Urban Mamas

Here in Portland, there are no shortage of things "kid-friendly".  Amy, however, is having the hardest time finding establishments that are more geared toward the younger set, "infant-friendly", if you will:

I am the mother of a 13 month old, Titus, and we have been on several outings- but I have had a very hard time finding "infant-friendly" establishments versus "kid-friendly" establishments.  My son is a very active 13 month old, and has been walking for some time now, and we are having a very hard time finding places and activities that are infant or toddler friendly.  We have been to PB & Ellies, but I live near the Portland Airport so we do not make it to that side of town very often.  He really enjoys the zoo, but with the weather so hot currently, we don't last long outdoors.  It could be activities with or without other infants, although that helps in maintaining his interest.  He is in daycare, so he gets great interaction with all the children/toddlers 4 days a week and is very social.  He doesn't last long in the stroller if we are not on the move, so I am looking for play spaces, restaurants, and businesses in general that cater to the very difficult 1 year old crowd.  Thank you for all of your suggestions.

Need to shake your booty while Baby Loves Disco is on summer hiatus? Well mark you calendars and get ready to dance while supporting a wonderful organization. As a celebration of World Breastfeeding Week, La Leche League of Portland is hosting a Family Dance Party:

Sunday August 5th from 2pm-5pm
at the North Star Ballroom
635 N. Killingsworth Ct, Portland, OR

The LLL Family Dance Party is a family event. Adults must be accompanied by a child!DJ’d dance music, bubbles floating over the the dance floor, face painting, and healthy snacks and drinks for kids and adults.

Advance tickets are only $7 each for dancers 12 and over (kids under 12 are FREE!). Purchase your tickets on-line here!

The little folk loves some good activity - running around the park, some team sports, maybe swimming or gymanastics?  We recently received a request for recommendations:

My spouse & I recently became the guardians of our niece (8) and nephew (6).  Though it's a huge adjustment, so far things are going well. My question is this: the hubster and I are fairly quiet, bookish people, and while the kids love reading with us, they are *really* physical/performance oriented: dancing, singing, running, etc.  So we really need some suggestions for classes, games or other things that really play to their strengths.

The wonderful family-friendly and FREE Concerts in Portland Parks starts FRIDAY! Parks all over the city will be filled with music. There is something almost every night this summer and something for every taste. Click here for a printable flyer listing all of the summer concerts.

We help organize the concerts at Fernhill Park and are very excited about this year's line-up. All concerts at Fernhill Park begin at 6:30 pm but there will also be art activities for kids at every concert that begin at 6 pm:

• July 6 – The Ward Stroud Band will cover the blues from the early delta style to modern standards with a healthy dose of original tunes for good measure.
• July 13 – Dirty Martini is a blissful union of three of the Pacific Northwest’s finest singer songwriters Lara Michell, Stephanie Schneiderman, and McKinley.
• July 20 – Erin Rothrock and Aaron Cross present the phenomenal Northwest Community Gospel Choir. The choir is made of singers from churches throughout Portland and has performed with the Oregon Symphony and been featured on OPB.
• July 27 – Portland Security Traders Association present Intervision. Combining elements of soul, rock, jazz, and pop, Intervision will draw you in and get you dancing with their unique and infectious groove.
• August 7 - The Buckles serve up classic honky-tonk and hard-core twang right out of the playbooks of Buck Owens and Merle Haggard.

Summer has been upon us for days now and skies have been sunny (well, except for last Sunday).  The pools have finished up their one-week free session and we're now onto Session 1 of the swim classes.  But, what about the wading pools?  When do they open?  Which ones?  When?  What's the scoop?  Sara asks:

Any word on which outdoor wading pools will be open this year, and when? I hear Mt. Scott is opening today, but I'm not sure on the time. What about Kenilworth Park?

Last year, we had a great thread on Family Friendly Campgrounds. Heather emails with a twist to the family camping adventure, seeking suggestions for places to rent a trailer and great places to take it:

I am a mother of a very active three year old son. My husband and I would like to attempt our first camping trip. We are far from being outdoorsy. My idea of a vacation is staying in a five star hotel with room service! But I think it would be a great getaway for our family and I would like to start some traditions on our own. Ideally, we would like to tow or drive a smallish camper somewhere not to far out of Portland. Does anyone have any suggestions of where to rent a trailer and great places to take it? Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated.

Here in Portland, we do love our urbanFountains such as Jamison Square.  But, Kristin is looking for your suggestions on swimming holes:

I have very fond summertime memories of swimming in a lake near my childhood home in Montana, and want to give my kids the same type of experience. Do any mamas have great recommendations about swimming holes around Portland?

Did we break 90 degrees over the weekend?  Or close to it?  When the heat is on, where do you go?  Jamison Square is always a favorite standby, but it isn't always easy to get to, plus there are no public restrooms!  Have you hit all of Portland's 'municial fountains'?  Can't wait 'til our neighborhood wading pools open up!  Maybe you just fill up a kiddie pool in your front yard and invite all your friends and neighbors?  What did you do this weekend when the heat was on?

Before the blueberries, there are strawberries. Where do you go? Sauvie Island or elsewhere? Sarah emails:

I'm looking for recommendations for u-pick strawberries, preferably organic or minimally treated. we've been to Kruger's on Sauvie Island but I'm not sure of their pesticide policy... does anyone know or know of other good places to pick with kids?

