Showing posts with label outings. Show all posts
Showing posts with label outings. Show all posts

11/07/2012

Help -- I can't get out of the house!

It is hard enough to get out with one brand new baby, but many Moms of Multiples wonder... How will I ever be able to get outside of the house!!

Yes, we get out! I've taken all give of my kids to Mexican food by myself...ok just once, but it worked. I've taken them all to a wedding. I've taken them to Halloween parties and trick-or-treating, and to a Halloween carnival, no stroller, at my First Grader's school... insane.. Enlisted the help of other kids' aunts and uncles. No sweat. Glowsticks around each of their necks!!

And yes, there are the usual tips about packing the night before, having spare things in your car at all times, etc. But, I think the main thing to prepare for is taking time for yourself so you feel confident that you can get out and do things.


As I type this, I've just returned from our morning outing -- piling all 5 in the van to drive 6 blocks to drop off #5 at school, then drive-thru banking and then back home to work on the 9 full laundry baskets piling up from the 5 of 7 of us who had that nasty stomach virus the past week. There are 5 more baskets of laundry upstairs. But, blessed are the loads of mostly towels the kids can hang on racks. Our bathrooms have a bunch of hooks drilled into the walls for kids to hang clothes. We have commercial napkin holders. We are looking for bench seating for the kitchen :)

You you you!  Sure, it is great to do things for the kids. But, take time to find one or two things YOU love to do and make the kids do it with you, for you, etc. Whether it be thrift store shopping, going to the gym, walking outside, driving around in the car listening to music or dancing in your pajamas, they will pick up and love your little quirks if you force them to.

In fact, did you know your kids can paint your toenails and give you one of the best pedicures you've ever had? I'm dead serious. Stay tuned for that tutorial and pictures!!



Bath, and beyond

A reader once asked me how to entertain twins during that 1 to 2 year stage. 


Outside of all the other fantastic Seattle events and playrooms, another suggestion is to NOT try to entertain them and let them entertain each other.

Depending on the setup of your house/yard etc, stepping back and taking a deep breath and carrying on with a semblance of a normal activity can be refreshing and a good photo op. If you have laundry to do, first set them both down and dump it all out on them and let them crawl through it and mess it all up to the point of exhaustion -- thinking about it can seem dicey, but really how long does it take to pick up again, especially if you make it fun for them (peekaboo etc.)... my youngest twins, at barely over a year, were already well engaged in the spray bottles with water, dry mop and rags, 'cleaning' walls, tables, vacuuming etc. whenever I simply didn't want to go out.

Next, there is the empty bathtub with 2 little cups of those pudding things (99cents at most Bartells and dollar stores)... they can finger paint each other and the walls and lick it all off... and at the end, whoosh bathy go bye bye.

Of course, this all depends on your mess tolerance, but I have learned -- or convinced myself -- that some messes are so easy to clean up and so fun to watch, that it makes it worth while. My youngest twins are now 2 and they, unlike my older set, really play so well together, with that evil glimmer in their eyes as they dump out each others dresser drawers... but I digress.

And then there is yardwork...

Regular errands work well too, depending on shopping cart tolerance.

Sometimes, rather than avoid all the comments, it is fun to just go to Target, grab a Starbucks and slowly walk through all the aisles, stopping to chat with each and every interested stranger who wants to know 'are they twins, are they identical etc'.



Thoughts?

4/03/2010

Urban Nature anyone?

Seattle Parks offers some fantastic, and did we mention, FREE, events you can do with your kiddos. Upcoming on April 10th is a Celebration featuring Caspar Babypants!

