Young Chef Academy - 2/13 Event

Are your kids out of school on Friday - here is an activity to add some fun to their day off.

Breakfast for Mom & Dad Workshop
Kids learn to make Linzer-Heart French Toast, Strawberry Banana Sippers.

Friday, February 13th
11:30 - 1:00 pm
Ages: 5 + Up

Cost: $20 Current Members; $30 Non-Members; $15 each sibling

www.youngchefsacademy.com/millcreek

February is Dental Health Month

Make sure that your children have their next dental appointment scheduled.

Click here to learn more about the benefits of dental health and starting early at the new American Dental Association website for kids. http://givekidsasmile.ada.org/

Also contact your dentist to see if they have any offers to get kids excited about dental health.

Everett Park and Rec - Sign-up Online Feb 9th

Spring registration begins online on Monday, February 9th for Spring 2009 courses through Everett Park and Recreation. The best swimming lessons in Everett at the best price is at Forest Park Pool. But in order to get registered, you need to be online at 7AM on Monday, February 9th. So check your mailbox and review the catalog to see if any classes will fit into your schedule.

Great classes to look in to:

• Swimming - these are great and can't beat the price!
• Baseball
• Creative Dance
• Gymnastics
• Cooking
• Day Activities

Go to http://signmeup.everettwa.org/Start/Start.asp?SCheck=460265111&SDT=39849.8600034722 to get started.

For more info on swimming at Forest Park - read my previous blog post http://evergreenmomma.blogspot.com/2009/01/swimming-lessons-at-forest-park-pool.html

Read to Dogs at the Everett Public Library 1/19

This is a time honored tradition to many of the local kids in Everett who regularly visit the library and now of this. Read to dogs that are specifically trained to "listen" to people who read to them. This is a fun activity and reminds children of the importance of reading and how it can be fun.

Free to "dog readers" and people they bring.

Paws to Read
Everett Library, Evergreen Branch
9515 Evergreen Way
425-257-8030

Recommended ages: 6 and up

Clay Activities for Toddlers at Kids n' Clay

I usually do not post events or activities that are only available during regular working hours during the week. But this activity seemed so great that possibly some of you that are reading this might have this day off or can post-it note it for future days that you many have off from work.

Every Thursday and Friday, Kids 'n' Clay in Lynnwood offers clay activity day for younger children. The activity session begins at 10am and is $10. This is a great opportunity for younger children to experience the textures and work on sensory play with clay at a place other than your house. That is the best part, to let them to something notoriously messy somewhere other than our house.

For more information and to confirm the days, time and price contact Kids 'n' Clay at 425-673-2529.

Swimming Lessons at Forest Park Pool

If you signed up for winter swim lessons at Forest Park Pool in Everett, they begin this week. I was double-checking for myself and thought I would post a reminder.

For any of you that have not signed up for these classes, these are very affordable swim lessons in a great environment. We have signed up our oldest daughter there for many sessions and the only problem that we have is remembering to sign her up at the right time. The only way to really ensure getting a class booked is to go online the morning that online registration opens. You need to be ready to go with your Everett Park and Rec login and password and know what class you are looking for.

There may be classes still available for winter session but if not then look for your Everett Park and Rec LIVE OUT LOUD booklet. These can come directly in the mail to you or you can pick one up at one of the Everett libraries.

Classes range are about $3.25 per class (!) which is a bargain and usually run anywhere from 7 to 10 weeks. Ages range from 6 months to 16 years for all different levels of classes.

Frosty Snow Day Surprise at Imagine Children's Museum 1/10/09

Frosty may have melted at your house but he is arriving at Imagine Children's Museum on Saturday, January 10th for a fun surprise.

What you need to know:
-Registration required
-Permitted for ages 4 - 12
-Time is 6pm - 10:30pm

Activities include:
-Dinner with Frosty and friends
-Winter workshop
-Frosty's kitchen
-Frosty Games
-And much more!

Go to http://www.imaginecm.org/page.php?id=158 for more info.

Rocking New Years Eve (Day) Party at Imagine Children's Museum

The Everett Children Museum Imagine is having a Rocking New Year's Eve Party during the day for all of the local kids that are on winter break. The festivities are running from 12pm-4pm on Wednesday, December 31st.

Activities include:
Making party poppers, 2009 silly glasses, party hats, noise makers and much, much more!