A while back we posted a list of some of our favorite Gorge Hikes. Here is another quick reference list for family hiking on the Oregon Coast. There are PLENTY more to choose from but hopefully this provides a few ideas. Listed from North to South:

Tillamook Head: This trail gains quite a bit of elevation (about 900 feet) so it can be challenging for the kids but you will be following in the footsteps of the Lewis and Clark expedition! You can access this trail from the north in Seaside (parking is free) or from the south in Cannon Beach at Ecola Park (day use fee). Really a great trail but be prepared for many rest stops and it is recommended for older kids who may enjoy the historical connection as well as the natural beauty.

Cape Falcon and Neahkahnie Mountain Trails: Both of these hikes can be accessed from Oswald West State Park. The hike to Cape Falcon leads through a coastal forest and ends at the top of the cape. It is about 3 miles round-trip.

Neahkahnie Mountain is the only peak on the north coast that rises directly above the sea. You can travel on the trail through the woods and past the Devil’s Caldron back to the highway. If you make the return trip from this point the total hike is about 2.5 miles. If you want to continue up the mountain, cross the highway and be prepared for an elevation gain of about 1200 feet over the two miles to the top. But you will enjoy spectacular views of the ocean when you get to the summit (do it on a clear day!). Take US 101 to Oswald West State Park (about 10 miles south of Cannon Beach). No fee.

Munson Creek Falls: Not right on the coast but only about 8 miles from Tillamook this is the highest waterfall in the Coast Range. Dropping over 300 feet, the falls are a dramatic sight and the hike is an easy ½ mile each way. Take US 101 about six miles South of Tillamook and then head east on Munson Creek Road for 2 miles. No fee. If you like waterfall hikes, check out this recent article in Oregon Coast Today.

Cape Lookout: Cape Lookout is one of the best whale-watching sites on the Oregon Coast. The ideal whale watch season is winter but there are hundreds of gray whales that stay off the Oregon Coast in the summer, so you may still see one this time of year. The hike is about 5 miles round-trip. Go to Cape Lookout State Park  located off of US 101, 11 miles southwest of Tillamook to access the trail head. Day use fee.

Cascade Head Trail: This one is on our to-do list. Mainly because it offers access to an area that is home to the threatened Oregon silverspot butterfly as well as a variety of rare wildflowers. The trail is six miles one way and can be accessed from the north or south. Both trail heads are off of US 101 a little south of Neskowin, Oregon.

804 Trail: This is an old road that is now part of the Oregon Coast Trail. It starts at Smelt Sands Park in Yachats. It passes a lovely rocky coastline that is great for exploring – especially at low tide – and ends at a seemingly endless sandy beach. Level, easy and about 1.5 miles round trip. Turn west on Lemwick Street just after you enter Yachats on US 101. No fee.

Cape Perpetua Hikes: There are many to choose from in the area. All are perfect for kids. Take the St. Perpetua Trail up to the lookout (about 3 miles round trip). Although up hill there are plenty of views early on to keep the motivation going.

Other trails in the area include provide access to the blowhole near Cooks Chasm (plan your trip for high tide) and to a giant sitka spruce. Both of these hikes are level and easy and only about two miles round trip. All of these trails can be started from the Cape Perpetua Visitor Center located 2 miles south of Yachats on US 101. Day use fee.

Heceta Head Lighthouse: This area is just a little north of the Sea Lion Caves. The beach next to the parking area is a great spot for a picnic, wading in the water, and kite flying. The trail to the lighthouse is only ½ mile (1 mile roundtrip) and you may be able to enjoy a tour of the lighthouse at the top. On US 101 about 13 miles north of Florence. Day use fee.

Happy trails!

When I had our second baby, I recall feeling stretched thin from both ends. It was like one child was pulling one arm (actually, she was nursing the heck outta me, so she was really pulling something else), and our other child (who was a 3-year old then) was pulling my other arm. Hard. It was a constant juggle, and it definitely took quite a bit of time to adjust to being a mama of two. Lydia asks for suggestions from the urbanMamas community:

I have a new baby, 5 weeks today. He has a big sister who just turned two. We're doing pretty well, thanks, all things considered, but I am dying to get out of the house more! Problem is, my daughter, being two, can be "uncooperative" when it's time to leave, or stay close by while I nurse, or whatever. Any ideas about what we could do? I need places where the big girl can be a little contained if I need to nurse or something. The one thing I can think of is the Portland Children's museum where there's an infant area with a gate, and nobody will mind if baby fusses a little while I shepherd everybody in there. Indoor play parks are also a possibility, I guess, except my daughter loves the trampoline most and I probably shouldn't spot with a baby on my chest. Advice from other experienced moms of two? Should I just stay home (please no!)?

Tickets for The Sippy Cups Portland concert are available 2-for-1 through ticketmaster for a limited time.  The password for this special deal is JELLO.  Simply enter this code into the special promo box.

We are also giving away  two free tickets at Milagros. You may enter the raffle to win tickets at the store. No purchase is necessary. The winner will be notified on April 28th.

The Sippy Cups will be performing in Portland on Saturday, May 5 at the Aladdin Theater - 3017 SE Milwaukie Ave., All Ages, Tickets are $15
 

We headed out the to Wooden Shoe Tulip Farm yesterday to enjoy the annual Tulip Festival.

