Thomas & Friends Play Date

All Thomas and Friends fans, there will be a Thomas Play Date at local Toysrus.

Satruday 9/12 11:00 AM - 1:00 PM

There will be

• Free Thomas Trading Cards (while supplies last)
• Free Thomas Trading Card Holder (while supplies last)
• Storytime every half hour
• Thomas & Friends Wooden Railway Play Table Time
• Coloring Fun

Don't forget to call your local Toyrus to confirm.

http://www4.toysrus.com/store/index.cfm?tru=1&sa_referral=http://www.toysrusinc.com/tstorelocator

Legally Blonde the Musical Promotion

This Friday 9/11, there is a Legally Blonde the musical promotion at the District.

12:30 PM - 1:30 PM
Free live performance and demonstration of the popular song "Bend & Snap" by cast members, autographs and photo opps at The District Stage (just in front of Borders Books & Music).

6:30 PM
Dress your dog and yourself in pink and put your best Elle Woods foot (or paw) forward! Winner receives a VIP package that includes tickets to Legally Blonde The Musical at the Orange County Performing Arts Center, and much more! The dog fashion show/contest takes place at The District Stage (just in front of Borders Books & Music).

Open to all ages. All breeds welcome. All dogs must be on a leash. To register email your name, dog's name and contact information to kdaskas@vestar.com. You must pre-register to be eligible. The first 25 pre-registrants will receive a stuffed Bruiser upon check in at the event. You must be present and participate in order to receive your stuffed Bruiser.

http://www.thedistricttl.com/events/events.aspx

For more information call Kimberly Daskas, The District Marketing Director at 714-259-1046.
Check in for participants is at 5:30 sharp at The District Stage.
All participating dogs will receive a special treat!

Pretend City Museum

I’ve been looking forward to the opening of Pretend City Museum since April when I found out that a new children’s museum was being built in Irvine.

Well, things didn’t work out and I didn’t get to go. My hubby took Maddie to Pretend City Museum on Friday 9/4. I was all excited about it. Just imagine, a little miniature city with grocery store, post office, bank, fire station and beach!!!

I was dying to hear the feedback from my hubby. As soon as I saw him I attacked,

“How was it?” “Wasn’t it cute?” “Did Maddie like it?” “Was there lots of people?” “What did you think?” “Did you get the brochures like I asked you to?” “Do you think Maddie would like her birthday party to be there?” “What was her favorite part?” “Was it clean?”

Of course, my hubby, being a guy, said
“It was nice and Maddie liked it. I picked up the brochures.”

I gave up and made up my mind to visit my self. Well, as you know the entrance fee is $10 / person which is pricey. So I started looking at membership information and it really disappointed me.

The “part time pretender” membership is only available for weekdays starting at 2PM. Okay, so what if you are a single working parent? Museum closes at 5PM. How in the world are you going to bring your kid(s) to this museum at 3PM on a weekday?

The next level skipped to a membership for family of 4 for weekday & weekend for $200.
Hey, what about family of 3 with 2 working parents like us?

Did I also mention that the 50% discounted tickets ($5) are only from 4PM – 5PM?

Yes, we live in infamous OC, but still, I think these membership options are high compared to other children’s museums in OC.

La Habra Children’s Museum Membership
http://www.lahabracity.com/section.cfm?id=98
Bowers Museum (Kidseum included) Membership
http://www.bowers.org/join/membership.jsp
Discovery Center
http://www.discoverycube.org/getinvolved.aspx?q=24
Chino Youth Museum
http://www.chinoyouthmuseum.com/3/miscellaneous4.htm

I’m hoping that Pretend City Museum will start one of those Target Free Sundays or B of A’s Museum on Us program.

Festival of Children

We went to South Coast Plaza today (Sunday 9/6) for Festival of Children event. Festival of Children is an annual event that is done for Festival of Children foundation which is a non-profit organization.

I wasn’t planning on taking Maddie to this event today but we just decided to visit at the last minute. We will just do face painting and a carousel ride ($1), I thought.

The first thing that came into my eyes was Color Me Mine event. They had tables with paints and ceramic figures (cat, dog, piggy bank, name plaque, trophy).

I figured since we were there early (the event started at noon and we got there just before noon), we can just get in line and paint one. WRONG! Apparently, you are supposed to “pre-register” for Color Me Mine event (which was full) and they only took handful of children on site whenever there was a no show.

I understand that by pre registering for these activities, that you can prevent confusion and delay. However, this is a children’s activity. Meaning, when kids see these paints and figurines on a covered table, they will want to paint. Not to mention, who would think/imagine that you need to pre-register online in advance for a kids’ activity at a mall?

I personally think that they should have made 50% pre-registered children and the other half walk-ins.

Any ways, we ended up waiting for 1PM session since the princess REALLY wanted to paint one. Then we ran into another problem. The coordinators did not clarify where to line up or what to do (I’m sure they were tired of explaining to every parents that pre-registration is required and that it is full). Everybody just hovered around and waited without forming a line. (Well, I thought I was in line, but it turned out to be useless) When there was an opening, well, I’ll leave it up to you to imagine what happened with cranky mommies/daddies with their kids hoping that they could paint a figurine.

Later, things got more organized and we got an opportunity to paint one. The activity it self was fun but the whole experience was bittersweet.

(I checked online when I came home and the registration is CLOSED for 9/19 &9/20 sessions)

Other stuff
The carousel ride was fun and pretty decent length for a $1. The face painting was also available and they were accepting tips. Up on the stage, we saw juggler and Festival Ballet performance. The ballet was short and it kept children’s attention with various characters (the mouse king, nutcracker, and rabbit from Alice in Wonderland) It was like a preview for the Nutcracker Ballet in December.

For Festival of Children event schedule, go to

http://www.festivalofchildren.org/site/Calendar?view=MonthList&Day=9,1,2009

Pretend City Children’s Museum

29 Hubble
Irvine, CA 92618
Phone: (949) 428-3900
Fax: (949) 428-3908
info@pretendcity.org

I wrote about this Children’s Museum that will be in Irvine while back.

