Weekend Events: Feb 11-12

Sorry that I'm late in getting the events planner together this weekend. I've not been sleeping well, have been working a lot this week, and have been slammed with scouting events and activities. In a word I'm pooped and am now paying the price with exhaustion and an apparent cold. Yup I'm a  mom and that's what happens to us. It's inevitable.

So here is a VERY brief list of some things to do in Ann Arbor today and tomorrow. I promise to get some more free events posted soon, but for now this Ann Arbor mom is off to grab a shot of NyQuil!

There may not be enough snow to make a
snowman, however it's still a great time
to step outdoors and enjoy some fun
winter activities!

Saturday, February 11

• 1:00-2:00 p.m. the Un-Valentine's Party at the Dexter District Library. All ages.
• 1:00-2:30 p.m. indoor ice skating at Veterans ice rink. All ages.
• 1:00-2:00 p.m. Valentine's Card Making at the Fly Children's Art Center studio space. Ages 3-10.
• 2:00-3:00 p.m. - Frosty's Birthday Party at the Ypsilanti District Library (Whittaker).
• 2:00-3:00 p.m. Hands-on Family Science Workshop at the Ann Arbor District Library (Main).
• 2:00-3:00 p.m. Chocolate and Sweatheart Cards at the Ypsilanti District Library (Superior)
• 3:00-5:00 p.m. Teen Event "Anime Typhoon" at the Ypsilanti District Library (Michigan).
• 4:00-5:00 p.m. Cute Cuddly Snowman at the Ypsilanti District Library (Whittaker).
• 6:30-10:00 p.m. Youth Night Out at the Jewish Community Center.
• 2:30-4:30 p.m. and 7:45-8:45 p.m. ice skating at Buhr outdoor ice rink.

Sunday, February 12

• noon-5:00 p.m. Behind the Scenes Day at the U-M Museums.
• 1:00-3:00 p.m. Valentine's Day Gift Workshop at Michael's Crafts. Free event with purchase of materials.
• 3:00-4:30 p.m. Quilling Workshop at the Ann Arbor District Library (Mallets Creek).
• 1:00-2:30 p.m. indoor ice skating at Veterans ice rink. 

Besides all of the fun and mostly free activities around town, consider that there are many kids movies out this weekend, younger children might enjoy many of the storytime events or simply take a walk in the sunshine and snow then enjoy hot chocolate with the family after! What will you do together with the kids this weekend?

Perspective is Everyting: Child Sleeping in Car in Winter

As I arrived at work this morning I was very surprised and angered to see a child in the car next to where I parked, huddled over, sleeping. Temperatures were in the mid 20's, and although the kid was wearing a knit cap and warm coat, the car was not running. More importantly though, their parent was nowhere to be found! I was furious.

I stood there for what felt like an eternity, vacillating over what to do. Then I marched into my office to call the police.

Once inside, I took a few breaths and observed the car for 2-3 minutes, all the while pacing by the window, and venting to my co-workers. How could this person be so irresponsible? What terrible parent would leave a sleeping child in their car in the middle of winter? At that point I couldn't take it, and decided to walk back out to the car.

At fist I couldn't decide if I should knock on the window. What if I woke the child? Wouldn't I really scare her? So instead I stepped towards the car for a closer look and take action...
I'm glad I did too. The "sleeping child" turned out to be a knit cap pulled over a bag of items.

I walked back into the office just in time to have my boss ask if he needed to call the police...I guess one never quits being a parent.

Lesson of the day: Perspective is everything!

Parents Night Out: God of Carnage at Performance Network

On Friday night I got to experience a rare treat with my spouse - a DATE! Earthshattering I know. It seems we haven't dated much since...  Well since we dated, and even then we were both homeowners and homebodies! So when I was given tickets to see God of Carnage at the Performance Network (120 E Huron St., Ann Arbor) I happily accepted.



For an entertaining night out (without kids) check out
God of Carnage now playing at Performance Network!