Imagine Children's Museum is open from 10am - 4pm on the 12/31 and closed on New Year's Day.

Let your kids celebrate in a crafty way before the big night where they can wear their new party accessories!

Young Chefs Academy - Holiday Fun 12/19, 12/20, 12/22, 12/23

Young Chefs Academy in Mill Creek, WA has holiday workshops that are sure to keep your kids in the festive spirit this weekend and next week.

Holiday Cookie Exchange Workshop
Friday, Dec. 19th, 6:00 - 7:30 pm
Snowball, Gingerbread and Sugar Cookies
Cost: $30 first child; $15 each Sibling

Candy Cane Workshop
Saturday, Dec. 20th, 2:00 - 3:30 pm
Peppermint Bark, Chocolate Peppermint Pinwheel Cookies
Cost: $30 first child; $15 each Sibling

Gingerbread House Workshop
Monday, Dec. 22nd, 10:00 - 11:30 pm
Make a gingerbread house to take home!
Cost: $30 first child or $40 per family and make 1 house.

Nativity Scene Workshop
Tuesday, Dec. 23rd, 10:00 - 11:30 pm
Make a gingerbread nativity scenes to take home!
Cost: $30 first child or $40 per family making 1 scene.

Hurry and sign up now to reserve a spot.
http://www.youngchefsacademy.com/

Friday Night Live at Imagine - Dec 26th

The 3rd Friday of every month is called Friday Night Live at the Children's Museum in Everett. This month due to the weather, it is being postponed until next Friday, December 26th. Take a break from the post-Christmas wind down and let the kids burns off some steam - for FREE!

Admission is free during Friday Night Live and hot dogs, soda and cookies are available for purchase. (Free admission only offered during 5:30pm-9pm on December 26th.)

Local Christmas Tree Farms

I remember the good ole' family tradition of going out to the Christmas tree farm in Arlington and cutting down our family Christmas tree. We would ride the tractor out to find the perfect tree and run around asking "Is this the one?" to every tree in our path. Then as my mom and dad were paying for the tree we would sip down hot apple cider that would burn our mouth and we would stuff our pockets with miniature candy canes.

If any of this sounds familiar and you are looking for that perfect tree...try one of these tree farms in the area. Information has been taken from Pacific Northwest Christmas Tree Association. (http://www.nwtrees.com/choose_and_cutframe.htm)

ALAN ACRES TREE FARM 2
7314 36th Ave. N.W. Stanwood, WA 98292 alanacrestrees@yahoo.com
Location: Take freeway exit 212 from I-5, west toward Stanwood, 1-3/4 miles, turn right on 36th Ave. N.W. for 1/2 mile.
Species Available: Noble, Douglas-fir, Grand, Fraser, Alpine spruce.
Services: Saws, Wreaths, Coffee/Beverage, Gift shop, Restrooms, Trees baled, Holly.

FARMER BROWN’S TREE FARM
12017 109th Ave. NE Arlington, WA 98223-www.brownxtree.com
Location: Take I–5 Exit 199 (Marysville) 528 east, Hwy 9 north to 84th St. NE, east to 99th Ave. NE, north to 124th St NE. Follow Signs. Or east of Hwy 9 at 132nd St. NE, 6 miles south of Arlington.
Species Available: Noble, Douglas-fir, Grand, Fraser, Norway spruce, Colorado blue spruce. Services: Saws, Wreaths, Coffee/Beverage, Cutting assistance, Flocking, Gift shop, Restrooms, Trees baled, Tree stands, Bonfire, Food vendors.
Features: Large tree sizes: Up to 9’ all species

LOCHSLOY ACRES
5511 SR 92 Lake Stevens, WA 98258 - treefarm@lochsloyacres.com - www.lochsloyacres.com
Location: From I-5 in Everett go east on Hwy 2. Turn left on SR 204 at end of trussel. Turn left on Hwy 9. Turn right on SR 92. Go 3.9 miles, farm on right.
Species Available: Douglas-fir, Grand, Fraser.
Services: Saws, Wreaths, Coffee/Beverage, Cutting assistance, Restrooms, Trees baled, Fresh cut trees, Tree stands.
Features: Enclosed historic barn to get out of the weather and free candy canes.

