Sunset Celebration at Mount Vernon

Permalink to Sunset%20Celebration%20at%20Mount%20Vernon

Published: 05/23/2013

This weekend, Mount Vernon will have their Sunset Celebration. If you haven't yet been to Mount Vernon, it's a quick drive from the Lake Ridge/Woodbridge side of the county, and worth the drive from the West End. The property is beautiful and historic, and if you have scouts, be sure to look up the badge requirements! Here are the details for a beautiful weekend:

Historic Mount Vernon invites visitors to sip wine while watching the sunset on George Washington’s home! Sunset Celebration at Mount Vernon, an event over Memorial Day weekend (May 25 – 26), offers a rare opportunity to visit Mount Vernon after the daytime crowds have departed. Visitors may take evening tours of the Mansion, relax and enjoy wine and desserts available for purchase on the lawn overlooking the Potomac River. Delight in 18th-century music, dancing, games, and wagon rides. Stroll the lantern-lit grounds from 6:00 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. and immerse yourself in the 18th century as the sun sets on the plantation with costumed residents like the charming Lady Washington. This family-friendly event celebrates the beginning of summer on the plantation.

Tickets are $18, adults; $12, children ages 6-11; and free for five and under. This event requires a separate ticket from daytime admission. Annual passes are not valid for this event. All activities, with the exception of food and wine, are included with admission to this event. Tickets may be purchased online in advance at MountVernon.org or at the Ford Orientation Center ticket window until 8:00 p.m. the evening of the event. Guests must be prepared to show identification to purchase wine.

Tickets can be purchased here: http://bit.ly/126pxez

1 Comments | Share:

Featured Organization Friday: Partners In Preservation program for the National Trust for Historic Preservation

Permalink to Featured%20Organization%20Friday%3A%20Partners%20In%20Preservation%20program%20for%20the%20National%20Trust%20for%20Historic%20Preservation

Published: 05/03/2013

Partners in Preservation is a program in which American Express, in partnership with the National Trust for Historic Preservation, awards preservation grants to historic places across the country. Since 2006, American Express has made grants worth $9 million through Partners in Preservation, helping historic places in seven cities to date, including San Francisco, Chicago, New Orleans, Boston, Seattle, Saint Paul/Minneapolis and New York, and has engaged more than a million people. The program will award an additional $1 million in grants to historic places in Washington, DC in May 2013. Through this partnership, American Express and the National Trust for Historic Preservation seek to increase the public’s awareness of the importance of historic preservation in the United States and to preserve America’s historic and cultural places. The program also hopes to inspire long-term support from local citizens for the historic places at the heart of their communities.

Washington D.C. Metro Area 2013
The Washington, D.C. Metro area has been selected as the eighth area to be selected to participate in Partners in Preservation and receive funding from American Express. The area benefits from a wealth of historic landmarks and districts. Since the creation of the Georgetown Historic District in 1950, the city’s inventory of historic places has grown steadily to encompass thousands of properties representing all aspects of the city’s history and culture. The District of Columbia alone has 55 historic districts and 657 historic landmarks dating from the 1700s to iconic modern architectural marvels, and has more National Historic Landmarks than all but seven states.

Plus this weekend, Saturday May 4th - Sunday May 5th is Open House Weekend.
This means there will be fun, special events at each of the sites. A full list of participating sites is here. I suggest calling ahead to find out what special event each site has. Some will have free admission, behind the scenes tours, food, performances, etc - to encourage people to come out, learn more about the site and its history - and encourage people to vote for their site. For example, Congressional Cemetery will be doing an all-day Scavenger Hunt with performances, tours pointing out some of the famous “residents” and even a spaghetti sauce judging contest.

Your vote will help give away $1 million to preserve historic places in the Washington, DC Metro area. Although there aren't any Prince William County sites in the running, there are the following Northern Virginia sites: Arlington House, Colvin Run Mill, Marine Corps War Memorial, Mount Vernon, and The Athenaeum.

From April 24 through May 10, 2013, the public is being asked to help choose which historic places they feel most deserve preservation funding. Click here to learn about the participating historic places. Visit the Partners in Preservation website to earn points for the participating historic places by voting online and via mobile, sharing with friends on Twitter, checking in on Foursquare and posting photos on Instagram. Click here to get started. The site that receives the highest number of points at the conclusion of the program is guaranteed to receive their full grant request. A Partners in Preservation advisory committee comprised of Washington-area civic and preservation leaders will recommend how the remainder of the preservation grants will be awarded to the other participating sites. On May 13, American Express and the National Trust will announce the popular vote winner along with the additional grant winners.

0 Comments | Share:

Smithsonian’s National Air and Space Museum Presents the 2013 “Heritage Family Day” Series

Permalink to Smithsonian%E2%80%99s%20National%20Air%20and%20Space%20Museum%20Presents%20%20the%202013%20%E2%80%9CHeritage%20Family%20Day%E2%80%9D%20Series

Published: 02/08/2013

Smithsonian’s National Air and Space Museum Presents

the 2013 “Heritage Family Day” Series

As part of the Smithsonian’s Heritage and History education initiative, the National Air and Space Museum presents a “Heritage Family Day” series celebrating ethnic and cultural diversity. The series coincides with national observances, focusing specifically on the contributions that diverse communities have made to aviation and space exploration. These activity-filled days, which take place at the National Mall building and the Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center in Chantilly, Va., offer parents and children the opportunity to meet role models—ranging from World War II veterans to astronomers. Support for the “Heritage Family Day” series is provided by Northrop Grumman Corporation.

“The museum’s dual mission, in history and science, come together in the ‘Heritage Family Day’ series,” said Maureen Kerr, education chair at the National Air and Space Museum. “The programs feature inspiring role models who have helped make history by their achievements in aviation and spaceflight.”

“Northrop Grumman is proud to sponsor the ‘Heritage Family Day’ series for the eighth consecutive year at the National Air and Space Museum,” said Sandra Evers-Manly, vice president, Corporate Responsibility, Northrop Grumman Corporation. “We are excited to support this series because it recognizes the unsung heroes of STEM and is an incredible benefit to the community’s schools and families.”

The 2013 series begins Feb. 9 at the museum’s National Mall building with “African American Pioneers in Aviation Day,” where visitors will have the chance to meet members of the Tuskegee Airmen, African Americans who fought during WWII, and be inspired by their determination and perseverance. On Feb. 23, the second “African American Pioneers in Aviation Day” will be held at the Udvar-Hazy Center.

On March 23, “Kites of Asia Day,” visitors to the National Mall building will experience the beauty of kites by celebrating the first aviation-related objects collected by the Smithsonian—two Chinese kites. There will be indoor kite flying, and experts will explain how kites influenced the development of aviation and the science behind kite flying. Visitors can decorate and build their own kites.

Also March 23, the “Women in Aviation and Space Day” will take place at the Udvar-Hazy Center. Visitors will learn about the accomplishments of women in aviation, science and aerospace. Families can enjoy guest speakers, hands-on activities, a theatrical presentation and more.

“Explore the Universe Day” will take place at the National Mall building June 1. Astronomy will serve as a common theme for visitors to learn how different people and cultures view and talk about the sky. The museum’s Public Observatory will be open for daytime sky-watching, weather permitting.

There will be two “Heritage Family Days” in September: “A Century of Women in Aerospace” at the National Mall building Sept. 14 and “Hispanic Heritage Day: Innovators in Air and Space” in partnership with the Smithsonian Latino Center Sept. 21 at the Udvar-Hazy Center.

The last “Heritage Family Day” of the 2013 series will be Oct. 5 at the National Mall building and will also celebrate Hispanic Heritage in partnership with the Smithsonian’s Latino Center. There will be bilingual programming and visitors will have the chance to meet Hispanic scientists and engineers.

For more information about the museum’s “Heritage Family Day” series, visit: http://www.airandspace.si.edu/events/heritagedays.cfm.

