NW Kids - April 2009

www.nwkids.com

Newport's Oregon Coast Aquarium

Say you saw it in the pages of NW Kids2

Listings

TK

Take the first step! Attend our free seminar! Getting Your Ducks in a Row™, April 25th at 2pm, Zenana Spa, 2024 SE Clinton Street.

To read Candice’s free report, “The 9 Planning Mistakes Parents Make”, visit candiceaistonlaw.com or call (503) 235-5150.

Marketplace Mz. Pearl’s Variety Show for Parties

Heather Pearl 503-358-3441

[email protected]

A Mother’s Love .......................19Babies R Us ................................11Baby’s Bottom Dollar ..............21Baby Boot Camp ......................13Backyard Adventures ...............13Barre3 ...........................................15Beaverton Bakery ......................25Bella Stella ...................................31Big Lake Youth Camp .............10The Bodhi Tree Language Center .......................21C & C Taxes ...............................15Candice Aiston Legal Services .................................2Childbloom ................................25Do Jump .........................................7Early Learning Center .............21Early Learning Matters ...........17Ekone Ranch .................................9Escuela Viva ................................27The Gardner School ...................9Goddard School .......................23Happy Hollow Children’s Center .......................27Hopworks Urban Brewery ........................................29The International School ..........7Just Between Friends sale .......13Kiddie Kandids .........................32

Larry Steele Basketball ................9Little Fruit Farm Montessori..27The Little Gym ............................3Magic Music Studio ................15Mama Baby Boutique .............16The Mom Shop ............................3Munchin Playland ....................25Oregon Children’s Theatre .......9Oregon Episcopal School ......10Oregon Music Teachers Association ..................................19Oregon Virtual Academy ......31Pass It On Sales ..........................21Play Boutique ................................8Portland Wiz Kids ............17, 19Quiet Rein Riding School .....17Saturday Academy ......................9Schoolita Alegria .......................10Sit Still Salon .............................25Sitter Soiree ................................16Sound Roots School of Music ........................................16SpielWerk Toys .........................25Steiner Storehouse ...................17Sunshine Montessori School ...........................................19Tara Chatterton Photography ...............................16Times Two Studios ..................17

3Call 503.282.2711 for advertising information


Editor’s Corner

NW Kids is published monthly by littlemedia, llc.

Every effort is made to ensure accuracy; sometimes we make

errors. Please let us know when we do and accept our apologies.

Printed locally; Please recycle

Editor / PublisherJessica Davis

[email protected]

Editorial AssistantJulie Shamblin

[email protected]

Marketing / Advertising DirectorMichelle Snell

[email protected]

Account Manager, Eastside, Vancouver, Gresham, West Linn

Jenifer Jepson [email protected]

Acccount Manager, Westside, Lake Oswego, Beaverton, Hillsboro

Molly [email protected]

CreativeErin Sorenson

Graphics and layoutCorrina Reff, Teddy Raines

[email protected], [email protected]

ContributorsJason Brick, Pete Davis, Nikki Deckon, Alisa

Gaylord, Jennifer DeBoer Roark, Dawn Sorem

Accounting and Business ServicesMary Anderson

[email protected]

contact us... Photo / editorial submissions:[email protected] items and events:[email protected] inquiries:[email protected]

Happy April, everyone. We’ve made it! Spring is here and with it come flowers, fresh fruits and veggies, and of course (for some of us anyway) Easter.

Easter is one of those holidays that can play different ways. For Christians, it is one of the biggies, number two (or one) in the hierarchy of religious days. For others, it’s more of an excuse to get together with friends and family for a brunch and perhaps an egg hunt. It’s an innocuous celebration, usually. Unless you are in my family, in which case, Easter is the day when things go terribly awry.

Take for instance the year my uncle hid cash in some of the plastic eggs. Like $20s! This egg hunt was serious business. We raced around that yard so fast, uncovering eggs, tearing them open, quickly discarding their contents as we moved onto the next. To say this hunt was “very competitive” is an understatement. The cash prizes sparked a melee of epic proportions—grabbing, pulling, pushing, crying, yelling, screaming, and all-out combat turned the egg hunt into warfare. The children were all freaked out and angry, the adults were disgusted. No one even got the money.

Most years, Easter was all about the celebratory meal. We used to go to this place for brunch—Sweet Tibbie Dunbar’s. It had an amazing buffet spread—a feast for the eyes and palate. My brothers and I, in disbelief that all that dessert was ours for the taking, would make some serious efforts to fill our plate. Until the year my brother gorged on so much Easter brunch that he threw up all over the grass right outside the eating area. Not many were amused by this. To this day he refuses to eat at a buffet.

Greed and gluttony not withstanding, my memories of Easter are filled with fond thoughts of family and despite the occasional mishap, of good times. Whether you celebrate Easter or not, enjoy April’s beauty and promise!

—Jessica Davis, [email protected]


on the cover and above...Photos Courtesy of Mike Long, Times Two Studios. These photos taken as part of the stu-dio’s PALS project to document children with their favorite possessions. This year’s PALS event occurs April 18. See page 17 for more details. www.timestwostudios.com

Camp 6

what’s inside...CAMP section .......................................6Service-learning camp programs Family camping with walls

The Dull Family of Cedar Mill Makes Feature Film ........................... 12

Artichoke: A Lifetime Love Aff air ... 18

Visit the Oregon Coast Aquarium ........ 22

Rock Out at a Sound Roots Birthday Party ................................... 24

Easter Egg Hunts and Special Events ................................... 26

Jess Says 16

Food 18

Profile 12

Health 14

Crafts 20

contents

on the web... New! Expanded, searchable online Camps Guide: www.nwkids.com/guide/camps

Ticket Giveaways!Enter to win tickets to Goodnight Moon or The Hobbit at Northwest Children’s The-ater. We also have ticket to see ELMO’s Green Thumb, the latest touring produc-tion from Sesame Street Live! Great stuff throughout the month.www.nwkids.com/tickets

Sign up for our newsletter!More great giveaways nwkids.com/sign-up

Birthday 24

Calendar 26

Outings 22

Mama Says 30

Service learning summer camps are still rare, but they are a growing trend. Here in Portland, the Portland Environmental Engagement Program holds camps off ering environmental education and cleanup opportunities. On the West Side, Hillsboro Parks and Recreation has service learning for middle schoolers as part of its regular summer camp season.

