Garden Party Ideas - Childrens

A beautiful flower garden is the perfect place to host a variety of occasions, especially a child's birthday party. There are a lot of themes that are well suited for a garden. And there are a lot of ways to incorporate a theme and enhance the natural beauty of the venue.  

Themes - Children's Birthday Party

Children, particularly little girls, love flowers and everything frilly and fragrant. For the little lady who is interested in all things feminine, the garden party is the perfect solution. There are a lot of themes that will couple brilliantly with the garden setting.  Here are a few popular ideas. 

Alice in Wonderland

The timeless children's tale of the sleepy and curious girl, Alice, who falls down a rabbit hole is a fun and festive theme with a garden setting.

Invitation

There are several iconic symbols associated with Alice in Wonderland. You can use these symbols to create memorable invitations for your child's party. 

• A deck of cards -  The Queen of Hearts is a major character in the story. Consider ordering a personalized deck of cards to use as an invitation for an Alice in Wonderland party. You can order a deck for cards for around $20 from companies such as Shutterfly.  The standard deck of cards will come with a personalized back which can be created with an image and text inviting guests to the party. 
• A clock - Don't let your guests be late for a very important date by creating a memorable invitation. Use a clock theme to display party details. You can pick-up inexpensive watches at dollar stores to attach to a printed invitation or you can use clock clip art to create a custom invitation.
• Read Me Please... - You can use a generic store-bought invitation and can make it more theme specific by simply printing a quote from the story on the envelope.  "Read Me' is a famous line from the story that is perfect for this themed party. Hire a caligrapher to white this statement on this envelope to add a touch of elegance and whimsy. 

Decorations

Enhance the garden setting with some Alice in Wonderland specific decor items.

• Large playing cards - Create large playing cards out of large pieces of foam core, which can
  
  be purchased at dollar and craft stores. Draw and paint the Queen of Hearts image on the foam core. You can also create other cards.  Then lean the large cards against tables or trees or suspend them with invisible thread from tree branches. 
• "This Way, That Way..." Sign - Create a rustic sign out of rough wood that is in the shape of arrows to greet guests. Write the famous words from th ebook, "This Way," "That Way," "Wrong Way," "Go Back," and "Tea Party" on them. This is a  great decor piece to place at the party entrance and to help direct people to the specific location of the festivities. 
• Large Clocks - Find, buy and borrow every clock you can find. The rabbit in the story provides us with a very famous quote:"I'm late, I'm late, for a very important date" and clocks are the perfect way to represent this. You can also cut circles out a card stock and foam core and paint your own large clock faces to use as decor pieces. 

Food

No party is complete without some refreshments and marrying the theme to the food makes the party extra special.

• Tea - Alice was invited to tea with the Queen of Hearts, so serving a variety of teas in a logical drink choice for an Alice in Wonderland themed party. Serve the tea in beautiful, china cups and offer a variety of flavors. If you are inviting younger children who might not like tea, consider serving lemonade from a pretty teapot. 
• Food Embellishments - No matter what types of food you choose to serve, from cupcakes to cake pops, you can embellish them with playing cards or labels that say, "Eat Me" to help tie in the theme.
• Other Beverages - No matter what beverages you choose, you can help tie the theme in through custom tags and  labels. Create cute little tags that reference the story by stating "Drink Me" to hang from the necks of glass bottle sodas or water bottles. You can also create custom labels for your drink of choice by removing one and measuring it. Then create a custom label in a graphic program that can be printed, cut and glued to the bottles.  Consider printing, "Drink me to Grow Smaller" and "Drink me to Grow Bigger" on the drinks to reference the drinks that Alice had to consume in the story. 

Activities

Party games is a great way to keep children entertained and theme specific activities will show guests that you have put a lot of thought into your party. Always provide adult supervision for party activities and games.

• Hat Decorating - Provide guests with plain, white paper top hats such as these from Discount School Supplies, and some paints, ribbon, sparkle and silk flowers so guests can create their own fun and festive party hat.
• Croquet - A game of croquet is a great way to engage a group of children. A standard croquet set is sufficient, but consider finding or painting a set in your theme colors. 
• House of Cards - Provide a deck of cards for each guest and ask each one to create a house of cards. This activity is best done if there is no breeze that could potentially blow the house of cards down. You could also create teams to create the house of cards. Award a prize for the guest or team who creates the best house or give each participant a gift. 