The National Air and Space Museum building on the National Mall in Washington, D.C., is located at Sixth Street and Independence Avenue S.W. The museum’s Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center is located in Chantilly, Va., near Washington Dulles International Airport. Both facilities are open daily from 10 a.m. until 5:30 p.m. (closed Dec. 25). Admission is free, but there is a $15 fee for parking at the Udvar-Hazy Center.

# # #

0 Comments | Share:

Upcoming: Reel Abilities Film Festival

Permalink to Upcoming%3A%20Reel%20Abilities%20Film%20Festival%20

Published: 02/01/2013

Pioneering Film Festival Opens in Greater Washington Area

ReelAbilities Disabilities Film Festival, February 7-14, 2013

ReelAbilities Film Festival is the largest festival in the country dedicated to promoting awareness and appreciation of the lives, stories and artistic expressions of people with different disabilities. The festival is coming to the DC and Northern Virginia area from February 7-14, 2013 and is sponsored by the Jewish Community Center of Northern Virginia (JCCNV).

Nine films will be screened throughout the festival – features, documentaries, and shorts that present stories incorporating a variety of disabilities including autism, Down syndrome, cerebral palsy, deafness, and others. Check out the schedule below:

Thursday, February 7
Mary & Max at Angelika Film Center - 7:45 pm

Saturday, February 9
Ocean Heaven at Angelika Film Center - 3:00 pm
Finding Nemo at DC Public Library - 11:00 am

Sunday, February 10
Anything You Can Do and Finding Nemo at Cinema Arts Theatre - 10:15 am
Me, Too at Angelika Film Center - 2:00 pm
Ocean Heaven at Floris United Methodist Church - 6:30 pm

Monday, February 11
Shooting Beauty at Cinema Arts Theatre - 7:30 pm

Tuesday, February 12

Silent Games at George Mason University - 7:00 pm
Mary & Max at Jewish Community Center of Greater Washington - 7:00 pm
War Eagle at Bethlehem Lutheran Church - 7:00 pm

Wednesday, February 13
Shooting Beauty at Northern Virginia Community College - Manassas Campus - 5:30 pm
Aphasia at Jewish Community Center of Northern Virginia - 5:30 pm

Thursday, February 14
Musical Chairs at Angelika Film Center - 7:30 pm

Visit the ReelAbilities DC website to learn more about the featured films and festival events.

0 Comments | Share:

Fairfax Symphony Orchestra Student Passport January 2013

Permalink to Fairfax%20Symphony%20Orchestra%20Student%20Passport%20January%202013

Published: 01/09/2013

Happy New Year! The Fairfax Symphony invites students and families to kick off 2013 with a variety of events surrounding our concert this month, on Saturday, January 19^th.

All students ages 6-18 are eligible to join the Student Passport Club!

All of the following events are at GMU’s Center for the Artsunless otherwise noted. Parking is free in Lot K, with hourly or event fees charged in the Mason Pond Parking Deck.

FSO Open Rehearsal – including a Q&A session with Maestro Christopher Zimmerman

· Time:10:00 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.

· Cost: Free Admission

· Reservations: Please e-mail the FSO Office to reserve your space.

Flute Master Class – presented by our concert soloist, Christina Jennings

For flute students and flute enthusiasts – observe performances by flute students of all ages and receive educational guidance from flutist, Christina Jennings!

· Time:3:00 – 5:00 p.m.

· Location: DeLaski Building, GMU Fairfax Campus

· Cost: Free Admission

· RSVP: Please e-mail the FSO Office to reserve your space.

FSO Concert– featuring flutist Christina Jennings

· Time:Concert at 8:00 p.m. | Pre-concert lecture at 7:00 p.m.

· Cost: Student Tickets only $5 – Adult Tickets begin at $25

· Tickets: Available beginning at 6:00 p.m. on January 19^th. Students must be present when purchasing their tickets.

Calling all 7^th-12^th grade string players in the Northern Virginia area! The Fairfax Symphony is currently accepting applications for its 2013 Dorothy Farnham Feuer Memorial String Competition to take place in February and March. More information and application forms available here.

Sneak Preview – see our Web site for details about this year’s reception for students and families on Saturday, March 16, 2013!

0 Comments | Share:

12 Days of Giveaways: Tickets to "Little Mermaid Jr."

Permalink to 12%20Days%20of%20Giveaways%3A%20Tickets%20to%20%22Little%20Mermaid%20Jr.%22

Published: 12/18/2012

The Northern Virginia Players are near and dear to my heart because we have three homeschool friends on the cast!! It's so cool when you know someone in a show, let alone three!!

Photo Credit: Kate Wittig

This year, the NVPlayers are offering "Little Mermaid Jr.", which is a great way to thrill your Little Mermaid fans! Showtimes are:
Friday, January 11 @7:30pm
Saturday, January 12 @1:30pm

Saturday, January 12 @7:30pm

Friday, January 18 @7:30pm

Saturday, January 19 @1:30pm

Saturday, January 19 @7:30pm

All shows will be performed at the Family Worship Center, 7719 Fullerton Road, Springfield VA 22153. This is a fairly quick drive from the Woodbridge side of Prince William County.

In addition to great songs like "Part of Your World" and "Under the Sea", the Northern Virginia Players will continue their tradition of using a portion of the ticket sales to help others. This year's donated portion will benefit Super Storm Sandy victims. Ticket are $12 and may be paid online or using cash or check at the door. There are not reserved seats.

Want to win your tickets? Northern Virginia Players is generously offering a lucky winner a family four pack of tickets to see the show!! Enter using the rafflecopter below.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

3 Comments | Share:

Paradise Springs Winery

Permalink to Paradise%20Springs%20Winery

Published: 11/29/2012

I am not really a wine person. It is atypical for me to have an "adult beverage" and if I do have wine, it has to be white, sweet, and with lots of ice.

Yes, ice. Because I'm classy, people. I even know that the new term is "Cardbordeaux" and not "Wine in a bag in a box".

And only one glass, because after that, I get giggly.

However, I do love the idea of wine. I'm always impressed by people who know lots about wine, that know the vintages and can identify whether a particular variety was aged in oak or steel, those who can tell the difference between the 1949 and 1950 blend of a particular beverage. I especially like the idea of vineyards. Sitting around with friends enjoying a snack and a glass of wine by the fire with live indie music in the background sounds pretty amazing right?

That's because it is!!

We headed out this past Sunday with another couple for a double date to Paradise Springs Winery in Clifton, VA, which was absolutely lovely. If you're following Apple Maps, which we were, don't let them fool you into turning on the last left- just keep going straight, you can't miss it. Google users, you'll be just fine.

The vineyard itself is on a plot of land that's been handed down in a family since the time of Lord Fairfax and George Washington, which is really neat! There's an historic cabin on site, as well as the main tasting room, which is also gorgeous. Tastings at Paradise Springs include samples from their entire line for $10. You can add a souvenir etched glass for $2 more. Private tastings for groups are $15 per person, and happen in a dedicated location with your own "wine educator". They also host special events, which you can check out on their website.

Our group opted to take part in the "Paradise Springs Experience" which is $25 and includes a tour of the cabin, production areas, barrel room, and a tasting. Our wine educator/guide was Richard, who was absolutely delightful. He was very knowledgable not only about wine, but art and history as well, and we very much enjoyed our tour with him.

Children are allowed to join you at the winery, per the website, but let's be nice to ourselves and everyone else and snag a sitter, shall we? Nobody wants to ignore their vino and conversation so that they can run after the munchkins. Children are not permitted on the "Paradise Springs Experience" tour, though.

On our tour, Richard talked us through all of the Paradise Springs wines. I learned that a more yellow color on a white wine indicates oak barrels were used (score! I'm educated now!), and was able to clearly tell the difference between a 2010 and a 2011!

Are you amazed by my new levels of awesome? I know, I am, too.

After our tour, we enjoyed some snacks that we brought with us. Food is available on-site, as well, but patrons are welcome to bring their own, if they prefer. Only Paradise Springs Wines are allowed, of course, and they also have non-alcoholic drinks available for purchase.

