NW Kids Magazine November 2012

nwkidsmagazine.com | november 2012

Holiday Giving Guide | Adoption Resources A Year Of Living Adoptively | Fostering Generosity

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Where bright smiles begin!

Received highest rating in Google review.

“The staff and Dr. Ben are fantastic. My kids are totally comfortable there and are actually excited to go to the dentist. �

- Christopher T.

Ben Kang DMD, MS, PC Board Certified Pediatric Dentist

Located behind Regal Cinema in Bridgeport Village 503.992.6189

www.BrightLittleSmiles.com

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Publisher / Advertising Director Michelle Snell michelle@nwkidsmagazine.com Editorial Beth Friesenhahn beth@nwkidsmagazine.com Kelley Schaefer-Levi kelley@nwkidsmagazine.com Account Manager Laurel Ackerman laurel@nwkidsmagazine.com Client Services Coordinator / Client Ad Design Karel Chan karel@nwkidsmagazine.com Advertising Inquiries: 503-282-2711, ext. 1 sales@nwkidsmagazine.com Design Robyn Barbon robyn@folkloremedia.com Staff Photographer Emma Darden/RLP Studios emma@rlportraits.com Accounting & Business Services Heather Rex heather@nwkidsmagazine.com ON THE COVER and above: Photos courtesy of Shelby Brakken.

Shelby has been taking pictures for as long as she can remember.

She loves the rain, dance parties and the number seven. shelbybrakken.com

check out the de ui giving g 18 on p.

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Connect With Us: • Phone: 503.282.2711 • email: contact@nwkidsmagazine.com • Facebook: facebook.com/nwkidsmag • Twitter: @nwkids NW Kids is published monthly by Miche Media, LLC. Every effort is made to ensure accuracy; sometimes we make errors. Please let us know when we do and accept our apologies.

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contents

INSIDE:

holiday

8 Fostering Generosity in Children 18 Holiday Giving Guide

10 A Year of Living Adoptively

adoption

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14 Resource Guide: Adoption Support and Resources 16 Families United by Adoption

outings

22 A Midsummer Night’s Dream for Every Family 24 Calendar of Events and Thanksgiving Fun

nwkidsmagazine.com Welcoming Your New Baby: An Adoptive Baby Shower

online this month

The Benefits of Stepparent and Partner Adoptions Adoption and Family Counseling at Bridge City Counseling Offices Interview with Pinkalicious

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November Book Reviews

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editor’s

listings A Walk on the Wild Side...............................17 Amanda Arp..................................................17 Barre3..............................................................3 Bella Stella....................................................27 Bennett Suzuki Violin Studio........................17 Black Wagon.................................................21 Boys and Girls Aid.........................................15 Bridge City Counseling..................................13 Buckley Law..................................................17 Child’s Play Toys............................................21 Coffee Kids....................................................29 Columbia Gorge Model Railroad Club..........25 Do Jump!.......................................................23 Dodge & Burn Photography.........................27 Doernbecher Cards for Kids..........................27 EcoMaids.......................................................29 Evergreen Aviation & Space Museum..........21 French American International School.........25 German American School of Portland.........30 Hi 5 Dental....................................................25 Justus Orthodontics......................................30 Kids’ Backyard Store........................................2 Kinship House...............................................13 Little Fruit Farm Montessori..........................20 Mad Science..................................................23 My Masterpiece Art Studio...........................20 Northwest Adoptive Families Association...13 NW Surrogacy Center...................................13 Oregon Ballet Theatre...................................31 Oregon Children’s Theatre...............................7 Oregon Episcopal School................................7 Oregon Garden..............................................27 Oregon Gymnastics Academy......................30 Organic Valley...............................................32 Park Family Dentistry....................................17 Pediatric Dental...............................................3 Portland Language Arts...............................30 Portland Spirit...............................................31 Portland Trampoline.......................................2 Reversed Lens Photography.........................29 Sante Mama..................................................25 Spanky’s Legendary Consignment...............20 Spielwerk Toys...............................................29 Tears of Joy Theatre.......................................21 The Portland Ballet.......................................23 Thinker Toys...................................................20 Treehouse Boutique......................................23 World Association for Children and Parents...11 World of Smiles.............................................30 Zenana Spa...................................................21

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corner

When people ask me (Kelley) why my husband and I chose to adopt or what appealed to us about adoption, I don’t have a short answer. In fact, there is no one answer that can adequately explain why we wanted to adopt. When I think back on the years leading up to adopting our daughter, I remember feeling overwhelmed by all of the choices out there when we couldn’t get pregnant. I was pretty reluctant to try extensive medical procedures or fertility drugs, and ultimately followed my heart when making a decision about whether it was crucial to me to give birth to a child. When we concluded that adoption, specifically open adoption, was the route we wanted to take to parenthood, we never looked back. Now, four years later, we really can’t imagine having made any other choice. Our lives have been changed and enriched by adoption, and we feel like we are right where we’re supposed to be.