I wasn't familiar with the storyline, but apparently is it based on a recently released movie, “Carnage.” Many of the audience members were murmuring about the similarities after the lights came up. The play though is about two couples, who meet at one of their homes to discuss a playground altercation between their boys. As the evening progresses, the couples have a civilized battle of wits that devolves into a hilariously chaotic evening.

I was told to expect a "comedy of (bad) manners will change the way you look at polite conversation" but in sitting through the play I had to laugh knowing that I have "seen" glimmers of this type of parenting in some folks I have come across.

Typically the Ann Arbor Mom blog covers "family" themed events and activities, however getting mom and dad out is alos a big part of parenting. After all if mama's happy... 

God of Carnage contains adult themes and language, so its not a kids activity, but the show, which is superbly acted, is a nic night out. God of Carnage runs at the Performance Network through February 19. If however you can't get away for a parents night out before then, this is the 30th Anniversary Season of Performance Network, so there is bound to be another opportunity to experience great theatre in Ann Arbor!

I like to think of God of Carnage as expressing the though “how far would you go if someone hurt your kid?” So, how far would YOU go?

Please visit the website for information on Performance Network tickets or information on upcoming shows and performances.  God of Carnage plays Thursdays at 7:30 p.m., Friday's at 8:00 p.m., Saturday's at 3:00 p.m. and 8:00 p.m. and Sunday's at 2:00 p.m. Tickets start at $27 making it a very reasonably priced professional theatre experience in our own back yard! 







.

Weekend Event Round-Up: Feb 3-5

Since last Saturday at 2:30 a.m., I have spent the week cooped up in the house with feverish kids with strep throat, so I am VERY tempted to run crazy this weekend. (Of course that would likely be without the kids.) Which is really great too, considering the many fun, free events happening around Ann Arbor. Lot's of free craft activities, events and the library and even some stargazing!
So take a look at the weekend planner to see what might be in store for you and your family.

Tots will enjoy celebrating at the Elmo Birthday Bash at the YDL Friday at 10:30 a.m.

Friday, February 3

• The youngest family members will enjoy celebrating at Elmo's Birthday at the Ypsilanti District Library (5577 Whittaker Rd., Ypsilanti MI). From 10:30 a.m.-noon, join in on a fun party that will include a story, DVD, songs, craft, and refreshments.
• In the evening, families might want to see stars of another kind while enjoying a Field Trip to the Stars at the EMU Planetarium and Observatory (402 Sherzer Hall, Eastern Michigan University 124 College Pl, Ypsilanti) at 7:00 p.m. Families will find free admission, however it is best to call to pre-register for the free event, as space is limited 734-487-1849. Tour EMU's  brand new planetarium then take a short walk to the Sherzer Observatory to see what’s happening in the real sky. Tour led by Norbert Vance, Director of Sherzer Observatory. Meet at the EMU Planetarium, parking is available at southwest corner of the EMU campus, Washtenaw at Oakwood St, Lot G, for $1 per hour.

Free kids crafts are a great way to stay busy this weekend too!