Also on the West Side, Scholar Warrior Citizen is a one-week day camp focused on volunteering in the community. Campers spend the morning learning about social problems and the people working to solve them. In the afternoon, they take a fi eld trip to local nonprofi ts and lend a hand.

If you’re not up for a full camp, there are numerous one-day volunteer opportunities. Th e Oregon Zoo has programs to help the zoo for a day. Th e Hillsboro Library partners with Dove Lewis Animal Shelter for children to read to the animals. Stop Oregon Litter

and Vandalism helps groups to put together environmental cleanup days.

Keep On Pushin’ off ers a unique service challenge: in 48 hours, do a number of pushups equal to the current year. Participants gather pledges per pushup and donate the money to a favorite charity. While not for the faint of

heart (or of arm), it’s an example of the breadth of opportunities for service.

Finally, you can always do something on your own. A neighborhood Goodwill drive takes only an afternoon and a minivan. A phone call and a calendar will get you scheduled to visit a local elder care facility and brighten a hundred days. You can also call local churches, PTAs or service clubs like Rotary and the Elks to fi nd

Camp

By Jason Brick

t’s the up and coming thing in colleges of education these days: kids learn valuable skills and attitudes helping others. Th is

“new” discovery is making the rounds. Local high schools are starting to include service learning in their curricula. Of course, many churches and scout groups have known this for decades.

Service learning comes in many forms, but volunteerism is at its heart. Examples include serving food at a soup kitchen, participating in fundraisers and giving time at a hospice. Children love to help, and they especially love to help grown-ups. Combining this love with structured opportunities to learn can create an extraordinarily powerful experience.

For younger children, it’s never too early to get involved in helping others. As students get older, they can participate in the planning and organization of helping. At any age, service learning gives children a chance to rise to a challenge. It teaches how good it feels to give to others. Participants spend time working as a team to meet a common goal. A list of all the benefi ts of service learning would fi ll this entire article on its own.

“ If you think you’re too small to make a difference, you’ve never tried to sleep in the same room as a mosquito.”

—Bette Reese

Have Your Children Try

this Summer

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6 Say you saw it in the pages of NW Kids

Service Learning Resourceswww.servicelearning.orgen.wikipedia.org/wiki/Service_Learningwww.freechild.or/servicelearning.htm

Local Service Learningwww.ci.hillsboro.or.us/Parksrecwww.scholarwarriorcitizen.comwww.keeponpushin.orgwww.solv.orgwww.oregonzoo.org/Volunteer/index.htm

ON THE WEBCamp is the antidote for nature defi cit disorder, writes Richard Louv in his best-selling book on the topic. Read what some local outdoors experts have to say in the NW Kids archives: www.nwkids.com/nature_defi cit_disorder

opportunities right in your neighborhood.

With budgets tighter these days, many families will stay close to home this summer. Instead of just hanging around the Nintendo, children might benefi t from getting out and serving others. With work and a little luck, it may be summer they remember best.

BIOJason Brick is the father of one fantastic, energetic 8-year-old boy. A karate teacher and freelance writer, he lives with his wife and son in Hillsboro.

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family camping at

Sure, family camping (the original “camp”) in the great outdoors can be lots of fun, but sometimes roughing it with little ones in tow can be more of an ordeal than a relaxing getaway. Sometimes we want to just semi-rough it. If you like camping with a side of shower and walls, you may want to check out these Oregon campgrounds, each of which off ers yurts or cabins – perfect for families. For more information visit www.oregonstateparks.org.

OREGON COASTBeachside State Recreation SiteUS Hwy 101, 4 miles south of Waldport

Beverly Beach State ParkUS Hwy 101, 7 miles north of Newport

Cape Lookout State ParkOff US Hwy 101, 12 miles southwest of Tillamook

Carl G. Washburne Memorial State ParkUS Hwy 101, 14 miles north of Florence

Devils Lake State Recreation AreaUS Hwy 101, Lincoln City

Fort Stevens State ParkOff US Hwy 101, 10 miles west of Astoria

Jessie M. Honeyman Memorial State ParkUS Hwy 101, 3 miles south of Florence

Nehalem Bay State ParkOff US Hwy 101, 3 miles south of Manzanita Junction

South Beach State ParkUS Hwy101, 2 miles south of Newport

CENTRAL OREGONThe Cove Palisades State ParkOff US Hwy 97, 15 miles southwest of Madras

LaPine State ParkOff US Hwy 97, 27 miles southwest of Bend

Prineville Reservoir State ParkOff US Hwy 26, 14 miles southeast of Prineville

Tumalo State ParkOff US Hwy 20, 5 miles northwest of Bend

WILLAMETTE VALLEYChampoeg State Heritage AreaOff US Hwy 99W, 7 miles east of Newberg

Silver Falls State ParkOR Hwy 214, 26 miles east of Salem

Camp


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Profile

When Jamie Dull and his family planned their trip to Hawaii last year, they went beyond the usual

packing and trip planning. In addition to packing a few swimsuits and some sunscreen, they brought storyboards, a camcorder, and costumes for a pirate-themed fi lm shoot starring themselves! Th e 13-minute movie, a “Pirates of the Caribbean” fan fi lm featuring deserted tropical islands, sword fi ghts, battles at sea, hidden treasure, and of course, rum — was a fun project that enabled family bonding far beyond the length of the vacation.