The tulip field is at its peak right now and was absolutely beautiful. They haven't had to do much topping of the flowers so most of the field is full and in full bloom.

In addition to the fields they have a kids area with slides, horse swings, rubber duck races, and more. They also have a "cow train" which is a train of cars shaped like cow that snake through the fields ($2 per person). There were a couple of food vendors but we packed a lunch and enjoyed a picnic with a view of the fields. On the weekends, there are more activities including a craft fair, pony rides, and special entertainment.

The Wooden Shoe Farm is about a 45 minute drive from Portland. Directions may be found on the Tulip Festival Website. Tulip festival admission is free on weekdays, $5 per car on weekends.

There are many wonderful hiking options in the Columbia Gorge, here is a quick list of some of our favorite Gorge trails that are within an hour drive of Portland. We have included options that should work for families of any variety of ability and experience. FYI- we are hosting another "Family Adventuring 101" discussion at the store on April 25:

There are a lot of Crafty Mamas in PDX and we showcase a handful of them at Milagros on the fourth Saturday of every month. The next Bazaar is this Saturday, March 24, 11 am - 3 pm.

The artists featured on Saturday include:

• We have been proudly displaying Karina Potestio’s handicrafts at Milagros for a long time. She will be offering her full line of unique baby and mama clothing at the March Crafty Mamas Bazaar
• Louri DePalma of La Lu Baby will be displaying fun handmade clothing for your little miracle, including pants, tie-tops and wrap tops. We also carry Louri’s work at Milagros
• Michelle Gay of Eclectikid makes fun hand silkscreened shirts, baby blankets, tote bags, and greeting cards
• Barbara Gaines of Momentoes creates unique three-dimensional castings of babies’ hands and feet
• Rebecca Sander of Daisy Chains creates fun jewelry for children
• Jennifer Murphy of Punky Kidz will feature handmade bib’s, burpies, changing pads and baby carriers

All Bazaar sales go directly to the Crafty Mamas and we have complimentary coffee and tea service, so please come out and see what these local mamas have to offer.

If you would like to considered as a Crafty Mama Bazaar for a future event please email us at milagros@milagrosboutique.com for more info.

Milagros is located at 5433 NE 30th Avenue, Portland, OR 97211

Spring Break is coming up March 26 through 30th, and some of Portland's Pools are offering free swim lessons. We go to Dishman Pool and I picked up a flyer. Lessons will be held Monday through Thursday of that week at Dishman:

9:00 to 9:30 AM -- Goldfish, Penguin (Y), Otter (P), Seal (Y), Polar Bear (Y), Sea Lion (Y) 9:40 to 10:10 AM -- Aquaducks, Penguin (P), Seal (P), Dolphin, Adult Beginner 10:20 to 10:50 AM -- Goldfish, Penguin (P), Otter (Y), Seal (Y), Park Shark.

(Y is for "youth" ages 6 and up; P is for Preschooler ages 3-6)

Registration begins March 1, 2007; call 503 823 3673.

Does your pool offer free lessons during Spring Break? I do recall Dishman offering free lessons also during winter break.

From Portland's own Belinda and Tova, hosts of Greasy Kid Stuff:

Greasy Kid Stuff, the hip, hit radio show for alternakids and their parents, presents the Grease Ball!

Captain Bogg & Salty, The Jellydots, A mini-squadron from The Sprockettes, DIY silkscreening from Orbitbug, designs by Jessica Wolk-Stanley. Make your own $2 Greasy Kid Stuff bandana! Plus flip books, thumatropes, and fun filmy stuff from Indiekid Films.

A $5 complete and yummy kid menu, and great food for adults too!

It's all happening Sunday, March 18, 2:30 p.m. at the Wonder Ballroom, 128 NE Russell St. in Portland. Doors open at 2 p.m. Admission is $10 for adults and $5 for kids 12 and under (ages 2 and under free). Tickets are available in advance through Ticketmaster and may also be purchased (cash only) at the Wonder Ballroom box office (open Monday through Friday, noon–6 p.m.) and Café Wonder (Tuesday through Saturday plus show nights, 5 p.m.–close).

Ballgowns and tiaras optional!

Just yesterday, the Ladybug Walks for 2007 began. You can expect guided nature walks every Friday, sponsored by Portland Parks & Recreation, held at various parks and gardens througout Portland. Walks begin on Fridays at 10AM and cost $2 per preschooler (and no fee for accompanying adults!). You can "touch slimy slugs, smell tree bark, look under rocks, feel crinkly and soft leaves, hear musical bird songs, and experience many changes of the seasons." Check out a Ladybug Walk at a neighborhood park near you!

Back by popular demand, Friday Knights is scheduled for Friday, February 23rd.  We went last time, and our girls had a super-duper time.  They came home with fun stuff, like journals and pens, and they spent the evening making huge life-size drawings, playing card games, and playing the night away.  The best part was that we adults could steal away for a couple of hours of grown-up time and grown-up drinks.

