Kid Connect Nov/Dec 2012 by Shawn Cox

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November/December 2012 Your Go-To-Guide for Kid and Family Activities Happening Throughout the Valley

days of Christmas

Packed with Family Activites and Giving Back

...Merry Birthday...

Tips for Celebrating a Holiday Birthday

What it Means to be Thankful...

Through a Child’s eyes

see page 43

Calendar Highlights:

Holiday Happenings, Wings and Wheels, Santa Comes to Town, Treasure Island, Parent’s Night Out, A Christmas Carol Play, Indoor November/December Playground, Cirque Du 2012 Noel on Ice, 1 Festival of Trees, Christkindlmarkt and Much More!

Imagine spending the day doing the things you love.... Knowing youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll come home to a beautifully clean house!

Customized cleaning packages Meticulous screening process, hiring and training with each employee

Cleaning homes in the Valley since 2001

www.FaithStepsCleaning.com 2

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A PRACTICAL 8 WEEK SERMON SERIES FOR EVERYONE...

PARENTING WISDOM FOR THE AGES BEGINS OCTOBER 7, 2012 8:30 & 10:30 A.M. GRACE COVENANT CHURCH 508 WESTERN AVE. WWW.GRACECOVONLINE.COM

November/December 2012

s ’ t a Wh e d i s In

In Every Issue:

Special Features:

5 6 8 18

Contributors

10 12

22 31 33 34 35 50

Giving Back

Nikki’s Note Road Trip

What’s Your Tradition? Volunteer Story Times Take 5 Calendar

Local Business Spotlight

Where Are My Photos? Nature Journaling With Kids

14 National Adoption Month 16 What It Means To Be Thankful 20 The Honest Holiday Letter 25 It’s The Sugar Season 26 Merry Birthday 28 Holiday 49

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Happenings

Resources

Our Contributors

Support our Sponsors by staying local!

>>>When not engaged as Mom, Marlene Farrell runs, shares her love of running through coaching kids of all ages, and writes. She also loves to bike, hike and ski with her husband and kids, and keeps up with them for now.

(and tell them Kid Connect sent you!)

<<<Alex A. G. Taub was born in Washington State. He has worked with youth and youth issues for 25 years, Currently, he teaches half-time at WVC, writes and is a stay-at-home dad. He recently published “Working with HighRisk Youth: The Case of Curtis Jones,” and has published his parenting humor around the world. >>>Dr. Cara Schroeder, Chief Smile Officer of Children’s Dentistry of Wenatchee, received her dental degree from Ohio State University & her Master’s degree in counseling from Boston University. She is a mother of four kids and has been practicing general dentistry in central Washington for over 15 years, focusing on children’s needs. She and her friendly staff strive to give all their patients a fun trip to the dentist. Learn more about her at smilebugg.com <<<Jackie DeLozier has an associate degree in early childhood education from Wenatchee Valley College. She has worked in childcare, taught 3–5 year olds and operated her own in-home childcare. Currently, Jackie is directing and teaching New Song Preschool in East Wenatchee. She enjoys working with small children and feels that the Lord not only works through her to teach little ones but that He teaches her through them. >>>Carmen Houge is a retired elementary teacher, a wife, mother, grandmother, and a Creative Memories consultant. She loves the great outdoors, taking pictures, creating with them, and finding out what makes people tick. If you have any questions or would like to know more about how to actually do something with your photos, feel free to contact Carmen at carmen4cm@gmail.com.

2 Wenatchee Pediatric Dentistry 2 FaithSteps Housecleaning 3 Grace Covenant Church 3 Treasure Island 4 Columbia Grove Covenant Church 6 JP Portraits 36 CRMC 37 Bella Bistro 39 Little Learners Preschool 39 The River Academy 40 SPORT Gymnastics 41 Positive Life Radio 43 FireTots 44 L-Bow the Clown 45 Sweetie Pie Yummies 45 Mountain Sprouts Childcare/Preschool 46 Truly Me Photography 47 Wok About Grill 48 Greater Wenatchee Parent-Child Preschool 51 Sundaes with Santa 51 Dream Alley Studios 52 Dr. Cara’s Children’s Dentistry

November/December 2012

{Nikkiâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Note}

l u f r e d n o W Time of the Year The Most

The winter months mean one thing is coming -- the Holidays. And no matter how many precautions I take to lessen the stress of them coming, it never fails: I am counting down the days until they are over. When you have a family of 17 (living) grandparents, 50-some aunts and uncles, quadruple that amount of cousins and then throw in all of THEIR kidsâ&#x20AC;Ś. Well, stress just comes with the territory of trying to visit everyone and spread the joy amongst us all. It becomes a chaotic, stressful joy. But still joyful, as I am a family oriented person! One thing that keeps me grounded every year is that one thing holds true: The holidays are about giving back and helping others. In this issue, you will find a slew of options for you and your family to give back to others. Family traditions are important and are something special to pass down to future generations, but one of those traditions should be giving back, as we remember everything we ourselves have been blessed with over the past year. So I hope you will find this issue to be inspiring to your family and that you find something new to integrate into the family traditions you already have. Enjoy!

i k k i N

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Who’s on the Cover?

Meet the O’Conner boys! Joshua (left) is 7 years old and loves Legos, popcorn, music, watching movies and hanging out with his brothers and his family. Brayton (right) is a very active 5 year old. He loves video games, music, super heroes and is a very kind and compassionate person. Evan (middle) is an extremely busy 15 month old. He loves dancing to music, and enjoys playing with anything with wheels and being outside.

Picture taken by JP Portraits see ad on page 6

Volume 1, Issue 3 November/December 2012 Kid Connect PO BOX 347 Cashmere, WA 98815

East Wenatchee

Owner: Nikki Cox (509) 834-8977 nikki@ncwkidconnect.com Advertising: ads@ncwkidconnect.com Editor: Sheila Douglas If you have a kid picture you would like to see in the next issue, please email it to kidpics@ncwkidconnect.com and include the child’s name and the city they live in. Be a part of Kid Connect! Local writers, photographers, experts or parents are invited to contribute. Please call or email to discuss.

Eastmont Lanes Fred Meyer Gold’s Gym Library Sweet Spot Upper Eastside Coffee

Wenatchee

Academic Toolbox Apple Valley Gymnastics Caffe Mela Gold’s Gym Library Performing Arts Center Safeway Smitty’s SPORT Gymnastics Spring Lotus Wok About Grill

Kid Connect

s u d Fin hese .. t t ons.. a ti a c lo

Cashmere Leavenworth Aplets and Cotlets Froyo Earth Brian’s Pizza Good Mood Food Library Icicle Junction Martin’s Marketplace Library Snapdragon Coffee Safeway Smallwood’s Harvest Chelan

Apple Cup Cafe, Company Creek Pizza, Froyo Earth, Library, Safeway, The Variety Store For even more options, visit our website at www.ncwkidconnect.com

We love to hear from you! If you have a story idea or an event that we should know about, or if you are a writer, photographer or expert that would like to contribute, please contact Nikki at nikki@ncwkidconnect.com or call (509) 834-8977.

November/December 2012

So far, we have taken you a bit South and a bit West…. How about this time we take you a bit East? The whole three and a half hour drive to Hayden Lake, ID, to visit

ROAD

Triple Play/Raptor Reef! This place is packed with fun for all ages! The possibilities for play are endless! And for your convenience, it is not just NEAR a hotel, but ATTACHED to one! So stay and play! Why drive back to your bed at night when you can just walk? Also, how convenient is this if you have nap-takers?! It is also only a 4 mile drive to the famous SILVERWOOD theme park, so you could also make a week-long trip out of it if you are brave enough! So follow us as we take you on a journey through endless fun….

Go-Karts

Bumper Boats

Beware -- these boats have squirters, so expect to get wet and bring your towel! 44” minimum for a driver, 40” minimum for a rider.

3 5 8

Bowling

Offers 20 smoke free lanes and black light bowling on Friday and Saturday evenings

Mini-Golf

Enjoy an indoor black light 9 hole course or challenge your family to the outdoor 18 hole golf course!

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With over 860 feet of twists and turns on this track, you will have a blast challenging your family to this race! There is a 48” minimum height for drivers and a 40” minimum height for riders.

Triple Play Mining Company Grab a bag of ‘rough mix’ and let the water run over the sand as your kiddos (and you!) have fun panning for real treasure! (Including gemstones, arrowheads and fossils)

TRIP Arcade

You are sure to find a game of your liking with this large variety of arcade fun! Then cash in your winnings to claim your prizes!

Laser Tag

1600 square foot laser tag arena is sure to bring some fun! 48” minimum height or 42” minimum with an adult.

Raptor Reef

This 25,000 square foot indoor water park is always kept at Children’s Softplay a warm 86 degrees! You will find a wave pool, an indoor/ This involves 3 floors of FREE outdoor Jacuzzi, three large fun for the littlest ones, under water slides, and a children’s 48” (adults can accompany lagoon that holds a 2-story children). There are slides, play structure with slides, crawls, tractors, jets and water guns and a tipping more! Stimulate their bucket. imagination while letting them burn off some energy!

O F IN

M OR E

10 Climbing Wall

This wall of awesomeness accommodates all ages and abilities with different levels/ areas of difficulty.

9 10 Where Is It?

175 West Orchard Avenue Hayden Lake, ID 83835

Where To Stay?

Triple Play/Raptor Reef is conveniently attached to the Holiday Inn Express in Hayden Lake, ID! Stay where you play!

How Much Does It Cost?

There are many different options for pricing, but if you plan to spend all day and want to do everything, the best deal is a Triple Play Day Pass for $29.95/person. If you want to add on the Raptor Reef Day Pass, it is $9.95 for 42”+ and $6.95 for those under 42”. They also offer package deals if you stay in the hotel, so be sure to ask about that and any other specials!

Have More Questions?

Visit their website at WWW.3PLAY.COM or call 1-208-762-PLAY. Be sure to check their website before planning your visit as they are closed for a couple of weeks in late October/early November for construction of a new waterslide!

November/December 2012

A r e e r M e h Photos? by Carmen Houge

“Let me show you this picture of the kids... Just a minute... I’ve almost got it... Here it is... No that’s not it... Ahhh... Ever been there? Maybe... Once or twice... All the time... Does it frustrate you? Where are you with your pictures? Are they organized? Are they printed? Are they in a box, tub, under the bed, all over? Are they displayed? I am a Creative Memories consultant and want to encourage you to DO SOMETHING with your photos. PRINT them. DISPLAY them. PUBLISH them in a book, album, or card, not just on Facebook. Sure, I could make money by selling you product and I wouldn’t mind, but the real issue is: Who benefits from all the photos you’ve taken? How do we show the ones we love how much they mean to us in using our pictures? Do we attach our pictures to the fridge door for a year, or leave them on the computer or media card or … . “KEEPING photographs around the house is a form of validation for children,” says noted psychologist Dr. Kenneth Condrell. “It lets them know they are loved...and empowers them to feel confident and self-assured.” Is this only true of children? I think not. All ages benefit from this kind of TLC. WHAT EXACTLY DO YOU WANT FROM YOUR PHOTOGRAPHS? Whether your photos are printed, or on the computer, take some time to organize them by your criteria: person, year, event, etc. Do you have to tackle all of them at once? That would be too overwhelming! Just pick a more recent event to organize and share with family – a birthday, a vacation, a weekend.