Fairy party

Whimsical and mischievous little fairies are popular with young children and provide a perfect theme for a garden party. Choose a specific, popular fairy or choose to feature generic fairies.

Invitations

• Scrolls - Create a rustic looking invitation by printing the party details on light parchment paper and roughing up the edges. Roll the invitation and tie it with twine and finish it off with a fresh green leaf.
• Fairy Wand - Print the party details onto card stock and cut it into a heart or another fun shape. Then glue the shape onto a painted dowel stick. Add ribbon and some glitter to create a fairy wand invitation. 
• Tiny Print - Create an invitation suitable for a fairy by using a small, but legible font. Use a size five or six size font for a great effect. Then roll the paper into a scroll and tie it to a magnifying glass (available in the party favor aisle). 

Decorations

Fairy parties can be enhanced by theme appropriate props and decorations.

• Tree Door - As fairy enthusiasts know, most fairies live in the woods, Find a flowering tree in the garden and attach a cute little door to the truck. You can create a door out of wood or foam core by cutting out a door shape and painting it. Don't forget to attach a small Styrofoam door knob. Attach the door to the trunk of the tree by resting it on the ground and securing it with duct tape. Create a circle with the duct tape so the sticky part is out and put it on the back of the door and press firmly against the tree. 
• Fairy Houses - Create an activity station for little party goers by covering a table with a delicate table cloth.  Then fill the table with small bird houses and provide brushes, paints, glitter and glue, stickers and even some silk flowers. Invite guests to paint and decorate their own fairy house. Once the houses have been decorated, you can hang them from trees or set them on tables as decorations. By the time the party is done, the houses should be dry and ready guests to take home.
• Fairy Wings - Buy fairy wings from a dollar store or party supply store. Hang the wings from trees with ribbons to create a festive look.  You can also attach wings to the backs of chairs and allow the guests to remove them from their chair and wear them at the party. 

Food

Even fairies need to fuel-up, so provide your guests with yummy and theme appropriate goodies.

• Miniature Menu - Serve mini treats to your guests to enhance the fairy theme. Frost Cheerios or another "O" shaped cereal, add sprinkles to create mini-donuts appropriate for fairies' small hands. You can also serve mini-pizzas made from Ritz crackers with a little tomato sauce and some cheese on top or slider burgers, Serve food on small doll sized plates. Be sure to have other, full sized foods, available to satisfy hungry tummies. 
• Sugar Cookies - Serve butterfly and flower shaped sugar cookies. Embellish the cookies with pink frosting and edible glitter (available at baking supply shops).  You can also allow guests to decorate their own cookies which will create an activity for guests.
• Fairy Wands - Use skewers to create fairy wands to enhance the theme. Stack cubed fruit such as watermelon and other melons, strawberries and grapes on a skewer. You can add a star shaped kiwi or flower cut from a watermelon on the end. Use caution when serving skewer food to young kids.  You can also create a fairy wand from a cake pop, shaped Rice Krispie treat or by dipping a straight pretzel in frosting and adding sprinkles. 

Activities

Parties are usually full of fun and fanciful activities. Create some memories by involving your little pixies in some fairy games.

• Fairy Wand Station - Provide dowel sticks that have been painted white and some fun foam shapes. Allow the guests to glue a shape to the end of dowel or for younger children, have it done before the party. Have glitter, ribbons and other embellishments for the children to decorate their wands.
• Capture a Fairy - Let the guests capture their own fairy to take home as a favor.  Buy small fairy dolls or find some fairy stickers and mount them on card stock and cut around the perimeter. Then use clay or Super Glue to attach the small fairy doll or cutout to the inside lid of a jar. Add some small, artifical flowers, a little glitter and some greenery to the scene and then put a jar over the top and screw on the lid. You can tie a ribbon around the neck of the jar or glue the lid on should you choose to do this. 
• Fairy Obstacle Course - Create a maze or obstacle course fit for a fairy in training. Set-up various stations that the guests must go through in order to complete the maze. Possible stations ideas include blowing bubbles, sprinkling pixie dust (glitter), and jumping rope with vine of artificial flowers. The person who can complete all the tasks in the shortest amount of time could win a prize. 

Peter Rabbit

Peter Rabbit, the lovable character of Beatrix Potter books, is a perfect theme for a garden party. A Peter Rabbit theme can be used to celebrate an event for either a little boy or girl and is popular as a first birthday party theme.

Invitations

Give guests an idea of what they have to look forward to at the party with an inventive invitation.

