Category: Holidays

Halloween Candy Removal Technique

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Doesn’t the title of this post sound like the most curmudgeonly thing ever? I’m not a Halloween Grinch, but I always feel like the trick-or-treating haul is way more than any one child (or family) can eat. A few years ago, a “kill-two-birds-with-one-stone” idea came to me and we’ve been using it ever since.

In 2012, Hurricane Sandy hit the East Coast around the time of Halloween. We have a lot of friends and family who live in those areas so it was a frequent topic of conversation in our house. In his post-trick-or-treating candy-sorting bliss, I told Theo that he could separate out which candies he absolutely loved and keep those favorites, and then make a separate pile of “giveaway” candy. Then, for every piece he gave away, we would match his donation with $1 towards the Red Cross to help the people affected by Sandy. He ended up donating $61 and we made the donation in his name online.

I feel like this kind of exercise demonstrates to children the act of philanthropy in a nutshell: you give up something of worth to you and that sacrifice benefits others who are receiving your good intention. I find that money is sometimes a really abstract concept to kids and this way the candy is a tangible symbol of that.

That year we just gave my husband the haul of giveaway candy and he brought it to his office (just wanted to get it out of the house!) but I have since learned of this program that dentist offices can participate in: Halloween Candy Buy Back. You can enter your zip code and it will tell you which offices are accepting candy donations, which they will then send to an organization that organizes and sends it to military personnel to enjoy. So now it’s a win-win-win scenario!

Have a very Happy and Safe Halloween!!!

Election Day is a Holiday

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In our house, we’ve always treated Election Day like a holiday. My husband and I (especially my husband) are big political junkies and love to stay involved and know what is going on with the various campaigns in any given year. This year in particular there are a lot of races that we are watching closely that affect the entire state, as well as our local districts. We spend the evening of Election Day watching the results come in and it is a thrilling time for us (this explains us pretty well).

Political activism, pre-Theo. I’m the one in the patriotic outfit.

Ever since Theo was a tiny baby we have always taken him with us when we headed to the polling place on Election Day. (He was only 2 months old when he accompanied us to vote for the presidential election in 2008.) I’m kind of a traditionalist in that I want to vote on the actual Election Day rather than use mail-in or early voting (which are great options to have if it means that it will get people to vote at all!). Once Theo was a little older, we would explain in basic terms what it meant to vote and the right that we had as citizens to do so. There are so many extensions of lessons to teach around this topic: federal and state governments and process, the idea of civic duty, getting involved with things that affect you.

Without getting too political on this blog, some areas that we have used as accessible discussion points with Theo are explaining the ZAP tax and what that means (since he has experience with the places it affects). We also have discussed our views on marriage equality and how that affects people we know and love. There are lots of ways to bring political discourse into the family and you will have to see what things are appropriate for you to discuss.

All that said, I am a huge proponent of getting people involved and at the very least, showing up to VOTE! Here is a link to where you can find out information about voting: where your polling place is, registration details, etc.

In case you missed it,

In most areas of the Wasatch Front (including Salt Lake county), you can just show up on Election Day (November 4, 2014 this year) at your polling location with an ID and register to vote right there.

Throughout the year there are also opportunities to get involved with issues you and your family care about. You can attend gatherings of candidates you support or go to parades or rallies about issues of interest. I feel like other than talking to kids about these topics it is also important to just model what it means to be an involved citizen and to show what it means to vote. And they will get a free sticker too!

Halloween 2014 – by Aimee

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My amazing friend Aimee always puts together a wonderful list of Halloween activities every year. I asked her if she would mind if I borrowed her expertise for a “guest blog post” and she has supplied a great and comprehensive list! Here are Aimee’s Halloween Adventures:

Red Butte Garden – Garden After Dark, Once Upon a Fairytale
Oct 16, 17, 18 & 23, 24, 25; 6-9pm 
The Garden has been overrun with your favorite fairytales! From wicked brambles to magic pumpkins, plants are surprisingly prevalent in these famous tales. Enjoy an enchanted evening exploring these connections and hunting for signs of fairytale villains hidden throughout the Garden.
With crafts, activities, light displays and more, this is an event you definitely don’t want to miss! This is an indoor/outdoor, costume, and kid-friendly experience in the Garden to celebrate Halloween.
 
Gardner Village – Witchfest
Now – Oct 31
Lots of events: Witches Brew Ha Ha 5K run/walk; Breakfast with a Witch; Wee Witches Playground. The village is decorated up for the season, and there’s a fun scavenger hunt that will get you peeking around every corner to find the hidden witches.  
 