Well, it looks like it will be opening on Sunday 8/30

They have after 4 PM pricing (50% off regular price) but the museum closes at 5PM!!!!

GENERAL ADMISSION:
10:00 A.M. TO 4:00 P.M.
Infant to 12 months: $2
Children: $10
Adult: $10
Military and Family Members: $8

AFTER 4 P.M.
Infant to 12 months: $1
Children: $5
Adult: $5
Military and Family Members: $4

Project Playhouse

I love playhouses! Imagine looking at a whole village of playhouses that are fabulous!

http://www.projectplayhouse.org/about.php

Annual Project Playhouse is a HomeAid Orange County’s fund raising event. Builder teams build these dream-house like playhouses and auction them off.

Usually they are displayed at Fashion Islands but this year it is in Irvine Spectrum (near Ferris wheel). It will be $5 to look at the playhouses and I’m really excited!!

For six weeks the playhouses will be on display at Irvine Spectrum Center from 8/2 – 9/12 every WEEKEND from noon till 6:00 PM.

PROJECT PLAYHOUSE® VILLAGE TOURS
Every Weekend throughout event
Saturdays and Sundays
August 2 to September 12
Noon to 6:00 p.m.
Cost: $5.00 per person
(Children 3 and under FREE)

My tip

- Don’t forget the water fountain near the food court and target. Lots of kids play there with their swimsuit on!

Nutcracker

Yes, I know it’s only August. I’m not crazy. It’s just that these Nutcracker tickets sell out quickly! My thing is if you are still going to pay same amount of money, why not try to get the best seats available?

I went to see Nutcracker (ballet) few years back before I had Maddie. I saw so many little princesses all dressed up with their mommies and grandmas. Some of them were wearing matching outfits too. I promised myself that when I have a daughter, I’ll get her dressed up and go see Nutcracker.

Well, the Festival Ballet is performing at Irvine Barclay Theater. I got 2 tickets for Nutcracker for Children!! ($20 / person)
http://www.thebarclay.org/calendar.asp#dec2009

Also Pacific Symphony has a 45 minute musical family morning “Nutcracker for Kids.” This one is shorter and it will emphasize the “musical” side with the symphony. The tickets go on sale starting 8/24 and the price range will be $20 – 30.
http://www.pacificsymphony.org/show_details.php?shid=268

My Tips

- Please familiarize your child with Nutcracker storyline. If you don’t know the storyline Nutcracker might feel like a story that some kind of a nut wrote.

- The popular name of the girl is Clara but in some books her name is Marie and the doll’s name is Clara. For the ballet it is Clara but if you are getting a Nutcracker book, make sure that the girl’s name is Clara so there is less confusion for your child

- If you have not taken your kid to a performance, try taking them to free/short events at libraries and other community events. Get them used to sitting down and watching something for at least 30 minutes. If your kid is not ready, he/she is not ready.

B of A Museums on Us Program Extended

I mentioned Bank of America's "Museums on Us" program while writing about Discovery Science Center. http://minniemommy.blogspot.com/2009/02/discovery-science-center-free.html It is a program where you get free admission to certain museums on the first weekend of the month if you have a valid B of A card. On that posting I mentioned that the program is until April 2009.

Well, it looks like they extended the program till the end of the year. There are some changes to the program, though.

1. Laguna Art Museum is no longer part of the program
2. Muzeo in Anaheim is included in the program. (whoppee! I'm going to try out this museum some day on a free weekend!)
3. San Diego Children's Museum is also added. (this is another one of those museums that I plan on going some day...)

The program dates are still first weekend of the month. (For Science Discovery Center, the program works only on first Saturday and NOT SUNDAY)

For program details, please go to http://museums.bankofamerica.com/

Kidsguide Magazine - full of kids events!

So recently I went to Irvine Heritage Library and picked up a Kidsguide Magazine. The magazine is full of great kids events in southern california. Unfortunately for me, most of these are in LA or northern OC. As you know from my profile, I'm a wimp when it comes to driving. I usually stay within south OC. Any ways, I highly recommend you pick up one of these if you are always looking for events to go to.

These are free and they are usually distributed at

• Public libraries
• Children’s Orchard
• YMCA
• Boys and Girls Club
• Girl/Boy Scout offices
• Mothers Market
• My Gym
• Your local kid-friendly retailer

If you want to know exactly where you can pick one up in your area, please write to liz@kidsguidemagazine.com

Also if you sign up for their newsletter, they send you event updates to your email which is GREAT!

To sign up, go to http://www.kidsguidemagazine.com/

I'll still continue to update my Event Calendar with these events and more!

Picture the Park - this Saturday

Well, as part of Imagination Celebration events, OC Great Park is having "Picture the Park" event this Saturday 4/25 1:00 PM - 4:00 PM.

They will have various hands-on activities, including 3-D art, Model Building Lab, sidewalk chalk drawings, and agricultural art.

This sounds like lots of fun!

Thomas and Friends Playdate

Thomas & friends fans! There will be a playdate at local Toysrus Store this Saturday 4/25 from 11AM to 1PM. They will have storytime every half hour, Thomas & Friends wooden railway play table time, and coloring.

To find nearest Toysrus Store please go to http://www.toysrus.com/shop/index.jsp?categoryId=2274251

Don't forget to call them confirm before you go.

Mother's Day Gifts - free workshops

Mother’s Day – free gifts

Dads, bring your children to the following FREE craft events so they can make a fabulous gift for mommies! For all listings, download the Event Calendar!

Lakeshore Learning
Sat 5/9 11AM – 3PM Mother’s Day Purse

This delightful decorated purse is the perfect way to show mom how special she is!

Lowe’s
Free Kids Workshop – You need to sign up
Planter
https://www.lowesbuildandgrow.com/

Michael’s (please call your local store and confirm)

Sat 5/2 10AM

Keepsake Plate

Sun 5/3 1PM

T-shirt (need to purchase shirt)

Mon 5/4 6PM

Corsage

Tue 5/5 6PM

Paper Flowers Bouquet

Wed 5/6 6PM

Personalized Coupon Book

Thurs 5/7 6PM

Cardmaking

Fri 5/8 6PM

Wooden Frame (need to purchase $1 wooden frame)

Well, mommies and grandmas, enjoy a craft activity with your children.

