Sunday, March 28, 2010

Spring Break 2010

For most folks around the bluegrass this week is spring break! Enjoy everyone and for those of you still waiting we hope you have a great week very soon!

There are a few great camps going on so if you are interested it might not be too late to enroll - just contact the local spot and check in (Lex. Children's Theater, YMCA, Living Arts and Science Center)

There are still lots of library storytimes going on (which is probably where we will be!)

Many places are open for fun (Bounce U, Monkey Joe's, Gymboree - try a class for free, Chick Fil A, local parks and walking trails!)

Check out some activities going on Tuesday and Thursday from 10 - 12 at McConnell Springs.
Raven Run has spring break fun planned on Wednesday and Friday from 10 - 12. Their homepages are listed in a previous blog.

All through the week the Explorium has special activities planned from 10 - 5. Check out the homepage at www.explorium.com for all the details. They even have a week planned for NEXT week for those of you not out yet!

On Tuesday from 10 - 3 the Explorium will have Mosquito experts on hand to teach kids all about the life cycle, biololgy, surveillance, and control of these little bugs. All visitors get a free goodie bag to take home.

The Explorium has a preschool day camp on Wednesday from 9 - 12 $15 but do call and see if there are any spaces still open.

The central library has a day of pranks planned for Thursday, April 1st. Just stop in and see if you can find them!

On Friday the Beaumont library has Family Game Fun from 4: - 5:45 - call for reservations.

And who can enjoy spring without a trip to Keeneland!!!! The meet opens Friday, April 2 and runs until Friday, April 23rd. Head to www.keeneland.com for the calendar of events going on this meet. The weather looks gorgeous so head out and enjoy! On Sat mornings during the meet check out Breakfast with the Works at 7 am. A buffet and workouts (for the horses)! FUN!

Tuesday, March 23, 2010

Wednesday, March 24th

Just a quick entry for the night... we hit Monkey Joe's on Monday since the weather was a bit dreary - wanted to pass along this great deal with you all. For those of you who don't know what MJ's is it's a huge room filled with bouncy house type things. Slides, bouncy house, things to climb on, etc. My boys are 2 and 4 and we loved it. They have a Monkey Mail sign up you can do and then they immediately email you a buy one get one coupon. We payed $5 to bounce for 2 hours - we could have stayed all day actually!! It's a great deal. Go to www.monkeyjoes.com and scroll down to the bottom where it says Monkey Mail. Just click and sign up!

This week we are also enjoying a music class at Gymboree. They have an awesome deal now for music classes. Only $49 bucks to enroll for a month (usually $79!). Check out the schedule at www.gymboreeclasses.com You can also become a fan on facebook - just search Gymboree Play & Music of Lexington, KY

Little Hands is going on at the TC library Wed at 1:30
Also, get ready to move and shake in April and May - Movers and Shakers time is back at the TC library! 10:30 on the first Wed of the month! Great for ages 12 mo - 3 yrs!

Friday, March 19, 2010

Saturday, March 20th

We hope to be heading outside most of the day on Saturday!!! The weather looks beautiful so before the rain hits I hope everyone can enjoy some time outside... some of my favorite outdoor things in town are simple and easy to do!

Feed ducks - check out local neighborhood ponds or Joseph Beth is one of our favorite spots!

Take a walk around a local park - head somewhere new - there are good walking paths around many local parks! Try Woodland Park, Veteran's Park (behind Cumberland Hill subdivision there is an entrance with a great walking trail), around the pond at Hartland Park, and the arboretum of course!! We love the fountains and pond there - when we went last week they weren't up and running yet but I'm sure they will be soon!

Go fly a kite! Try the arboretum or Jacobson Park for some open space!

Head downtown for the Farmer's Market and check out the Triangle Park fountains, the fountains by the library (not on yet...), the huge fountains by the new courthouse building, and more!!