Mark your calendars and RSVP now!  Sydney's is modifying it's format, pricing, and timing, so here are details:

Friday Knights at Sydney's
Friday, February 23, 2007
6:30 to 8:30 PM (feel free to drop off at 6:15 to help kids get situated)
Kids ages 5 and up (Kids as young as 3 are welcome when accompanied by an older sibling)
$15 per child, $10 for first sibling, and $5 for each sibling thereafter

Advance registration required: sydneyscommunity@gmail.com or 503 241 4313.

My manager just said, "Wait!  Schools are closed on Monday?  And office is closed on Monday?"  I said, "Uh, hm.  Yes."

So, what do you all have planned?  Many of our favorite museums are normally closed on Mondays, but they open their doors on Monday holidays.  So, head to OMSI or the Childrens Museum, and you'll probably see many friends and families there with the same idea.  Are there any other fun activities scheduled for the Monday Holiday?  SCRAP has a great workshop offering from 10AM to noon, for kids 5 and up.  Also, the Contemporary Crafts Museum does School's Out / Art's In! Classes for Kids.  This upcoming Monday, there's Japanese dyeing techniques for kids in grades 1-6 from 9:30 to 3:30.  Any other suggestions for fun times for the school holiday?

Nothing like a warm pool of water to brighten up a drizzly winter day.  The urbanMamas like the Mt. Scott Indoor Pool.  Melissa asks:

When I was visiting a friend in Fort Collins with my then 5-month old baby girl last month the temperature was about 12 degrees during the day. Brrrr! My friend had a wonderful suggestion - the community pool had a warm pool that was used for scheduled physical therapy but also allowed the public to use. Babies were welcome as long as they were in swimming diapers. It was much warmer than the main pool but not hot like a jacuzzi. However there were jets at one end. My little girl had a ball! She kicked, splashed, and had a great time. This was her first time ever in a pool.

So now for my question - is there something like this in Portland? I have read great things on the UrbanMamas site about the Riverplace Athletic Club but it seems they only offer lessons and in the summer? We are just looking for a place to splash for a couple of hours on a cold winter weekend.

We've had several great romps up on Mt. Hood, playing in the snow tubing at Ski Bowl or snowshoeing all around.  We've finally come to the time that our six year-old is ready to hit the slopes for the first time.  We bought her skis (super-discounted at Copeland's Grand Closing!), but - now - how to begin?  Should we do a lesson?  Should we just head up the tug-rope at Meadows and take it from there?  Last year, Shetha mentioned renting skis for $5 at Meadows and using the tug-rope for free.  Is that still accurate?  The Meadows rental page seems to show that Jr. rentals are $20?  Should we head to Ski Bowl because it's smaller (and closer)?

Many of us are perpetually exploring the bounty of the Pacific Northwest - its beauty and its bounty. Every season brings new and different activities, fun and breathtaking scenery. What is your favorite winter weekend getaway? Lara seeks some advice:

My brother and his pregnant wife are coming for a visit from London and we want to show them some of Oregon's winter beauty. We would love to rent a house near snow, hikes, rivers etc on the weekend of 16th and 17th Feb. I recently looked into rentals on Mt Hood and they are all either booked up or too expensive. This is our first winter in Oregon and I'm a bit lost when it comes to deciding on another place. We have 2 kids, a 3 year old and a 2 week old, so something appropriate for them is important. Does anyone have suggestions on areas or even better: an actual rental they have had a good family experience with that didn’t break the bank? I'm thinking log home, hot chocolates around a fireplace, snowy walks...

Thanks for the feedback on Mommy 'n Me Knitting.  Sydney's Cafe is proud to present its first of an ongoing group for mamas and their little ones to gather an knit.  It's a great time for those of all ages and skill levels:

• Have your child learn to knit
• Finish that knitting project you have been working on
• Meet up with a friend to chat and knit
• Cozy up to comfy chairs and a latte while learning this craft
• Collaborate with other knitters in the community
• And simply have a wonderful Saturday morning!

Everyone is welcome!  Every Saturday beginning February 3rd at 10 AM.

Sydney's
1800 NW 16th Avenue
sydneyscommunity@gmail.com
503 241 4313

updated March 1, 2007:  Due to schedule conflicts, Mommy 'n' Me knitting will now be every SUNDAY at 10 AM.

Join the Sydney's family for a night of games, pizza, music and art projects.  It's a perfect time for mamas and papas of older kids to steel away for a few moments, a bite to eat or a drink on the town.

Friday Knights
Friday, January 19, 2007
7 to 9 PM
Kids 6 and up, $15 per child
Sydney's Cafe
1800 NW 16th Avenue, at Thurman
sydneyscommunity@gmail.com
503 241 4313

Since the time I got up at 6 AM this morning, the snow has been falling, falling, and falling. What a contrast to last Thursday, when PPS declared a "snow day", even though it was sunny and snowless in our parts of the city.

Today, though, is a much, much different story. I kept checking the PPS weather site and KGW again and again. At 7:30 AM, even though the snow kept falling, the page still said that PPS was on a regular school schedule. Not even a two-hour delayed opening!

Then, as I was waiting with Philly at the bus stop, another waiting bus-rider got a call. "Whoo hoo!" she said, "I'm going home!" She was a high school teacher who had just gotten an official call from the Chief of High Schools. It sounded official. PPS declared a snow day. As lovely and fluffy as it is outside, I am a bit frustrated at how late the School District made the decision. I think it was about 7:45 AM when they closed all schools.