Sugarhouse Park – Ginormous Pumpkin Regatta
Oct 18; Carving Noon – 1pm, Race: 1pm – 3pm
The 4th Annual Mountain Valley Seed Co. Ginormous Pumpkin Regatta will take place Saturday October 18th from 12:00 pm to 3:00 pm at Sugarhouse Park. Pumpkin carving from 12:00 to 1:00 and race from 1:00 to 3:00. Come watch these heroic growers race their 1,000 lb. plus pumpkins for love, honor and bragging rights.
Cinderella in her Giant Pumpkin carriage


CLAS Ropes Course in Provo – Halloween River Cruise
Oct 1-31; 6:30 until 9:00pm on weekdays, and 10pm on Fri and Sat
A fun 20-minute boat ride along the decorated stretch of Provo River. Not too scary, but pretty and fun to be outdoors during a beautiful fall season. Be sure to print a coupon from the website. 
 
Utah Symphony – Halloween Hi-Jinx
Oct 28; 7 pm
A HUGE costume contest and the best-quality spooky classical music – you can’t go wrong! Tickets start at $8 and little kids three years old and younger can sit on a lap. Check out the program line up, and borrow some of the music from your library or buy it for your iPod and you’ll be a musical expert.
 
Hogle Zoo – Boo at the Zoo
Oct 25; 9am-3pm
Every October, the Zoo puts out a casting call for all princesses, cowboys, superheroes and wild things! Kids 12 and under can come in costume to trick-or-treat at booths set up throughout the zoo grounds. There will be lots of candy and lots to see and do.  Trick-or-Treating activity is free with regular Zoo admission or membership.
 
Wheeler Historic Farm – Pumpkin Days and Haybale Maze
Sept 26-Oct 31; 11am until 8pm weekdays and 9 pm weekends; 10am-3pm Sundays
Hay maze, wagon ride, and a pumpkin to take home. The farm is also hosting a doggie Halloween costume contest and a festival of scarecrows.
 
Thanksgiving Point – Halloween Central “A Nod to Oz”
Oct 3 – Nov 1
Cornbelly’s Corn Maze and Emerald City at Farm Country include lots of fun kids’ stuff. You can add on the Insanity Point haunted attractions if you’re really brave.
 
Heber Valley Railroad – Pumpkin Festival
Lots of outings from Oct 9 – Oct 30
You and your kids will enjoy the annual Pumpkin Festival trains. Your ticket includes a short 40 minute train ride where you will be entertained on board by costumed entertainers! You’ll also get to sample a pumpkin cookie.  At the depot you can take a trip through the fairly spooky haunted car, and then get a Halloween sticker or temporary tattoo.  And of course you also get to select a pumpkin from the Pumpkin Patch and take it home with you! Additional food and snacks will be available for purchase at the depot and in the concession car.
 
Tracy Aviary – Halloween Hoot
In previous years, a few days during October offered discounted tickets for costumed kids. Nothing scheduled yet, but keep checking with them.
 
Retirement / Assisted Living Home Costume Parade

We love to dress up in our costumes, make some fudge, and hand it out to people living at “old folks’ homes.” Call a facility in your neighborhood and ask if you can schedule a little visit. We like to go during social hour when the residents usually gather in the dining room or lounge. We stay for about 30 minutes and hand out our treats, discuss all things Halloween, and make some new friends.

Theo’s 6th Birthday Party

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Theo’s 6th birthday party theme was pretty much based on a pun. The movie Frozen was super popular and we held the party at a frozen yogurt shop. Instead of focusing on the princesses, it was an Olaf-themed Frozen party. Especially because it was held in the summer and Olaf loved the summer. It had a lot of layers.

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The frozen yogurt shop had a private party room which was spacious and handy. But since this was a self-hosted party (except for the location) I had to come up with activities and games for the kids on my own. When the guests first arrived, they all got to go through the frozen yogurt line and get their own treats (with unlimited toppings). Nothing like pumping kids full of sugar first thing.

The activities were found online and included: Dress up as Olaf (using toilet paper and a few key accessories made beforehand), create your own Olaf using marshmallows and other supplies, icicle painting (salt water on black paper), and of course, watching the movie Frozen on the big screen conveniently included in the party room.

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The cake was back to good ol’ Costco again, decorated with my specifications, and with the addition of a printed fondant cake topper that I ordered.

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The favors were icicle-shaped rock sugar candy lollipops. This was not a party that emphasized healthy treats. The frozen yogurt shop also gave out little drawstring backpacks so the kids could take all of their crafts home.

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I was glad to be able to find so many Olaf-related items when browsing online for Frozen-themed party accessories. I was grateful for all of the (excessive?) merchandise available.