• Bunny Shape - Cut white paper into the shape of a bunny and print the party details on the paper. You can enhance the invitation by putting cotton balls or a white silk carnation as the tail.
• Cards - Create an old fashioned looking postcards featuring the image of Peter Rabbit. Find the images on stickers at gift shops or online. You can also blank cards online such as these cuties from the Beatrix Potter shop, 
• Book Pages - Buy an inexpensive copy of the Peter Rabbit story and use the pages as invitations. Pull out a page, paste some pastel paper that has been cut into the shape of a rabbit onto the book page. Write the details about the party onto the card stock. 

Decorations

Dig into your Easter decoration items to deck out your garden for a sweet Peter Rabbit themed party.

• Rabbits, Rabbits, everywhere - Look around your little ones' toy box and your Easter decorations for little white bunnies to use as table decorations and to place around the party venue. Also shop around Easter time for other rabbit decorations. With a little forethought, you can even shop after Easter clearance sales.
• Books - Find some vintage copies of Beatrix Potter's Peter Rabbit to use as decorations. You can use newer copies with beautifully illustrated covers as decor pieces as well. Lay the books around the party venue for a cute look. 
• Baskets of Carrots - Old-fashioned wicker baskets full of carrots (prefereably with their greens still on them) are great decor pieces. These decor pieces will add a whimsical look and some color to the decor. 

Food

Little party bunnies can get pretty hungry running away from Farmer McGregor so be sure to provide some yummy treats.

• Fresh Veggies - Peter was often tempted by the fresh veggies in Mr. McGregor's garden. Provide the same fresh veggies for your guests. Use baby carrots and other veggies that are cut into bite size bits. Serve ranch dressing or another dipping sauce along with the veggies.
• Carrot Cake - Cake is integral part of party menus. Consider serving guests carrot cake or cupcakes to further the theme. Use a cream cheese frosting and carrot deorations to embellish the cake. 
• Candy Carrots - Create candy carrots using clear plastic baggie cones sold at hobby stores in the cake/cookie/candy making aisle. Fill the baggies with orange jelly beans. 

Activities

Keep your little bunnies busy and out of Mr. McGregor's carrot patch with engaging activities.

• Rabbit Petting - Bring a few little furry rabbits to the garden for children to pet and play with. Create a sign that says, "Meet, Flopsy, Mopsy, Cotton-tail and Peter" to put up near the bunnies. 
• Pin the Tail on Peter - Create a "Pin the tail on Peter" game as a variation of the traditional "Pin the tail on the Donkey" game. You can print-out a game poster at Nick.com  You can enhance the tails by gluing cotton balls on the tails. 
• Book Reading - Choose a nice setting, perhaps a nice chair under a shady tree, and invite the little guests to hear the story of Peter Rabbit. Be sure to read it in a lively and antimated way to engage their interest. 

Whether you choose to host the party in your own garden or at public garden or park, remember to bring sun-screen and plenty of water to help keep guests safe and happy.

Bellingham, WA Try Hockey For Free

WCAHA is pleased to host a series of Try Hockey for Free Event for boys and girls age 4-9 years. These fun, free events will be led by WCAHA coaches, letting the kids experience first hand the fastest (and slipperiest) game in town.

Skates, sticks and pucks will be provided, however, each participant should bring their own helmet (hockey, bike or sport) and winter gloves.

Advance registration is required to participate. Please register at www.whatcomhockey.com/tryhockey

Place:  Bellingham Sportsplex

1225 Civic Field Way, Bellingham, WA, 98229

Read more here: http://calendar.bellinghamherald.com/bellingham_wa/events/show/370570308-bellingham-try-hockey-for-free#storylink=cpy

Money Saving Back to School Tips

Back to school time can bring a sort of panic into the heart of parents. The list of needs and wants is seemingly endless. And for those who are on a budget, this list can potentially throw-off the month's finances.

Here are some tips to help you get your little students ready for the year without breaking the bank.

1.  Buy School Supplies Early: It's hard to think of the hallowed halls of the school house when the sun is shining, but the truly fugal will realize that its important to buy a little here and there. Buy crayons, notebooks and safety scissors throughout the summer. If you see a sale, buy these items and store them away for September. Avoid buying markers and glue sticks until just prior to the first day of school.

2. Buy Some Clothing Items Early (but not all): Take advantage of clearance sales to help supply your little ones with back to school clothes. It's best to buy at the end of each season. Buy athletic wear such as gym clothing which typically is on sale at the end of the spring season. These items typically have elastic waistbands and will still fit the little ones even if they experience a growth spurt. Don't buy athletic shoes or pants, as they may not fit by the time September rolls around.