Join Magnuson Community Center and EarthCorps for the first “Celebrate Urban Nature” event at the center, 7110 62nd Ave. NE, from 10:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturday, April 10. 
Bring the whole family to enjoy:
  • A tour of the Magnuson Park wetland, before the event at 9 a.m. 
  • A free concert by Caspar Babypants, (Chris Ballew, formerly of the Presidents of the United States), who performs “simple good time sing along music for kids and parents to enjoy together.” 
  • Birds of prey from the Woodland Park Zoo’s UP CLOSE program, which provides programs with live animals and keepers for classroom visits: http://www.zoo.org/Page.aspx?pid=552
  • A representative of the marine mammal division of NOAA (National Oceanographic and Atmospheric Administration), who will talk about seals and whales. 
  • Interactive booths and displays including Seattle Bug Safari, which keeps a bug zoo and provides education workshops at schools; Bats Northwest, and the Washington Native Plant Society. 
  • Roving Reptiles, with their slithery collection of snakes, lizards, and more. 
  • Art and nature activities, including a worm bin, nature crafts, a recycle art workshop, and a class on how to create a bird-friendly garden. 
  • Nature-themed carnival games with nature-related prizes. 
Parks’ partner sponsor, EarthCorps, is a nonprofit organization whose mission is to build global community through local environmental service. An AmeriCorps affiliate, EarthCorps trains young adults in best practices for conservation and how to lead volunteers. For more information, please see http://www.earthcorps.org/

2/05/2010

Take a peek at Carkeek!

I recently wrote about Carkeek Park for Red Tri -- have you checked it out lately? Let me know what other great parks you love to visit with the kids -- this weather has been fantastic!
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We all know the northwest corner of Seattle offers breathtaking views of Puget Sound and the Olympic Mountains, but tucked in between Crown Hill and Broadview is a fantastic oasis known as Carkeek Park. The unique children’s play area was designed by local artists, and boasts a giant salmon-shaped slide. Kids enter the salmon’s mouth, and come out the other end, landing in a huge sandbox. Kids can frolic on swings and seesaws, sneak through a hollow log, or play hide-and-seek amongst kid-sized shelters. Large grassy lawns and picnic tables will have you noting this park for Summer barbecues and parties.
Carkeek is also home to a wetlands walk, located just south of the train track overpass that leads to the beach—note that this bridge is closed for re-painting and will re-open on February 10.
You’ll want to save time to shop at Childish Things on your way home.  You’ll find a fantastic selection of new and gently used items and gear for Moms and Tots. We found this shop to be stroller and child friendly, with open spaces, a kids playroom and plenty of parking. Bring some gently-used goods to sell—we love that they pay cash on the spot, with no appointment needed. Check out their community events and mark your calendar for French and Spanish storytimes.
For your last stop, head down the street to super kid-friendly Luisa’s Mexican Grill to share mini tacos rancheros in a casual environment with fast, friendly service and large-enough-to-share portions—don’t forget this coupon.

1/28/2010

Belltown with Bells On

I took my twins and toddler downtown this weekend, again, and was amazed at how much easier it is to navigate, even with a double stroller, than folks might think. I wrote about this for Red Tri - let me know when you plan to visit Belltown - it is really worth it.
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It might seem like ages ago that you and your Sig O shared a late night show or two at the Crocodile, but if you’ve crossed Belltown off your must-see list, thinking it’s more for the single or kid-free crowd, think again. With a bevy of kid-friendly eateries and tempting toy stores, we think you’ll be in for a full parking-meter’s worth of fun.
Rain or shine, start with a stroll along Myrtle Edwards Park’s waterfront paths– bring a trike or two if you dare. You’ll end up at adjacent Olympic Sculpture Park, where you can view contemporary sculpture pieces, and tons of plants indigenous to our Pacific Northwest for free.
Head a few blocks to the Belltown P-Patch (2516 Elliott Avenue) and teach Little One about one of many urban gardening opportunities provided through the City of Seattle P-Patch program.
Next, share a mouth-watering apple turnover (and grab some caffeine to keep up with the tot) at Macrina Bakery, and head on over to Schmancy Toys. This downtown Seattle mecca for those on a mission to seek out quirky toys has a slew of collectibles and even original art work for the grown-ups. Want to go beyond the basics for an original birthday gift? You can’t go wrong with a Zombee Toastee–made exclusively for Schmancy. Save time to savor asian fare at The Noodle Ranch (2228 2nd Avenue) or pop next door to Mama’s Mexican Kitchen — their funky decor, fast service and kid-friendly fare will leave you feeling satisfied and ready for naptime.

12/10/2009

The Sweetness of Christmas -- Bonus, no calories!

You know it -- another goodie from Seattle's Red Tricycle. This twin-friendly event is especially fun for those that just feel overwhelmed with getting the kids in and out of the car. For this trip to Candy Cane Lane, you can all stay buckled and warm.

