Assuming everyone's recovered from their pink eye are folks interested in getting together this Sunday? I am happy to host but its not a fantastic day for us since we have a meeting for Solomon's brother at 12:30 at our house. I propose another playground get-together. Maybe we can do the playground down by the creek this time? If it rains, our house can be the back up plan.
On the Baltimore note, one of our mainstays for Solomon's brother, and a soon to be favorite for Solomon, is the B&O Railroad Museum, which is just off MLK near downtown. It has all of these old trains, model trains, a MARK-type train you can actually ride, and is overall a pretty cool place to go if you have a choo-choo crazy kid like we do. I love the tip from Shawn on cheap admission at Port Discovery after 3 pm - that's another Eli favorite, so good to know.
Wednesday, April 29, 2009
Sunday, April 26, 2009
Baltimore Ideas
Jon, Evan and I recently enjoyed a half-day in Baltimore, first at the Aquarium, then lunch in Little Italy and then an hour at Port Discovery.
The Aquarium is a bit pricey ($25/adult minimum), although tots under 2 are free. We opted only for admission and to forego the 4D movie and the Dolphin Show which were extra. You must check your stroller but they give you a baby backpack to use. I had not been to the Aquarium since I was 8 so it was new to me again. Jon had never been. Neither had Evan. =) The highlights: 1) The dolphin tank -- we watched the dolphins from below during the show which is free. We didn't know if Evan would be into the show or not, so this was perfect. 2) The bubble tubes which are at the beginning of the Aquarium. Evan loves bubbles so seeing these tubes endlessly blurping water bubbles made his day.
We had never eaten in Little Italy and didn't know where to eat. We chose Amicci's as it was a "casual eatery" and thought likely more kid friendly. Portions were big, food was basic but tasty.
From there, we walked the 3-4 blocks to Port Discovery, Baltimore's Children's Museum. Since we got there around 330p, we paid half-price ($6/adult -- again, under 2 free.) Port Discovery really is geared towards older kids with tons of activities. I can't imagine being there during peak hours, but that last hour of the day was manageable. We made a bee-line for the Tot Room (Sensation Station) which has a ball pit, aka Evan Nirvana. After about 25 mins there we explored the other parts of the Museum. Evan climbed/traversed the rope bridge himself which was fun to watch. (Very safe, not open at all.) It was worth $12, but at this age, would not have been worth $24.
In short, a 30 min ride from SS offered a nice getaway for all of us.
The Aquarium is a bit pricey ($25/adult minimum), although tots under 2 are free. We opted only for admission and to forego the 4D movie and the Dolphin Show which were extra. You must check your stroller but they give you a baby backpack to use. I had not been to the Aquarium since I was 8 so it was new to me again. Jon had never been. Neither had Evan. =) The highlights: 1) The dolphin tank -- we watched the dolphins from below during the show which is free. We didn't know if Evan would be into the show or not, so this was perfect. 2) The bubble tubes which are at the beginning of the Aquarium. Evan loves bubbles so seeing these tubes endlessly blurping water bubbles made his day.
We had never eaten in Little Italy and didn't know where to eat. We chose Amicci's as it was a "casual eatery" and thought likely more kid friendly. Portions were big, food was basic but tasty.
From there, we walked the 3-4 blocks to Port Discovery, Baltimore's Children's Museum. Since we got there around 330p, we paid half-price ($6/adult -- again, under 2 free.) Port Discovery really is geared towards older kids with tons of activities. I can't imagine being there during peak hours, but that last hour of the day was manageable. We made a bee-line for the Tot Room (Sensation Station) which has a ball pit, aka Evan Nirvana. After about 25 mins there we explored the other parts of the Museum. Evan climbed/traversed the rope bridge himself which was fun to watch. (Very safe, not open at all.) It was worth $12, but at this age, would not have been worth $24.
In short, a 30 min ride from SS offered a nice getaway for all of us.
PINK EYE!
I'm so sorry every one - we just got back from the emergency room - Sebastian has pink eye - it's better to keep the kids away today. Spread the word!
Heather
Heather
Tuesday, April 21, 2009
Saturday Activity
A friend mentioned this for a possible Saturday activity.
http://www.marylandday.umd.edu/audience/kids.cfm
Looks like it might be a good time!
http://www.marylandday.umd.edu/audience/kids.cfm
Looks like it might be a good time!
Some Other Resources
I saw on the SSMoms listserv mention of "Candy Cane Lane / Candy Cane City". Intrigued, I did some webdigging and learned it is in RCP just south of EW Hway. We plan to visit with Evan soon. I plan to check it out via bike (sans Evan) to see how easily accessible it is via sidewalks and bikepaths, but I think it may be pretty doable. We are getting ancy to ride our bikes and do it safely with Evan in the bike trailer.
One resource I found in my investigation was Our Kids: http://www.our-kids.com/. It has info on local nature centers, parks, etc. Another one I learned about from the Post is A Day's Outing: http://adaysouting.com. It did not have a lot for tots, at least in my initial search, but again, one more resource to have in Mommy's backpocket for when we need to find some new fun.
One resource I found in my investigation was Our Kids: http://www.our-kids.com/. It has info on local nature centers, parks, etc. Another one I learned about from the Post is A Day's Outing: http://adaysouting.com. It did not have a lot for tots, at least in my initial search, but again, one more resource to have in Mommy's backpocket for when we need to find some new fun.
