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March 11, 2010
March 11, 2010
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Elena's Blog
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Well Hello Fairfax (and surrounding areas)!!!
I am so excited ...
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Family Time
One on One Time
As a working mom about to get remarried, I have been thinking about what quality time with our children really means. For each family it is different, but the key ingredient of human interaction with our kids- from infants to teenagers is the same.
Although I am by no means an expert on what quality time really looks like....I do know that our kids light up when they have it.
Some ideas in case you are stuck in a rut, especially now that spring has sprung!
- Board games: when was the last time you played Candy Land, Apples to Apples (the Jr. Version), or Monopoly? They may be games from our youth, but fun is fun!
- Reading...reading...and more reading.... you just can't get enough.
- A walk...in your neighborhood, at Great Falls, Burke Lake, Old Towne Alexandria, or the National Mall.
- Visit a museum. We live in an area rich with history and attractions, and if you are like me, sometimes we take these things for granted and only go there when bringing out of town visitors. Children are sponges...and if given the right environment, will soak up everything a museum has to offer.
- A boat ride--did you know that you can take a water taxi from Old Towne Alexandria to the National Harbor? Or rent a canoe at Burke Lake park?
- Date night--not with your adoring spouse, but with your children. (Though I warn you, the first time I attempted this, my "angelic" five year old told me that she would rather play with my iphone than talk to me, because "talking" is boring).
- Scrap-booking--we all have them. Stacks and stacks of pictures that have piled up. Boxes of artwork from school. Why not put them together in something that you will all look back on for years and years.
- Running anyone? A 5k or kids fun run (usually about a mile) is a great way to stay active as a family. Our kids see us going out for a run or to the gym...why not do it together? (be warned about this as well--most of our kids are faster than we are!)
- Crazy schedules of activities each day? Try turning on the radio or a cd in the car...and singing together! Yes--sing. So what if the cars that you pass think you have lost your mind?
Some of you are probably wondering...what about going to see a movie, or playing a Wii game together? Those are wonderful too...especially for a rainy day or after being cooped up for whatever reason. But when thinking about squeezing the most quality time in with our already busy schedules, I go back to the human element--the talking, the laughing, the spontaneous who knows what. If you really get stuck, ask your kids! You never know what they will suggest!
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The Circus is Coming!
It's give away time!!
The Circus is Coming! - It's give away time!!
Drum roll please......
Here it is.....the first Fairfax Macaroni Kid give away....
Enter to win a family 4 pack give away to any one of the Fairfax (Patriot Center) performances (March 25-April 4) for: Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Presents Zing Zang Zoom "Through the mystery of magic and the mastery of skill, audiences will be spellbound" with Zing Zang Zoom, a thrill-filled, mind blowing circus spectacular." Mystery, magic, aerialists, acrobats, and more await families as they experience the brilliance of Zing Zang Zoom.
How???
- Send an email to elenas@macaronikid.com with one idea of something you would like to see in an upcoming newsletter.
- Refer and friend to Macaroni Kid. Make sure that they mention your name in the "how did you hear about us?" field when they subscribe.
- Do both---or get an entry each time you refer a friend that subscribes! (yes, that means if you refer 10 friends, your name will be entered 10 times!).
Entries will be accepted until Friday March 19th. A drawing will be held on Saturday, March 20th and the winning subscriber will be notified by email.
Remember, tickets can also be purchased for performances by calling ticketmaster or going to www.ticketmaster.com (see below for more details).
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PBS Writers Contest
PBS KIDS Go!
Calling all writers and illustrators! PBS Kids is offering a fantastic opportunity to share your child's talents with the rest of the world! Perfect for budding writers that are looking for a creative way to spend their time and share the story that is inside them, waiting to be written.
PBS Kids is hosting an annual writing contest for students in kindergarten through 3rd grade. Entries must be received by March 26th.
Visit http://pbskids.org/writerscontest/ for contest rules and information.
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March 13th through March 18th
Saturday, March 13 - Garfield Elementary Craft Fair
Be part of a day of family fun while supporting local artisans. The school will host 70 vendors selling homemade dips, jams, candy, ice cream, lotions, handbags, toys, photography, jewelry, clothing, woodcrafts, gift baskets, doll clothes, and more. Wonderful opportunity to find Easter, Mother’s Day, Father’s Day, teacher appreciation, and baby gifts. Come shop for yourself or family and friends. Show will also have supervised craft activities from 11am to 3pm for children pre-K and older by County of Fairfax School Age Child Care (SACC).