PLAY!! There are so many playgrounds around town - you can also check out a local school playground on a weekend when school is out! www.lexingtonky.gov/parks
You can find links to all local parks and what facilities/equipment they have there

Go to a local nature area like McConnell Springs (they are doing a great remodel!) Did you know McConnell Springs is where Lexington Started!! There is a real spring there and soooo much history!! It's a 26 acre park right in the middle of industrial Lex!! www.lexingtonky.gov/index/aspx?page=275

Go by Raven Run for a great walk to the creek or other neat animal habitat areas!! They also have a nice nature center! 734 acres of fun!! www.lexingtonky.gov/index/aspx?page=276

Enjoy the day everyone!

Thursday, March 18, 2010

Kid Spanish!!

Just a quick entry I thought I'd write...

I run a local Mother's Day Out program at Calvary Baptist Church in downtown Lexington. I was a classroom teacher for 6 1/2 years before I had my son and decided to stay at home. This job allows me to bring my son (now almost 4) and my new little 2 year old with me. We are in session Tuesdays and Thursdays from 9:30 - 2:00. We offer classes for children 3 months - Preschool!

One of our favorite parts of the week is our Kids Spanish class. We offer Spanish for children in our One, Two, Three, and Four year classes. The teacher is fabulous. She even has her own blog that tracks what the kids are doing in class. Her blog is http://www.kidspanish.blogspot.com/ if you would like more info on what she does in the classroom. You can also find some great resources if you are interested in teaching your child Spanish!!

Also, remember, this Saturday at 11 am at Joseph Beth there will be an English/Spanish storytime!

If you want more info on our MDO program and preschool classes call 231-8458 email betsyatmdo@yahoo.com or check out www.calvarybaptistchurch.com/ministries/mdo

We are in the process of updating our website so more info will be up soon!

Have a great day folks!
Adios!

Wednesday, March 17, 2010

Thursday, March 18th

Happy Birthday to my 2 year old little man today!! Hope everyone had a great St. Patricks' Day and can hopefully get out and enjoy the wonderful weather headed our way Thursday, Friday, and Saturday!

Thur - Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat 7 pm SCAPA

Friday - Raven Run Woodcock Watch 7 pm
Joseph atatd 8 pm SCAPA

Saturday - Jr. Naturalist at Salato (Frankfort) Topic: Animal Tracks
Spanish/English Storytime 11 am
Joseph atatd 2 and 8 pm SCAPA

Be on the lookout for Easter Egg hunts!! So far I know of the YMCA Beaumont Branch 1 pm on Saturday for members - registration started March 1st so I'm not sure if they are full or not...

Parkway Baptist Church - N Broadway Saturday March 20th 11 am
St Luke United Methodist Mt. Tabor Park - Saturday March 20th 2pm

I have pulled up a list from 2008 so I will sort through and see if any of them are going to be held this year and post details soon!

Also, the Greek Pastry sale at the Greek Orthodox Church on Tates Creek Road (near Chevy Chase)
March 23 - 24th! (pretty sure they open very early!)
223-6267

Enrollment for the Calvary Baptist Church Summer MDO/Preschool Session starts next week.
Contact Betsy at 231-8458 or betsyatmdo@yahoo.com
June 22 - July 29
More info online at www.calvarybaptistchurch.com/ministries/mdo

Tuesday, March 16, 2010

Wednesday, March 17th

Happy Saint Patrick's Day everyone! Hope you remembered your green and avoided a pinch! Today at 10 am the UK arboretum has Lil Sprouts on tap... The theme is St. Patrick's day! Call asap and pre -register - they don't like to have folks just show up since they do need to prepare materials ahead of time! 257-6955

Also, the downtown Lexington Public Library has stories and craft for ages 3 -5 at 10 am. The theme is St. Patty's Day Parade.

Today we hit the mall and the Chick Fil A hero's night - not as much fun stuff to see but the boys had a blast hopping on board the fire truck, taking pictures with the firemen and cows, and signing cards to show our apprecitation for the police, fire, and military personnel. If you are intersted in getting text messages about upcoming CFA events in the central KY region text CFA51 to 411247

This weekend SCAPA starts their production of Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat. You can find out more by calling 381-3332

Consignment sales are popping up all around the bluegrass. Here is some info about some upcoming dates...

