Open House and FREE Activities at Active Learning Center in Breinigsville!

On Saturday, July 13, from 9 a.m. to noon, Active Learning Center in Breinigsville will host an Open House, featuring children's music artist, Dave Fry. This event is FREE and open to the public.  

Starting at 9:30 a.m. Center Director, Jenna Godown, who has 24 years of dance experience  will teach a FREE Hip-Hop Class.   Class participants will be taught a routine for National Dance Day and with permission from parents, will be included in a video that will be entered into the National Dance Day competition in Los Angeles, California! 

Popular Folksinger and Family-music performer, Dave Fry will perform starting at 10 a.m.  Dave Fry has performed at Music Fest and other events around the Lehigh Valley. 

At 11:30 a.m. a FREE Martial Arts Class will be offered.  The Martial Arts program at ALC focuses on acquiring a strong set of moral values, developing an unbelievable non-quitting spirits and being aware of possible unsafe situations.

There will be lots of FREE things to do from cookie decorating, arts & crafts, to playing in the Moon bounce.  

This event is the first of its kind for ALC. The goal is to increase awareness about their programs as well as expose parents and children alike to their culture at ALC. They want families to experience first hand how warm and engaging their teachers are and experience the family atmosphere that exists in their centers.

It will definitely be a fun morning at ALC.  Space is limited so reserve your spot today. 

484-397-4095.

For more information about ALC and their programs or Lehigh Valley Martial Arts, please check out their website.

 

17 Fun & Free Things to Do This Summer in the Lehigh Valley

Like many parents, I am always on the hunt for things to do with the kids. It's an added bonus when, not only are we having fun, but it doesn't cost anything. (Who doesn't love free?) So, I scoured the interwebs in search of upcoming, free fun throughout the Lehigh Valley.

1. Allentown Art Museum -- Check out the Toulouse Lautrec exhibit. The museum offers free admission on Sundays, and kids 5 and under are always free.
2. Appalachian Trail -- Take the kids on a hike! You can pick up the trail on Rt. 309N.
3. ArtsQuest - Peas & Qs is a great family program at the SteelStacks in Bethlehem. Events start at 11:30; I recommend getting there a bit early to get a good seat.
   
4. Barnes and Noble -- Story time is offered Tuesdays and Fridays at 10:30 a.m. at the Lehigh Valley Mall location.
5. Bob Rodale Fitness Park -- You can't beat the giant sandbox at this park. The kids will love it!
   
6. Chick-fil-A -- Story times and family nights in Trexlertown at the Chick-fil-A on Hamilton Boulevard.
7. Concerts - Free concerts on select Saturday nights in Lower Macungie and on Friday nights in July at 7 p.m. at the Promenades.
8. Lehigh Valley Amateur Astronomy Society --August 13 at 7:30 p.m. for grades 6 - 12; free planetarium show at the South Mountain observatory.
9. Lehigh Valley Road Runners -- There are still a few kids races left this summer. Register online.
10. Lehigh Valley Zoo -- The Lehigh Valley Business group is sponsoring a free night at the Zoo on August 2nd. To register go to http://lvbgtakesoverlvzoo.eventbrite.com.
11. Parkland Library -- Keep the kids reading all summer long! The Parkland Community Library has a great summer reading club for kids 2 and up.
12. Promenade Shoppes -- Pack their bathing suits and play in the PopJet by Starbucks. Little ones go crazy for this water time play action. Open 11 a.m. - 5 p.m.
13. Promenade Shoppes Kids Day -- Enjoy free family-friendly activities on August 17 from 10 a.m. - 2 p.m.
14. Saucon Rail Trail -- Get out their bikes or go for a run! Great exercise and burns off energy (just in time for naps).
15. South Whitehall Township -- At 10 a.m. on Tuesdays and Thursdays, the township offers various free crafts and story times. Registration with the township building is requested.
16. Trexler Nature Preserve -- Forge the Jordan River and picnic at this free and picturesque spot.
    
17. Vacation Bible Schools - Check out our list of VBS programs.

For more information, check out the individual websites or click the embedded links above.

Do you have more events to share? What does your family like to do ... for free ... in the Valley? Share your events and ideas for fun below!

Losing Our Family Pet...how will my kids cope?

Let me start this by saying, I am not writing this post to gain sympathy.  I am writing this to share our experience as a family and to hopefully help others along the way.