To prepare for the vacation / shoot, Dull encouraged his kids to think up movie scenes and write them down in their journals. “In many ways, the hours we spent at bedtime dreaming up the scenes was more fun than shooting them!” says Dull. “We did not really have a script, just a list of scenes that we wanted to fi lm, and we tried to string them together to make a story.”

Th e less-visited island of Molokai provided some fantastic scenery and empty beaches – perfect for the family fi lm crew. Portland also provided some crucial backdrop: “When we got back from our trip, it just so happened that some replica tall ships were in town for the Rose Festival—and one of them was actually used in the ‘Pirates’ movies! We showed up at the evening battle cruise with our pirate costumes on and shot some great scenes

LOCAL FAMILY SHOOTS MOVIE

of cannons blaring and all sorts of other piratey things to splice into our movie,” says Dull.

Th e fi lmmaking process took about three months, from conception to posting online. Th is included a lot of time spent on costume design: fi rst researching and then crafting leather belts, sourcing buckles, and hand-beading necklaces.

Dull says his kids were learning at school that a story has a beginning, middle and end, so this project reinforced the elements of storytelling. “It also helped them learn how to organize the scenes in a logical way so the story made sense. And of course, it fueled their imaginations!”

He advises other parents interested in this type of project to “just dive right in and don’t worry about making it perfect. Th e kids get a kick out of it no matter how it turns out.” Dull’s family is already at work on its next fi lm. And this time they are using a script.

fi ghts, battles at sea, hidden treasure, and of course,

encouraged his kids to think up movie scenes and write them down in their journals. “In many ways,

trip, it just so happened that some replica tall ships

RESOURCES: Find just about any pirate gear you’d ever need at Captain Henry’s Pirate Store, 2201 Lloyd Center #951, 206-5051, captainhenryspiratestore.comFind great summer camps to help those budding fi lm-makers and thespians. Saturday Academy has a ton of animation and digital fi lm-making courses: www.saturdayacademy.org; Northwest Children’s Theater and Oregon Children’s Theater are class acts: nwcts.org, www.octc.com. More camps at www.nwkids.com/guide/camps

[BIO Jamie Dull lives in Cedar Mill with his wife and eight-year-old twins. When not hang-ing out in the neighborhood the family enjoys camping at the cabins at LL Stub Stewart State Park near Vernonia.

[ABOUT "BRING ME THE HORIZON"Captain Jack and Wll battle mutinous rogues with cutlass swinging on a deserted island. They out-battle the scurvy ruffi ans with superior cannon fi re. View it online: Search “Pirates of the Caribbean Dull” on YouTube.


SHOPSELLVOLUNTEER

Teachers & first-time parents shop early! Details online.

shop.sell.save.smart!™

Kids & Maternity Sale Event!

jbfsale.comjbfsale.comSale benefits, in part, local charities. portland.jbfsale.com

& get fabulous deals on clothes, toys, & more!your items & earn 70%! Sign up online & shop early!

& shop before the public! Details online!Savings, selection, and convenience!

This one is too big to miss!

APRIL 24-26Portland Expo Center! FREE Admission!Fri, 6pm-8pm • Sat, 9am-8pm • Sun, 9am-8pmEXTRA SAVINGS! 50% OFF SALE on Sunday!


S Y M B O L K E YNutrients

Why they're good for you

Try it!

Eat as a snack (limit to 1 oz/day) or add to salads

OAT SHigh in fi ber, antioxidants, B vitamins, phosphorus

Studies repeatedly show oats lower cholesterol

Make homemade granola, add oat fl our to muffi ns; enjoy oatmeal with nuts and fruit

P OTATO E SNutrient dense food: high in Vitamin C, Vitamin B6, potassium, fi ber (with skin)

Vitamin B6 is active virtually everywhere in the body and is vital for cell development and proper immune function.

Baked potato with salsa or roasted with olive oil and herbs

S A L M O N ( C A N N E D )High in Omega-3 fatty acids, Vitamin D, selenium, protein and low in saturated fat

Omega-3 fatty acids help prevent erratic heart rhythms, make blood less likely to clot and improve cholesterol levels, including triglycerides. Th ey are also great for brain health.

Add to salads, or make salmon burger, tacos, or sandwiches

W H O L E W H E AT High in fi ber, magnesium, several B vitamins.

Magnesium may help lower Type 2 Diabetes risk and helps keep bones strong. Fiber promotes gastrointestinal health.

Whole wheat toast, sandwiches, pasta, pita bread

YO G U R THigh in protein, calcium, probiotics

Probiotics reduce infl ammation, improving your immune system. Calcium builds and maintains bones & teeth. It may also help lower blood pressure.

Enjoy yogurt as a snack, mix with cereal or granola, or use as a base in salad dressings.

Health

By Jennifer DeBoer Roark, Nutritionist, Th e Portland Clinic

Finding a healthy snack at the grocery store is not necessarily hard, but sometimes it can be hard on our wallets. Per serving, these 10 healthy food choices won’t break your budget.

A P P L E SHigh in fi ber, Vitamin C, antioxidants

Antioxidants in the skin support heart health

Diced as a snack with cheese or sauté with red cabbage

B E A N SHigh in protein, fi ber, iron, folate, manganese

Fiber helps lower cholesterol levels, keeps blood sugars more stable, and helps with satiety

Add any variety to salads or make hummus and soups

E G G SHigh in protein, choline, lutein

Choline may help preserve memory and protect the liver

Egg white omelet with vegetables or an egg salad sandwich

K A L EHigh in Vitamin K, Vitamin A, Vitamin C, lutein, calcium

Lutein protects against cataracts, and phytonutrients may reduce the risk of cancer

Combine with whole grain pasta, or add to stir-frys and soups.

