Urban Mamas

Here’s the scoop for the weekend. For more ideas on what to do this weekend, check the Events Calendar on Metro Parent's PDX Kids Calendar and the urbanMamas calendar page.

Drop-In Family Fun at Blue Lake. Explore an active worm bin, dig for "fossils," discover, rub and sniff plants, find the softest leaves, and see what wildlife have to say about natural gardening. Come for the garden and stay to enjoy the park's many recreational activities. Friday, Saturday, Sunday 1-5pm. Free with $5 per vehicle ($7 per bus) fee, free for bicycles and pedestrians.  

Play the Summer Reading game at your library. Read for fun and prizes this summer. Babies, kids and teens are all welcome, and participation is free. Sign up at any Multnomah County library beginning June 14.

BFFs 4 Eva at Child's Play. Celebrate your BFF with silly photos, free glitter tattoos and the chance to win a sweet slumber party prize pack including a $10 Salt & Straw Gift Certificate, Sweet Shop Lip Balm Kit, and a Coke or Pepsi Quiz Book! Friday 3-5pm. Free!

Kruger's Berry Jam on Sauvie Island. Hayrides, kids' jam-making, face painting, live music, strawberry shortcake, and of course - plenty of strawberries to pick and eat. Saturday and Sunday 11am-4pm. Free admission!

Portland Scandinavian Midsummer Festival at Oaks Park. Dancing, food, crafts. At 1pm join for the raising of the Maypole. Two stages of entertainment and a beer garden. Scandinavian roots not required! Saturday 11am-8pm. $6 adults, $3 ages 6-12, $15 family of 4.

Johnson Creek Rock Stars at Bobwhite Theatre. A kids concert to celebrate the release of "Songs for Johnson Creek," a digital-only benefit album that raises money for Johnson Creek salmon habitat. Concert features a superstar line-up of Portland kids musicians: Mo Phillips, Red Yarn, Mr. Hoo, Tallulah's Daddy, Matt Clark, and Buttercup Bill Aubrecht. Saturday 1-3pm. $7 adults, $5 children; non-walkers free.

Teddy Bear Tag-Along with Olive Rootbeer and Dingo at Mt. Tabor Park. Start at the playground area, parade and end at the top in the grass. Sit and hang with our bikes and bears for a storytime with all of our favorites. Hand twisted balloons follow for all to take home. Saturday 3pm. $3-$5 donation.

Fabulous Father's Day Fancies at Tigard Library. Dads and kids, come celebrate with stories and crafts. Moms are welcome, too, but only dads get to wear crowns! Sunday 1:30-2:30pm. Free!

PDX Kids Calendar has also updated their Summer Fun Guides, including Summer Fun (movies, music, theater, festivals, street fairs and more), Water Fun (water parks, splash pads & more), and Farmers Markets for the 2013 season.

Hope this gives you some ideas. Have fun out there! And don't forget to double-check event details by calling or checking the website of the venue, performer, or host organization

 

Final Milagros performance for Mr. Hoo of the Alphabeticians - Milagros will no longer be hosting children's entertainment starting in June - which means that Mr. Hoo will have the final performance in this amazing community space. Come and enjoy some great kids music - he'll play his guitar, sing some songs, and Hoo knows what else? Friday 11am-noon. $3 suggested donation per walker.

Oregon State Parks Day. Celebrate our state's spectacular parks with special activities. Free camping and day use. Ranger tours and activities at various parks. Check out the web site for the special activities at your favorite Oregon State Park. Saturday all day. Free!

 

Calico Critter Fun Day at Child's Play. Bring a camera and meet Mrs. Fisher Cat, do a coloring activity and collect some free stickers (while supplies last). Plus you can enter to win a Calico Critter prize pack. Saturday 10am-noon. Free!

Family Field Trip Day at Columbia Springs. Twice a year Columbia Springs opens their beautiful site to the community with fun, hands-on learning stations, craft projects, and nature hikes for the whole family. Preregistration encouraged. Saturday 10am-2pm. There is a $5 registration fee for each child, adults free.

Open House at Sunnyside Swap Shop & Family Play Space. Play inside or go outdoors to enjoy the fenced backyard area while your family learns more about the space and membership. Saturday 11am-2pm. Free!

 

Village Toys in Tigard's Bridgeport Village (across from Peet's Coffee) is having a Grand Opening Party and you're invited! Join the fun, including giveaways (3 BIG prizes), face painting, toy demos, discounts, a photo booth and FUN! Village Toys Grand Opening Party. Saturday June 1 - 12-3pm. All ages welcome. FREE

Summer Reading Kick-Off Carnival at Tualatin Library. This is the first day to sign up for the Summer Reading Program and the library will be celebrating with carnival games, face painting, magic, prizes, and more. Games and activities for kids, teens, and adults. Bring the whole family. Saturday 1-4pm. Free!

$2 days at OMSI. Enjoy discounted $2 admission to OMSI the first Sunday of every month. Sunday 9:30am-5:30pm. $2.

 

Woodstock Farmers Market Opening Day. Bring the whole family - Green Zebra will be hosting a cooking demonstration with samples, and El Cuadro Gallo will be playing traditional Flamenco music from 11am - 1pm. Kids area fun includes balloon twisting with Olive Rootbeer and a photo opp with Metro-Parent/PDX Kids Calendar. Red Yarn will also be onsite for crazy critter puppet making. Teaching artist Andy Furgeson of Red Yarn Productions will lead this exciting craft, taking the old paper-bag puppet to a whole new level. With paper, fabric, and all sorts of cool recycled materials, kids will create their own crazy critters and will be puppeteering in no time! Of course, your favorite vendors will be there to fill up your market baskets. Woodstock Farmers Market Opening Day. Sunday June 2 - 10am-2pm. Key Bank Parking Lot - 4600 SE Woodstock Blvd

 

Hope this gives you some ideas. Have fun out there! And don't forget to double-check event details by calling or checking the website of the venue, performer, or host organization.

Here’s the scoop for the weekend. For more ideas on what to do this weekend, check the Events Calendar on Metro Parent's PDX Kids Calendar and the urbanMamas calendar page.

Cinco de Mayo at Waterfront Park. Plaza de Niños children's area open daily: Families can create crafts, get their face painted and participate in the piñata breaking game. Open Daily. Friday, Saturday & Sunday. $8 adults, $4 ages 6-12, Free under 6.

Free First Friday at the Children's Museum. Enjoy free admission the first Friday of every month, with special crafts, activities,and musical guests. Friday 4-8pm. FREE!

Al's Kids Clubs at Al's Garden Centers. Every mother loves flowers, especially when they are planted with love from her child. Learn more about annuals and plant a colorful pot of flowers in celebration of Mother's Day! Advance registration required. Saturday 9:30am. $5.

Incredible Edibles Plant Sale and Fun in SE PDX. This is your opportunity to buy organic veggie starts and herbs for your home garden so you can harvest nutritious, fresh-picked goodness for your table. Saturday 10am-3pm. Free to attend.

Bugs! Bugs! Bugs! at Capitol Hill Library. Join artist Judith Hankin in building real or imaginary 3D insects using colorful papers and special art materials. Saturday 10:30-11:30am. Free!

Free Comic Book Day. Free Comic Book Day is a single day when participating comic book specialty shops across North America and around the world give away comic books absolutely free to anyone who comes into their shops. Saturday all day!

May Day is Lei Day in Vancouver. A full day of fun for the entire family, with hula, music, food, vendors, and arts and crafts, with  a "keiki" (kids) corner to entertain your youngsters with traditional Hawaiian games of skill and chance. Saturday 11am-6pm. $5.

Good for You, Kid! at New Seasons Happy Valley. Shopping with kids can be fun and a great learning experience, too. To help parents and young children feel welcome and at home when they shop, New Seasons Market is hosting an action-packed afternoon of fun. Saturday noon-4pm. Free!

Steve's Creature Feature at Northwest Library. Explore the amazing world of reptiles with Steve Lattanzi. Kids will be able to safely see, hear and touch some of the most amazing creatures on earth. Nature doesn't get any more real and fun than this! Saturday 3-4pm. Free!

Roller Coaster Sculpture at Sellwood-Moreland Library. Embark on a journey of discovery as you twist and twirl strips of paper to create architectural designs. Puppetkabob will show you how to transform everyday construction paper into what you dream as an ultimate roller coaster! Sunday 11am. Free!

Multicultural Day at AC Gilbert's Discovery Village. Enjoy performances, music and activities featuring cultures represented within the Salem community. Sunday noon-5pm. Admission $7 ages 3 and up.

Come rock out with your kids! Mr. Ben and Friends Benefit for The Oregon Public House at The Village Ballroom. Be a part of opening Portland's first non-profit brewpub. Sunday 4-5pm. Free (donations welcome, beer and wine $5).

Hope this gives you some ideas. Have fun out there! And don't forget to double-check event details by calling or checking the website of the venue, performer, or host organization.

Here’s the scoop for the weekend. For more ideas on what to do this weekend, check the Events Calendar on Metro Parent's PDX Kids Calendar and the urbanMamas calendar page.

Invasive Species Invasion at Columbia Springs. Volunteer with Columbia Springs to strategically battle the invasive plant species! Help turn the tide of the ecological war and insure this urban natural area is preserved in its best condition for the public to enjoy.  Saturday 9am-1pm. Free!