A few days ago we had to euthanize our dog Finnegan.  Finny, as we called him, was recently diagnosed with Stage 4 Lymphoma.  We knew something wasn't right about 6 weeks ago but we simply made excuses of why he wasn't acting himself.  Then his Lymph nodes swelled up by his throat to the size of clementines and I just couldn't ignore it any longer.

Let me step back 5 years to give you some history on Finny.  Finny was actually the beloved dog of another family.  However, the little boy in this family had a terrible allergy to Finny.  So, unfortunate for them they had to find Finny a new home.  Fortunate for us, they found us through mutual connections and we were the proud owners of a 3 year old yellow Lab named Finnegan.

A few weeks ago, I took Finnegan to the vet to have him checked out.  Gut feeling from the doctor was that it was not good and a biopsy later revealed the Lymphoma.  Without treatment Fin would only have weeks to live.  We put him on temporary medicine to make him feel better, but this medicine made him urinate often and I am still steam cleaning my carpets.

My husband and I had an AWFUL decision to make.  Do we prolong the obvious for selfish reasons by keeping him on the medicine that gives him a temporary relief of disease?  Or do we put him down?  We went with the latter.

Telling our daughters who are 9 and 6 that they would loose their pet was much easier than expected.  In

Our Great Grandmother, Violette with my girls back in 2007

January, we lost our 101 year old grandmother (their great grandmother) and this was very upsetting to them.  However, in comparison to them this was not as upsetting.  Why?  At such young ages are they able to weigh the importance of a pet verses a person?  Heck, it was very upsetting to me...why weren't they upset?

So the awful deed is done and I miss my boy terribly.  He was my buddy.  He followed me everywhere I went; from the laundry room to the kitchen.  There is a void right now and our other dog Guiness seems a bit sad too.

Finnegan meeting Guiness for the first time when
we adopted Guiness from the Last Chance Ranch

I guess in hind sight, I am glad that my daughters are able to move past it.  I can hear them playing in their clubhouse now without a care in the world.  I sit here and type and I still miss my loyal friend.  But I know in the end I did the right thing by releasing him of his pain.  I'd like to believe he is running somewhere in the heavens with our other pets as they wait for me on the other side of the Rainbow Bridge.

To conclude, never under-estimate your children's ability to deal with a situation.  They may be little but with each life lesson they become stronger beings.  They are able to process, learn from it and move on.  And if you are lucky like I am, they will teach you a thing or two in the process.

We will miss you, Finny!

An Enjoyable Evening at The Schnecksville Community Fair



I had no idea that I could enjoy a fair so much and not break the bank while doing it.  Last year my family and I went to a local carnival (NOT the Schnecksville Fair) and spent $15 for each of my kids to ride 3 rides!!!  We didn’t eat, there were no exhibits other than the rides, and my daughter and son each rode on three rides.  Then we left.  Not the best experience I’ve ever had.  But last night we went to the Schnecksville Community Fair for the evening and had a whole different (and much more fun) time! 

Wood Carving Exhibit: Imagine how great that
bird looked upon completion!

For just $9 a person (See below for coupon), we had more than our money’s worth of fun!  We were generously given admission to the fair for free for writing this blog, but we also chose to purchase the $8 bracelet for our kids to ride the rides.  It was absolutely worth it, and the whole trip was great!

When we arrived, we were able to park very close to the gate.   As soon as we entered, there was a blow up slide, a ferris wheel, a miniature fun house, and an exhibit where a man was carving a tree stump!  We sat for a little while watching him carve the wood with a chainsaw… AMAZING!  The kids were even intrigued and entertained watching this exhibit.  My daughter went on the Ferris wheel and both kids went into the miniature fun house. 

Side note: those fun houses are not made for adults – a lesson I learned when I had to climb in to get my son, who panicked at the top!  Yet, he almost immediately wanted to go back in, and my daughter went through 3 times!

We continued our journey and encountered an area where there were antique tractors. This was, of course, a glorious treat for my truck/train/tractor loving son!  The kind men who were sitting with these tractors even allowed the kids to sit on some. 

We next encountered the dairy show that was occurring last night.  Young men and women were showing their cows and being judged on their and their heifer’s performance.  At 4 and 2, my kids were super excited just to see the cows and hear them moo!  But it was also interesting to hear about how they were judged and to see the young men and women who work with these animals. Each night of the fair, a different animal will be showcased, so although there probably won’t be cows other nights, there will be some type of animal for the kids to watch and enjoy!

