How to Survive Bad Weather with Kids in the Lehigh Valley!

That's right, another snow storm. If you are anything like me, after multiple snow and ice storms, winter has now lost its appeal.  

Snow flakes hitting my face, once a blissful moment, now tends to turn my stomach. And the idea of being cooped up in the house, with the kids, can be trying.

But as we all know, being a Mom or Dad is a 24-hour job, even if the weather isn't cooperating. With that in mind, here is a list of fun things to do with your kids when Mother Nature has other plans.

Bake cookies!
A perfect way to warm up the home and make it smell yummy too! A special trip to the grocery store isn't always necessary. Many times I can find recipes based on the food items I all ready have at home. We have lots of fun recipes on our Pinterest page.

Get out those board games.

Remember those good 'ol games that are piled in your basement or hall closet? Some oldies but goodies?  Connect Four, Clue, Monopoly (love it) just to name a few.

Clean out those closets.
I have clothing that my daughter has outgrown piling up in my laundry room. A snowy day is a perfect time to gather up all outgrown or unwanted clothing and be a Consignor. A Consignor is a participant who sells new and gently-used items at local, seasonal sales events. There are many consignment opportunities coming up in the near future. The Kids Closet Sale is March 13, The Kid's Clothesline is April 4-6. The Clothing Tree is April 11-13, and Just Between Friends is April 12-13. Most events are looking for Consignors NOW.

Teach your children how to take photos.
Being stuck inside is a perfect opportunity to show your kids how to use a camera. I could spend hours looking out the window at the snowy landscape and capturing photos of it. Our friends at Dan's Camera City have great tips on their website for taking fun winter photos. A great way for kids to see things that they might not notice otherwise.

Get messy, try paper mache.
That's right, I said it. GET MESSY! Put an old table cloth on your kitchen table and let the kids go wild. Check out our Pinterest page for some fun ideas! Paper mache is super easy to make - Mix 1/2 cup of flour with 3/4 cup of water, old newspaper cut into strips - add 1/4 tbsp of salt to prevent mold and to make extra sturdy and 2 tbsp of white glue. Let it dry and then GET OUT THE PAINT! This is twofold messy fun and you will be the coolest Mom or Dad on the block! You can thank me later.  :)

Go sledding.
OK, so this is obvious. But sometimes you have to point out the most common things to those who need ideas. Sled for a little while and then make hot chocolate. This is a MUST DO in my house.

Make an Emergency Preparedness Kit.
Being prepared is a great thing. Ready.gov lists items that are commonly found in your home that could be set aside for an emergency; flashlights, batteries, water, etc. With the amount of homes losing power in a storm, this could help you and your family should the need arise. It is also a great opportunity to teach your kids the importance of being prepared.

Have a Snow Day Scavenger Hunt.
Our friends at Paper Bag Child have a list of items needed by local, Lehigh Valley charities. Check out the list and then do a family scavenger hunt in your house. You might just find a gently-used item, that you no longer use, that could help someone else in need.

So, I hope the above list helps you get through yet another snow day. Whatever you decide to do, do it together with your kids. You might just make a memory or two that will last a lifetime. 

Have fun!

Lehigh Valley Family Fun is a website resource for families of the Lehigh Valley! Like us on Facebook, follow us on Twitter and Pinterest.

What is Tai Chi?

The goal of Lehigh Valley Family Fun is to spread the word about great programs for kids and their families. One program that I was recently introduced to is Tai Chi by our friends at the Lehigh Valley Martial Arts (LVMA). 

What is Tai Chi?

Tai Chi is translated as the supreme ultimate force and seeing both sides of things. Some think of it as a cross between a moving form of yoga and meditation. It is the calm side of martial arts.

Different than traditional exercise, Tai Chi movement is circular and a person's positioning and muscles are relaxed.