N U T SHigh in Vitamin E and protein, as well as monounsaturated fatty acids (the good-for-you-fats)

Nuts are very nutrient dense, so not many are needed to receive the nutritional benefi ts.

TOP 10 H E ALT H I E ST FO O D S FOR UNDER $ 1


Now open in the Pearl!

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Classes 7 days/week

with childcare (at select times)

3 classes for $30 (new clients only)

1000 NW Marshall St. at 10th Ave.

barre3.com 503.206.8308


Dulce (formerly Baby Oh Baby), which has several dresses from last year on sale for half price. Check out the other smashing skirts and handsome guy shirts at www.rightbankbabies.com.

Chuck The Yuck Designer Barf BagsAdd this one to the “what to get for the mom who has it all” category: designer barf bags! Local mamas designed Chuck the Yuck bags to stylishly

cart dirty diapers, car sickness, half-eaten apples, partially downed milk bottles, and so on. Lined with water resistant material with a close tie top, they keep the yuck contained.

Get ‘em online, www.chucktheyuck.com, or at Little Urbanites. $15 for three.

Reversible Cotton Dresses from Right Bank BabiesNothing says summer better than a little girl in a dress. These beautiful frocks, in superb quality cotton, are reversible, making two outfits in one. Each side features a fun print for clothing with a practical yet stylish twist. Find these Right Bank Babies dresses locally at Polliwog ($44) and at

Find local clothing shops online at www.nwkids.com/resources/boutiques.

www.sittersoiree.orgNext event: Bella Bellies Maternity Bridgeport VillageThursday, April 16

Got your summer sitter yet?


ENJOY Hunter, Jumper, and Equitation lessons in a gentle, focused environment. Quiet Rein provides professional care and training for riders and their horses preparing for the “A” show circuit, in association with Rain Creek Farms.

WE OFFER a positive & safe start on experienced school horses for all ages & skill levels.

HORSE AND PONY lease options and sales are available.

Summer Camps will be offered in 2009!

Jill McGrady, Trainer/Instructor Vicki Zacharias, Trainer/Instructor

At Rain Creek Farms 20833 S. Redland Rd, Oregon City, OR 97045

(503) 544-7999 cell | www.quietrein.com

Rain Creek

Quiet Rein Riding School

tais kulish 2008

OPEN HOUSEApril 4th

& May 16th

10:00 a.m. — Noon

Preschool /Kindergarten

Hillsboro

503-648-8917www.strongthinkers.com

Waldorf Inspired:Toys

RemediesSkin Care

BooksPortland-made felted

wool creations

Steiner StorehouseLocally owned and operated

5915 SE Divisionm-sat 9-5, Sunday 12-5

www.steinerstorehouse.com

Food Artichokes: A Lifetime Love AffAir

was 6 years old when I encountered my first artichoke. My family took a summer trip to visit friends who were stationed with the U.S. Navy on Coronado Island, Calif. They served

steamed artichokes as appetizers, and I’ll never forget our family friend showing me how to scrape the leaf meat off with my front teeth. Now this is a fun appetizer! After slowly eating one leaf

at a time, then waiting patiently while a grown-up removed the thistle around the heart, I finally tasted that most delectable, glorious heart. So much flavor! To this day, artichokes are one of my favorite food items.

Now that spring is finally here, artichokes are again in season. An excellent source of fiber and Vitamin C, most artichokes at the grocery stores come from the Salinas Valley in California, but you can also find locally grown artichokes from Tillamook County at local farmers markets.

We introduced our son to them last spring. An artichoke is one strange looking vegetable, so he

wasn’t sure what to think. However, as I did, he liked the novelty of eating the leaves (or maybe it was the dipping sauce!). Unlike me, however, he passed on the heart the first time around. Not that my husband and I were upset—more for us! This year, no such luck, he’s on to us and the delicious heart. Our daughter, still too young to eat the leaves, already enjoys the tasty heart. Artichokes are great plain or as an ingredient – artichoke risotto is a perfect main course.

How to trim an artichoke:Start at the stem, cutting so that about 2

inches are left from the base of the leaves. Next, turn the artichoke on its side. Remove the thorns with a very sharp knife, cutting off about one-quarter of the leaves from the top. With kitchen scissors, carefully snip the thorns from the lower leaves. Now, gently rinse the artichoke with water, carefully pulling the leaves outward and letting the water run into the center. Turn the choke upside down to shake out excess water.

How to remove the thistlefrom the heart of the choke:

Once you have eaten all the leaves, you will come to the delicious heart. It has a layer of inedible thistles. Using a knife, gently scrape the thistles away until you reach the heart.

Artichoke Risotto recipe online at www.nwkids.com/artichoke



Hunting for a summer camp? Interactive, searchable guide: www.nwkids.com/guide/camps

Need something to do today? www.nwkids.com/calendar


CraftsMake Your Own Cute Bunny Bags

from Dawn Sorem of Envelop Cards (www.envelopcards.com)

Visit www.nwkids.com/craft/bunnybag for directions

Complimentary exams for children under the age of two.

Pediatric Dental Specialist

It's like sending your child to Germany for the day.

At the German American School of Portland we have a knack for teaching

children a second language. We make it fun. Not only do our students learn

a second language, they are immersed in German culture through music, art,

books and conversation with everyone around them.

In return, they have the opportunity to become better listeners, more flexible

in their thinking and moin their thinking and more open to other languages and cultures.

Bilingualism. The gift that lasts a lifetime.


A huge consignment sale formaternity, baby and kids’

clothes, toys and gear!

June 4 -7, 2009 at Tigard Maison ArmoryThursday - Saturday, 9:30am-7:00pm

Sunday, 9:30am-12:30pm6700 SW Oak St., Tigard, OR 97223

Go green and recycle your kids’ thingsfor cash! Still time to consign!