I think the only thing that we did wrong on this visit was underestimate the time we would spend. I told Grandma that we'd be back for the kids around 4:00. We left at 1:30, and we rolled back up to her house at 6. Our tour took about an hour and a half, and we all had a great time just sitting and chatting in the beautiful and relaxed environment. There was a fire going on the outdoor patio, as well as indoor seating, and we just really had a fantastic time. They even had the football game on, which meant that my friend and I could gossip uninhibited by eye rolls from our respective husbands.

It was a lovely, relaxing afternoon!

Paradise Springs Winery
*Great for an adults-only afternoon/evening
*Open daily
*Tastings for only $10!
*Leave yourself lots of time!
*Bring food or buy it there
*Bring your ID
* Plan to buy a bottle of your favorite wine to take home!

Downside:
*If you're holding your empty glass AND a camera phone, don't turn the camera phone or you'll get red wine on your shirt and your friends will make fun of you mercilessly. Or, maybe that's just my friends.

Plan Ahead:
*Someone's gotta drive home, so be sure that you plan accordingly by bringing a designated driver. If you need to, call a cab. Clifton Roads are windy and have lots of deer, so don't risk it.

Disclaimer: Don't be an idiot and drink and drive. That's just not cool. Also, I was not compensated in any way for this review, in fact, they didn't even know I was there. We had a great time, though, and think you would, too. If you think you have a problem with alcohol, please get help. I've never written about anything alcohol-related before, I don't think, so if I'm over-disclaimering, I apologize.

0 Comments | Share:

December 2012 Fairfax Symphony Kids' Passport Program

Permalink to December%202012%20Fairfax%20Symphony%20Kids%27%20Passport%20Program

Published: 11/28/2012

The Fairfax Symphony Orchestra invites students and families to attend its next concert on Saturday, December 8th, at George Mason University’s Center for the Arts in Fairfax, VA, at 8:00 p.m. This performance features pianist, James Dick, and works by Rossini and Tchaikovsky. All students will be invited to join the Student Passport Club!

Fairfax Symphony Concert Information:

· Date: Saturday, December 8, 2012 at 8:00 p.m.

· Location: George Mason University’s Center for the Arts, Fairfax

· Cost: Student Tickets only $5; Adult Tickets begin at $25

· Tickets: Available beginning at 6:00 p.m. on December 8^th at the “Student Ticket Window.” Students must be present when purchasing their tickets the night of the concert.

· Parking: Free in Lot K; event parking fee in garage

Fairfax Symphony’s Students Passport Club (for students ages 6-18):

· Personal passportto be stamped at each event

· Special program notesand activity sheets for each concert

· Free gifts

· Invitation to a special reception with an opportunity to meet FSO musicians and play many different instruments

· JOIN IN ADVANCEOR AT THE CONCERT ITSELF!

Mischief in Music Corner:

If you attended the last FSO concert in November, bring back your program with the Scavenger Hunt questions completed for an extra stamp! Those who missed this performance are welcome to participate too. Simply bring your answers to the following questions about the composer featured on this performance:

1. How old was Rossini when his first opera premiered?

2. What instrument did Rossini play with his father’s musical group?

3. At what age did Tchaikovsky begin playing the piano?

0 Comments | Share:

Cox Farms 2012

Published: 10/04/2012

Today we had the chance to go and visit Cox Farms on their Preview Weekend. We've been visiting Cox Farms since my son was 11 months old.

He's almost 9 now.

To say that we're Cox Farms aficionados would be an understatement. However, that doesn't mean that my kids don't have a great time when we go. I'm sure that one day they're going to be too cool for the pumpkin patch (which is okay, because Cox Farms also has a scary counterpart to their family-friendly daytime offerings), but I hope that day stays away a little longer.

Plenty of picnic tables for lunch. Pack your own or buy at the farm.

Mainly because I'm a big pansy and don't want to go in the Cornightmare. I have nightmares about the wolf in Neverending Story to this day and I watched that movie when I was 10. If they start wanting to do that, I'm pulling for a great youth pastor that does trips to scary things, because I'm not going.

This fun slide includes potato sacks for extra speed.

Cox Farms made some changes this year, though! The hayride has a few new additions, and the route has changed. There's now a spookier barn-drive through and a town setup. PS- the Cox Farms Farmer no longer pulls you out of the mud! But don't worry- you'll still get stuck! I also believe the space ship looked new and improved!

Slides are super fun, but be prepared to wait your turn.

Additionally, Cox Farms has their new "Bunnyville" area where their bunnies are housed, a mechanical bull, new BBQ food items, and a "mine" where you can pan for gems or fossils for an additional fee. My kids also noticed a "Farm Work" area for the first time (which cracked me up!) and all three of them were literally happy for 30 minutes playing in the cascading corn kernels and pumping up well water.

"milk" a cow, scoop corn feed, and pump water at the "farm chores" area

Still popular with my kids were the corn maze, the animals, and the slides. Still unpopular with my kids were the intermittent heat, the lines, and the bees buzzing like crazy around the trash cans, apples, and cider station.

Cox Farms admission is by day of the week. Weekend Prime tickets are $17 per person over the age of 2. Weekend tickets are $14 per person over the age of two, and weekday admission is $9 per person over the age of 2. Join the Cox Farms Mailing list to receive discounts and coupons in your email, or you can purchase a Value Card for 7 Weekday afternoon admissions for $45 instead of $63. You can use all 7 at once, or you can use it on multiple visits. If you're able to take a half day from work, this can be a great savings! Admission includes 1 free apple and 1 free mini pumpkin. The new mine feature is extra. We bought one large $8 bag of gems and shared it among three children quite successfully.

Cox Farms is a fun day for the entire family. Younger children will enjoy hayrides, petting animals, and running around. Older children will enjoy large slides, the corn maze, and the animal facts. Downsides are the waiting, which isn't terrible, but can be if your child is getting whiney, allergy concerns (hay, feathers, bees) are abundant because it is, after all, a farm, so bring Allegra or Benadryl if your child can be sensitive, and finally, that my arch-nemesis the porta potty is your only bathroom option. They're reasonably clean for porta potties, and they do have lots of hand sanitizer all over the farm, though.

We enjoy our yearly trips to Cox Farms. We'd love to hear about your experience in the comments section below! Do you have tips or tricks? Share with us!

0 Comments | Share:

Kid Care Cafe

Published: 09/10/2012

So here's a neat idea! A new business, Kid Care Cafe, will actually bring group childcare to your home or event. It's a flat $15 per child at the event, and I can totally see doing this for my next big game night or BBQ so that the parents can enjoy their time with grownups, but not have to worry about having their children with someone they don't know off-site. Weddings, business parties, galas, charity events, I could see this being a really useful service!

From their website:
Instead of staying home from an event because you don't have childcare, why not bring the kids along too? We understand this tough choice that parents often make - miss out on being social with your friends OR find a sitter and go out! We want you and your friends to go out (or stay in) while we tend to the kids. We want your kids to have fun, make new friends, and be safe. We'll make sure that happens.

I haven't had a chance to meet the owner yet, but she's having a special kick-off event Saturday, September 15th from 3-5pm at the NZone in Chantilly (14550 Lee Road, Chantilly VA) with free food, games, raffles, prizes, face painting and music. I think this is definitely one to check out if you're constantly in need of childcare! I'd love to hear your thoughts and feedback if you use them, too!

As a reminder, PwcMoms.com does not endorse any childcare provider. Parents should meet with any potential babysitters, daycare providers, preschools, etc. and use their best judgement and personal discretion before leaving their children with anyone.

1 Comments | Share:

Lego Brick Fair Review

Permalink to Lego%20Brick%20Fair%20Review

Published: 08/09/2012

We were able to attend the 2012 Brick Fair at the Dulles Expo Center thanks to some comp tickets from Washington Family Magazine. (The same fine folks that sponsored our giveaway to the same event). I know a lot of you were wondering about the event, so here's my breakdown.