Michael's (please call your local store and confirm)

Sat 5/9 1PM

Make it for Mom Bead Event

Sun 5/10 1PM
Decorate a Cookie with Mom

Free Parenting Classes

For Ages 3-5

CUIDAR (CHOC-UCI Initiative for the Development of Attention and Readiness) program offers free 10 week parenting classes called Community Parent Education (COPE)

“The COPE approach to teaching parenting skills uses active, small-group discussions among parents to help them identify their goals and their approaches to parenting. Group leaders foster discussions that help participants develop, practice, and strengthen the skills that will allow them to achieve their own individual goals for parenting their children.

By the end of the series of sessions, parents should have the tools they need to help their preschoolers prepare for their school-aged years. It is time well-invested as the skills parents learn can greatly enhance their effectiveness.”

Some of the Spring sessions already started but you can still try calling them and get on the wait list. By the way, while these sessions are happening, the kids get to mingle together. They provide childcare.

Children’s Hospital Orange County, Orange 6:30 to 8:30 pm
Tuesdays, April 7th to June 9th

Mercy Housing, Anaheim 6:00 to 8:00 pm
Tuesdays, April 14th to June 16th

Danbrook Elementary, Anaheim 6:30 to 8:30 pm
Wednesdays, April 1st to June 10th

UC Irvine, Child Development Center 6:30 to 8:30 pm
Thursdays, April 16th to June 18th

Call Shahrzad at (949) 824-2462 for information on classes and to enroll. If they are full you can get on their waiting list for the next sessions.

http://www.cuidar.net/PDF/AllEngishClassesYear7Qtr4_english.pdf


For age 0-3

Free 8 – session parenting skills course
http://www.choc.org/services/services_detail.cfm?id=46


Crittenton Family Services (100 E. Valley View Dr., Fullerton, CA 92832): 3:15 PM – 5:00 PM
Thursdays, May 21st to July 8th

South Orange County Family Resource Center (23832 Rockfiled Blvd., Ste. 270, Lake Forest, CA 92630) : 5:30 PM – 7:30 PM
Tuesdays, April 7th to May 26th (Childcare provided)

Please call Laura Ramirez at 714-614-7733

Bubblefest

Bubblefest

Last weekend we went to Bubblefest at the Discovery Science Center. I wasn’t really keen on taking Maddie to the Bubblefest. However, email from Goldstar offering discounted tickets lured me. (even though they say it's 50% off, with their service fee added, the ticket price is about $4-$5 cheaper than regular tickets. You need to sign up for Goldstar if you want to buy tickets)

The show was fun. It had lots of bubbles, huge bubbles, long bubbles, smoky ones and so forth. Kids have lots of chance to pop various bubbles. To be honest, I kept on waiting for that “unbelievable act” that never really came.

I do think the show is a bit over priced. If you can get a discounted ticket it is worth going. The ticket price includes the admission to the museum so plan to enjoy the Discovery Science Center after/before the show.

My Tips
- The seats were benches. By the end of the show (45 minutes), my bottom was aching.
- There is a “Kid Zone” right in front of the stage for kids. Kids can pop the bubbles and see the show close. However, adults are not allowed so if you plan on sitting there with your toddler, it is not going to work. Also because the bubbles are big when children pops them it’s practically spraying their hairs with bubble water. Some kids end of looking like they just took a shower.
- The entrance to the show is through the Discovery Science Center.
- At the end of the show they blow gazillion bubbles. You might want to bring a hat and sunglasses.

Powell’s Sweet Shoppe

Powell’s Sweet Shoppe

One of my favorite books that I read as a child was “Charlie & the Chocolate Factory” by Roald Dahl. I remember imagining the chocolate factory every time I read the book. Yes, the book has its flaws but I still enjoy it. Roald Dahl’s children’s books are known for UNSENTIMENTAL & DARK humor. Exactly my kind of book. (By the way, I’m one of those annoying people who think the original books are always better than their movie version.)

Any ways, I would like to introduce you to this cute little candy shop that reminds me so much of “Charlie & the Chocolate Factory.”

Yes, I’m a mommy and I’m not supposed to mention CANDY. It is the “THING-That-Must-Not-Be-Named” for all mommies. But this store is so adorable I have to tell you about it.

This shop has every candy imaginable from the past, the present and probably the future. To be honest, it's more fun for the parents than the kids.....

http://www.powellsss.com/go/index.cfm/locations/california/laguna-niguel/contact-hours/

Their party room is really cute. They have candy castle murals and life size candy land games. They have birthday packages where kids can do a candy scavenger hunt.

Birthday Party Brochure http://www.powellsss.com/tasks/sites/go/assets/File/Powells_Broc_BIRTHDAYS_REV_8-1_LO.pdf

Birthday party flier for Laguna Niguel
http://www.powellsss.com/go/index.cfm?LinkServID=D6FC5F2C-F31D-4C81-F3BAD1CA3DCF4092&showMeta=0

My tips

- Don’t bring a stroller. There is not enough space to move it around.
- The prices are high.
- Check out the party room.

**Don't blame me for your dentist bills.

Pretend City Children’s Museum

Pretend City Children’s Museum opening in mid 2009

Did you know that the Pretend City Children’s Museum is being built in Irvine? It is a children’s museum scheduled to open in mid 2009! I’m so excited!! A children’s museum in Irvine, yipeee!!!!

I'm SOOO looking forward to it! I'll let you know when it opens....

http://www.pretendcity.org/index.php

“When complete, Pretend City will provide a rich learning environment for children aged infant to eight-years old. Embedded in each themed area will be eight powerful brain building objectives developed specifically to help children become highly productive students, adults and successful workforce of tomorrow.

Designed as a small city, with a grocery store, construction site, art studio, house, café, bank, emergency services, health center and farm, Pretend City will be a familiar environment in which children infant through eight-years-old will have joyful opportunities to build problem solving and critical thinking skills , develop creativity and begin a life long love of learning.”