82nd Avenue of Roses Parade. Multi-Cultural Community Fair, Carnival Days & Classic Car Cruise-In. Free pony rides, free face painting, free live music, vendor galore, and more. Saturday 10am-4pm. Free!

Cloth Diapering 101 at Milagros. Thinking about cloth diapers? Have questions? Have tips to share? This casual gathering is a great opportunity to learn all about cloth diapering, get hands-on advice on diapering choices, etc. Saturday 11am-12pm. Free!

Día de los Niños/ El Día de los Libros at Beaverton City Library. Celebrate Children's Day/Book Day with us! On this day we celebrate children, families and reading. We will celebrate with bilingual storytelling and songs (in Spanish and English), crafts and bingo! Saturday 1-2:30pm. Free!

Komedy 4 da Kidz (Comedia para los niños) at Vancouver Community Library. This wonderfully interactive and bilingual (English/Spanish) performance combines physical comedy, jokes, juggling, object balancing, comedy magic and impromptu comedy situations. Saturday 2:30-3:30pm. Free!

The Alphabeticians at Mississippi Pizza. Where else are you going to find a kid's mosh pit? Saturday 4-5pm. $10/family.

Kids & Family Back-to-Nature Day for Lag ba'Omer. Hands-on fun for all! Art Projects, Music, Archery, Bonfire, Goats - Petting Zoo, Cheese, Ice Cream and Pita Making, Story time with hands-on fun for all! PLUS: Education Programs Open House for children age 2 through Grade 12. Sunday 9am-12pm. Free!

Carrie Mae Weems Family & Community Day at the Portland Art Museum. An all-day community celebration of family and storytelling through film and photography. Sunday noon-5pm. Free!

Children's Day/ Día de los Niños at Tigard Library. Kick off the event with a bilingual Spanish story time featuring books, songs and puppets. Stay to make a variety of simple puppets and enjoy refreshments, then create your own show on stage with your newly crafted puppets. Sunday 1:30-3pm. Free!

Hope this gives you some ideas. Have fun out there! And don't forget to double-check event details by calling or checking the website of the venue, performer, or host organization.

Here’s the scoop for the weekend. For more ideas on what to do this weekend, check the Events Calendar on Metro Parent's PDX Kids Calendar and the urbanMamas calendar page.

Mr. Hoo of the Alphabeticians performs music for kids at Milagros. He'll play his guitar, sing some songs, and Hoo knows what else? Ideal for ages 0 to 5. Friday 11am-noon. $3 suggested donation.

Family Friday Concert at Community Music Center. White Rhino Marimba performs African marimba music all over the Portland, Oregon area. Come and dance to the music of Zimbabwe!  Friday 7:15pm. Free Admission. Suggested donation: $5 per person or $15 per family. 

Nature's Gym Experience at REI Portland. A free and fun day celebrating all the ways to get active, stay fit, and enjoy a lifetime of outdoor adventures. Saturday 10am-4pm. Free!

Eric Carle Collage and Storytelling at the Lake Oswego Library. Portland Children's Museum presents an interactive storytime and paper collage craft. Saturday 11am. Free!

Eighteenth Annual Marimba Student Recital. 8 bands play high-energy music from Zimbabwe, South Africa, Botswana. Saturday noon-4:30pm. Free!  

April Kites and Bubbles Kidical Mass Ride North Portland. Event starts with some playtime at Harper's Playground at Arbor Lodge Park, then a ride to Peninsula Park for flying kites and blowing bubbles. There will be some kites and bubbles providers; riders should bring some too. Saturday 2pm. Free!

Pendulum Aerial Arts Community Day & Student Showcase. Following a performance featuring both aerial and ground-based acts, community will be invited to participate in family-friendly activities including learning basic juggling and hooping tricks, taking photos with costumed artists in our interactive photo booth and enjoying healthy snacks. Sunday 12:30-3pm. Youth, Adults, Seniors: $10; Children under 6: Free! 

Hillsboro Latino Cultural Festival. Entertainment, soccer, parade, arts village, more. Sunday noon-5pm. Free! 

Earth Day Events 

Check out the PDX Kids Calendar Earth Day 2013 events guide here.  

Hope this gives you some ideas. Have fun out there! And don't forget to double-check event details by calling or checking the website of the venue, performer, or host organization.

Here’s the scoop for the weekend. For more ideas on what to do this weekend, check the Events Calendar on Metro Parent's PDX Kids Calendar and the urbanMamas calendar page.

Ladybug Nature Walk: Laurelhurst Park. Walk through parks, gardens and natural areas with your youngster (2 - 5 years old) and a nature guide. Friday 10am. $3/child.

Wool Day at Museum of the Oregon Territory. Enjoy free lessons in spinning, carding, knitting and felting, and a special kid's story. Friday 2-4pm. Free! 

Portland Chamber Music FREE spring music concerts in the Parkrose and Montivilla neighborhoods. These concerts will feature a variety of popular and classical including pieces by Copland, Bach, Garth Brooks, Schumann, Shostakovich and the Dave Matthews Band. Friday (Parkrose) and Saturday (Montavilla) 7pm. Donations appreciated.

Safety Saturday at the Belmont Firehouse. Drop in to see the exhibits and learn about safety for you and your family. Saturday 9am-3pm. Free.

Family Day at the Washington County Museum. Family fun, history and crafts. Saturday 10am-1pm. Free!

Parrots 4 Show at Sherwood Library. Learn all sorts of fun facts about parrots and the care required to keep them as pets.Saturday 1-2pm. Free!

Drop In and Make! at the Museum of Contemporary Craft.Features a drop-in and drop-out craft activity in the Lab organized by a local artist or designer. Saturday 1-3pm. Free with museum admission ($3).

Komedy 4 da Kids at Gresham Library. Angel Ocasio presents a bilingual and interactive performance combining physical comedy, juggling, balancing and magic. Saturday 3-3:45pm. Free (tickets available 30 minutes prior to show starting)!

Curious Garden at the Curious Comedy Theater. Join Razzie the Fairy, Daisy the Flower and Jojo the Lawnjockey - as well as new garden friends Ribbit the Frog, Dottie the Ladybug and Flappy the Chicken! The Curious Garden is a show for all ages - especially kids 0-8. Sunday 10:30-11:30am. $5 suggested donation. 

Hope this gives you some ideas. Have fun out there! And don't forget to double-check event details by calling or checking the website of the venue, performer, or host organization.

Here’s the scoop for the weekend. For more ideas on what to do this weekend, check the Events Calendar on Metro Parent's PDX Kids Calendar and the urbanMamas calendar page.

First Friday at Art ala Carte PDX sponsored by Metro Parent's PDX Kids Calendar! Art ala Carte PDX is an open studio for artists of all ages to have full creative freedom and access art supplies and endless amounts of recycled goods. All day visitors can enjoy creativity by paying or donating what they can - any monetary or supply donations are very much appreciated. Here's the list of supplies they're looking for this month: buttons, army men, cds/dvds, construction paper, spray paints, sidewalk chalk, beads, games, children's books, glitter, costume jewelry, mini hot glue gun sticks and stencils. Friday 10am-5pm.

Here’s the scoop for the weekend. For more ideas on what to do this weekend, check the Events Calendar on Metro Parent's PDX Kids Calendar and the urbanMamas calendar page.

Looking for Easter Fun ideas - check out this awesome guide for ideas to hunt for eggs, visit with bunnies and eat tasty grub!

Morning Bird Walks at Wapato Access Greenway. These informal walks will focus on the local natural and cultural history, a peek at the rare oak savannah habitat and beginner birding basics. Saturday 8-11am. Registration required. Free!

Classroom Discovery Days at Tryon Creek. See bones, animal pelts, live animals (including new corn snake Pockets), and all sorts of other cool stuff! Saturday 10am-1pm. Free!

Spring Fling at the Portland Children's Museum. Boogie down with musical favorites, Greasy Kids Stuff, create special crafts, take in a special story time, and play with a giant parachute. Saturday 10am-3pm. Free with admission ($9).   

I Dig Dinosaurs at Ping Pong's Pint Size Puppet Theatre. Travel back in time to see the dinosaurs with your host Shawnry Connery. Saturday 11am and Sunday 4pm. $7.

Nature's Yucky! at Tillamook Forest Center. Several wild animals of the Tillamook often have icky and gross behaviors. Discover that nature can be disgusting, but also beautiful too. Saturday 11:30am and Sunday 1:30pm. Free!

I love the summer. Heat wave, string of grey days, whatever. The summer is my fave. And August is typically the month in which I seem to do it all; I start the month with the annual Blogher conference somewhere fantastic (this year was New York City), I spend lots of time with the cross country team I volunteer coach for, I can lots of peaches and tomatoes, I run the Hood-to-Coast race. If I'm lucky, I go camping.

The best thing I did this year was camping with my boys and the cross country team. Both Cleveland's and Grant's teams go each year to Silver Falls State Park a few hours to the south of Portland. It was incredible; not only did the boys and I have a glorious time unplugged, with the usual joys of camping -- cooking over a fire, going days without a screen in front of us, climbing and wading and running and making stacks of pine cones and looking at the stars -- plus (for me) the running and (for the kids) the bonding with a bunch of great teenagers. It was a great give-back for the time I give to the team; they were like a big family, embracing my kids and taking responsibility, and my kids' appetites for being a part of the team throughout the season and when THEY are high schoolers was whetted.