4. Ask for hand-me-downs: If you know of a friend who has a child a size or two ahead of yours, ask for their hand-me-downs. You may offer to pay for them too, but you are likely to get a better deal from a friend than from a store. Ask to pay for clothes that would not sell at a consignment store because they have a slight imperfection or because it is out of season. Even though these items may not sell at a consignment store (tags removed or whatever reason), many still have a long life left in them. You will be doing your friend a favor by offering them money for items they would otherwise have to discard. Many of these items will be usable as school clothes, but some will only be play clothes worthy. Even worn-out tank tops and t-shirts can be used under other items and pants with frayed cuffs can be hemmed.

5. Shop Sales: Keep a close eye on back to school sales. You can often find crayon boxes for .25 and glue sticks for .10. Combine coupons and sales for the best deals. Consider buying an extra box of crayons for next year.

6. Shop Consignment Stores: Check consignment stores often for items on your need and want list. Clothing items, backpacks and some school supplies are available at consignment stores.

7. Buy A Little At a Time: You don't everything for the first day of school. Buy the essential school supplies, reuse items from last year at first and make sure that the kids have at least one new item (such as shirt) to go to school in. Buy the rest of the supplies and clothing over the course of the first few weeks of school.

Follow these tips and you'll be saving a bundle on back to school items.

Review: Northwest Ballet Theater's "Nutcracker"

The timeless story of "The Nutcracker" came to life on stage at the Mt. Baker Theatre in Bellingham, WA this weekend. The show is a delight for all the senses and appeals to all age ranges.

The story is told in classical ballet style and includes all the wonder you would expect from the NBT. Clara, played by Chloe Johnston, elegantly explores the tree with her Nutcracker prince, played by Joshua Deininger, Joshua has an impressive resume and has performed in many NBT shows.

Of course everyone waits for the little pink mice to scamper across the floor. It doesn't matter if they remember their steps or even where they are supposed to stand, everyone cheers for these pink tutu clad lovelies. The soldiers, party girls and big black mice, which are comprised of intermediate dancers are also popular.

The sugar plum were the epitome of sparkling beauty. The snow scene is particularly beautiful and provides a great segue into intermission.

The second half of the show takes the audience on an interesting journey around the world. Mija Bishop does an outstanding job as the Arabian Coffee.

There are a couple more chances for you to see "The Nutcracker" this season.

McIntyre Hall
December 21 at 7pm
December 22 at 2pm

Merry Christmas!

Frugal Tip: Order your tickets over the phone and use the code word "entourage" to receive a 25% discount.

1417 Cornwall Ave, Bellingham, WA 98225 · (360) 714-1246

Power Up With a Surge of High-Voltage Circus Fun & Excitement
Featuring The All-New “Gold Edition” of
Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey^® Presents FULLY CHARGEDCOMING TO PUGET SOUND AREA FROM OCTOBER 3 – 13


[SEATTLE, WA] – Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey^® invites families to disconnect from the everyday digital world and plug into the most electrifying circus experience ever at the all-new “Gold Edition” of Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey presents FULLY CHARGED, where megawatts of thrills and electrodes of excitement explode off the arena floor with breathtaking dare-devilry, superhuman stunts and powerhouse performances that will energize Children Of All Ages – coming to Kent’s ShoWare Center from Thursday, October 3^rd through Sunday, October 6^th and to Everett’s Comcast Arena from Thursday, October 10^th through Sunday, October 13^th.

Ringling Bros. Fully Charged Ringmaster David Shipman commands this high-speed connection with dazzling displays of animals, acrobats, daredevils and dancers to generate an explosive surge of circus entertainment like no other, introducing audiences to an international cast of elite performers including:

• The Lopez Family and their trifecta of extraordinary performances highlighted by knuckle-biting knife throwing, outrageous high-wire stunts and synchronized motorcycle mayhem inside the globe of steel! 
• Mongolian strongman Mr. Power uses super-human strength to twirl a half-ton telephone pole and also suspends his dazzling partner Lady Lightning 25 feet above the arena floor using just his teeth!
• Remarkable aerial acrobatics highlighted by gymnast Sergey Novikov of the Ukraine soaring high over the audience with just two fabric straps holding him up along with the Vavilov Troupe, a six-man acrobatic troupe from Russia, that vault through the air and showcase a jaw-dropping backflip from three stories high!
• The Smaha Troupe takes juggling to new heights as they integrate high-energy tumbling into their energetic routine including juggling with their feet!
• Of course it wouldn’t be The Greatest Show On Earth without showcasing our four-legged circus animal stars including epic Asian elephants, commanding camels, handsome hoof stock and performing pups. 