Tuesday, April 14, 2009
Outdoor Idea: Ag History Farm
FYI, this weekend is the Gas & Steam Engine Show at the Ag Farm History Park in Derwood. www.aghistoryfarm.org. (Sat/Sun 10a-5p). We are planning to go for an hour or two as they have live animals, kiddie tractor pull, hayrides, antique cars and trucks... in short, things I think a tot -- especially a little boy -- would like.
Woo hoo!
Woo hoo!
Next Sunday
Hi all, this Sunday is pretty tight for us having to attend a class at 1:30 and somehow fitting Sebastian's nap in beforehand... so I'm volunteering to host the play group the following Sunday the 26th.
Thursday, April 9, 2009
Excellent Pediatric dentist!!
Sebastian just had his first dental visit this morning with Dr Alan Kuwabara. His office is in Friendship Heights - yes a bit away from us in Forest Estates - but so worth the trip!!
The whole visit was a breeze. They sent us all the paperwork in the mail prior to the visit, so no time or patience was wasted. The doctor apologized for being late - even though he wasn't! We went right in - and wow - the set up is incredible! The entire office is a painted mural of beach and ocean scenes. All the furniture fits right in with the theme. I really felt like I was on vacation! There are plenty of things for kids to play with too.
We were the first appointment at 8:30 and only one other patient was there when we left. He doesn't seem to double/triple book appointments like I'm so used to! He showed allot of patience with Sebastian wanting to run around all over the place. He was confident the office was pretty well child proofed anyway.
Now about the care - awesome!! . The exam was great - Sebastian didn't flinch once. No x-rays or procedures are performed at such a young age; it was a basic exam to go over care, eating habits, etc. The doctor really took time with us to answer all questions great and small. Sebastian isn't expected to go back in before he is three, unless we feel it's necessary.
Dr. Alan Kuwabara
5028 Wisconsin Ave #200
(202) 244-6111
There is parking in the back of the building too, but walking distance from Friendship Heights metro - Jenifer St exit.
The whole visit was a breeze. They sent us all the paperwork in the mail prior to the visit, so no time or patience was wasted. The doctor apologized for being late - even though he wasn't! We went right in - and wow - the set up is incredible! The entire office is a painted mural of beach and ocean scenes. All the furniture fits right in with the theme. I really felt like I was on vacation! There are plenty of things for kids to play with too.
We were the first appointment at 8:30 and only one other patient was there when we left. He doesn't seem to double/triple book appointments like I'm so used to! He showed allot of patience with Sebastian wanting to run around all over the place. He was confident the office was pretty well child proofed anyway.
Now about the care - awesome!! . The exam was great - Sebastian didn't flinch once. No x-rays or procedures are performed at such a young age; it was a basic exam to go over care, eating habits, etc. The doctor really took time with us to answer all questions great and small. Sebastian isn't expected to go back in before he is three, unless we feel it's necessary.
Dr. Alan Kuwabara
5028 Wisconsin Ave #200
(202) 244-6111
There is parking in the back of the building too, but walking distance from Friendship Heights metro - Jenifer St exit.
Mommy's Making Meals
Happy Passover and Easter everyone! I figure this week we may all be busy with family and friends given the holidays, so gulp, dare I say it... no tot group this Sunday? =(
I also wanted to put an idea to the group. In March, Forest Estates did Restaurant Night Out at Mandalay in Silver Spring to raise awareness for Shepherd's Table which feeds the homeless and the less fortunate. One way to "volunteer" is to have a group make casseroles that a group organizer picks up and delivers to ST. It saves time and money for ST and allows volunteers to prepare a casserole or two when it fits their busy schedule.
So, I would like to see if anyone is interested in preparing casseroles next week or the following week. ST has provided the casserole recipes (which I will send) and will provide the casserole dishes. We provide the ingredients and prep, cook it, freeze it and label it. You prepare the casserole whenever you can. I will arrange to pick up and deliver on a designated day. There are 7 different casseroles to choose from, including a vegetarian dish.
I visited ST in February and was impressed by their operation. Howie Stein, who lives on Cody, is their Chairman of the Board and was thrilled to see our n'hood interest in this much needed service.
Please let me know if you are interested. Ciao!
I also wanted to put an idea to the group. In March, Forest Estates did Restaurant Night Out at Mandalay in Silver Spring to raise awareness for Shepherd's Table which feeds the homeless and the less fortunate. One way to "volunteer" is to have a group make casseroles that a group organizer picks up and delivers to ST. It saves time and money for ST and allows volunteers to prepare a casserole or two when it fits their busy schedule.
So, I would like to see if anyone is interested in preparing casseroles next week or the following week. ST has provided the casserole recipes (which I will send) and will provide the casserole dishes. We provide the ingredients and prep, cook it, freeze it and label it. You prepare the casserole whenever you can. I will arrange to pick up and deliver on a designated day. There are 7 different casseroles to choose from, including a vegetarian dish.
I visited ST in February and was impressed by their operation. Howie Stein, who lives on Cody, is their Chairman of the Board and was thrilled to see our n'hood interest in this much needed service.
Please let me know if you are interested. Ciao!
Friday, April 3, 2009
Playgroup @ Getty Park
That's a great idea Shawn. Solomon, Harry & I (okay, I haven't really checked with him yet...) will be there & if we don't have care for Eli, he can just come along, since he loves Getty Park.
Thursday, April 2, 2009
Sunday, 4/5
It is supposed to be a lovely day on Sun. Evan and I will be at Getty Park around 10am to enjoy the sunshine. We will bring balls as that's a fave park toy. Hope to see some Moms, tots (and Dads) there.
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