And even MORE this weekend...

So we covered the kids-eye-view for the Chestnut Hill Book Festival this weekend here.  Lots of great authors, illustrators and events!

But there's more going on this weekend in Germantown and Mt. Airy...

as you wish...

Tonight one of the all-time greatest movies, The Princess Bride, plays outside at the Lovett Library Garden in Mt. Airy at 8:30pm.  While not exactly related to the Book Festival, if you go, you will hear the famous line, "That's right. When I was your age, television was called books."  So this is sort of a literary event too, in a way.  Bring your own chairs/blanket.  The Trolley Car Diner will be selling concessions, with 15% of the profits going to the library.

Johnson House back stairs
footprints of the underground RR

And this Saturday isn't just any random Saturday, it's the Second Saturday in Historic Germantown.  The Freedom's Backyard sites will have joint open hours from 1-4pm.  A great way to show the kids some of our rich local history.  Stenton, Wyck, Cliveden of the National Trust, the Germantown Mennonite Meetinghouse, the Concord School & Upper Burying Ground and Hood Cemetery are all included.  You can get a family of 4 passport for all of the sites for $25!
http://www.freedomsbackyard.com/calendar.asp

And The Cat's Pajamas kids band will be playing in the Treehouse Rocks! concert series this Saturday night.  Reservations required!
http://devel.treehouseplaycafe.com/?page_id=343

The Kids' Guide to the Chestnut Hill Book Festival

This weekend marks the 3rd annual Chestnut Hill Book Festival, and with the success of the previous two, I'm sure this event will be around for many more years.  This is a showcase event for The Hill, bringing nationally acclaimed authors and illustrators to the Avenue. These authors and illustrators are locally grown (or stationed), so it's a wonderful way to celebrate local talent.  There's a monster link with the complete run-down of the weekend's activities found here, but we thought our family-oriented readers would appreciate a kids' guide to the event:

There will be a Kids Festival at Jenks Playground (tented) on Saturday, July 9th from 10 a.m. to 2pm. This event will host authors, illustrators, activities, music and more.  (Jenks is the large wooden playground you see right from the road at 8301 Germantown Avenue).

You'll find the following fabulous cast of authors under the big tent:

Ponder Goembel- is an expert animal (bugs included) illustrator with titles including Old Cricket, Sailor Moo, and Castaway Cat (all written by Lisa Wheeler).  Obviously drawn to illustrating tales with animals, she uses a wide variety of styles to capture her furry (and scaly) characters.  Saturday 11am.  

Matt Phelan- is a prolific illustrator of many children's books.  We've appreciated his racially diverse characters in books like Two of a Kind.  But he really outdid himself in his debut as  author AND illustrator in The Storm in the Barn.  These amazing comic-like illustrations tell a wonderful tale about the dust bowl of 1937.  Saturday at 1pm.

You can unleash your inner child with Jason Deeble's story of a little boy with a knight-able imagination.  Sir Ryan's Quest is beautifully illustrated and wildly creative. Saturday 2pm.

Don't be a weenie!  For the older "kids" in the crowd, David Lubar is sure to please.  Check out this edgy author/illustrator of middle school shock and awe (no easy task, right?).  His collection of Warped and Creepy Tales includes Weenie titles of the lawn, vampire, road, and hot pepper variety.  Perfect for middle school readers- especially reluctant ones.  Saturday at 12pm.  

Kathy O'Connell of WXPN Kid's Corner Fame.  

Kathy O'Connell will also be at the playground from 10am-noon to talk with local kids.  If you have XPN Kid's Corner fans in your household, here's your big chance to meet the voice behind the show!

If your little one's tummy starts rumbling, you might want to head up the Avenue a bit to Roller's Express and O'doodles Toystore.  The two business are teaming up together again this year to host the Cat in the Hat and serve up some Green Eggs and Ham.  The Cat will be traveling between the two spots, while food will be served up at Roller's Express on both Saturday and Sunday from 9-11am.

O'doddles will also be hosting local author/illustrator, John McGranahan, from 11am-1pm.  McGranahan's book, Meet the Planets is a beautifully illustrated tale of Pluto's new role in emceeing the 8 planet competition for crowd favorite.

The weather should be a bit more tolerable by Saturday, so why not bring the kids into town for a little summer enrichment?