My two older boys are doing Trackers Earth camps this week, and then the summer is almost over! I've done so many things I hoped I'd do, but I know I've probably missed some great things, too. What was your favorite thing this summer? What is the one thing you can't go back to school without experiencing? Is there anything you mourn missing out on?

When we first moved to California last year, lots of families were buzzing about the Academy of Sciences in SF, a museum that had undergone a 5-year, $500 million reconstruction project.  When I saw the the $29.95 price tag (per adult), my jaw dropped.  For my family, a day at the Academy $100.  I realize that this is probably on the high end of any museum.

Many eons ago, when we had just moved to Portland, we wanted to frequent the Oregon Zoo.  With a newborn and preschooler happy to gawk and animals any day, I was a mama on a 4-month maternity leave, lots of time to spend at the zoo!  When I looked at the prices, I wasn't sure if we would take the leap.  Then, we got to talking with another parent, and ended up sharing a family "plus" membership, which would allow me one free guest every visit (perhaps my spouse, or a friend) and my kids were still free at that time.  The "plus" membership also came with passes to Zoo lights and other special events.  Score!

Admittedly, we were working the system, but - gosh - at the time, it seemed like a reasonable thing to do.  I have a single parent friend looking to partner with another single parent to "share" memberships to a couple of institutions that were perfect for her kids ages - the zoo and children's museum.

Now, there are museum passes at many libraries that are available to borrow: the Children's Museum pass at Multnomah County Libraries and - now, in the east bay area - we find passes for a multitude of museums via the libraries of Contra Costa County, Alameda County, Berkeley, Oakland and many more through the "Discover & Go" program.  Without such a program, going to the zoo, zoo, zoo could amount to the sort of thing that is reserved for special occasions.

Do you frequent museums & zoos?  Do you find them affordable?  When has it made sense to join certain institutions?

• Staying up late.  Last night, it was 10+pm before the kids were settled in beds.  Maybe it was closer to 11pm. (for more, read "Summer Sleep, What time to bed?")
• More media.  "Can we watch TV?", they begged, on a weeknight.  It would never be a request during the school year, but - now that we are in summer mode - not only is it a request, it is a granted request.
• Playing outside until 8:30, 9pm.  Before and after dinner, the kids are found outside, rollerblading, scootering, Skuuting.  
• Playing in the neighborhood, unsupervised.  In our current neighborhood, there is one street they are allowed to cross.  All other times, they need to stay on the sidewalk.
• Exploring new boundaries of independence.  I just sent my two older kids on an excursion to get groceries, the store is about 0.4mi away.  They were successful, generally speaking.
• Sleeping in.  We are lucky to have a schedule where my husband or I can work from home many days of the summer.  Those late morning days are delicious and allow for some slow getting up.
• Trips to Grandma's and other relatives!  We have found a chaperon (relative traveling the same itinerary as our kids) to accompany our two eldest kids cross-country to deliver them to their grandparents.
• The Summer Reading Program.  Kudos to all the libraries out there and the volunteers that keep the summer reading programs exiciting for the kids.  My kids do it every year and love it!  Although my middle schooler reads over an hour a day, she refuses to fill out the little game card.  She's too old for that.

Tell me more!  What are you & the kids enjoying more of, now that it's summer?

Looking for something active to do on Mother’s Day? Check out two great events. First, our friends at Adoption Mosaic are hosting the 4^th Annual Run Mama Run 5k and 10k at Mt Tabor. There is a preview walk/run on Saturday, April 7th. Details here.   

More interested in biking? Then check out Cylo Femme at the NE Sunday Parkways.  Addtional information at BikePortland and Sunday Parkways.

Timing is such you might be able to both.

/courtney

I woke up Friday morning with something of a mama hangover. I'd let the boys stay up too late with our impulsive Thanksgiving meal, and the winter really slows me down in the morning department. I got up, though, bound and determined to get the previous night's dishes washed before my all-important paper organizing date with a family friend.

I checked in on Instagram and Twitter and saw a bunch of friends posting about how they were getting good seats or hot chocolate with their kids to warm up before the Macy's Holiday Parade, held the day after Thanksgiving in downtown Portland every year since the landmark Meier & Frank was converted to Macy's. I kicked myself for not having remembered, and made time in my weekend for the event, one of the new Portland holiday traditions for many families. The annual Pioneer Square tree lighting ceremony that evening is another I've loved in the past but failed to make time for this year.

So this post that I'd been meaning to write became ever more pressing. There are a few events that I try to partake in every year, including the Oregon Zoolights, one or several crafty holiday bazaars, and a stroll or bike ride down Peacock Lane. There are some that I've always meant to, but never did, like the Santaland at Macy's or one of several amazing-sounding winter solstice events. There are some that I've attended and didn't particularly inspire my holiday fervor -- like the Christmas boats that parade down the Willamette (once was enough -- or even, for that matter, seeing someone else's photos of it is enough).

I'd like to make a list of the best things to do in the holiday season so I can organize my holiday around it -- and so our readers, new and loyal, can have a great place to turn to find the hidden jewels and don't-miss big events of the holiday season. What are your favorites -- and what do you think is over-hyped? Is there anything you must do for it to seem like the season to you? Is there anything you'll never do again? I really hope, too, that someone will post great solstice events, as a reader on a previous post had requested that specially.

I'll sort through your comments and post a list later this week.

Are you a Netflix subscriber? If you're like just about every urbanMama or dad I know, you probably are, and you may be shaking your fist in the general direction of Netflix headquarters thanks to the price changes (you say "increase," they say "lowest prices ever") announced this week. When I wrote a post about it for WalletPop, after "library" the first great free alternative that sprung to mind was the ultimate big-screen, close-to-home experience: Movies in the Park. No: it's not streaming over your internet, it's not something you can pause while you answer the phone. But as a family entertainment experience, a Friday Family Movie Night like no other, it's as good as it gets.

Portland Parks scatters its free movie nights around the city and lets neighborhood boards weigh in on the movie selection. There is something for everyone; vintage Oregon favorites like The Goonies (Sellwood Park, Sunday, July 31); brand new movies like Karate Kid (the one with Will Smith's kid, Knott Park, Saturday, July 16); adult recent releases that may have been on your own Netflix queue, like The King's Speech (Laurelhurst Park, Friday, July 29) and The Social Network (Laurelhurst Park, Saturday, August 27). There is the climbing wall for the afternoon preceding most showings, often free popcorn or other goodies, and local bands. With Tangled (Glenfair Park, Tuesday, August 2; Hazeltine Park, Sunday, August 14), a hair styling and braiding competition. I've only been to a few of these showings over the past few years, but everyone who's gone to one agrees: it's like a block party or a truly old-fashioned drive-in movie theatre, where families show up with wagons and picnic baskets and blankets to share with young singles and older couples, babies fall asleep on their fathers' shoulders and get walked home while their mother and siblings watch the end of the show. It's as Norman Rockwell as you can get, with a big screen movie.

How to Train Your Dragon is showing several times this summer, and as it's a movie my family saw and loved, I'll review it with this column, too. (And oh yes: How to Train Your Dragon is not available streaming on Netflix, for the record.)

In our household, once the bird is in the oven, we like to head out of the house, bike around the neighborhood with no particular destination, maybe drop in on neighbors and say "hello!" or throw a football around in front of the house.  By the time dinnertime rolls around (around 5 or even 6 at our household), we've worked up a healthy appetite.

An urbanPapa recently emailed, seeking your suggestions for activities on Thursday:

As a dad, my main task on Thanksgiving is to get the kids out of the house for as long as possible.  That can be challenging on a day that always seems rainy where most things are closed.  Have you ever done a post specifically around kid-friendly things to do on Thanksgiving Day?

Some things I’ve done in the past:

•  
  • Bowling (not all alleys are open, but some are)
  • Movies
  • A hike (weather permitting)

 

It is certainly a tough thing to find activities on the weekend for the littles, and it is probably even tougher to find some space to then offer activities for the little folk.  An urbanMama from Beaverton recently emailed.  Can you offer up some suggestions?

I am a new mom to a three year old and have found that working Full Time and being a mom is rough, nonetheless, it is very difficult to find activities for three year olds or toddlers in Beaverton during the weekends.  My findings have only shown that there are activities (fun ones) within the private communities and thru THRPD during the week, when most of us work.  I am a dedicated mother that wants to find more outlets and avenues for my child and other children.  I wanted to know if you rent out space or lease space to individuals that would like to provide a class to children that otherwise is not offered?  I would love and enjoy more than anything to provide and outlet either a dance class, art class, reading class or just a fun place to let your kids go free an wanted to knowif you could support this effort?

As I write this, it's Bastille Day (the celebration of the storming of the Bastille prison in 1789 which spurred the French Revolution), but the big celebrations will be this weekend as Pix Patisserie hosts the annual French extravaganza at their North Williams location. Meanwhile, back in Southeast Portland near Pix's roots, Cafe au Play at last opens its doors with a grand opening celebration. It's a weekend of old traditions and new celebrations...

Friday, July 16

Fun Day at Columbia Pool. 2:10 - 3:50 p.m. Great music, games and prizes for all ages. Meet the mascot Wader the Gator and enjoy the fun! Regular admission rates. 7701 N Chautauqua Blvd

Sand in the City. Noon - 9 p.m. Friday; 9 a.m. - 5 p.m. Saturday; 9 a.m. - 3 p.m. Sunday. This annual event, a benefit for Impact Northwest, is a great spectator sport. Friday afternoon is the most fun, as teams build their creations; Sunday afternoon can be fun too, as winners are announced and the bulldozers smack 'em down. Suggested donation of $3 a person or $10 for a family. Pioneer Square.