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Tree decorated? Check. Gifts bagged and tagged? Check. Next on the list? An evening drive filled with fantasy-like holiday light sightings with the family. Seattle is famous for a Ravenna neighborhood called—what else—Candy Cane Lane. A holiday essential since the 1940s, this fantastic neighborhood Christmas light display is located on NE Park Road, off 20th Avenue NE and Ravenna Boulevard, near Ravenna Park. Make a night of it—stop at nearby University Village for some coffee, hot cocoa and winter treats before heading off for either a drive or walking tour. Virtually every home in this area is adorned with every type of Christmas decoration imaginable — think holiday music, lights-a-plenty, sleighs, reindeer and usually a large display of mechanical decorations in the traffic circle island. We hear Santa makes surprise appearances periodically. Traffic flows in a one-way direction, and back-ups normally last only a few minutes. It is also possible to park and meander through the displays, so grab those parkas just in case. The festivities start this Saturday, December 12, and run through the holidays from 4 p.m. until 11 p.m.daily. If you are feeling like a slightly less crowded event, Seattle’s Olympic Manor (Start at Northwest 85th Street and 23rd Avenue Northwest) boasts a similar but much more spread out array of fantastically decked out homes. For a hilltop view from afar, hit Queen Anne’s Kerry Park Viewpoint— gaze down upon city and holiday glitter, including the Space Needle’s topper.

12/03/2009

Summer memories, from Lakes to Ice Cream

You may think of the 164th exit on I-5 as home to Wal-Mart, and with multiple kids, that might be a smart bet for Diapers and more. But think again, my latest Red Tricycle blurb shows some other super-kid-friendly options!

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If winter has you feeling a tad cooped up, yearning for those summer days you spent lingering by the lakes, we’ve got a perfect solution.  Pack up the kids and head to Lynnwood’s Martha Lake neighborhood. First stop, Martha Lake Park. This often-overlooked gem features a serene fishing dock, as well as boardwalks through wetlands where the kids can feed the ducks. Plenty of parking borders the fully fenced play area. Work up an appetite and then cross the street to mom-owned Kidz-N-Coffee. This recently-opened cafe provides affordable on-site childcare for tots while grown-ups sip espresso, snack on goodies, and maybe even get some online holiday shopping done—mention Red Tricycle to save a buck off the hourly rate! Little ones will enjoy kid-friendly fare at pint-sized tables. We love that Kidz-N-Coffee allows PEPS groups or private parties to make reservations ahead of time. Mark your calendars for Saturday, Dec 19th, when Kidz-N-Coffee has their holiday party—enjoy a visit with Santa, pictures and art projects. Refreshed and ready for more adventures? Teach the kids about gardening and winter plants at nearby Emery’s Garden. Featuring classes and seminars on winter favorites such as wreath making, container gardening and holiday bow making, you just might end up with some holiday gifts! As you wrap up your lake adventure, hit one of the many drive-thru espresso stands peppering the Martha Lake area. Hot Shots espresso tops the list, featuring not just coffee drinks, but also delicious ice-cream, making for a summery trip down memory lane.

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Julie and KidzNCoffee is really a fan of multiple kids, and is expecting her second next year!

12/01/2009

Time to hit the Tree Farms

I had a lot of fun searching for tree farms, while writing this piece for Red Tricycle. There are many farms in our area, so I hope you'll let me know what other favorites are out there!

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Whether you celebrate a tree-decorating holiday, or just want some good old fashioned fun with the kids, a tree farm is sure to have something for all. The Northwest is peppered with fantastic farmlands, and we’ve highlighted a few favorites. First, there’s the centrally located Christmas Creek Farm. Just 30 minutes from both Seattle and the Eastside, you’ll find it well worth the drive. This quaint farm boasts Santa in a sleigh, and free cider or cocoa around the bonfire. Seattle parents also rave about Trinity Tree Farms, nestled on a hilltop in Issaquah. Their new train rides are a surefire hit. Take some photos near the antique fire engine for some adorably quaint holiday cards. For a fun and educational twist, head down south to Tree’s n Bees—an Auburn farm that also features honeybees year-round. Let the kids frolic in the play area with Mrs. Claus while you pick up some holiday gifts—homemade honey’s always a hit. Feel like heading north? You won’t want to miss hay rides and free candy canes at Holiday Forest. Still yearning for more? Visit the Puget Sound Christmas Tree Association—a non-profit organization that organizes all our local farms, as well as the Pacific Northwest Christmas Tree Association.