Photos by Rebekah’s Photography 10

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You don’t have to do it in one day, do it in two!! Actually, once you have organized some of your photos by whichever criteria you’ve chosen, you will feel like you’re honestly getting somewhere, that you have a handle on the process. Just make sure the pictures are placed in acid free, lignan free receptacles if they’re printed. If they’re on a media card or your camera, and you have thousands just sitting there, it is time to seriously do something with them. Oh, you can leave them on the cards, many photographers do, but they also file them on their computers. Notice I said file, not dump. Once you have your photos where you can work with them (on the computer and organized), what next? Begin with the most recent event or everyday occurrence of which you took pictures. Choose two - five photos that excite you and display them in a magnetic frame. Maybe make a note about that time and include it. You can bet your family will check it out more than once. They’ll begin noticing details about themselves and the others and recalling feelings and conversations This is good. Change it at least every season; they will notice. You can encourage a family member to help, then another, then another. Ok... Don’t push your luck! Make an album. Have it ongoing but have it available for perusal - on a table, by a chair, or the hearth, or the buffet, or... Maybe add a page or two every two or three months or by major events, though the everyday photos do capture some special moments also. Photobooks are enjoyable, too. They are not as ongoing as albums, but they definitely have their place. You have so many possibilities for displaying your photos and taking time to enjoy them with family members that you will not only be surprised but thankful to travel down memory lane with them.

November/December 2012

Nature Journaling with Kids

written by: Marlene Farrell

Have you walked on a wooded trail with your toddler/preschooler/third grader? Have you played at a park with that same child, in spring, summer, fall and maybe even winter? Of course you have! There is nothing so simple as being in a beautiful place with someone who sees the world as fresh and astonishing. Sometimes I head outdoors with one of my kids and add an element that deepens the experience for both of us â&#x20AC;&#x201C; we bring our nature journals. The journal doesnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t need a fancy cover or silky pages. The only requirements are blank paper (lined or unlined) and a pencil. We each carry our own. I have two children, Quentin and Alice, but I have only gone nature journaling with them individually. I highly recommend this to you because then that child becomes the leader and gets to set the pace, and will likely fall into quiet reflection that invites remarkable observation. The time and location can be what you have at hand. I went on my first nature journaling trip with Quentin while Alice was in a ballet class. We had forty-five minutes and we walked the wild and specious edges of a parking lot and ball field and dabbled in a neighboring wood.

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Our nature journaling begins when Quentin (or Alice) picks a spot. With Quentin, we sometimes carry a rope so I can sit a rope’s distance away (about 15 feet). The idea, with or without a rope, is to sit a bit apart to respect each individual’s creative space. Inspiration strikes and we draw or write for a few minutes. I never lack for inspiration even though my journaling spots are random. When Quentin or Alice is done, I wrap up my drawing or poem. And we walk on, until another spot is chosen. We usually, but not always, share. To share reflective insights is a vulnerable act, even with one’s mother. I believe there is an invisible trust being built between us that is priceless. Beyond trust there is understanding. I get a new perspective on what draws his attention or how she views and categorizes life. A five-minute sketch shows what details are important to Alice; is it the outline, the texture, the setting? Is the picture purposefully realistic or just as purposefully imaginative and unproportionate? Does Quentin’s drawing show scientific precision or an emotional interpretation? Alice, at five, has not written a poem in her journal yet because she prefers to not have help. However, Quentin and I have, and the poems reveal how certain objects make us feel at a moment in time. I learn about myself as I open the door to my inner artist and keep the inner critic at bay. Nature journaling is essentially a free opportunity to be physical, creative, and scientific, together and independent. Give it a try. You’ll be satisfied in a way that no ice cream cone or watching your kids’ sport team will match.

November/December 2012

Family is Family... ...and mine's just right for me!

evin and Juliana Cameron are a normal family with a lot of extra love to give. They have three children of their own and just a year ago, were blessed to have their family grow from five to seven, when they adopted two children after fostering them for the prior year and a half.

Juliana had always wanted to adopt a child since she was young, after her family adopted her little brother when she was in third grade. She has a lot of extended family that have provided foster care, as well as adopted, and it has always been a part of her life. So when her heart was yearning for that adopted child, it only seemed natural to act on it. And lucky for her, her family was on board and her kids couldnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t have been more thrilled about it. Juliana says there is no greater blessing than to provide a loving home for a child. Of course it is stressful when you are in the middle of the adoption process and the wait seems so long. It can be frustrating to know how many children need a home and having to go through such a tedious process, all the while not knowing the outcome. But as soon as you are through it and you can call that child (or those children) YOURS, the waiting and the stress is forgotten and you realize that every moment was more than worth it. Every story is different. It will never end up how you thought it would, or exactly as you have planned in your mind. But it WILL work out how it needs to and how it is meant to work out. You just really need to keep your heart open and be ready for these kids to change your life. There are so many amazing kids â&#x20AC;&#x201C; they are giving, awesome, and wellbehaved -- and are just waiting for the right match to come along. You will get more out of it than you will ever put in and it will make you a better parent because of it. Juliana would encourage anyone who is thinking of adoption or is in the middle of the process now to not give up! Even when you hit a wall, just keep going! As soon as you have them in your arms, you will never regret it!

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There are so many resources for families that are interested in adoption. One resource we are blessed to have right here in our Valley is New Life Adoptions. This is the organization that has helped the Camerons be matched with two amazing kids! If you are wondering what YOU can do, this is a great starting place! New Life Adoptions 1127 Grant Rd. East Wenatchee, WA 98802 Phone: (509) 888-2768 Email: maddog@nwi.net Website: www.newlifeadoptions.org

GREAT REASONS TO ADOPT NOW

COMMIT

It’s Everywhere!

THE PERFECT RANDOM ACT

“No matter what the circumstances of the adoption, no matter how disparate the physical similarities, no matter how arbitrary the timing, most adoptive parents are certain that they are with the right child: This was meant to be!” says adoptive mom and author Jana Wolff

FREE THROUGH CHILD WELFARE AGENCIES, SOME ADOPTIONS COST LITTLE OR NOTHING.

It’s unselfish You’re choosing to love a child—not for biology’s sake, but because you want to ferry a child to soccer practice and help him master math, or, in short, be a parent.

SHARE YOUR

LOVE Giving your heart to a child is joyful and rewarding, and there are plenty of kids—millions in the U.S. and around the world—who need families.

$10,960

Research shows that more than 90% of Americans support adoption, and that 64% report a personal connection to adoption.

NO PASSPORT REQUIRED

International adoptions make the news, but the annual number of infants adopted domestically (excluding foster and relative adoption) is estimated to be between 25,000 and 30,000— higher than the number of all international adoptions combined.

The maximum tax credit the federal government now gives per adoption. (SUBJECT TO INCOME LIMITATIONS)

THE BEST REASON

OF ALL In the words of humorist Garrison Keillor, “Nothing you do for a child is ever wasted.” Copyright ©2007 Adoptive Families magazine; permission is granted to reproduce this page for educational, not-for-profit purposes. For more information, visit Adoptive Families online: www.adoptivefamilies.com. To subscribe to Adoptive Families, call 800-372-3300.

November is National Adoption Month! So what’s holding you back....?

November/December 2012

thank

Thankful thoughts straight fro

n anticipation of the Thanksgiving holiday, I headed to St. Paul’s Lutheran School to visit Mrs. Bradshaw’s second grade classroom to get a child’s perspective on what it means to be thankful. We have so much to learn from our children! Indulge in your inner child and get back to the basics. Let these amazing kids remind you of what it means to be thankful. I think that to be thankful means using your best manners and to be thankful of what God gives me. I am thankful of what God gives me. I am thankful of my house and my family and my dogs. I think the best thing in the world is God and Jesus and the Holy Spirit and the Heaven above. And last of all, I am thankful for my brother and sister! ~Koren

To be thankful for things. To say please and thank you and use your manners. Be nice. Try to be like Jesus. Do your best. Try to be like God and Jesus. Make friends. Don’t tell a lie. ~Domini

Thankful Thankful Thankful Thankful Thankful Thankful Thankful Thankful Thankful Thankful Thankful ~Callen

for for for for for for for for for for for

family. friends. being born. Jesus. kids. words. trees. being happy. the world. books. games and homes.

Being nice, using manners, being thankful for friends, family, Jesus, God, school, and the world. Say please and thank you. ~Ayden C. Be kind. Give thanks for the food. Give thanks for friends. Give thanks for God and Jesus. Give thanks for moms and dads. Give thanks for water. Give thanks for family. ~Troy

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Using manners and saying please and thank you. Be thankful for your friends. Be thankful that you were born. Be thankful for people. Be thankful for God and Jesus. Be thankful for the world. Be thankful for your family, cousins, aunts, and last but not least, uncles. Be thankful for schools. Be thankful that you’re smart. ~Aiden D.

kfulness

om the hearts of the pure and innocent Being thankful means using manners. Manners means saying please and thank you. Thank you for water and food. Thank you for God and Jesus and the Holy Spirit. I am thankful for friends, I am thankful for family and my home, too. ~Macy Be thankful for what God gives you. I am thankful for all the clothes and food and a lot of other things like how God made us all. I am thankful for God and buildings He told people to make and for countries and states and restaurants. And thankful for all drinks, like juice, Danimal smoothies, milk and water. Thatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s what I am thankful for. And movies and beautiful homes with sometimes pools and hotels with pools and waterslides. And parks that have lots of fun things. ~Grace

You should have manners and you should also not complain about what you have. You should always say thank you. I am thankful to God because God made me and the world. ~Leiden I am thankful for being nice. And being thankful for Jesus. And being thankful for the whole world with people and food and water and being thankful for saying please and thank you. I am thankful for everything and I am thankful for Heaven and my family. And my school and friends and my home and smoothies and us being on earth. I am thankful for cars and trucks and treats and our birthday and months and books and fish and the sun and the flowers and animals and kites and quilts and apples. ~Lindsey

Saying please and thank you, being nice, thanking God and Jesus, being good, using nice words, reading the bible, being thankful for water, aunts, zoos, friends, school, and the whole world. ~Zoey

November/December 2012

THANKSGIvING

What’s Your Tradition?

We have a "Countdown toThanksgiving" tree. We make a tree out of paper and put it on the wall. Then each night, we write something we are thankful for on the tree. We change the leaves from green to yellow, then orange to brown as we get closer. ByThanksgiving, we can see how blessed we are because the wall will be full of leaves. It's also fun to compare pictures of our tree from year to year. ~Mandy Ferguson

Our family goes to see a movie afterThanksgiving lunch. We like to see how many rows we can fill; the kids think it's a riot! ~Kayla Holms

We have a post-Thanksgiving cook-out with my extended family, usually the Saturday after Thanksgiving. It's a nice break from turkey leftovers. ~Kristi Stroud

We do "Nacho Ordinary" Thanksgiving. We have ground turkey nachos and all the goodies. For dessert we have fried cheesecake. ~Jean Lopez

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We stay home the day afterThanksgiving and transform the house from fall and Thanksgiving décor to Christmas décor, all the while, munching on all those Thanksgiving leftovers. ~Anna Simmons

When I hostThanksgiving, I leave a dry erase marker in the bathroom and have guests write on the mirror things they are thankful for. ~Stephanie Giese

Christmas Christmas pickle! It is a pickle ornament hidden on Christmas eve night and the first person to find it on Christmas morning gets the pickle present ~Molly Henrickson

Christmas morning we enjoy our stockings while breakfast cooks. Then before opening presents, we give to others first who are working that day we take breakfast to our local firemen. ~Lisa Remey

We go camping every year for Christmas. We even bring our tree and decorate the whole campsite. ~Kristen Weinstock

Our 'Advent Calendar' consists of 25 wrapped faith-based Christmas books in a basket. Before bed every night, the kids take turns picking one, opening it and we read it together as a family. ~Rachel Nyboer

We do a secret sibling swap at Christmas. The kids love to pick out a present for the sibling they picked. We have them draw a name early in December so they have plenty of time to find the perfect gift. ~ Mandy Vuolo

We make homemade cinnamon rolls for breakfast on Christmas morning and share our extras with our neighbors. ~Nikki Cox

Christmas morning before we open any gifts we take all the Christmas cards we received and pile them up. We take turns as a family praying for each family that sent us a card. It helps remind us what Christmas is really about. ~ AdinaToponak

We make a red velvet birthday cake and sing Happy Birthday to Jesus! ~Dawn LaCara