We then moved on to riding more of the rides.  With the bracelets, the kids were allowed to ride as many rides as they wanted as many times as they wanted!  Let me just say that they rode way more than 2 rides!  My son was only able to ride the rides for the smallest children (over 32”), but there were plenty of those to keep him busy!  A mini train on a track, cars and motorcycles that zoomed around, bugs that went up and down while going around and around, a carousel, boats that went in a circle, and more were available for children over 32”.   

One of two Ferris wheels

The smiles on both of my kids’ faces were priceless!  They loved being able to ride the rides, and my husband and I couldn’t stop smiling while enjoying watching them have fun!

My daughter was tall enough to go on some of the “bigger rides” as well.  The next height requirement was 36”.  She told me many times that she enjoyed the dragon roller coaster the most!  She also rode a second Ferris wheel and mini teacups.  She liked being a big kid on the big kid rides!

And, of course, there are actual big kid rides there as well.  Rides that spin so fast they’d probably make me sick; rides that go upside down, a bigger fun house, a trampoline ride, and more!  In addition to all of the rides and exhibits, there is the great food and carnival games to enjoy as well!  We treated the kids to funnel cake to cap off the evening.  They loved it, and my husband and I did too!  Although we did not play any games or eat anything other than the funnel cake, there was a plethora of food and a great variety of games with prizes to try if interested.  I’m sure there were even other areas we may have missed due to having little kids with little legs and early bedtimes! 


The fair runs every night this week from 5PM – 11PM.  With all of the exhibits, rides, games, food, and fun to be had, it is a great night out for a very reasonable price!  So go! Have fun!  And don’t forget a camera because there will be moments and memories that you won’t want to miss!

ONE PARENT’S HOPES FOR THE CLASS OF 2026

As I sat there, in the audience of proud, smiling parents, I watched my five-year-old fiddle with her gown and hold her head high. When her teacher moved the tassel from the right to the left side, my daughter became a pre-K graduate.

This class of chubby-cheeked and energetic five-years-olds are our future. Our future high school graduates of 2026 and future college grads of 2030.

Graduation, June 2013.

So many questions filled my mind. 

What will these children grow to become? Lawyers, bloggers, teachers or doctors? How will technology change as they grow up? Where might they go to college? Will they still find time to play and laugh? Will they work to save the planet? End world hunger? 

Or, might these problems be solved before they are old enough to inherit them?

HOPES & DREAMS FOR OUR LITTLE ONES

I hope: that our children learn the difference between right and wrong, and understand that we all make choices and those choices make a difference. 

That they realize, for better or worse, that their actions can have a profound impact on others. That they maintain their innocence as long as they can. And, that they don’t just pursue happiness … they actually catch it.

I hope: that their teachers inspire them to seek out knowledge and instill in them an intellectual curiosity so strong that we know longer fear our children are behind the rest of the world. That they never lose that sense of wonder or the way their eyes light up when they discover something new.

I hope: that our schools stop cutting programs such as art, music and physical education so that our children can experience an awakening of the senses and enjoy all that life has to offer. That we all 

work together to improve the health of our children, making childhood obesity a distant memory.

I hope: that parents take a more proactive role in their children’s education, growth and development, so that teachers can teach and not have to parent. And, that our children learn to love learning and never stop learning. Ever.

I hope: that my daughter never loses her love of being with her family and always remembers how much she is loved. That she appreciates what she’s been given, and works hard to realize her passions and goals. That she develops courage, confidence and humility, and realizes her potential. That she remembers that true beauty comes from within. That she lives the life she wants, finds balance, embraces who she is and lives life to its fullest.

What are your hopes for our children? Our future?

A Whole Lotta Fun for a Really Good Cause!

Male or female, young or old, there’s something for everyone at the Junior League of the Lehigh Valley’s annual Trucks & More event.  My family certainly had a great time!  I admit, my son is a truck fanatic, so we knew we’d have fun.  But my daughter also loved

seeing, sitting in, and honking the horns of all of the cool vehicles at this event!  Trucks & More is an annual fundraising event for the Junior League of the Lehigh Valley.  At this event there are fire trucks, ambulances, dump trucks, tractor trailers, bulldozers, and so much more!  This year, the MedEvac helicopter was even there, and kids were allowed to climb in it!  There was also a K-9 police officer who did a presentation about his dog.  As soon as we arrived at Allentown Fairgrounds, my son spotted the Air Products tanker truck and began yelling “a tanker truck, a tanker truck. Look, a tanker truck!”  And that was just the beginning!