Saturday, February 4

• The Home Depot Kids Building Workshop is also this Saturday starting at 9:00 a.m. This months project is a cute heart box.
• Do you have a teen that is interested in writing? Why not have them join in the New Point Learning (2216 S. Main St., Ann Arbor) Winter Writing Workshop and Contest. The event runs 10:00 a.m.-noon . For more information and details on the contest, visit: http://www.clonlara.org/campus/writing_contest or contact Martha Rhodes 734-926-4617 or martha@clonlara.org.
• A few weeks back I mentioned the fun Amigurumi Club at the YDL that is for teens. It will be hosted again at 11:00 a.m. Saturday.
• Yesterday's post talked about the free Lego Friends event at Toys R Us at noon too.
• Maybe you or your child is interested in comic books. Then be sure to stop at the Sports Cards, Memorabilia, and Comics Show at Ypsilanti District Library (5577 Whittaker Rd., Ypsilanti) from noon-5:00 p.m. You will find free admission to the show where comic book dealers, collectors, hobbyists, and casual fans are welcome to buy, sell, and trade their sports cards, memorabilia, merchandise, and comic books.
• Teens have another great event this weekend too. On Saturday at 2:00 p.m. they can watch the movie What's Eating Gilbert Grape? at Ypsilanti District Library (5577 Whittaker Rd., Ypsilanti) then check out the book, because a few weeks later there will be a discussion of that same book and movie! Teens can talk about books made into movies and whether or not directors can translate your favorites into film.
• Do you have a budding entertainer on your hands, kids and teens can participate in Kid's Open Stage at Oz Music (1920 Packard St., Ann Arbor) the first Saturday of every month a 4:00 p.m.
• If the weather is still nice, how about a Twilight Hike at West Lake Preserve? From 5:00-6:30 p.m. enjoy some “end of the day” winter quiet in nature. We’ll set a goal of hiking to the lake edge, where we will stop, rest and have a hot drink under the winter twilight sky. Be sure to dress so that you will be warm.

With the unseasonably warm winter weather in Ann Arbor,
consider getting outdoors for some fun too!

Sunday, February 5

• The warm weather has made many of of consider spring, especially Tiger's Spring Training, so why not get a jump on things and have Breakfast with PAWS at St. Mary's Catholic Parish (10601 Dexter Pinckney Rd., Pinckney). On Sunday starting at  8:30 a.m. until 11:00 a.m., the St Mary’s Men’s Club in Pinckney is sponsoring "Breakfast with PAWS". The free event (donations are welcome however!) includes a delicious menu of fried or scrambled eggs, hash browns, biscuits and gravy, French toast, pancakes, quiche, ham, pork sausage, and of course our renowned “waffle station”. Get those cameras ready for an great family event.
• Do you have a crafty kid? There are several free events Sunday for them to enjoy. Make A Lion Mask For Lantern Festival at Ann Arbor District Library (3333 Traverwood Dr., Ann Arbor) at 2:00 p.m. All supplies are provided free for this craft. Or head over to Michael's Crafts (3655 Washtenaw Ave., Ann Arbor) where kids ages 3+ can make their own Foam Valentine's Mailbox at 1:00 p.m. (Supplies free with purchase of mailbox) or they can create a free custom Valentine's Day card at 2:00 p.m.
• How about getting out and about while the weather is still mild? From 2:00-4:00 p.m. the kids will enjoy learning about Tracks, Scat and More at Brauer Preserve! Learn how to identify many of the signs that animals leave behind. Be sure to dress warmly for this hike; we will stop often to look at things on the ground/in the snow. 
• Want to begin liberating your child in the kitchen? Then why not bring them to the Cooking with Your Kids event at Pittsfield Grange (3337 Ann Arbor-Saline Rd., Ann Arbor). At 2:00 p.m. for only $15 for one adult and one child (for adult with 2-3 children $20) kids ages 7 and older can learn to make a one-skillet meal (salsa skillet meal) with mom or day. Pre-registration at www.eventbrite.com/event/org/814998331 or contact 734-997-8844 or preservetrad@gmail.com for more information.

So what will you do and around Ann Arbor with kids? I'd love to see your family fun photos either on the blog or the Ann Arbor Mom Facebook page.

Build Free Lego Friends Lemonade Stand Saturday

On Saturday, February 4 from noon-2:00 p.m. Toys R Us (3725 Washtenaw Ave., Ann Arbor MI) is hosting a special Lego Friends event.

This free event lets kids experience the brand new building craze, LEGO® Friends, and support Alex’s Lemonade Stand Foundation (ALSF) in the fight against childhood cancer! Each child that attends can create a complimentary LEGO Friends lemonade stand to take home. For each stand built, The LEGO Group will donate $1 to ALSF.