It's official, the Blue Angels are in town - We just saw (and heard) them fly over the house. Screams erupted from within the house as well as my son realized what happened...
We LOVE this week - It's been a yearly event. Every time the airshow runs, we can watch (for days in advance) the air-planes running through the show. In fact we can sit in our driveway for hours at a time and watch the skies above us. The kids get the most excited though when they can see the jets, specifically the Blue Angels.
Don't forget the Thunder Over Michigan is this weekend and for those of you that can enjoy the pre-show, pull out your lawn-chairs, relax and enjoy the show!
News and information to busy Ann Arbor area families | Find free activities for toddlers, pre-school aged children, kids, and teens - Things-to-do, local discounts and Ann Arbor events. Parenting encounters, life lessons and reader "thoughts" or advice may also appear from time to time... What's there to do in Ann Arbor with kids? The Ann Arbor Mom can help you to figure that out!
July 16, 2009
July 10, 2009
$25 A Day - Family "Island" Fun
I don't know what inspired me to create this piece for the blog, but I got to thinking about it after watching one of Rachel Ray's shows - $40 A Day... What kind of things can Ann Arbor families DO for under $25 for the day?
I realize that some of the things I will talk about in months to come will be obvious areas of interest, but for new families they may be new ideas. They may also spur other great ideas from you. So please if you have a GREAT under $25 a day activity, please pass along the idea...
IDEA #1 - Picnic and Play along the Huron River
I know most of you are thinking DUH! But I am not thinking about a picnic in any of the obvious parks like Gallup Park - Instead discover Island Park! I discovered it last year after being invited to a picnic at one of the picnic shelter areas there. The kids really loved the park and we went back several times throughout the summer. Families with small children won't fear their children falling into the river and being whisked away...
What I liked:
The park has the general natural spaces and plenty of trees for shade. In addition the "Island" is situated between a deeper part of the Huron River (still wade-able) and a very shallow 4-8" deep part of the river. The kids played for HOURS in that part of the river!!!
Cost:
Food - Picnic goodies of choice
Parking - free
Location - Across from Fuller Park near the U of M hospital
What else to bring:
Shelter (if you prefer - Sometimes bring our Easy-Up tent)
Sunscreen/Bugspray (as needed)
A Beach ball (to race down the river)
Outdoor toys
I realize that some of the things I will talk about in months to come will be obvious areas of interest, but for new families they may be new ideas. They may also spur other great ideas from you. So please if you have a GREAT under $25 a day activity, please pass along the idea...
IDEA #1 - Picnic and Play along the Huron River
I know most of you are thinking DUH! But I am not thinking about a picnic in any of the obvious parks like Gallup Park - Instead discover Island Park! I discovered it last year after being invited to a picnic at one of the picnic shelter areas there. The kids really loved the park and we went back several times throughout the summer. Families with small children won't fear their children falling into the river and being whisked away...
What I liked:The park has the general natural spaces and plenty of trees for shade. In addition the "Island" is situated between a deeper part of the Huron River (still wade-able) and a very shallow 4-8" deep part of the river. The kids played for HOURS in that part of the river!!!
Cost:Food - Picnic goodies of choice
Parking - free
Location - Across from Fuller Park near the U of M hospital
What else to bring:
Shelter (if you prefer - Sometimes bring our Easy-Up tent)
Sunscreen/Bugspray (as needed)
A Beach ball (to race down the river)
Outdoor toys
July 9, 2009
Cars, Cruisin', Music and Fun!
One hot and humid night not so long ago, I began to think about something to do with the kids. Mom was going to watch the kids during the day and when I got home I wanted to "DO SOMETHING". Then I remembered ~ Ypsilanti has a downtown cruise night in Depot Town. I took mom and the kids that night, and enjoyed looking at all the old cars, followed by eating at the Sidetrack Bar & Grill then visiting Gordon's Five & Dime for some treats! It was a nice relaxing night filled with cars, music and good food. So take a step back in history - Stop by and check it out!!!
For additional information, call the Ypsilanti Automotive Heritage Collection at 734-482-5200.
July 4, 2009
July 1, 2009
Family Fun & Safety During Independance Day Fireeworks Displays!
We all love to attend displays of fireworks for the July 4th holiday. For those of you attending local fireworks displays, I have a few tips to make this family event safe and fun for all...
- Get there early and wear comfortable clothing and shoes. You may be waiting for a long while or walking a distance to the display area!
- Bring bug spray, a flashlight and possibly sunscreen (depending on when you arrive)
- Bring your own glow sticks instead of buying them on-site, you'll save a TON!!!
- If you arrive early, bring something to pass the time - Games, cards, balloons, snacks, beverages...
- Leave sparklers home. The space is too tight, and even sparklers can be dangerous for the little ones - If you MUST bring them, make sure you have the space and a bucket of water to drop them into when they are spent.
- If you are like my family, make sure to spot the Port-a-Potty before picking your spot, also use it BEFORE you need to, avoiding long lines...
- Pack the kids wagon for transport - Add the cooler, blankets, and any other necessary items. If the kids need to ride the load back to the car, it will be easier than carrying them!
- In crowded places I've begun adding my cell phone number written in pen on the upper arm of my children.
- Park for easy access out AFTER the fireworks. Nothing like being stuck in a lot you can't leave when everyone is tired and cranky.
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