Be sure to arrive early to join us as Ringling Bros. offers real face-time with performers at the fun, interactive All Access Pre-show Power-Up Party, which takes place on the arena floor one hour before the show and FREE to all ticket holders. Don’t miss this opportunity to get closer than ever to The Greatest Show On Earth!

K E N T
WHEN: Thursday, October 3 – Sunday, October 6

Thursday, Oct. 3 7:30 PM
Friday, Oct. 4 7:30 PM
Saturday, Oct. 5 11:30 AM, 3:30 PM & 7:30 PM
Sunday, Oct. 6 1:00 PM & 5:00 PM
**All Access Pre-Show begins one hour prior to each performance

WHERE: ShoWare Center – 625 W. James St., Kent, WA 98032
TICKETS: Ticket prices range from $20, $30, $45 (VIP), $55 (Floor Seats) and $65 (Ringside)*
Kids tickets (ages 2-11) available for only $10 each (valid for select seating on Friday 7:30pm, Saturday 11:30am & 7:30pm and Sunday 5:00pm shows; limit 4 kids tickets per full price ticket purchase)
Opening Night tickets discount priced at $12 each (on select seating; not valid for VIP or Floor Seats)
All seats are reserved; tickets available for purchase online at www.showarecenter.com, charge by phone at 866-973-9613 or in-person at the ShoWare Center Box Office. *tickets may be subject to service charges, facility and handling fees.  


E V E R E T T
WHEN: Thursday, October 10 – Sunday, October 13
Thursday, Oct. 10 7:30 PM
Friday, Oct. 11 7:30 PM
Saturday, Oct. 12 11:30 AM, 3:30 PM & 7:30 PM
Sunday, Oct. 13 1:00 PM & 5:00 PM
**All Access Pre-Show begins one hour prior to each performance

WHERE: Comcast Arena at Everett – 2000 Hewitt Ave., Everett, WA 98201

TICKETS: Ticket prices range from $20, $30, $45 (VIP), $55 (Floor Seats) and $65 (Ringside)*
Kids tickets (ages 2-11) available for only $10 each (valid for select seating on Friday 7:30pm, Saturday 11:30am & 7:30pm and Sunday 5:00pm shows; limit 4 kids tickets per full price ticket purchase)
Opening Night tickets discount priced at $12 each (on select seating; not valid for VIP or Floor Seats)
All seats are reserved; tickets available for purchase online at www.comcastarenaeverett.com, charge by phone at 866-332-8499 or in person at the Comcast Arena Box Office.*tickets may be subject to service charges, facility and handling fees.  

# # #
About Feld Entertainment: Feld Entertainment is the worldwide leader in producing and presenting live touring family entertainment experiences that lift the human spirit and create indelible memories, with 30 million people in attendance at its shows each year. Feld Entertainment's productions have appeared in more than 70 countries on six continents and include Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey^®, Feld Motor Sports, Disney On Ice and Disney Live!

Everyday Learning

Summer is in full swing and many of us are enjoying a relaxing time with our families. And while this is awesome, it don't miss out on teaching children important lessons along the way.

Here are some ideas on how to turn everyday events into learning opportunities.

1. Journal: Encourage children to keep a summer journal. Provide a notebook, stickers, markers and glitter pens to create a beautiful cover. Then have children record all their summer adventures. This will help them learn how to tell a story in their own words, help them practice reading, writing and their artistic talents. It will also provide a nice reminder of good, quality family time.

2. Investigate: You may not be planning a long or expensive family vacation, but that doesn't mean that you can't see your area in a new light. Going on a walk on a familiar trail? Bring your smart phone and research plants you see along the way. Going to a local museum? Even though you may have been there a few times before, read label copy, get the audio tour or ask when a docent to show you around. You may learn something new from the exhibits.

3. Car Ride Games: If you are planning on spending time in the car this summer, help children learn while they ride. Having a fun game will not only stimulate their brains, but is a great boredom buster. Play the license plate game and try to find all the letters of the alphabet in different license plates (in the right order) or see how many different state plates you can find throughout the summer.