Two great choices for tonight...

The Quakertown Band will be hitting the stage at Pastorius Park tonight at 7:30pm.  This community band has a very rich history, dating back to 1877 (with different members, of course).  Bring your picnic basket and blanket, and be prepared for overtures, Broadway and movie show tunes, big band, swing, and Dixieland music.

If for some reason, you're not up for an outdoor concert, Wednesday night is also Target First Wednesday at the Please Touch Museum.  This is a fabulous opportunity to go when the crowds are low (no school/camp groups) and save $13! on admission between 5-7pm.  Admission for tonight is just $2 per person.

More on the weekend... downtown edition.

Come on, you know part of the reason you decided to live in this area was its proximity to downtown.  A really great reason, but one that only works if you actually GO downtown!  Check out the listing of the remaining programs from the Welcome America! lineup:
http://www.welcomeamerica.com/category/events/

Saturday July 2

Go 4th & Learn about the Science of Fireworks at the Franklin Institute
11am-1pm.  Free event.  First 200 kids get a free book.

Chinatown Block Party
12pm-4pm. 10th and Race Sts.

Fireworks on the Delaware River
Great views from both Philly and Camden waterfronts!

Sunday July 3

All You Can Eat Ice Cream Festival

12pm-5pm. $7 admission to benefit a fund to fight against Childhood Leukemia

Peter Nero and the Philly Pops Concert
Independence Hall (bring chairs/blankets)
8pm

Sunday July 4

Independence Day Ceremony
Readings from the Declaration of Independence, songs, speeches, etc.
Independence Hall
10am

Independence Parade
Historic Philadelphia
11am

Party on the Parkway
12pm-7pm
Games, activities, entertainment, food.

Philly Jam and Fireworks
7pm
Concert followed by fireworks.
THE ROOTS!
Earth Wind & Fire, Michael McDonald, Estelle, Sara Bareilles, and DJ Jazzy Jeff.

How to Enjoy the Weekend- Locally

Chestnut Hill 4th of July Celebration!

This year marks the 95th annual Fourth of July parade and Celebration in Chestnut Hill.  Families gather at the intersection of Devon Street and Hartwell Lane for a recitation and flag raising at 9:00 a.m., followed by children parading down Hartwell Lane to the Water Tower Center (a nice short route for the littlest).  Participants are encouraged to arrive in costumes and on floats, decorated bicycles, tricycles and wagons. Numerous prizes will be awarded to the best decorations in a number of categories.  (I have to say, my kids were VERY impressed by the cash prizes last year!)  Following the parade, the Water Tower’s ball fields will be filled with games and contests for children (more prizes!).  Also look for pony rides, face painting, a giant moon bounce and a magician.  Lunch from 11-12:30.  Generously sponsored by the Chestnut Hill Bocce Club and free to all.  


Saturday is Out on a Limb's Second Birthday at the Morris Arboretum.  

Can you believe it?  Our netty little baby is officially a toddler!  Celebrate one of the coolest Arboretum exhibits ever with crafts, birthday cake, and a glimpse at the Garden Railway's Circus Week.

Ring In Freedom and Independence this July 4th in Historic Germantown
Five sites that were actually here in 1776 will come together for a day of activities in celebration and remembrance of our nation's independence from 11AM- 4PM:

"Activities begin at Stenton, located at 4601 North 18th Street, from 11AM-1PM. Bring a picnic lunch and meet Deborah Norris Logan, mistress of Stenton from 1784-1839, and listen to her experience of hearing the Declaration of Independence read for the first time. Other activities include making your own ice cream and a flag fan craft.

Continue your celebration with a tour of Hood Cemetery. Formerly the Lower Burying Ground, this cemetery was founded in 1692 and is the resting place of 41 Revolutionary War soldiers. The site is located at 4901 Germantown Avenue and will be open for tours from 11 AM - 1 PM.

Visitors can also explore Philadelphia's only Revolutionary War battle site, Cliveden, located at 6401 Germantown Avenue. Visit with 'Richard Allen', born enslaved to Cliveden's Chew Family, from 1 - 2 PM. Tours of the house and newly opened servant's quarters will be available from 12 - 4 PM.