Where: Garfield Elementary School, 7101 Old Keene Mill Rd, Springfield, VA 22150When: 10:00 AM - 4:00 PMWho: All ages! Crafts for children preK and older from 11am to 3 pm.Cost of event: Admission is free
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Saturday, March 13 - The Grandsons Jr.
The Grandsons Jr is a kids band alla rock stars! Kids and parents will enjoy an upbeat mix of styles: rock, swing, New Orleans R & B, country, and more!
Where: Jammin Java, 227 Maple Avenue East, Vienna, Virginia 22180When: 10:30 AMWho: All agesHow: Buy tickets online, http://jamminjava.com/home/kids-events/listCost of event: $8For more info: http://jamminjava.com/home/kids-events/list
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Saturday, March 13 - McLean Storybook Festival
Books, music, arts, crafts, and food
Where: McLean Community Center 1234 Ingleside Ave. McLean, VA 22101When: 11:00 AM - 12:30 PMWho: Ages 3-8How: buy ticket at the doorCost of event: $5 per person, Free to children ages 2 and youngerFor more info: http://www.mcleancenter.org/
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Saturday, March 13 - Peterson's Ice Cream Depot
Peterson's Ice Cream Depot in Historic Clifton is opening it's doors for the first time since December!
Where: 7150 Main Street, Clifton, Virginia, (703)-830-7898When: 12:00 PM - 8:00 PMWho: Anyone who loves ice cream!How: Forget about the rain, jump in the car, and head on down!Cost of event: variedFor more info: http://www.petersonsdepot.com/
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Saturday, March 13 - Jan Brett Book Signing
Jan Brett is on tour with her new book, The Easter Egg. She will be giving book talks and signing copies when her tour stops in Woodbridge this weekend!
Where: Wegmans – Potomac
14801Dining Way
Woodbridge, VA 22191
703-763-5500When: 5:00 PM - 7:00 PMWho: Jan Brett LoversHow: Book signings can be very busy, so get there in advance!Cost of event: The book cost about $10 from Barnes & Noble if you want a copy to bring and have signed. Books may be available for purchase at the signing- call ahead to be sure.For more info: http://janbrett.com/bookstores/easter_egg_book.htm
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Saturday, March 13 through Sunday, March 14 - Holes
The Alden Theater presents Holes, based on the book written by Lousi Sachar, starring young actors from McLean
Where: McLean Community Center, 1234 Ingleside Ave. McLean, VA 22101When: 7:30 PM ( varied performances )Who: Elementary ageHow: Friday 7:30 pm, Saturday & Sunday 3:00 pmCost of event: $14 ($10 for district residents)For more info: http://www.mcleancenter.org/
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Sunday, March 14 - St. Patrick's Day Parade
Who doesn't love a parade? Come join the parade along Constitution Avenue. See floats, marching bands, pipe bands, military police, and fire departments!
Where: Washington DC, Constitution Avenue, 7 to 17th streets N.W.When: 12:00 PM - 3:00 PMWho: The whole family!How: Metro accessible (Federal Triangle or Archives/Navy Memorial stops)Cost of event: Free!For more info: http://www.dcstpatsparade.com/
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Monday, March 15 - The Great Zucchini
Magic Show for Kids! One of the premeir acts in our area, The Great Zucchini will induce laughter and fun!
Where: Jammin Java, 227 Maple Avenue East, Vienna, VA 22180-4630, (703) 255-1566When: 10:30 AMWho: Ages 2-6How: Arrive early to snag good seats (and coffee or a snack!)Cost of event: $5For more info: tickets@jamminjava.com
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Tuesday, March 16 - The Circus is Coming!
Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus is presenting Zing Zang Zoom to our area. To kick off the festivities, the animals will march through our Nation's Capitol. Don't miss Zing Zang Zoom's biggest stars as they parade up 3rd St., S.W./N.W. making a stop on the National Mall!