Baby’s Bottom DollarBaby’s Bottom Dollar

www.bbdsale.comwww.bbdsale.com

Bargain shoppers paradise!• 400 Consignors, over 40,000 items• Clothes for all kids, by size & gender• Teen clothing section bigger than ever!• Great selection of Maternity, all sizes• NEW! Melissa & Doug 20% off retail!• Premium Goody Bags to first 500

shoppers! Loaded with great deals!• Family friendly vendors to check out• Enter to win a fabulous gift basket• Many items HALF PRICE on Sunday!• Don't miss it! Only here twice a year!

Turn closet clutter into cash!• Sellers make 70-80% of your sales• Register online by April 11, tag by 13th

TOYS

CLOTHES

BOOKS

SHOES

CRIBS

BASSINETS

BRST PUMPS

DIAPERS

GEAR

SAUCERS

PLAY YARDS

STROLLERS

BEDDING

MOVIES

GAMES

PUZZLES

FURNITURE

AND MORE!

Outings

If you’ve never been to the Oregon Coast Aquarium, you should plan a visit. It’s truly a treasure that should be a part of your child’s growing up experience in these parts. If you’re already at the coast, it’s a no-brainer, but a daytrip from Portland is also entirely doable — if you plan for a big day. Newport is a bit of a jaunt (three hours, give or take) but well worth the trip. The beaches are pretty, it’s not too crowded, and of course you can make the aquarium the centerpiece to your visit.

The best plan would be to leave town super early so you get to Newport close to when the aquarium opens (10am between Labor Day and Memorial Day; 9am in summer months). Spend a few hours in the museum, eat a nice lunch, hang out in the quaint little town, watch the sea lions, maybe check out a lighthouse, and head back.

Aquarium Highlights:Oddwater Exhibiton

Oddwater (at the aquarium through January), shows off mysterious, creepy and oddly surprising creatures from the depths of the ocean, sure to delight kidlets of all ages, as well as provide learning opportunities about adaptations and behaviors of a variety of sea creatures. On a recent visit with three little ones ranging in age from three to five, the Japanese Spider Crabs were by far the biggest recipients of oohs and aaahs. These oddities are huge. We mean HUGE—far larger than our gang and downright amazing to view. You get right up close to them in this tank so you can really get perspective on their size (their leg span can reach 13 feet!) Evidently they have a reputation as sea monsters, but they are docile and gentle and they live to be around 100 years old.

Shark TunnelYou will likely spend a lot of time in the tunnel

section, which a 200-foot underwater walkway that gives you the feeling you are walking beneath the sea. It’s hands down the best way to view a

shark – about as close as you’d want to get! The tunnel has tons of other species and is very cool.

Sea Bird AviaryThe outdoor walkable aviary is one of the largest

of its kind in North America. With many rare and unusual birds hopping about, it’s a pleasant stroll. A trip out here offers a chance to see the animals up close and soak in a few ocean breezes.

Sea Otter Feeding AreaThe kids were highly amused by the otters, who

dine on oysters whilst floating on their backs, cracking them open in a leisurely fashion. Sea otters have been extinct along the Oregon Coast since the early 1900s, so this up-close-and-personal view is a treat indeed.

The museum itself is an easy place to navigate. Just follow the logical path and you’ll hit all the exhibits. It’s not like the Louvre (or even OMSI) where you could visit and miss something big. This destination appeals to all ages. There are plenty of places to run around outside, including a play area with bronze dolphin and turtle statues that offer good climbing. The nearby water sources, and obviously the ocean, incorporate the aquarium’s natural environs for a harmonious and natural visit. www.aquarium.org



SUMMER PROGRAM AGES 6 WEEKS TO 10 YEARS

Summer

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CLACKAMAS • 14210 SE Sunnyside Road • 503-658-8715HILLSBORO • 5530 NE Elam Young Parkway • 503-693-1888

PORTLAND • 4086 NW Saltzman Road • 503-617-9040VANCOUVER • 3111 SE 192nd Avenue • 360-253-2988

April 25th, 2009 • 10:00am - NoonThe Goddard School® summer program is safe and nurturing - fullof age-appropriate learning activities and oodles of fun!

• Computers and Technology• Literature and Language• Special Visitors

• Music and Movement• Sports and Games• Cooking

• Science and Nature• Arts and Crafts• Drama

The Goddard Schools® are operated by independent franchisees under a license agreement with Goddard Systems, Inc. Programs and ages may vary. © Goddard Systems Inc. 2008

After reading our review of an Eastside family-friendly brewpub, a reader wrote to ask why all the fun places to go are on the east side. And did we boast of an easterly dominance in coffee-shoppery? We did not. We pointed our reader back west, to where family-friendly eateries and coffee shops are sprouting up by the handful. The latest in the bunch is Munchkin Playland.

Munchkin Playland is a delightful coffee shop that serves up amusements alongside the pastries and joe. It’s a great place for parents to hang out and socialize or chill while their kidlets get some activity.

The main play area has a smattering of sturdy climbing structures for the children to explore and play on. The climbing structures are heavy duty – the sort of things you’d see at

Munchkin

a mall or outdoor public space. The area was inspired by Oregon, with a selection fun animals representing the Beaver State. No hard edges, no roadblocks for littler crawlers and no big kids allowed. Entrance to the play area is $5 for unlimited action.

Parents and bigger kids can hang out on the periphery of the play area. Adults will seriously dig the Stumptown coffee and scrumptious pastries from Beaverton Bakery, wi-fi and magazines. Older kids can hang out near the adults with smaller tables for arts and crafts, a dollhouse, a book corner and so on.

