dunn. The outdoor carnival presents fun rides, games and tasty treats for kids age ~6 and up.

Check back this week for 10 tips for navigating the rodeo with kids.

Little K is calling. Until the next nap time...

March Means Crawfish Boil

Are you looking for something fun to do this weekend with your family? Join the Kids Activity Queen at the 4th Annual Crawfish Boil, sponsored by the Heights Chamber of Commerce.

When: Noon – 4 pm on Saturday, March 3, 2007

Where: Under the huge tent at the corner of West 19th St. & Ashland in the Sterling Bank parking lot. This is a “Rain or Shine” event but the weather forecast looks promising. The Houston Weather Forecast on Yahoo predicts partly cloudy with a high of 68° and a low of 42°. Cross your fingers!

What's family-friendly about this event? There will be a Live Band, Moonwalk for the children, Face painting, Silent Auction, Great Food, Raffle for Door Prizes, and lots of Fun for the entire family! This is a great way to welcome spring. Hope to see you all there.

Until the next nap time...

Family Trip to Austin

Last weekend, we took a family trip to Austin and had a great time. Little K loved running outside at the Capitol. Once inside the building, Daddy explained a bit of history, which honestly went right over our "almost 2" year old's head but it was worth a shot. Our toddler did enjoy looking at the ceiling of the Capitol because of the star it holds. Spinning around with Daddy while looking at the star was also fun.

If you're looking for a quick trip this Spring Break, head to Austin. There are several inexpensive hotels that are kid-friendly. Just make sure you have room for the little ones to run. A meal at El Arroyo will really top off the trip.

Until the next nap time...