It took me about an hour to decide what I ought to do about my own fate. I am a full-time mama working outside the home. My workplace is open normal business hours today, although I cannot believe how any business in the Metro PDX area can be open normal business hours. If I decided not to go in, would I be docked sick/vacation time? I know that isn't the major factor when safety is an issue, but - still - it hovers at the back of my mind. When I heard that bus lines were closing down, though, I decided not to rethink it.

What are you all up to? Snow day? Did you go into work? Work from home? Bring out the sleds and snow boots for outside play?

The phones go live today for reservations to ride the Aerial Tram on opening weekend, January 27 & 28. If you would like a free ride on the tram over that weekend, you need to call 503-418-TRAM (8726) to reserve a day and time. Rides will be given from 10 a.m.to 5:00 p.m. in 30-min. increments. There is a limit of 5 riders for each reservation and approximately 50 people will be riding in each "pod." The ride times are necessary to avoid huge lines at the opening. (OHSU is aiming for organized chaos!)

Up at the OHSU docking area, the hospital will offer punch and cookies and time for a quick look at the view before it's time to head back down. The docking area is above the Kohler Pavillion and it will be open and physicians will be seeing patients so OHSU would prefer to not have people wanding around the hospital grounds. Opening weekend includes food, information booths and music too. All activites take place in or near OHSU's Center for Health and Healing at the lower tram terminal.

Sounds like a fabulous outing for the whole family!

Over the past few weeks, I have taken Mila to the  Portland Rock Gym  and The Circuit Bouldering Gym for her first indoor climbing experiences. I worked as a climbing guide for Outward Bound and managed my own guiding service but I was never teaching 4-year olds until now. As a way-out-of-practice crag rat, my main challenge was ensuring that I didn't pile too many expectations on the experience. Letting Mila find her comfort zone was my mantra.

Here is a summary of both Portland indoor climbing gyms based on my experience with Mila:

Portland Rock Gym: This gym is primarily wall climbing.  The routes are mostly top-roped. There is a bouldering area but children 7 years old or younger are not allowed in that area.

Cost?  Mila’s before 3 pm day pass was $7. You don’t need to purchase an adult day pass at The Circuit or Portland Rock Gym unless you will be climbing as well.

Equipment? Wall climbing requires a harness. Until age ten (or they out grow it), I recommend a full-body harness - rather than a seat harness - for young climbers.  A seat harness may not keep a very young climber secure if he or she falls upside down, which can happen more often than you think. We rented a full-body harness for the day ($3).

You have the option to rent climbing shoes but in my opinion there is no point for a child younger than 7. Mila used an old pair of Robeez.

Safety? You need to belay your child, so you must pass a belay test and know how to keep a climber safe on belay. If you don't know what that sentence means, stick with The Circuit.

Extras? The Portland Rock Gym has camps and classes for kids as well as options for birthday parties.

Overall experience? Mila scrambled up some of the bouldering walls (against the rules, I know) and really took to the whole experience EXCEPT for being on the rope. For whatever reason she would gladly scamper the the top of the wall in the bouldering area but once a rope was on her she just didn’t feel comfortable.

The Circuit Bouldering Gym: The Circuit is bouldering only. The goal of bouldering is to work on climbing technique on a boulder or small outcropping rather than on a cliff face. The point is not so much getting to the top of something but instead linking a series of moves through a “problem” - in effect you are solving the problem of how to climb a section of rock.

The Circuit is basically an artificial, indoor boulder field. Since the moves are typically on an area close to the ground, there are no ropes or harnesses involved.

Cost?  A child day pass at The Circuit is $6 and will increase to $8 on 1/1/2007 (so go there NOW!). If your child is a fan, you can cut future costs by getting a 10-punch card. Again, you don’t need to purchase an adult day pass at The Circuit or the Portland Rock Gym unless you will be climbing as well.

Equipment? Like at Portland Rock Gym you have the option to rent climbing shoes but kids can boulder in their socks or shoes. I let Mila use an old chalk bag of mine (with a Bison Ball) but this was more of cool extra for her, not at all a necessity.

Safety? You don't need to know what belay means but, although bouldering is close to the ground, don’t get lulled into thinking it is completely safe. Supervision of your little climber is still a must. It is especially important that your little one does not climb directly above or below any other climbers. Why? Because it will not be pretty if a child (or adult!) falls on your kid from any height.

Extras? Among the many features is a boulder with especially kid friendly climbs where Mila could “top-out” and then come down a slide. The Circuit also has classes, camps, and birthday party packages for kids.

Overall experience? Mila LOVED The Circuit. The best part of the day for me was that Mila did not want to leave (yes, I will endure tantrums from kids who don’t want to quit climbing!) We will be back and picked up a 10-punch card for Mila and Papa just to make sure.

The Final Word: Overall I think Portland Rock Gym is better for children with some experience/comfort with a rope system and/or older children. The Circuit is a better choice for kid's first indoor climbing experience and I could see a child graduating to wall climbing at Portland Rock Gym from there. Happy climbing!