PATERSON’S LAZY ACRES TREE FARM
1315-188th St. Arlington, WA 98223 - lpaterson@worldnet.att.net
Location: I-5 north of Everett Exit 206. Go west one mile, turn right on 19th. Do not cross railroad track. Turn left on 188th St NE. Farm is 1/4 mile on right.
Species Available: Noble, Douglas-fir, Grand, Fraser, Norway spruce.
Services: Saws, Wreaths, Hot cider, Restrooms, Trees baled.

PILCHUCK SECRET VALLEY CHRISTMAS TREE FARM
9533 Mose Rd. Arlington, WA 98223 www.pilchuckxmastrees.com
Location: Just north of Arlington. Take I-5 exit 208, go to Arlington. Take left onto Hwy 9 at light. Go 1 mile on Hwy 9, take right Armstrong Rd. Follow signs.
Species Available: Noble, Douglas-fir, Grand, Fraser, Nordmann, Concolor.
Services: Saws, Wreaths, Coffee/Beverage, Cutting assistance, Gift shop, Restrooms, Trees baled, Holly.
Features: Candy canes for kids, Hot dogs, Snacks, Coffee, Cider. Kid’s trees: Balsam fir, Cannan fir. Large tree sizes: 12-18’ Noble.

Reade Christmas Tree Ranch
7724 – 171st Ave. SE Snohomish, WA 98290
Location: Hwy 2- between Snohomish/Monroe east on Westwick Rd. for 2 miles, north on 171st Ave. SE for 1 mile. Turn under Bonneville power lines.
Species Available: Noble, Douglas-fir, Grand, Nordmann, Norway spruce.
Services: Saws, Wreaths, Coffee/Beverage, Cutting assistance, Restrooms, Trees baled, Fresh cut trees.
Features: U-Cut, Fresh cut, Shelter, Trees baled/netted, Hot beverage, Weekday senior discount.

ST. NICK’S TREES
Woods Creek Rd. & 74th Place SE Monroe, WA 98272 - (360) 794-5647
Location: Take U.S. #2 east to Monroe, go to Taco Time, turn left on Woods Creek Road. Follow signs 7 miles to farm. Species
Available: Noble, Fraser, Grand.
Services: Saws, Wreaths, Coffee/Beverage, Cutting assistance, Restrooms, Hay/Wagon/Trailer rides, Trees baled, Fresh cut trees.
Features: Free Christmas coloring book for the children.

Holiday Ships and Santa Cruises

I have heard about 2 local holiday events that are "water" based for people who are looking for something like this to experience this holiday season.

In Everett, the Christmas Lighted Boat Parade is on December 12 and 13th from 5pm - 8pm. This parade features boats of all sizes that are beautifully decorated and in our backyard. For more information on an exact location, call 425-259-8178.

Downtown, Argosy Cruises offers an array of holiday sails in the month of December until the 23rd. Cruises featured are the Santa Brunches and family dinner cruises. A complete list can be located at http://www.argosycruises.com/themecruises/xmasSchedule.cfm#schedule. This list also provides information on the choirs that will be caroling during that sail. Reduced priced sales are listed as value nights and can provide a savings if you are flexible on when you can go.

Check it out and set sail this holiday season.

Email Santa...

Have your children waited too long to mail Santa their wish list?

If so, they can email Santa at http://www.busymommy.us/santa and he will write them back with confirmation of receiving it. He has a special message and his email up and running ready to take wish lists online this year.

A message from one of Santa's elves.

Snowball Express and other Holiday Trains

I saw in a magazine an ad for the Snowball Express and for any of you with Thomas the Train lovers, this might be the holiday experience for you.

The train travels on the Mt. Rainier Scenic Railroad and departs from Mineral, WA. Information is available at http://www.mrsr.com/ or call 1-888-STEAM-11.

The train has a Santa car, with the "real thing" waiting to meet all passengers. The Santa car is decorated and there is hot chocolate, apple cider and cookies to munch on. Sing songs on the train and parents can enjoy the scenery. It sounds like a relaxing afternoon to me. The Snowball Express rides the rails 4 times per day every Saturday and Sunday until December 21st when Santa needs to make his way back to the North Pole.

Northwest Railway Museum's Santa Train boards in North Bend and idles along the track for 20 minutes to the Snoqualmie Train Depot. Santa is there to greet kids and parents, too. Trains board on Saturdays and Sundays from 9am to 3pm until December 20th. More info is available by calling 425-888-2206 or at http://www.trainmuseum.org/.

