February’s Kid Stuff Swap Meet may have been the biggest yet

Huge thanks to Danette and Dana for coming early to help get things in order- it really made things run smoothly to have a head start on setup! Thank you all very much for bringing things, for taking things, and for being such excellent company. As always, HOSTS ARE WELCOME! If you’re feeling inspired to host one of these yourself, contact me to set it up. If you have a charitable project that could benefit from the leftovers of future swaps, I am happy to do that if they will pick up. Please contact me to set it up.

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Dirt makes a difference: 3+ ways you can do outdoor science with your kids.

You can spend 20 minutes in the dirt this month that change everyone’s lives forever. DUHN DUHN DUUUUUUUUHN! Does that sound overly dramatic? Well it sort of is, and sort of isn’t. You CAN make a difference in a small amount of time. Here are some hands-on activities you and your kids can do in Northern VA that will allow your kids to participate in *real* science and also to learn “soft” concepts like stewardship, community action, and responsibility.

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Sea Monster at Chessie's Backyard Playground

The Newest Phase of Chessie’s Backyard Playground is here!

My kids loved this so much that they didn’t want to go home even though they were hungry for dinner. My littlest had to be carried to the parking lot, shouting “WANT THE PARK!” the whole way. (Of course, he’s two, so whether that’s an endorsement or just trouble with transitions is debatable. But he had a REALLY good time!)

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Review: Drumming with Dishes

The reason for our first trip to the Workhouse Arts Center was Drumming with Dishes, Holiday Edition (Show runs through Dec 8). After you arrive and either check in (advance purchases) or buy your ticket at the door, you head down the hallway and have a choice of either a quiet reading area or a hands-on play area to amuse your kiddo while you wait for the show to start- or you can stop on your way out. Either way, this is what we call a sign that Arts on the Horizon understands how kids work, so they’ve already made my A list.

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Parent/Provider Conference hosted by Preemies Today

In addition to the full-day of educational seminars and networking opportunities, your registration includes: Education seminars with expert advice and strategies Electronic copy of Patti Bose’s book Preemies–Anastasia’s Gift: A Guide for Parents of Preemie Babies book, www.preemiesgift.com Opportunity to network with other parents, event sponsors, providers and presenters Opportunity to view and bid on numerous silent auction items Breakfast and lunch

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