Monthly Archives: February 2012

Smash Cake Anyone?

If your baby has his or her first birthday celebration coming up, be sure to check with your local grocer to see if they offer free "Smash" cakes for a child's 1st birthday.

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Albertson's, for instance, has been known to provide the free cake for youngsters to squish, slobber on and of course--SMASH! The Smash cake may only be free with the purchase of a sheet cake, so be sure to check with your participating grocer when you explain that you have a child celebrating their 1st birthday.

It makes for great pictures and ensures that your guests have a smash-free piece while the birthday boy or girl has their cake (and eats it too!)

 

 

Celebrate 75 years of Imagination

  • Join the Columbia Center Mall tomorrow, February 18th, from 10 to noon at the Kidgit's Play Area as they celebrate 75 years of imagination with Dr. Seuss! Be part of the fun as we celebrate all things Dr. Seuss... Cat in the Hat costume character, parade, decorate your own parade hat, Dr. Seuss activity booklets, book readings, goody bags, prizes and more!

    Celebrate Dr. Seuss's first book 'And to Think That I Saw It on Mulberry Street'! Your imagination will run wild with fun crafts & activities; bejewel a crown or tiara, add some flare to a Seuss bookmark, flex your imagination with a Dr. Seuss-themed Activity Book. Kidgit members will receive a hat like "The Cat" to personalize your way.

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    Kennewick Police Chief Ken Hohenberg and Ms. Tri-Cities Kailee Dunn will be reading a selection of Dr. Seuss books, answer the fun trivia questions for your chance to win a Dr. Seuss T-shirt or book. Cat in the Hat will make several appearances so make sure to bring your camera!

    In the story 'And to Think That I Saw It on Mulberry Street' there is a musical PARADE led by police officers. Our Parade will be led by CHIPS Volunteers in full police uniform leading the kids with musical whistles, trumpets and saxophones! Parade ends at Barnes & Noble with a special goody bag for all guests.

    Be sure to check in early and let your imagination take you away on a fun filled adventure at Columbia Center.

Valentine's Day Games for Kids

Valentine's Day is a great opportunity to teach your kids about caring and sharing, while also mixing in a little chocolate! There are lots of fun ways to make February 14th special for your little ones...

Here are some games you can play at home with your family or if you're hosting a Valentine's Day party:

Valentine's Toss is an easy game that will keep the kids laughing and burning energy.

*Have the children stand in a large circle. Give one player a soft, red ball, small stuffed heart or red beanbag.
*The player is to call out the name of another player, then toss them the ball.
*The second player catches the ball, calls another name, and tosses the ball to that child.
*After a few tosses, add another ball to the game. Now there are two balls being passed simultaneously, and the kids really have to pay attention.
*If the players can keep the game going with two balls, add a third for an extra challenge.
*If you have a large group of players, add a fourth ball.
*You can keep the game going until the children tire of it.

Candy Relay will bring out the giggles, and ends with a sweet treat.

*Divide the kids into two even teams, and have them line up.
*Give every player on each team a small, wrapped candy, such as a peppermint or Tootsie Roll (Warn the kids not to eat their candies yet!)
*The first player on each team puts on a pair of mittens, and at "Go!" attempts to unwrap their candy, which they then eat.
*The mittens are passed to the next player, who repeats the action.
*The first team to unwrap and eat all the candies wins.

ideas courtesy of: KNDU

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Feb/Mar 2012 issue

TRI Feb Mar cover

Have you seen the Feb/Mar 2012 issue of MOM in the Tri-Cities?

Cover MOM Leigh Justine Wick - How does she do it?

Snooze or lose - The importance of sleep

Birthday parties - fun ideas to celebrate

Birthdays and home - traditions make memories

Baby teeth matter - caring for your child's teeth

Food - Sweet as sugar - baking with natural sweeteners

Get crafty - DIY pop-up cards

SuperDAD - Brian Cummins is SuperDAD

Let's Go To Baby Zoo!

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…

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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!