Sleeping Beauty Ballet

Maddie and I went to Sleeping Beauty Ballet this Saturday at Irvine Barclay Theater. Ticket was $20 per person which is a bit more than what I’m willing to pay for a 3 year old. However, since Sleeping Beauty was also MY first ballet that my mom took me to, I just couldn’t resist.

As I mentioned before, there is something about a LIVE performance that kids just LOVE. Maddie was perfect for the first 45 minutes. I did give her a candy after that. (YES, I said CANDY.) The rest, she kind of “wiggled” through it. The performance was great and Maddie loved it. (Duh, all the ballerinas were wearing a TUTU and a TIARA!)

For me, the highlight was when Princess Aurora fell asleep. The 4 princes (there were 5 princes including the “kissing” prince in this ballet) were carrying the sleeping Princess Aurora on their shoulders and a little voice cried out “MOMMY, I CAN SEE HER UNDERWEAR!!” Oh, the things kids say…….

Finally when the prince kissed the princess, a thought occurred to me. At that point, Princess Aurora is 106 years old (16th birthday party + 100 years of sleep) and the prince is probably in his early 20s. So, Princess Aurora (aka Sleeping Beauty) was a COUGAR. She outranked Demi Moore by far!! Very forward thinking story, don’t you think?

My tips
- Bring candy for emergency. This is really useful if your child becomes restless in the middle of the performance. As a matter of fact, you should always have some kind of EMERGENCY candy handy. Sometimes you REALLY need it but don’t abuse it. Oh, make sure that the wrapper is not a noisy kind.

- Arrive close to the show start time so you don’t have to hear “mommy/daddy, why isn’t it starting?” 100 times.

- Bring a light book or activity book to entertain the child while you are waiting for the performance to begin

Easter Events

I haven’t posted anything for a week because I was sick. It is that time of the year!

It is also Easter Egg Hunt season. There are numerous Easter Egg Hunt events in OC this week and next week.

If you are looking for an egg hunt event, please do one of the following.

1. Check out my event calendar (top right corner)

2. Churches – almost all churches have some kind of Easter egg hunt event. Just remember that the BIGGER churches have more CROWDED events.

3. City – some of the cities are hosting Easter related events so check out your local city website. I’ve noticed some of them are “flashlight” egg hunts. It means they start the egg hunt around 5:30 – 6:00 PM. This might be fun to try since it’s something different. Just remember that most of these egg hunts are organized by age groups. So be there on time for your child’s age group egg hunt. (You have to register for Irvine city egg hunt. Drat)

4. Others – There are other Easter egg hunts at places like Irvine Regional Park or OC Market Place (Details are on the Event Calendar).

Also the shopping malls have Easter Bunny and some activities.

South Coast Plaza

Easter Bunny’s Garden Carousel Court, Level 1 - photos and lively conversation with the Easter Bunny. Children will also enjoy designing springtime crafts at the Activity Tables. Photos and crafts are open every day during regular Center hours.

Easter Bunny’s GazeboMacy’s Home Store Wing, Level 1 - The Easter Bunny waits to hold hands and take photos with children in his sunlit gazebo. Photos are available every day until 6:30pm.

Bunny’s CarouselCarousel Court, Level 1 - classic carousel featuring larger-than-life bunnies and floral carriages. March 6 through April 20. Rides are just $1

Happy Easter!

My tips
- Bring a basket for eggs. Make sure it can carry many (plastic) eggs. Don’t pick a very CUTE but unusable basket.

- For “flashlight” egg hunts, bring a flashlight.

Curious George is Coming

Curious George is Coming to Barnes & Noble (South Coast Plaza)


Saturday 4/4 2:00 PM

http://store-locator.barnesandnoble.com/event/277475254

I'm not sure exactly what this Curious George is going to look like. If a person in a ordinary monkey costume comes out and insist that we accept him/her as Curious George, I'm going to BOO.

I've been to couple of character visits at this B&N (Metro Pointe - South Coast Plaza) and they were pretty good. They give you enough time to take pictures with the character and they always have crafts. They usually have hot chocolate and little snacks for kids too.

They usually read character related books after the character comes out. The characters don't really do anything other than stand next to the reader. As I mentioned before if you have young children who will not sit through couple of books then try to arrive a little later than scheduled time then take some pictures.

One More for Older Kids

One More for Older Kids - Home Depot Kids' Workshop (Age 5 - 12)

I forgot to add this one to my previous posting about stuff for older kids.

ALL Home Depot has FREE Kids Workshop on first Saturday each month (9 AM - 12PM). Next one is on 4/4 and kids get to make "Window Birdhouse." Just please call your local store to confirm before you go.

The following description is from Home Depot homepage.

The Home Depot's Kids Workshops offer useful projects including the creation of toolboxes, fire trucks and mail organizers, as well as more educational projects, such as a window birdhouse, bughouse or Declaration of Independence frame kit.

The workshops teach children do-it-yourself skills and tool safety, while at the same time helping to instill a sense of accomplishment. Additionally, this fun time allows for quality one-on-one time between adults and children.

In addition to the newly constructed project kit, each child receives a kid-sized orange apron, similar to The Home Depot associates' aprons, and an achievement pin.

Stuff for older kids

Stuff for little older kids

Since my daughter is 3 years old, I usually concentrate on events that younger kids can enjoy. However, I do run into some fun stuff for little older kids. So here we go.

LEGO Rabbit (Age 6 - 12 only)

Tuesday, April 7, 5:00pm - 7:00pm

Lego store in Ahaneim near Disney has Monthly Mini Model Build. For April it is "LEGO Rabbit." You can learn how to build the mini model and get to take it home for FREE(one per child)! (Quantities are limited and offer is good while supplies last only and the models are NOT for sale)

http://stores.lego.com/en-us/Anaheim/events.aspx

Tall Mouse - School Project Clinic

At Tall Mouse in Laguna Niguel, they offer School Project Clinic evey Tuesday through Thursday from 4:00 to 8:30 PM regardless of project, age & skill level, time frame or stage. Ask for Vicki the Project Guru. Please call 949-360-5777 Tall Mouse Laguna Niguel for more information.

http://www.tallmouse.com/events/

Muzeo - Monsters and Beasts Exhibition

http://www.muzeo.org/home.php

Muzeo is a museum in Anaheim that has special exhibitions. They just started selling 50% off tickets online for admission. Monsters and Beasts Exhibition is going on. Muzeo unveils the secrets in “HOW TO MAKE A MONSTER: THE ART & TECHNOLOGY OF ANIMATRONICS.”