When we arrived, we were seriously nervous about The Line. The Line looked like it was going to take us the better part of half an hour to get to the actual door to the Expo Center. We were pleasantly surprised, however, to find that the line moved quickly and we were in the door in about nine minutes. Once we were inside, we were definitely in awe of the fantastic Lego creations. Children as young as nine can present their pieces at Brick Fair, with the chance to win awards. There are also custom Lego vendors, our friends from Hallabolou were there, and there was a wicked game of Lego bingo going on when we arrived. The ticket encouraged you to allow at least three hours to make it through, and maybe we're big losers, but we did it in 50 minutes. Here's why.

We went with our kids who are 8, 6, and 4. The little ones were definitely wowed by several of the displays, especially the ones that moved like the ball movers, robots, and giant roller coaster.

They were even still happy at the end of our time at the Brick Fair, but nobody complained that we were leaving, either. They did ask if we could stop at the ice cream store on the way home.

The kids presenting were absolutely amazing and created some awesome scenes! I was completely impressed by how some of the youngest exhibitors produced such amazing results! Each category, and there were several, had gorgeous entries.

We especially liked the things that moved, whether they were robots, roller coasters, ball movers, or magnetized displays.

He blinded me with science.

THIS IS ALL MADE OF LEGOS!!! This is what I could accomplish if I didn't blog and had some kind of measurable artistic skill!

The cars were also a big hit with my kids.

So, if everything was so impressive, why didn't we take longer? The little ones enjoyed looking but were, honestly, overwhelmed by all there was to see. You can't really touch anything, and Legos are toys to most children, so it's kind of like walking through a giant bakery with no glass over the treats. You find yourself reminding little fingers not to touch fairly often. Our oldest probably would have wandered around a little longer and looked at different items, but there's not really room to wander. It's a lot more like being herded through like cattle:

Oh, hello hundreds of our closest friends!! Our children's biggest complaint was that there wasn't a ton of hands-on. There is a small game section near the exit, but they really wanted to go and see cool things and then sit down somewhere and build with Legos. Instead, we stood in a slow moving line that wrapped around the building and just looked. Don't get me wrong, everything was amazing, but it was crowded and slow and not as interactive as we usually like to be. It's kind of like a Lego museum, and you know my favorite museums are free :)

Tickets are $10 a pop, so while we enjoyed it this time, we all agreed that we probably wouldn't go back if we had to pay $50. The kids liked it, but not enough to justify the cost.

Agree? Disagree? I'd love to hear your thoughts in the comments!

2 Comments | Share:

Reviews: Potomac Overlook Park

Permalink to Reviews%3A%20Potomac%20Overlook%20Park

Published: 07/31/2012

I have mommy brain. My mommy brain syndrome (MBS) is augmented by my technology dependence syndrome (TDS, or, in my case iTDS). Example? We showed up for my daughter's dermatology appointment (a 45 minute drive in traffic because while I love PWC, I'm driving to the bets possible doctor our insurance will semi-pay for) only to sit for 30 minutes before the semi-rude receptionist reminded me that I cancelled this appointment when I made an earlier one for before we left for the beach.

My MBS apparently prevented me from removing that from my iCal, so when my iAlarm went off, iGotIntheCar and iDrove to the appointment. Hence the iTDS kicker.

Being that I am also spontaneous, and had skipped swim team practice, we opted to iMap our way over to Potomac Overlook Regional Park and check out what it had to offer before doing the same thing back down i66, err, I-66, to head to a library event back down in our neck of the woods.

Potomac Overlook is located at 2845 North Marcey Road, Arlington, Virginia. It is absolutely gorgeous for hiking, as well as having a beautiful nature center, concerts, a solar-powered outdoor stage, roving naturalists, community gardens, and canoe trips.

We've been to Potomac Overlook once before, and we enjoyed the well-shaded hiking, especially since with water shoes on we could enjoy keeping our feet cool in the creek/river that flows through the park. Throwback photo evidence:

Okay, so they didn't like their water shoes. I admit, I am that horrible parent that lets my children experience the world barefoot whenever they want and my husband isn't yelling. I don't like shoes, either, so I get it.

In this picture my kids are 15 months, 3, and 5. I'm wearing sporting an awesome blue Moby Wrap. If you don't have a Moby Wrap and you have a baby or are about to have a 2nd (3rd, 4th, 5th) baby, you should stop reading this NOW and go buy one. I'll wait. No, they're not paying me, either.

I am also that mom that lets her kid swim in the deep pool he finds. It was warm that day. He had an amazing time and the water was clear so that you could see straight to the bottom. I realize this doens't mean it was clean, but it looked like it, so there.

This time, however, we never made it that far since by the time we arrived it was already 108 degrees outside. Walking from the parking lot to the nature center, we noticed there is a fun hike with signs for each planet placed at representative distances along the path. They include fun facts like how much a person of a certain weight (I want to say it was 100 pounds) would weigh on each planet. On your left hand side, you'll also see the solar-powered outdoor theatre as well as an eletctric car filling station. Trees and rocks along this main path are also labeled for your viewing pleasure.

By the time we arrived at the nature center, my middle child informed me that he was dying, and I informed him that the nature center is air conditioned, at which point he summoned the will power to go on the three steps to the door. It was magical.

By the way, now that my kids are 4, 6, and 8, their lives exist soley on my iphone because I'm not good enough to carry a camera, so I hope that you enjoyed the nice, clear pictures above because now we're switching back to my typical low-quality cell phone pictures.

The nature center includes a fun mix of energy saving information along with a living bee colony, live turtles, frogs and snakes, as well as some stuffed local species, skulls, and skeletons and fossils to look at. The upper level is mostly non-living, although there is a turtle and two snakes, and the lower level is mostly snakes and frogs, along with a children's cave area, which was fun to hang around in for a few minutes even if it wasn't very large.

The children's area included boards to make your own "cave drawings" sounds of a cave on a phone, and space to sit and read books or play with toys. It'd be a good place to cool off and calm down on a hot day.

There's also a lower-level educational room, which was completely devoid of people on the day we went, but looked like it must be used for field trips and scout groups. There were some fish in the tank as well as stuffed bird and small mammal species.

Ooooh, something stuffed. Fun. My kids love anything about animals, so they thought this nature center was fantastic. It's definitely small enough that you can do it in a morning and still have time for a hike, even if you read everything in the nature center, but I enjoy that about it.

It was after this picture that my phone died. It was sad. So, not pictured are the community garden, Indian-themed circular garden, or the live birds of prey that are a short walk across from the nature center. These are previously injured owls and hawks that cannot be returned to the wild due to the extent of their inuries, and you do get a very close look at them. The owls were especially beautiful, and, as a bonus, I found a 4 foot black snake on the trail on the way up! How fantastic!

Fine, I freaked out. But the boys thought it was amazing.

This is a great local field trip, and we enjoyed both of our visits. Check out Potomac Overlook Regional Park for your next hike or nature event!

Potomac Overlook Regional Park
Recommended for: Any age, really. Lots of walking, but getting to/from the nature center is stroller-friendly. There is a long hill that is not particularly handicap-accessible, I would talk to the park rangers about the possibility of being allowed to drive to the center itself if that's an issue for your. Older children will enjoy the various themed areas and hiking.

Pros: Free! Lots of different interests addressed. Live and stuffed animal species, lots of labeled plants and rocks with information on species.

Cons: Nature center is somewhat small, parking is removed from areas of interest.

0 Comments | Share:

Giveaway: Brick Fair 2012

Published: 07/19/2012

Coming August 4th and 5th to the Dulles Expo Center in Chantilly, Virginia, it's Brick Fair! If you have a Lego Lover of any age, this is definitely one to check out!

The fair recommends you allot at least 90 minutes to see everything, but tickets are valid for all day admission. The Brick Fair is open each day from 11am-4pm. Parking is free. There's plenty to see, play with, and even win! Lego giveaways happen at 1pm and 3pm each day.