4. Talk: It seems simple, but talking with children really does provide a great way to teach them about a number of things. Ask them to spell a challenging word while standing in at the super market, or teach them about the value of money, but letting them pay at the check-stand. Talk to them about temperature and weather while on a long summer walk.

5. Scavenger Hunt: Make a list of items that you must find as a family. Include items such as a red car, balloons, a service man or woman in uniform or a boat and then hunt for these items when you go out for a fun family adventure. This helps children learn to pay attention to their environment and helps keep them from being bored while in the car.

Disney on Ice: Dare to Dream, Helping Kids with Cancer

Sitting in the audience of the new Disney on Ice Show, Dare to Dream, is not too different than sitting in a Southern Gospel show. The crowd is excited and clapping and cheering and the performers are putting on a spectacular show. And just like Southern Gospel concerts, the Disney on Ice Show is about more than just entertainment; there is a higher purpose and ministry behind what they do. Of course there are world class performers and spectacular special effects, but when the smoke from the pyrotechnics dies down and the Zamboni is back in its stall, there is more than just smiling faces from the audience to remember the show by. Disney and Feld entertainment have partnered with Wigs for Kids, a ministry from Cleveland who give new hope to children suffering from hair loss due to Cancer treatments.

In 1981, world famous hair stylist Jeff Paul was approached by his thirteen year old niece. She, a Cancer patient, asked her talented uncle to create a realistic looking wig for her to wear to a gymnastic competition. At the time, there were no real hair wigs available for children, so Paul created one. While sitting in the audience of the competition, his anxiety grew as his niece took center stage. Paul sat on the edge of his seat in anticipation of her finale which would not only be difficult to land, but could potentially cause her wig to fall off. Not only did she land her final move expertly, but her wig stayed securely in place. The smile and thumb's up she gave to her Uncle Jeff made it all worth while and in that moment God spoke to him and changed the course of his career and life.

Jeff Paul has done hair and styling for dignitaries, celebrities and even a couple of United States Presidents, but God called him to a higher purpose and he left all of that behind to create, "Wigs for Kids." Today Paul, along with his wife Zina runs this national ministry that gives sick children a reason to smile and restores some of their self-confidence. Paul, a Southern Gospel music lover, has recently partnered with Disney and the good folks at Feld Entertainment to grow the ministry and to help even more children.

Partnering with local salons, Feld Entertainment and Wigs for Kids, have made it possible to collect large quantities of hair to create natural looking wigs for those who will benefit the most. The partnership was recently kicked-off with a fabulous meet and greet at the ShoWare Center in Kent Washington. Local salon owners, along with the children who generously donated their hair, were thanked with some royal treatment, fit only for true prince and princesses. There were cupcakes and prizes and a meet-and-greet with Rapunzel, the star of the show, which was the highlight for many. One of the performers even donated her locks to the cause. And through all the polish and glitz of the night, the purposes of God was being advanced, as bags and bags of hair were gathered.

The show itself was typical Disney amazing with all the lights and special effects you would expect. The skating, of course, was world class and the costumes were pure perfection. Our favorite part of the show was the Tangled portion which consumed the entire second half. There were lots of "oohs" and "ahhhs" when Rapunzel and her male counterpart, Flynn Rider, rose above the ice to perform an amazing acrobatic scene while suspended from long golden strands of hair. Maximus was also a favorite, as he looked identical to the character in the movie. The adults also marveled at the precision of the skaters who wore the costume and their ability to work together to create realistic movement.

Though the show focused on the princesses from story book, there is enough to keep all members of the family entertained; even my fidgeting six year old boy was mesmerized. The highlight for him was seeing mischievous Flynn Rider and all his antics. Just like in the movie, Flynn was a charming rascal that kept everyone guessing and laughing.

There was a fair share of magic displayed in the performance, which might be offensive to some. The majority of this happens in the first quarter of the show, which is devoted to story of Princess Tiana of "The Princess and the Frog. Anyone who is familiar with the story will know what to expect.

The timeless and classic story of Cinderella is also a part of this show. My favorite characters from the tale, Jaq and Gus, the mice, where there and brought a smile to my face as they danced across the ice. The most spectacular part of this story, and perhaps one of the most visually amazing parts of the entire show was the Cinderella's coach scene. The horses were played by skaters in elegant costume who were able to skate in precision as they "pulled" the extravagantly fanciful coach across the ice.