LVMA has been offering Tai Chi since 2006.
"The Tai Chi program is designed to increase health and happiness, increase energy, be a simple, effective practice for stress management, a low impact and highly effective exercise.  It is also a great way to make new friends and make strong personal connections" says Sensai Dana Eldridge, Co-Owner of LVMA and Active Learning Centers. 

I had an opportunity to watch Shifu Crystal in action and was fascinated by the meditation aspect. 

Tai Chi instructors can be called different names depending on their level of instructorship: Laoshi and Shifu.

Laoshi, pronounced Low (like cow but with an “L”) Shir, which means “Teacher” and is used to show respect for our Assistant Instructors who are training for full instructorship.

Shifu, pronounced Shee-foo refers to a fully certified instructor. In traditional Mandarin it means “Father Teacher” as in Chinese society the father is the head of the household. This title is however, interchangeable between men and women and refers to a head instructor.

Classes are held Tuesdays/Thursdays at their Fogelsville location and Mondays/Wednesdays in Emmaus.  Tai Chi is for adults only.  However, if your children want to get involved there are martial arts classes for children at all locations.

Does this sound like something you might be interested in? Please contact LVMA for more information or to get started.

What is the Lehigh Valley's largest lake?

Do you know what the Lehigh Valley's largest lake is? Have you ever heard of Leaser Lake? Neither had we, until we spent a fantastic afternoon there. Located in the northwest section of the Valley, Leaser Lake is a great place for a quiet canoe ride, family picnic or catching minnows with the kids.

Paddling on Leaser Lake

A couple of weeks ago, I had seen a sign near New Smithville that mentioned paddle boats and Leaser Lake. So, when we were trying to find something to do with the kids over the 4th of July holiday, we decided to Google it and find out more.

Several years ago, Leaser Lake was drained so the dam could be repaired. Earlier this year, the lake reopened for the first time in three years for trout season. This is also the first season for Leaser Lake Boats, Bikes & Bait (LLBBB), which provide rentals seven days a week to outdoor adventurers.

WHAT'S NEW AT LEASER LAKE?

LLBBB is located at 8912 Levans Road in Kempton just behind Wanamakers General Store (which if you haven't done so already, be sure to stop in. Their sandwiches are delish!). You'll want to first visit LLBBB to pick out your rental and then head to the lake.

Rental options include kayaks (single or tandem), paddle boards, canoes, row boats, fishing rods and bikes. Prices range from $5-$10 per hour for bikes and $20-25 per hour for boats. My husband and I rented a canoe and purchased lunches from Wanamakers, and spent quality time with our girls ... all for less than $50!

Coming later this summer via LLBBB ... yoga on paddle boards while on the lake! That sounds both awesome and slightly dangerous at the same time. 

WHAT TO BRING TO LEASER LAKE

I'd recommend bringing a blanket and/or chairs to sit on if you plan to picnic; there are a few picnic tables, but we find it easier for our kids to have a place to sit on the ground, too. Water shoes, hats and sunglasses, and sunblock are a definite. It can be hot out on the boat with the sun reflecting off the water.

THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE YOU GO

There is no swimming at Leaser Lake and there's not much of a beach. It's simply a quiet place, away from all the hubbub of the busy community pools and more commercial lakes, where you can enjoy nature's beauty.

Connect with Leaser Lake Boats, Bikes & Bait on Facebook or visit their website for more information. Interested in learning more about Leaser Lake's history? Check out the Heritage Foundation site.

Discover the Magic of the New Crayola Experience in Easton!

Color, color everywhere ... The Crayola Experience (formerly known as the Crayola Factory) is still located at 30 Centre Square in Easton, but that's about the only thing that's the same. The renovated building offers a new layout, new activities and a nice, new cafe. Whether or not you've been there before, it's definitely worth a day trip!

FOUR FLOORS OF COLOR & MAGIC

On the first floor, you'll find ticketing and a huge, new store (some of you may remember the old store was connected to the Factory; the new store is where the former eating-meeting space used to be). From there, take the stairs or elevator to the second floor.

iPads are a great new activity!