This month in NW Kids we celebrate adoption. Don’t miss the heart-warming articles by adoptive mamas, Toni Tabora-Roberts and Joni Radcliffe who graciously share two perspectives on growing a family. It seems absolutely fitting that National Adoption Month falls during a time when we also come together as families to reflect on giving thanks for what we have. In the spirit of gratitude and giving, we are also featuring a terrific article and tips on how to foster generosity in children and some great ways to give in the Giving Guide.

Speaking of the holidays, can you believe they’re already upon us? Don’t worry; we’ve got you covered. This month online at nwkidsmagazine.com we will be interviewing one of our favorite characters (hint: think pink) and giving away tickets to some of the most beloved family friendly events our fair city has to offer. Plus, our online calendar is chock-full of events. We’ll also be sharing more adoption stories and information along with some great children’s books to snuggle up with on a cold day. And what about Turkey Day? How do you celebrate? We’d like to hear from you. Please visit us on facebook/nwkidsmag and share some of your favorite holiday recipes. FYI - we love Brussels sprouts. Here’s to a wonderful holiday season!

Cheers,

— Kelley and Beth

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holiday

Fostering

Generosity in Children

by Nicole Fravel

Generosity is a virtue that reaches across cultures and times. Buddha said, “A generous heart…and a life of service…are the things which renew humanity;” while Albert Einstein maintained that “The value of a man resides in what he gives.” Every parent hopes to raise a kind, altruistic, and generous child.

Particularly as the holiday season approaches, we all want our children to be just as adept at giving as they are at getting.

Learning to give is an important lesson.

Recent research has linked generosity to selfesteem and contentment. Sonja Lyubomirsky, a professor of psychology at the University of California, Riverside, has found that routinely committing acts of kindness leads to greater happiness. In her experimental trials, detailed in the book The How of Happiness (Penguin, 2008), the positive effects on the giver even outweighed the benefits felt by those they were helping.

However, humans are not born hard-wired for generosity. It is a skill that parents need to teach, in the same way you would teach any other valuable skill. First, demonstrate your own altruism. Children, especially young children, will value giving if it is a family habit.

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Second, make the practice of giving relevant to the child. For all but the oldest children, donating money, even if from their own allowances, lacks impact. Rather than emphasizing the sacrifice of giving, we need to help children recognize the positive worth of kindness. For example, seeing a child’s smile after receiving a new book imparts more positive feedback about generosity than sending money to a faceless organization in a far off place.

Books about Generosity Stranger in the Wood

by Carl R. Sams II and Jean Stoick.

Carl R Sams II Photography, 1999.

An Orange for Frankie

by Patricia Polacco. Philomel, 2004.

The Rainbow Fish

by Marcus Pfister. North-South Books, 1992.

The Giving Tree

by Shel Silverstein. Harper Collins, 1964.

Miss Rumphius

by Barbara Cooney. Puffin, 1985.

holiday Lastly, make generosity a year round, integral part of your life. Year-round giving will have more of an impact than the once-ayear holiday obligation.

Teach them Young: Toddlers and Preschoolers Young children often have enough difficulty sharing toys with a friend, so the path to generosity needs to start small and close to home. Since toddlers and preschoolers yearn for adult attention and approval, the best projects are ones that are done together and gain immediate gratitude.

Help the animals in your backyard; make and stock a bird feeder; weave a wreath of yarn for spring birds to use for nest building, hang popcorn strings on evergreens in the winter, and then observe as the animals take the gifts.

If you want to engage in a project on a larger scale, make sure children understand the need for the project. When my son was three, his playgroup gathered spare diapers for a women’s shelter. The drive made a big impact on him only because, having just learned to use the potty, diapers, and other children’s need for them, loomed large in his mind.

Acts of Kindness for the Elementary Aged Child As children move into the early elementary years, friends take on primary importance.

Capitalize on your child’s desire to be a “good friend” by planning one on one acts of kindness, baking cookies for a neighbor, shoveling snow or weeding the garden of an elderly friend, or helping to cook a meal for a family bringing home a new baby.

Christiane Marshall, a special education teacher, mom, and grandmother, encouraged her children to perform small acts of kindness throughout their childhoods. They performed in nursing homes, tutored friends, and baked bread for neighbors. From her experience, “Moving from the one on one to more indirect giving is a natural step once kids want to help others and get it in their minds that it’s a good thing to do.”

Places for Children to Volunteer in the Greater Portland Area Hands on Greater Portland is a clearinghouse for volunteer projects.

Their calendar lists age groups suited to each project and the “advanced search” option allows you to find projects for the whole family. handsongreaterportland.org The Children’s Book Bank repairs and donates gently used books to preschoolers. Families can donate books, and older children can volunteer to perform book repairs. childrensbookbank.org For 81 years, the Oregonian has been publishing a wishbook, called Oregonian’s Season of Sharing, that highlights agencies helping families in Oregon and southwest Washington.

