Wednesday, October 31, 2007

Daylight Savings Time ends on Sunday!

I hope you all had a boo-tiful Halloween!

Don't forget that Daylight Savings Time ends this Sunday, November 4th at 2 am so set your clocks back an hour! Did you like having extra daylight on Halloween? It worked for us - we actually got to eat a regular paced dinner before the doorbell started ringing! :)

Enjoy that "extra" hour of sleep (unless your kids are like mine and wake up at the first hint of daylight no matter how dark the room is in which case the numbers on the clock don't mean a darn thing!) :)

Wednesday, October 24, 2007

Flu shots

I know immunizations in general are a controversial subject but I'm putting this info out there just in case you want to get yourself and/or your children a flu vaccine this year....

http://www.immunizecolorado.com/ - you can search for flu clinics on this site but the listing doesn't seem very complete to me.

http://www.longmontclinic.com/frame.cfm?section=community - The Longmont Clinic's flu shot info

http://www.rockymountainurgentcare.com/ - I've never heard of this one but apparently they have an office opening in Longmont on December 1st and will start off with a flu clinic. The first 100 people in line that day will get their flur shot for free!

http://www.co.boulder.co.us/health/hpe/iz/clinicinformation.htm - Info on clinics from Boulder County Public Health Dept - these seem to be the cheapest.

King Soopers - The King Soopers search site for locations offering flu clinics

Safeway - The Safeway search site for flu clinics dates and locations

Hope that helps!

Friday, October 19, 2007

Safer Toys

Ok, so this isn't specific to Longmont, of course, but it interests me as a mom so I thought you might like to know about it too! We've all heard about the massive toy recalls lately - mostly China-made toys and mostly because of lead paint issues. Well, this site - http://www.coolmompicks.com/safertoy07/ - put together a list of safer toys either because they're made out of organic material or made in the USA. And, if you're a penny pincher like me and your first thought is "organic? Yeah, I'd love to be greener but I don't have a lot of green" then this list will be a pleasant surprise for you - they have a bunch of discount codes at the bottom! And, while I'd love for you to spend your money in Longmont instead of on the web, I still think you should check it out - might give you some great ideas for Christmas presents! :) Enjoy!

Wednesday, October 17, 2007

Ice Skating

[Edited 1/12/08 - I see a lot of you end up on this page through Google searches so I thought I'd point out that I posted updated information about Longmont's ice rink here. Happy skating!]

One of our favorite winter activities was cut during the City of Longmont's recent budget cuts - the Roosevelt Park Ice Pavilion! Boo hoo! So, since we no longer have access to ice skating here in Longmont I thought I'd post some info on other rinks in the area (borrowed from last year's listing in the Yellow Scene):

WinterSkate
Many of us have to stretch our belts during the holidays, and Winterskate is no exception. They’ve pushed the walls back for a bigger surface than the old 100'x55' rink. They still offer FREE carriage rides on weekend nights and also show holiday movies on a large projection screen. Heat lamps keep the Pavilion’s tables toasty. Concession stands ply caffeine, sugar and the occasional carbohydrate. Rink opens Nov. 18 and stays frozen through February, weather permitting. Skate until 10 p.m. Thurs-Sat, 8 p.m. during the rest of the week. Steinbaugh Pavilion, 824 Front St., Louisville, 303.449.3137, http://www.bouldercreekevents.com/.

One Boulder Plaza Ice Rink
It’s small and sometimes crowded, but open until 10 p.m. Fri-Sat, 7 p.m. Sun-Thurs. Season runs Nov. 17 – Feb. 19. 1301 Canyon Blvd., Boulder, 303.209.3722, http://www.oneboulderplaza.com/.

Boulder Valley Ice
BVI is Boulder County’s only full-size (200'x85') NHL rink. It has public skating and drop-in hockey. No “season” here, these hockey die-hards skate year-round, hosting almost a half-million rink rats annually. Call or check the web for times. 125 Superior Way, Superior, 303.494.4777, http://www.bvice.com/.

Boulder Valley YMCA
Members skate free, but drop-in rates ($5 youth, $8 adult) are pretty reasonable for non-members as well. Check the Y's website for a full schedule of hockey, lessons and skate times, but don't worry, the 7:40- 8:45 p.m. Tuesday night pick-up broomball session still makes the cut. 2800 Dagny Way, Lafayette, 303.664.5455, http://www.ymcabv.org/.

CU Boulder Rec Center Ice Rink
If you are student, know a student, or can bribe the student working the desk, this rink is for you. Located just west of Folsom Field, Boulder, 303.492.7467.

Ice Centre at the Promenade
When the going gets tough, the tough might get going, but they stop paying to name ice rinks. It’s not the Sun Center anymore, but the ice is still cold. Three NHL-worthy sheets, public skating and drop-in hockey sessions. Call or check the web for times. 10710 Westminster Blvd., Westminster, 303.469.2100, http://www.icecentre.com/.