At 2PM, the Concord School & Upper Burying Ground will host their 7th annual Bell Ringing Ceremony. The tradition of ringing the bell once for each year since 1776 began in the 18th century and was revived in 2005. The Concord School & Upper Burying Ground is located at 6309 Germantown Avenue and will be open for tours from 12-4PM.

Conclude your day's activities at the Johnson House Historic Site, located at 6306 Germantown Avenue. See a performance by 'Richard Allen' at 2:30 PM and tour this surviving Underground Railroad Station. Tours will be available from 12 - 4 PM.

All events are FREE and open to the public".

Speaking of the 4th.... where's the best place to watch fireworks?  I'm guessing downtown is the hottest show, but where else do GAP readers go to check out the big sparklers in the sky?

Tonight: Nice weather. Dancing music.

Looks like the perfect forecast to enjoy tonight's Pastorius Park concert!  At 7:30pm, Karen Rodriguez Latin Jazz Ensemble will take the stage, getting the audience up and moving with cha-cha, mambo and tango tunes.

Click for a preview:
http://www.reverbnation.com/play_now/song_4668350

Papa GAP's Pastorius Park Concert Review

The 63^rd annual Pastorius Park summer concert series started with a twang as noted singer/songwriter Jeffrey Gaines proved that rock ‘n roll is more about soul than amplification, with his powerful solo performance. Surrounded by evergreens and 20 or so haphazardly strung lights, the Harrisburg native commented to the crowd that he was here ‘to participate in the event, not dominate it.’ Well, he did both.

Pastorius Park is an ideal spot for an outdoor concert: an intimate amphitheater, a stage fronted by a small moat, and a makeshift mosh pit for energetic toddlers. For older kids, there is a frog/fish filled pond and  several acres of open field for frisbee throwing and dog walking.  Picnics are encouraged and park bathrooms available.

I interviewed Gaines during the break, as he was re-stringing his 1982 Gibson J 2000.  Up close he resembles Elvis, with spiky hair, yellow tinted glasses and a hint of drawl.  He returned to the stage as the sun set.  As the families with young kids headed home to bed, Gaines took control, delivering the highlight of the evening, an extraordinary cover of Peter Gabriel’s ‘In Your Eyes.’

Great music, perfect weather and a reminder from tonight’s performer: ‘You have to come to Chestnut Hill, you can’t find it just by passing through.'

The concert series continues at 7:30pm every Wednesday through July, 27.

Does your kid have the Thomas bug?

Symptoms include: a passion for numbered railway cars, an affinity for names like Gordon, Henry, and Percy, and a yearning for all items in a certain hue of blue.  Whether you're trying to cure or enable this serious condition, you might want to head on over to the Morris Arboretum tonight.  Tonight is "Train Enthusiasts Night" from 5-8pm.  Train club members, artists, and manufacturers will storm the arboretum and perhaps inspire your little one to move beyond the Thomas obsession and into a more long-term one.

Wyndmoor Community Carnival

It's back again!  The Wyndmoor Carnival runs through Saturday night.  We went last year and had a blast.  The one thing I would recommend is viewing the fireworks from a distance, rather than on the fairgrounds.  They were way too loud for us at the fair.

Since we're short on time and long on graduations this week, I'll offer you last year's write-up of the fair. I'm thinking not too much has changed, but I can't vouch for any of the specifics:

This year's fair has plenty of kiddie rides, including Flying Elephants, the train, a mini roller coaster, Spinning Bears, a mini ferris wheel and a merry go round.  For older kids, there are bumper cars, the Music Explorers, a wild ride called the Cliff Hanger (riders fly around on their bellies), a BIG ferris wheel, and Wipe Out.  We went with a group of kids ranging in age from 2 to 12, and all had a really good time.

The fair also has tons of carnival games, and I did see people walking around with prizes, so that's a good indication that they're winnable.  There are plenty of food stands... who knew there was such a thing as Fried Oreos?  Those got a big thumbs up from the kids.

A ride bracelet for $14 will give you unlimited rides from 6-10pm.  That definitely seemed to be the best deal, especially for older kids.  For younger kids (preschool and younger), tickets might be a better option, with $20 for 20 tickets... all the kiddie rides were 2 tickets/person.  And waiting until Saturday might be a good plan... the main event to end the carnival on Saturday night is a fireworks display!