From the official website:

LEGO models, displays and winding trains sprawled out over 100,000 square feet.

BrickFair brings together adult fans of LEGO from across the USA (and Canada, and a few other countries) to show off their projects, great and small, and to share their passion for LEGO - the most awesome toy - ever.

LEGO fan festivals like BrickFair are great fun for the whole family!

Join in a game or two - maybe win a LEGO set.

Vendors will be offering all things LEGO, including shirts, hats, minifigures, custom-molded weapons, unique models, keychains and... really... everything you never imagined.

Thanks to the great folks at Washington Family Magazine, PwcMoms is happy to offer a family 4 pack of tickets for either day of Brick Fair 2012!! Since it REALLY bothered some of you that you had to email, you may enter 1 of 3 ways that guarantee I can get in touch with you:

1- Leave a comment on this post WITH your email address. Yes, that means you put your email address out for the world to see

2- Email Me with "Brick Fair 2012" in the subject line

3- Tweet the following message: I want to go to @BrickFair thanks to @FamilyMagDC and @PwcMoms!

Enter however you'd like by midnight on July 27th, 2012. A winner will be selected and notified via email or twitter and Facebook on July 28th, 2012.

Winner will be selected on July 28th. Winners must claim their prize by July 30th or a new winner will be selected. Prize provided by Washington Family Magazine and Brick Fair 2012. Winner assumes all risk and liability. PwcMoms was provided with courtesy tickets in return for this post.

20 Comments | Share:

Meet Hallabolou

Published: 07/18/2012

Hallabolou is a full service Children’s Enrichment and Event Company. I first met their owner, Vanessa, at the Chick-Fil-A Fire and Rescue Fest. I instantly decided that I needed to know the woman with the purple apron and approximately 75 pounds of Legos. Bright, enthusiastic, and passionate about engaging and enriching children's lives, Vanessa instantly won me over on Hallabolou (a secret message saying hello to her children) and her work there. Read more about them below, and be sure to check them out on Facebook and their Website, too! They offer classes, after school enrichment, camps, and more!

From the owner:

Our enrichment programs and camps are dedicated to creating an atmosphere that fosters each child’s feeling of autonomy and positive self-image. From a young age, children are fascinated with the world around them. Hallabolou uses this fascination to teach life skills and assist children in understanding and expressing their emotions through a creative technique known as the Five Points of Discovery. These points are Imagination, Determination, Commitment, Self-Confidence and Cooperation. Through our offerings of bRiK Programs or Learning Levels we teach STEM: Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math. We enrich their experiences by also providing a Dance and Movement program, Educational Cooking for Kids, Theater and Art.

2 Comments | Share:

Review: Rapunzel

Published: 05/24/2012

When I went to my first show, "Miss Electricity" at the Workhouse Arts Center's Studio 3, I thought they did a good job. The show was cute, my kids had fun, they did a good job.

Then they did "Home". I didn't get to see it, but those of you that went with your preschoolers raved to me about the creative tale of two kids and a box.

When I went to "Rapunzel" on final dress rehearsal two weeks ago, I was floored. What was already good has improved so much. The company is utilizing every inch of space in their intimate performance area, the lights and sounds are spot-on, I am truly impressed by how far they've come from "good" in such a short time! (Especially since they produce these show back to back on a few week flip schedule!)

Here's the deal with Rapunzel. The show is truly about what's right, what's wrong, and what you'd sacrifice to get what you want temporarily. Helicopter moms, it's also talking to you ;)

While all the characters were well-portrayed, I did have a few favorites.

The witch, played by Kindra Cook, was by far my favorite Studio 3 character to date. Obviously skilled with children (her own child was at the dress rehearsal), she is able to take a baby-snatching, spell-slinging witch and make her, perhaps not entirely lovable, but understandable. I could relate to the witch! I don't want my babies out in the world getting hurt or running off with some prince, either! (Okay, fine, and my children would probably tell you that when they cross me bad things happen, too!)

Credit: Melanie Beys

If there was another show stopper, I would say it was Anna Jackson and Chris Galindo, who played the two headed monster. My children came home and duct-taped their dragon costumes together to play their character, which provided comic relief, as well as being an unlikely aid to Rapunzel as she tried to escape. I hope to see both of these actors again at the Workhouse!!

Rapunzel, played by Ashley San, is loveable and does a sweet performance as the bubbly and naive princess, although my daughter, having seen the magical hair in Tangled, was unimpressed with her very curly VERY large wig and kept asking me if she could do Rapunzel's hair! I know this character is probably truer to the original, but I really loved Mandy Moore's self-sufficient cast-iron wielding movie version, which I missed here.

Credit: Melanie Beus

We've seen Eben Kuhns (Prince) before, and always find him warm and believable. I think my 4 year old is infatuated with him (sorry, Eben, if you're reading this!), although she always chickens out of a picture with him after the show. :)

Parents with sensory-sensitive children should note there are a few instances of flashing lights and loud noises, but they are very brief and they are followed quickly with humor. If you're unsure, note that the theater is small enough that making it to the door shouldn't be a problem. There are a few times when characters use the aisle to the right hand side (facing the stage), so if you have to exit, I would go via the door you came in, and pick seats accordingly.

The show is 1 hour with an intermission at the 1/2 hour. Tickets are $12 adults; $8 children under 12 years old. At intermission, cupcakes from Sugar Buzz in Occoquan are available for $2.50 as well as beverages.

Studio 3's Rapunzel
Pros: Very well done show, local, affordable tickets, intermission is well placed and the hour run time keeps a great pace for keeping children entertained

Cons: I did not have any particular issues (besides my daughter's obsession with re-styling Rapunzel's wig), but in reading other reviews from people who went on a show day rather than dress rehearsal, I've heard that the lines at intermission and for meet the cast after the show can run rather long.

Overall- Go see the show! Studio 3 is doing some fantastic work, and I can't wait for their next performance, either (Winnie the Pooh). With the limited running of each show, it's important that you get your tickets early!! Rapunzel is here until June 30th, and we've learned quickly that with Studio 3, the tickets run out long before interest in the show does!

0 Comments | Share:

Summer Movies Free/Cheap!

Permalink to Summer%20Movies%20Free%2FCheap%21

Published: 05/21/2012

Free/Cheap Movies All Summer Long!

Here’s a list of free or inexpensive movies in Prince William County!

Pillar Church and the Town of Dumfries will be hosting an outdoor viewing of the Muppets Movie on June 9th at 7pm outside town hall. Popcorn is free and soda/water/hotdogs/chips will be for sale.

Manassas Stadium 14 and Imax (11380 Bulloch Drive) will participate in the “Summer Movie Express” program where select G or PG Rated Movies show for just $1 on Tuesday and Wednesday mornings at 10:00am. A portion of the proceeds will be donated to the Will Rogers Institute. Traveling this summer? Find another participating Regal Cinemas/United Artist Theatres by clicking HERE

June 19/20- Journey 2 & Kit Kittredge: American Girl

June 26/27- Dolphin Tale & Happy Feet Two

July 3/4- Legend of the Guardians: Owls of Ga’Hoole & Yogi Bear

July 10/11- Cats & Dogs: Revenge of Kitty Galore & Hugo

July 17/18- Adventures of Tin Tin & Puss In Boots

July 24/25- Kung Fu Panda 2 & Rango

July 31/August 1- Rio & Spy Kids: All the Time

August 7/8- Chimpanzee & Hoodwinked Too

August 14/15- Arthur Christmas & The Smurs

**Movies are subject to change at the theater’s discretion**

Chick Fil A Virginia Gateway in Gainesville (5015 Wellington Road) will be hosting a free movie night on June 9th. The movie is outdoors and begins at 8:45pm. Film selection is “A Turtle’s Tale”. The rain date is June 16th, same time. Bring your own blanket/chair (and if your kids are like mine, bring some bug spray!)