The last present is always found by a scavenger hunt. It's fun for everyone! ~Kristen Mason

November/December 2012

t s e n Ho ay e id h l er T o H ett L

Dear Friends and Family:

I am not going to let Daddy write this year's letter. He is too grumpy and I do not know why. In school we are getting ready for the holidays. We are learning Thanksgiving and Christmas songs. I have learned them well b and sing them all the time at home. We are also making art au T . projects that I bring home to decorate the house. I now have .G A five paper turkeys to put on the table, and I will make more next x Ale week. Mommy keeps all of them and even has many from when y b n e she was a girl. To make room on all of the tables, Mommy made ritt w Daddy move his drinking bottles out of the room and put them in a box in a closet downstairs. Mommy and I love to decorate the house. She makes Daddy climb into the attic and crawl into the basement to get out ALL of the decorations and lights. He calls those places the turret and the dungeon. She carefully takes out each decoration, tells its story, and makes sure Daddy puts it in the best place around the house. Daddy is right about one thing: We do need to get rid of the plastic reindeer we put out by the driveway. I tried to ride one last year. It broke. Mommy does not know it yet. The family helps Daddy pick out the perfect tree. One year Daddy picked the tree by going to the store and buying the third tree he saw. Mommy likes to look at all of them while I run around and get sap on my clothes, so I smell like a tree. Mommy does not complain, because Daddy does the laundry. Once the tree is set up, I help by telling Daddy when he's put a decoration in the wrong place. Sometimes Mommy and I do not agree where something should go and we make daddy move it back and forth until we are both happy. Daddy does smile a little when he puts up the old bubble lights, until Mommy tells him where to put each one and on which branch. Daddy thinks that the tree is decorated when one box of ornaments is emptied. Mommy and I want to use ALL of the boxes of decorations this year. I am hoping that it snows early this year. I love how the lights and decorations downtown reflect off of the snow on the sidewalks, and that pile of snow the city puts in the middle of the roads. At night, it is more colorful than a rainbow. Mommy loves the snow also and we make snow angels together. Daddy grumbles about having to fight

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with the snow thrower, but when he thinks I am not watching, I catch him throwing snowballs and building things. Last year he built me a fort and the largest snowman. I hope this year he will do it again. Why can't Daddy admit that something is fun? After Daddy and I are done with school, we take one whole day to bake cookies for our neighbors. I help Daddy with the math as he makes many different types of cookies in large bowls. I also help him clean up the extra batter with my fingers and tongue. After they have cooled, I do quality control as we do not want to give away bad cookies. Daddy and me put them into plastic bags and count to make sure we have enough for everyone. Daddy lets me watch videos while he cleans the kitchen. When Mommy comes home we put all of the goodies into my wagon and go around to our friends and neighbors. Everyone is so thrilled to get stuff from us, and they all tell Mommy she makes the best cookies. It is great fun to take Daddy to the mall to look for gifts. I get to see some of my friends and we sing our holiday songs when the stores play the music. Sometimes we do not agree on the words so we have to start over at the beginning. My friends have all sorts of funny words to the songs, but I do not think my Daddy likes them. Also, it is so nice that the stores put all of the toys I like right where I can reach and play with them. The best part is seeing all of the toys they show on TV, and some they don't. My friends always find the best toys and show them to me. I can show Daddy every toy I want, so he does not get the wrong ones and blame it on Santa Claus AGAIN this year. Mommy and I really love the holiday season. I wonder why Daddy doesnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t.

Lala Walker, Wenatchee

Wyatt DeLozier, Wenatchee Hunter Lillis, Wenatchee

November/December 2012

days of Christmas

This year, make a tradition of celebrating Christmas as it should be: filled with family activities and giving back. Pick one or two, do a few, or be ambitious and try them all... but take the plunge this year and help make a difference, even if it is in just one personâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s life!

Red = Family Activity Green = Give Back *See the resource guide on page 49 for more information on any organizations featured. *

Day 1

Pass out flowers to strangers at shopping centers Make a paper chain from red and green construction paper. Use as decoration for the tree or as a countdown to Christmas

Day 3

Donate to Coats for Kids

Make paper snowflakes and hang them in the window

Day 5

Visit Santa and get your picture taken with him Bake cookies or other goodies for your neighbors

Day 2

Bring socks to a local shelter Write letters to Santa

Day 4

Write notes for each family member telling how special they are and stick them in their stockings for Christmas morning Stock the local food bank and/or the non-food bank

Day 6

Donate diapers/wipes to Joyful Start by dropping off donations to Saddlerock Presbyterian Church in Wenatchee Make ornaments and give them to seniors at a local nursing home

Go ice skating

Day 7

Send "Thinking of You" cards to those who have lost a loved one in the last year are spending their first Christmas without them.

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Day 8

Buy a Familyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s meal when you go out to eat Have a Christmas Movie Marathon

Day 9

Day 10

Check out AngelTree.org and purchase a gift for a kid whose parent is in prison

Go to a living Nativity Go to a local store that offers Layaway and pay someone's bill

Sleep on the floor next to the Christmas tree

Make a "footprint angel" or a "handprint Christmas tree". Keep these and do it every year to watch how quickly your little ones grow. Donate blood to the Red Cross and give the gift of life!

Day 12

Line your driveway with luminaries to remember those who are celebrating Christmas in Heaven (that you may be missing) Shovel a neighbor's walkway or driveway

Day 13

Day 14

Go driving around town in your PJ’s, listening to Christmas music and looking at all the lights

Make a gingerbread house

Offer a couple a “night out” and have their kids spend the night with you

Day 15

Go pick out your Christmas tree Go through your child's toys and sacrifice some to donate to "Toys for Tots" or "Lattes of Toys" (also makes room for their new toys!)

Put your loose change into the Salvation Army buckets outside the retail/grocery stores

Go to the cemetery and leave flowers at graves of people you know and even some you don’t know Have dinner by the Christmas tree, picnic style

Day 16

BACK

Day 11

GIVE

November/December 2012

Day 17

Decorate your Christmas tree while the house fills with Christmas music or your favorite Christmas movie plays Bring food to a local animal shelter

Color pages from a Christmas themed coloring book, sign and date them, and include them with your Christmas cards

Day 19

Have a shopping date with mom or dad to buy a special present for their sibling.

Day 21

Play pin the nose on the snowman

Write holiday cards to military and send them via Mail For Heroes

Day 22

Day 18

Pass out sack lunches to the homeless Let your kids decorate their bedrooms with paper snowflakes, red and green paper chains, popcorn string garland, and maybe a small tree of their own

Day 20 Bake cookies, candies or cinnamon rolls for your local fire or police station Take time to learn about another country's Christmas traditions and consider adopting one as your own

Day 23

Volunteer for Habitat for Humanity, or if your kids are too young to swing a hammer, be lunch volunteers and provide the workers lunch one day

Adopt a child through World Vision or Compassion International

Go Sledding

Build a snow family that resembles your own

Day 24

Make a sugar cube castle

Visit a local nursing home and spend time playing games with residents, singing carols, talking and learning about their lives

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Day 25

Paint on the snow with food color and squirt bottles Buy the coffee or meal of the car behind you in the drive thru

It’s the “Sugar Season”!

The holidays are just around the corner. For many of our children this means an opportunity to enjoy tasty treats! Will you get a lump of coal in your stocking if you let your children enjoy some? The answer is no. We can help our children avoid cavities during the holidays by understanding what causes them, as well as following some tips on how to reduce their formation. The bacteria causing cavities feed on sugar. It is their food – their energy. As they feed, acid is excreted. This acid eventually softens the enamel and a cavity is formed. Within reason, it is not so much what your child eats, but how often they eat it and how long it remains on the tooth. Many foods are considered “healthy” but they contain hidden sugars that can cause decay. Raisins, fruit chews, granola and gummy vitamins are all cavity culprits because they stick into the nooks and crannies of teeth providing a food source for bacteria. The drink choices for your child also make a difference. Yes, fruit juice is natural, but it can be as high (or higher) in sugar than a can of regular soda. Milk also contains sugar (called lactose); so remember, no going to bed with a bottle of milk or juice. Many little ones are grazers. Small portions of food eaten frequently may be healthful for the body, but not for the teeth. Each bite invites a 20 minute bacterial acid attack compounded with each new bite. This constant erosion creates vulnerable soft spots, eventually giving way to cavities. Here are three tips to prevent cavities during the holidays and year round:

1. Be thoughtful about the type of snacks/drinks you allow your child to have. 2. Keep your child’s grazing to a minimum. 3. thorough Work as a team with your little one. Have your toddler brush first and then follow up with a brush through. Sugar and the “sugar season” don’t have to be the enemy if you minimize the frequency of your child’s intake and maintain good oral hygiene habits. Happy Holiday Smiles to All!

written by: Dr. Cara Schroeder

November/December 2012

y r r e ...M . . . y a d h t r i B Tips for celebratin g

a holida y

birthday

aving a birthday close to (or on!) Christmas can either be seen as a blessing or a curse. Finding the “perfect solution” for your family and your child of how to celebrate among the chaos and stress of the season will be different for everyone, but here are a few tips of how you can help your child understand that their birthday is, and always will be, a BLESSING!

*Proceed as Usual*

Ignore the holiday and celebrate the birthday as you would in any other month. Deck out the house in their birthday “theme”, invite friends over and celebrate like there is no other holiday going on except their birthday!

*Embrace the Built-In Theme*

Take the Christmas/winter theme and run with it! Go sledding or ice skating with some friends, play pin the nose on the snowman, build gingerbread houses or sugar cube castles, have your guests come in their holiday pj’s for the sleepover, have a snowman cake and make paper snowflakes or construction paper chains for a craft, etc. The possibilities with this theme really are endless and it will still be a special day your child will remember!

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*Half Birthday Party*

Some people would rather split the fun and gifts up throughout the year. So instead of celebrating their birthday on their actual day, celebrate their â&#x20AC;&#x153;halfâ&#x20AC;? birthday. Have half a birthday cake, serve half sandwiches, etc. This would be a theme you could definitely have some fun with!

*Later Birthdays*

Celebrate the birthday in January, after the holiday hype has calmed down. This would relieve some of the stress of planning for both a birthday and Christmas parties/events going on. It would also help if your child tends to be overwhelmed by too much going on at once.

*Christmas Day Birthdays*

Either choose a different day or be sure to let them know they are special throughout the day. Wrap the birthday gifts in birthday paper and put them somewhere else other than under the tree (like the dining table, rec room, below the TV, etc). Make a birthday banner to hang in the dining room, have a crown for them to wear, let them choose what to have for breakfast or lunch. Let them open their gifts at a different time than the Christmas gifts. Have birthday cake.

*Work With Your Child*

Every child is different and some are overjoyed to share their birthday with the holiday. Some, however, would do best to celebrate on a different date, or even different month. Let your child have a say and work with them as to what will work best for their personality and your family. Some kids who are super social would also do better to have their birthday recognized on their actual day and then celebrated at a later date (or earlier) with friends to maximize the amount of friends who would be more likely to attend a party.

November/December 2012

s . . a ’ . m O t e . s e r .. Chri T

I F n i a n C d e Thee? r e Wh The Exchange Club

Flowers to the Brim 303 Colorado Park Pl. in East Wenatchee 884-5300

Morris Little League park 1117 Cherry St. in Wenatchee They have done this fundraiser for more than 50 years! All proceeds go to support youth activities in the Wenatchee Valley

Shelton’s Tree Farm

3085 Mission Creek Rd. in Cashmere,782-4950 www.sheltonstreefarm.com Begin reserving your tree on October 27th; pick up your tree beginning November 25th! If you call ahead, they will even have it ready for you!

Leavenworth Greenhouse & Nursery 11555 Chumstick Hwy in Leavenworth, 548-5814

Clarke’s Christmas Tree Lot

Corner of 9th & Wenatchee Ave in Wenatchee. This will be Clarke’s 11th year!