Kid Connection Sale http://www.lexkidconnect.net/
March 18 - 20
Thur 12 - 8
Friday 8 - 8
Saturday 8 - 12 (Many items 1/2 off)
Pinnacle Clubhouse off Southpoint drive (Across from the Veteran's park ball fields)

Angel's Attic http://www.angelsatticabc.com/
Ashland Avenue Baptist Church
(Near Meijer off Reynolds Road)
March 25 - 27
Thur 5 - 8
Friday 9 - 7
Sat 9 - 12 (50% off day)

Bluegrass Parents of Twins and Multiples Club
April 9 - 10
Friday 8 - 10
Saturday 9 - 3
Providence Christian Church
Brannon Crossing
debbietalbott@ymail.com

Monday, March 15, 2010

Tuesday, March 16th/FREE FOOD!

Today was a chilly day here in the Bluegrass but a great day for celebrating the CATS win in the SEC championship game! We hit Chick Fil A Bible storytime at 9:30 then had a playdate at Berkshire Trains on Southland Drive. They offer weekday playdate times (2 hours for $2 per child or $6 per child if they would like to paint their own wooden train). The couple that runs the store is lovely and is always welcoming. They have three small joining rooms. One has a big screen with Thomas movies running and a large track and ride one Thomas the Train. Another room has two large train tables and a plethora of Thomas characters to play with. The last room has tables set up for a party, coloring Thomas pages, or painting those trains. You can also schedule a party there complete with cake and balloons for a set fee. Feel free to check them out online at www.berkshiretrains.com

TUESDAY NIGHT AT FAYETTE MALL - CHICK FIL A - HERO APPRECIATION NIGHT 5- 7 PM
FIRE TRUCKS, POLICE, HUMVEES, ETC!!!!

It's a great day for FREE food wouldn't you say??!! There are so many great spots that offer free food on Tuesdays. Here is a master list of places around town to grab a free/cheap meal for kids. Feel free to add a comment if you know of more spots we can add!

Chick Fil A - Family Nights
Mondays at Hamburg
Tuesdays at Harrodsburg
Thursdays at Nicholasville Road

Fazoli's Tues 5 - 8 99 cents
Pizza Hut Tues 5 - 7
Gold Star - Tues
Tony Roma's - Tues
Beef O Brady's - Tues 4 -8
Applebees - Wed. 99cents
IHOP - Friday 4 - 10
Buffalo Wild Wings - Wed 99 cents
Brooklyn Pizza - Tuesday
Tumbleweed Sunday
Golden Corrall - Every day
El Chico - Thur 99 cents
Zaxby's - Tues
Bellacino's - Tues
Mancino's - Tues
Theresa's Grinders - Tues
Perkins - Fridays after 5
Denny's - Tues
O'Charley's - every night

Check out the site to get free birthday meals, etc.

http://mommysavers.com/cmps_index.php?pageid=kids-eat-free-restaurants

Enjoy!!

Sunday, March 14, 2010

Monday, March 15

Ok - I am just learning all this Blog stuff and just typed a really great entry then it got mad at me and I lost it all! Boooo!! Here we go again! I will save it all this time ;)

Mondays are a great day for storytimes and our favorite is at Chick Fil A on Nicholasville Road. They offer Bible storytime at 9:30. Ms. Katy, the marketing director, does a wonderful job and it's never very crowded (last week there were only 2 friends!). They start with some playtime to get the wiggles out, then a song and marching, we do the Pledge of Allegiance (complete with little flags for all the friends and a big flag for one special friend that day), more Bible songs, a Bible verse, story, and finish with the cow favorite, The Chicken Dance! It's held every Monday unless FC schools are out!

New on the Fun 4 Kids Facebook page is a link to the calendar of events at Lexington Green - it includes all stores (Jo Beth, Whole Foods, Regatta, etc.) Be sure to check it out to find out more about the Easter Bunny who will be visiting starting March 25th. You can call ahead to reserve a space so you won't have to wait in line, tough with little ones I know!! 983-2630 www.easterbunnylexgreen.blogspot.com

Also listed is Live Music at Regatta. Tomorrow Almira Fawn, a local 12 year old singer/guitar player who is awesome! I'm sure little ones would love to listen to her! The date is not listed on Almira's page so you may want to call ahead to confirm. www.almirafawn.com

As we start the week you can start planning your meals with our facebook page discussion about where in town kids can eat free/cheap! Just go to facebook and type in Fun 4 Kids in Lexington KY and we should pop up! I will add this info to a blog entry soon!