Xtracycle / Long tail bike consortium. 5:30 - 6:30 p.m. Everybody who is interested in long bikes and their kids and dogs are welcome. Lucky Lab, SE 9th and Hawthorne.

Saturday, July 17

Cafe au Play grand opening. 11 a.m. - 5 p.m. After many years of dreaming, planning, fundraising and fixing up, a property that was seized by the federal government in a big drug bust has been transformed into a lovely community space. The grand opening celebration will start with a bike parade led by Joe Bike and continue on with music, BJ the clown, and lots of great food. Cafe au Play, SE 56th and Division.

Pix Patisserie Bastille Day celebration. 11 a.m. - midnight. Bicycle scavenger hunt; macaron madness and cupcake stomp; pig roast; ice cream stand; homemade novelty bars; champagne and oyster bar; lots more. A benefit for Oregon Food Bank; two non-perishable food items is suggested admission. North Williams location.

Woodstock Festival and Parade. 10 a.m. - 3 p.m. Neighborhood parade, followed by "fun, frivolity and music." Woodstock between 41st and 52nd Avenues.

Original Practice Shakespeare Festival, Much Adoe About Nothing. 2 p.m. "The Ops Fest performs using the same performance techniques as they did in Shakespeare's own time, which means limited rehearsal; an onstage prompter; fast-paced, energetic acting; and lots of audience interaction.  This lends a much more immediate, organic, improvisational feel to the performances." Laurelhurst Park.

Sunday, July 18

Sunday Parkways East Portland. The popular series of street-closures goes East, young man! Starting at Lents Park near 92nd, the route goes south to Harold, east to 115th, north to Bush, west to the East Portland Expo Center and 100th, then back south to Steele and Lents Park again. Bike, walk, tricycle, somersault if you like. The map for the course is here.

We've finally reached summer, a real, honest-to-goodness summer. Yesterday I biked through parks in Southeast and past picnics and baseball games and families eating ice cream cones together on the sidewalk. Yes, summer is here! How will you spend this sure-to-be gorgeous weekend? Here are a few ways:

Friday, June 25

All day. Pick strawberries, cherries and raspberries. In the garden and in parking strip & backyard trees citywide, strawberries and tart cherries are at their peak ripeness. My raspberries are just coming on; Bing and Rainier cherries are coming into markets and trees. Go forth and pick!

5 - 8 p.m. Portland Art Museum Free Friday. Enjoy free admission on this beautiful balmy night; take a walk on the Park Blocks afterward to soak up every bit of the gorgeousness.

Saturday, June 26

4:31 a.m. Full moon. The moon rises at 8:48 p.m. Friday, and it will be full and high in the sky as dawn approaches. Beware the effects of the full moon, or celebrate this briefest night with its fattest celestial orb.

10 a.m. Musical sing-along storytime at the Mississippi Treehouse. Tylena leads the storytime; shop for new, handmade, and gently used clothing and toys. 3742 N Mississippi Ave in the courtyard of Tupelo Alley.

11 a.m. - noon. Cloth diapering 101 at Milagros. This casual gathering is a great opportunity to learn all about cloth diapering, get hands-on advice on diapering choices, etc. It is also a chance to meet other parents who are using cloth diapers or thinking about it. 5433 NE 30th Avenue.

1:30 - 3:30 p.m. Free Family Self-Defense No Go Yell Tell Class at One With Heart St. John's. A fun self-defense class for kids. 8641 N. Lombard St.; call 503-231-1999 to sign up (pre-registration recommended).

2 p.m. Ellie's Ride. Ride from OMSI to random fountains downtown for a splashy good time so bring your swimsuits and towels! We’ll stop at Saturday Market at some point towards the end of the ride then loop back to OMSI. Meet at OMSI near the submarine.

Sunday, June 27

7 a.m. to 1 p.m. Multicultural Holistic Artistic Mamas Circle. This group celebrates Portland's ethnically diverse families. Join us for a picnic and play time. Peninsula Park. Call Erica, 503.995.1918, for more information.

10 a.m. to 3 p.m. North Portland Sunday Parkways. Car-free roads: crawl, walk, tricycle, scooter, bike, or however you want to get around sans motor. Bike parade at 11, meet at Girly Bikes, Peninsula Park; grandparent and grandchild walk at 12:30, meet at Kenton Park. Peninsula Park, N. Rosa Parks Way to Albina Ave.

2 p.m. to 7 p.m. Multnomah County Bike Fair. Plenty of room to ride; lots of kid-friendly events, tasty treats, bikey wares, entertainment. SE Alder between 12th and 14th Avenues.

Here in the PPS, today is the last day of school; other school districts finished up last week, and some finish tomorrow. I have to say that I am looking so forward to summer; the back-and-forth drudgery of taking kids to and from school, especially with my husband off to the other side of the world, has taxed me greatly. For those of you who work in an office, summer may be even more stressful than the school year, what with juggling camps and summer travel.

I am loving, though, the urban agrarian version of why-they-originally-devised-summer-vacation, and have my first flat of strawberries arriving tonight (through the very awesome new Know Thy Food buying club). I'll be making jam tomorrow; I'll be ordering some "living compost" in a few minutes so I can (finally) plant beans and corn. I'm planning any number of jamming parties and (hopefully I can convince some of my boys to join in) garden-ins. I want to get together with some other neighborhood mamas and dads to do some fruit foraging from neglected trees and bushes and overgrown alley vines; I hope to take part in some Portland Fruit Tree Project volunteer harvestings.

For the kids, I'm plotting swim lessons with Portland Parks & Rec [pdf link] -- maybe we'll even score some of the free lessons (though you must be up early this Saturday, the 19th, at your neighborhood pool to register, in person only -- 8 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.). Other than that, I'm hoping lots of trips to farmer's markets, you-pick fields, and neighborhood jaunts will satisfy their thirst for social interaction.

What's on the schedule for you this summer? What are your hopes and dreams? Are you excited, or stressed, about the last day of school? School's out!

  


When we planned the date for Fiets of Parenthood, the family bikextravaganza, I didn't realize that we conflicted with a number of things, such as the Rose Festival Grand Floral Parade (it's been on the first weekend in June for several years and... I assumed), and a family bike ride in conjunction with Cirque du Cycling. But I also didn't ever really believe that it would be... beautiful! Gorgeous! Sunny!

You're going to want to be outside Saturday after all this wet, wet, oh my goodnesslord, wetness. We hope you can fit in a bunch of extraordinarily fun things, and we hope Fiets of Parenthood will be one of them. It's possible! It's possible for us to plan an event in Portland, in June, with popsicles, and have it be 80 degrees and sunny -- so anything is possible!

Saturday, June 12th, 11-2. We have a Facebook event page if you want to connect there; a Twitter stream; and we have news: both Morrison Child & Family Services and Community Cycling Center will be in attendance, and benefit from sales of t-shirts, stickers, buttons and raffle tickets on the day of the event. Even if you don't think you're up for a friendly competition, there should be plenty to see & connect with. Hope you can come!

We go in cycles with screen time dependencies in my house: sometimes, I feel we're balanced and getting all the imaginative play / book / outside time we need... and then there are the other times, when I have to stop myself from getting shrill. And who am I to talk, anyway? Not only do I spend plenty of time on the computer writing (or, more likely, trying to focus on my writing and instead only playing around -- err, "connecting with community" on Twitter or flickr or, yeah, you know the story), but lately, there's been Word With Friends on the iPod Touch.

It's a simple little application very much like Scrabble that's got me hooked. I've been staying up too late some nights to come up with a great word, and sometimes reaching for it when I should be paying attention to my kids' adorableness (which has begun to reach outrageous new levels) or reading. I've been trying to stay my hand from reaching for that. What harm can it do, right? (Right? Right?)

I was seriously heartened to learn another mama I know -- one who reads more than just about anyone charged with the upbringing of a goodly number of children -- had lately become enamored with Plants Vs. Zombies on the iPhone. It's even better on the iPad, she told me, groaning. She's made rules for herself to keep it under control. (I shouldn't have, but I tried it. And, Oh no.)

Have you, too, fallen under the electronic sway of a little game or online predilection? How do you keep it under control? What is your electronic little helper?

Friday, May 14
Story & Stroll at Tryon Creek Park (ages 3 to 6)
A park naturalist reads a nature-themed story then takes the crew on a hike through the park. All children must be accompanied by an adult. Free, but registration is required. Please call to pre-register, 503.636.9886 ext. 225. 11321 SW Terwilliger Blvd., Portland. 1 to 2 p.m. More at http://www.tryonfriends.org

Pioneer Family Festival
A teddy bear parade, petting zoo, rock wall and more cater to kids and families at Clackamette Park in Oregon City. The parade starts at 10:30 a.m. The multi-day festival runs from 2 p.m. to 10 p.m. Friday and continues through Sunday. For more details, check out http://pioneerfamilyfestival.com/

Saturday, May 15
Celebrate International Migratory Bird Day at the Tualatin River National Wildlife Refuge, from 6:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Learn about the world of songbirds with outdoor activities, food and fun. Free. Dress for the weather. 19255 SW Pacific Highway, Sherwood. Early morning bird walks are at 6:30 a.m. and 8:30 a.m. Canoe paddles begin at 9 a.m., and nature walks and talks start at 10:30 a.m. More at http://friendsoftualatinrefuge.org/

National Park Family Day: Celebrate with a visit to the only national park in the Portland area. The National Park Service at Fort Vancouver invites you to Family Day to meet park rangers, learn about park wildlife and its natural and cultural history. Free of charge. 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., 1501 E. Evergreen Blvd., Vancouver. For more info, call the Fort Vancouver Visitor Center at 360-816-6230.