Where: Washington DC Due to unpredictable train schedules, the start times and route are subject to change. Check for updated route times at Twitter @ DCAnimalWalkWhen: 1:00 PMWho: All AgesHow: No reservations requiredCost of event: FreeFor more info: http://www.ringling.com/TopLanding.aspx?id=15322
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Thursday, March 18 through Sunday, April 4 - Ringling Bros and Barnum & Bailey Circus: Zing Zang Zoom
Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey "presents Zing Zang Zoom, a thril-filled, mind-blowing circus spectacular where family fun is no illusion!
Where: Washington DC, Verizon Center: March 18- 21, Fairfax, VA, Patriot Center, March 25-April 4 Times vary by day and location.When: 7:30 PM ( Times vary by day )Who: All AgesHow: Tickets can be purchased at all Ticketmaster outlets via charge, or by phone at (202)-397-SEAT or (703)-573-SEAT (in Virginia), via www.ticketmaster.com.Cost of event: From $14-$110For more info: www.Ringling.com
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March 21st through May 1st
Sunday, March 21 - Born 2 Dance Grand Opening
Bellydancing, Zumba, Bollywood, or Hip Hop anyone? Born 2 Dance is a studio offering a wide variety of dance classes for chiildren and adults. Visit the grand opening of their new location for free demo workshops, professional performances, drawings, contests, and refreshments.
Where: 305 Maple Avenue W, Vienna, 703-242-6090When: 3:00 PM - 5:30 PMWho: 6 years to adultHow: no reservations necessaryCost of event: freeFor more info: http://www.born2dancestudio.com
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Monday, March 29 through Thursday, April 1 - Imagination Stage Spring Break Camp
For all the artists, dancers, and drama fans: Imagination Stage in Bethesda, MD is offering Spring Break Camps! The Imagination Stage is a phenomenal theater offering diverse productions worthy of our attention.
Where: Imagination Stage, 4908 Auburn Avenue, Bethesda, Maryland, 20814, (301) 280-1660When: 9:00 AM - 12:30 PM ( afternoon classes also available )Who: Camp programs are geared for 2nd-8th grade students and range from: Creative dance, Theater Sampler, Jazz Sampler, Hip Hop Sampler, Fundamentals of Acting, Film Making, and Film Acting.How: Register online or call 301-280-1660Cost of event: Prices for one camper range from $160-$180For more info: http://www.imaginationstage.org
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Monday, March 29 through Friday, April 2 - Bunny Hop Camp
Tiny Dancers invites your "Little Hopper" to five mornings of fun and excitement during Spring Break. Join in each day for games, crafts, treats, and the Tiny Dancers creative interpretation of favorite seasonal stories.
Where: Fairfax Studio, 10875 Main Street, Suite 113, Fairfax, Virginia 22032, (703) 385-5580When: 10:00 AM - 12:00 PMWho: PreschoolersHow: Call to registerCost of event: Tuition: $40/day, $175/full weekFor more info: http://www.tinydancers.com
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Friday, April 16 through Sunday, April 18 - Nickelodeon Presents Storytime Live!
From the producers of Dora Live and Backyardigans Live, comes a brand new show!Nickelodeon presents their newest, biggest, most exciting live show ever – STORYTIME LIVE! Come play along with your favorite preschool pals live on stage. Leap into Fairytale Land with 'Dora the Explorer,' journey through Filthingham with 'The Backyardigans,' hop into Wonderland with 'Wonder Pets!,' and join the Monkey King’s celebration with 'Ni Hao, Kai-lan.'
Where: Warner Theater, Washington DCWhen: 10:30 AM - 5:00 PM ( multiple performances all day long )Who: All Ages!How: Ticketmaster: http://www.ticketmaster.comCost of event: $16-$46For more info: http://www.nicklivetour.com/
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Saturday, May 1 through Saturday, May 1 - Technology Summit
A fun filled day for the entire family:
Activities will include: Rocketry displays, gaming booths, robotics, education booths, Computer Clubhouse, GIS (Geographical Information System) displays, Fairfax County Global Awareness Project and Jason Project research, food, prizes, and more!
Where: James Lee Community Center
2855-A Annandale Road
Falls Church, VA 22042
703-534-3387, TTY 711When: 11:00 AM - 4:00 PMWho: The Entire Family!How: No registration is requiredCost of event: Free, free, free!For more info: www.fairfaxcounty.gov/rec
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