In Britain, Parents at 14: When Will You Talk 'Birds and Bees'?

As a parent, talking to my children about "where babies come from" has been on my mind for some time. It started a while back when my son asked the question after seeing a baby cow, and it has continued as they develop.

My answer has always been an age-appropriate, honest response that answers the questions they ask. Simple. Honest. To the point.

When I hear about children going through puberty at younger ages, tidbits of information my friends children are bringing home from school about the birds and the bees, or about Britain's youngest parents who conceived when they were 13, I become anxious. My mom certainly was honest with me, and we always used correct terminology to understand our bodies and what was happening. Mom and dad always insisted on open communication in the household too. I plan on that same route with my children. How open is too open though?

This was originally published on annarbor.com.

Sleeping Bear Wilderness Ambassadors: Free Teen Program

The Sleeping Bear Wilderness Ambassador Program is a free program for teens in grades 8-12. Participants will experience a wilderness environment and while learning outdoor skills and providing leadership to others.

Volunteer Work Ambassadors will have the opportunity to join park staff in one or more of the following activities: field science Wilderness monitoring working with kids trail and campsite maintenance site restoration. Besides the memories, friendships, and skills to last a lifetime, more tangible benefits include volunteer service credit cool swag to take home photo and video DVD bragging rights on leadership experience to put on college applications and resumes.

To be eligible, applicants may apply between April 4-25 for the June 20-26 trip. For more information, visit the Sleeping Bear Wilderness Ambassador webpage.

Free Tickets: Alexander, Who’s Not Not Not Not Not Not Going to Move

On Sunday, April 10 at 1:30 p.m. at the Michigan Theater, children (grades K-4) and their families should consider seeing the youth theatre production of Alexander, Who’s Not Not Not Not Not Not Going to Move. The show, part of the Benard L. Maas Not Just for Kids series, is about a young boy named Alexander, and what happens when he finds out that his family is moving. Join Alexander as he learns that home is “where your family is” and that change can be exciting.

Tickets for this youth theatre production are available at the box office or at Ticketmaster.com for $12.00 each. Ann Arbor Blog parents though have the opportunity to win a family (4) pack by commenting below on what you would say to your children in the event of a move. All entries received by Thursday, March 31 will be entered into a random drawing.

Raita Savory Yogurt for the Family

Raita Savory Yogurt (pronounced Right-ah!) comes in three flavors Carrot, Cucumber and Tomato,
that range from flavorful to spicy. They can be purchased at area farmers markets, at Whole Foods,
the Produce Station, People's Food Coop, Argus Farm Stop and Plum Markets.

I was asked Harinee Sampath, product creator of Raita Savory Yogurt, if I would try the three recipes. Of course as a family blogger, I knew that ultimately it had to be something my family would eat. I have a picky eater with the one, and although my youngest has a broader pallet, she's still not very adventurous. Therefore this post features my children in their vlog debut. 

The opinions expressed here are their own. I will add commentary at the end though, as I did try all three yogurt options as well!

My son Zach was honest with his assessment but what is missing is the moment the heat hit. Of course that happened as soon as the camera stopped rolling! He very much likes spicy food but was not expecting the heat. he said after that he had a higher expectation of flavor and less of an expectation for the heat but cumin and coriander are not flavor profiles he was very familiar with. I believe he expected more Carrot flavor. Of course he was using a carrot as his choice for dipping, so he may have missed it simply because he was already eating a carrot.

Gabby got adventurous with both dips. She's decided she wants to start her own YouTube channel, so this was a way she could try to video blog. Here you will see her reaction to the two Raita flavors she tried.

Gabby reading the ingredients to the yogurt.

 As a mom, I can say this. I am most pleased to see that both of my children could read the ingredients on the label (with the exception of the names of the probiotic bacteria!). Fresh, ingredients with no preservatives are important. Plus the beneficial probiotics add a healthy boost! This is a Made in Michigan product that is available in area supermarkets and some Ann Arbor grocery stores too.

As with my daughter, I too very much enjoyed Tasty Tomato with Cumin & Coriander, although I think I preferred Zesty Cucumber with Cilantro & Mint. I loved the hint of mint that popped at the end. It was crisp, clean and very fresh.  Gabby is correct, in her video, she mentioned that she though both would make excellent salad dressings and I agree. I can also see both as a fresh topping for grilled meats!

I am not a "spicy gal" but did try the Spicy Carrot with Cumin & Coriander. When the heat hits though, I did not enjoy it as much. I can see this as a nice addition to those meals where you want the heat though!

You can find more details on the Raita Yogurt website or on the Raita Yogurt Facebook page. I can't wait to serve it up at tomorrow's Easter meal!

LEGOLAND® Discovery Center Michigan Celebrates Grand Opening

If you are a fan of the Ann Arbor Mom Facebook Page, then you saw some of the fun as it happened yesterday. I was excited to be able to participate in the grand opening celebration of the LEGOLAND® Discovery Center Michigan (at Great Lakes Crossing, 4000 Baldwin Rd, Auburn Hills, MI 48326)!

The grand opening celebration featured students, #LCDMichigan
Creative Crew members and Bertie the mascot, as well
as several dignitaries and adult guests.

The event featured representatives from local government, Merlin Entertainments, Visit Detroit, a second grade class from Grant Graham Elementary School as well as members of the #LCDMichigan Creative Crew!

It is so hard waiting! Members of the Creative Crew await
the end of the #LCDMichigan Grand Opening ceremony! 

The LEGOLAND® Discovery Center Michigan opens today to the public. It is the  8th LEGOLAND Discovery Center in North America, the 14th globally and the 100th Midway attraction for Merlin Entertainments.

#LCDMichigan is located inside
Great Lakes Crossing in Auburn Hills.

LEGOLAND Discovery Center Michigan is a 32,000 square-foot indoor attraction featuring fun and exciting LEGO themed rides, including Kingdom Quest and Merlin’s Apprentice, a 4D Cinema that brings favorite LEGO characters to life, numerous themed build and play areas, and the highly anticipated MINILAND exhibit that displays beloved local Detroit landmarks made from LEGO bricks.

Tickets are available online and must be purchased in advance. For more information about ticket sales, LEGOLAND Discovery Center Michigan events and activities, or for more information, please visit www.legolanddiscoverycenter.com/michigan/ or the #LCDMichigan Facebook page.

 “It has been a long and exciting journey leading to our grand opening, and we are grateful for the support we’ve received from the metro Detroit community,” said Hayley Anderson, general manager for LEGOLAND Discovery Center Michigan. “We are excited to give local children the unique opportunity to be immersed in a whole new colorful world of creativity, learning and imagination at LEGOLAND Discovery Center Michigan.”

To see some of the photos I took yesterday, be sure to see them on my Flickr page. I will say that my favorite part (as expected) was Miniland. My kids were exceptionally disappointed that I made them go to school yesterday instead of going to the celebration. A recent round of illness in the household meant missing school could not happen. They were however exceptionally excited to see the photos. They were even more excited to be able to identify many of the landmark models!

So that you can also enjoy some of the excitement from yesterday, please see the attached video of the ribbon cutting - I mean BRICK BREAKING ceremony done by Bertie the mascot!!! My kids are certainly looking forward to their first visit to the LEGOLAND Discovery Center Michigan, are yours?