Rides are provided by S&S Amusements:

http://www.sandsamusementspa.com/ourrides.html

Wyndmoor Hose Company:

http://www.wyndmoorfireco.com/carnival.html

Enjoy. Save.

Star Wars fans, UNITE! In case you missed it at the bottom of the post yesterday, the Please Touch Museum is hosting unofficial Star Wars Day on May 4.  (May the Fourth be with You... get it?).  "From 5PM to 7PM Darth Vader, Boba Fett, Darth Maul and Stormtroopers will leave the Empire and join forces with Please Touch Museum’s own Jedi members for a Far, Far Out Dance party and lead guests in the End-of-Day-Imperial-March-Parade!"  AND get this, it's part of Target First Wednesday... enjoy the mayhem and fun of the museum for just TWO DOLLARS from 5-7pm.  That's $13 per person off regular admission price.
http://www.pleasetouchmuseum.org/events/may4th/

now which one is the professor?

Speaking of Target.  I mean, who doesn't love Target anyway, but their support for the arts?  Yay!  Target is also sponsoring select performances of the new children's production of The Flea and the Professor at the Arden Theatre.  We have attended several previous shows   there, and they are WONDERFUL.  The performances are so well done, the acting and sets are fabulous, and the after-show Q&A rocks.  My kids have absolutely enjoyed every show we've seen there, so I have no doubt this will be another winning run.  The Flea and the Professor runs from May 4 - June 12, and tickets are normally $16-$32, but with the Target Two for One Performances, yep... $8-$16:

     Fridays at 7pm: May 6, 13, 20, June 3, 10
     Saturdays at 12pm: May 7, 14
     Saturdays at 4pm: May 14
     Sundays at 12pm and 4pm: May 8, 15
http://www.ardentheatre.org/2011/flea.html

After the fourth, it's Cinco de Mayo, of course.  Avenida restaurant has $5 specials for the grown-ups (drinks, calamari, cake & quesadillas), and between 5-7pm , there is also a Kids Happy Hour with $1 off all kids entrees, free ice cream sundae, and Dora & Diego-tinis.

cherry tree at tyler... go see it in person!

And then? Yep.  It's the 6th.  Ok, what's the 6th, you ask?  Why it's National Public Gardens Day!  What this means to you is FREE passes to gorgeous local gardens.  Just click on the link below and choose a nearby garden to enjoy.  Longwood is sold out, but there are still tickets available for several local gardens (including the Morris Arboretum, The Shofuso House & Gardens, Bartram's Gardens and the Tyler Arboretum ).  So go enjoy the spring, the flowers, and the FINALLY decent weather.
http://npga.bhg.com/?ordersrc=rdbhg100989

We had a ball!

yep, this ride expires at midnight.

I recently realized that we often skip reporting back on the fun things we post here on GAP (aside from theater/movie reviews).  Well, that's about to change.  I think the Chestnut Hill festival (which was just perfect, aside from all those bouncy things I secretly want to pop, but my kids seem to love) was covered pretty well elsewhere.  So I'll focus on the other highlight of our weekend: the Please Touch Museum's Storybook Ball.  It may not have been a Royal Wedding, but it definitely had some young couples who could give Kate and Billy a run for their titles.

SB/PC

Now I know this might seem a bit hypocritical, given my last post about fanciness, but really, it's not.  This is BOOK-related fanciness, not mass media-related fanciness!  Or, in my house, it seems as though it may have been ipad-related fanciness.  My 5 year old (Star Wars lover) fell in love with the Sleeping Beauty book app.  In fact, when the topic of the ball came up, he was adamant that he would go as Prince Charming, and he had VERY strict costume requirements.  As the app showed him, Prince Charming MUST have a fancy shirt AND a jewel with a very fancy blazer and pants.  The last two pieces were easy to find, and the first two came by way of Nana's trip to Goodwill, thank goodness.  The result was pretty damn cute.

two Cinderellas... mine's the one on the right

No convincing necessary for his little sister to perform her duties as Sleeping Beauty.  His older sister originally wanted to go as Harry Potter, but I wasn't kidding when I said she also likes a good dress for the right occasion.  She quickly realized she would rock the Cinderella look way better than just throwing on her Hogwarts robe and some glasses.  (Showing her Brandy's version of Cinderella, might possibly have tipped the scale on that one).  And we even found glass slippers in a woman's size 8.  whew!  Anyway, what's a ball without Cinderella?