Get yer pirate on: The hour-long Kindermusik Pirate Party starts at 10:30 a.m. at the New Day Center for the Arts. Dance, get a tattoo, hunt for treasure and more. For kids ages 2 and up. $5 per child. 5516 S.E.Foster Road, Portland. www.kindermusikwithangie.blogspot.com. RSVP: 503-708-2827.

It’s an Asian thing. And an American thing. Celebrate Asian Pacific American Heritage Month at AsiaFest. See a show, listen to music and experience the craftsmanship and creativity of a variety of Asian cultures. The event will feature cuisine from local Asian restaurants, a silent auction, and more. Cost $5. Children 10 and under are free. Runs from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. at the Oregon Convention Center, 777 N.E. MLK Blvd. arfoundation.net

Sunday, May 16
The funnest family ride in town: Sunday Parkways kicks off in Northeast Portland, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sunday Parkways is a car-free route for biking, walking and enjoying the neighborhood. The route links parks, which will be full of activities and vendors. The parks linked on this route are Alberta, Fernhill, Wilshire and Woodlawn. The two-way route is a 5.6-mile loop with no start or finish. Visit the website for details and the route map. http://www.PortlandSundayParkways.org

Dozer Day: Kids hop in the driver's seat and actually drive big yellow dozers, dump trucks and other heavy equipment with a professional operator at their side. A benefit for local children's charities, buy tickets early to save money and avoid long ticket lines. Admission is $5 for seniors and children ages 2 to 12, $7 for adults and free for those under 2 years old. Tickets on the day of the event are $8 for kids and seniors and $10 for adults. 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Cemex/Fisher Quarry, 192nd and Brady Road, Vancouver, Wash. Get tickets at www.brownpapertickets.com. More info at http://nutterfoundation.org/dozer.html

Family Day at the Portland Art Museum comes with story time, a family tour and making art. Free for members or with adult museum admission ($10). Kids get in free from 12:30 pm to 3 p.m. http://www.pam.org

We rely on the urbanMamas community and event sponsors for information. Please call to verify events or call ahead to ensure event details are still accurate.

Is there any annual holiday whose crafts I more enjoy than Valentine's Day? It's definitely on my top three. But many years, I find myself cutting out hearts as the sun sets on the 13th, watching the missed opportunities for Valentine delight setting along with them.

Determined to not let this year be a missed opportunity, a few of us urbanMamas are gathering Saturday at 3 p.m. at CHAP (the Children's Healing Art Project), a nonprofit that provides in-hospital art experiences for sick children and a space in the Pearl District -- the Art Factory -- to host open art "play" during weekends and daily throughout the holiday season. We'll be making Valentines with our kids and hope you can come too!

1030 NW Marshall
Saturday, February 6
3 - 5 p.m.

Please let us know if you plan to come in the comments; we'll be picking up the $5/child tab for those urbanMama families who join in.

As the first weekend of December approaches, we know two things: it's going to be coooolldd and beautiful. We're thinking it would be a perfect weekend to pick up a Christmas tree, if you're into that sort of thing, or go dig or chop one out in the woods.

Friday, December 4

Providence Festival of the Trees. 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. Friday and 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday at the Oregon Convention Center. Singing by area school and community groups plus oodles of beautifully decorated trees and other holiday lovelies. $5 adults, $3 children 3-12; there's a $1 off coupon here and performers are free.

Macy's Santaland. 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. Friday and Saturday, and daily through December 24. It's not quite the top floor tradition from decades past, but this Santaland, now on the lower level of the downtown flagship department store, is according to Macy's "the highest rated Santa experience in Portland."

Cafe au Play tree sale. Usually only open Saturdays and Sundays, this Friday afternoon and evening Cafe au Play's second annual tree and bake sale will be on extended hours. From Molalla's Timber Ridge Tree Farm, the trees are a great bargain and money goes to help open a family-friendly cafe here at 57th and Division.

Gingerbread Land at the Benson Hotel. Through December 27th, see Portland through the eyes of Hansel and Gretel; "5 pounds of gingerbread, 25 pounds of marzipan, and 20 pounds of chocolate." Yum.

Saturday, December 5

Handmade Cards at the Sellwood-Moreland Library. 10:30 a.m. to 12 noon. "Create one-of-a-kind greeting cards for friends, family, teachers – anyone you like! Learn card-making techniques to use for any occasion." Space limited.

ScanFair. 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.; 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday. This is the 25th annual celebration of all things Scandinavian, at the Smith Memorial Center. Traditional and modern Scandinavian arts and crafts; aebleskivers, Swedish meatballs, and more; and 'Pippi Longstocking Room' for kids with crafts and other fun things. $6 admission for adults; kids 12 and under are free.

Soulstice Celebration at the Northwest Library. 3 - 4 p.m. An "intimate and secular show... Portlander Lauren Sheehan plays guitar, banjo, mandolin..." Folk music and storytelling.

Oregon ZooLights. 5 - 8 p.m., now through January 3rd. Members at "Plus" levels and above are free; ride the train with zoo admission for $10.75 for adults and $7.75 for youth. Find a friend with a membership if you can, bundle up, and if you're smart, bring a big thermos of hot cocoa: this Portland tradition is worth braving the cold.

Sunday, December 6

Handmade NW Holiday Artisans Fair. 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. at the Chelsea Ballroom. I know these events are great for shopping, but I love to go for the craft ideas. I always come away wanting to hole up in my sewing room for a couple of days. Lots of Portland mamas have booths here, so it's a good way to support a fellow urbanMama.

Winter Magic puppet show at Holgate Library. 2 - 2:45 p.m. A "new musical puppet journey with Penny's Puppet Production" targeted at preschool and young elementary-aged children.

Monday, December 7 (bonus!)

Bike night at the Jubitz PIR WinterWonderland. 5 - 9 p.m. At the Portland International Raceway, this is the "Largest Holiday Light Show West of the Mississippi" and Monday night is sponsored by Bike Gallery -- $5 for adults and free for children under 12. Helmets required for kiddos 16 and under. Anyone interested in meeting for a group ride to the raceway?

I pulled up to the alley behind Olivia's house around 8:15 last Wednesday night, my mamabikeorama loaded down with 15 pounds of pears and quinces (I couldn't help stopping at the People's Co-op farmer's market) and an armful or two of clothes for the spontaneous clothing swap she'd planned. I had to laugh as I clumsily maneuvered my bike among the half-dozen mama bikes + Xtracycle and a trailer or two. Only a few of the dozen or so mamas who'd come had driven; and this despite the fact we were all loaded down with the bounty of new clothing and whatever else we were carting around the city. At the end of the night, around 10 p.m., we all pulled out of the narrow spot on the side of the house, laughing as we counted the BoBike seats. Someone said: 'it's like a clown car!' It was a moment of unusual tired joy.

We've all come to this for different reasons and at different speeds. But we're all equally in love with biking (even most of the mamas who drove have family bike setups at home) and committed to spreading the family biking love. We have different levels of comfort with putting our kids on the road; differing budgets for new biking gear; different commutes, different neighborhoods, different alternatives to biking. I think of us as co-inspirators; we're all the inspiration for one another. And we all see the future of transportation as far, far different than it is today. Will we reach the goal of 25% of Portlanders commuting by bike by 2030? It's hard to say, but it won't happen unless mamas like us -- like you -- hop on their bikes and quietly inspire other mamas, papas and kids to shift to the two-wheel (or three) lifestyle, too.

Today, I'm leading another meditation about riding bikes with families (no, there's no yoga or spirituality: all you have to do is listen and breathe) to help kick off the Family Biking Solutions Workshop, part of Oregon Manifest's Family Bicycle Transportation Day. While the workshop itself isn't really kid-friendly due to the limitations of the facility (a "museum environment," someone said), we hope what comes out of it, really will expand the boundaries.

I've made a poster to go with my meditation [pdf link]. Consider it one more co-inspiration. I look forward to expanding my concept of what makes a more family-friendly transportation future --  more options, more unique bikes that work in tiny budgets, more infrastructure, more community, more joy.

I ran into Sarah Hart, a friend whose husband is the director of the annual Wordstock festival, yesterday. She was brimming with enthusiasm, and it was all for her son: 'I have to get him to Laini Taylor!' she said, checking the guide I had open to Saturday's schedule. I made a note of it; soon, my children will be reading young adult fiction, and Sarah's son -- and other teenagers like him -- at Wordstock this weekend are key to discovering the next great kidlit gems.