At a cost of just $5 per person, this amazing event was quite a bargain! The smile on my son’s face as he got to climb into a dump truck and honk the horn is a memory I won’t soon forget.  My daughter giggled like, well… like the little girl she is when she saw the remote control ambulance brought by Cetronia Ambulance Corps.  We walked around to all of the different vehicles and meeting the men and women who drive these vehicles.  It was fascinating for my husband and me to see the fire truck ladder 70+ feet in the air and talk to one of the firefighters who climbs that ladder when necessary.  We got to talk to and learn about a high-tech trailer that Lehigh Valley Health Network has that enables them to communicate with multiple emergency organizations at once.  We even got to learn a little bit about how some K-9 police dogs are trained.  Each child also got fitted for and given a free bicycle helmet after being educated about the dangers of head injuries.  And of course, no event would be complete without a little treat as well.  There was a truck there selling cupcakes that the kids loved!  It was truly a fun and educational morning for all of us, and my son hasn’t stopped talking about it!  The bonus is that it is also for a good cause!

The Junior League of the Lehigh Valley is a non-profit group that trains volunteers and works toward bettering the community, and educating and helping women in the area.  This amazing organization has donated approximately a million dollars to various Lehigh Valley charities, grants and projects over the past ten years!  Trucks & More is just one of its annual fundraisers.  Each Spring, the Junior League also hosts an American Girl Fashion show showcasing historical and current fashions for women.  This event was held in March of this year, but watch for it for next year!  They also hosted a Bunco Bash this spring to help with fundraising for their many generous programs.  Though these 3 big events have taken place already for 2013, they are annual events and will be sure to be a hit again next spring!

The Junior League uses the money raised at their fundraising events to provide amazing educational programs throughout the Lehigh Valley.  One of these programs is their Strong Moms Strong Girls program for tween girls and their caregivers.  The goal of the program is to empower these girls and women to handle conflicts and bullying appropriately.  What an amazing program!  They also have a Kids in the Kitchen program that helps teach kids and families about healthy eating!  These are just a few of the wonderful programs and fundraisers done by this extraordinary organization!  Check out their website to learn more about them and to find out what other fun events they have coming up!

Sign Language: Helping Babies Tell Us What They Want Without the Fuss

Six years ago, when my sister-in-law mentioned baby sign language to me, my initial thought was, "Really? That seems sort of hokey." Two kids later and this mom is very happy that both of my girls learned a few important words to sign. As a baby, we taught my 5 1/2 year old to sign and now she teaches her 18-month old sister "words," too.

My daughter learning how to sign Yogurt.

Baby signing has been a blessing and saved us from major tantrums! As parents, my husband and I began introducing signs when our girls were nearly 7 months old. Every time we offered a bottle, we would use the sign for Milk. By 10 months, both girls were using the sign for Milk when they wanted a bottle. Slowly, we began introducing more and more signs.

Dena Ruege is a Certified Instructor with My Smart Hands, and teaches sign language classes for hearing babies and children, ages 0 to 5. Recently, my family attended a free session at the Parkland Community Library to see what My Smart Hands was all about.

 

TOP BENEFITS TO TEACHING YOUR BABY TO SIGN

From my own experience, I can tell you that signing greatly increased my children's abilities to communicate. By giving them signs to use, such as Milk, Nap, All Done, More, Please, Food and Potty, they could tell me what they wanted without pitching a fit.

According to the My Smart Hands program, research shows that babies who sign:

1. Talk sooner
2. Have increased cognitive development
3. Have larger vocabularies and word retention
4. Experience less frustration, crying and tantrums
5. Show more interest in books
6. Engage in more complex play
7. Score higher on IQ tests (when tested around ages 7 to 8) 

 

SIGNING IS THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN COMMUNICATION & FRUSTRATION

Dena teaches the group the sign for Cheese

I thought that Dena put it best when she said, "Signing offers more communication and less frustration." That's absolutely the truth! Just think how different each day would be if your little one could tell you what he or she wanted.