We had friends join us as well.... two extra adorable three year olds.  Five kids, 3 Mamas.  It was exhausting, but over-the-top fun.  This was the museum's second year to host the event, and they added a very classy extra touch: a carriage ride.  Now normally we don't do the horsie rides since I'm pretty sure the horses would rather be doing other things, but on this special night, I caved.  It was a GORGEOUS night, and the ride up to the arch and back was very sweet.  The museum had also planned hot air balloon rides, which had to be cancelled due to the breeze.  I'm sure some were disappointed, but that was fine by me.  Hot air balloon ride with 5 young kids?  Um, maybe next year.

2 wild things

As we walked up to the Carousel House, we were greeted by several literary celebrities.   Cinderella (same gown as my own Cinderella), Little Nutbrown Hare (or was it Big Nutbrown Hare?) Curious George, Alice and Friends, and Spot (with his very small but efficient vocabulary).  There were many other book characters throughout the museum.  Every child received a Passport (notice the GAP sponsorship on the back?), and the food was yummy and easily made available at stations in each "country" visited.

that smile says it all.

Once inside, the delights of the world's coolest children's museum were highlighted with all of the adorable attendees in costume.  My kids played in all their favorite exhibits, but really loved that there was actual dancing at the ball.  Especially Prince Charming, who had worried all week about who would dance with whom.  And I wish I knew the name of the world's best dance partner who had all three of my kids mesmerized as he danced with each of them for at least one song.  Cinderella reported dancing with him as her favorite part of the night!

We arrived as early as possible and stayed almost until close.  The Mamas were exhausted, but the kids were chatting away about the reception line on the way out (where you said goodbye to many of the wonderful PTM folks dressed as their favorite storybook characters).  Once outside, they were eagerly glancing into their "swag bags".  Those swag bags contained some fun goodies and two fabulous hardback children's books that are quickly becoming favorites in our house: Brontorina (guess whose favorite that is?) and Interrupting Chicken.  Really great books, but we'll save those reviews for another post.

All in all, 'twas a night fairy tales are made of!  In fact, we are headed back this Wednesday night, May 4.  If Prince Charming thought the ball was divine, wait until he gets to see his Star Wars friends at a dance party/parade.  AND it's Target 1st Wednesday to boot... tickets are TWO DOLLARS from 5-7pm!  That's a $13 savings from regular admission price,  Star Wars mayhem included.  Another happy ending.

HOT TICKET OF THE WEEK... Treehouse ROCKS Concerts!

The Little Treehouse has done it again!  Their new concert series, Treehouse Rocks! begins this weekend.  Saturday nights at The Treehouse will get your family moving & shaking! 

Reservations are required and include guaranteed dinner seating either before or after the show.  Children’s admission includes a healthy and delicious Treehouse Kids Meal.  Performers will play from 6:00-6:45pm and include:

Feb. 12th   The Cat’s Pajamas 

        “Very cool” music for kids: a comedic twist to high-octane 

         kid-rock; fun for the whole family! 

Feb. 19th    Two of a Kind 

      Award-winning musicians delight families with music that’s 

         both upbeat and heart-warming.   

Feb. 26th    Erin Lee Kelly from The Up Past Bedtime Band 

       Receiving rave reviews nation-wide, Erin is known for funny, 

           insightful, original songs & music. 

Admission

Adults: $5.00

Children: $15.00, which includes Treehouse Kids Meal (entrée, side, drink).  

Choose One Dinner Seating Time 4:45pm, 5:00pm, 5:15pm 6:45pm, 7:00pm

www.treehouseplaycafe.com
Call 215.247.3637 to purchase tickets.  Space is limited and shows are expected to sell out quickly. 

 Questions?  Email: treehousegm@gmail.com                                         

Wanna Be Scared? Or Sorta?

Seeing as it's the time of year for scares and shivers, here's a shortlist of ideas for being scared out of your mind, scared a good bit, scared in good fun, or just kinda amused by spooky decorations...