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Twin-friendly options exisit for all of these farms -- big bathrooms, double-stroller paths and more.

11/24/2009

A Castle, more toys, and pizza

When it comes to fun, we don't limit our searches to just Seattle. Parents of multiples in Seattle, or closeby, have a sure bet when it comes to a park I wrote about for Red Tricycle. Hope you enjoy the read, and the visit.

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No matter when the urge for a ‘Sunday drive’ hits, the entire family will love a trek up to beautiful Saint Edward State Park, located on the shore of Lake Washington in Kenmore. This parent fave sits surrounded by majestic trees and quaint brick and stone buildings. Kids of all ages will race to the brilliant playground, constructed in 2003. You’ll discover two all-wood play areas, including a totally-fenced area for kids up to age five. Older siblings will enjoy neighboring climbing/hiding structures with a medieval castle theme. Take time to stroll along one of several easy hiking trails winding through the woods, or down near the beach. Next stop, a short drive over to Snapdoodle Toys – they’ve got aisles of fresh-for-the-holidays toys for you and the kids to meander through. You’re sure to find a few holiday gifts in their enormous selection — from indoor, rainy-day goodies like art supplies and books, to get-moving gadgets including Wheely Bugs and Prince Lionheart bikes. Sneak a peak in Snapdoodle’s DoodleZone –a room you can reserve for birthday parties. Grab a free latte or cup of tea at Snapdoodle, or a full meal at neighboring Mia Roma, or local-favorite TaiHo. No time to sit? Plan ahead and give Kenmore’s Jet City Pizza a ring — pick one up to take home (hint: don’t miss the free pizza coupon on their Web site).

10/27/2009

Get a Move On....

I was sorting through the attic in search of some old dress-up clothes, and found a few boxes we never unpacked when we bought our home here 12 years ago. This made me want to share a little eco-friendly blurb I did for Red Tricycle. Hopefully you, or someone you know, can benefit from these Seattle solutions!

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Whether you are moving next door, over the bridge, or across the country, preparing to bundle up those toys and treasures you’ve gathered over the years can be a nightmare. Shuddering at the thought of bug-infested boxes your S.O. picked up off Craigslist? Seattle now has not one, but two solutions to this pesky problem — enter Frogbox and karmaboxx.
Reusable plastic Frogboxes offer eco-friendly, shiny green moving containers, totes and wardrobes, while blue-hued karmaboxxes made from recycled materials are regularly disinfected and reused hundreds of times. Both companies let you order online and deliver boxes ready for you to pack — no assembly required. And talk about full-service—they’ll even pick them up at your new digs after the move.
In keeping true to their names, Frogbox donates 1% of gross revenues to frog habitat restoration, including our very own Woodland Park Zoo, and karmaboxx donates 2% to a variety of community-suggested local charities.
So, when your kids take over the home office or your start-up begins expanding, set a good example by enlisting these companies for your corporate needs. Motivation bonus: You can’t delay unpacking knowing the boxes need to be returned. Clean up those carbon footprints and get a move on—literally.
http://www.frogbox.com
http://www.karmaboxx.com/

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10/23/2009

Pumpkin Party

This time of year, we are bombarded with Fall and Halloween ideas for the kids. Hard to pick, isn't it?

Do you love the idea of picking pumpkins and Fall-ish photo ops amongst the Halloween and October images you see everywhere, but hate the idea of a full-day event and way too much slogging through mud and bales of hay? Enter Fairbank Farm -- the perfect solution for all your pumpkin patch needs, just north of Seattle. This farm is very small, easily accessible, and for those of us with more than one child -- very stroller and yes, even double-stroller friendly! Wide cement trails wind through the entire area.

Fairbank features affordable weekday tours (minimum 8 students), led by wonderful staff who speak to the children in their most preschool-teacheresque voices, asking simple questions and providing tiny bits of kid-friendly information. Weekends are open for anyone to visit.