Christmas Tree Permits If you and your family prefers getting your tree from the woods, here are a few places you can pick up your permit. Permits cost $5 per tree. Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest Headquarters 215 Melody Lane, Wenatchee, WA 98801 664-9200 or at these locations in Leavenworth: Dan’s Food Market, 1329 Hwy. 2, 76 Gas Station, 585 Hwy. 2 or 76 Gas Station, 920 Highway 2

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Santa Claus

Festival of Trees

is Coming...

November 16-18 at the PAC in Wenatchee. Enjoy a gingerbread village, Santa’s Workshop, a Teddy Bear Tea Party and more! And enjoy Sundaes with Santa on Nov. 18th! See page 51 for their ad.

Have your pets’ picture taken with Santa! Date is TBA, follow us on Facebook to stay updated!

Wings N Wishes

Owl Soda Fountain

Welcome Santa to town at the lighted Christmas Parade! Thursday, November 15 @ 6:30pm. Starts at the Douglas County PUD and ends at the Wenatchee Valley Mall.

Every Saturday between Thanksgiving and Christmas from 12:00-4:00pm, meet Santa and get your picture taken! Also, get a free ice cream with your purchase of a picture! ($15 for 2 copies of the picture)

Ace Hardware’s Annual Christmas Pet Day

Wenatchee Valley Mall

Icicle Village Resort

Get your picture taken with Santa at the Mall! He will be there Mon-Sat, 10am-8pm and Sunday, 11am-6pm between Thanksgiving and Christmas!

Visit Santa on the 1st, 2nd and 3rd Saturdays in December from 8:00am-10:00am at the Icicle Village Resort in Leavenworth!

Christmas Tree Lighting in Leavenworth in Downtown Leavenworth -- don’t miss this yearly tradition of twinkling lights and Christmas cheer! 12:00pm-6:00pm on the following weekends: Nov. 30-Dec. 2, Dec. 7-9, & Dec. 14-16

...To Town...! November/December 2012

Holiday Happenings... Check out these fun holiday events/activities! Be sure to check the calendar for even more family fun!

Festival of Trees

Living Nativities

Sleigh Rides

This community kick-off to the holiday season will be held from Friday, November 16 through Sunday, November 18, 2012 at the Performing Arts Center in Wenatchee. Thirteen 7'-12' beautiful trees will decorate the PAC's lobbies, along with 13 wreaths that will be silently auctioned to the public. Public viewing hours are Nov. 16 from 3pm to 6pm, Nov. 17 from 9am to 4pm and Nov. 18 from 10am to 3pm, and it is free! All of the trees will be auctioned off at the Gala Dinner and Live Auction, except for the 2012 Raffle Tree. For $5 a ticket you can enter to win a beautifully decorated tree and seven nights in Maui at a 4 star resort! Get your tickets now at the PAC. The winner will be drawn at Holiday Spice.

Seventh Day Adventist Church 508 N Western Ave in Wenatchee Nov. 29-Dec. 2, 5:30-8:30pm each night FREE and fun for all ages!

Red Tail Canyon Farms 11780 Freund Canyon Rd in Leavenworth (509) 548-4512 November-February www.RedTailCanyonFarmLeavenworth.com

Little Black Dress Party Ladies only! Friday, November 16 starting at 7:00pm! Meet and mingle with the talented tree designers, enjoy classy drinks, get pampered with a smoky eye makeup application, capture the night with a photo on the red carpet, and dance the night away with girlfriends on the PAC stage. Tickets are $25. Gala Dinner and Live Auction Experience a night of fun and friendship, dining on the elegantly decorated PAC stage while bidding on the Festival trees and exciting experiences, on Saturday, November 17 at 5:30pm. There will be a four-course meal by chef Richard Kitos, local wines, a dessert auction and unique auction items. Reservations required. Tickets are $125. Sundaes with Santa Families of all ages will enjoy Sundaes with Santa on November 18 from 1pm to 3pm. Enjoy the sundae bar, meet the Wenatchee Wild hockey players and watch performances from Wenatchee Youth Circus and Fabulous Feet Dance Studio. Get a photo with Santa. Tickets are $10.

The Nazarene Church in Leavenworth Outdoor Living Nativity Dec. 22, 23, and 24th Showings are at 7pm, 7:30pm, 8pm, and 8:30pm each night.

Christkindlmarkt November 23-25 in Downtown Leavenworth Friday: 11:00-7:30pm, Saturday: 10:007:30pm, Sunday: 10:00-3:00pm. FREE! This popular northwest tradition features delicious and authentic Bavarian foods, handmade arts/crafts and other gifts, and family-friendly Bavarian and Christmas themed entertainment. From 12-4 on Friday and Saturday, there is a Lantern Workshop where kids can decorate a lantern for $5 eachand then carry them in the Lantern Parade at 5pm.

Christmas Lighting Festival November 30 - December 2, Decmber 7-9, and December 14-16 Front Street in Downtown Leavenworth 509-548-5807 Hundreds of thousands of twinkling lights, carolers, cocoa, kids sledding, the horsedrawn carriage -- it is enough to put any snow globe to shame. Lighting Ceremony starts at 4:30pm and music starts around 2pm . St. Nicholas greets children with fruit and song. leavenworth.org/modules/pages/?pageid=266

Holiday Spice Thursday, Nov. 29 at 7:30pm. This is the 6th annual Holiday Spice concert and a collage of the area's best performers featuring holiday music, dancing and theatrics. Tickets are $20 Adults, $18 Seniors and $15 Students.

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Mountain Springs Lodge 19115 Chiwawa Loop Rd in Leavenworth (509) 858-2276 Offers sleigh rides, sleigh dinner rides, and ‘feed the horses’ breakfast ride www.MtSprings.com Icicle Outfitters & Guides, Inc. 7935 East Leavenworth Rd. in Leavenworth (509) 669-1518 Open daily, December-February 10am-4pm www.icicleoutfitters.com

Wings N Wishes Festival “The Arrival of Santa” Lighted Parade Thursday, November 15. Begins at Douglas County PUD in East Wenatchee and ends at Wenatchee Valley Mall. Register now at the Mall to win the sleigh ride with Santa! Christmas Tree Lighting Thursday, December 6th @ 6:30pm at East Wenatchee City Hall Christmas Carols, Tree Lighting, refreshments and pictures with Santa! For more info: 886-6108 or events@east-wenatchee.com

Like Kid Connect on Facebook to be the first to know about new and added events and activities going on around the Valley!

Volunteer with

For more information about Youth United, please visit their website, www.uwcdc.org/youthunited.aspx or call Jenn Sweigert at (509) 662-8261. Be sure to check them out on Facebook as well!

Thank You, Parents! by Jackie DeLozier A is for Appreciation. Teacher Appreciation Day usually falls within the first full week of May, closely following Mother’s Day. As a teacher, I cringe when I see this in the May school calendar. I feel like parents are obligated to honor us teachers instead of voluntarily showing appreciation because they actually appreciate us. We are now well into the school year and I was thinking about how often we – both parents and teachers – fly into the year completing paperwork, purchasing supplies, regulating routines, etc. As a preschool teacher I find myself saying a little prayer of thanksgiving for the wonderful parents who support our program by turning in paperwork, providing supplies, dropping off and picking up their child on time, etc. I have parents who, when they leave their child in my care for the morning say “Thank you” as they head out the door. And I say “Thank you” right back. As a teacher I appreciate all the time and effort that you parents invest in the lives of your children. Your support of your child’s school, classroom, and teacher is a great service and very much appreciated. At this time of year I’d like to say thank you for allowing us to be a part of your child’s educational experience.

November/December 2012

For Them For You

Have you ever wondered how Santa REALLY knows if you’ve been good or bad? Read about the tradition of the Elf on the Shelf and adopt him as a part of your holiday season with this book. Great for all ages!

This story provides the perfect opportunity to teach young children the true meaning of Christmas as little cub and her family prepare to celebrate the most special day of the year.

Told in a rhyme, Percy shares his 10 simple rules on how to get the most out of Thanksgiving. It is a humorous approach on everything from getting dressed for the day to how to load up the perfect plate. A definite fun read for kids - and parents!

The Christmas Shoes, a quick read by Donna VanLiere, is touching, tear jerking, and will leave a lifelong impact. A young boy’s life is falling apart as his mother is dying of cancer. He has a moment with a hot-shot attorney and it changes the man’s life. He learns that sometimes the smallest things can make all the difference. A heartwarming, sweet must-read during the holiday. Just be sure to read it in a place you won’t mind crying...!

Getting to Thanksgiving, by Allen and Brett Bohl, is a heartwarming story about a high school football coach who is struggling to make sure he is passing on important values and stories to his children. This story is about coming of age, family values, self-discipline and offering thanks for life’s many blessings. It will leave you feeling humbled.

Readin

The Christmas Cookie Club, by Ann Pearlman. Every year at Christmastime these best friends hold a cookie exchange. Everyone brings a batch of cookies and a bottle of wine. But beyond the food, the ladies share their lives with each other in spite of hard times. It shows the importance of friendships even while going through obstacles in relationships, motherhood, stress of finances, etc. As a bonus, it also includes some yummy cookie recipes and will entice you to start your own cookie club!

ne r

The Bear family acts out the story of the first Thanksgiving and learn how God provided for the pilgrims. This story reminds children of God’s many blessings in a fun way.

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Yes, a movie! This documentary by Kirk Cameron is very fitting for Thanksgiving as it takes you on the real journey of the Pilgrims: how they came to America, why they came, and the foundation they set for our country. A great movie for all, especially if you are a history buff and/or want to know how it really happened.

Wenatchee Library 310 Douglas Street, 662-5021 StoryTime Mon,Tues, Wed. @ 10:30am Baby RhymeTime Mondays, 11:15-12:00 in the basement, ages 0-24 months Toddler StoryTime Tuesdays, 11:15-12:15 in the basement, ages 18-36 months Pajama StoryTime Tuesdays @ 7:00pm Come in your P.J.'s! All ages

Peshastin Library 8396 Main Street 548-7821

STORYTIMES Entiat Library 14138 Kinzel Street, 748-1517 StoryTime: Wednesdays @10:00am

Leavenworth Library 700 Highway 2, 548-7821

StoryTime: Fridays @ 10:30am

Cashmere Library 300 Woodring 782-3314

StoryTime: Wednesdays 11:30am

StoryTime Wednesdays : 10:00-10:30am Stories, songs, poems, action rhymes

East Wenatchee Library

FLIP THE SWITCH

271 9th St NE , 886-7404 StoryTime Wednesdays @ 10:30am Stories, songs, poems, action rhymes

November 6-27th 4:00-4:30pm Bilingual English-Spanish program for the whole family. Fun/interactive setting: stories, songs, wiggling & giggling. EveryTuesday in November. Free of charge. Presented by Olga Strong November/December 2012

Have you ever made a deal with God? Or perhaps promised Him you would do something, but with limitations? Of course you have! And so have I! It’s one thing I am most consistent about! A few of my deals have been where my then-future spouse’s hometown was (I did not want out-of-state, but anywhere in Washington was great!), what subject would I get a degree in (please, nothing with a lot of math!), when I would get married (before 25, please) and have babies (be done by age 30!), where I would get a job (no long commute would be great!) and of course, where I would live (Yakima would be GREAT!). Well, so far the Lord has been kind and has accepted all of my limitations -- all except where I will live. I was not keen on the idea of living in Wenatchee before we moved here. However, living here for a year and a half now, I can see that this IS where I am supposed to be and it is growing on me quite nicely.