The Wordstock festival, a fairly new entrant into the Portland fair-festival-convention-happenin' scene, is a gift for bookish families like mine. This year's focus on young adult fiction is particularly great; the Target Children's Stage is packed with talented authors that will surely be the devotion of our kids in years to come. A day's ticket for an adult is only $5, and children 13 and under are free. Here are a few highlights you may want to check out today:

11 a.m. -- Eric Kimmel and Amy Costales. Eric has written 100 books, and his mythology-focused children's books like Anansi and the Magic Stick are 'funny' and silly' and beautifully illustrated. Amy is the author of Abuelita Full of Life, a bilingual and multicultural author whose book is described as 'sweet' and 'gentle.

Noon -- Nicole Rubel and Chris Dudley. Chris is a former NBA star who wrote Chris Dreams Big, about his childhood struggle with diabetes. But I'm more excited about Nicole, whose Rotten Ralph series about a naughty kitty is very popular among young children.

1 p.m. Jennifer Holm, Matthew Holm and Addie Boswell. Jennifer and Matthew, a brother-and-sister writing team, write the Babymouse series, of a "a sassy young mouse who dreams of glamour, excitement, adventure, straight whiskers, being queen of the world," targeted at grade school-aged girls. Addie Boswell is a Portland author and artist who has written Rain Stomper, a book that looks a little like an updated version of Ramona Quimby.

2 p.m. April Henry and Sundee T. Frazier. April is a local celebrity: a best-selling author of mysteries for teens and adults. Sundee has written Brendan Buckley's Universe and Everything in It, an award-winning book about a biracial boy who loves science.

5 p.m. Heather Vogel Frederick. Heather's Mother-Daughter Book Club series is very popular and Heather says it "fills her need for a daughter -- I've got two boys!"

This summer was our first with a child "out" for the summer, so summer was a lot more summery this year. As the weather turns autumnal and school is now underway, I find myself reflecting on my favorite things from the summer.  What would I do again for sure?  What did we discover for the first time?  Try after years of wanting to?  Which ONE thing would I choose above all others? 

For me, it stands out clear: Opal Creek Ancient Forest Center.  My mom, my kids and I signed up for the family insect weekend in late August, and it was a ball from the minute we arrived.  Ancient forest, wood thrones, swimming holes, instant friends --- a dinner bell!  I'll definietly be back next summer, if not before. 

One of the other families on our trip was the creator of the Portland Family Adventures blog, who wrote a great piece about Opal Creek, from the family-friendly angle.

What was your family's best summer happening?

Is it hot enough for you? Portland is smack dab in the middle of the kind of heat wave that has many of we mamas wilting (especially those of us who grew up in temperate climes, and/or don't have air conditioning in our homes). It's hard enough when you're just you and have to decide how to deal with the discomfort and short tempers of extreme heat; and then comes motherhood and the testiness is compounded. And if you're the mama of three, like me, somehow hanging out beside a pool seems the very least relaxing thing in the world -- you're the lifeguard to three little ones and, eek! Talk about water torture.

There must be a better way! We've talked before about ways to beat the heat, so I've developed a list of some of my favorite antidotes to the hotness. What are yours?

1. The Multnomah County Library. Branches are air conditioned and you can catch up on your Summer Reading if you haven't already sped through the "map" -- or start now if you haven't already! Most branches have computers set aside just for kids with educational games and books; here is a link to story times. Or just sit in a corner and read. Woodstock and Belmont are our neighborhood faves.

2. Wading pools in Portland Parks. While the wading pools' days are numbered (state regulations and concerns about chlorination standards mean that standing-water features are being phased out as of last year), the people at Portland Parks & Recreation work hard to extend hours and open as many wading pools as possible when it's hot. I know from the neighborhood listserv that Creston Park's wading pool is open 11 to 7 through the heat wave; is yours open more hours, too? Let us know!

3. Solpops and make-your-own popsicles. Inspired by Solpops, the fruit-positive popsicles that are sold at many farmer's markets and now New Seasons, I made my own popsicles the other day. Convenience food it wasn't, but I loved the process and the promise of super-concentrated fruity iciness. I made mine by rinsing and pitting (if appropriate) fruit -- I used cherries, blackberries and currants -- and simmering it with a cup or two of water and a half-cup of honey for about 20 minutes. Then I pushed the mix through a sieve (if you don't mind seeds or have fruit that is already peeled, like bananas, you could just mash or blend or Cuisinart it) and poured into shot glasses, putting sticks in once they started to freeze up. When I was a kid we had our own popsicle mold and we froze Kool-Aid: a much quicker and easier method.

Entertaining guests can be a lot of fun, but what if you're guests are used to the good life?  One of our readers would like some advice on entertaining her nieces.  She writes:

My brother and his family live in the midwest. My two nieces are seven and nine and to be honest, I've never established much of a relationship with them. Of course a big reason for this is distance but it's also due to the nature of my sister-in-laws parenting style. Both she and my brother are extremely overprotective (read neurotic) and when the girls were little, their parents would never really allow us do things with them alone or get to know them in a meaningful way. As long as the parents were around...well, you get the idea.

So my brother's family will be here for a two week vacation this summer. I really want to make the effort to get to know the girls and establish my own relationship with them. I want to plan a day to take them out just the three of us. Here's my question: these are girls who live very very privileged lives in terms of the kinds of toys/gifts they get and the places they go.

I'd like to come up with a fun idea of what to do without spending a lot of money. They love, love love animals and arts/crafts.

BTW, I'm not the most "creative" when it comes to kids activities (including activities with my own child).

My boys, having many conventional boy passions, love trucks. But I am weary of reading the often very dull books about how excavators and booms and buckets and crawler treads work. In fact, I've been collecting photos to make my own book with language that's more fun to read (I'm thinking excerpts from my college poetry anthologies, but we'll see how it goes.) So I was excited when Larissa sent us info about the Truck Town Party. What better opportunity to combine my boys, trucks and books than at today's Multnomah County Library event?

Where: Con-Way Parking Lot, corner of NW 23rd & Savier St.  Entrance is on Savier, closer to 22nd. (One block south of the library.)

When: Thursday, April 23rd, from 2-5.

What:

• "Pet" the big trucks including a county Dump Truck with snowplow, Garbage Dump Box (from 2-3), Ambulance, Police Bomb Squad & robots, Police Cruiser, Fire Truck (from 3-4), and the "biggest, baddest" Tow Truck in Speed's fleet. 
• Storytime - 2:30  & 4:00.
• Crafts you can do there or take home to do later.
• Raffling off some cute truck board books.
• Toy Truck Race Track - kids who bring their toy trucks can race the track.
• Special gifts to the first 200 children.

It wasn't even midnight before day one of snow days when I looked at the forecast for the week and had to ask: will they have any school before January? Portland Public Schools isn't known for making children and staff get to school when there is any ice on the roads or sidewalks, and I know from long experience that snow + frozen temperatures + Portland, Oregon means zero relief from icy conditions. (I am just old enough to remember the great ice storm of 1979, which kept my Taylor Street home sparkly and slick and kept me home -- though my elementary school was only a block-and-a-half away).

So I worried over the forecast, freezing temperatures all week, more snow on Wednesday and Thursday, and expect that our kids won't go back to school until school's out for the holiday. This had me frantic with rather inconsequential anxiety. What about those last-week-before-Christmas craft fairs and art projects and holiday concerts? How will I get the teachers the brilliant gifts I'd planned? (A few tokens for the Portland Farmer's Market along with a card listing my favorite vendors and the schedule for 2009.) Will the last farmer's market of the year even happen? (I know, nothing to do with school, but it's my fear nonetheless.)

Then last night, a surprise: the east-siders were going to school today, so my little one was packed off on his very early bus (no west-siders to pick up). Of course, my teacher gifts weren't yet ready so I'm now hoping for beautiful (cold) weather on Friday. [Update: PPS announced no school tomorrow, Wednesday, December 17.] One of the teachers on my Twitter stream announced only about half of her students were in class today; so many parents are calling this week a snow week, regardless of PPS openings. Do you dread or yearn for an extra whole week of vacation? What do you think of the east side / west side division (as if we weren't already divided enough)? What silly anxieties are you harboring? And are you as tired of bundling and un-bundling as me? (I have a blog post going on about that topic in my head...)

I remember going with my mom to the polling place when I was a kid; there was one right at the end of our block, at 25th and Madison, so watching the people stream by all day was so exciting. I couldn't wait until I was old enough to vote. Now my six-year-old is just like me: only there's no polling place. My husband and I voted after bedtime on Friday and the only evidence was our sealed, signed ballots on the table the next morning, whisked away by my parents to drop off at the elections office.

So, how can we invest our children with the excitement of civic involvement in our vote-by-mail state? Here are a couple of things we've done (and plan to do):

• Electoral maps. There will be electoral maps to color at Backspace for the election party tonight; and last night Everett insisted I fill in every state as blue (he's loyal, that kid) on the New York Times electoral map, a fun interactive map that lets you run different scenarios while you wait.
• Mock election. Asha at ParentHacks has a fun idea with imaginary candidates who espouse candy policies and bedtimes.
• Get your freebies. Though election law now says they can't ask if you voted (nothing of value can be exchanged to induce someone to vote, or to refrain from voting), Starbucks is giving away a free tall coffee in honor of voting, Ben & Jerry is giving away free scoops from 5 to 8 p.m., and Dunkin' Donuts is giving away star-shaped pastries.
• Campaign with every last second. Moms Rising has several "get out the mom vote" campaigns, like offering to be backup childcare for friends who want to vote, and making last-minute calls to remind moms to vote. Maybe the best way to adapt this to Oregon is to offer to drop off ballots for your friends who haven't yet voted, or to stage a "voting playdate" where you bring your ballots, vote, and hand them over to one mama to hand-deliver to a ballot drop-off location.

