Winter Wonderland at in the Conservatory at the Matthaei Botanical Gardens

I know I have mentioned the botanical gardens in several posts, however as a parent it's still an amazing thing to expose your children to when the weather is less than optimal outside. So why not plan your winter escape to the Matthaei Botanical Gardens conservatory (1800 N. Dixboro Rd., Ann Arbor) to see a beautiful winter interactive exhibit that takes visitors on a journey through the beauty of the winter season. Take your children along to answer questions like: Why do we have winter here in Michigan? What does the winter solstice mean? Why is winter so wild sometimes? And what’s happening weather-wise on the other side of the world?

By way of the conservatory visitors can travel to the southern hemisphere with a “passport to summer” for discovering all the plants of the world; take a winter hike to look for signs of animal life outdoors; and learn how snowflakes form — And even create your own snowflake to take home. During the exhibit, the conservatory will be transformed into a winter wonderland with a variety of white flowers and a tree decorated with pressed Queen’s Anne Lace and other natural ornaments. Many drop-in activities during the exhibit are also included with admission to conservatory.

The Wild Wonderful Winter exhibit: A Season’s Tale runs Thursday Dec. 3, 2009 through
Sun., Jan. 17, 2010. The exhibit is open Tuesdays and Thursday-Sunday 10:00 a.m.-4:30 p.m. and Wednesdays 10:00 a.m.-8:00 p.m. Cost: Adults 18 and over: $5; children 5-17: $2; under 5 free.

For more information call(734)647-7600, email mbgnavs@umich.edu or visit the Wild Wonderful Winter UMGNA webpage.

Children Make Wool Felted Critters at The Library

I heard on the radio the other day that the holidays are about a celebration of excess... Whoa, wait a minute here, they're a celebration of EXCESS?! I don't think so, and I certainly hope I'm not teaching my children that. In fact as an attempt to scale things back again I have asked family to cut back what they are sending to the kids in the way of toys and have suggested that bonds or college savings be employed again this year. Everyone is simply getting too carried away with the only grandchildren in either family! It is with that though, that I have begun to re-evaluate my own spending habits and what I am teaching the children. So this year I've begun thinking of more meaningful gifts for my children to give, or receive...

I found this free event and thought it might be a way for my son to "make" a gift for his younger sister. Of course the kids could keep the project themselves, but I was trying to think ahead to the holidays. This Sunday at the AADL Pittsfield Branch (2359 Oak Valley Dr. between Scio Church and Ann Arbor-Saline Roads) from 1-3:00 p.m., youth from Kindergarten through 5th grade are invited to make a small, hand-held, wool bunny or bear from wool rovings - The process of making "felt" is actually fun, educational and very appropriate for this age too!


For more information, please call 734-327-4200.

Toy Safety Press Conference at Beaumonth Hospital, Royal Oak

Tomorrow morning at 10:30 a.m. at William Beaumonth Hospital the Public Interest Research Group in Michigan (PIRGIM) will host the 24TH Annual Trouble in Toyland report on dangerous holiday toys. PIRGIM will release its annual toy safety report, which has led to corrective action on more than 130 toys over the last two decades.

Participants at the event will demonstrate toy hazards and alert parents to hazards that are still on store shelves, such as toys with small parts, toys that are excessively loud, and toys containing toxic chemicals.

PIRGIM will also launch a new interactive tool, accessible via smart phone, that will help parents and other toy-buyers avoid some common toyhazards.

The event will be help at Beaumont Hospital (3601 W. Thirteen Mile Road - west of Woodward Avenue - Royal Oak) South Tower on the fifth floor in the Pediatric Garden. Complimentary parking will be available in the South Parking Deck.

The AnnArborMom site will also publish a follow-up to this event for parents unable to make it.

Children Can Create A Thanksgiving Centerpiece This Wednesday

If you are one of the many folk who likes to take a hostess gift to celebrations, and are starting to think, "Oh geeze, what should I do about Thanksgiving?" fear not - Let your pre-school through 5th grade child take care of things for you...

This Wednesday from 2:00-3:30 p.m. at the Ann Arbor District Library Pittsfield Branch (2359 Oak Valley Dr. between Scio Church Rd. and Ann Arbor-Saline Rd.), children can make their very own Thanksgiving centerpeice (or napkin rings) to grace the Thanksgiving table. What hostess or parent, would not appreciate such a wonderful hand-crafted present?

The event is free to all participants, for more information call 734-327-4200.

Little House On The Prairie at the Fox Theatre - Get a $10 Discount

Growing up, one of my favorite stories was the "Little House On The Prairie" series. I fondly remember snuggling up with mom or dad to have a chapter of one of the books read aloud to my brother and I before bed - The television series was one we enjoyed together as well. Now the story is being brought to a new generation as Little House On the Prairie is being brought to stage.

Little House on The Prairie, a new musical based on the beloved Laura Ingalls Wilder series of classic American books, will make its debut in Detroit at the Fox Theatre Dec. 1-5, 2009. Bring the whole family, and save with a special $10 per person discount* for the Wednesday, Thursday, or Friday evening performances through Dec. 4. Just mention the password HOMELAND when purchasing tickets online, by phone or at the box office!

Little House on The Prairie is the uplifting story of an American family forging a new life amidst the might challenges, heartbreaks, joys and triumphs that face them in the newly-settled heartland. It is also the story of young Laura Ingalls, as she begins her life as a young woman, finding purpose, and finding love. Above all, it is the celebration of the pioneering spirit and the core values on which this country was founded, a spirit that still resonates today.

As a bonus to the Detroit area audience, Melissa Gilbert, who rose to fame as a child playing 'Laura' in the hugely successful NBC television series "Little House on the Prairie" during the 1970's, now continues her legacy 'on the prairie' by taking on the role of Ma!

*Discount is only available on certain price levels, and not valid on previously purchased tickets.