Please Don't Send MeTo Africa Lyrics & Music by: AndrewThompson Dear God, it's me again I'm glad we could spend this time I gotta talk quick cause my shows almost on But I need you to hear my mind You know that I'm grateful for all you've done So hear my request, see I've only got one Please don't send me to Africa I don't want; I don't want to go no Please don't make me do something weird Please don't send me to Africa I don't want; I don't want to go no Please don't make me do what I fear Dear God, it's me again I wonder if I heard you clear Did you say go, cause I'm not too sure I was thinking of retiring here I don't want to stray from my comfort zone And I don't like snakes so could you keep me at home

Driving to Yakima last week, I stuck in a CD of my pastor’s band, The Andrew Thompson Project. I got to a song called, “Please Don’t Send Me To Africa”, and I laughed the entire way through. I ended up putting the song on repeat, and by the time I got to Yakima, I had it memorized and was belting out the notes along with him! I thought I would share the lyrics with you and encourage you to google this song and take a listen to it yourself! Where is your “Africa”? Maybe your Africa is your in-laws, a new house or neighborhood, a new city, a new school or workplace, a new church, moms group, coffee shop.... ? Mine was surely Wenatchee. I did NOT want to go. But the Lord is persistent, and I listened. And today, I can look back and say, yes, this IS where God wanted me to go. What is your “something weird”? Mine was having to talk to people. HA! I am such an introvert and it is hard for me to meet new people and ‘reach out’. But when you move somewhere you don’t know ANYone, it’s a bit difficult and depressing to stay confined. I have been (slowly) reaching out and meeting new people. It is hard to do, but the relationships I have formed as a result of it have been priceless! And I am sure the Lord could’ve asked me to do something much more weird. What is your “fear”? I think mine would go hand in hand with my ‘something weird’. Talking to people! And wouldn’t you know, the Lord led me to start a magazine! WOW! Talking to people and forming relationships is a HUGE part of doing this. And though it’s been tough and completely out of my comfort zone, I have been blessed with nothing but positive feedback because of it! When we give our hearts to the Lord, we are saying, “Lord, take ALL of me!” So, let Him have that control and let Him guide you to where He wants you to be. The Lord has great plans for you…. Plans to give you hope and a future! Plans to PROSPER you! (Jeremiah 29:11)

I'd do anything, anything, anything you say but This goes just a little too far how bout a compromise? I've gotThursday's free.

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YOUR GUIDE TO FUN IN THE WENATCHEE VALLEY

DAY BY DAY CALENDAR Note from Nikki: We are trying to make it easier for our Leavenworth friends...! You will find that all events with a RED box around them take place in Leavenworth. In addition, All YELLOW HGHLIGHTED events are events that happen infrequently (once a month or less), as well as NEW reoccuring events. We hope this makes your planning a little easier! FRIDAY, OCTOBER 26 Parent’s Night Out @ S.P.O.R.T. Gymnastics, 10 S Columbia St. 6:00-10:00pm $20 for first kid, $15 for siblings Drop the kids off for a fun night of pumpkin painting, pizza, games like Ghost in the Graveyard, Halloween Bingo, Hunt the Eyeballs, and the Monster Family Dance! Open Gym at S.P.O.R.T. Gymnastics Ages 4-12 6:30-7:30pm 10 S Columbia St. $8 per child, $7 if siblings Drop the kids off or stay and watch. Unstructured play time on gymnastics equipment including trampolines &inflatables.

MONDAY, OCTOBER 29 Women’s Bible Study Fellowship (BSF) @ Saddlerock Presbyterian Church 1400 Miller St. in Wenatchee Every Monday, 6:45pm-8:30pm FREE. BSF in an international bible study that is completely bible based and non-denominational. Schoolaged students also welcome for kid’s study

TUESDAY, OCTOBER 30 The Ivy Wild Cooking Classes 5:30-8:30pm $40 per person Email www.ivywildcatering@me.com to reserve your spot Quick & easy Dinner Party Ideas for 10 people All classes are on alternating Tuesdays @ 410 N Miller in Wenatchee (509) 293-5517 Other class dates: Nov. 13 (The Steak Class), Nov. 27 (Freshly Ground Meat Yields Endless Options for Burgers), Dec. 11 (Mediterranean Spice Blends that Makes each Region So Unique- including Morocco, Lebanon, France, Tunisia), Jan. 8 (Voracious Vegetarian)

Play Gym @ S.P.O.R.T Gymnastics 10 S Columbia St. in Wenatchee Ages 6 and under, 9:30-11:00am $5 per child, $9 per family

Ariah Janelle Davis, Cashmere

WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 31 Parents & Tots in Motion 9:15-9:45 @ YMCA $15 for members, $25 for non-members For children ages 12-36 months & the parents. The structured program encourages listening and fine motor skills using a variety of equipment. Unstructured open play is available 15 minutes before and after class time. Class location is in the gymnasium unless told otherwise. Offered in 6 week sessions. Wednesdays, Oct. 29-Dec. 7, and Jan. 7-Feb. 15. For more information on this and other family and youth activities, classes and programs, check out www.wenymca.org

Cohen and Malakai Davis, Leavenworth

THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 1 Treasure Island the Musical 6:30-8:00pm @ the PAC 123 Wenatchee Ave 663-2787 Adults $25, Seniors, $20, Students, $15 Get in character and dress up as your favorite pirate!

Conley McGinnis

Play Gym @ S.P.O.R.T Gymnastics Ages 6 and under, 9:30-11:00am See October 30 Man of LaMancha Musical @ Riverside Playhouse $17/Ticket 7:30pm for tickets, call 663-ARTS or visit pacwen.org

November/December 2012

Women’s Bible Study Fellowship (BSF) @ Wen. Free Methodist Church, 1601 5th St. Every Thursday @ 9:00am FREE. BSF in an international bible study that is completely bible based and non-denominational. Childcare provided for infants-4 years.

FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 2 Play Gym @ S.P.O.R.T Gymnastics Ages 6 and under, 10:00-11:30am 10 S Columbia St. in Wenatchee $5 per child, $9 per family Man of LaMancha Musical @ Riverside Playhouse $17/Ticket 7:30pm for tickets, call 663-ARTS or visit pacwen.org

SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 3 Play Gym @ S.P.O.R.T Gymnastics Ages 6 and under 9:30-10:45am OR 11:00am-12:15pm 10 S Columbia St in Wenatchee $5 per child, $9 per family Home Depot Kids Workshop 9:00-12:00pm FREE for ages 5-12 Build something and get a home depot apron! Ladies Hike 2 hour hike for all skill abilities. Meet at Starbucks in Wenatchee at 10am. Bring water, lunch and backpack. Hosted by ladies of Columbia Grove Covenant Church. For more info: 860-4001 or email Meghan@columbiagrove.org Man of LaMancha Musical @ Riverside Playhouse $17/Ticket 7:30pm for tickets, call 663-ARTS or visit pacwen.org

SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 4 13th Annual Holiday Open House @ The Gilded Lily 2 N Wenatchee Ave 663-1733

MONDAY, NOVEMBER 5 Indoor Playground Ages 4 and under @Wenatchee Community Center 504 S Chelan Ave Designed for toddlers and parents to play and socialize in a warm place during the cold winter months. Mondays and Wednesdays 10am-12pn Cost is: $1/$1.25

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Women’s Bible Study Fellowship (BSF) 6:45pm-8:30pm See Oct. 29

TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 6 Play Gym @ S.P.O.R.T Gymnastics Ages 6 and under, 9:30-11:00am See October 30 La Leche League of Wenatchee Breastfeeding Support 10am @ First United Methodist Church Meets 1st Tuesday of every month in Nursery Contact Annette Mueller @ 664-0186 for info

WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 7 Indoor Playground Ages 4 and under @Wenatchee Community Center 504 S Chelan Ave Designed for toddlers and parents to play and socialize in a warm place during the cold winter months. Mondays and Wednesdays 10am-12pn Cost is: $1/$1.25 WVC Hepcats Swing Dance Classes Learn to swing dance! Wednesdays @ 7pm @ Wenatchee Valley Senior Activity Center All ages are welcome, no partner necessary. Cost is $5/night or buy a membership for $25 per quarter (about 14 weeks). One hour lesson at 7pm with 2 hours of dancing to follow.

THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 8 Play Gym @ S.P.O.R.T Gymnastics Ages 6 and under, 9:30-11:00am See October 30 Women’s Bible Study Fellowship (BSF) 9:00am See November 1 Scottie McCreery in Concert 7:00pm @ Town Toyota Center 1300 Walla Walla Ave

FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 9 Play Gym @ S.P.O.R.T Gymnastics Ages 6 and under, 10:00-11:30am See November 2 RMN Youth Wrestling @ Town Toyota Center, 1300 Walla Walla Ave. FREE 667-7847 towntoyotacenter.com Night Out, Lights Out Public Skate @ Town Toyota Ice Skating Arena 1300 Walla Walla Ave. Every 2nd and 4th Friday of the month 7:00-9:00pm $5 admission, $2 Skate Rental

SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 10 Cart-Wheel-A-Thon Ask your friends and families to pledge money per cartwheel or a total amount for participating, then on Nov. 10th, from 2:30-4:30pm, come to S.P.O.R.T Gymnastics (10 S Columbia St.) and see how many cartwheels you can do in 2 minutes. Monies raised are for scholarships. Win Prizes like and iPod nano, pizza party or cinema gift card. For more info, call 667-1538 Kids Club @ Wenatchee Valley Mall 12:00pm-2:00pm FREE! Ages 12 and under Free play, crafts, and interactive learning Neighborhood Toy Store Day @ Academic Toolbox 2127 N Wenatchee Ave Fun Galore! Craft Table, game and toy demos, L-Bow the Clown will be teaching juggling, and more! Come celebrate Toy Store Day at your favorite local toy store! All Day event! Play Gym @ S.P.O.R.T Gymnastics Ages 6 and under 9:30-10:45am OR 11:00am-12:15pm See November 3 RMN Youth Wrestling @ Town Toyota Center, 1300 Walla Walla Ave. FREE 667-7847 towntoyotacenter.com Lowes Kid’s Workshop Build something cool! FREE @ 10:00am lowesbuildandgrow.com

SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 11 Happy Veteran’s Day! Thank you to all you have and/or are currently serving and their families! RMN Youth Wrestling @ Town Toyota Center, 1300 Walla Walla Ave. FREE 667-7847 towntoyotacenter.com

MONDAY, NOVEMBER 12 Indoor Playground 10am-12pm @Wenatchee Community Center See Nov. 5 Women’s Bible Study Fellowship (BSF) 6:45pm-8:30pm See Oct. 29

TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 13 Play Gym @ S.P.O.R.T Gymnastics Ages 6 and under, 9:30-11:00am See October 30

Attachment Parenting Group Parenting Support Meets every Tuesday at 10:00am, except the 1st Tuesday each month @ First United Methodist Church Nursery Contact Kim Hildebrand @ 884-3751 MOPS of Wenatchee 9-11am @ Free Methodist Church 1601 5th St. 662-1502

WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 14 Indoor Playground 10am-12pm @Wenatchee Community Center See Nov. 7 WVC Hepcats Swing Dance Classes 7:00pm See November 7 The Ivy Wild Cooking Classes 5:30-8:30 pm “The Steak Class” See October 30th for more info

Laralyn Walker, Wenatchee

MOPS of East Wenatchee 9-11:00am @ Faith Lutheran Church 171 Eastmont Ave 884-7623

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November/December 2012

THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 15 Great American Smoke Out Day! Go a day without smoking and tell your kids of the dangers of this habit! Wings N Wishes Festival “The Arrival of Santa” Lighted Parade Begins at Douglas County PUD in East Wenatchee and ends at Wenatchee Valley Mall. Register now at the Mall to win the sleigh ride with Santa! Play Gym @ S.P.O.R.T Gymnastics Ages 6 and under, 9:30-11:00am See October 30

Joshua, Wenatchee

Customer Appreciation Night Dinner 5:00-9:00pm FREE Tumwater Inn Restaurant & Lounge 219 9th Street 548-4232 25h Anniversary; get a complimentary dinner, thanking all of their customers MOPS of Leavenworth 9-11:00am @ Church of the Nazarene 111 Ski Hill Drive 548-5292 Women’s Bible Study Fellowship (BSF) 9:00am See November 1

FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 16

Abigail Byington, East Wenatchee

Festival of Trees 3rd Annual Little Black Dress Party 7pm @ the PAC $25/ticket Ladies only! Meet and mingle with the talented tree designers, enjoy classy drinks, get pampered with a smoky eye makeup application, capture the night with a photo on the red carpet, and dance the night away with girlfriends on the PAC stage. For tickets, 663-ARTS or pacwen.org Play Gym @ S.P.O.R.T Gymnastics Ages 6 and under, 10:00-11:30am See November 2 Hot Autumn Ice Women’s Hockey Tournament @ Town Toyota Center, 1200 Walla Walla Ave FREE event, all day

SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 17

Tenlye and Ashlynn McGinnis

1st Annual Snow Fest Snowmobile and Winter Recreation Fair Gear, Avalanche Seminar, Food, Raffle & More! @ Leavenworth FestHalle 10:00am-6:00pm Presented by bavarian Boondockers For more info, look them up on Facebook or email info@bavarianboondockers.com

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Festival of Trees : Annual Fundraiser Gala Dinner and Live Auction 5:30pm @ the PAC $125. Experience a night of fun and friendship, dining on the elegantly decorated PAC stage while bidding on the Festival trees and exciting experiences. There will be a four-course meal by chef Richard Kitos, local wines, a dessert auction and unique auction items. Reservations required. For tickets, call 663-ARTS or visit pacwen.org Hot Autumn Ice Women’s Hockey Tournament @ Town Toyota Center, 1200 Walla Walla Ave FREE event, all day Play Gym @ S.P.O.R.T Gymnastics Ages 6 and under 9:30-10:45am OR 11:00am-12:15pm See November 3 Compassionate Friends 7:00-8:30pm @ Grace Lutheran Church 1408 Washington St. in Wenatchee Meets every third Monday of the month. Free support group for anyone who has experienced the loss of a child. For more info, call Carol @ 509-665-9987

SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 18 Sundaes with Santa Families of all ages will enjoy a Sunday afternoon with Sundaes and Santa from 1:00-3:00pm. Enjoy the sundae bar, meet the Wenatchee Wild hockey players and watch the Wenatchee Valley Youth Circus and Fabulous Feet Dance Studio. Get a photo with Santa. Tickets are $10. Pacwen.org or 663-ARTS Hot Autumn Ice Women’s Hockey Tournament @ Town Toyota Center, 1200 Walla Walla Ave FREE event, all day

MONDAY, NOVEMBER 19 Indoor Playground @Wenatchee Community Center 10:00am-12:00pm See Nov. 5 Women’s Bible Study Fellowship (BSF) 6:45pm-8:30pm See Oct. 29

TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 20 Play Gym @ S.P.O.R.T Gymnastics Ages 6 and under, 9:30-11:00am See October 30 Attachment Parenting Group Parenting Support 10:00am @ First United Methodist Church Meet in the Nursery. See November 13

WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 21 Indoor Playground @Wenatchee Community Center 10:00am-12:00pm See Nov. 7 WVC Hepcats Swing Dance Classes 7:00pm See November 7

THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 22 Happy Thanksgiving! Gobble Gobble!

FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 23 Black Friday SPORT Day 1:00-4:00pm @ SPORT Gymnastics 10 S Columbia Ave in Wenatchee Drop the kids off for a few hours of games, arts/crafts, gymnastics and fun! Cost; $15 for first kid, $12 for siblings Night Out, Lights Out Public Skate @ Town Toyota Ice Skating Arena 1300 Walla Walla Ave. Every 2nd and 4th Friday of the month 7:00-9:00pm $5 admission, $2 Skate Rental

17th Annual Christkindlmarkt Friday: 11:00-7:30pm, Saturday: 10:007:30pm, Sunday: 10:00-3:00pm Nov. 23-25 FREE in Downtown Leavenworth . This popular and celebrated northwest tradition features delicious and authentic Bavarian foods, handmade arts/crafts and other gifts, and family-friendly, Bavarian and Christmas themed entertainment. From 12-4 on Friday and Saturday, there is a Lantern Workshop where kids can decorate a lantern for $5 and then carry them in the Lantern Parade at 5:00pm.

SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 24 Play Gym @ S.P.O.R.T Gymnastics Ages 6 and under 9:30-10:45am OR 11:00am-12:15pm See November 3 17th Annual Christkindlmarkt FREE event in downtown Leavenworth See Nov. 23 Lowes Kidâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Workshop Build something cool! FREE @ 10:00am lowesbuildandgrow.com

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November/December 2012

SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 25 17th Annual Christkindlmarkt FREE event in downtown Leavenworth See Nov. 23

MONDAY, NOVEMBER 26 Indoor Playground @Wenatchee Community Center 10am-12pm See Nov. 5 Successful Breastfeeding Covers the basics of breastfeeding @Central WA Hospital, Rooms F & G FREE; Contact Joan Slack @ 661-3500 Women’s Bible Study Fellowship (BSF) 6:45pm-8:30pm See Oct. 29

KaeLee and Hannah Cox, Wenatchee Lauren and Elizabeth Thompson, Wenatchee

TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 27 Play Gym @ S.P.O.R.T Gymnastics Ages 6 and under, 9:30-11:00am See October 30 Attachment Parenting Group Parenting Support 10:00am @ First United Methodist Church Meet in the Nursery See November 13 MOPS of Wenatchee 9-11am @ Free Methodist Church 1601 5th St. 662-1502

WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 28 Indoor Playground @Wenatchee Community Center 10am-12pm See Nov. 7 WVC Hepcats Swing Dance Classes 7:00pm See November 7

The Ivy Wild Cooking Classes 5:30-8:30 pm “Freshly Ground Meat Yields Endless Options for Burgers” See October 30th for more info MOPS of East Wenatchee 9-11:00am @ Faith Lutheran Church 171 Eastmont Ave 884-7623

THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 29 Holiday Spice, 7:30pm @ PAC This is the 6th annual Holiday Spice concert and a collage of the area’s best performers featuring holiday music, dancing and theatrics. Part of the Festival of Trees Event. $20 Adults, $18 Seniors, $15 Students Play Gym @ S.P.O.R.T Gymnastics Ages 6 and under, 9:30-11:00am See October 30 Living Nativity @ Seventh day Adventist Church 508 N Western Ave in Wenatchee Nov. 29-Dec 2, 5:30-8:30pm each night FREE and fun for all ages! MOPS of Leavenworth 9-11:00am @ Church of the Nazarene 111 Ski Hill Drive 548-5292 Women’s Bible Study Fellowship (BSF) 9:00am See November 1

FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 30 Play Gym @ S.P.O.R.T Gymnastics Ages 6 and under, 10:00-11:30am See November 2 Living Nativity FREE 5:30-8:30 @ Seventh Day Adventist Church See November 29th

THE FUN BEGINS HERE 509-667-1538 SPORTGYMNASTICS.COM 10 S COLUMBIA ST SUITE 100 WENATCHEE, WA 98801

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Open Gym at S.P.O.R.T. Gymnastics Ages 4-12 6:30-7:30pm 10 S Columbia St. in Wenatchee $8 per child, $7 if siblings Drop the kids off or stay and watch. Unstructured play time on gymnastics equipment including trampolines and inflatables. Christmas Lighting Festival 12pm-6pm Front Street Park in Leavenworth Hundreds of thousands of twinkling lights, carolers, cocoa, kids sledding, horse drawn carriage & more! Lighting Ceremony begins at 4:30pm, music starts @ 2:00pm. St. Nicholas will be there to greet kids with songs and fruit!

SATUDAY, DECEMBER 1 Play Gym @ S.P.O.R.T Gymnastics Ages 6 and under 9:30-10:45am OR 11:00am-12:15pm See November 3 Home Depot Kids Workshop 9:00-12:00pm FREE for ages 5-12 Build something and get a home depot apron!

Women’s Bible Study Fellowship (BSF) 6:45pm-8:30pm See Oct. 29 Marlin Handbell Ringers 2012 Holiday Concert 7:30pm $12 marlinhandbells.com 548-5138 @ Best Western Icicle Inn in Leavenworth INFANT CPR for Family and Friends 6:30pm-8:30pm $7 @ Central WA Hospital Classrooms 1 & 2 1201 S Miller St Joan 661-3500 jslack@cwhs.com

TUESDAY, DECEMBER 4 Play Gym @ S.P.O.R.T Gymnastics Ages 6 and under, 9:30-11:00am See October 30 La Leche League of Wenatchee Breastfeeding Support 10am @ First United Methodist Church Meets 1st Tuesday of every month in Nursery Contact Annette Mueller @ 664-0186 for info

WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 5 Indoor Playground @Wenatchee Community Center 10:00am-12;00pm See Nov. 7 WVC Hepcats Swing Dance Classes 7:00pm See November 7

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 6 Wings N Wishes Christmas Tree Lighting @East Wenatchee City Hall 6:30pm Christmas carols, tree lighting, refreshments, pictures with Santa. More info, call 886-6108 Play Gym @ S.P.O.R.T Gymnastics Ages 6 and under, 9:30-11:00am See October 30 Leavenworth Village Voices 7:00pm @ 111 Ski Hill Drive in Leavenworth Annual Christmas in the Mountains Holiday Concert $12-$14, 548-8058

Christmas Lighting Festival 12:00pm-6:00pm Front Street Park in Leavenworth. See November 30 A Christmas Carol 8:00pm @ Festhall Theatre 1001 Front St. in Leavenworth $16-$20; No children under the age of 5 Leavenworthsummertheater.org 548-2000 Living Nativity FREE 5:30-8:30 @ Seventh Day Adventist Church See November 29th

SUNDAY, DECEMBER 2 A Christmas Carol 1:00pm @ Festhall Theatre 1001 Front St. in Leavenworth $16-$20; No children under the age of 5 Leavenworthsummertheater.org 548-2000 Christmas Lighting Festival 12:00pm-6:00pm Front Street Park in Leavenworth. See November 30 Living Nativity FREE 5:30-8:30 @ Seventh Day Adventist Church See November 29th

MONDAY, DECEMBER 3 Indoor Playground @Wenatchee Community Center 10:00am-12:00pm See Nov. 5

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November/December 2012

1st class of CHILDBIRTH PREPARATION SERIES @ Central Washington Hospital December 6-8, Thursday/Friday: 6-9pm, Saturday: 9-3pm $85 1000 N Miller in Wenatchee, Classrooms A & B Joan 661-3500 jslack@cwhs.com Next Class offered Jan. 7-a 6 week class from 6:30-8:30pm Monday Nights Women’s Bible Study Fellowship (BSF) 9:00am See November 1

FRIDAY, DECEMBER 7

Major Tedder

Parent’s Night Out @ S.P.O.R.T Gymnastics 6:00pm-10:00pm The kids get to make decorations and presents for arts and crafts $20 for first kid, $15 for siblings Play Gym @ S.P.O.R.T Gymnastics Ages 6 and under, 10:00-11:30am See November 2 Christmas Lighting Festival 12pm-6pm Front Street Park in Leavenworth Hundreds of thousands of twinkling lights, carolers, cocoa, kids sledding, horse drawn carriage…. And more! Lighting Ceremony begins at 4:30pm, music starts @ 2:00pm. St. Nicholas will be there to greet kids with songs and fruit! A Christmas Carol 8:00pm @ Festhall Theatre 1001 Front St. in Leavenworth $16-$20; No children under the age of 5 Leavenworthsummertheater.org 548-2000

Liam, Wenatchee

Leavenworth Village Voices 7:00pm @ 111 Ski Hill Drive in Leavenworth Annual Christmas in the Mountains Holiday Concert $12-$14, 548-8058

Christmas Lighting Festival 12:00pm-6:00pm Front Street Park in Leavenworth. See December 7 Lowes Kid’s Workshop Build something cool! FREE @ 10:00am lowesbuildandgrow.com A Christmas Carol 1:00pm & 8:00pm @ Festhall Theatre 1001 Front St. in Leavenworth $16-$20; No children under the age of 5 Leavenworthsummertheater.org 548-2000 Play Gym @ S.P.O.R.T Gymnastics Ages 6 and under 9:30-10:45am OR 11:00am-12:15pm See November 3

SUNDAY, DECEMBER 9 International Children’s Day Do something to celebrate your kids today! Christmas Lighting Festival 12:00pm-6:00pm Front Street Park in Leavenworth. See December 7 A Christmas Carol 1:00pm @ Festhall Theatre 1001 Front St. in Leavenworth $16-$20; No children under the age of 5 Leavenworthsummertheater.org 548-2000

MONDAY, DECEMBER 10 Indoor Playground @Wenatchee Community Center 10:00am-12:00pm See Nov. 5 Women’s Bible Study Fellowship (BSF) 6:45pm-8:30pm See Oct. 29

TUESDAY, DECEMBER 11 SATURDAY, DECEMBER 8 National Brownie Day! Cook up a batch of brownies and perhaps share a plate with your neighbors!