How will you get your kids enthused about your civic involvement today?

Tis the season to be sick!  We can have tons of ideas of how to entertain a sick toddler, but what do we do when we ourselves are sick?  Are there things left undone?  How do we give attention to the kids if we're lying in bed?  An urbanMama emails:

For the last month, it's been one cold after the next in our household. My son is 11 months old and HATES staying at home all day with nobody to play with. But when he's sick or I'm sick, we can't make play dates with friends. I've had a cold with coughing and sneezing for 4-5 days now. We've been reading books and playing with toys and taking the occasional walk, but he's extremely bored and antsy. I foresee a lot of this in the upcoming months. How do you cope when Mama's sick?

Temperatures today will range in the mid-90s or so, and that's a HOT summer day for us here in Portland.  When it's hot out, where do you go?  Do you stay indoors, trap the cool heat and try to work your way through the coolest parts in the house?  Do you find a spot in the shade where you can catch some cool breeze?  Do you head out in the later afternoon, the hottest part of the day, to find some place air-conditioned?  Or, do you head to the neighborhood pool?

photo credit: Sarah Gilbert aka cafemama.com

We've had a great summer.  We had a mini-vacation to see family over Fourth of July weekend.  We've gone to a handful of summer concerts.  We've hit at least one street fair in the neighborhood.  We've camped and have dined gourmet al fresco.  We have gardened the best garden yet (for us).  We have picked 30 pounds of berries and intend to pick more!  We have biked - oh my have we biked!  We have even tackled a home project (basement finishing) that will be done any day now.

This summer has proven to be a successful and active one, too, for the kids.  Our oldest is camp-aged, in her third year of summer camp hopping.  This year has been the best yet: from hip hop at Ethos to all-girls bike camp at the Community Cycling Center and from a session of ice skating at Kool Kamp to a week at Old Macdonald's Farm.  Our other daughter has had a summer full of fun with an amazing sitter that we share with another family.  Days are filled with jaunts to the pool, picking fruit & veggies, hitting farmers markets throughout town, and biking around the neighborhood and fully experiencing all our local playgrounds. 

So, life's good.  The kids are rested.  They're ready to head back to school after a great summer balanced with activity and relaxation.  We feel satiated by our summer.  It may be silly for me to say, but I think I'm ready for the routine of the fall.  I'm ready for earlier wake-up times and for earlier bedtimes.  As much as I love the summer, the flux of it all (a different camp every week, different start/end times, different drop-off/pick-up scenarios) is making me yearn for the consistency of the fall when school starts the same time every day.  Of course, once the monotony of the grey skies get to me, I'll be singing another tune.

How about you?  Has your summer been everything that you wanted your summer to be?  Any last hurrahs to come over the next two weeks?

Kate, an urbanMama of three boys (almost-6, almost-4, and a three-month old), has had a busy year, relocating to Portland, starting at new schools, and potty-training.  She emailed with a unique and an almost-enviable situation. 

I'm in need of some Portland-mama wisdom.  My two oldest boys left for NY for 2 weeks to visit their grandparents.  After sobbing all the way home from the airport, my husband and I got home and realized we didn't know what to do with ourselves.  Besides staying in bed and having sex, renting movies and reading books, we couldn't remember what we did in our pre-kid life.  (Granted, we still have the 3 month old with us, but going from 3 kids to 1 baby is--for us--almost like being child-free again.) 

It's funny, I always fantasized about having alone time again, and now I don't know what to do with myself.  The sex, movies and books can wait until nightfall--I want to take advantage of the wonderful summer weather?  What would other urbanMamas recommend doing in Portland, for someone who is new to the area and hasn't explored much beyond the kid-friendly parks and zoo?  We are on a budget, but not having to feed the kids for two weeks does give us some wiggle room--what are some favorite (vegetarian-friendly) restaurants, day trips, must-see Portland sights?  Help an (almost) kid-free mama find something to do!

The Summer, Parks, Fun, Sun is a good start, as well as digging up stuff on a daily basis on the urbanMamas calendar.  What things in specific do you think she should put on her list of things-to-do over the next two weeks?

Why surely we have our lower-cost/free summer concerts throughout town (check out summer, parks, fun, sun, 2008), some mamas & papas are looking to other concerts.  Does anyone have experience bringing kids to a concert at the McMenamin's Edgefield?  An urbanMama emailed:

There's a band I would love to see coming to play the Edgefield this summer. My daughter is 4.5, and I've taken her to outdoor concerts at the park and the zoo before, which were obviously family friendly. We've had a great time, and I'd love to take her to this all-ages show at the Edgefield with me. Before I invest almost $50 for a ticket for her though (Thanks Ticketmaster!), could any other urbanMamas advise as to the family friendliness of the Edgefield shows? I've never been to one before, obviously. Do other people take their kids along to these? Did they have fun?

It is so hard to think that school is out and summer fun is set to begin.  Nothing but grey, but - come July - all that grey will be worth it, right?  Portland summers are gorgeous. 

Beyond clear blue skies, sunshine, and temps in the sweet spot of the 70s, Portland has free entertainment and activities throughout the summer months - fun for all ages and in all parts of the city.

• Pools throughout the city will host Fun Days, Itty Bitty Beach Parties, Teen Swim Parties, Parent Appreciation Day (July 19th at All Pools), and Dive-In Movies (featuring the "Bee Movie").  The full schedule here.
• Summer Movies at the Park start mid-July and run into September.  Movies start at dusk and happen in parks all throughout the city.
• Traveling Rock Walls - we haven't found too much info about the traveling rock wall, but if it's anything like it sounds, it's bound to be fun for the climb-lovers among us.  Looks like the rock wall will make appearances at community centers and parks throughout the city.
• Summer Playgrounds start on June 19th, offering daily drop-in recreation for kids aged 5-12 including games, sports, and arts & crafts at 23 parks throughout the city.  Free lunches for kids will be available daily midday at 17 parks.
• Mobile Playgrounds come to a neighborhood near you!  Four fun vehicles will circulate throughout town every day of the week.  Print out the schedule and keep it handy.
• And, of course, the summer concert schedule 2008 is out.  The line up is full with talented performers representing a breath of styles, including the Portland Festival Symphony.  We love seeing friends and neighbors at the park, some of whom it seems we only see at the summer concerts.
• Oregon Symphony hosts concerts in the neighborhood, this year in late August at Mt. Scott Park and Tom McCall Waterfront park
• Regal Films offers free movies (rated G and PG) on Tuesday and Wednesdays from July through mid-August.  Showtimes are 10am.  A movie theater is a great respite from the heat on hot summer days.  A complete schedule here: http://www.regmovies.com/nowshowing/familyfilmfestivalschedule.aspx?state=OR

We have other summer favorites, which are not FREE, but still worth the honorable mention:

• Oregon Zoo Concerts - featuring Wednesday night Zoo Tunes (free for Zoo members level "plus" and higher or $10 admission) and "Premium" concerts (running $17-24 admission)
• Kruger's Farm Concerts - happen on Thursdays in July and August from 6:30-9:30pm.  Admission is $10 per car and new this year is a $50 season pass.

With all this activity, you wonder: how will I ever keep track?  Not to fret our beleoved mamas.  The *entire* Summer Concert Series is already on the urbanMamas calendar, and we'll be sure to get up all the aforementioned fun stuffs onto the calendar lickity split.  Have some summer fun to add?  Email us at urbanMamas@gmail.com and tell us: "Put this on the urbanMamas calendar!"

Monique Dupre was, as everyone seems to agree, not what we expected. She's too lovely, too pulled-together, too funny, too American. (For the record, she is married to a Frenchman, grew up near Astoria, and now lives in Vancouver, Wash.) I half-expect her to start her insanely popular 'Sustainable Living on a Budget' workshop with a little ledger for us to add up our errant spending and lots of judgment, but that's entirely not what she does.

She starts by saying that she just wants to inspire us, reminds us that inspire means "in the spirit," and that we don't have to do everything, just start where we are. And begins to talk about where she is.

It's at once devilishly inspiring (I will admit to having called Comcast to cut off my cable the next day, and removed the TV from the living room, although it was only minorly influenced by Monique) and crushingly overwhelming. Monique, through lots of hard work, much ability to be present and inquisitive, and the oh-so-useful French husband questioning all that is America, has created a life that is truly my dream. She gets all her food locally and organically, creating healthy and whole-foods-y meals for each and every bite her family eats. She leaves her home each morning with a clean kitchen and a small pile of laundry. Her children want nothing for Christmas because they have everything they need. Her eldest daughter can recognize fennel plants when they're an inch tall. She loves fennel!

Martin Luther King Jr. was a man dedicated to the pursuit of equality and justice through nonviolent means.  His holiday is a wonderful time to celebrate his legacy and to also explore the ways to serve our community by his example.  What are you doing on Monday in the spirit of Martin Luther King Jr?

Service Projects coordinated by Hands on Portland.  The United Way has coordinated many service projects throughout the greater metro area and many projects are still looking for volunteers.  Projects such as covering library books, painting schools, serving meals, improving facilities at service organizations, or help to build a food pantry.  "Volunteer with your friends, family, children or co-workers by engaging in work focused on effective and lasting changes."  There are many projects you can be involved in on Monday, just check the website for more details.  Most projects run 9AM to 12N.