Munchkin Playland is located in a new shopping center, anchored by Albertson’s, at the intersection of 185th and West Union. www.munchkinplayland.com

Playland


BirthdayThe Deal

Everyone should have the chance to be a rock star, especially on his or her birthday. Who wouldn’t like to stand on a stage in front of thousands of adoring, screaming fans? A birthday party at Sound Roots School of Modern Music helps prepare youngsters for their moment in the spotlight. When they make it big, they need to know how to play the part—do you think the Bonos, Slashes, Micks, and Ozzys were really just born with those moves?

What You Get, Standard Party:Two hours in the Sound Roots studio. The first

hour is a custom-designed teacher-led class; you will be assigned a teacher for your party based on your child’s musical style and interests. The class covers not only some basics of playing music but also teaches the kids about performing—party guests get to learn how to act like a rock star on stage. The class covers such basics as air guitar, the rock star microphone kick, the knee slide / grand finale, and a few jumps. The teachers crank up the Van Halen for this portion of the party to really get the kids engaged and excited.

The second hour is unscheduled – you can use it for cake, presents, free play, and so on. The teachers will stick around to answer questions, demonstrate instruments, and help with the party flow. The studio has a wide variety of instruments on display, with a sign “Please Touch” (a welcome sight for those of us parents used to shopping with youngsters in places with a completely different philosophy!)

Craft project – for example younger children make homemade maracas out of beans and paper plates.

Parental Fun FactorWe can only vouch for the under-5 party, but

watching the kidlets jam on their air guitars was laugh-out-loud hilarity. Their faces and their sheer energy of stage dancing were too much. (Make sure you bring video – photos don’t capture the magic!) Parental fun might be mired by the overall noise of the party – though as the studio says, earplugs are provided. Adults are not required to participate with their kids at the party unless the kids are under 3.

The Fine PrintThe No. 1 party package is $12 per participant (8

min, 12 max). The studio is somewhat tight so parties closer to 8 are recommended. This depends on the age of the children of course, and whether parents will be attending / watching. There is an extra-teacher fee of $30 associated with parties of more than 12 guests.

A deposit for 8 kids is required to hold your date and time. Parents and adult guests are not charged and are welcome to watch.

You can also request the second package, in which Sound Roots will provide invitations, pizzas, snacks, cake, soft drinks and all the utensils you’ll need This is worth considering – the studio does not have a kitchen or large set-up area. This option runs $20 per participant and also includes supplies to make homemade instruments (such as the maracas) for the kids to take home with them.

Resources:Sound Roots School of Modern Music

also offers music classes and private lessons for all ages, including adults.

The classes are categorized by string, piano, writing, and “rookie rock.” Sound

Roots also offers popular school break “Band Camps” for kids aged 6- 14.

Sound Roots School of Modern Music412 NE Beech St.Portland503.282.9999www.soundrootsmusic.com



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APRILCALENDAR

'09Easter EventsApril 4 pEARL DISTRICT buNNY HOp Follow the bunny trail as you hop your way through the Pearl District to participating merchant stores and services. 10-6pm. www.explorethepearl.com

April 5 EASTER AT LITTLE SCOOpS $8 per person, pre-registration is required 503-654-4669. 12115 SE 82nd Ave, Happy Valley. www.littlescoops.com

April 11 ALpENROSE EASTER EGG HuNT Tons of fun at the 46th annual egg hunt. 3-5 year olds at 10:30, Moms at 11:30 and 6-8 year olds at 12:30. www.alpenrose.com

April 11 RAbbIT ROMp Candy “egg” hunts occur every 20 minutes for children ages 2-10 as well as games a petting zoo and more. 9am-3pm. Oregon Zoo, 4001 SW Canyon Rd. www.oregonzoo.org

April 11 EGG-STRAVAGANzA EGG HuNT Hippity hop down the bunny trail and discover what the Easter Bunny left behind! 10-

11am. Th e Overlook House. www.historicoverlookhouse.org

April 11 EASTER AT MuNCHKIN pLAYLAND Festivities include Easter egg hunt, crafts, face painting, raffl es, photos with the bunny and food. Baskets provided. www.munchkinplayland.com

April 11 uNDERwATER EGGSTRAVAGANzA Hunt for Easter eggs and treasures at in the warm water pool. Shute Park Aquatic & Recreation Center. www.ci.hillsboro.or.us

April 11 OREGON GARDEN'S EASTER EGG HuNT Children enjoy hunting for eggs in the beautiful Oregon Garden. Adults $8, seniors $7, students $6, kids under 7 free. Oregon Gardens, 879 W. Main St, Silverton www.oregongarden.org

April 11 buNNY bONANzA EGG HuNT Bring the family to Blue Lake Regional Park for a fun-fi lled candy egg hunt. Children age 4 and under will begin their search at 10:30am. Children ages 5-10 will seek their treats beginning at 11am. www.oregonmetro.gov

April 12 EASTER bRuNCH & EGG HuNT Put on your Easter best and come out for a delicious holiday brunch at Edgefi eld. From 9-11am kids 10 and under can enjoy an Easter egg hunt. 9am-3pm. Edgefi eld, 2126 S.W. Halsey St, Troutdale. www.mcmenamins.com.