Academy Award Winning Studio - John Cox Creature Workshop takes you on an interactive and up-close, behind-the-scenes look at every stage of its monster-making magic.

A cast of over 30 creatures, including the towering Abominable Snowman, Gorilla from the hit Disney film comedy, “George of the Jungle,”, plus hands-on exhibition devices from movies such as Disney’s “Inspector Gadget 2”, the enormous Crocodile from the popular 2003 live-action film version of “Peter Pan”, plus the must-see Megalania, Australia’s largest prehistoric lizard — and even the mesmerizing x-ray eyes of Junior the Dinosaur.

Follow the mystery behind the Monsters — It’s art and artistry that’s fascinating for both kids and adults. Marvel as the monstrous ideas grow right before your eyes — from design and storyboard, to maquettes (models), and ultimately to full-sized creatures that are sculpted, molded, finished and animated.

Get inside the Monsters — See how animatronics components are designed and engineered to create bones and muscles that bring monsters to life. And if you have the skin for it, you could take the controls like an actual animatronics puppeteer.

Elmo's Green Thumb (presale)

Sesame Street Live - Elmo's Green Thumb

I just got a Sesame Street Live - Elmo's Green Thumb presale email. It's coming to LA, Long Beach and San Diego. The presale option is not valid for San Diego show yet.

http://www.ticketmaster.com/promo/j0xr00/?dma_id=324

To find out more about the show,

http://www.sesamestreetlive.com/

Pathetic Weekend

Where did we go last weekend?

Plan 1 – go to the free train rides at Fairview Park
What happened – The tired, sleep deprived, over-worked, mean mommy who lives in a “hasn’t been cleaned in who knows how long” house did not feel like getting up. So the not so tired, well slept, under-worked NICE daddy who lives in a “house that is maintained by the mean mommy” took Maddie for the train ride. Apparently they had fun.

Plan 2 – go to the Irvine McDonald’s grand opening that I wrote about
What happened – The reality finally hit the Fast Food King (my hubby). Dr. told him that he has high cholesterol and that he is borderline diabetic. Fast Food King (aka hotdog king to his friends) was actually SHOCKED. He told me that he thinks the BUBBLE GUM he chewed RIGHT BEFORE the blood test might have caused the bad blood test results. How do you say “I TOLD YOU SO” to a guy who suspects BUBBLE GUM? Yeah, BUBBLE GUM will do that to you….

Any ways, McDonald’s was out. You obviously can not bring a reforming fast food junkie to junk food capital, the McDonald’s.

Well, let me know if you've been to this Grand Opening at kmin@hotmail.com I would like to find out what I missed!

Plan 3 – go to Very Hungry Caterpillar birthday story time at Border’s.
What happened – NOTHING happened. We were the only ones at Border’s for this event. Nobody else showed up. The store staff read Very Hungry Caterpillar to Maddie in a very boring way and gave us bunch of caterpillar tattoos.

I should have remembered my own tips. DO NOT go to these bookstore “storytimes” unless you are in the area doing something else and just happen to be there. Not worth it to go there JUST for that.

However, the tattoos of the very hungry caterpillars are very cute and of good quality. We got quite a few. Let me know if you want some.

So my weekend was boring. No reviews to write about.

However, I did UPDATE the Event Calendar. I've found some new events. Don't forget to check it out!! Just to name a few....

4/14 - Creative Fun Family Day at Sawdust Festival
4/25 - Imagination Celebration - Ignite the Power of Art at Laguna Art Museum
5/9 - Rock, Paper, Scissors SUPERSTAR!
5/16 - 17th Annual Anaheim Children's Festival

REMINDER:
- If you are planning to go to Bubblefest at Discovery Science Center, you should buy tickets, NOW.

Borders - 50% OFF on all CDs & DVDs

Borders - 50% OFF on all CDs & DVDs

I happened to stop by at Borders at the District today during lunch time and found out that there is a 50% OFF Entire stock of CDs & DVDs. Apparently they are getting rid of their CD & DVD section. Hurry up!! There were lots of stuff. Among the DVDs were

Elmo, Backyardigans, Barney, Clifford, My Little Pony, Dora, Diego, Looney Toons, Pokemon, Enchanted, Sleeping Beauty, Bob the Builder, Handy Manny, and so forth, just to name a few.

Borders (The District)
2493 Park Ave.
Tustin, CA 92782
714.258.7955

If you sign up for their membership for free, you get lots of coupons in the email.

As far as I know this is the only Borders that is having this sales. The ones in South Coast Plaza and Newport Beach are not doing this.

McDonald’s Grand Opening

McDonald’s Grand Opening (Irvine) this weekend

Okay, I hate McDonald’s food. I certainly didn’t plan on getting Maddie hooked on the Big Yellow “M.” Unfortunately, I forgot about my other “big kid” who happens to be a fast food king. (He picked up 3 different kinds of fast foods on our wedding night before we went to our hotel – Yoshinoya, Taco Bell, and Carls Jr.) Yes, I’m talking about my hubby. So this “man child” that I forgot I had introduced Maddie to McDonald’s. When it started I did not object since these were usually on weekend mornings when I get to sleep little more while he takes Maddie out for breakfast. Now, whenever we ask Maddie what do you want to have for lunch/dinner, she says “MCDONALD’s.” Drat.

Fortunately it’s not the food she likes but the playground. The one we usually go to has a worn out outdoor playground. So when Julie (yes, it’s YOU) told me that a new McDonald’s opened at Orchard Hills Village Center in Irvine (Portola Pkwy & Culver), I decided try it out.