Graysen Hackenmiller, Wenatchee

Kids Club @ Wenatchee Valley Mall 12:00pm-2:00pm FREE! Ages 12 and under Free play, crafts, and interactive learning Ride the Miniature Train Wenatchee River Front Railway 155 North Worthern Street 12pm-4pm Free refreshments, hot beverages, and chance to warm up in the caboose. $2 kids, $3 adults

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Play Gym @ S.P.O.R.T Gymnastics Ages 6 and under, 9:30-11:00am See October 30 Attachment Parenting Group Parenting Support 10:00am @ First United Methodist Church Meets in the Nursery See November 13 MOPS of Wenatchee 9-11am @ Free Methodist Church 1601 5th St. 662-1502

WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 12 WVC Hepcats Swing Dance Classes 7:00pm See November 7

WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 12 Indoor Playground @Wenatchee Community Center 10:00am-12:00pm See Nov. 7 The Ivy Wild Cooking Classes 5:30-8:30 pm “Mediterranean Spice Blends that Makes each Region So Unique- including Morocco, Lebanon, France, Tunisia” See October 30th for more info U.S. Bank Basketball Showcase All Day @ Town Toyota Center 1200 Walla Walla Ave in Wenatchee Towntoyotacenter.com 667-7847

@ the Sportsplex, 2 Fifth St, Wenatchee

Classes Offered Winter 2013 Sparks: 18-35 months **Parent Participation Required**

Igniters: 3-4 yr olds

Flames: 5-6 yr olds

Jan 7 - Feb 11 (Mondays) Igniters: 5:15 - 6:00 PM Flames: 6:00 - 6:45 PM

MOPS of East Wenatchee 9-11:00am @ Faith Lutheran Church 171 Eastmont Ave 884-7623

Jan 8 - Feb 12 (Tuesdays)

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 13

Jan 9 - Feb 13 (Wednesdays)

Play Gym @ S.P.O.R.T Gymnastics Ages 6 and under, 9:30-11:00am See October 30

Igniters: 11:15 AM -12:00 Igniters: 5:15 - 6:00 PM Flames: 6:00 - 6:45 PM

U.S. Bank Basketball Showcase All Day @ Town Toyota Center See December 12

Sparks: 5:15 - 6:00 PM Igniters: 6:00 - 6:45 PM

$56.00 per 6 week session $12.00 Annual Player Card For more info go to wvsportsplex.com or call 888-5200

MOPS of Leavenworth 9-11:00am @ Church of the Nazarene 111 Ski Hill Drive 548-5292 Women’s Bible Study Fellowship (BSF) 9:00am See November 1

FRIDAY, DECEMBER 14 Play Gym @ S.P.O.R.T Gymnastics Ages 6 and under, 10:00-11:30am See November 2 U.S. Bank Basketball Showcase All Day @ Town Toyota Center See December 12 Night Out, Lights Out Public Skate @ Town Toyota Ice Skating Arena 1300 Walla Walla Ave. Every 2nd and 4th Friday of the month 7:00-9:00pm $5 admission, $2 Skate Rental Christmas Lighting Festival 12m-6pm Front Street Park in Leavenworth Hundreds of thousands of twinkling lights, carolers, cocoa, kids sledding, horse drawn carriage…. And more! Lighting Ceremony begins at 4:30pm, music starts @ 2:00pm. St. Nicholas will be there to greet kids with songs and fruit!

November/December 2012

Kaiden Vines, Wenatchee

A Christmas Carol 8:00pm @ Festhall Theatre 1001 Front St. in Leavenworth $16-$20; No children under the age of 5 Leavenworthsummertheater.org 548-2000

A Christmas Carol 1:00pm & 8:00pm @ Festhall Theatre 1001 Front St. in Leavenworth $16-$20; No children under the age of 5 Leavenworthsummertheater.org 548-2000

Leavenworth Village Voices 7:00pm @ 111 Ski Hill Drive in Leavenworth Annual Christmas in the Mountains Holiday Concert $12-$14, 548-8058

SUNDAY, DECEMBER 16

SATURDAY, DECEMBER 15 Noel Christmas 2:00-4:00pm & 7:00-9:00pm @ Canyon Wren Recital Hall 548-6347 ext. 40 7409 Icicle Rd in Leavenworth As an afternoon concert, the matinee performance is great for your “littlest elves” to attend with you! $8 Student, $15 Senior, $25 general admission

Lucas Cohen

Wenatchee Figure Skating Holiday Ice Show All Day @ Town Toyota Center 1200 Walla Walla Ave in Wenatchee Towntoyotacenter.com 667-7847 Ladies Christmas Luncheon 11:00-1:00pm @ Wenatchee Golf and Country Club Hosted by Columbia Grove Covenant Church For more info: 860-4001 or email megan@ columbiagrove.org Play Gym @ S.P.O.R.T Gymnastics Ages 6 and under 9:30-10:45am OR 11:00am-12:15pm See November 3 Christmas Lighting Festival 12:00pm-6:00pm Front Street Park in Leavenworth. See December 14

Christmas Lighting Festival 12:00pm-6:00pm Front Street Park in Leavenworth. See December 14 A Christmas Carol 1:00pm @ Festhall Theatre 1001 Front St. in Leavenworth $16-$20; No children under the age of 5 Leavenworthsummertheater.org 548-2000 Wenatchee Figure Skating Holiday Ice Show All Day @ Town Toyota Center 1200 Walla Walla Ave in Wenatchee Towntoyotacenter.com 667-7847 Gingerbread Making Party! @ Eastmont Junior High Commons area 12:302:00pm. Kids from all ages can participate! More info, contact Linda @ 860-4001 or linda@columbiagrove.org

MONDAY, DECEMBER 17 Indoor Playground @Wenatchee Community Center 10:00am-12:00pm See Nov. 5 Holiday Open Gym @ SPORT Gymnastics 2:00-4:00pm, 10 S Columbia St. Ages 4-12 $8 per child, $7 if siblings Women’s Bible Study Fellowship (BSF) 6:45pm-8:30pm See Oct. 29

Book Any Event in the Winter Months (Nov-Feb) and this Bill will Double!

www.ncwkidconnect.com

Successful Breastfeeding Covers the basics of breastfeeding @Central WA Hospital, Rooms F & G FREE; Contact Joan Slack @ 661-3500 Compassionate Friends 7:00-8:30pm @ Grace Lutheran Church 1408 Washington St. in Wenatchee Meets every third Monday of the month. Free support group for anyone who has experienced the loss of a child. For more info, call Carol @ 509-665-9987

Sweetie Pie Yummies

TUESDAY, DECEMBER 18 Play Gym @ S.P.O.R.T Gymnastics Ages 6 and under, 9:30-11:00am See October 30 Holiday Open Gym @ SPORT Gymnastics 2:00-4:00pm, 10 S Columbia St. Ages 4-12 $8 per child, $7 if siblings Attachment Parenting Group Parenting Support 10:00am @ First United Methodist Church See November 13

WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 19 Indoor Playground @Wenatchee Community Center 10am-12pm See Nov. 7

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Holiday Open Gym @ SPORT Gymnastics 2:00-4:00pm, 10 S Columbia St. Ages 4-12 $8 per child, $7 if siblings WVC Hepcats Swing Dance Classes 7:00pm See November 7

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 20 Play Gym @ S.P.O.R.T Gymnastics Ages 6 and under, 9:30-11:00am See October 30 Holiday Open Gym @ SPORT Gymnastics 2:00-4:00pm, 10 S Columbia St. Ages 4-12 $8 per child, $7 if siblings Womenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Bible Study Fellowship (BSF) 9:00am See November 1

FRIDAY, DECEMBER 21 Play Gym @ S.P.O.R.T Gymnastics Ages 6 and under, 10:00-11:30am See November 2

November/December 2012

FRIDAY, DECEMBER 21

MONDAY, DECEMBER 24

Cirque Du Noel on Ice 7:00pm @ Town Toyota Center 667-7847 1200 Walla Walla Ave in Wenatchee For tickets: www.towntoyotacenter.com

Christmas Eve!

SATURDAY, DECEMBER 22

Outdoor Living Nativity @ TheNazarene Church in Leavenworth 111 Ski Hill Dr. Dec. 22, 23 & 24 Showings at: 7pm, 7:30pm, 8pm & 8:30pm each night

Play Gym @ S.P.O.R.T Gymnastics Ages 6 and under 9:30-10:45am OR 11:00am-12:15pm See November 3 Lowes Kid’s Workshop Build something cool! FREE @ 10:00am lowesbuildandgrow.com

Landin Hackenmiller, Wenatchee

Outdoor Living Nativity @ TheNazarene Church in Leavenworth 111 Ski Hill Dr. Dec. 22, 23 & 24 Showings at: 7pm, 7:30pm, 8pm & 8:30pm each night

SUNDAY, DECEMBER 23 Outdoor Living Nativity @ TheNazarene Church in Leavenworth 111 Ski Hill Dr. Dec. 22, 23 & 24 Showings at: 7pm, 7:30pm, 8pm & 8:30pm each night

www.ncwkidconnect.com

National Chocolate Day! …in case you needed a reason to indulge…!

TUESDAY, DECEMBER 25 Merry Christmas!

WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 26 Vineyard Snowshoe & Dinner 12-5pm @ Icicle Ridge Winery 8977 North Road Peshastin $65 548-7019, icicleridgewinery.com Join us for a guided vineyard snowshoe trek w/ winemaker Don Wood. Ending with a fireside dinner @ log home. Indoor Playground @Wenatchee Community Center 10am-12pm. See Nov. 7

Holiday Open Gym @ SPORT Gymnastics 2:00-4:00pm, 10 S Columbia St. Ages 4-12 $8 per child, $7 if siblings WVC Hepcats Swing Dance Classes 7:00pm See November 7

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 27 Play Gym @ S.P.O.R.T Gymnastics Ages 6 and under, 9:30-11:00am See October 30

Vineyard Snowshoe & Dinner 12-5pm @ Icicle Ridge Winery 8977 North Road Peshastin $65 548-7019, icicleridgewinery.com Join us for a guided vineyard snowshoe trek w/ winemaker Don Wood. Ending with a fireside dinner @ log home.

MONDAY, DECEMBER 31 Indoor Playground @Wenatchee Community Center 10am-12pm See Nov. 5

Holiday Open Gym @ SPORT Gymnastics 2:00-4:00pm, 10 S Columbia St. Ages 4-12 $8 per child, $7 if siblings

Women’s Bible Study Fellowship (BSF) 6:45pm-8:30pm See Oct. 29

FRIDAY, DECEMBER 28

TUESDAY, JANUARY 1

Play Gym @ S.P.O.R.T Gymnastics Ages 6 and under, 10:00-11:30am See November 2

Happy New Year!