Broomfield Event Center
Rather watch pros lace it up? Catch the newly-minted Rocky Mountain Rage CHL hockey team. The puck drops on their home opener Nov. 10 against the Tulsa Oilers, with another thirty-odd home games following through March. 11450 Broomfield Lane, Broomfield, 303.460.8800, http://www.broomfieldeventcenter.com/.

By the way, that Yellow Scene link mentioned above (http://www.theyellowscene.com/Editorials.asp?feature=Winter+Sports+Guide) also lists area sledding hills, ski resorts, and cross country ski destinations if you're interested! :)

Crackpots storytimes and classes

From the Crackpots website:

"Paint Me a Story

Join us for story time and painting just for pre-schoolers ages 2 to 5 years old. Each scheduled storytime, we’ll read a fun, age-appropriate book and paint a corresponding ceramic piece. Story will begin promptly at 11am, so please arrive on time. Pre-paid reservations are recommended. Class size is limited, so call us at 303-776-2211 to reserve your child’s spot! Tell your friends too!

Cost: $12 (+tax)/child
Time: 11am to Noonish (Please be prompt so you don’t miss the story!)

Monday Dec. 3rd or Thursday, Dec. 6th
We'll Read: Bear Stays Up for Christmas by Karma Wilson & Jane Chapman
We'll Paint: 2 Ornaments
It's the day before Christmas, and Bear's friends have gathered in his lair to wake him up to celebrate the holiday. They get a tree, pop corn, bake fruitcake, hang stockings, and hum songs. The others doze off, but Bear keeps busy wrapping presents, baking cookies, and decorating, unaware that a certain plump, red-suited gentleman is watching from outside the cave.

Monday Dec. 17th or Thursday, Dec. 20th
We'll Read: Benny, by Sieb Posthuma
We'll Paint: Dog Collectible
Benny has lost his favorite bone. Normally, he'd find it with the help of his trusty nose, but his snout is out of commission. Sharp-eyed children will notice that he has a runny nose and will sympathize with the pooch with the common cold… then they can paint their own pup.
NOTE: Due to the 5-day turnaround required to fire your ceramics, pups painted on Dec. 20th are not promised to be fired in time for Christmas."

We went to two of these over the summer and they were great fun! As of today they still have spaces available!

They also have classes for older kids:

Holiday Classes

"Join us for some great holiday classes for kids ages 6 to 14 years. To ensure a great experience and fantastic product from every student, class sizes are limited. Pre-paid reservations are required to reserve your spot…. So sign up soon!

We will be happy to issue studio credit for any reservation cancelled within 72 hours of the scheduled class. Classes with less than 6 students may be cancelled, so please tell your friends! For kids classes, prompt pick-up at end of class is required or additional charges may apply.

HOLIDAY HANDPRINT PLATE
When: Mon., Nov. 19th - 10am to 11:30am
Cost: $25 (+tax)
Get into the holiday spirit! Kids 6 to 14 can join us to make a fabulous holiday keepsake that will be the talk of the holiday dinner table.

SECRET SANTA WORKSHOP & PIZZA PARTY
When: Friday, Dec. 7 – 5:30pm to 7:30pm
Cost: $30 (+tax) per child
Join us for our 5th annual Secret Workshop! Drop off the kids (ages 7 and up) so they can make you a surprise gift! Our Crackpot elves will help your child create a one-of-a-kind masterpiece that you'll cherish forever! (And maybe you can get some gift-wrapping done yourself!)

This 2-hour workshop includes:

Yummy pizza and treats to feed our creativity!
Painting, glazing & firing of one piece of pottery from a selection of great gift items.

Ideas and direction from our staff of Crackpot elves.

All materials to make giftwrap and a card for their gift.

Our elves will wrap the gifts in the kids' very own handmade giftwrap so when you pick up their masterpieces (1 week later), the secret gift is safe inside and ready to put under the tree!
TIP: Please make sure kids know in advance of class who will be the lucky recipient of their creative Crackpot gift!

RESOLUTION JAR
When: Thursday, Jan 3rd - 10am to 11:30am
Cost: $30 + tax
2008 Resolutions will be close at hand in this fabulously creative pot! The perfect way for kids 6 and up to get a creative start to the new year and have fun during their winter break."

Our kids are still too young for this but they sound like fun too! :)

Haunted Houses

It doesn't seem like there are any haunted houses in Longmont but The Yellow Scene has a list of some others around the area that might be worth the drive! Check out the list here: http://www.theyellowscene.com/oct07_archive/halloweenlistings.html. Enjoy!