Portland Rock Gym, 21 NE 12th Ave., Portland

The Circuit Bouldering Gym, 6050 SW Macadam Ave, Portland

The best Portland winter getaway is to head up to  the mountains. Even on a dreary winter day, the mountain can provide the much needed respite to get rid of the winter blahs.  We aren't much of a skiing family, but we do enjoy a nice tromp in the woods a la snow shoes.  Before kids, we really enjoyed the beauty and ruggedness of the North side of the mountain where the Tilly Jane and Cooper Spur trails allowed you to trek in the woods without barely encountering many other beings of the two-legged variety. Realistically, it's not the type of trail that would endear a nearly four-year old to the joys of snowshoeing.  After much debate, and to-ing and fro-ing about where to go on the mountain, we settled on our stand by - Trillium Lake.   Trillium Lake is much more on the child-friendly side with open meadows for the entire to family to make tracks in without fear of messing up the ski trails.

Even with the little ones, you can enjoy the winter outdoors.  Here are some tips to make sure everyone (especially those that are along for the ride) stays warm and the outing more pleasurable:

• Dress children warmly using boots, hats and mittens.  I've found that winter boots that zip up in front are the easiest to get on.  We like Kamik.
• Layer clothing.  For the little guys,put them in a pair of warm tights to prevent skin exposure when sitting in the pack.
• Dress children in water repellent outer clothing.
• Make sure clothing is dry and stays dry.  The second part may be hard to do so pack extra dry mittens, socks, and hat because inevitably the first pair will get wet.  Leave an extra change of clothing in the car.
• Limit the length of exposure.
• Bring a thermos of hot cocoa on your outing.  Miniature marshmallows add a nice touch and an extra treat.

Any tips from the mama community on favorite winter trails?  Any additional tips you can add to ensure a safe and fun outing?

There was a post about RecycledArt a while ago...Well, RecycledArt will be having a class for ages 4-6 on Thursday, December 21 that is a perfect Holiday Break activity for your little one. Here is description of the event:

Through the Looking Glass!

We will join together this holiday season to see what we can spy with our little eyes using salvaged windows from the Rebuilding Center! This 1 hour workshop will kick off with a circle time and a short story. Each artist will create a masterpiece as we talk about the values of reuse before recycling. We’ll learn how glass is made and recycled and how that glass is used to make windows. The last 10 minutes of class are reserved for our art show…a chance for artists to share their creations and tell us the story of what they saw Through the Looking Glass.

Date:  Thursday December 21
Time:  3-4pm
Ages: 4-6
Cost:  $10 per artist (includes materials)
Place:  Milagros, 5433 NE 30th Avenue, Portland, Oregon 97211

The class is limited to 10 students and requires advance registration. Contact RecycledArt-ist Liesha Eberst at 503-901-9324 or makerecycledart@yahoo.com to register or for more info.

I recently got this email due to my Parent Hacks gig, but it's ideal to share here:

once a month beginning in january, portland's legendary crystal ballroom will be transformed into a child proof disco as toddlers, pre-schoolers and parents looking for a break from the routine playground circuit let loose for some post nap-time, pre-dinner fun. make no mistake, this NOT the mickey mouse club, and barney is banned. baby loves disco is an afternoon dance party featuring real music spun and mixed by real DJs blending classic disco tunes from the 70s and 80s guaranteed to get those little booties moving and grooving. the fun spills out from all corners of the club: bubble machines, baskets of instruments, a chill-out room (with tents, books and puzzles), diaper changing stations, a full spread of healthy snacks provided by Wild Oats and dancing, LOTS of dancing (and yes, the bar will be open for mommy and daddy!).

at its core, baby loves disco is a community event that brings kids together with kids and parents and parents together with parents, guaranteed to be the best time you've had at a kids event.....

venue: crystal ballroom - 1332 w. burnside street. 503.225. 0047
tickets: $12 tickets per walking human. buy tickets online at www.ticketmaster.com
time: 2-5pm (feel free to come early or late - 1 hour of baby loves disco is a lot!)
dates: sundays, january 14, february 18th, march 11th.

for more info and to learn all about baby loves disco check out:
http://www.babylovesdisco.com

The Wintergalactic Puppet Show comes to planet Portland this December! Bruce Orr of the Mudeye Puppet Company and Penny Walter of Penny's Puppet Productions have joined forces to create an all-ages holiday puppet show with aliens, forest creatures and even a yeti! Join Quarg, a clueless alien with good intentions and Ralph, a streetwise furry rodent on their adventure to Mount Snowball to uncover the secret of a mysterious glowing beacon. Building puppets from all reused materials in an original script, two of Portland's best known puppeteers have collaborated on a unique and colorful puppet show for the young and old. See the write-up in last week's A&E.

Carla writes:

I saw the show this past weekend at Nocturnal. I can't say I'm completely unbiased, as my husband is Bruce of the Mudeye Puppet Company. We have worked together for four years. We go into schools and make puppets out of reused and recycled materials with children. We also do performances and workshops. This is the first show I am not officially a part of, as I am now three months pregnant and we are making a few changes! But I did sew Ralph, one of the main characters!

Saturday December 9th at 10 am and 12 noon
St Johns Community Center
$7 for adults and $5 for children. Group rates available.
Performances are 45 minuets to an hour (Q&A / meet the puppets after the show)

Questions? Contact Bruce Orr at bruce@mudeyepuppets.org or 503 805 0291. Contact Penny Walter at pennywalter@comcast.net or call 503 282 9207.