During the 30-minute class, we learned how to sign the song "On Top of Spaghetti," as well as signs for various foods, including Grapes, Cheese, Milk, Cake, Cookies and Ice Cream. She also taught the parents and kids how to sign Thank You, Again, Hungry, Eat and many other everyday words.

 

WITH SIGNING, PATIENCE & CONSISTENCY ARE KEY

Kids will not pick up the signs after one introduction. It takes time and consistency to build up the association between the sign and the object. So, every time you offer your baby milk .... sign Milk. When you offer food ... sign Food. When you put them down for a nap ... sign Nap. Then, one day -- when you least expect it -- your child is going to sign and tell you what's on their mind.

And THAT is an awesome moment in parenting!

 

INTERESTED IN LEARNING MORE?

My Smart Hands is the first baby signing program to receive the Parent Tested Parent Approved award of excellence for their American Sign Language curriculum, and the program is available right here in the Lehigh Valley!

Dena offers an 8-week "Level I" class on Friday mornings and plans to start a weekend class soon. For families looking for more one-on-one time, she also offers private lessons at an affordable cost. More information is available at www.mysmarthandslehighvalley.com or by emailing Dena Ruege.

Get Creative... Go to Roey's Paintbox Parties!

Do you have a child who loves to paint, draw, etc?  Perhaps this child is a budding artist with true talent, or maybe they are just a preschooler who always wants to smear paint all over the paper. 

Have you ever dreamed of being an artist?  Maybe you’re already pretty good.  Or maybe, just maybe, you’re like me and realize that even your stick figures are pretty terrible!  Whatever your or your child’s level may be, you could be an artist and create a beautiful canvas at Roey’s Paintbox Parties.

I had never heard of Roey’s prior to my visit, but I can easily say that I will be telling all of my friends, family members, and anyone who will listen to check this place out!  I also can safely say that I will be going back there, both with my kids and without them sometime!  When I went recently, I was there with a mom’s club, so the focus was on the kids.  My daughter loves to paint and draw, and my son loves to get messy while pretending to paint or draw!  Needless to say, they both loved going to Roey’s Paintbox Parties, and they both came home with incredible paintings that we will all cherish! 

 Roey’s is located conveniently on Main Street in downtown Bethlehem.  It is just down from Hotel Bethlehem.  Upon arrival, I immediately was taken aback by the beautiful paintings on all of the walls, the doors, and even the steps.  I think my creative juices started flowing just by entering the unique and gorgeous rooms there.  When everyone had arrived, the kids were given smocks to wear and were instructed to sit in front of a blank canvas to get ready to paint.  Roey gave each child the paint they needed for the first step, and then she explained and demonstrated what the kids should do first.  And they were off!  With Roey’s clear instructions, the kids were easily able to paint beautiful cherry blossom trees! Although they were given step-by-step instructions so that their paintings really looked like cherry blossom trees, there was also room for creativity.  Each child’s painting still had its own unique flair! 

 

Approximately half way through the paintings, the kids took a break to allow the paint to partially dry.  While the paint was drying, Roey read the children a few books with beautiful painted illustrations.  The kids were captivated by Roey’s enthusiasm and energy while reading.  She was really great with the kids!  When the stories were finished, the kids returned to their canvasses to complete their masterpiece.  My daughter did her painting completely by herself, while I helped my son a little bit.  In the end, I brought home two happy children and two amazing canvas paintings that are now hanging in my living room! (Yes, they are actually THAT good thanks to Roey!)

Roey’s isn’t just for kids either!  There are open paint sessions every weekend, and often there are BYOB paint parties throughout the week and on weekends.  All sessions can be reserved through Roey’s Paintbox Parties website, but walk-ins are welcome as well!  There is a theme each week, and you can choose to paint the specified theme or create your own painting.  These programs range in price from $5 to $40, and it’s worth every penny!  You’d easily spend $40 on some mass-produced canvas “painting” at a department store, but you can create your own (along with the memories) at Roey’s for that much or less!  Plus, imagine the laughs and the joy you could have by painting with a bunch of your friends, or doing something unique on date night instead of the same old dinner and a movie!  Show that special someone your hidden talent instead!