Hope everyone has a wonderful Monday!

Thursday, March 11, 2010

Friday, March 12, Saturday, March 13

Ok - so Friday is the same as Thursday - check your local storytimes.... I'm heading to MOPS (Moms of Preschoolers) at Porter - LUV my mom time and my kids have a great time in their childcare! Check out local MOPS groups in your area at www.mops.org

Saturday, whew! Jo Beth 11 am Dr. Seuss day - Cat in the Hat will be making an appearance
Salato - step up and shoot - Archery classes for older kids - 11 am - 2 pm
Lexington Philharmonic PB and J series - 10 am Carnegie Center $5 Drum Circle - sounds awesome!
Raven Run - stargazing at 8 pm
St Pat's Day festivities downtown from 10 - 7 pm , parade at 1
Lex. Children's Theater Red Badge of Courage 2 and 7 pm - a birdie tells me adults on Sat night get Chick Fil A!!! YUM! (Check the LCT site since I think Sat night is pay what you can night!!)

Enjoy!!!

Wednesday, March 10, 2010

Thursday, March 11th

So as far as tomorrow goes I haven't found much. Just check your regular storytimes at local libraries and Joseph Beth (toddlers 10:30, babies 11:00).

Coming up Friday at Jo Beth it's gives back day - if you are a gives back member you get 20% off everything!

Today at the Arboretum Lil Sprouts day we had a great time! Check it out again next Wednesday at 10 am for Go Green for St. Patrick's Day themed activities! Just $1.

Since our local weather forcasters are calling for rain check out the library, a free trial class at Gymboree or The Little Gym, cruise the new super Krogers for samples, hang out in a pet store and check out the critters or create some play doh creations at home!!

Tuesday, March 9, 2010

Wednesday, March 10th

Tomorrow!!
Lil Sprouts at the UK Arboretum. We've done these before and there is a space indoors in case it rains. It's friendly to all ages but the activities are geared more toward 3 - 5 yr. olds. Tomorrow they are making pinwheels and we do plan on going. They like reservations so they know how much to prepare - try calling 257 - 9339 and make them first thing tomorrow if you can!! I left a message :)

Brown Bag event at Salato in Frankfort - awesome wildlife park!! 12 - 1pm Dr. Richard Shore will be interpreting the life of John Muir who started the Sierra Club.

Tates Creek Library Little Hands Post Office Ages 3 - 5. 1:30 Please reserve a space by calling 231-5580

Are you Ready for Kindergarten (for adults!) 7 - 8 pm at the Beaumont Branch 231-5570

Have a great day with your kids!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Monday, March 8, 2010

Library Storytimes

If you are in the mood for a story check out any of the Lexington Public Library Storytimes. This week they are calling for rain so it will be a great chance to try a new one!!
www.lexpublib.org/storytimes

If you are close to Clark County they have a wonderful library and do great children's activities. My mom has taken my 3 year old out there lots and there is so much hands on stuff to do!! It's also super close to the park so it's a great morning/afternoon adventure.
www.clarkpublib.org/Programs.htm#top
This should link you to their schedule page! Pretzel shamrocks and terra cotta Easter Baskets are coming up soon!

Scott County library also has their calendar online.
www.youseemore.com/Scott/calendar.asp
Cute craft time planned for Tuesday afternoons for 6 yr. and up!

Jessamine County calendar
www.jesspublib.org
Just scroll down and click events and calendars on the left side

Fun 4 Kids is Blogging!!

Ok, first let me say I'm new to this. I love the facebook group and use it for my own planning all the time. I thought it would also be fun to try blogging about stuff my own family does and is planning. I thought I'd also blog nightly, VERY lofty goal I know for the parent of two kids under 4. I want to share info on what's going on the very next day in our area so you can check the blog quickly and then plan your day. I know I love to plan stuff last minute. Today was perfect so we ditched our indoor plans and hit the road and the playground!!! I hope you can join in and let me know what you think and what else you'd like to see on the blog or the Facebook page!! Thanks friends!!