The finale was truly spectacular. All the princesses, along with Mickey, Minnie and the Disney gang took the ice to perform in an upbeat number. The costumes were dazzling and there were a few fun surprises, like the fireworks at the end. The thunderous applause and smiles from the kids in the audience indicated the show was indeed a success.

The show proved to be wildly entertaining, but beyond that, it felt good to know that under the sparkle of the sequins, there is a heart of gold. The people who help choreograph, plan,  perform, promote and partner with the performance are there to make a difference in the lives of young Cancer victims. This type of dedication and generosity is refreshing to see and gives me hope for a world that sometimes seems callous and self-serving.

For more Information:

Wigs for Kids
http://wigsforkids.org/
http://www.facebook.com/SupportWigsForKids
http://www.youtube.com/user/WigsForKidsVideos
http://www.youtube.com/user/WigsForKidsVideos

Disney on Ice
http://disney.go.com/disneyonice/
http://www.facebook.com/DisneyOnIce?fref=ts

Feld Entertainment
http://www.feldentertainment.com/

Where to Stay in Kent, WA

Our family made a mini-vacation out of going to see the Disney on Ice: Dare to Dream show and were fortunate enough to get to spend some extended time in the Kent, WA area. While there, we stayed at the beautiful Best Western: Plaza by the Green. The hotel is conveniently located close to the ShoWare Center so it is the perfect place to stay for anyone who is taking in an event there. The hotel has a gorgeous view of golf course, which was a treat to wake-up to. The breakfast was delicious and hearty too, which is important with three little kids who expend all their energy exploring the world around them. But the highlight of the stay at Plaza by the Green was the staff. Everyone from the manager, to the housekeeping staff and the breakfast hostess made us feel welcome and as if we were coming home to see friends or family. The hotel property is located near many restaurants and shopping centers, including a 24 hour a day sit down restaurant. I'd recommend staying at the Best Western: Plaza by the Green if you are ever in Kent, WA.

For more information:
http://www.plazabythegreen.com/

 Seattle Fun!

Most everyone in the world has heard about Seattle, coffee, and Pike’s Place Market. Even those from across the globe re-enact the Space Needle scene from “Sleepless in Seattle” while visiting this beautiful city. But those who live in the area know that some of the gems of the northwest aren’t in the in Emerald City at all. Only a few short miles out of the hustle and bustle of downtown is quaint city of Edmonds. There are many attractions in the clean little town, but many visitors simple come to ride the ferry, as it is a major port for the Washington State Ferry System. The waterfront is dotted with the usual parks, restaurants and hotels that you might expect from a city on the water. But one hotel stands out from all the rest.
It’s not that it has an unusual location or an unusual exterior that makes it stand out, no, it’s the people inside the hotel that really make the difference. The Best Western Harbor Inn is conveniently located on the waterfront, just a few blocks from downtown. We were greeted by a friendly gentleman that went beyond the call of duty to make our stay special. My six year old daughter, who is always attempting to act properly and who has spent much of her life sleeping in hotel beds, asked the man if there was anyone in the room below us. She is often concerned that her five year old brother will disturb other guests with his “heavy walking.” The gentleman was more than gracious and told us that he would see to it that the room would not get rented out and set our little girl’s mind at ease.
After settling into our spacious room, changing our clothes and relaxing to “Sprout,” (only parents of young children will know how relaxing that channel can be), we were off to consume some yummy food. Our children, all dressed in black, held hands as they walked across the parking lot and talked excitedly about what the night might hold. They were excited to eat at the “Old Spaghetti Factory” in near-by Lynnwood. They’d heard stories about a “trolley” in the restaurant, but really didn’t know what that meant. Their excitement was escalated as soon as they walked in the door. The restaurant, in true “Old Spaghetti Factory” fashion, was decorated with an eclectic mix of lighting fixtures, ornate furnishing and flat out visual fun. This of course, is a draw for excited kids (and hungry parents).
We were escorted to our seats and immediately started looking over the menu. We hadn’t been to the restaurant in a few years, but we were happy to see some familiar favorites and some new options too. If you haven’t been to an OSF location lately, you should note that they are now offering soup or salad, an entree and dessert for one low price.
We made our decision, ordered our food and were served only moments later. Our food was yummy and the staff made us feel like family and we even met a new friend  from Nashville. Sometimes it’s hard to find people to talk “south” with up here in our neck of the woods, so meeting him was a nice surprise. The food was fabulous, which shouldn’t be a surprise to anyone who has eaten at an Old Spaghetti Factory location before. The kids ate all their food, which is rather unusual. It might have had something to do with the promise of Spumoni afterwards. Just a hunch.  After we ate, my children enjoyed looking around the restaurant at all the interesting things and we took a few pictures to commemorate our evening.
We went back to the hotel, settled into the comfy beds and watched a movie on the flat screen television. After a good night’s rest we awoke to the smell of fresh waffles wafting through the air. That’s always the sign of a good breakfast. And it was good and plentiful and fueled us up enough to enjoy our next adventure.
http://www.osf.com/  
Find More Views From the Northwest by  Stephanie Kelley at www.sgnscoops.com

