You’ve probably been to Meijer Gardens, and you’ve probably been to John Ball Zoo. But, have you been to an event where they pair up for one exciting adventure? You’re not too late. A second Animal Adventure is scheduled for …Read the Rest
Elementary
Spotlight on Swim Lessons: East Hills Athletic Club
Are you longing for a wintertime oasis? Look no more! Every Monday, my kids and I get to step out of the cold and dreary weather of Michigan and step into a warm and bright pool for swim lessons. Just being near the …Read the Rest
GRkids Create: Juice Box Robots
“Wow!” ” Cool!” “Can I have one?” These remarks were shouted out as my son passed out his birthday treat to his first grade classmates. He reveled in the compliments and even told some of them that he learned how …Read the Rest
John Ball Zoo Pairs up with Meijer Gardens & We’re Giving Away Tickets!
Coming Soon to Grand Rapids…Animal Adventures: Growing Up Wild! This Contest is now closed. Congratulations Elizabeth Stine! I’m (wildly) excited about John Ball Zoo and Frederik Meijer Gardens pairing up once again to bring Grand Rapids Animal Adventures: Growing Up …Read the Rest
A Creative Way for Kids to Make Thank You Notes
I don’t know if sending thank you notes is harder on my kids [who write them] or the me [the mom who makes sure it gets done.] Certainly, I want my kids to send thank you notes. After all, they …Read the Rest
Win! Camp Mud Classes at the Mud Room!
This contest is closed. The winners are: Jillat dacindustries.com, Dawn Moore Brekke, Eva Nichols, & Tammy Teitsma Schollaart. It’s hard to believe Christmas break is right around the corner [especially since we have no snow!] but it will be here …Read the Rest
Teaching Kids to be Thankful
A few weeks ago, my husband and I were babysitting some of our friends’ kids. Their 4 kids + our 2 kids = a beautiful night of chaos. In the midst of that chaos, I kept hearing their kids use expressions like, “excuse me”, …Read the Rest
GRKids Create: Thanksgiving Pilgrim Hats
Nothing is cuter than little people wearing little pilgrim hats at the Thanksgiving table! For this craft you will need: black, white, and gold construction paper 1- 11×18 white construction paper scissors glue string hole punch For your little boy …Read the Rest
GRkids Create: Pumpkin Carving with Templates
Ah, the tradition of carving pumpkins. Have you every really thought about it? We take a vegetable, hallow it out, carve it, and put a candle in it. I guess it may be a bit strange but I love it. …Read the Rest
Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey present BARNUM 200: Review
The circus is in town and, at the risk of sounding completely generic, it really is the greatest show on earth! My family and I (Jennifer) caught the Thursday night show and I’m still feeling like we just took a magical …Read the Rest
Savvy Snacks
Everything around town screams back to school! The buses are out, the trees are thinking about giving up their leaves, parents have desperate looks on their faces, and the school supply aisles are pilfered and looking naked. Even the cracker boxes at Meijer …Read the Rest
Boulder Ridge Wild Animal Park
There’s a new zoo in town…and I think I might be in love with it! Boulder Ridge Wild Animal Park is celebrating its grand opening July 30 – 31! Driving down 84th street to Pratt Lake I (Jennifer) never expected to …Read the Rest
Sponge-Ball Family Activity
My (Jennifer) family found some serious fun and a new way to beat the heat! The sprinkler and Slip ‘n Slide are still enticing for our kids but my husband and I needed a good excuse to get wet. So we made …Read the Rest
Measure Summer with a Paper Chain, Family Activity
A few years ago, my(Jennifer) son asked me “How long is summer, Mommy?” The poor child was shocked to find out that, at the end of preschool, he had to wait an entire summer for kindergarten to start. These days, he’s thrilled to …Read the Rest
West Michigan Beach Guide
We are spoiled in west Michigan. In our backyard there is mile after mile of the most pristine shoreline and beaches that help us remember what play time is all about. Okay, I admit it. Tim Allen’s voice has seeped into …Read the Rest
Make Your Own Yard Ball Toss
My (Jennifer here) family seems to be almost living outside this week! We’re eating at least one meal a day out on the patio table and, if we’re home, we’re playing out in the backyard. I’m loving it! So, for today’s craft it …Read the Rest