Monday, October 15, 2007

Christmas/Winter Holiday activities

Celebration of Lights & Holiday Window Walk
Friday, November 30, 2007
5:30 - 7 pm
Music & Tree Lighting Ceremony - 6th Ave Plaza, 6 PM
Holiday Window Walk
Main St. between 2nd & Longs Peak Ave.
Kimbark to Terry Streets and all avenues between
Contact LDDA 303.651.8484 or visit http://www.dolo.org/

Longmont Lights: Santa's Workshop
December 7th
6 - 8 pm
St. Vrain Memorial Building, 700 Longs Peak Ave
Kids 8 and under, together with their parents, can visit Santa in his workshop. Parents and kids will be making toys, crafts and visiting with Santa. Don't forget your camera! This event is free but you have to pre-register by December 1st by calling 303-651-8404.

Longmont Lights in Roosevelt Park
December 7th from 5 to 9 pm and December 8th from 5 to 8 pm
Fireworks at 6:30 pm on the 8th!
700 Longs Peak Ave
303-651-8404
Community Services hosts this new light creation at Roosevelt Park. Walk around to view the lights and enjoy performers, bonfires and carriage rides!

Holiday Parade of Lights
December 8th, 5 pm
400 - 700 block of Main Street
303-651-8404
Great parade with over 60 entries including marching bands, street performers and costumed characters. And don't forget Santa! Don't miss the fireworks afterwards from Roosevelt Park!

Scottish Holiday Festival at Sandstone Ranch
December 15th
2 - 6 pm
Bagpipers will roam the grounds and animals will be in the barn for kids to enjoy. Inside the house there will be Scottish treats (mmm...shortbread!), storytelling and crafts. You'll learn the history of the house (which is situated behind the Sandstone Ranch Park facilities but over a small hill so most people never notice it).

Sunday, October 14, 2007

YMCA and Rec Center registrations

The Fall II session at the YMCA and the Winter session at the Longmone Rec Center are available for registration now! View the Rec Center's class schedules at http://www.ci.longmont.co.us/rec/activities/brochure.htm and view the YMCA's programs at http://www.longmontymca.org/Downloads/YMCA_Fall_07-PG.pdf. They both have great offerings for kids including swimming, tumbling, dance, preschool, babysitting, art, music, and more! Oh, and lots of fun stuff for adults too! :)

33rd Annual Turkey Trot

The City of Longmont sponsors this very fun 10K run and 2 mile fun run on Saturday, November 10th! Pre-register at all recreation sites. The races start at Westview Middle School. The 10K starts at 9 am and the 2 mile Fun Run starts at 9:25. The cost is 25 per adults and $23 for youth or seniors. Sounds like a great way to burn some calories after Halloween and before the thanksgiving feast! :) Check out this site for mre info: http://www.ci.longmont.co.us/rec/special/turkey.htm.

Day of the Dead events

The Day of the Dead is a Mexican holiday that celbrates the memories of those who have passed on. There are a couple of area events marking this holiday:

On October 25th, the Longmont Library will have a Day of the Dead storytime and craft from 6 to 8 pm. Kids (and adults!) over 3 can also make skull masks to celebrate.

On October 27th the Longmont Museum and Cultural Center will host a Day of the Dead events from 11 am to 5 pm. You can experience traditional Day of the Dead food, music, dance, sugar skull decorating, face painting and storytelling. The museum will also have a "La Ofrenda de los Muertos" exhibit running October 20th through November 4th with many interactive exhibits.

Wednesday, October 3, 2007

Come out, come out, wherever you are!

Can you believe this little blog has received over 350 hits in just 4 months? The posts on Discovery Days, Moms Groups and Birthday Party locations get the most traffic. So, I know you're out there reading! :) What other info can I help with? Leave a comment! In case you've never done it, click the link below that says "# comments" (like right now it says "0 comments") and then type away! :)

Discovery Days Update 2

At last night's City Council meeting the council decided to give Discovery Days $8500 of the nearly $19K they were asking for. That basically means that the program will remain the same (suggested $1 donation) through this school year but starting in September 2008 there will be at least a $3 fee per child per visit. Just thought you ought to know... :)

Pumpkin Dunk

The City has added more info about the Pumpkin Dunk to its webpage! It says:

Pumpkin Dunk
1201 Alpine St
303-651-8406

Saturday, October 13
5:00-7:00pm

Ages 3-12 years
Fee: $3.00 per person
Fee: $10.00 per family

Get a head start on your Halloween with our non scary Halloween themed swim for all ages. We have dimmed the lights but just won't hand out the candy, you have to earn it!. We will have many activities such as ship wreck, where you can guild a raft and float to safety, bob for apples, and much more. Join us at Centennial Pool and be prepared to get wet at this Halloween celebrations. Costumes are welcome.

Sounds fun. Has anyone ever been to this before? Leave a comment and tell us about it!