Lamaze Family Center of Ann Arbor Grand Opening

We had just moved to the area when I was pregnant with my second child and one of the best things I did was to find the Lamaze Family Center Ann Arbor (2855 Boardwalk, Ann Arbor -  next to One on One Athletic Club). I was able to take prenatal yoga which was a huge Godsend!

Are you expecting a child to be part of your family? If so, you might want to visit the Lamaze Family Center Ann Arbor this Saturday during their Grand Opening Celebration. From 10:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. families can check out all the center has to offer for families including infant classes and playgroups for toddlers.

The new spacious and sunny new location to sample some of its newest program offerings, meet the educators and staff, and enjoy a choice of active family time in the morning or pampering time just for mom in the afternoon. The Grand Opening Celebration features a schedule jam-packed with fun activities for the whole family.

Key activities being featured free during the day include programs for families and moms-to-be:

· Signing Smart Baby Sign Language with Kathy Brady 10:00 a.m.
· The Art of Roughhousing with Anthony DeBenedet 11:00 a.m.
· Robinsongs Music Together with Robin Robinson 12:00 p.m.
· Car Seat Safety/Baby Wearing Mini-workshop by The Little Seedling 1:15p.m.
· Infant CPR Basics with Jody Hughes 2:00 p.m.
· Prenatal Yoga with Marlene McGrath 3:00 p.m.
· Parent-Toddler Playtime 10:00 a.m. - noon
· Creating Tiles for the Children’s Wall 10:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.
· Prenatal and Family Portraiture with Cheryl Hall Photography 10:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m.
· Pampering Bliss with Ulta 1:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m.
· Mini-Massage and Relaxation Treatments with Barb Lindberg 12:30 - 4:00 p.m.

Magic Treehouse Event at Nicola's Books

Join Jack and Annie LIVE when they visit Nicola's Books in Ann Arbor
for the Passport to Adventure! A Magic Tree House Live Reading Tour. 

Last year when my son got into first grade his teacher introduced him to the Magic Tree House book series.  For a mom of a boy who hates reading this was a precious gift - They were books he WANTED to read, or in the very least sit with mom to read! I suppose that's why I was excited to hear about the “Passport to Adventure! A Magic Tree House Live Reading Tour” coming to Nicola's Books (2513 Jackson Avenue, Ann Arbor 48103) next Monday, March 12 at 6:00 p.m.

It's the second annual Magic Tree House event at Nicola's Books; Expect the characters from Mary Pope Osborne’s beloved Magic Tree House series visit the children live and in-person. Fans will enjoy Jack and Annie’s magical traveling adventures through a live, theatrical performance with songs based on the bestselling Magic Tree House series. Events will also include cool giveaways, and an official Jack and Annie “book stamping.”

Ann Arbor Mom Facebook Fans got a heads up on this free event a few weeks back. Would you like to be in the know??? Join the Ann Arbor Mom on Facebook for fun facts, events and freebies.

Brick Bash for Lego Enthusiasts of All Ages

Brick Bash 2012 in Ann Arbor should be lots of fun so be
sure to add it to your calendar!

Do you have a Lego lover in the family? Then this free event will be perfect for you! Be sure to add it to your calendar.

On Saturday, March 24 at 11:00 a.m. until 6:00 p.m. at the Morris Lawrence Building at Washtenaw Community College in Ann Arbor, thousands of Lego's will be available for play at Brick Bash. Brick Bash is a free LEGO-building exhibition with lots of LEGO-related things to see and do. there will be hands-on fun in piles of LEGO bricks, educational projects, and amazing creations built by hobbyists from around the country.

For more information on the event, be sure to check out Bricks for Brains Ann Arbor on Facebook.

Weekend Events Round-Up: March 2-4

Mild weather means families throughout Ann Arbor can start getting out and about. With that in mind there are lots of great activities happening.

Make your own Cat In The Hat Pencil Cup Holder
at Michael's free craft event Friday night.

Friday, March 2:

4:00-6:00 p.m. Head over to Michael's for a crafty bookmark and Dr. Seus pencil cup holder.


Saturday, March 3:

11:00 a.m. Teens can stop by the Ypsilanti District Library to learn a new craft during the Amigurumi Club. 

11:00 a.m. and 3:00 p.m. Kids can learn about science and the pitutatory gland furing the free science workshop at the U-M Natural History Museum.