They have espresso drinks like latte, mocha, cappuccino, iced coffee and hot chocolates like McCafe. I tried their latte and it was good. So mommies, if you have to bring your kids to this McDonald’s, at least you get to enjoy a decent cup of coffee.

Their playground is brand new and it has a tree house like stairs/steps and then the usual slide. The good thing about this one is that it is indoors. The bad thing is that it is dark in the tree house stairs. I’ve seen many daddies being dragged into it by younger children because they were scared to climb it by themselves.

Another good point is that adults can join the kids. However, I would not recommend it. My hubby had a hard time climbing up the narrow steps and he didn’t even try to slide through the tube slide. I think he was afraid he would get stuck and upset the kids terribly.

Any ways, this McDonald’s is having a Grand Opening this weekend. This event has been added to my event calendar.

3/21 Saturday 12:00 PM – 4:00 PM

Ronald McDonald will be performing his magic show from 1:00 PM to 3:00 PM including time for a meet and greet with our little customers. Goody bags for the first 500 guests under 12 years of age. For each Happy Meal ordered and paid, customers will receive a FREE raffle ticket. New raffles every thirty minutes. (Must be present to win)

3853 PORTOLA PARKWAY
IRVINE, CA 92620
(714)505-3300

My Plea

For those of you who have older kids,

1. If the sign says “only kids under 12 years old” PLEASE DO NOT send in your 14 year old kid to the playground. Your own kid will hate you, and the other parents will hate you.

2. Please WATCH your kids when they are playing in the playground. If you have to chat with your spouse or friends while your kids are playing, then at least tell them NOT TO CLIMB the slide since you are supposed to slide DOWN the slide. AND please tell them to MIND the little children. Believe me, as a parent I understand your urge to communicate with an adult whenever you get a chance, but you really should NOT do this on expense of other moms and younger children. Remember when your kid was a toddler? When you were worried that bigger kids might trample your kid? Please tell your kids what to do and what not to do before you send them into the playground.

For all parents,

1. When it says “NO SHOES” then it’s “NO SHOES.” Croc, slippers, princess slippers, shoes that look like socks, shoes with thin sole, shoes that does not look like shoes….. they are ALL SHOES.

2. When it says “NO FOOD” then “NO FOOD.” Again, ice cream, drinks, fries, fruit… they are ALL FOOD. Heck, if you can eat or drink it and digest it, it is FOOD.

Yes, I've been LAZY...

Okay, so I haven’t posted anything for quite a few days. I was busy and I was being LAZY. Seriously, had I known how much work “blogging” required, I don’t think I would have started doing it. When you are ignorant, you become brave.

Another thing is that I don’t get any form of feedback. Some of my friends tell me “oh, my co-workers love your blog” but how should I know? Do YOU like my blog? More importantly, do you ever get any useful/practical information out of it? Do you just come to my blog for the Event Calendar? I want to know!! Please leave me comments or write to me at kmin@hotmail.com I want to KNOW!

Last Weekend

Places I went last weekend

OC Great Park – My whole family went to the “Shamrock & Skate” event. Well, if you didn’t go, then it is YOUR LOSS. They had so many fun activities. There was snow ball fights, snowman making, sledding, skating, hockey related events, and couple of crafts. For us, sledding was the highlight of the day. It was SUPER FUN. You basically sled on a piece of giant plastic saucer down a small snow slope. Maddie wanted to go on it forever. We got a lot of freebies (2 adult baseball caps, 1 kid’s baseball cap, Chick-fil-a chicken, Chick-fil-a free kids meal coupons, jamba juice smoothies, cookies, kettle corn, bagels, coffee, hot chocolate, coin chocolate, child safety ID, and some other stuff that I probably forgot) Whenever there’s an event at OC Great Park, I try not to miss it because the quality of the event is really good.

I took Maddie to see “Moon between two houses” puppet show at Irvine Barclay Theater. It is a puppet show about two very different neighbors who became friends after they shared their fear about the darkness.

Cons – even though we had good seats we felt like we were sitting in the back since the puppets were not big. It was difficult to see the delicate movements of the puppets. Another thing is that the puppeteers were from Mexico and their pronunciation was not very clear. I had a hard time understanding the details of the storyline. Honestly, I still don’t know the name of one of the two main characters. The same company, Marionetas de la Esquina will be doing the “Emilio and the Enchanted Cow” at OC Performing Arts Center.

Pros – if all my “cons” are from adults' point of view, all the “pros” are from my kiddie’s point of view. Maddie and another 2 year old boy LOVED the show. They were MESMERIZED the whole time (1 hour). I think there’s something about a live show/performance that interests kids. Another good thing was that after the show they asked the kids to come up and touch the puppets and ask any questions. All the kids flocked to the stage as soon as the puppeteer said “please ask us anything about the puppets.” As long as the tickets are not expensive I would recommend taking your young children to live performances. Just make sure that it's a kid friendly show. Irvine Barclay Theater has a few of these including a Sleeping Beauty Ballet for children. http://www.thebarclay.org/calendar.asp

Michael’s – I went to the Michael’s in District to see what their birthday party program is going to be. They were advertising that they will have a birthday party promotion. I confirmed the event with the actual store couple of nights before and went. However, when I got there I found out that the person who was supposed to do the event was laid off and nobody knew what will happen to the whole program. I was disappointed. Anyways, according to Michael’s website, they will be hosting some family events and crafts. These are included in my event calendar. However, CALL your store before you go and confirm……. http://www.michaels.com/art/online/static?page=kids_events

Lango

Foreign Language Classes for kids - Lango


Okay here we go. Maddie and I’ve recently tried Spanish Lango class in Irvine. We went to their trial class. And NO, I’m not one of those moms who put their toddlers in every class imaginable hoping that one of those lessons will stick.

It all started with Dora the explorer. Maddie LOVES Dora & Diego. She became so obsessed with the characters that she started pretending to speak Spanish. She would count up to five in Spanish (because Dora does that often in the show) and then from six to ten she will make them up as she go (Dora usually doesn’t count from six to ten)

Mommy: What was that?
Maddie: I was counting in SPA~NISH. I speak SPA~NISH
Mommy: You just made up six, seven, eight, nine, and ten. That was NOT Spanish.
Maddie: It is SPA~NISH. YOU don’t speak SPA~NISH.