Scared out of your MIND!  The best venue for this category is none other than the Terror Behind the Walls at the Eastern State Penitentiary.  This is NOT for the faint of heart!  My 10 year old went to "family night" last year and barely made it through... but of course, is dying to go back this year... not on family night!  On family nights, kids can bark the command, "Monster, be good!", and they'll obey... but ONLY on family nights (for kids ages 7-12).  Family nights include every Sunday night through Halloween and Tuesday October 19th as well... price during family night is $10/person.
http://halloween.easternstate.org/halloween/visit/schedule-prices/family

Scared a good bit!  Try the Laurel Hill Cemetery Halloween Flashlight Tours on Friday October 29th and Saturday October 30. These hour-long tours start every half hour from 7pm to 9:30pm.  Not recommended for children under 12.  Flashlight tours snake through the cemetery with tales of history and mystery.  Featuring the "Not Ready for the Afterlife Actors".  After your tour, if you still have an appetite, you can feast on an assortment of delicious cookies, hot apple cider, and other spooky treats.
http://www.thelaurelhillcemetery.org/index.php?m=4&id=16

Scared in Good Fun!  Try out the Ghost Tours in Chestnut Hill.  Friday and Saturday evenings through November 6.  These tours are 90 minutes long and begin at 8pm.  The tour begins at the Chestnut Hill Hotel and goes along the Avenue, with "scary stories, tall tales, and paranormal happenings".  Peggy and Bruce Schmidt are your Spooky tour guides, assisted by their ever-faithful paranormal specialist dog Pixie!  Cost is $10 for adults, $7 for children.
http://www.chestnuthillpa.com/events/hauntings-and-happenings-on-the-hill/

Kinda Amused by Scary Decorations... Many local children's venues offer fun, but not too spooky Halloween parties... most are "members-only events", so if you were thinking of joining any of these, now might be a good time.  

Please Touch Museum Monster Mash!  Children (and grown-ups, too!) are encouraged to dress in costume for an evening of trick-or-treating, themed art activities, a Halloween-inspired magic show by Tom McDonnell in the Playhouse Theater, a Monster Mash dance party that is sure to excite but not fright, and light refreshments provided by Max and Me Catering.  Friday October 22 & Friday Oct, 29.
http://www.pleasetouchmuseum.org/monster_mash/index.php


Adventure Aquarium's Annual "Creep in the Deep".  Wednesday, October 20th & Thursday October 21st.  6:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m.
This event is FREE* for Annual Pass Holders
~ Enjoy indoor Trick or Treating!!!
~ Design your very own trick-or-treat bag, courtesy of A.C. Moore and
~ Each Family can decorate their own pumpkin in our Pumpkin Patch, provided by   Johnson's Corner Farm
~ Event parking is FREE!


But if you'd like to keep it super friendly and have fun while it's still light out, try the Boo at the Zoo, Saturday and Sunday, October 16 and 17,  and Saturday and Sunday October 23 and 24, 10:00AM - 4:00PM.  The Boo! is a masquerade party for the whole family. Trick-or-treat your way around the zoo with plenty of treats and sweets while participating in games and crafts, listening to music and stories, and meeting cool characters along the way.   Free for members, or included with zoo admission.  

Meet Local Moms/Authors of Domestic Drama

On Monday evening, October 18th, the Treehouse Cafe welcomes local authors Lori Tharps (Substitute Me) and Chandra Hoffman (Chosen). Bring your little ones to play while the authors discuss integrating writing with motherhood.  Event begins at 5:00pm.


Substitute Me Is Lori Tharps' first novel about a young White couple who hires a young Black woman to be their son's nanny and how their lives are all changed by the arrangement.  Chandra Hoffman is another local writer who has recently authored Chosen, a novel best described as a "domestic adoption thriller".

The authors will be discussing writing, motherhood and, of course,  domestic drama. More specifically, they'll be talking about using our own personal experiences to fuel their writing, as well as how they incorporate their "writing life" with their mommy lives.


You can learn more about these talented women on their websites:
www.loritharps.com and www.chandrahoffman.com.

Healthy Mom Fair this Sunday

This weekend, moms unite! at the Please Touch Museum for support, fun, and information.  The event is hosted by Happy Mom Philly, Baby Button Boutique and Premier Baby Concierge.  The event runs from 11am to 3pm, and is free with PTM admission. The first 200 people to pre-register receive a VIP swag bag!

http://happymomphilly.eventsbot.com/

11:30 - "Going Green with Baby & Making Healthy Choices Your Family"

Premier Baby Concierge

12:00 - Pre- and Postnatal Pilates

Belly Pilates (sponsor)

12:30 - Swaddling 101

WrapADoodle

1:00 room A - Workouts That Can Be Done Anywhere

Healthy Fit Girl

1:00 room B- What is a Doula?