The Art Alive room features tables of iPads for kids and parents alike, and today's theme was underwater. Once we finished drawing our octopus and sea turtles, something magical happened! The drawings leaped to an animated wall with all of the other sea creatures.  I could have spent a full hour just in this room. It was a fantastic blend of art and technology.

Also on the second floor is the Crayola movie room which shows the audience how a crayon is "born." The show happens every hour on the half hour, and is much more clever, interactive and upbeat than before. My daughter and her friend sat through the entire show ... captivated by the presenter and her two, colorful sidekicks. 

Waterworks & crayon boats

Floor three features a two-story playground, sidewalk chalk, activity centers, Doodle in the Dark (my favorite room!) and water works. From the playground area, take the stairs to the fourth floor to experience a real Meltdown.

The Meltdown floor doesn't mean it's a floor filled with crying kids. It's an entire space dedicated to melting crayons and turning the wax into a new art form.

 THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE YOU GO

If you have any old Crayola Factory tokens lying around, they will not work in the new machines. However, you can exchange them at the ticketing desk for new Crayola Experience tokens. These can be used to get markers, make your own crayons, and snag some model magic in a larger array of colors.

The Crayola Cafe is located where the McDonald's used to be. It's bigger, cleaner and offers a decent lunch selection, including pizza, hoagies, Naked brand juices, hummus, fruit and colorful cupcakes. 

I would recommend bringing a water bottle for the kids; there is a lot of climbing and dancing going on! Also, it's very busy. If you can get to the Experience on a weekday, just as it opens, you may have a better chance of avoiding large crowds. Here is more information on planning your visit to the Crayola Experience.  

FUN FACTS ABOUT CRAYONS

• Crayola crayons have been around for 110 years! The first crayons were made in 1903. 
• There are more than 200 different crayon colors, but only 13 label colors.
• The label machine can label 180 crayons per minute.

DISCOVER THE CRAYOLA EXPERIENCE

All in all, each of the four unique floors is dedicated to bringing out your child's imagination. Give yourself plenty time to enjoy each of the activities. This is one place you won't want to rush through.

Watch this YouTube video and see for yourself what makes the Crayola Experience a truly wonderful experience for kids of all ages.

Mom's Movie Review: Despicable Me 2

It was hotter than blue blazes today! So, instead of filling the inflatable baby pool, my gang headed to the AMC on Tilghman to watch a movie. This was the first time in YEARS that my husband had been to the movies and we brought our girls (5 years and 20 months). The heat must have definitely been getting to us ... we took a 20-month-old to the movies?!

We gave our oldest a choice: Do you want to see Despicable Me 2 or Monsters University? Secretly, I would have been happy watching either one of these, but was glad that she chose Despicable Me 2. I just love those little minions!



The movie is rated PG and seems to be well liked by the general public -- receiving four out of five stars on MSN Entertainment. I don't want to spill the beans too much, but here's the gist:

Dr. Gru is no longer evil ... he's a loving father to the three little orphans from DM1. There's another bad guy in town who wants to take over the world and uses the minions as part of his evil plan. Dr. Gru and girls save the day and the world! The end.

Oh, and there's a lot of jelly , fun new characters, guacamole and a princess party.

My crew really enjoyed this animated sequel. The baby almost lasted the entire movie and even laughed out loud a few times! Sure, the movie was probably not age appropriate for my toddler, but I do not regret taking her.

WANT MORE MINIONS?

For more details on Despicable Me 2 and to watch movie trailers, go to the official website. You can even create your own "InstaMinion" on Facebook (which I did, and it was fun and easy to do).

Have you seen Despicable Me 2? What did you think?

July Events for the Kids at Wegmans!

Just in case you didn't love Wegmans enough already ... here are six more reasons! Throughout the month of July, Wegmans, located at 3900 Tilghman Street in Allentown, will host events for the kids. Some are free, others cost
a small fee.