As I mentioned, I attended a preschool program with a mom’s club.  Roey’s does lots of private parties for all different age ranges, but the preschool one was great!  Even if you just want to get a bunch of moms together and reserve a private party for the kids, it would be a blast!  And the preschool parties (you’re never going to believe this) are just $5 per child!!!  That includes the painting experience, the story time, and taking home a canvas masterpiece!  Now that’s a deal!  And just imagine your child’s face when he or she sees the canvas they painted displayed prominently in your home!

What are you waiting for?!  Check out Roey’s Paintbox Parties and show off your creative side!!

Great Playgrounds Abound in the Lehigh Valley

Spring is finally springing here in the Valley! And, it's about time. I don't know about you, but it feels good not to be cooped up in the house anymore. As a mom of two little ones, going to the playground is a welcomed treat, as well as great exercise and bonding time. With so many great playgrounds peppered across the Lehigh Valley, sometimes it's hard to choose which one to go to.

SOME OF OUR FAVORITE PLACES TO PLAY

• Lone Lane Park in Upper Macungie: This is a great place to play and one of our favorites. Lone Lane has soccer and baseball fields, basketball courts, a huge playground and a running / walking path through the woods.

• Cedar Beach Playground in Allentown: Every time we've been here, the playground is very crowded, as is the parking lot. However, my 5-year-old loves it! There is a lot to slide, climb and jump on, and the playground is right next to a walking path. To wind down after some serious playing, we like to take the girls to the nearby lake to see the ducks.

  

  Fall 2012 at Cedar Beach

• Bob Rodale Fitness Park in Trexlertown: While there is no playground, there is a huge ... no HUGE ... sandbox for the kids to play in. If you haven't been here before, it's worth going to. This is also a great park for family walks, jogging and bike riding.

• Macungie Memorial Park in Downtown Macungie: We used to live within walking distance of this great playground. Not only can the kids burn off some serious energy, the train runs by periodically for some added interest.

Here are some additional playground ideas from The Morning Call. 

RECOMMENDATIONS FOR PLAYGROUND FUN

Here's a little insight: I get nervous when I take my kids to crowded places. Therefore,  I dress them in bright colors when we go to the big playgrounds. This helps me easily spot them while they are running around like crazy banshees or playing hide-n-seek on the equipment with other kids. Other ideas include:

1. Dressing in layers. It's still a little chilly out, so I have been dressing the kids in layers. This way, as they start to sweat, we can peel off layers. 
2. Bringing water bottles. I've seen so many parents without water for their red-faced kids that have just ran non-stop for 30 minutes. It's important for the little ones to stay hydrated ... pack a water bottle and remind them to take water breaks. 
3. Giving a 10-minute warning. Before you're ready to pack everyone back up in the mini-van, let them know the end is near. I've seen plenty of children pitch royal fits when mom or dad says, "Let's go now!" Kids need a little heads up when the fun's about to end; try to avoid being so abrupt with your little people. 

Climbing high at Lone Lane Park

WHERE DO YOU LIKE TO PLAY?

What are some of your kids' favorite playgrounds? Do you have any recommendations for our readers? 

Feel free to share your thoughts in the comments below.

The Franklin Institute...a "not so far away" treasure.

Every once in a while, my family & I get the "itch" to leave the Lehigh Valley.  Crazy, right?  Why leave the Lehigh Valley?  We've got everything right here!

Yeah, well a few weeks back we headed down to the Franklin Institute in Philadelphia.  My husband & I had visited many years ago, pre-kids.  But the recent television advertisements about the Titanic Exhibit had wet our appetites enough to make the trip.

So we packed the kids up, jumped on I-476 and we were at Pat's Steaks in 1-1/2 hours.  Pat's Steaks?  That's right, Pat's Steaks.  Since we were making the trip, we decided it warranted a trip to Pat's.  

Ah Pat's Steaks...The Cheese Steak Sandwich that can't be duplicated ANYWHERE!  All that glorious cheese mixed with that heavenly steak on a warm roll... my mouth is watering just thinking about it.

OK, where was I?  Right, the Franklin Institute.  

The day of our visit was a particularly busy one and the on-site parking garage was full.  Five blocks later we dumped the car and we headed to the museum.  We enjoyed our stroll, checking out the nearby shops and eateries.

Upon our entry we saw Ben Franklin, one of the founding fathers of the United States.  A man of many trades.  It totally makes sense why he sits at the front door.  A man responsible for many of the major steps in history:  the lightning rod, bifocals, and the theory of electricity.