My Favorite Toy Stores

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This post isn’t necessarily about an “adventure” that I’ve taken with Theo but is still in the realm of kids’-related activities that parents encounter throughout the years. I am talking about buying gifts — whether for your own child or as a birthday present for another child. Here are my favorite go-to kids/toys stores that I like to buy from, that go beyond the usual chain toy store. Happy shopping!

UMFA Gift Shop  at Utah Museum of Fine Arts
410 Campus Center Drive

  • I’ve already written a post about this store (link above) but wanted to include it here too. It is such a great selection of unique and thoughtful items and I like supporting the museum at the same time. Members get a 10% discount at the store.

Jou Jou at The Grand America Hotel
555 South Main Street

  • This wins for the best ambiance of any toy store I’ve ever been in. It is playful and anyone walking into the store feels like a kid again. I love their selection of robot-themed items and the customizable candy tubes in the back (which play music too!).

Hip & Humble
1043 East 900 South

  • This is one of my favorite local boutiques for adults, but I have found some great gifts for kids or young women here too. Great gift-wrapping is also a plus, and I love their black/white/hot pink/polka dot color scheme which makes a fun presentation.

Tutoring Toy
1400 Foothill Drive

  • I think this is my favorite “classic” toy store and it is mostly due to the proprietors’ charm and friendliness. If I am truly clueless about what to buy a child, I know I can trust the owner’s expertise and advice on choosing an appropriate toy. They are knowledgable and make you feel like you are in a small-town toy store. They also offer fun free gift wrap, but they include a bundle of confetti paper that you will end up finding pieces of all over the place.

Lakeshore Learning
5480 South 900 East

  • This is actually a store geared towards teachers and educational supplies, but I love finding great toys here. Sometimes you just need to feel like the toys you accumulate in your home have some educational purpose to them and this is the right place to find those things. Everything is pretty high quality and I’ve had excellent customer service from the company when I contacted them regarding a missing piece.

The Kings English Bookshop
1511 South 1500 East

  • One of my favorite gifts to give kids lately is a book from this store. Of course you can find a book for a child anywhere, but I like to support this local shop and they have an extensive children’s section. The store always has book signings with authors so if I can time it right, I like to go and get a book personalized for a child at those events. They also have autographed copies for sale at all times, which is a nice touch to add for no extra cost.

Kids & Seniors

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Today we stopped by Emeritus Senior Living, the residence of my grandmother-in-law, and Theo’s great-grandmother (sidenote: when Theo was born he had 3 living great-grandmothers [out of 4] which I thought was pretty special). We were there with other moms and kids and passed out treats and sang Christmas carols.
We were only there for an hour, and it was full of chaos and kids running around; background noise for those of us who live with young children day-in and day-out, but so much entertainment for those who are past those phases of life.
I also always bring our little dog, Poe, with us when we visit Emeritus because he is such a classic therapy dog. He is super tolerant of people holding him and petting him and he is so small and cute like a stuffed animal that he is never intimidating. Animals really are magic, sometimes.
Spanning 4 generations…
This was our first Christmas outing, but we’ve done similar events the previous two Halloweens. Same basic idea: sugary treats, cute kids, a few songs, cute dog.
Halloween 2013 – Theo the Chef preparing his treats
Halloween 2012 – Inaugural Emeritus group visit.
This is one of those activities that is so simple, but so meaningful for those who get to receive the gift of the company of energetic little bodies full of life. Cost: virtually none, just the cost of the goodies you bring. Time: 30 minutes, 1 hour max. (both the kids and the seniors get tired). Reward: Lots of feel-good vibes and positive inter-generational relationships strengthened.

Holiday Craziness Begins…

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Reprinted in the blog with permission by the author (me) from an email that was distributed today:

Hello!

If you haven’t received an email like this from me before, I like to put together a list of fun holiday events for kids every year. It may seem too early to think about the holidays already but there are a lot of fun opportunities that I thought everyone would like to know about in advance. Events are listed chronologically and I have noted which events we will be attending if you want to join us. Please feel free to forward this on and let me know if there is something you recommend that’s not on this list!
Happy (almost) Holidays…!
Christina

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Molly Mouse’s Sugar Plum Debut (ballet)
Date/Time: Friday & Saturday, November 29 & 30; 1:00pm and 6:00pm
Location: Rose Wagner Performing Arts Center (138 West Broadway)
Cost: $15
Sponsor: Children’s Ballet Theatre
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The Cat in the Hat (play)
Date/Time: December 6-28; various dates/times
Location: 168 West 500 North
Cost: Adults $26, Kids $16
Sponsor: Salt Lake Acting Company
* We will be attending the 12/28, 12pm show.
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Traditional Nutcracker (ballet)
Date/Time: December 6-28; various dates/times; Sugar Plum Parties ($7.50) after 2pm matinees
Location: Capitol Theatre (50 West 200 South)
Cost: $29-$79
Sponsor: Ballet West
* I’m going to wait another year to take Theo to the “real” Nutcracker. We will be going to Nutty Nutcracker (see below) this year instead.