4455 SW 99th Ave. Beaverton, OR 97005

Portland City Search Winner2005, 2006, 2007

PerformancesTHrOUgH April 5 GOODNIGHT MOON Beloved by generations of readers and listeners, this new musical delights in the poetry and music of everyone’s favorite bedtime story. $16-20, 1819 NW Everett St. www.nwcts.org

April 3-19 FAbuLOuS bEAR In Tears of Joy’s April show, a teddy bear named Timothy brings home a lost puppy, upsetting his father. Winningstad Th eater. www.tojt.com

April 28-MAY 12 pETITE ROuGE: A CAJuN RED RIDING HOOD In OCT’s newest production, a Cajun croc, a less-than-dainty duck, and a swamp full of fun make up this bayou-fl avored version of Little Red Riding. Various times and dates, Winningstad Th eatre, www.octc.org

EventsTHrOUgH April 26 ANNuAL TuLIp FESTIVAL Enjoy over 40 acres of Tulips and Daff odils. Every day enjoy a variety of activities along with the beautiful fi elds. $10 per carload on weekends, $5 per carload on weekdays. 9am-6pm. 33814 S. Meridian Rd, Woodburn. www.woodenshoe.com

April 4 ANIMAL TEA pARTY CD LAuNCH pARTY Join the band Animal Tea Party for its CD launch and concert. Dress as your favorite animal, 11am. Portland Children’s Museum, 4015 SW Canyon Rd. www.portlandcm.org

April 4 SYMpHONY STORYTIME Th e Oregon Symphony is on the road for interactive, musical storytimes, www.symphony.org/edu

April 4 & 5 TRILLIuM FESTIVAL Plant sale, guided nature hikes, children’s crafts and activities, live music and more 1-4pm, Tyron Creek State Park. www.tryonfriends.org

April 4, 11, 18 & 25 MOTHERS DAY HAND-pRINT TILES Kids can choose the tile design and color, their creation will be kiln fi red and ready by Mother’s Day. Cost is $22-33. 10am-4pm. Various locations around the metro area. www.handprinttiles.com


OngOing EvEntsMondaysSTORYTIME WITH RAQUEL 10am, Airplay Café. www.airplaycafe.com

MOMMY MATINEES 1pm, Kennedy School.www.mcmenamins.com

tuesdaysFAMILY JUMP NIGHTS 6:30-8:30pm, Pump it Up – Beaverton, www.pumpitupparty.com

SECOND TUESDAY BARGAIN ADMISSION AT OREGON ZOO, www.oregonzoo.org

WednesdaysURBAN MAMAS SUPPORT GROUP 11am-12:30pm, Loving Touch. www.lovingtouch.com

GRANDPARENT’S DAY – 15% OFFAll Day, Café Sip-n-Play, www.cafesipnplay.com

thursdaysTEDDY BEAR PICNIC 2-2:20pm, Portland Children’s Museum. www.portlandcm.org

BEAN SPROUT STORY HOUR 10:30-11:30am, The Overlook House. www.historicoverlookhouse.org

FridaysFIRST FRIDAYS FREE ADMISSION TO THE CHILDREN’S MUSEUM 5-8pm, Portland Children’s Museum. www.protlandcm.org

STORY AND STROLL 1-2pm, Tryon Creek State Park. www.tryonfriends.org

saturdaysPSU PORTLAND FARMERS MARKET8:30am-2pm, South Park Blocks between SW Harrison & SW Motgomery.www.portlandfarmersmarket.org

FAMILY STORYTIME 1:30pm, Beaverton City Library Storytime Room. www.beavertonlibrary.org

April 6 SMILES FOR HEALTH & SAFETY Fun and educational info for both kids and parents, also movies, prizes, games, snacks and a free yoga class. 9-11am. World of Smiles Pediatric Dentistry, 11790 SW Barnes Rd, Suite 280. www.visitworldofsmiles.com

April 10 THE TREETOp COLLECTOR’S CLub MuSICAL SHOw Performed by Bruce Orr of Mudeye Puppets. Music, jokes, and an important lesson about how resources can be reused. 1-2pm, St. Johns Library. www.events.multcolib.org

April 11 & 18 pARENTS SuRVIVAL NIGHT Saturdays April 11 (Beaverton) and 18 (Lake Oswego), The Little Gym is making it easy for parents to have a date night sans the kidlets. Ages 3-10, call for times and pricing. www.TheLittleGym.com, search for Oregon locations.

April 16 SITTER SOIREE In addition to having a good time, you’ll get the all-important “Sitter Book” with bios, rates, photos, references and contact info. $45. 7-8:30pm at Bella Bellies Maternity, Bridgeport Village. www.sittersoiree.org

April 17 FAMILY FRIDAYS I Ragazzi Baroque Ensemble, 7pm, Community Music Center, 3350 SE Francis St. www.communitymusiccenter.org

April 18 ELEpHANTASTIC An elephant-sized celebration of the Asian Elephant. From 10am-4pm. Oregon Zoo. www.oregonzoo.org

April 18 THE MOM SHOp Visit with and shop the best local family-focused businesses! Children’s activity area, live family-friendly entertainment, fashion show, and more. Make sure you stop by the NW Kids table for some

tasty treats. 9am - 2pm, Oaks Amusement Park, Park Pavilion. Advanced tickets are $4 per adult and children ages 12 and older (kids under 12 are free) Register online with coupon code MS2MEDIA (and check the box for NW Kids) for discounted tickets. www.mamapreneursinc.com/momshop


April 18 OREGON GARDENS EARTH DAY CELEbRATION Kid’s activities, plant and garden sales and educational demonstrations. 10am-4pm. Oregon Gardens, 879 W. Main St, Silverton. www.oregongarden.org

April 18 FAMILY HEALTHY FOOD & FITNESS FAIR Learn ways to embrace a healthier lifestyle at a variety of mini-seminars given by The Portland Clinic’s physicians and dietitians, a family sports and games area, a kid’s craft corner and much more. Southwest Community Center, 10am – 2pm

April 19 AuTISM wALK-A-THON Join the Autism Society of Oregon for its 7th annual walk-a-thon to benefit various programs for people with autism. 9:30am, Oaks Park. www.asoautismwalk.com

April 19 MATT CLARK “FuNNY LITTLE FELLA” CONCERT Local musician Matt Clark has recently released an excellent CD of quirky and fun songs for kids and parents. Milagros Boutique, 1:30pm. www.milagrosboutique.com

April 20 CHILDREN’S AuTHOR LECTuRE: JON SCIESzKA Jon Scieszka, the first National Ambassador for Young People’s Literature, will speak, followed by autographing. First Congregational Church, 1126 S.W. Park Ave., Portland. Tickets available at most libraries or at A Children’s Place, Annie Bloom’s Books and Twenty–Third Avenue Books. 503.988.5402

April 23 TRuCK TOwN pARTY Calling all truckers for a special Smash! Crash! storytime party. Bring your favorite truck with you and listen to one of Jon Scieszka’s Trucktown stories. Join in truck activities and crafts. Storytime at Northwest Library with trucks on display in the Con-Way parking lot NW 23rd & Savier St. 2:30 – 3:30pm. www.events.multcolib.org

April 24 8TH ANNuAL CHILDREN’S CuLTuRAL pARADE The parade begins along 5th street in front of Pearson Air Museum and ends inside Fort Vancouver National Historic Site, Vancouver, 9am – 11am, www.vnhrt.org

April 25 TREE GIVEAwAY AND COMMuNITY EARTH DAY Friends of Trees will be giving away bareroot fruit trees between 9-11am; the Earth Day celebration continues until 6pm. Wallace Park. www.friendsoftrees.org

April 26 RuN FOR THE CHEETAH Help save this magnificent big cat. Kid's dash, 8k and 5k runs and walks through Washington Park and the Oregon Zoo. www.runforthecheetah.org

April 26 TYRON CREEK EARTH DAYBring the whole family for arts and crafts, games, stories and more. Come dressed as your favorite animal for an afternoon parade. Hear the winners of the Tall Tale Contest. 2-4pm. Tyron Creek State Park, www.tryonfriends.org

503.232.4677PORTLAND, OREGON

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Mama Says

Imagine trying to put a diaper on a 9 foot, 900-pound crocodile. Picture yourself fl ipping him on his back, plopping your leg over his midsection to hold his body in place, lifting his bottom up by his tail and fi nally sliding that diaper underneath him…all the while he’s fl ailing and screeching. Th at’s what it was like to change my son Liam. He only weighed 25 pounds, but he possessed the strength of a monster croc.

From the very beginning Liam wailed and squawked and basically protested if anyone glanced his way. It was a very hard year. By 11 months, he still hadn’t slept through the night, which meant, neither had I. He and his brother (only 19 months older) turned me into a zombie.

One night, I stumbled into the dark bathroom. I left the light off because zombies are afraid of looking in the mirror. I felt around for my toothpaste and toothbrush, shoved the brush into my mouth and started to scrub away.

My fi rst thought was, “Wow, this toothpaste tastes weird.” As I scrubbed a little more, my second thought was, “I just brushed my teeth with diaper rash cream!” It was Desitin. Ewww!

I spent several moments gagging and wondering if I should call Poison Control. I swear, Desitin tastes worse than dog food, liver and used toilet water combined. I should have just thrown that tube away right then and there. Instead I cried myself to sleep.

Th e entire next day I was a mess – moaning, meandering, zig-zagging about in true zombie fashion. I was so tired that I put the sandwich baggies in the refrigerator. So exhausted that I once again neglected to use the light to fi nd my toothpaste. And for the second time, I did it. I. Brushed. My. Teeth. With. Desitin.

I spent another ten minutes dry-heaving into

CONFESSIONS OF A SASSY MAMA: “Desitin and the Monster Croc”

By Nikki Deckon

the sink. My husband hovered over me with worry. “Enough of this,” my husband said. “It’s time to let him cry through the night. You need to sleep.”

I gave him a weary nod as dread bounced about in my heart. I didn’t think I was strong enough to let Liam cry himself to sleep. But my husband was right. I couldn’t go on like this. Someone could get hurt. Or my teeth could fall out.

So we put the Desitin on top of the refrigerator, tucked Liam into his bed and waited. Th e next thing I knew, it was morning. I had vague memories of Liam crying but I never got out of bed to rescue him — my own exhaustion had knocked me out before the sun set. I’d actually slept

for more than two hours in a row for the fi rst time in a year. Freedom! Th e memory of that shocking morning still makes me smile.

From then on, Liam slept through the night. I stopped buying Desitin and invested in several tubes of Crest. I even ditched the groaning, meandering zombie walk. Th en the most glorious thing happened.

My monster croc stopped wrestling me every time I tried to change his diaper. He got sick of me bugging him and potty trained himself!! I’d never have to worry about crocodiles, Desitin or refrigerated baggies ever again.

Nikki Deckon lives in Wilsonville with her two wild boys, a cute husband, and two snooty cats. She writes a column for the Lake Grove MOPS (Mothers of Preschoolers) called Confessions of a Sassy Mama. She blogs at nikkilee.wordpress.com.

I swear, Desitin tastes worse than dog food, liver and used toilet

water combined.


K12 gets kids thinking big. It’s what happens when they see the art in architecture. Recognize their world in the Renaissance. Find the story in history.

That’s thanks to K12 and our award-winning curriculum, individualized to bring learning alive, one child at a time. Every subject is delivered online, with hands-on activities, plus books and support from expert teachers.

When kids get into learning, learning gets into them. Options include: • Full-time, tuition-free public schooling in many states • An accredited online private school available nationwide • Over 150 individual courses including foreign languages, AP® and electives

available for direct purchaseWe’re America’s largest online curriculum provider for grades K through 12. Because we give every student a chance to think big. Learn more at K12.com.

Interested in a full-time public school option? The K12 program is available through the Oregon Virtual Academy—an online public charter school authorized by the North Bend School District for grades K-8 that offers state-certified teachers, a free loaner computer, and a range of extracurricular activities. We’re now accepting enrollments for the 2009-2010 school year. It’s not too early to start thinking about your child’s education for next year.

oregonva.org | 866.529.0163

Join us at an upcoming event to learn more.44/1 Beaverton and Oregon City 44/2 Hillsboro and McMinnville

Documents

NW Kids - April 2009