After winding through the halls, we found ourselves in front of Maillardet's Automaton.  WOW!  What an incredible piece of machinery!  I saw a TV show about the Automaton, so I knew about it before seeing it at the museum.  I highly recommend checking it out on the the museum's website.  The Automaton imitates life by mechanical means.

Next we browsed the section with all of the pulleys & gears.  My girls just LOVED touching all of the displays.  And that is what is really cool about the Franklin Institute...most exhibits are totally touchable!

We wandered from floor to floor and ended up in a huge room dedicated to Electricity.  The kids LOVED being able to see how electricity worked, especially when I became the conductor for a static charge and jumped from the shock.  :)


We hit the Train Factory next, which was my 6 year old's favorite part of the museum.  There was a display which allowed you to see how coal turns into energy and both my girls really enjoyed this.  We also liked touring the locomotive and touching all of the levers and turning the knobs inside.

But my absolute FAVORITE part of the museum was Fel's Planetarium!  Space junk, planets, constellations are some of the titles they show, and I LOVE IT!  I could have sat in there for hours staring at the state-of-the-art aluminum dome.

Well, I have to say, the Franklin Institute was totally worth the trip.  But I won't lie, it is definitely a whole day event if not more.  If you have the option of staying over at a hotel, I would highly recommend in doing so. There is a TON of things to see and do and this blog only scratched the surface.

Be sure to plan your visit by checking out their website first.  This will allow you to prioritize what you want to see, whether an exhibit or show in the planetarium or IMAX Theater.

Many thanks to the Franklin Institute for this opportunity!  In the spirit of full disclosure, I received tickets in exchange for a review of the museum.  However, all opinions are my own and have not been influenced in any way.

Not Your Father's Game Preserve

I remember going to the Trexler Game Preserve with my father when I was a little girl. Or, more precisely, I remember leaving the Game Preserve. Driving through the creek to exit was always the highlight. Wondering if we were going to be washed away in the car. Craning our necks to see down to the water as we drove through. Yelping as dad pretended to lose control of the car. Good times.

I promise you still get to drive through the creek to exit the new Lehigh Valley Zoo, but it will no longer be the highlight of your trip. In fact, I really had to drama it up to get a reaction from the rooks who were completely tuckered out after hours at the zoo.

And yes, I said zoo! You know how you used to have to schlep all the way to Philly to take your kids to a zoo with real animals? Not anymore.

Want to see a zebra or an emu or a crocodile or a camel or a horse or some-manner of horned, four-legged mountainy creature? Just head up Route 309.

Want to walk along a path lined by only a rope close enough to touch a kangaroo? Just turn off Route 100.

Want to watch wolves feed on an actual deer? Ok … want to stand on a lovely walking path basking in the beautiful spring sunshine while your children safely watch wolves feed on a deer a mere 2 feet away? Just do it!

Because this, moms & dads, is the absolute best part about the Lehigh Valley Zoo. It’s in the Valley! You do not have to chain your children to your hip for safety. You can watch them follow the sea otter around and around while you sit and take photos. You can enjoy the stroll as they race toward the penguins. You can ….wait for it … relax and actually enjoy your outing as much as your kids.

No seriously. The rooks and I did just that on April 6^th when we attended Opening Day at the Lehigh Valley Zoo. I have to admit that I was skeptical over my impending level of enjoyment because 1) I do not like animals and 2) I am not that much fonder of crowds. I know; so why was I going to a zoo? Because my rook girl loves animals. She loves animals the way all pre-teen girls love animals … times about 100. Oh, and she has this thing for wolves.

On Saturday, she learned all about wolves. She watched wolves eat a deer. She got to enter a wolf howling contest. She touched a wolf pelt. She begged for a stuffed animal wolf in the gift shop. She debated her case as to how wolves are really friendly if approached properly, and we should be allowed to pet them. She learned how to lose a debate with grace. It. Was. Fantastic.

Oh and the rook boy had a blast too. His favorite part of the day was the playground. Yep, a full playground with swings and slides and a merry-go-round. It is right next to the large sandbox-like area where kids can dig up dinosaur bones. Right next to the petting zoo. And right in the middle are benches and a beautiful gazebo and a large pavilion. This is where I sat and watched each rook run this way and that enjoying everything at their individual will and pace. Because I could see each child at all times. Not even seeing Dr. Doolittle’s pushmi-pullyu could beat that.