The day I visited the Farm, we ventured through animals a plenty, petting some, feeding others, and even saw newborn piglets!

The tour ends in a 'pumpkin patch', which is a delightful field strewn with tiny tot-friendly pumpkins just the right size to carry home and carve, or simply display as a happy memory of this event. Did I mention you'll be home in time for nap?

10/22/2009

Ravenna is ready for us!

One of my favorite multiple-friendly areas of Seattle is Ravenna. I wrote about it for Red Tricycle. I hope you find some useful info here!

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Get revved up and ready to romp through Ravenna with your kids. The renovated Ravenna-Eckstein park & playground (6535 Ravenna Ave. NE) is equipped with the standards, but we think you’ll be tickled by bonus features. There are now ample cement paths for tots to trike before the sunshine becomes scarce. Lure older siblings with the elaborate rock-climbing structure towering over a set of ‘big kid’ swings a few yards away from the littles’ area. Tip: Show your S.O the pix you’ve snapped on your cell while Junior plays, and you’re sure to get some “me” time while he or she takes the kids to do a little climbing of their own. When pesky fall drizzles threaten, head indoors to the Ravenna-Eckstein Community Center; the entire playroom has been renovated to include a climber with slides, and oodles of ride-on cars, motorcycles and trikes—perfect for the 0-5 crowd. Starving yet? Zip over to Bagel Oasis, or grab some tasty Mediterranean fare at Vios Cafe, nestled conveniently in the back of Third Place Books.  Let the toddlers snack and then dive into the enclosed, toy-filled oasis while you sip your espresso. Vios features a Kids Meze plate with grilled chicken, hummus and fresh fruit. Visiting on Saturday? Enjoy story time at Third Place.

9/01/2009

Jump, Stretch, Play at SGA!

Seattle Gymnastics Academy opens a new location in dear old Ballard. Yipeee!

Offering classes of course, they also offer a drop-in indoor playtime in the gym. Expose your young ones, ages 1-5, to gymnastics as you escort them through the gym. Read about the rules here.

And check out what the gym looks like, in progress!

10/06/2008

Swimming isn't just for Summer

Check out Seattle Parks and Rec for great swim classes (parent/child from infants as young as 6mo, and older up to teens).

9/25/2007

Indoor Fun at the Movies with Babies

With Winter here, I'm reminded of a story I wrote for Red Tricycle -- bring your twins to the movies and enjoy!

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As the Summer months become a distant memory, and record rains soak through even the sturdiest Seattle Gortex, many a seasoned movie viewer may be kicking the diaper pail in frustration -- especially after learning the local AMC 'Reel Moms' movie showings have been discontinued. If a jaunt over to the eastside isn't out of the question, Kirkland's Parkplace Cinema and Bellevue's Lincoln Square Cinemas offer satisfying indoor outings during their Parent/Baby movie days.

Parkplace runs all of their regular showings for their Baby Day (every other Friday morning) leaving excited parents the freedom to pick from any of the latest new releases. After the film, if Junior is zonked out from nursing through the entire film, zip over to one of the snack shops or get started on your holiday shopping at the neighboring boutiques.

Long to be waited on hand and foot? Lincoln Square Cinema offers you a bit of pampering with comfy, rocking stadium seating, and a full row where Moms can bring in strollers and park them to watch the movie. The 'At your Seat Concession' service assures you won't go hungry -- you'll receive a menu and a tiny pencil on the way in -- just fill it out and a concierge will take your order, and serve it at your seat promptly. The lights are raised a tad and the sound is lower at both venues, but the movie experience is a fantastic reminder that you can have a social life and keep up on the current flicks with Little One in tow.

Hint: Whether breast or bottle-feeding, consider bringing a nursing pillow -- you'll have plenty of room to toss it on the seat next to you when not in use!
Kirkland Parkplace Cinema
www.kirklandparkplace.com/cinema.html
Doors open at 9:15 am, shows start at 9:45 am every other Friday, $6.00
Lincoln Square Cinemas
www.lincolnsquarecinemas.com/
Doors open at 9:30 am, shows start at 10:00am every Thursday (excluding Thanksgiving)
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