Houston Zoo suspends"'Free First Tuesdays"

I learned this morning that the Houston Zoo will stop offering its "Free First Tuesdays" promotion -- at least through the end of the summer. There are concerns about heavy traffic outside hospitals in the nearby Texas Medical Center. According to Fox26, "On June 5, more than 12,000 people visited the zoo, causing a massive traffic backup."

Our family headed to the Houston Zoo for Spring Break in March 2011, when it took 45 minutes to park. Little K still talks about how frustrating that wait was. This past Spring Break, the City of Houston and the Zoo worked together to announce plans to accommodate 350,000 visitors during one week.

To me, it seems as if the Zoo should be interested in developing a parking garage in the area  in order to encourage visitors to quickly park and enter the zoo so the Zoo can make more money. The other attractions could also take advantage of the parking garage. Shoot, I would even pay to park if I could do so quickly. I have to do it at the doctor's office. Why not a public attraction that I'd like to support but don't want to wait for. Just my two cents.


What do you think? 


For more fun ideas of things to do with kids in Houston, check out my book focused on this topic. 

Until the next nap time...

Touring the Police Station

Little K is spending an extended weekend with her CiCi (sweet name for her paternal grandmother) in Galveston. CiCi has outdone herself with planning various activities and I'm super impressed. Thursday evening, they unpacked and then headed to the Club for swimming and dinner. I think CiCi may rethink doing this one on her own as it sounds like CiCi got soaked more than she should have.

Today, they ventured to the Galveston Police Department, where CiCi knows some of the officers based on a lot of volunteering she has done. The photos speak for themselves. I can't wait to learn more about this adventure. When I was young, we never did this and I really think it's important to teach kids about the great jobs that police officers do... besides give their parents speeding tickets. Little K even told me this morning that they were going to the police station to take a tour IF there were no robberies that the police had to take care of first. CiCi had explained that the police officers' first job is to keep everyone safe so if something popped up, the officers would need to take care of that first. Little K understood how serious that was. :-)

Hope you enjoy these pics and consider arranging a field trip of your own to your own police station. If they can do it, I think this would make a great school or scout field trip. Respect the badge.

Until the next nap time...

Ways to Cool Off in Houston's Summer

My car thermometer said the outside temperature yesterday was 101 degrees in Houston. The temp could be off a bit but not much. The weather is so hot that someone last night compared it to heating up your oven and then putting your face inside. So how do you help your kids enjoy the summer while staying cool? 

Summer with a splash. There are several splash zones around town but the newest is at the Houston Zoo. Free with paid entrance to the zoo, your kids can seek refreshment and laughter in this new splash zone.  The Kathrine McGovern Water Play Park (shown left) is 13,500 square feet of fun with 37 different water play features, from a friendly and colorful sea serpent to a tall ‘fill and spill’ water tree, and a variety of ‘water weavers’, fountains, jets and misters. Shoot! Even I want to try this one out. Now I just have to figure out how to squeeze this into my work schedule. :-) Check out the video so you can see the park and kids in action.  

Of course, there's also Gateway Fountains at Discovery Green Park in downtown Houston. I love to sit to the side, sipping on iced tea, watching Little K and friends frollick in the fountain. It's free and an easy way to escape from the heat. Before or after, kids can also enjoy playing on the John P. McGovern Playground, which is just steps away. 

Regardless of which splash zone you choose, remember to bring a towel, change of clothes and plenty of smiles.

Until the next nap time...

Barnes & Noble Summer Reading Program in Houston

Keep your kids' minds engaged this summer with the help of Barnes & Noble stores. Kids can read any 8 books over the summer, track their progress in this printable journal and then turn the completed journal into any local Barnes & Noble store to receive a FREE book as a reward. The journal is simple, straight-forward & available in both English and Spanish.

If your child's school has a suggested or required reading list for the summer, those books can double count. Alternatively, Barnes & Noble has recommended books for each school grade level, helping to guide your family on which books to select from the library or book store. I'm actually looking forward to comparing Barnes & Nobles' recommended list for 2nd graders with the list that came home from my daughter's school. We have a whole host of books to choose from.

Take advantage of this cool way to keep those little minds developing yet allow your children to choose their favorite books. It's a win-win, plus reading is a great activity for kids when it's too hot to be outdoors, it's raining or the parents are tied up making dinner or another similar chore. Enjoy!

Until the next nap time...

Summer Art Detectives in Houston

MFAH Summer Art Detectives
Thursdays, June 7–August 9
11 a.m.–2 p.m.

Every Thursday throughout the summer, the MFAH Art Detectives program gives families the chance to investigate a different work of art through various interactive activities and experiences, including art making in the studio or sketching in the gallery!

For each investigation you complete, you´ll earn an art pin and an entry into a drawing for an MFAH Family Level Membership!

Don´t miss our Summer Kick-Off Performance with Mercury - The Orchestra Redefined on Thursday, June 7 at 2 p.m. Listen to captivating music as a family in the gallery.

Find out more about Summer 2012 at the MFAH. Questions? Contact families@mfah.org.

 

Until the next nap time...

Storytime at the Rienzi Museum in June & July for Houston Kids

Summer Time is Storytime at Rienzi

                          Children Welcome for Tales and Tours Wednesdays in June and July

What:                    This summer, 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 the Rienzi collection.Families are encouraged to bring a lunch and picnic in the Rienzi Gardens following Storytime tours.

When:                   Wednesdays, June 6, 13, 20, and 28; July 11, and 18, 2012; 10:00-10:30 a.m.