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Olympia, Washington

 

If you remember your geography class, you'll remember that Olympia is the capital of the State of Washington. Since we like to expose our children to historical and meaningful places, and we love having fun, of course, we recently made the trek to Olympia to visit the capital building. We were fortunate enough to have an informative tour guide who was patient with my many questions and knowledgeable about the beautiful capital building.

The most prominent visual on campus is the Legislative Building. It stands 287 feet high and is the tallest masonry dome in North America. The building was constructed between 1922-1928. We entered this impressive building through massive bronze doors and were amazed by the floor to ceiling marble inside. 

One of my favorite aspects of the tour was viewing the magnificent chandeliers in the capital building. I learned that they were made by Tiffany and Company of New York and the one in the rotunda was large enough to hold a Volkswagen bug inside.

We were allowed into the State Reception Room to see the round table where the governor signs documents and meets heads of state. The room features the world's largest single-loom carpet. This beautiful carpet was made in 1928 by the Mohawk Company. We even got to visit the Governor's office to view the portrait paintings of the past governors. I enjoyed the visit to the Senate Chambers too. The architecture is amazing.

While we were in Olympia we stayed at the Phoenix Inn Suites. It turned out to be one of the best

hotel experiences we've had in a very long time. The place was clean and the room was spacious and featured a flat screen television and leather pull-out sofa. I was happy to tumble into the comfy bed that night at the Phoenix Inn Suites. I had a good night's rest and enjoyed a delicious and ample breakfast that included eggs, sausage and our personal favorite, waffles. I observed a staff member down on her hands and knees scrubbing the inside of the cupboards in the breakfast room which confirmed to me just much effort invested assuring that the hotel was clean for their guests. The staff went beyond the call of duty to make sure that we were taken care of and happy with our stay. The lobby featured a chess/checkerboard for guests to use. My children loved to play chess, checkers and a game that combined the two game pieces that only they know the rules to. I was sitting in the lobby, watching them play, when the mentioned to my husband that I was going to get a cup of coffee. The maintenance manager overheard me saying this and offered to go and get it for me. This is only one instance where the staff went beyond the call of duty to make the guests feel like family, rather than customers.

I would highly recommend visiting Olympia, Washington and staying at the Phoenix Inn Suites.

Introducing --- Northwest Corner

Starting a new column which can be read at www.sgnscoops.com and www.sgmradio.com

Being a fan of Southern Gospel music doesn't mean you have to live in the south. In fact, those of

you in the great Pacific Northwest know that there is a large fan base here in our little corner of the world. Our friends down South have a hard time believing that us west coast, northerners can know a thing or two about Southern Gospel music, but we can! I remember one of my first trips to the National Quartet Convention. My name badge had my home state of Washington clearly printed under my name. Most people I met that week assumed I was from Washington, DC. When I corrected them, they turned their heads sideways and gave me a funny look. “You have Southern Gospel out there?” they'd ask. Of course, you can't go to a Southern Gospel concert every day of the week, or even every weekend, but thanks to some determined promoters and faithful fans, some of SG's most prominent groups make their way west to encourage and entertain fans and to, of course, spread the Gospel.

In an effort to entice other Southern Gospel artists and groups to our beautiful neck of the woods, I am going to be sharing some of the amazing things that make this area, well, amazing. I might even throw-in a Southern Gospel tid bit or two, just to prove that our geography has little to do with our musical preferences.

With that being said, I'd like to give you a little teaser about what awesome adventures await you in my upcoming articles because I know you just can't wait until next month to read about them. Together, we'll be exploring some of the most beautiful natural scenery, unique towns and interesting destinations including the Museum of Flight, the Space Needle and the World Famous Chuckanut Drive.

If you live in this area, you'll see some beloved and familiar sights and if you don't, well, I just hope that we will tempt you to step-off the highway next time you're in the area and explore some of the amazing things the Northwest has to offer.