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Babes in Toyland (play)
Date/Time: December 6-24; various dates/times
Location: 3605 South State Street
Cost: $14
Sponsor: Utah Children’s Theatre
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The Night Before Christmas (ballet) Date/Time: Thursday & Friday, December 5 & 6; 7:00pm Location: Rose Wagner Performing Arts Center (138 West Broadway) Cost: $12

Sponsor: Salt Lake Dance Center & Ballet Jeunesse
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Arthur Christmas (movie)
Date/Time: Saturday, December 7; 11:00am
Location: SLC Main Library Auditorium
Cost: Free
Sponsor: Utah Film Center
* We are planning to go.












A Snow White Christmas (play)

Date/Time: Friday, December 13; 7:00pm (other dates: December 14-29)
Location: Rose Wagner Performing Arts Center (138 West Broadway)
Cost: Holiday Special, 5 tickets for $100 on this night only ($34-$54 otherwise)
Sponsor: Lythgoe Family Musicals
* 100% of proceeds towards this particular show benefit Primary Children’s Hospital. The special package is also only available for this night. This show will also run on other dates (http://www.arttix.org/tickets/production.aspx?performanceNumber=11044) but we are planning to go on this night.

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Here Comes Santa Claus! (concert)
Date/Time: Saturday, December 14; 11:00am and 12:30pm
Location: Abravanel Hall (123 West South Temple)
Cost: $6-$18
Sponsor: Utah Symphony
* We have tickets to the 11:00am show.

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Hatch Music & Magic Show
Date/Time: Saturday, December 14; 11:00am
Location: Rose Wagner Performing Arts Center (138 West Broadway)
Cost: $5
Sponsor: Repertory Dance Theatre, Ring Around the Rose series
* We can’t go as it conflicts with the early Utah Symphony show (above), but we went last year and it was really good.
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 Winter Solstice (crafts/activities)

Date/Time: Saturday, December 21; 10:00am – 1:00pm
Location: Children’s Garden, Red Butte Gardens
Cost: Free for Members;

Non-Members: Adults (ages 18-64): $10 Seniors (ages 65+): $8 Military w/ID: $8 Children (ages 3-17): $6

Children (under 3): Free U of U Faculty/Staff: $8

Sponsor: Red Butte Gardens
* We are planning to go.

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Third Saturdays at UMFA (crafts)

Date/Time: Saturday, December 21; 1:00pm – 4:00pm
Location: UMFA (410 Campus Center Drive)
Cost: Free
Sponsor: Utah Museum of Fine Arts
* This isn’t really a holiday event, but I wanted to put in a plug for the UMFA. It is our new favorite place!

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Community Christmas Concert (concert)
Date/Time: Sunday, December 22; Time TBA
Location: TBA
Cost: Free
Sponsor: Salt Lake Children’s Choir
* Hard to plan when we don’t know the time or place, but if it works out, we’ll go. I used to sing in this choir.

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Pupcracker – A Canine Nutcracker (play)
Date/Time: Thurs-Sunday, December 26-29; 2:30pm and 7:30pm
Location: Rose Wagner Performing Arts Center (138 West Broadway)
Cost: $18-$24
Sponsor: Intermountain Therapy Animals
URL: http://www.arttix.org/tickets/production.aspx?performanceNumber=11671

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Nutty Nutcracker (ballet)
Date/Time: Monday, December 30; 7:00pm
Location: Capitol Theatre (50 West 200 South)
Cost: $29-$79
Sponsor: Ballet West
* We have tickets to this show.

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Disney’s Pixar (concert)
Date/Time: Friday & Saturday, January 3 & 4, 2014; 7:00pm
Location: Abravanel Hall (123 West South Temple)
Cost: $18-$85
Sponsor: Utah Symphony
* We have tickets to the Friday 1/3 show.

A Great Pumpkin, Indeed

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Not gonna lie. When my friend told me she was going to be in a boat race riding her pumpkin, I thought she was insane. Yes, she grew a humongous pumpkin, hollowed it out, painted it, and sat inside it and rowed it in a race. The Giant Pumpkin Regatta in Sugarhouse Park.

When I told Dave about the event prior to going, he thought I meant that people were going to put normal-sized pumpkins in the water and race them from shore. No, I insisted, people are going to be IN the pumpkins.

The kids were thrilled and it was a great fall activity. Still can’t believe this is really a thing.