There was a post on the need for opportunities for Papas and Papas-to-be to meet, greet and swap stories, advice, or what have you. Putting together a group like that has been on my to-do list for many, many months.

I am now a Papa for the second-time - Gael Cesario Fuentes was born on 11/30, all is well with him, his Mama and his adoring big sister. I realize that I just need to do this thing or it may never happen, so here it goes:

What: UrbanPapa Thang - a chance to meet other dads, enjoy some complimentary coffee, and/or just hang out

When: Thursday, December 21, 10 am - Noon at Milagros, 5433 Ne 30th Avenue. If all goes well, this will become a regular thing on the third Thursday of every month. I'll keep you posted on that.

What to bring: Yourself, your infant, toddler, or preschool aged kid(s) - kid is not required. If you want to bring a snack to share, go for it but not required.

If you have any questions, send me an email

With the holidays just around the corner, there has been tons of urbanMama conversation on photographers.  Why not go and catch a movie while the kids' photos get snapped?  Thanks, Stephanie, for the tip!

Photographer Rachel Kubik will be at the Academy Theater on December 2nd and 3rd between 11AM and 9PM with a location studio setup to take your children's portraits.  Simply make a reservation for babysitting with the theater.  When you drop your child off sign up for pictures at the registration table,and pay the $15 fee. Then you can go and enjoy a movie while we have fun playing and taking great pictures!  She will put 10-20 shots of each child on a CD and mail them to you right away.  The digital files will be yours to do whatever you like with them. You can purchase additional copies of the CD with a custom designed cover for $10 apiece.  These make great inexpensive, but priceless Christmas gifts! Make your reservations at the theater early to guarantee a space!

Stephanie adds: I've seen some of Rachel's work in person - her portraits decorate the play space at the Academy Theater and they are wonderful. She has additional examples of her portraiture posted on her web site.

We have a house full of people waiting for a baby to be born, which is a little stressful. So when the sun made a special guest appearance yesterday, my Pop and I took off for a hike. Not wanting to be too far from the house, we went stomping on the Wildwood Trail.

During that trek, we took a break at the Audubon Society of Portland and I spent every minute there mumbling to myself..."Why has it been a year since I brought Mila here?" Not only are there plenty of kid-friendly trails, you can view birds that have been rescued by the Society.  This menagerie includes Julio the Great Horned Owl and Finnegan the Peregrine Falcon. You will also find a natural history display and The Nature Store.

The Nature Store has plenty of educational and whimsical items for young and old alike. PLUS you can save $10 off your purchase of $30 or more if you have a CHINOOK BOOK!  To top it all off the Society has guided hikes, kid camps, and other educational activities all year round - including a performance by children’s musician David Hall on December 9 at 1:30 pm.

One of my New Year resolutions will be to get my family there more often (this joins Tryon Creek State Park  on an always expanding list), I hope to see you there:

Audubon Society of Portland
5151 NW Cornell Road, Portland OR 97210
Off-street Parking on site

*Another option is to park at Macleay Park and hike the Lower Macleay Trail to the Wildwood Trail (the junction is at the Stone House, continue straight at that point - don't go up the hill). The trail stays level as it follows Balch Creek and briefly heads uphill before reaching a parking lot. Head west 1/10 mile from the parking lot to the Audubon Center. This scenic hike is approximately 1 1/2 miles each way and is definitely kid-friendly.

Here's a “Between the Holidays” Shout Out to All Mamas Who Love the Outdoors from outdoormamas:

Wanting to enjoy some hiking, rock-climbing, camping, and/or walks in the sunshine or rain? Interested in trying some snowshoeing on your own and/or with your baby/tot in tow, (or on your back or front)?

Feeling like you wish you could partake in these activities a little more often than you have been lately?  Wanting to try?

Knowing that it can be a bit more challenging to get out & about with little ones (and very inspired by the great idea of outdoordads.org), we are hoping to encourage some fun & flexible mamas to get together for various outdoor adventures in the New Year with babies & kiddos (and sometimes without).  Get 2007 off to a wonderful, active, healthy & most of all, FUN start!

If interested, let us know and we'll send along details of upcoming outings!

Everyone is enthusiastically and warmly welcomed—no “experience” necessary!

Please email directly...outdoormamas@yahoo.com

The Portland chapter of Nine In Nine Out will have it's next babywearing gathering on Saturday, November 18th, 10 am - Noon in The Family Room at Milagros, 5429 NE 30th Avenue, Portland, OR 97211. This month's meeting will provide a brief intro to all types of baby carriers. NINO meetings are a casual forum for getting your questions on babywearing answered by other mamas and/or to share your own babywearing stories. Complimentary coffee will be provided. More info

This week's FOODday gives us a complete rundown of Oregon Wineries.  Many of them are open this upcoming weekend (Nov 17-19) and even more of them are open Thanksgiving weekend, with plenty of cheese, truffles, barrel tastings, etched glasses (ooh! Riedel!), and ... of course ... pour after pour of wine.  Some wineries offer free tastings; some of them cost a Benjamin.

Last year, we met up with an urbanFamily or two at a couple of spots.  At Bergstrom, we enjoyed plenty of room in the barrel area, a cheese-fruit-n-cracker spread, a wide selection of tastes, and a take-away crystal glass.  Of course, all of that did cost us $20 a taste (which I shared with my spouse).  But, the girls were comfortable.  There were plenty of crackers and enough room for small spurts of chasing or playing.  They even got down on the ground to color, and they didn't even get trampled.