Photo from the Morning Call, mcall.com

 FUN EVENTS FOR THE KIDS AT WEGMANS

July 13
Story & Craft Hour
10 - 11 am
Free event

July 19
Story & Craft Hour
10 - 11 am
Free event

July 20
Breakfast with Sully from Monsters University!
9 am - 12 pm
Breakfast Bar available until 11:30 am @ $8.99 / lb

July 21
Breakfast with Sully from Monsters University!
9 am - 12 pm
Breakfast Bar available until 11:30 am @ $8.99 / lb 

July 27
Story & Craft Hour
10 - 11 am
Free event

July 28
Cooking with Kids, Make your own ice cream
3 - 4 pm
$5 / child, purchase tickets at the Service desk

Maybe we'll see you there! If you have any questions about these events you can visit or call the Customer Service desk, (610) 336-7900.

Arts, Crafts & Playtime? Yes, Please!

Motherhood is a glorious, joyful experience filled with love and kindness and a lot of tantrums … both from child and mom. The only people who ever say that raising little people is easy never had any. And the only thing harder than raising kids is entertaining them especially when they are little and home all .. day .. long.

How many of you moms out there were nodding along just now?? Well, last weekend I found a little gem that you are going to love. No really.

At 52 South Main Street in Nazareth, moms (and dads too) will find the entrance to Jelly Bean Town, USA. Your children will be so entertained upon entertaining that you will actually be able to – gasp – enjoy playing with them while not arguing or bartering or pitching tantrums! You won’t find jelly beans though, so read on for the scoop.

Jelly Bean Town USA is the vision of its owner, Tara Carson. It is, at its core, an arts and crafts center; but it is nestled inside a kid-friendly ‘town’ complete with a library, mail stop, dress-up center, grocery store, tool station and train table. A town whose every colorful detail is perfect and exact; thanks largely to its co-owner, Tara’s husband (vision-realizer & architect) John Carson.

You will see a bookshelf full of Dr. Seuss, a map listing capital cities, tables covered in art paper and supplies, several Purell stations, a water cooler, a coat rack and a clean bathroom. Your child will see the clouds on the ceiling, the jelly beans on the walls, the princess hat and knight mask, the balloons, the Legos, the trains, the huge chalkboard, and the stickers, oh and the STICKERS!! Together, you and your child will spend an afternoon laughing and creating and forgetting why you hate Barney and naps respectively.

And it is not just for the ultra-mini set. I brought along my Rooks (or little Castles), who are 11 and a half (so important to a girl) and 9. I knew my daughter would love the crafts. I was surprised to see how much fun my son had banging around in Tool Time and playing with the trains.

Jelly Bean Town, USA received 2 Thumbs Up from the Rooks. What better endorsement could you need?

Details:

Open Play Times are only $5 per child no matter how long you stay. (Seriously!!)

Monday 9:30a – 2p

Tuesday 11a – 5p

Wednesday 9:30a – 3p

Friday 9:30a – 2p

Every Sunday from 1 – 3p is a themed craft and playtime. Again, only $5.

There are also several one-day and one-week camp sessions during the summer.

Best Detail:

2 words – Birthday. Party.

Oh yeah. Tara loves birthdays and has several themes from which you can choose such as Princess Royalty or Diggin’ for Dinos. She is also open to any ideas you or your birthday bean may have. Ready to break out of the boring birthday bash grind? Of course you are. So call Tara.

 

Cool Details:

Jelly Bean Town, USA offers art classes after school for the young, budding-Picasso set. There are also special Crafting Sessions for adults several times a month. In the future, look for after-work art classes for adults too!

Tara, who studied art in school and is a graphic designer, really does see art everywhere. Her ultimate vision is to help old and young alike experience it for themselves too.

Helpful Details:

Need to fulfill an art credit for your home-schooled kids? Want to earn an art-centric merit badge for your troop? Yep, Tara does that too. Shoot her a call or email to make special arrangements for your class or troop.

Quirky Detail:

Jelly Bean Town USA’s mascot, Shelly Jelly Bean, can come to your parade or event. Guess how you find out more? Yep, call or email Tara.