So go to the new Lehigh Valley Zoo. Enjoy your day trip with the kids. You've earned it!

Not convinced? How about now ….

You can bring in your own food or drinks, and the food at the Bison Prairie Grill is not grossly over-priced. (Nor are the gift shop items.)

There are several beautiful and peaceful places to sit and eat or just enjoy nature.

You can pet a turtle or a possum at the Bison Auditorium or touch a snake at the Zoomagination Deck.

Parking is free. Yes, FREE!

Leaving is a picturesque climb through the mountains past bison and elk which drops you off right on Route 309; rather than a stressful creep down Girard past strange men selling bottles of warm water which drops you off right in the middle of the ironically named Schuylkill Expressway.

You can adopt a penguin, or attend a summer camp, or spend the night at the zoo. (This sounds so cool!)

There are more Zoo Signature Activities and Events than there are feathers on a peacock.

There are special prices for grandparents who bring their grandchildren. (Oh yeah, I'm talking to you, Grandpa Castle. When was the last time you traversed the treacherous Jordan Creek??)

The zoo is open year-round with incredible rates as well as fantastic membership plans.

Seriously? Why have you not gone to the zoo website yet? Go. Buy tickets. Take the kids this weekend. They are having a Party for the Planet this Saturday the 20^th.

You will want to thank me, I promise.

Instead … buy your child a stuffed wolf and say it’s from my rook girl. Then they can fawn over its cuteness via Instagram posts. If you don't understand, congratulations on not having a pre-teen daughter. Go adopt a prairie dog instead.

StoryPirates.org: Channel Your Child's Inner Writer

Do you ever wonder what your kids will be when they grow up? A lawyer? Doctor? Teacher? My husband and I swear (hope?) that one day our girls will use their creative talents. We both work in marketing, and grew up with a strong appreciation for art and literature. At five, my oldest loves reading, drawing, playing the drums and putting on shows. At one, my youngest already exhibits creative abilities and has painted several mini-Picassos.

Our little family also enjoys music. The hubs is a big Avett Brothers fan, and I love Billy Joel and Ryan Adams. However, in the car, we often give into our oldest's request to listen to Kids Place Live (KPL), channel 78 on SiriusXM. One of the featured vignettes that we like best is the Story Pirates.

All rights reserved by storypirates

WHY WE LOVE THE STORY PIRATES

The Story Pirates are an acting troupe based out of New York City that encourage young writers to write and they also perform for children. On KPL, they take real stories that have been submitted by kids (for kids) and act them out during the Absolutely Mindy Show. We all enjoy the stories ... wow, the imaginations that some kids have! I just love it.

I think this quote sums them up best:

“The Story Pirates teach kids a love of creative writing.  It helps kids to see that their words and ideas are really important.  I believe that what the Story Pirates are doing is helping America, nay, humanity – helping humanity itself. It’s crazy entertaining.”
- Jon Stewart, The Daily Show

OUR RECENT STORY PIRATES SUBMISSION

I'm proud of my daughter's imaginative story and am grateful that we can share it with you via Lehigh Valley Family Fun. My hope is that you'll be inspired to sit down with your little one and ask them to tell you a story ... any story ... while you write it down or record it on your smartphone to transcribe later. So, without further ado, I give you The Giant Onion, as told to me by my five-year-old aspiring writer: 

THE GIANT ONION BY AVA

Once upon a time, there was a onion that got thrown into the woods. Every year, when it rained and sunshined, it grew and grew. One morning a little girl woke up and looked outside her window. She saw a giant onion.

Giant onion illustrated by Ava's Mom

She went outside her front door and saw the giant onion walking around the town and destroying the place. Her dad and mom woke up and they saw it too. The onion was destroying all of the grocery stores!

They were afraid they'd have no food left. The family walked to find the farm. The farm was not there, but the onion was. The onion smashed the farm! So, they got a giant rope and lassoed the onion. They spun the onion around and around until he spun into outer space and landed on Onion planet.  

Everyone was now safe and they lived happily ever after. 

Are you interested in submitting your little author's story? Here is the link to send it to the Story Pirates. I hope that some child from the Lehigh Valley is featured on the air and that we all get to hear it!