I swear she says “Spa~nish” with this “you(meaning ME) have no idea what I’m talking about” attitude. You see, I made the mistake of telling her that I actually don’t know Spanish.

Then I just happened to get an email from Lango for a free trial class. So we went.

It was a 10 AM Saturday class at some preschool location. The teacher was “Carla” and she was really good. She didn’t use English, she used only Spanish. It’s like a Spanish preschool with lots of games and songs. Maddie was a bit intimidated but eventually she warmed up and had lots of fun. We took the class about 2 weeks ago and today we still remember how to say, apple, watermelon, banana, orange, pear, up and down in Spanish.

However, I’ve decided not to take the classes. In my opinion the classes are bit pricy. There is a $50 registration fee and $74 per month for once a week class. By the way what is up with these so called “registration fees” every where? It takes up that much labor or materials just to “register” somebody?

Well, Lango is not for us but it could be worth going for some of you. Especially if you want your kids to speak Chinese (Mandarin), Spanish or French. So at least try the trial class for your self! Apparently they have scholarships for kids too.

To sign up for trial class, go to
http://www.langokids.com/

Apparently, they offer scholarship for babies too…..
http://themomblog.freedomblogging.com/2009/02/17/scholarships-for-babies-yes-you-read-that-right/12579/

A Whale of a Tale

A Whale of a Tale Children’s Bookshoppe




This is no ordinary bookstore. This unique bookstore in Irvine has many children book authors come in for autographs. Even the former first lady, Laura Bush has been here. I’ve been to Robin Preiss Glasser’s(the illustrator who is famous for Fancy Nancy book series) book signing with my baby. Since the event was for “Tea for Ruby” they had a little tea party before the signing. All these little Fancy Nancys showed up at the event all fancied up.

I’m sure you all know how important reading is to kids. Meeting an author of their favorite book and getting his/her autograph could be a great way to get your kids to be more interested in reading.

This cute children's bookstore is near UCI, in University Plaza which has In&Out and Trader Joe's.

For upcoming author events, please go to
http://www.awhaleofatale.com/documents/storeevents.pdf
(I'm waiting for Amy Krouse Rosenthal scheduled for 4/29. However she might just do school signing and not do the store signing.)

They also have the list of the winners of top children’s and teen literary awards.
http://www.awhaleofatale.com/documents/alexsnotes.pdf


My Tips

- This is really not a tip but a reminder. These book signing is only for books that you bought at A Whale of a Tale bookstore. I strongly suggest buying the book before the signing, save the receipt and show up for the book signing with the receipt as some of these events are crowded.

- Make sure you bring your kid to a book signing of an author/book that your kids know. If you want too bring your child to an event of an unknown author, please introduce your kid to the book before you go.

- You can also get the already autographed books but I don’t see the point of this. For me, the whole purpose of bringing kids to book signing is to get them more engaged & interested in reading by meeting the author. Some scribble with no face to match on a book is of absolutely no value to me, but they are there if you want them.

Shamrocks & Skates

Shamrocks & Skates this Saturday (3/14)

When OC Great Park started the ice rink they had schedueled a grand opening ceremony with all kinds of activities but the weather forecast was bad so they postponed the event. Well, now it's here as a "closing ceremony" as this weekend is the last weekend that the ice rink will be operated.

Saturday, March 14, 2009, 11:00 AM – 3:00 PM at the OC Great Park
Free Parking & Admission

Say "Goodbye" to Winter and "Hello" to Spring! Bring the family out to the Great Park and enjoy cool, complimentary activities like ice skating (11:00 AM – 10 :00 PM), sledding, ice carving demonstrations, treasure hunting, snacks, and more!

THE GREAT SKATE

Open February 14, 2009 – March 15, 200911:00 AM – 10:00 PM
Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays Only(Sessions begin on the hour with 80 skaters per session)

PRICE AND SKATE EQUIPMENTAdmission and skate rentals are FREE to the public.
Helmets are available upon request at no charge.
Guests are welcome to bring their own skates and helmets.

This event has been added to my event calendar.

My Tips
- Please go to my previous posting to see my tips.

Musical Story Time

Pacific Symphony – Musical Story Time

I’m always looking for performances specifically targeted for young kids. The Musical Story Time by Pacific Symphony is a series of fun music classes. We haven’t been to one since Maddie’s only 3 and the recommended age group is 4-7. It sure looks fun though! For those of you who have this age group kids, please take a look.

Unfortunately, out of the four Musical Story Time, Cinderella and Adventures in the Forest classes have already taken place. There are two more classes left.

http://www.pacificsymphony.org/anypage.php?cpid=201

PLAY INSTRUMENTS! SING! DANCE!
Kids ages 4-7 and an accompanying adult learn together the joys of making music. Featuring early childhood music educator Joe Berarducci and musicians from Pacific Symphony and the Pacific Symphony Youth Ensembles.

Sat • Mar. 28, 2009

The Magic Pasta Pot
The enchanted pot of pasta is overflowing because we forgot the magic spell to make it stop! Come sing and dance as we act out this fun folktale!

Sat • Apr. 4, 2009

The Tortoise and the Hare
Slow and steady wins the race! Become a part of this beloved fable as we act out the story and listen to fun music played by our musicians.

TWO locations: Costa Mesa & Mission Viejo!

Saturday Mornings at 10:00am & 11:30am
Studio Performance Space-Dodge Education Center
Renée and Henry Segerstrom Concert Hall
Orange County Performing Artscenter, Costa Mesa

Saturday Afternoons at 3:30pm
Sycamore Room
Norman P. Murray Community & Senior Center
24932 Veterans Way, Mission Viejo, CA 9269

Tickets: $15 per participant (per child and per adult)
Or order all Musical Storytime events for just $50 (per child and per adult)

Santa Ana Zoo

Santa Ana Zoo - perfect size zoo for toddlers

This is a great place for families with young children. The size of the zoo is perfect for toddlers and preschoolers to roam around. There are quite a few things you can do there.