Necessary Details:

52 South Main Street, Nazareth, PA 18064

610.248.0549

www.JellyBeanTownUSA.com

info@JellyBeanTownUSA.com

Cash, Visa, MasterCard and Discover accepted.

It's not all about the cheeseburger...

Like most Moms & Dads out there, I use McDonald's as a back up. On a morning we are running late, drive-thru pancakes at our local Mickey D's hit the spot. When I don't feel like making dinner or we need a quick lunch, McDonald's is an easy answer. But how quick am I to admit this?

Yes, I do find myself making excuses, "why" I visit those Golden Arches. I LOVE their french fries but in "Mommy and Daddy world", going to McDonald's on a regular basis, seems to make you an irresponsible parent.

Why, you might ask, am I bringing all of this up? Well, McDonald's is working on this perception with a better menu, calorie information and options.

In addition, the folks at McDonald's reached out to bloggers in the Philadelphia region, including Lehigh Valley Family Fun, asking them to be part of the new "McCafe Moms" group. This new group will have access to information and can provide feedback about their products.

Recently, we met down at the Ronald McDonald House in South Jersey to learn more about the "McCafe Moms", their intentions, take a tour of the facility and meet the key players at McDonald's.

When I think about "McDonald's" I don't think about the faces behind the scene. But as it turns out, they are Moms & Dads too! AND they have the same concerns. They want a menu that provides healthy alternatives to that heavenly french fry. They want to change that perception that Ronald McDonald ONLY consumes cheeseburgers, fries and soda.

McDonald's also does a lot for the community and our non-profit friends. Lehigh Valley Family Fun LOVES to hear this and wants to get involved on this philanthropic journey. We will keep you posted as we learn more.

So, you see, it's not all about the cheeseburger anymore.  It is so much more and we want to get to the bottom of it.  Keep an eye out for more to come from "McCafe Moms". This topic will appear on our blog from time to time and we will have coupons to share!

Shafnisky Electric...Family is Top Priority

Lehigh Valley Family Fun is a FREE Website Resource for Parents, Grandparents, Caregivers or WHOMEVER, who are in & around the Lehigh Valley, PA area.  And to keep our site up & running we rely on the generous support of local business to sponsor us.  With that in mind, it is my goal to get the word out about my sponsors whenever I can.  My business would not be here without them.  They help me, I help them...Win, Win for everyone!

So one morning, I had the opportunity to stop out and visit Shafnisky Electric, a "Lehigh Valley Family Fun" Sponsor.  I enter their office where I meet the Office Manager, Heidi, a petite woman, nice as can be and so down to Earth.  We start "gabbing" about the business, where I learned more than I had expected.  She also serves as the "Dispatcher" and "Customer Service Specialist" too.

For those who have worked with contractors, you know, that on many levels, there is just something missing.  Sure, they know their craft but in my experience they lack that "Customer Service" Feel.  Return phone calls are few & far between...basic questions are never answered without a service call, which ultimately equals an invoice...and I could go on.

But Shafnisky Electric felt different...and I had to find out why.

I met up with them for lunch a few weeks ago at a local eatery.  I needed to find out what separated them from the competition.

Tom Shafnisky, owner & operator of Shafnisky Electric is also a family guy.  A devoted husband, and father to 4 little ones he also takes the time to be the Assistant Youth Group Leader at Holy Family of Nazareth Church.  As if that wasn't enough, he is a Substitute Teacher for the Institutde of Technology AND the President of the Electrical Contractors of the Lehigh Valley.  Gosh, I'm out of breath typing his credentials!

Sure, he has a great resume and he has kids...but so does every other contractor in the Lehigh Valley.  What makes him different?

The man could not stop talking about his family.  And I mean that in the nicest possible way.  Losing his Parents at an early age, he understands the importance of being there for his kids.  "I'm a "Hands-on Dad", he explains.  "We have fun going for walks, grocery shopping, we have movie nights and make popcorn...Daddy makes it fun".   He believes in stressing the importance of Honesty, Integrity and "Your Word IS Your Word".  He understands that he is responsible for forming his kids' lives and making them responsible adults.