Where:                  Rienzi, 1406 Kirby Drive, Houston, TX 77019

     

Details:                 Reservations are recommended and space is limited. Admission is FREE. Recommended for children ages 3+

Free parking is available at Rienzi and on Lazy Lane in River Oaks.

For more information on Rienzi, please call 713- 639-7800 or visit www.mfah.org/rienzi.

Background:         Rienzi, the MFAH house museum for European decorative arts, is situated on four acres of wooded gardens, about three miles from downtown Houston in the historic River Oaks neighborhood. Formerly the home of philanthropists Carroll Sterling Masterson and Harris Masterson III, Rienzi was designed by prominent Houston architect John Staub in 1952. Opened to the public in 1999, Rienzi houses a substantial collection of European decorative arts, including paintings, furnishings, porcelain, and extensive holdings of miniatures. Rienzi welcomes some 16,000 visitors a year for tours, family programs, lectures, concerts and a variety of special events.

Making Time Just for Family, Slowing Down Matters

I've recently fell "mysto" as we used to say in college because I've allowed my work schedule to overtake too many other parts of my life. Time for an eval, right?

Last Sunday afternoon, after church, I was going to start a new yoga class, when my 7-year-old daughter told me that I already take art class & that doing yoga too will be too much. Nice. My response was that my "art class" is technically a class in the InDesign program for graphic designers, which actually has to do with my career at a marketing firm. "Yoga is going to help Mommy de-stress & get in shape," I said. Little K didn't care.

"I didn't get to spend enough time with you this weekend," she said.

Did you hear that? It was my heart string being yanked.

So I skipped yoga to stay home with Little K while she's still young enough to want me around. We painted a spring-themed banner in butcher paper just like we did when she only went to nursery school 3 days a week & I didn't work like a mad woman. Little K got the cushions from our patio furniture & placed them on the ground so we could comfortably kneel down during our art session. Once completed, we hung up the banner on the gate that crosses our driveway. It's a mix of white trash & a proud mom.

We went swimming... In the hot tub because the pool was freezing (despite being in the 80s in Houston) & my husband has thus far refused to get a pool heater. Please Remind me later today to call our pool company for a price quote. :-)

We ate dinner & talked a lot but giggled more. I was thankful that our pastor reminded our congregation that Sunday is for rest (why is that so hard to do?) and then Little K chimed in for a heart-felt reminder too. I checked just one email & decided everything else would wait until Monday & you know, it did. In exchange, I had a wonderful day with my family & didn't spend a dime. Amazing.

So Little K asked yesterday what our plans are for this weekend.

"Well, you have G's birthday party at the Aquarium on Saturday & then cousin C is coming over that evening to play with you & the babysitter while Daddy & I go to the church's dinner & dance," I said. It was already a full Saturday.

"And what are we doing on Sunday?" she asked.

"Going to church," I replied calmly, waiting for her next response.

"And then?" she inquired.

"Nothing, baby. We have no plans except to be with our family: you, me & Daddy."

As I looked in my rear view mirror, I could see Little K beaming with delight as she stared out the passenger window of my dirty Explorer.

"Good," she said.

I couldn't have planned it better.

Until the next nap time...

Fitness Fun and Field Day at Discover Gymnastics: Sunday, April 22, 2012

FITNESS can be ALL FUN & GAMES

A Learning Adventure for the Whole Family 

DFF FITNESS FAIR AND FIELD DAY

Discover Gymnastics

Sunday, April 22, 2012

10am-6pm, Timed-entry tickets for 10 am, 12 pm, 2 pm, 4pm

All proceeds from ticket sales go to children fighting obesity, and children with special needs.

The Discover Fitness Foundation is revitalizing the health fair concept with its health fair for the 21^st Century! Parents can bring their children for fun activities that will also teach the whole family about taking good care of themselves through exercise and nutrition. Kids may think they’re just playing games, but they’ll be learning about health, wellness, and staying safe at the same time! Children will also get goodie bags that they can stuff with their favorite items from health-minded vendors. Scavenger Hunt GRAND PRIZES include a bicycle and free semesters of tuition at Discover Gymnastics.        

FAMILY ACTIVITIES include:

§ Open gym privileges at the Discover Gymnastics gym

§  Football, Baseball, Soccer Tips from seasoned players & Bicycle Safety Course

§  Hands-on cooking activities with registered dietitians and nutritionists

§  Healthy food samples courtesy of Ruggles Green, Menchie’s, Armando’s, My Fit Foods  

§  Meet and greet with Olympians and Houston area sports celebrities

§  Henry the Hand hand-washing station & germ education

§  Colgate Van – Bright Smiles campaign

§  Health stations for Body Mass Index, Blood Pressure, Glucose and Cholesterol Checks

FREE RAFFLE GIVEAWAYS – every 15 minutes - include:

§  Autographed sports memorabilia

§  Passes to the Children’s Museum, Houston Zoo, MFAH, Museum of Natural Science

§  Dinner Gift Certificates

§  Jewelry

LIVE PERFORMANCES – every 30 minutes - include:

§  The Houston Rockets Launch Crew – dancers, jump rope, etc.

§  Vault Dance Crew – silks and trapeze

§  Urban Jungle

§  Discover Gymnastics team gymnasts – choreographed tumbling

§  Break Free Community Center – hip hop dance

Ticket Prices: Children under 3 are free. 1 child: $20, 2 children: $35, 3 or more children: $45. 

Discover Gymnastics is located in the Heights just north of 1-10 at 747 N. Shepherd, 77007. 

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...