With several weeks left before spring, your little ones might be itching to go outside but can't quite withstand the cold temperatures. Besides your local library or museums, try taking a trip to a slightly smaller (and FREE) zoo close by…

Pet stores, which my family affectionately calls "Baby Zoo" can be a delightful trip for your kids to learn about animals and see critters that may never be welcome in your home like snakes and tarantulas. My kids always get a kick out of watching the ferrets play and are amazed to see Nemo and his friends in the fish tanks.

This is a great way to help kids learn about a variety of animals and how to care for them should they finally convince you (if they haven't already) to get a family pet.

It's free and fun and helps relieve some of the cabin fever your kids might be having as the holidays are over and the water parks remain closed!

Monster Jam is coming to Portland! For a chance to win a family 4-pack of tickets to a show of your choice, leave a comment below letting us know if you have ever been to a Monster Jam show. The drawing will happen on Friday, February 3rd.

Read on for more info about the show!

WHAT: For three shows only, fans will witness the world's best monster trucks battle it out in the ultimate event of intense speed, racing and destruction as Advance Auto Parts Monster Jam^® returns to Portland.  Eight massive trucks will be part of the dirt-flying, car-crushin' action at the Rose Garden on Saturday February 11 and Sunday February 12. This year's truck lineup is highlighted by the legendary GRAVE DIGGER^®, celebrating its 30^th Anniversary of car crushing mayhem, along with the Portland debut of Tasmanian Devil and King Krunch; plus fan favorites Captain USA, El Matador, Obsession, Obsessed and Titan.

In addition to the world-class racing and freestyle competition action, die-hard fans can come to the stadium early to enjoy the Party in the Pits pre-show experience - which gives fans unparalleled access to view their favorite trucks up-close, meet the star drivers for autographs and take photos!

One of the most popular touring family entertainment sporting events in the world, the Advance Auto Parts Monster Jam is a high-flying, car-crushing explosive event of demolition, speed, power and unbelievable stunts with the world's best monster trucks and drivers whose skills provide an awesome spectacle of "rock-and-roar" that will bring fans to their feet cheering for more!

WHERE: The Rose Garden - One Center Court, Portland, OR  97227

WHEN: Saturday, February 11          2:00pm and 7:30pm

**Pit Party scheduled from 11:30am - 1:00pm

Sunday, February 12            2:00pm

TICKETS: Ticket price levels are $20, $30 (Gold Circle) and $40 (Front Row) for Adults; Kids (Ages 2-12) tickets are only $5 each.

Tickets available at Rose Quarter Box Office, at participating Tickets West Safeway Outlets, online at www.ComcastTIX.com or by phone at (877) 789-ROSE. (advance purchase only - ticket prices $2 more day of show, plus convenience, service & handling fees may apply).

The Academy of Children's Theatre (ACT) is gearing up for the production of West Side Story and will hold auditions for parts on January 24th and 25th from 7 to 8 pm. If you have a child 13 years or older who would like to perform, call the Richland office at 943-6027 to arrange an audition time.

West Side Story is a musical, so come prepared to sing a 30-second song (CD recommended but not required). Be ready to dance as there will also be a choreography audition. For more information visit: http://www.actstaff.org/ai1ec_event/west-side-story-auditions/?instance_id=

My kids are busy baking and decorating Christmas cookies together. This is the first time that they've done it and I'm so proud of them. They are 12 and 9 years. Together we'll make goody plates for friends and family. Tonight we'll deliver them and visit some wonderful people.

Happy Holidays to you and your family!
Click here for some great Holiday Cookie and Homemade Candy recipes.