Before, During & After Doula Services

1:30 - How To Shoot A Great Video At Home

Baby Me TV

2:00 - Creating Great Announcements & Invitations

BabyB Designs

2:30 - Healthy Food for the Entire Family

O'Boy Organic

This Weekend... Pirates or Cookout?

Pirates are invading Fort Mifflin!  It's the annual pirate day at Fort Mifflin on Saturday August 21 from 10am to 4pm.  An entire day of pirate treasures... including a scavenger hunt, musical group, pirate demonstrations, and a buried treasure!

General Admission Fees:
Adults $6
Seniors $5
Children (6 to 12) and Veterans $3
Children 5 years and younger Free

Address: Fort Mifflin Fort Mifflin & Hog Island Roads, Philadelphia
website:  http://www.fortmifflin.us/

And Closer to Home, the new Chestnut Hill location of Weavers Way is hosting Grill Fest!  Saturday August 21, from 1 to 3pm, the grill will be heating up outside the back of the store, with sausages, mini slide burgers, and hot dogs.  For those of us with a sweeter tooth, there will also be samples from Depalma Bakery.  

Rescheduled: XPN Kids Concert at Morris Arboretum this Thursday 8/19 at 6:30pm

From the Arboretum Website:

Miss Amy® is on a mission to teach children about being fit! As a mom, a certified fitness instructor and an acclaimed singer/songwriter with a collection of four Grammy® cataloged children’s CDs, her programs appeal to youngsters by engaging imagination to teach basic fitness. The interactive musical Fitness Rock & Roll™programs focus on the ABC’s of fitness skills: agility, balance and coordination. In addition, they encourage repetitive cardiovascular movement throughout the duration of a song. By practicing these skills in a fun supportive environment, the program supports development of a child’s positive athletic identity and promotes a vision for the child to remain physically active into adulthood. 
www.MissAmyKids.com or www.FitnessRocknRoll.com

Concert fees are $30 per car for non-members, so as always, it pays to carpool.  If you carpool with a member, the car fee is only $10 per car.  The Little Treehouse Play Cafe will be there before the concert leading sing-alongs and passing out discount cards for the Treehouse.  You can also plan ahead with dinner from Bruno's Cafe:  "Bruno's Cafe will be have specials available for the summer concert nights (hot and cold dinners).  Email the cafebrunoscafe@morrisarboretum.org to preorder dinners for your visit or call 215.247.5777 ext. 160 for more information."

Parking Details here:

http://www.business-services.upenn.edu/arboretum/events_concert_rates_parking.shtml

Concert Details here:

http://www.business-services.upenn.edu/arboretum/events_summerconcerts.shtml 

Saturday Fun Run... Boathouse Row

Bring your kids out to the KidsROX Fun Run on Saturday, July 31^st for children aged 1-14 at Boathouse Row!

The KidsROX Fun Run, part of the SheROX Triathlon Expo, is designed to promote exercise through running.  Mostly though, its goal is to teach kids the importance of helping other kids.    All proceeds will benefit The George Fund, established in honor of George Hedges Pappert who died of a brain tumor at age 4.  The George Fund at Keystone Hospice in Wyndmoor helps pediatric hospice patients and their families pay for medical equipment, prescription medications, nursing care, creative arts therapy, counseling and bereavement services.

Kids will run distances ranging from 50 yards to 1 mile, depending on their age.  All runs begin at Lloyd Hall, No. 1 Boathouse Row, Kelly Drive, and will take participants along paths on Waterworks Drive and the Schuylkill River Trail. All participants will receive a medal and a T-shirt.    In addition to the races, children and their families can enjoy food and music, shop from vendors, have their faces painted and even meet a clown, all as part of the SheROX Expo.

Registration starts at 9am, races start at 10:30. For more information, contact Kelley Mansfield (267.784.7587) or Paula M. Riley (215.284.1914).  Thanks for your support of this great event.  If you are unable to attend, but would like to donate, please visit The George Fund at http://www.keystonecare.com/pediatric/the-george-fund.aspx.