Chick Fil A Bristow will host several free movie nights this summer. The planned schedule is as follows, but be sure to check their facebook for any updates.

June 1- Disney’s The Lion King

June 8- The Tooth Fairy

June 15- Alvin & The Chipmunks Chipwrecked

June 22- Up

June 29- The Princess Diaries

July 6- Fly Away Home

July 13- Disney’s Cow Belle’s

July 20- Veggie Tales

July 27- Firehouse Dog

August 3- Nickelodeon’s Barnyard

August 10- Everyone’s Hero

August 17- The Karate Kid

August 24- The Berenstain Bears

August 31- Herbie Fully Loaded

The ever popular University Mall Theater (across from GMU in Fairfax) runs $2 Tuesday all year long! On Tuesdays, all shows, small popcorn, and small sodas are $2 each. This may not be the “frilliest” or biggest theater you ever go to, but people, the price is right! In the summer, plan to go early to get your tickets as daycares and camps will show up and buy them out.

Madison Crescent in Gainesville (Route 15 and Route 29) will be hosting Free Outdoor Movies through June:
May 25- Kung Fu Panda 2
June 1- Cars 2
June 8- The Muppets
June 15- The Smurfs
June 22- Hugo

Manassas will have free summer movies starting at 8pm!
All movies are free, but the location changes!
6/29- Costello Park Happy Feet 2
7/13- Signal Hill Park Dolphin Tale
7/27- Signal Hill Park Cars 2
8/17 Costello Park The Lorax

--Watch for more! Comcast usually does at least one or two outdoor movies at the Government Center and as soon as I hear I'll let you know! Having your own movie event? I'm happy to share! Email me to get on this list for free! As with all PwcMoms.com lists, this information is current as of the date of publication. I am not in charge of the weather and only list cancellations that I am informed of, so please use common sense if the weather is not cooperating and plan accordingly, either by calling or making alternate plans for your evening.

0 Comments | Share:

Giveaway: Mount Vernon's Sunset Celebration

Published: 05/16/2012

So...you know the saying "when it rains it pours"? Apparently this week it's raining giveaways. (Thank goodness, because if it was raining men I'd have to put in a serious complaint to Bob Ryan.)

Anyhow

Washington Family Magazine has very generously provided us with a family four pack to the Sunset Celebration at Mount Vernon on Memorial Day Weekend!!

What is the Sunset Celebration, you ask? Let's ask YouTube!

Well that certainly can't be bad!! If you're going to "imbibe on the porch" it should definitely be with Martha Washington! She definitely looks like she knows how to par-tay ;)

All kidding aside, this sounds like a fantastic kid-friendly event right near Prince William County. Mount Vernon is a short drive from my end of the county, but definitely a worthwhile trip! The grounds are beautiful, the Visitor's Center and museums are well-done!!

(Bonus- if you didn't click on the link to the official description, this is also a wine festival!)

From the Mount Vernon Website:
Visitors may take evening tours of the Mansion, relax and enjoy wine and desserts available for purchase on the lawn overlooking the Potomac River. Delight in 18th-century music, dancing, games, and wagon rides. Stroll the lantern-lit grounds from 6:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. and immerse yourself in the 18th century as the sun sets on the plantation with costumed residents like the charming Lady Washington. This family-friendly event celebrates the beginning of summer on the plantation.

If you'd like to purchase tickets for this event they are now on sale and cost $18, adults; $12, children ages 6-11; and free for five and under.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Thanks to Washington Family Magazine for this awesome giveaway!

10 Comments | Share:

Healthy Paddles at Occoquan Regional Park

Permalink to Healthy%20Paddles%20at%20Occoquan%20Regional%20Park

Published: 05/05/2012

Kick off a healthy summer on May 19th 2012 from 10am-3pm at Occoquan Regional Park. There'll be a paddle, hike, and health fair! Kid-friendly, family-oriented, sounds like a winner!

0 Comments | Share:

Burke Lake Park

Published: 04/26/2012

Ah, Burke Lake Park. This place is fully loaded with a miniature train, carousel, several playgrounds and picnic areas, mini golf, ice cream shop, water activities and more. Burke Lake Park is located in Fairfax County, but I would call it a destination park due to its high number of activities. The park is open from sunrise to sunset, which obviously varies during different times f the year. The park closes to all traffic (foot/bike/car) at sunset, too, so if you're camping, you're in for the night :)

The park facilities are open weekends beginning early April through Memorial Day, except the campgrounds which open in late April. The park itself, however, is open year round. From Memorial Day to Labor Day the park facilities are open daily, weather permitting, and then they're open again on weekends through late October, which is also when camping ends.

The train runs on the 15 and 45, beginning at 11:15am. The carousel runs on the hour and the half hour beginning at 11:30am. The ice cream parlor is open 11am-4pm, and mini golf opens at 11am. The park is free for Fairfax County Residents (so load up in your Fairfax friend's minivan). For non-residents on weekends and holidays (it's free on weekdays) the fee is $10 for cars and vans and $40 for buses. Picnic areas are available to rent for parties.

We've had the opportunity to enjoy Burke Lake Park on several occasions, both with friends for playtime and for camping and running. We've even picnicked by the water, which was lovely, too. The kids enjoyed the train and carousel (although older elementary children might find it "lame").

Says PwcDad: Camping at Burke Lake is great for younger kids because it features lots of activities and several fitness trails that are great for younger children.

Burke Lake Park
Pros: Close to Lake Ridge/Woodbridge, free on weekdays, lots to do, picnic areas have always been clean on our visits
Cons: Amenities are at a price (although low), not PWC :), if you are an iPhone addict, your reception is going to stink :)
Caution: Campers should note that you cannot leave or enter after dark, even if you have a child that decides they'd rather not camp tonight.

1 Comments | Share:

Japanese Art and Culture Day at the Workhouse

Permalink to Japanese%20Art%20and%20Culture%20Day%20at%20the%20Workhouse

Published: 04/18/2012

The Workhouse will be having a special Japanese Culture day! You can find their full schedule on their website, but I'm including descriptions just for the kid friendly events that will be taking place.

Japanese Art and Culture Day at the Workhouse, April 21, 12-4pm with a tree planting ceremony at 11:30am sponsored by Merrifield Gardens.

PRESENTATIONS
The Cherry Tree: Spring, Renewal, Connection, 12pm
The Fascinating World of Ukiyo-e Prints, 1:30pm
Ikebana, the Japanese Art of Flower Arranging, 2pm
Bonsai, The Ancient Japanese Horticultural Art Form, 3pm
WORKSHOPS
Raku Firing Workshop 10-4, spectators welcome. $90 for participants

YOUTH ACTIVITIES
Japanese Festival BoothPresented by the Japan-America Society of Washington, DC
Studio W-3, Classroom 1
12PM-4PM
Visit the Youth Arts Center (W-3) to try Japanese games and origami and to participate in a kimono fashion show where you get to try them on! Don't forget to bring your camera.

DEMONSTRATIONS
Sashiko Surface Design Technique for Today (Participatory), 12-4pm, Gallery W-16 Cafe
Kumihimo, Traditional Japanese Braiding (Demonstration) 12-4pm, Building W-6, Studio 605
Sumi-e Painting (Demonstration)12-2, Building W-5, Studio 514
Contemporary Oil Painting of "Full Cherry Blossom" (Demonstration)11-3, Building W-4, 404
Sumi-e Art Demonstration and Japanese Tea Tasting 12-3:30, Building W-11Darlene Kaplan, Workhouse Associate Artist
Sumi-E Demonstration-12PM-1PM
Japanese Tea Tasting-1:30PM-3:30PM
Building W-11
Darlene will begin by demonstrating Sumi-e is brush painting in the East Asian manner, using black ink on rice paper (demonstration). Her Sumi-e demonstration will be followed by a Japanese tea tasting from 1:30 -3:30. Darlene's tea presentation will cover tea processing, how to prepare the teas, where they are from, the difference between each tea, and the many health benefits. Participants will be able to taste the teas and purchase their favorites to take home (participatory).
Vegetarian Sushi Culinary DemonstrationChef Kathleen Linton, Workhouse Chef Instructor
1PM
Building W-10 Classroom
Learn the basics of making sushi rice and rolling sushi (vegetarian sushi only, no fish/meat). This class is fun for all ages.