Ok, so you know a little more about him...but how did Shafnisky Electric begin?    He started back in 1988, his business was simple.  He worked out of his car and helped his family & friends with their electrical needs.  Hence the beginning of Shafnisky Electric.

So, while sitting there at lunch with Tom & Heidi, I started to understand how Tom feels about his clients...they are never an interruption to his day.  As he ate, he took phone calls from his technicians, answering questions and providing direction, all while showing a great deal of respect.  At no time, did I feel that this was forced behavior or a show for me.  By the end of our lunch, I wanted to be part of  Shanisky Electric Team!

When you call Shafnisky Electric, you will never be handled by a "Call Center".  You will talk to Heidi directly, as she is your first point of contact.  When she is not in the office, she checks their voice mail system often to be sure all calls are handled in a timely manner.  And yes, this includes evenings & weekends.   When a service call is left after hours, Tom is paged immediately.

Heidi also explained to me that many people call with electrical issues that can be handled "over the phone".   I'm sorry, What?  Helping people with an issue "over the phone"?  Now that is what I call CUSTOMER SERVICE!  However, I do want to mention not everyone wants to fix their own problems, so in that case or when additional help is needed, a Service Technician is dispatched.

Tom also stressed to me the importance of the "Return Phone Call".  "There is nothing worst, wondering what is going on, when you have a problem", says Tom.  They like to be upfront with their clients and provide as much information as they possibly can. 

I guess to 'NutShell This', Shafnisky Electric is a family-owned business, that is run with the same principles as the Shafnisky family:  Respect, Integrity, honesty, with "Hands-On", Customer Service and a "No problem is too small" attitude.  Now, that's what I call a true service provider.

It turns out that "I AM the SOCK MONSTER!"

Back when I was working full time, I hated the idea of sending my daughter to daycare.  Don't get me wrong, the daycare center we used was nice but there was just something missing.  It was me.  So after months of debating and listing the pros & cons, I left my career in the Direct Mail/Print industry to be a Stay-At-Home Mom.  Or SAHM for short.

Let me first say that I have never been a "Domestic Goddess".  I get by with as little housecleaning as I possibly can...you know "spot cleaning"...AND that ugly 7-letter word "L-A-U-N-D-R-Y".  I've always dreamed of having a cleaning service come in and do all the ugly stuff, bathrooms & such.  But living on one salary...it just isn't in the budget.

So, where was I...  Oh right...I AM the SOCK MONSTER!

Am I the only one who has one of these?    I call it the "Sock Basket".  If you don't have socks in your drawer, you check the "Sock Basket". 

This is why I HATE Socks!  Yes, they keep your feet warm but each and every time I enter the laundry room I see this UGLY basket.  It calls out to me "Hey you!  Shouldn't you be folding me sometime soon?"  "What kind of mother are you?"  "Put down that cup of de-lish coffee and sort me!"

That leads me up to my daughter's sock drawer.  When you have a basket that looks like that, you have a drawer that looks like this!





No child should have a drawer like this...





But the good news is...Last night I was surfing on my new favorite site - Pinterest.  And I found something that will help me get rid of the "Sock Basket" FOREVER!

Source: imalazymom.com via Lehigh Valley Family Fun on Pinterest

THE MESH BAG!

Why didn't I think of this before?  This is GENIUS!  Each person in the "fam" keeps a Mesh Bag on the back of their door.  When they take their socks off at the end of the day, they simply put them in their mesh bag INSTEAD of their hamper!  When it gets full, the entire bag gets thrown into the wash and VIOLA!  NO MORE "SOCK BASKET"!  No more sorting..   No more snide comments coming from the "Sock Basket".

So, take THAT, you stupid "Sock Basket".  If my kids were to read this, I'd be getting in trouble for using the "Stupid" word.... But they are not....so, STUPID "Sock Basket!  Be gone with you!