Open Gym at S.P.O.R.T. Gymnastics Ages 4-12 6:30-7:30pm 10 S Columbia St. $8 per child, $7 if siblings Drop the kids off or stay and watch. Unstructured play time on gymnastics equipment including trampolines and inflatables.

Indoor Playground @Wenatchee Community Center 10am-12pm See Nov. 7

Night Out, Lights Out Public Skate @ Town Toyota Ice Skating Arena 1300 Walla Walla Ave. Every 2nd and 4th Friday of the month 7:00-9:00pm $5 admission, $2 Skate Rental

SATURDAY, DECEMBER 29 Play Gym @ S.P.O.R.T Gymnastics Ages 6 and under 9:30-10:45am OR 11:00am-12:15pm See November 3

Ledgen Lara, Wenatchee

WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 2

Natalie, Wenatchee

WVC Hepcats Swing Dance Classes 7:00pm See November 7

THURSDAY, JANUARY 3 Play Gym @ S.P.O.R.T Gymnastics Ages 6 and under, 9:30-11:00am See October 30 Women’s Bible Study Fellowship (BSF) 9:00am See November 1

FRIDAY, JANUARY 4 Play Gym @ S.P.O.R.T Gymnastics Ages 6 and under, 10:00-11:30am See November 2

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November/December 2012

Special Olympics Ice Skating Begins January 4th 1:00pm-2:30pm Practices will be Saturday Mornings at Town Toyota Center Community Rink. Call 888-3283 to register today!

Special Olympics Alpine Skiing Begins January 5th 10:00am-12:00pm Practices will be at Mission Ridge call 888-3283 to register today!

SUNDAY, JANUARY 6 SATURDAY, JANUARY 5

Ski for Health Day Noon-3:00pm FREE Icicle River Trails in Leavenworth 548-5477 skileavenworth.com/events

Play Gym @ S.P.O.R.T Gymnastics Ages 6 and under 9:30-10:45am OR 11:00am-12:15pm See November 3 Vineyard Snowshoe & Dinner 12-5pm @ Icicle Ridge Winery 8977 North Road Peshastin $65 548-7019, icicleridgewinery.com Join us for a guided vineyard snowshoe trek w/ winemaker Don Wood. Ending with a fireside dinner @ log home. Home Depot Kids Workshop 9:00-12:00pm FREE for ages 5-12 Build something and get a home depot apron!

Do you have an Event we need to know about? Let us know! Email all events to events@ ncwkidconnect.com Our next issue will feature events from December 21-March 9th

** All Calendar events are subject to change or cancel. Kid Connect is not responsible for any changes that may occur and advises you to confirm event details before attending. We want to provide you with the most accurate calendar possible, so if you find any changes that do occur, please let us know and we will update our facebook page and our website for our readers. **

Be sure to “Like” Kid Connect on Facebook to keep up with any changes that may occur and be the first to know of MANY added events and activities for you and your family to enjoy throughout the Valley!

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ART WITH CHILDREN ages 2-4 yrs. Starting Oct 18th, Thursdays, 10-11am, 6 weeks, $60, prorated late start available. Call now!

T/Th 9-11am

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T/W/Th 12-2:30pm

RESOURCES from pages 22-24

Day 2 Local shelters: (in Wenatchee) Wenatchee Hospitality House 1450 S Wenatchee Ave, (509) 663-4289 Grace House 291 2nd St NE, E Wen Haven of Hope Women’s Shelter 202 S Franklin Ave, (509) 664-6886 Emogene’s Emergency Women’s Shelter (YWCA), 212 5th St, (509) 662-3531 Bruce Housing Program Transitional Housing 206 Palouse St (509) 662-2485 Mid-Point Place Men’s Shelter 1707 Stella Ave - 509-387-0373 Day 3 Coats for Kids Drop off location w/Tim Hedding @ American Family Insurance, 1111 N Mission St. in Wen Day 4 Local Food Banks Rock Island Food Bank 1 Fremont Street, Rock Island Tuesdays 9:00am-11am Salvation Army 1205 S. Columbia Street, Wenatchee Mon-Fri 1pm-3pm SERVE Wenatchee Valley 212 S. Mission Street, Wenatchee Mon-Thur 9am-12pm & 1:30pm-4:30pm, Fridays 10am-11am St. Vincent de Paul 600 St. Joseph Place, Wenatchee Saturdays 8am-11am Wenatchee Community Center 504 S. Chelan, Wenatchee Thursdays 9am-11am Women’s Resource Center 20 Adams Street, Wenatchee Tuesdays 1:30 (Noon in winter) Cashmere Emergency Food Bank 782-4262 / 669-2399 - by appt. Community Cupboard 219 14th Street, Leavenworth Mon - Sat 11am-5pm Lake Chelan Food Bank 102 Emerson St., Chelan Tuesdays 9:00am - 10:30am

Entiat Valley Food Bank 2188 Entiat Way, Entiat Two Sundays per Month 9am-11am 4th Wednesday Jan-June 10-12pm 2nd Wednesday July-Dec 10-12pm Orondo Community Church Food Bank, 13966 State Route 2, Orondo 1st & 3rd Wednesday 4pm-6pm Faith Lutheran Church (509) 884-7623 171 Eastmont Ave, East Wenatchee Columbia Grove Ministry Center 802 Valley Mall Parkway (509) 860-4001 Mon-Thur 1pm-5pm Day 5 Where to Visit Santa: Please see pages 28-30 and follow us on Facebook to stay updated on even more places Santa will be visiting! Day 6 JoyFul Start Baby Diaper & Wipes Ministry: There is a continuous need for these baby supplies. Currently most needed are diapers sizes 3-6. Please drop donations of diapers and wipes to the nursery in Saddlerock Presbyterian Church (1400 S Miller St in Wenatchee). SERVE Wenatchee is issuing vouchers for those needing these items. For more information, call ONE-HOPE (663-4673) or Diane Larson @ 665-7244. Day 7 Where to Ice Skate: Town Toyota Center, 1300 Wall Walla Ave, Wenatchee, WA 667-7847. Call or visit their website, www. towntoyotacenter.com, to check public skating times, as they change monthly.

Day 11 Donating Blood 1st Monday and Tuesday of every month, the Red Cross has a blood drive @ Church of Christ on Orchard St. in Wenatchee. You may call 1-800-RED CROSS to make an appointment, or walk-ins are welcome during these times. Follow us on Facebook to stay updated with other blood drives as they become available throughout the holidays. Day 15 Where to find a Christmas Tree: See pages 28-30 for a list of Christmas Tree Farms and be sure to follow us un Facebook for any added locations that may come up throughout the holiday season. Toys for Tots All toys for tots can be dropped off at any Toys R Us or Babies R Us store, or you may mail your donations. Or make a monetary donation. Visit www.toysfortots.org for more information. Lattes of Toys Toy Drive November 23-December 20 Donate a new, unwrapped toy @ Plain Hardware (18639 Beaver Valley Rd in Plain) and receive a free 16oz espresso bar drink. Toys will be donated to Leavenworth’s Community Cupboard. plainhardware.com Day 17 Local Animal Shelter Wenatchee Valley Humane Society 1474 S Wenatchee Ave, Wenatchee, WA (509) 662-9577

Day 10 Living Nativity: Here are a couple of options. Follow us on facebook to find more living nativities as they occur throughout the holiday season.

Day 21 Mail for Heroes P.O. Box 5456 Capitol Heights, MD 20791-5456 Visit the website for more information and guidelines. www.redcross.org/support/ get-involved/holiday-mail-for-heroes

Seventh Day Adventist Church 508 N Western Ave in Wenatchee Nov. 29-Dec. 2, 5:30-8:30pm each night FREE and fun for all ages!

Day 22 Habitat For Humanity (Wenatchee) 1408 Washington Street Wenatchee, WA 98801 (509)-663-1889

The Nazarene Church in Leavenworth Outdoor Living Nativity. Dec. 22, 23, and 24th. Showings are at 7pm, 7:30pm, 8pm, and 8:30pm each night.

Habitat For Humanity (Leavenworth) 321 9th St, Ste 202 Leavenworth, WA 98826-1445

Stores that offer Lay-Away in our area: Sears, Walmart. If you are shopping out of town, here are a few more options: TJ Maxx, Kohls, Toys R Us, Kmart

Day 23 World Vision: www.worldvision.org Compassion International: www.compassion.com

November/December 2012

Dwight and Sharon Byers have lived in East Wenatchee going on 40 years now and are the owners of Academic Toolbox in Wenatchee. They have been serving the Valley’s teachers and students for the last 13 years. The idea came from their daughter, who was at the time studying to become a teacher at PLU. She and her colleagues were looking for a good “teacher” store. There was one in their area, but the customer service was not the best and Dwight saw this as a need for teachers all over the state.

Local Business Spotlight

He began with the motive of keeping the focus on the kids and that focus has not wavered a bit since he began. He truly believes in each and every product they carry and will not stock an item that they would discourage anyone from using. Academic Toolbox prides itself in carrying items that are unique and that you would not find in big box stores. They continue to keep the focus on kids by serving the teachers and the parents/grandparents of the Valley and guiding them to the best products for their children’s needs. They also have an entire room devoted to homeschooling and are a great resources if this is the avenue you have chosen for your kids! Seriously, being in this store will make you WANT to be a teacher!

When I first moved to the Wenatchee Valley a year and a half ago, I would drive by this store every so often and say, “I wish I was teacher so I could go in that store!” My husband came home one day, about six months after we moved here and said, “Hey, I drove by this store that you’d probably like. You should go check it out.” I thought it was just a teacher store and I was not a teacher, nor did I have kids that were of “teachable” age yet. But, my husband was giving me permission and encouragement to go shopping…. So of course I went! I came home the next day with a few bags of toys. I found that it was NOT “just a teacher store”, but it was a REALLY COOL TOY store! I was all set for Christmas already and it was only September! Last year for Christmas, I was asked by all the girls’ grandparents and greatgrandparents (there are over 25 of them!) what the girls wanted for Christmas. Being someone that hates having a room full of useless toys, I told them “anything from Academic Toolbox would be great!” I knew that by saying this they would get a new, unique toy that they didn’t already have, and they would get an educational toy. Academic Toolbox carefully selects each and every one of their toys and products and ensures that they are a toy of value. And I, as a mom, and very thankful for this! The customer service you receive at Academic Toolbox is beyond ordinary. They really make a point to know their customers by name and create a relationship with you. They are friendly, caring and truly interested in your life and what your needs are. They are always up to date on the latest information and are eager to share it with their customers. Their customer service is what keeps people coming back over and over again. There are also many people who travel some distance to their store just to shop there for not only their excellent products, but their customer service as well. I truly hope that you check them out and keep them in mind for your holiday shopping this year! Academic Toolbox is located at: 2127 N Wenatchee Ave Wenatchee, WA 98801 (509) 667-8746 atbox@nwi.net www.academictoolbox.com www.academictoolboxcatalog.com

www.ncwkidconnect.com

Academic Toolbox

November/December 2012

smile

baby!

Healthy Smiles Cradle Thru College with Dr. Cara & the ChildrenÕs Dentistry Team

Dr. Cara Schroeder

OUR TEAM All of our staff members have a special love for both children and dentistry, helping to put your child at ease in a caring, fun and safe environment during every appointment. We also educate your children in the proper way to take care of their teeth, but just as important, that coming to the dentist can be fun!

Meet Our Team at:

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Dr. Cara’s Children’s Dentistry 650 N Miller, Wenatchee WA 98801

52 Phone: www.ncwkidconnect.com (509) 662-3621

RAVE REVIEWS! Awesome as usual My children- 2, 4, 6 & 9 all love going to the dentist and its all been because of every appointment we have had since my oldest started at 6 months old. Everyone has always been so nice and handled any insecurities and worries great! Thank you for making going to the dentist a great, happy experience! By Sydnie A.

Your childÕs Þrst tooth, means itÕs time for their Þrst dental visit!