FILMJapanese Anime Film "5 CENTIMETERS PER SECOND"From Director, Writer Makoto Shinkai
Screening of this film is FREE and Sponsored by Crunchyroll
4PM
W-3 Theater
Told in three interconnected segments, we follow the friendship of Takaki and Akari at key points in their lives. Beginning as classmates in primary school, the pair quickly become close friends, but when the families move away from one another, they struggle to keep their special bond alive over many years. Their lives apart are tested through cruel winters, cold technology and the menial obligations of becoming an adult. Knowing that they may never see each again, Takaki decides to visit Akari one last time. Five centimeters per second is the speed at which cherry blossoms fall, and as they fall- two petals once together- drift to ground, unsure of when or if they will be together again. Anime, Japan, originally released 2007 in Japan, RATED PG.
Date(s): 4/21/2012
Time: 12:00pm to 4:00pm
Venue: Campus-wide
Ticket Required: No

0 Comments | Share:

Business Review: Color Me Mine

Permalink to Business%20Review%3A%20Color%20Me%20Mine

Published: 04/17/2012

Over Spring break, we had the chance to visit Color Me Mine in Fairfax. It was free Ben and Jerry's day, and Fairfax Corner was opening their fountain and having several other events, so we met up with PwcGrammy (who's a student at George Mason- super proud of her!) and decided we'd burn some time before B&J's opened by painting pottery. We've done this before several times at various studios and have some very precious keepsakes from going with relatives who have since passed on. Having their handprints and my babies' handprints is a very sweet memory.

The studio is long and narrow, and table space is not necessarily easy to come by if you go on a vacation day (I'd imagine weekends are tough, too). I felt like their fees were slightly higher than some of the places that we've been to that charge a flat rate, as they charge a per item rate and a studio fee per person.

They do have some fun looking events like Kids Out Nights where parents can drop their children who are 6 and older off and go spend some time in the shopping center. There are amazing Great American restaurants in this shopping center, so it could make for an awesome date night! They also do fundraisers and parties.

While we had a decent time, I have to say I didn't love the experience here, and I'd probably not opt to go here again if I had the option of going somewhere else. Unlike other studios that let you get your own glaze, the attendants here give you a sample palette and you are allowed to pick 6 colors which they get for you. You aren't allowed to get your own. (This of course means that there is a tip jar, so you should tip your attendant on top of the studio fee for their fetching of things you could easily get yourself). It wasn't packed to the gills when we first got there and the "don't touch the glaze" policy was really annoying as my 6yo was painting an entire vase one color. That tablespoon of glaze? Yeah, that ran out every 4th brush full and then we found ourselves waiting for an attendant, who got pretty huffy with us by the 4th refill. Hint: if the kid is obviously painting the entire piece a base color, why not get a second glaze container and just do that one color?

We didn't get much of an explanation, which is fine since we've done pottery before, but should have at least been offered. When we finally got started really painting one of the staff came over and said "So, how are you going to want to pay?" in an annoyed voice.

Seriously? You need to know upfront? Why didn't you charge me before I got paint all over myself thanks to the kids?

She apparently didn't actually want me to pay, she just wanted to know I was using my Visa (it's everywhere you wanna be). We continued for about eight minutes and then another attendant came over and demanded I go sign in on their computer system.

Really? I'm here. Does it matter?

The computer ticked me off, too. You don't need to data collect my home address, email, home phone and cell phone for me to paint something. At the end, it asked for me to answer some survey questions, which seemed ridiculous.

The kids still had fun, and it's possible we just caught the staff (all high school or early college aged) on an off day, but if I'm going to spend $150 on an activity, I want to leave feeling darn happy, and that just didn't happen.

Overall, I'd head somewhere else based on this experience, but if you've had a great time there, I'd love to hear about it!

Color Me Mine Fairfax:
Recommended For: Ages 5 and up. Younger children could be taken for handprints/footprints, but you need some fine motor skills to make anything worth taking home and with items being so expensive, your younger ones are better off with a kit from Michaels.
Pros: Creative outlet, nice shopping center, pieces are keepsakes
Cons: Expensive, unfriendly/unhelpful staff, studio seemed to get hot

This is an unsolicited review. All opinions are my own. Your experience may vary.

0 Comments | Share:

Week in PreView April 16th-22nd

Permalink to Week%20in%20PreView%20April%2016th-22nd

Published: 04/16/2012

It absolutely made my day this week when a reader asked me where the Week in Preview was! I don't know what you guys enjoy and use if you don't tell me, so please feel free to email/facebook/twitter me and let me know!! If I'm going to spend the time doing it, I'd really love it if you read it!!

Monday, April 16th
Honestly Monday doesn't look that exciting. Same combination of library, boucing, skating, etc, but nothing out of the ordinary. Some weeks are like that. Or, maybe I'm missing something! I don't know if you don't tell me! Submit your events under the "Calendar" tab by clicking "Propose an Event"!!

Tuesday, April 17th
Starting today the big event for the week will be the space shuttle arrival here in Virginia! There will be flyovers, viewing parties, welcome parties, student days and more. For the full schedule and additional activities or ways to view the shuttle arrival, you can view our list here, or find it on the calendar.

Wednesday, April 18th
Smalltalkers will be hosting free German lessons on Wednesday for ages 18months-3 years and on Thursday for ages 3-8. RSVPs are required to 571-308-2211. Smalltalkers is located in Centreville, but is easy to get to for several Prince William County locations. These kid friendly language classes are worth a look!

Wednesday is also the final day to register for STEP (Systematic Training for Effective Parenting) from the Prince William Cooperative Extension. STEP is a six-week discussion group for parents looking for more effective communication and discipline. Classes are offered in English and Spanish. The cost is $40 per individual OR couple. Childcare is not available. Wednesdays April 18th-May 30th skipping 5/23 7-9pm at the Dumfries Community Center. Call 703-792-6288.

Thursday, April 19th
It's Kidgits Luau time!! Children will enjoy a hula lesson, Hawaiian limbo, free leis and much more. Simon Kidgits members will receive a free bug net, while supplies last. 10am-11am. Going? Don't forget to stop by Customer Service and show them our guest blog to receive your free coupon book!

Friday, April 20th
It's "Science After Dark" Friday Nights in April! Hylton Planetarium will have shows at 6 (Laser Country), 7:30 (Laser Metallica) and 9:00 (Laser Pink Floyd). Tickets for each show are $10 at the door. Seating is limited to the first 65 people each show so come early.

Saturday, April 21st
April 21-29th is National Park Week, and admisison to national parks is free!

Kids N Action Martial Arts is offering two free classes for Stranger Danger. 10am will be ages 3-7 and 11am ages 8 and up. Spaces are limited, so be sure to call to pre-register.

Evening ideas? Why not head to the Potomac Nationals for Fireworks night?

Sunday, April 22nd- Earth Day
Come meet Eme & help raise funds for the Curing Retinal Blindness Fund; 15% of purchases will be donated by Swirlies; face painting; balloon animals; Braille demonstrations; raffles; giveaways; hula hoop contests; silent auction for theme baskets; games for kids; and maybe, just maybe...a bounce house

Trying to keep it low-calorie? ZooZoo at the Hylton Perfomring Arts Center features a menagerie like no other – a giant dinosaur, hungry anteaters, hitchhiking rabbits, introverted frogs, cantankerous polar bears, hippos and tricky penguins – filling the stage with wit, wonder and mesmerizing mayhem. $15 Adults; $5 Children

0 Comments | Share:

Welcome Discovery Activities- April 17-22, 2012

Permalink to Welcome%20Discovery%20Activities-%20April%2017-22%2C%202012

Published: 04/16/2012

The following activities are planned according to the National Air and Space Museum. These aren't in Prince William County, but come on, people, space shuttles flying over your head are way too historic to miss!!