MLK Day 2008: Empowered by the Strength to Love.   Sisters of the Road Cafe hosts its annual Martin Luther King March and Rally, gathering at 2PM at Sisters, 133 NW 6th Avenue (coffee & snacks available) and marching at 3PM to the First Unitarian Church (1011 SW 12th Ave), with a 3:30PM program.  The afternoon ends at 4:30PM back at the Sisters Cafe for a community event with food, information tables, and the Sisters' Voice Exhibit.  All are welcome for all or part of the day.  If you are interested in volunteering, please contact Mary at 503-222-5694 ext. 17 or via email to see if there are any last-minute opportunities.

23rd Annual "Keep Alive the Dream" MLK Tribute.  The event runs from 11AM to 6:30PM at Highland Christian Center (7600 NE Glisan).  Highlighted events include: a performances by The Jefferson Dancers (12:35PM), Woodlawn's Kukatonon African Dance Troupe (1:35PM), Boise-Eliot's Primary Colors choir (3:50PM), Jefferson SUN School Gospel Ensemble (4:35PM), and King School's dance ensemble (5PM). The superintendent is set to make brief comments at 1:30 p.m. Also participating are local entertainers and leaders, gospel choirs and others. Organizers request a donation of $4 or four cans of nonperishable food for the Oregon Food Bank. The entire program will be tape-delayed for broadcast beginning at 3 p.m. on Portland Public Schools' Channel 28, and broadcast live on KBOO Radio (90.7 FM). Portland Community Media’s Channel 11 also will air it beginning at 1 p.m. For more information, contact Ken Berry at 503-816-9001.

And, also, check out a few other featured events via the Portland Tribune.

We are playground junkies, roaming 'round the streets of Portland, hopping off the bike or bus to go an play at a playground we'd never noticed before.  What playgrounds - parks and schoolyards - do you love?  Where are they - N, NE, SE?  NW or SW? An urbanMama emailed recently and would love to get the conversation going.

Hi- I'm Kathleen and I live in SE Portland in the Woodstock neighborhood.  I recently read saw a story somewhere about an amazing new playground that was built at a school in Lake Oswego.  Anyone remember what school that was?  I have a 5 yr old son who is obsessed with swinging on bars/rings and I am trying to get some new ideas for fun, challenging playgrounds around Portland.  We have been to almost all the playgrounds in SE Portland Parks and some schools in SE, but we are looking for something new and interesting.  We need something new and difficult to work on in a new place .  Any ideas?

For some of us, low-cost living is the reality.  We just don't have dual incomes or excess funds to go around.  Even when we are pinching pennies, there is still plenty to do with the kids.  We are sure of it!  What are your favorite free haunts?  Where do you go?  What about for household or children's items?  Where can you find decent quality, low-cost goods?  An urbanMama emails:

Can you give me ideas for how to go out and about (or stay in!) with my 3 kids (ranging 3-12) without spending money - or spending very little?!  I am up-to-speed with the library and the parks, but need more inspiration!  Also, shopping suggestions - both for household and childrens stuff.  Thanks (ps. the naked mamas party was a huge help!)

In addition to rainy day outings (take 1, take 2, and Monday suggestions), some mamas need to get out there and enjoy some long walks with their babes.  But, with the weather bound to turn more and more as the days wear on, we need some suggestions on where to get our walk-wiggles out!

Hi! My name is Mary. I have a four month old son, Alejandro.  Since I was pregnant, and after his birth, we have gone for long daily walks at Laurelhurst Park.  I wrap him up in the moby wrap or in the ergo, and I get my exercise, and he gets to look at his new world & take a nap.  Sadly, on very rainy days we won't be able to do our walk outside.  My question to the urbanMamas is: where are their indoor tracks to walk with a baby?  We are a very low income family, and we can't afford a gym membership.  Any suggestions?  Thanks!

Portland forecast calls for grey skies and rain.  What's a mama to do?  Check out suggestions from last year: When it rains, where do you go?  Renee emails:

We just moved to SE Portland from California. We love it here, but I am intimidated by the upcoming rainy weather. What are some good rainy day afternoon activities I can do with my very active 14 month old boy. We have things lined up for most mornings, but the afternoons are wide open.

Share more rainy day suggestions for fun!

We had a surprise picnic on Saturday to see the birds - Vaux's Swifts to be exact- at Chapman Elementary.

The Swift Watch happens every night this time of year until about the end of the month. As dusk nears the sky fills with hundreds and then THOUSANDS of birds. They dart this way and that and fall into formation, creating a huge funnel cloud of wings that pivots around Chapman Elementary's enormous chimney. Then, without warning, ALL of swifts fly INTO the chimney! The flock is so dense that from a distance it must look like smoke is flowing back to its source.

Pack a picnic, brings a big sheet of cardboard  - yes, you heard me right :), dress for the weather and get out there soon because this odd evening dance typically ends by September 26. Find out more about the Chapman Swift Watch on the Audubon Society website.

Oh lordy, the last weekend of summer! We have so many things to accomplish: my list from summer's beginning is still mostly without check-marks (rebuild fence, plant an herb garden, take the train to British Columbia, make jelly, go camping...). What will you be racing to finish this weekend?

Oregon State Fair. I don't go for the carnival part -- I love to look at livestock and photography and the "home arts."  I know lots of urbanMamas like to enter their own handiwork and it's fun to be inspired by the quiltmakers and drool over the cool chicken and rabbit breeds -- and maybe take one home!

OBT Exposed! My son takes classes at the school of OBT, but still, it's a thrill to see the grown-up dancers practicing on the stage in the Park Blocks. Rehearsals are held today from 2-5 p.m.; two performance will be held tomorrow, Sept. 1, at 3 and 4 p.m.

Big Screen on the Green. These movies are great fun, especially when they're in your own neighborhood and you can meet up with some like-minded community members. Bring a picnic and lots of blankets so the kids can fall asleep... or make it a date night! Tonight is Blades of Glory at Brooklyn Park.

Flicks on the Bricks. Don't like Blades of Glory? Check out Batman, also starting at dusk, at Iponeer Courthouse Square.

Harvesting Party! Bring buckets or boxes and your best harvesting clothes and pick plums for freezing, canning or just nibbling. At Zenger Farm, 117th and Foster; you can take the #71 bus to the farm's front door.

Summer Concert Series -- Misty Mamas at Lents Park. I don't know this American Roots band but I love the name! Sunday from 2-5 p.m.

Every year in late August I start looking at the sky fearfully each night, as the dark comes a few minutes earlier than the day before. There in the heat, I can feel the seasons changing, I can already sense the dark closing in around me, trapping me inside the way it will come November, December, January... ack! I am afraid of the dark. So is Debby, and she wonders just what she will do with her outdoor-loving two-year-old once the winter comes? And has anyone ever joined an evening playgroup for single mamas or those whose partners work at night? Last year we made a few suggestions for getting out in the dreary days: surely you have more!

I am not looking forward to the days getting shorter. My 2 year old daughter and I have spent almost every waking moment together at a park, zoo or other outside gathering place. She barely touches her toys anymore when we are home and is constantly running to the door and asking, "Outside now, Mommy?" I am worried sick about what will happen in the fall, when it is too dangerous to be walking home from the park in the dark, and then the winter, when it is dark before I even pick her up from day care.

Thuan is seeking all your wisdom on visiting that larger Pacific Northwest city to the north of us:

We've lived here five years and I'm ashamed to admit we've only been to Seattle once since we moved here. But don't despair for us, because we're taking Amtrak to Seattle for Labor Day Weekend! I'm super excited, but I am realizing that I don't know have any idea where to stay, what to do, especially outings that are baby-friendly. Anyone feel fluent in all things Seattle?

Also has anyone taken Amtrak with babe in tow?  Should I bother bringing a carseat (we didn't purchase her a seat) or will we be fine walking around with her for FOUR hours??  Should I purchase Pippi a seat?

One thing we absolutely love about Portland is how close we are to so many easy getaways: down to southern Oregon, in search of sun, camping, resorts in Columbia Gorge, central Oregon, and so many other amazing family outings.  Sadie Rose is thinking about a Cannon Beach getaway:

I have another question on a totally unrelated topic. My mom, grandma, and brother are all coming to visit in late september, and I'd love to do a weekend getaway to Cannon Beach. If anyone knows of any good rentals and such I'd love to hear some recommendations, rather than just wing it.

It's the family bike event of the year, the Bridge Pedal is here!  With three route options - the 10 bridge (36 miles), the 8 bridge (24 miles) and the 6 bridge (14 miles), organizers estimate 20,000 participants to register.  And don't forget the stride (5 mile walk that includes crossing the Broadway and Steel Bridges)!   Start times begin at 7am (for the 10- or 8- bridge rides) and run until 9:30am (for the 6-bridge rides).

In previous years, the thousands and thousands of riders of all ages and levels have resulted in bottlenecks, accidents, and complaints.  I know some families who are discouraged and even afraid to ride the event, opting to leave their bike riding to their daily commutes with or without kids.  I know families (like ourselves) who keep coming back for more, even if the ride can be wrought with difficulties and some frustrations.  The views and the thrills from up top of the Marquam and Fremont bridges just can't be beat!

Will you be riding?  What are tips and tricks for the rest of the family riders?