Animals - There are lots of different kinds of monkeys. Birds. Turtles. Llamas. I can not remember the rest.
Playground – there are two playgrounds right next to the food concession area.

Food concession – they have kid menus and they are pretty good. The only thing is they don’t have lids and straws for drinks. They harm the animals so they don’t have them.

Train rides – the train ride goes through various parts of the zoo. Also the train station has a little model train going around near the ceiling.

Carousel – I heard that now they have an animal themed carousel, I have not gone to the zoo lately to see it.

When my daughter was 2, we had an annual family membership for $45 (now it went up a little) and we went to Santa Ana Zoo practically every weekend. There were animals to entertain her, playground for her to play in, food to eat and her favorite, the train ride!! The zoo has membership appreciation days where they let the members get free train rides. They also had member discount for Halloween events, picnics, and other special events. It was like a one stop shop for toddler. This was very well spent $45 in my opinion.

My Tips

- Get there early for train rides as these are very popular.

- Bring an empty sippy cup if you think your kid will spill without the lid and a straw.

- On membership appreciation days, they usually have free crafts for kids.

- If you are not sure, bring a stroller. You will need it.

Bowers Museum - Free first Sundays

Bowers Museum (Free first Sundays)

This is like my neighborhood museum for me. I go to Bowers museum quite often. They have a Target sponsored cultural festival first Sunday every month. (I love Target as a store and I love it more because of all these sponsoring of museum events. I think it’s great!)

So far, I’ve been to their Chinese, African, Mexican, Asian, Italian cultural festival. They usually have some crafts tables for kids. They are usually related to the theme of the cultural event. For example, at the Chinese Cultural Festival, we made a fan, Chinese paper mask, and a lantern.

Their exhibition is fun too. Maddie really likes this crystal/glass baby sculpture at Bowers Museum. I believe it is called “Great Wish.” Maddie absolutely refuses to leave until she gets to see the “Baby.”

In the back of the museum, there is a really cool courtyard. It has modern water fountain with pebbles and some sculptures.

The following are the list of cultural festivals. Please dont' forget to check out the Event Calendar in my blog.

Japanese Cherry Blossom Family Festival
Arpil 5, Noon–3:30 PM
Celebrate Japanese culture through its music, art, dance and food. Performances by Nippon Minyo Kenkyukai and Daion Taiko Troupe.

Latin America Family Festival
May 3, Noon-3:30 PM
ome on a journey of the Americas through music, dance, art and food. Featuring the exciting sounds of the very popular Mariachi Kids, and more!

Pacific Rim Family Festival
June 7, Noon-3:30 PM
Featuring entertainment and art from the diverse countries of the Pacific Rim. From Russia to Timor-Leste, this vast area offers a richness of cultural traditions. Join us in celebrating the dance, music, art and food of many nations.



My Tip

- What we usually do on first Sundays of the month is first we go to Kidseum by 11AM. We play there for an hour and then we have lunch at Kidseum picnic area. Then we walk over to Bowers museum for the cultural festival.

- Bring a bag to put all your kid's craft when he/she is done.

- Please tell your kids and other kids NOT to climb on the sculptures. Ask them if they would like it if somebody stepped or climbed on their crafts / art projects.

- If you can’t find parking, try Kidseum. You can easily walk to Bowers Museum. There is a huge tree near Kidseum parking where your car will be in the shade.

Borders vs. B&N

Borders vs. Barnes & Noble

I’m a bookworm. I LOVE books. I’m cheap about everything but books. Books, I have to buy. I feel same way about my books that some women feel about their shoes. I gotta have them. So you can imagine how many children’s books I buy.

We go to both Borders and Barnes & Noble often. I go to Borders in the District and Barnes & Noble in Tustin Market Place. We sometimes go to Barnes & Noble near South Coast Plaza for their costume character events.

I do prefer Borders for buying books but I definitely like Barnes & Noble’s costume character story times. If you want to know what B&N’s costume character story times are like go to my blog about Clifford the Big Red Dog event.

However, I probably do a lot of my book shopping at Costco and Amazon.com. Costco has great deals WHEN they have them and Amazon always have good price. Some of their 4 for 3 books deals are great.

Is Your Child Ready for Kindergarten?

School Readiness Program


Maddie is 3 years old. She was born in November 2005 so she will be going to Kindergarten in September of 2010, next year. The parents of children who has fall birthdays need to make a decision whether they are going to send their kids to school “little early” or “little late.” I’ve been told that usually the girls start school little early and boys tend to start late.

Well, I have some time before even thinking about Maddie going to school, but for some of you, it might be this year.

City of Irvine and Irvine Unified School District does these events called “Welcome to Kindergarten” for parents. It is a free informational session for parents who are sending their children to school for the first time. The one of the events already took place but there’s another one coming up on Wednesday March 11, at Irvine City Hall Council Chambers. They will give you a thick information packet and you will have time for Q&A.

If you can’t make it, there’s a video of the whole presentation available via website.
To view, just go to the following website and click on the “Welcome to Kindergarten” program.
http://www.cityofirvine.org/depts/citymanager/pio/ictv/special_programs.asp

www.iusd.org/WP/documents/Kinderiscoming.pdf

Irvine Unified School District has a School Readiness Program. If you go to this link you will find some classes you can take with your child to get ready for school.
Some of the classes are:

Preparing for Preschool
Get Ready for Kindergarten
Kindergarten Questions?
Solving Dinner Dilemmas

Go to following and click on "Spring Calendar 2009"
http://www.iusd.org/ECLC/ClassesEvents.html

The following are some links to other city School Readiness information.
School Readiness Coordinator Roster
www.orangecountychildcareassociation.org/School%20Readiness%20Roster%202008-09.pdf

Tustin Unified District
http://www.tustin.k12.ca.us/HTML/distprograms/kinder-readiness.htm

Newport-mesa Unified District
http://web.nmusd.us/cms/page_view?d=x&piid=&vpid=1223131339867

Saddleback Valley Unified District
http://www.adultedreg.com/saddleback/index.cfm?processtype=department&deptid=6298#ac_48264