I'd like to send a "Thank you" to  "I'm a Lazy Mom" for coming up with such an awesome idea and spreading the word about it on her site.  And thank you to Pinterest. for allowing us the ability to get the word out about a simple solution for a monster of a problem.

Beauty and the Beast in 3D. What could possibly be different?

Yes, skeptical could be my middle name.

But before we were invited to see Beauty and the Beast in 3D at a screening premiere in King of Prussia, I was a bit, um, unconvinced that I could like Beauty & the Beast any more than I all ready did.  Let me put it this way, out of all the Disney movies out there, Beauty and the Beast was and is my absolute favorite!

But back to my point...what could possibly be different? 

The colors, the details, "introducing a whole new generation to the Disney classic with stunning new 3D imagery" as detailed on the studio website.  "The film captures the fantastic journey of Belle (voice of Paige O'Hara), a bright and beautiful young woman who's taken prisoner by a hideous beast (voice of Robby Benson) in his castle. Despite her precarious situation, Belle befriends the castle's enchanted staff–a teapot, a candelabra and a mantel clock, among others–and ultimately learns to see beneath the Beast's exterior to discover the heart and soul of a prince."

What was different to me?  Yes, I saw this movie many moons ago when I was a teenager.  But watching it now as an adult and mother to two little ones, I noticed all of the detail in the scenery.  I noticed minutiae things that I once overlooked.  It gave me a whole new appreciation of all the time & energy and planning that goes into a masterpiece such as this.

So, if you are on the fence on whether or not to see this wonderful movie again at the theater...I highly, highly recommend that you do so.  See this movie again through the eyes of your little ones but outside the cute story line you will notice a whole new world in a "tale as old as time".

I'd like to thank Cheryl Baker, Account Executive for Radio Disney, Philadelphia for allowing my daughters' and I the opportunity to see the screening of Beauty and the Beast in 3D at the United Artists, King of Prussia Stadium 16, last weekend.

FD HIDDEN DIV

The Walnutport Canal Festival - Sunday, October 16, 2011

  What a great day it was this past weekend at the Annual Walnutsport Canal Festival.

Our girls Aneley and Jessica were such big help.

We met lots of new friends and talked to a lot of great people.

That's Amy spreading the word about Lehigh Valley Family Fun.

There were so many great vendors to see. From Old Time Medicine Men, to petting rescued Grey Hounds or fluffy Alpaca. There were crafters and artisans, Steel Miners union gave the kids mining hats and the local Walnutsport Police department gave the kids balloons. There was a front porch fashion show, World War I uniforms to view, and Abraham Lincoln and his Wife strolling around.

We saw a real tee pee, and a hemp farmer gave a demonstration on preparing hemp for weaving.

There were also a lot of great vintage cars, and vintage bicycles.

We liked this one with a giant teddy bear riding in back!

Lots more events to check out this Fall. Come see us this weekend at the

Landmark Nursery Flea and Flower Market on Sunday, October, 23rd from 10-3pm.

For more information Click here.

Let's Volunteer!

So, I'm a Mom.  I run from place to place, depending on the day of the week.  I carpool, I set up playdates and not to mention all of the laundry I do.  Yet there is still one area of my life that I feel is empty. 

I am extremely fortunate that I basically want for nothing.  I work hard for the money I earn and at the end of the day, there is food on the table.  Now don't get me wrong, I'd like to go on a shopping spree every day of the week.  But, let's get real, that's just not in my budget. 

One of my many goals that I have for Lehigh Valley Little Ones & Family Fun is to give back to the community.  Whether it is child-related or not, there are a ton of worthy non profit organizations out there that can use my help & yours.

In the coming months, we, at Lehigh Valley Little Ones & Family Fun will be encouraging everyone, whether you are a Mom or Dad, Grandparent, Aunt or Uncle to get out there to Volunteer.  Let's make a difference in the Lehigh Valley!