Our only other spot was Lemelson.  The vineyard was oh-so lovely, but tasting area there was pretty cramped.  They do have a great patio area with a wood-burning stove, so we ended up taking turns in the narrow tasting area while a few others held back playing with the girls outside.  It worked out just fine and kept us from taking one-too-many tastes.

One key ingredient for fun, especially when bringing the kids to a potentially crowded scene, is to time it right.  Most spots open at 11 AM, and it's best to head out just around that time.  Last year, we were pdx-bound by 4 PM.   Traffic was backing up, and driveways into the vineyards were long and swarmy.

The winery weekends are once again upon us, will any of you head out to the Valley?  Any suggestions for those of us who are determined to brave the wineries with kids in tow?

The Fox Chase Business Association and the Concordia Neighborhood Association are hosting a special fall community event THIS SATURDAY from 11 am – 9 pm.  Enjoy art, music, food, workshops, and fun for the whole family at participating Fox Chase businesses all day long!

The schedule of events is jammed packed! Here is a just a sample:

• Puppet shows at Heart in Hand preschool
• “Crafty Mamas Art Fair” at Milagros
• “Kid's Yoga with Dr. Amy Watson” at The Core Source
• One-on-one sessions with lactation consultant Zenana Rose of Beyond Birth Home Lactation Services at Milagros
• Sample delicious authentic delicacies from Mexico at Autentica
• Sample Stumptown coffee and single origin espresso at Extracto
• Temporary tattoos for kids and the young at heart at Blackbird Tattoo
• Cupcake decorating for the whole family at Herbivore

Yes, it is all FREE! Check out the full schedule on-line. We hope to see you there!

'Tis the season for school fundraisers. Sareena wrote us to let us know that Emerson School is holding theirs this Saturday:

As a charter school, Emerson receives 80% of it's funding via Portland Public Schools. The remaining 20% is raised via donations and fundraising.

This Saturday, the 11th of November, we invite people to attend our second annual Emerson School Auction, held at PNCA, in the Pearl District. Proceeds from the auction are used to offset full-day Kindergarten fees for lower-income families as well as hopefully funding a new and needed Emerson School Library.

Tickets are $25 a person and include hors d'oeuvres, beer & wine and live music! Auction items run the gamut from spa baskets to portrait sessions, massages to week-long getaways in Mexico!

We hope to see you there. Please call 503-525-6124 for tickets.

My two best girlfriends from college are visiting this weekend. They've never been to Portland, and it's been several years since I've seen them (they have not yet met my 2 year old, Anders) and we really want to show them a good time and give them a good feel for P-town. On Sunday we'll be able to leave Anders home with Papa and us girls can go do grown-up girl things...but I cannot figure out what to do on Saturday. We'll have Anders all day until Papa gets back into town, and the forecast is calling for rain most of the day... Any recommendations on what I can do to show my single girlfriends a good time, while keeping my toddler entertained too?

When Philly was younger, we'd practice yoga at home together. I had the video, YogaKids, which she loved, loved, loved! We also did some practice using the Kids Yoga Deck. Admittedly, though, a yoga class could have a different effect. It'd be fun! Even more awesome would be if there could be a simultaneous mama class at the exact same time and place as a kids class. Am I dreaming?

Mama Melia is looking to use yoga to give her little one the tools to enjoy calm and focus. She asks:

Does anyone know of any yoga studios, preferably on the southwest side and into beaverton, that cater to the under-7 set? Tualitan Hills Park and Rec has a class for 6 year olds, but my guy is 5 and in need NOW! What other ideas are out there for helping kids focus?

Namaste.

I wasn't even paying attention to the radio when OPB announced its incentives for its current membership drive. Philly, however, was tugging the heck out of my sleeve. "Mama! Mama!" She had heard it there first. And, she was so ready and excited to go: the Mary Poppins Sing-Along. The event runs a WHOLE WEEK, from November 3 to 9 at 7pm at Cinema 21. Extra matinees on November 11 and 12 for the wee ones. I'm already planning our costumery. We need to make a trip to the Goodwill to find our get-ups. I still have to decide if I'm going as Mary Poppins or Winifred...

We went to see the Vaux's swifts twirl into the Chapman Elementary School chimney tonight. What a marvel! As you may already know, the swifts return each year to roost at Chapman on their way south for the winter. I had no idea that this is the largest known roost of migrating swifts in the world.

Wednesday night, 9/27, is the last night of the Audubon Society Swift Watch, so take advantage of the warm evening, bring a picnic and a blanket, and join the companionable crowd on the Chapman lawn. The swifts head in for the night at sunset, so get there by 7pm (NW 27th Avenue and Pettygrove). It's the best free show I've seen in a long time.

Yet another great suggestion from an urbanMama, Sharai:

Hi Urbanmamas! I was searching online for arts & crafts experiences for my 6 year old son, and discovered the Contemporary Crafts Museum, which I've always meant to visit. Looks like they have a cool (and free) Family Discovery Sundays program once a month (next one is THIS Sunday), and also kids day camps on school holidays (camps are fee-based).  Admission to the Museum is always free.