11:00 a.m. Jazz Jam Jr. hits the Chelsea District Library (221 S. Main St., Chelsea) where kids can   Listen to a jazz story, improvise jazz riffs and rhythms, enjoy refreshments, and step into the colorful world of this important American art form.  The free program targets several age groups with programs for kids age 3-5 at 11:00 a.m. and a program for kids age 6-9 at noon.

4:00 p.m. 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.

Sunday, March 4:

1:00 p.m. Teens can come to the Comic Artist Forum at the Ann Arbor District Library (343 S. Fifth Ave., Ann Arbor) to draw, learn, share and get some fresh ideas for your next comics or graphic novel creation. Drawing supplies will be provided. 

1:30 p.m. Kids 12 and under can see a free movie at the Michigan Theatre (603 E. Liberty St., Ann Arbor) during the Family Friendly Film Series where Rango is being shown.

2:00 p.m. What do mammals have in common with fish, amphibians, reptiles and birds?  Find out when taking the family to the Gerald Eddy Discovery Center & Waterloo Recreation Area for the hands-on interactive program Science Alive. Learn about live animals from each of these groups, the characteristics they share and the differences that set them apart. The cost is $2/person or $5/family. Advance registration is requested at 734-475-3170.

3:00 p.m. Kids can learn about science and the pitutatory gland furing the free science workshop at the U-M Natural History Museum.

For parents that are beginning to consider summer camp options for their kids, I have begun updating the Ann Arbor summer camp and daycamp list too! I'm looking for quotes from parents on camps they love and updates on camps too.

March is National Craft Month: Getting Crafty With Kids!

I have always loved crafts. It seems I have passed along that special gene too as my kids love doing craft projects. Between the three of us my husband is out 2-3 closets in the basement that are filled with supplies; It's basically a craft store in our basement!

This month your kids can enjoy many free crafting events including Craft Month at Michael's and for the serious crafter at Crafts 2000 (15312 South Dixie Highway, Monroe MI).  If you've never been to the Crafts 2000 discount outlet you are missing out big-time!

During National Craft Month be sure to check out the many free events in
Ann Arbor for the kids, teens and tots in your life!

March 2: Kids can create a colorful bookmark at Michael's Crafts from 4:00-6:00 p.m. for Read Across America, there is also a free Make-it, Take-it Dr. Seuss Pencil Cup Holder for ages 3+. it's free while supplies last!

March 2-3: March maskness hits at Crafts 2000 too where kids can make a cool Mardi Gras mask for free from 11:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.

March 3: With many kids beginning their science fair projects, be sure to stop in at Michael's at 3:00 p.m. for the My First Science Fair demo!  The amigurumi club for teens at the Ypsilanti District Library at 11:00 a.m. might be a fun way to learn a new craft.

March 10: From 1:00-3:00 p.m., take the kids to learn to make a t-shirt tote bag at Michael's. This would be a great idea to implement on all of their old-outgrown t-shirts after too! The project is free with the purchase of a t-shirt. This event is for kids ages 3+. Stay in the store a little longer too to have the kids make a free yarn doll from 3:00-5:00 p.m. What about decorating a "diary"? Kids can do that at the Ypsilanti District Library at 2:00 p.m.

March 10-11: For your favorite Girl Scout, head to a fun pin swap at Crafts 2000 where the girls can make and take OR trade the fun, cool pins that they are creating for free. The event runs 11:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m. throughout the weekend.

March 12: Do you have a Daisy, Brownie, Junior or other Girl Scout in the family?  Be sure to stop by Michael's for a free craft demo 6:00-7:00 p.m. celebrating the 100th Anniversary of Girl Scouts. Girl Scout Troop Leaders should be sure to stop by too!

March 17: The amigurumi club for teens at the Ypsilanti District Library at 11:00 a.m. might be a fun way to learn a new craft. Peeps-O-Rama starts at the Ypsilanti District Library too. Kids ages 4-7 should stop by at 1:00 p.m. to make Peep "Accessories" as well as other fun projects.

March 24: From 1:00-3:00 p.m., kids ages 3+ can stop by their local Michael's stores to make a cute frog out of a purchased egg. This is a free event while supplies last. Would your teen enjoy accessorizing a t-shirt by making some cool cuts? YDL can help. Learn to make fun cuts to make a customized cut t-shirt at 2:00 p.m.

March 31: Kids can make a terra cotta butterfly from 1:00-3:00 p.m. with the purchase of a clay pot. This Michael's event is geared for kids over age 3. For children and teens a little older, Crafts 2000 has a free memory wire bracelet project 11:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m. The amigurumi club for teens at the Ypsilanti District Library at 11:00 a.m. might be a fun way to learn a new craft.