Lake Whatcom Railway Santa Train for train riders north in Acme. Contact 360-595-2218 for more info or go to http://www.lakewhatcomrailway.com/.

Santa Breakfasts - Downtown

Here is information on the traditional Santa Breakfast in downtown Seattle. I have heard from several friends that this is a tradition to add to every families event list. Many of them have been attending this breakfast since they were kids and now their children are going every year.

Description: A holiday brunch with a special guest

Dates: December 13, 14, 20 and 21

Times: 9:30am and 11:00am

Location: Sheraton Hotel and Towers, 1400 6th Avenue, downtown Seattle

Contact: 206-547-1290 is the Santa hotline to make reservations

The proceeds benefit the Arthritis Foundation Pac NW Chapter and is presented by Proliance Surgeons. (Our ENT surgeon that has done 2 of Katelyn's ear tube surgeries is with Proliance Surgeons in Bellevue - a great group of surgeons.)

Macy's Santa Holiday Show

There is a new cowboy in town, Grumpy Gus and he is here to take the fun out of Christmas for everyone. He learns about the Spirit of Christmas in this fun performance at the Downtown Macy's. This is a new production that Macy's is offering in conjunction with Caberet Productions. What a fun, holiday event to add to a day downtown...

Show times:
December 13, 14, 15, and 21 at 11:15am

Location:
Macy's, Downtown Seattle
Third Floor, Stewart Street Room

Ticket Prices:
Children 11 and under $10
12 and older $12

Each ticket receives a Macy gift card for $5 and and kids receive an additional free gift.

Call 206-506-4-Fun for tickets.

Night of the Elves - 12/20

How about a night out for you and night out for them, too?

The Imagine Children's Museum in Everett is hosting a Night of the Elves on Saturday December 2oth. It is jam packed with exciting activities for kids ages 4 -12 and is available only by reservation, so if you are interested I would sign up early. Treat yourself to a night out to finish up your Christmas list, enjoy a dinner out or go see the movie Four Christmas's (I loved this movie -absolutely hilarious!).

Here is the scoop:

Dinner with the Elves - Deck the Halls Pizza, Rudolph's Reindeer Carrots, Fa la la Fruit and Jingle Juice

Santa's Workshop

Mrs. Kringle's Kitchen

Frosty Games - Penguin Race, Icicle Hunt, etc.


Member Price - $40 first child, $20 for each sibling

Non-Member Price - $50 first child, $25 for each sibling



They say they sell out so book now and enjoy some time for yourself, even if it used for wrapping gifts!

Polar City at Imagine Children's Museum-12/22

It is always a good time at Imagine Children's Museum in Everett. The museum is a wonderland of discovery for children off all ages, through out the year. Right now there are holiday festivities that are coming up that are sure to be a good time.

Monday, December 22nd
Polar Party
-Carpet skating and polar sox making (sounds great and not sure what it is!). Special story time as well.

This activity is free with museum admission.

Gingerbread Village-Imagine Children's Museum 12/13 and 12/14

It is always a good time at Imagine Children's Museum in Everett. The museum is a wonderland of discovery for children off all ages, through out the year. Right now there are holiday festivities that are coming up that are sure to be a good time.

Saturday, December 13th and Sunday, December 14th

Gingerbread Village

-Make a gingerbread brick and decorate it for a gingerbread house at the museum. Special story time as well.

This activity is free with museum admission.

The Nutcracker Performance - Everett 12/18 - 12/21

The Nutcracker is a traditional event that many part take in during the holiday season. Here is a local version of the popular play that is performed by the Alderwood Dance Spectrum company at the Snohomish County PUD auditorium (2320 California Street). Tickets must be reserved through Alderwood Dance Spectrum and the prices are $15 for adults and $12 for children/seniors/military.

Performances:
Thursday, December 18 at 9:45am and 12:15pm
Friday, December 19 at 7:00pm
Saturday, December20 at 2:00pm and 7:00pm
Sunday, December21 at 2:00pm

Location:
Snohomish County PUD Auditorium
2320 California Street

Tickets and Sales, Contact:
Alderwood Dance Spectrum
425-771-2994
http://www.alderwooddancespectrum.com/

Please note that I have not attended this but plan to this year with my 4 1/2 year old. Check it out for local holiday fun!