The following "Welcome Discovery" activities will be presented by the Smithsonian's National Air and Space Museum in cooperation with NASA. Support for the "Welcome Discovery" Transfer Ceremony are provided by the Boeing Company and Lockheed Martin Corporation. Because weather conditions or other circumstances could cause delays or postponement, the public is asked to check the museum’s website and social media (Twitter and Facebook) for up-to-date information.

Fly-in Day, April 17
Discovery will depart NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida on the Shuttle Carrier Aircraft, a Boeing 747, in the early morning of Tuesday, April 17. It is expected to arrive in the Washington, D.C., area around midmorning and will land at Washington's Dulles International Airport. Discovery will fly over parts of the Washington metropolitan area. The exact path will not be publicized in advance. Depending on weather and other circumstances, it may be possible for media organizations to identify viewing locations that day.

Spot the Shuttle
People in the Washington area, from students to office workers, are invited to participate in Spot the Shuttle activities April 17:

Spot the Shuttle gatherings on rooftops, balconies and at outdoor restaurants are being planned.
Snap a Shot—the public is encouraged to take photos of Discovery and share them through the museum’s Flickr group, on Twitter with #SpotTheShuttle, on the museum’s Facebook page and Pinterest board or share videos on YouTube.
Register Your Name—people who the spot Discovery may register on the museum’s website and could win a chance to sit in the VIP section at the "Welcome Discovery" Transfer Ceremony April 19.
Park and View—As Discovery approaches, the museum will update its website constantly and make the information available to radio stations.
The best place to view the orbiter as it approaches Dulles International Airport is the parking lot of the Udvar-Hazy Center. Visitors are invited to BYOB—Bring Your Own Breakfast—and join fellow shuttle spotters in the lot. The parking lot will open early at 8 a.m.

Airport Arrival
There will be no public access to see the actual touchdown at the airport, but arrangements are being made to broadcast the arrival on the Web and through media coverage. After the shuttle arrives, it will be taken to another area of the airport, where it will be de-mated from the 747 and made ready for towing to the museum. This process will take two days.

"Welcome Discovery" Celebration, April 19
Parking lot will open 8 a.m.; the Udvar-Hazy Center will open at 9 a.m. and close at 6:30 p.m.

Discovery will officially be transferred from NASA to the National Air and Space Museum in an outdoor public ceremony at the Udvar Hazy Center. The event will begin with Discovery’s arrival from adjacent Dulles Airport, onto the tow road behind the Center. A "parade" led by the U.S. Marine Drum and Bugle Corps will feature an Astronaut Escort representing Discovery’s missions. Discovery will be positioned next to Enterprise for the ceremony. Enterprise, which has been on view at the Udvar-Hazy Center since it opened in 2003, will be moved to the Intrepid Sea, Air & Space Museum in New York, on a date soon to be announced.

The ceremony will feature Smithsonian Secretary Wayne Clough, National Air and Space Museum Director J.R. "Jack" Dailey and a representative of NASA. Mezzo soprano Denyce Graves will perform the national anthem. Astronauts who participated in Discovery’s most historic missions will be introduced during a presentation on the orbiter’s achievements. The high point of the program will be the formal signing of the transfer document followed by a grand finale symbolizing the "launch" of Discovery’s new career—from champion of the shuttle fleet to American icon and educational treasure.

Following the ceremony, the public will be invited to view both Discovery and Enterprise and take photographs all afternoon.

Specialists from NASA and the museum’s Collections Division will begin repositioning Enterprise and Discovery later that afternoon. The outdoor viewing area will close at 6 p.m.

Celebration Day, April 19; Noon–6:30 p.m.
Both indoor and outdoor activities will take place at the Udvar-Hazy Center before and after the ceremony. NASA will present an outdoor display – Our Future in Space. Attractions inside will include spacesuit displays, photo opportunities, and talks by Discovery astronauts. Authors will sign space-themed books and shuttle-inspired IMAX movies will be presented. Visitors will have an opportunity to sign a commemorative Discovery banner which will be kept as a memento of the day.

Student Discovery Day, April 20; 10 a.m.–5:30 p.m.
Students are specially invited to take part in the second day of the "Welcome Discovery" festival on Student Discovery Day. Along with the other activities planned throughout the weekend, the student day will feature astronauts and scientists presenting educational talks designed for young people. The Museum’s educational efforts support the STEM initiative, focusing on Science, Technology, Education and Math.

Family Weekend, April 20 and 21; 10 a.m.–5:30 p.m.
Among the highlights will be educational presentations about NASA’s planetary missions and NASA’s Our Future in Space exhibition trailer, and free screenings of Smithsonian Networks’ documentary, Space Shuttle: Final Countdown. Activities will also include Ask an Expert talks by curators and scientists, Discovery Station demonstrations, spacesuit displays, robot activities, interactive displays, and the opportunity to sign an actual shuttle tire, for future display.

Offsite Activities
Discovery activities will be presented in the "Moving Beyond Earth" exhibition, an interactive gallery located in the National Air and Space Museum’s building in Washington on the National Mall. Live simulcast of Discovery's arrival and the "Welcome Discovery" ceremony are planned.

Smithsonian Channel is celebrating the arrival of Discovery with Space Shuttle Week, April 16–22. The premiere of Space Shuttle: The Final Countdown will be broadcast April 22 at 8 p.m.

Tips for Participants

Parking at the Udvar-Hazy Center, which is $15 per car, is limited. Drivers are asked to allow ample time for traffic congestion. Cash payment, in the exact amount, is preferred. Carpooling is suggested.
Casual, comfortable dress is recommended, particularly shoes designed for walking.
For outdoor activities, especially viewing Discovery’s approach, binoculars are suggested.
Mobile devices are recommended for getting up-to-date information from the museum’s website and taking part in Web-based activities.

0 Comments | Share:

Studio 3 Presents: Home

Permalink to Studio%203%20Presents%3A%20Home

Published: 04/12/2012

The Workhouse's Studio 3 has yet ANOTHER new show! (The pace they keep is absolutely dizzying to me!!) This time, it's Lizzie Allen's "Home"

"Home" is actually aimed at a slightly younger audience ranging from 3-6, although older children are certainly welcome, and those who have not surrendered their vivid imaginations to being cool will enjoy the concept, as well.

“That idyllic other world of make believe is explored with evident relish in this two hander for children aged 3 to 6. It’s an intimate show, and as resourceful and imaginative as small children themselves can be when they’re off in a world of their own...the three and four year olds sitting around me seemed wholly absorbed by Florrie and Todd’s ideal home.”

Time Out London

"Home" will be showing from April 2nd-May 5th.

From the Workhouse Website:

Studio 3 Theatre for Young Audiences presents Home, an original work by Lizzie Allen, from April 2-May 5.

The story of footloose travelers, Florrie and Todd, searching for a home of their own. They use their imaginations to build a fantasy world of their own design. Along the way, they learn the difference between a "house" and a "home."

Follow this inventive duo through the seasons as, using music, puppetry and the power of imagination, their little house fills with laughter and fun! A wonderful story of friendship and family, especially for children aged 3 to 6. Suitable for ages 3 and up.

Performances: Saturday matinee performances from April 7-May 5 at 10am and 1pm.*

Tickets: $12 adults; $8 children under 12 years old.

1 Comments | Share:

Baby Blossom Car Seat Check April 21, 2012

Permalink to Baby%20Blossom%20Car%20Seat%20Check%20April%2021%2C%202012

Published: 04/11/2012

Baby Blossom in Reston will be holding a Car Seat Check up event on April 21st. This isn't a PWC event, but it's an important one! If you haven't purchased a car seat yet (we have some PwcMoms-to-be) you can even check out the various models at Baby Blossom and have the seat installed while you're there!

0 Comments | Share: