Free Reptile Show -- Cool!

Last night, I took my kids to a really cool library program called Reptile World  (Don't worry! You can see the show, too. There are 4 more showings and I've posted the info below.)

I must say, the show was really cool. The head presenter had a peaceful, calming voice that reminded me of Mr. Rogers, and knew tons of facts about reptiles. One of the cooler parts of the presentation is when they show you how large a crocodile can get. They spread a tape measure between the two presenters until it reaches 20 feet. That would be one massive crocodile.  During the show they did last night, we saw an alligator, crocodile, green anaconda (way big!), milk snake, and turtle.

 The show is a little over an hour, so younger kids may get fidgety toward the end, but if you're interested in learning about reptiles, definitely take your kids out to see this show, which is offered for FREE by the Prince George's County Memorial Library System.  More information on the presenters of the show is online at http://www.reptileworld.org/.

Here are a few photos from the show.  Beneath that is information on the other Reptile World shows, including which branch of the library it will be at.

A presenter holding an alligator!

A presenter holding a 3-year-old Green Anaconda.

Reptile World will appear at the following library branches this summer:


July 5       2 p.m.      Bowie, 15210 Annapolis Road, Bowie, MD 20715, (301) 262-7000
July 19     7 p.m.      Greenbelt, 11 Crescent Road, Greenbelt, MD 20770, (301)345-5800
July 26     7 p.m.      Laurel, 507 7th Street, Laurel, MD 20707, (301)776-6790
Aug. 1      7 p.m.      Largo Kettering, 9601 Capital Lane, Largo, MD 20774, (301) 336-4044




A list of all the cool Summer Reading Programs at the library this summer is online at:
http://www.pgcmls.info/Childrens_SRP2011


-Hyattsville Mom

Summer Warmth

The weather is turning today -- heading up to 87, with more humidity. Tomorrow and the weekend will get hotter and hotter, until we start getting ino the dreaded 90s.

This is a change from the lovely weather we've been having the past couple of weeks. I've been loving the low humidity and highs just above 80.  I've even been able to go out walking a few mornings. And I don't walk when I'm too hot, so if you see me out, you know it's cool.

But, I do think the kids will love this hot weather. My son has been dreading swimming at the outdoor pool at camp (it's in the morning) because the water is so cold. But, with this warmth, it should be nice.

And, I'll be able to actually take the kids out to a pool or splash park to cool off. So, I suppose the warmth has it's merits, too.

So are you looking forward to the extra dose of heat and humidity? Or would you like more cool weather?

-Hyattsville Mom

Circus Fun!

Happy Monday!

Hope everyone had a great weekend. Ours was full of fun, with my
daughter attending a Princess Tea Party in Greenbelt. She had a blast.

Speaking of Greenbelt, it's a great little community with lots of free
things going on. The city offers several camps for kids (6-12) that
offer community performances at the end of the camp session. My kids
and I love to attend the Circus Camp performance. At the Circus Camp,
kids learn to ride unicycles, juggle and perform like clowns. The
session-ending performance is always lots of fun. It's amazing what
those kids  are able to accomplish in just two weeks (though some of
the kids return to the camp each year, and have been practicing the
moves for a long time).

This year's Circus Camp performance is Friday, July 1 at 1 p.m. in the
Greenbelt Community Center, 15 Crescent Rd # 200, Greenbelt, MD, (301)
397-2208. It's fun and the kids love an audience, so definitely drop
by if you have the time. Be mindful that parents are coming to see
their children, too, so don't necessarily snag the most upfront seat
if you're just their to observe. It's also a great chance to see
what's done if your child might be interested in Circus Camp (which
starts at 8 years old).

The Creative Kids Camp also has an end-of session performance. It
requires tickets that are free. The morning performance is usually
least crowded. If you go the morning of, there are usually tickets
left. The afternoon performance is usually the one parents attend, so
bear that in mind if you come to try to get tickets. The performances
are 10:00 a.m. and 2:15 on Friday, July 1.

That's it for me now. Hope this is the start of a great week for everyone!

-Hyattsville Mom

Building Museum - Last Free Days

Just a quick reminder: this weekend is the last weekend the  National Building Museum will be free!

If you haven't been, you should definitely go and check it out. We're going to stop in this weekend because it's a really fun place to take the kids.

The yearlong family membership is $80. We're considering getting one, but we haven't made a final decision yet. We've not been at all this year. And I don't want to buy a membership we're not going to use. But, if you like doing things in DC, it's probably a membership worth having, as it's a really fun place to go.

So, again, check it out in one of it's last free days, if you've never been. You might find you want to go back again! This is the museum's website: http://www.nbm.org/.

Have a great weekend!

-Hyattsville  Mom.

Camp - First Week Done!

Well, my kids' first week of camp is over! Not sure if that's good or bad or should be momentous or not. It's just done.

Summer's just getting started, yet I still feel totally harried.  The lack of break between public school dismissal and the start of camp has thrown me into a bit of a tizzy. I feel disorganized and out of it.

For example, on Tuesday, ran into some friends at Chick-Fil-A, and they told me the Bowie Library was holding it's annual play that night. I take my kids to see the production every year, but I would have missed it this year if I hadn't run into my friends.  With no break between school and camp, I didn't get my debriefing/planning minute, and it's shown this week.

My hope is, now that the first week of camp is over, I'll get a chance this weekend to figure out how we're going to spend the non-camp portion of summer (and that isn't much, as school resumes Aug. 22; Yes, you read that right: Aug. 22!).

So, now that you know how I'll be spending my weekend. How will you be spending yours?

-Hyattsville Mom

Good Books

My 7-year-old son has been reading these short chapter books on super DC Comics super heroes from the library, and I thought I'd recommend to anyone looking for a doable chapter book for their young readers.

The books are all published by Stone Arch books and are five chapters long (between 45-50pp). It's a good length and the vocabulary isn't too daunting.  My son is able to read them, get excitement, good pacing and decent story.

 The DC comics series focuses on Batman, Superman and Wonder Woman.  Here's a link to Stone Arch's info on the books: http://www.capstonepub.com/aspx/pcategory.aspx?EntityGUID=5ae6c501-67e8-4f89-8534-af34802cf11c.

Remember, you don't have to buy them, as they're available at the PG County library.  But, definitely worth checking out for your young reader.

-Hyattsville Mom.

Fun at the Movies

I posted here on the blog and on twitter about the free screening of CARS 2 last weekend.  I went with my munchkins and hubby and must say, the movie was a blast!

I would definitely recommend it for kids. The screening was in 3-D, but I don't think the 3-D added much. Save a few bucks and go to the 2-D version, but definitely go. It's not one to wait for the DVD on.

The film opens with a spy, Finn McMissile spying on a new secret weapon that he's charged with figuring out what it does and how to stop it. Then, it cuts to scenes with favorite characters Mater and Lightning McQueen. The two storylines develop separately for a bit, then intersect when an American spy, realizing his cover is blown, passes off secret plans to an unsuspecting Mater.

From there, the movie kicks into high gear, and it's really a fun time. It's like a kids version of James Bond -- and not those crappy James Bond movies from the middle -- good James Bond! Sean Connery James Bond, heh heh!

My kids had a wonderful time and so did I. I hope you'll see it. And no, I don't work for Disney. Nor did they pay me. I just had a great time at a great movie and wish the same for your family.

-Hyattsville Mom

Happy Father's Day

Just want to wish all the Father's out there, a wonderful Father's Day.

You guys do a wonderful job and deserve lots of love!

-Hyattsville Mom

Friday Funny

This little video has been making the rounds on the Internet. I  found it funny. I hope you will, too. It's about Whole Foods Market. My favorite line is when he says he's going to pay his $80  for 6 things. :)

Today's the last day of school for county school attendees. Yippee. Enjoy your weekend

-Hyattsville Mom

UPDATE - Happening Tonight:



Movies in the Park. Head to Heurich Park (Ager & Nicholson) to watch the first in a series of outdoor films sponsored by the city of Hyattsville. At 7 p.m., they'll be showing How to Train Your Dragon. More information is online at:  http://www.hyattsville.org/

Favorite Theater Spot

I've been going to a lot of movies lately. One thing that's obvious anytime you go to a film is that everyone has their favorite place to sit.

I like the back corner--top row, aisle seat, preferably to the right (when I'm facing the screen), but the left will do, too.  If the back row is filled, I'll slowly move toward the front, seeking my seat preference.  Being in the rear supersedes other preferences. So, I would rather sit 5 seats in in the back than aisle seat just three rows back from the screen.

My parents like the rear of the theater, but about three to four rows in front of the very last row. My nephew likes to be dab smack in the middle.

It's always interesting where people gravitate in the theater. What's your favorite seat?

And, by the way, in case you missed my Tweet, 107.3 radio station is giving away tickets to free CARS 2 Screening. Details here: http://mix1073fm.com/Article.asp?id=2211726&spid=6578. It requires some driving, so you decide if it's worth your time.

Hyatsville Mom

No More Building Museum Gratis

I read yesterday that the National Building Museum is going to start charging an admission fee. Currently, the museum, which is one of the prettiest buildings in D.C., IMHO, is free.

But, starting June 27, the museum will start charging $8 for adults and $5 for children. According to the article, the reason for the fee is the declining economy.

I'm so saddened by the news because the Building Museum is one of my favorite places to visit. It has a kids room with tons of blocks and Legos to build with. It has a gorgeous atrium and a beautiful fountain in the middle of its great hall.

If you have never been to the Building Museum, definitely head down there before the 27th and check it out. It's a lovely place. For information on the museum or upcoming events, go here: http://www.nbm.org/


Hyattsville Mom

Happy Tuesday

The generation gap between me and my kids became apparent today when we heard Led Zeppelin's Immigrant song on the radio, and my kids said, "That's the song from Shrek!"  I guess, that's all it is to them.

It got me thinking also about Eddie Murphy (who voices Donkey in the movies).  Today, Murphy is known to kids from things like Shrek, Dr. Doolittle and Daddy Daycare. Yet, when I was growing up, Murphy was known for his obscenity-laced, adult themed comedy.  Yes, he had movies like Coming to America, but his SNL stuff and live shows were very adult.

So, it's interesting, I think.

Is there anyone out there you view very differently from your kids?

-Hyattsville Mom

Friday Roundup

Happy Friday.  Here are a few things going on in the area this weekend:


SATURDAY, JUNE 11


Kids Fishing Day, 8:30 -11:30 a.m., for ages 15 and under at the Patuxent Wildlife Refuge (10901 Scarlet Tanager Loop, Laurel, MD). There will be fishing demonstrations and a chance for you to fish. Registration is required. To register, call: 301-497-5887.


Greeting Card Art, 11:30 a.m. at the Hyattsville library -- 6532 Adelphi Rd., Hyattsville, MD, 301-699-3500.  This fun workshop will help you turn your favorite old greeting cards into collage art (a frame will be included).

Crochet & Knitting Literacy, 12:30 p.m., at the Hillcrest Heights library, 2398 Iverson Street Temple Hills, MD, 301-630-4900. Meeting will focus on crocheting techniques. Crocheters must bring their own materials.


Learn to Kayak, 10 a.m. - noon, at the Bladensburg Waterfront Park (4601 Annapolis Road, Bladensburg, MD 20710). Learn the basics of Kayaking in this fun class. Lessons are for age 10 and up and cost $25. Contact the park at 301-779-0371, or register via the SmartLink system (Class code: 521116): http://smartlink.pgparks.com/smartlink.


Brazilian Dance Festival, 3-7 pm, in Downtown Silver Spring. Enjoy free workshops teaching you to Samba and Capoeira. Also, enjoy other demonstrations of Brazilian dance. More information is online here:  http://www.rodamovements.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=55&Itemid=1




SUNDAY, JUNE 12

Swamp Safari,  1-2:30pm, for ages 8-10, at the Patuxent Wildlife Refuge (10901 Scarlet Tanager Loop, Laurel, MD). Refuge description: "Take a walk on the wet and wild side to look for frogs, fish, insects, and more in this hands-on program about wetlands. Dress to get wet and muddy." Registration Required. Call 301-497- 5887.

Too Hot to Handle

It's unbelievably hot today. I've broken into a sweat just typing this!

My plan is to hang inside in the air conditioning as long as possible, and this evening, we may go out and get some ice cream.

What are your plans to beat the heat? Anything fun?

-Hyattsville Mom

Time to get pickin'!

Since I blogged about picking tasty fruit. So, today I thought I'd remind everyone that now is great time to go and pick your own fruit at orchards.

First up, here is a link to the picking season calendar. It tells you which fruits are typically in season during a given month. This is for Maryland farms.

http://www.pickyourown.org/MDharvestcalendar.htm


Next up, here are some sites that list Maryland farms where you can go and pick your own fruit:

http://pickyourown.org/MDbalt.htm#listings#listings

http://www.marylandagriculture.info/category_info.cfm?categoryid=50

http://www.mda.state.md.us/md_products/agritourism_sites-farms/pick-your-own_berries_cherries.php

Couldn't have put it better myself...

As you know, some things you learn really resonate and stick with you. One such thing that stuck with me is an episode of The View where an expert was explaining how to buy fruit. He explained that tapping and feeling and all that other crap people tell you do is useless. If you want to pick out tasty fruit, you only need one thing: your nose. The expert said the navel (where it had been connected to the vine/tree/stem) should smell like the food you want to eat.

So, if you're looking for a juicy pineapple, turn it over, give it a sniff and if it smells like delicious pineapple, buy it.

Last night, I was trying to demonstrate this to my children with mangoes. I had one mango that was ripe and one that was not. My plan was to let the not ripe one ripen and cut in a couple of days. I gave each kid a sniff of the green mango, and neither liked the smell.

When I gave my son the ripe mango, I asked him what it smelled like. He replied, "yum." I couldn't have said it better myself.

Here's to a summer of yummy fruit.

-Hyattsville Mom

Summer Reading

I hope everyone is well, today.

Just wanted to remind everyone that the county library has started its Summer Reading program. The program is open to all children, whether they can actually read or not, as well as adults.

I've just signed my children up for the program, and am very  excited about it. The kids earn prizes for signing up and completing the goals (reading books for older kids; being read to or doing puzzles, finger play, for younger kids). Prizes range from certificates for ice cream at Chick-Fil-A to tickets to a play. It's lots of fun, and free.

For more information about the summer program, go to:https://md.evanced.info/pgcmls/sr/homepage.asp. For general information on the county library system, go to: http://www.pgcmls.info.

Weekend - June 4 & 5

Hope you all have a great weekend. I found two more interesting things going on in the area this weekend.

Beltway BBQ - at Watkins Park Saturday, June 4, from noon to 5 p.m. It's free. Details are on this website: http://www.pgparks.com/Beltway_BBQ.htm.

Tastes of Africa - in Silver Spring on Sunday, June 5, from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. It's also free. Details are here: http://events.insidenova.com/silver-spring-md/events/show/180180425-tastes-of-africa-saveurs-dafrique.

Have a great weekend.

-Hyattsville Mom

Happy Friday -- A Few Weekend Suggestions

It's Friday and time to plan for the weekend. We're planning on taking it easy and enjoying ourselves and the beautiful weather this weekend. If you're looking for some more organized things to do, here are some activities happening this weekend.

French Fun
Want to infuse a little foreign culture into your weekend? The Robert Goddard French Immersion School, in Lanham, is having a "Fun Fair" on Saturday, June 4.  They'll be serving authentic French crepes, and have a moon bounce, games and prizes. The fun fair is from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. If you're an early riser, there will be a flea market starting at 8 a.m. For more information, Looking for something fun to do this weekend? The Robert Goddard French Immersion school (in Lanham) is having a fun French fest on Saturday June 3. More information is online here: http://www.halimazizatutors.com/page_events_rgfi_community_fun_fair.html

Saturday Fun at the Library
On June 4, the Laurel library branch (507 7th Street Laurel, MD 20707;301-776-6790) is offering storytimes for dads and children under 36 months at 10:30 a.m. The Bladensburg branch (4820 Annapolis Road, Bladensburg, MD 20710; 301-927-4916) is offering a class on making healthy snacks at 2 p.m. For more information, contact each branch.


Painting Dogs
On Saturday, June 4, from 9:30 - 11:30, the city of Hyattsville will host Dogs for the Arts at Magruder Park. You can bring your dog to enter the paw painting competition or the best owner/dog look alike contest, or you can just show up to watch. More information is on the city's website: http://www.hyattsville.org/index.aspx?nid=146.

And of course with all the lovely weather, just heading to a local park is fun.

Hope you have a great weekend!

-Hyattsville Mom

Fun for Less!

Happy Thursday all!


Just a reminder, today's a day to have fun for less money. The Publick Playhouse in Cheverly was offering free tickets to today's production, the Great Zucchini. Call the playhouse to see if they have any more tickets left to the shows: 10:15 and noon.  Here's the Playhouse's contact info: Publick Playhouse 
5445 Landover Road, Cheverly, MD 20784, 301-277-1710.

Second, today's food special at Ikea is a quarter chicken PLUS mashed potatoes for just $1.99. I'm grabbing the kids and getting dinner there. I'll bring a couple veggies with me to throw on the side. But, having Ikea cook certainly beats cranking up the air conditioning because I've had to run the oven.

Hope you guys all have a great day. If you come by any deals, let me know. Love to hear 'em.

Hyattsville Mom

Too hot!

Wow, we went from Spring to blazing heat and humidity of summer in the blink of an eye. It is waaayyy too hot for me to handle.

Often times, when I pick up my son from school, I take him and my daughter (who's only half-day) to the park. Today, when I arrived, I told him we wouldn't be able to go to the park. He looked at me, and was like, "I don't want to go to the park. It's too hot."

When the kids don't want to go out, you know it's too hot.

I guess we'll have to hit the waterways this weekend. Definitely going to find something fun to do in the water. What are your plans for beating this heat?

-Hyattsville Mom