Your family’s newest cause might be in the book. The wishbook is available in November in print and online. oregonlive.com/special/sharing Schoolhouse Supplies prepares backpacks stocked with crayons, pencils, paper, and other supplies for children in the greater Portland area and operates a free store where all public school teachers and members of nonprofit organizations in Oregon are invited to pick up classroom supplies. Families can donate items, volunteer in the store, or fill backpacks. schoolhousesupplies.org Nicole Fravel is the founder and lead teacher of Wildwood Nature School in NW Portland.

As a public school teacher, museum educator, and early childhood specialist, she has taught children and adults in a variety of settings. nfravel@wildwoodnatureschool.com NW Kids Magazine | 9

adoption

A Year Of Living Adoptively

by Toni Tabora-Roberts Photos courtesy of Toni Tabora-Roberts

Each November, not only does my family get to celebrate National Adoption Month, we get to celebrate the adoption of our precious girl. On November 15, 2011 we brought Lilli home to Portland from Eugene, just five days after we learned we were chosen

by Lilli’s birth parents to adopt her. She was five weeks old then. Now she’s a walking, babbling, curious, strong-willed one-year old.

In this first year, we’ve learned so much about adoption.

Adopting a child First and most obvious, we have adopted a child. By we, I mean my husband Matt and me. We also includes my parents and Matt’s parents. And our siblings and their kids. And so on. We have all adopted this wonderful little human into our lives, practically in the blink of an eye.

I sometimes marvel at how easy and quickly she was enveloped into our world.

How immediate and unconditional my love was and is for her. Our community of family and friends has embraced her so fully. Lilli, at age one, is an intensely well-loved girl.

(67 “Likes” on Facebook for her birthday announcement!) She’s our girl. Our daughter.

Not, “adopted” daughter. Just, our daughter.

And while that’s absolutely how I feel, it is also true that she is adopted. That is a part of her story and we have pledged to be transparent with her about it. We adopted Lilli in an open adoption, and I’d say we’re on the very open end of the spectrum.

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Adopting a Family Simply put, in an open adoption, the birth mother (and birth father, if he’s in the picture) choose adoptive parents for their birth child. On one end of the open adoption spectrum (sometimes called “semi-open” adoption), birth parent(s) and adoptive parents do not meet. They communicate through some sort of middle entity, an agency or a lawyer, through which information is exchanged. Birth parents may provide basic medical history. Adoptive parents may agree to send photos and a letter once a year. When the child is old enough to choose, they may seek out the birth parent.

Our story is at the other end of the spectrum of open adoption. About six months after we entered the adoption pool (not a very long wait), we got the call from our agency. Heylene, the mother of a one-month old, and the birth father (he’s asked me not to use his name, so I’ll call him “Nick”) chose us to adopt her baby girl. After learning about Heylene and Lilli’s story from the counselor, we made the decision to move forward. The next day we drove to Eugene to meet Heylene and Nick. The following day, we met Lilli for the first time. We hung out with Lilli and Heylene for a few hours, a crash “get-to-know-you” session to see if we were a good match for being in a relationship for the rest of our lives. Imagine going on a blind date with someone where you have three days to decide whether or not to marry each other. That’s pretty much what we did.

After three days, Heylene and Nick decided yes, Matt and I were the right people to parent Lilli. And yes, after three days, we were head over heels in love with our Lilli. continued on p. 12

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adoption Two weeks later, it was Thanksgiving. We invited our new family members, Heylene and Nick to come and spend it with us. Now, a year later, we’ve seen Heylene nearly every other month and Nick about once a quarter.

We have no qualms about texting each other notes and photos. Our relationship to Lilli’s birth parents has evolved sweetly and organically.

Don’t get me wrong, it is complicated.

Heylene and Nick’s families have varying levels of knowledge of and support for the adoption. Lilli has a half brother we’ve just met for the first time, along with Lilli’s birth grandma and birth great-grandma. (Very intense introduction, but hopefully the beginning of a long and healthy relationship.)

Both Heylene and Nick have moved farther away from us. Even with that, the good news is, it’s only just begun. Lilli’s birth family is a part of our family circle, now and forever.

Adopting A Community As soon as we decided to adopt a child, we entered into a dynamic adoption community.

We adopted through Open Adoption and Family Services, an agency specializing in and exclusively facilitating and advocating openness in adoption. Through them, we are now a part of a diverse and active community of families waiting to adopt and those who have adopted. We’ve also become a part of the larger “open adoption” community.

In addition, we are now part of the transracial adoption community. As a mixedrace couple (I’m Filipino-American, my husband is Welsh-American, aka “white”), it was inevitable we’d be in a transracial adoption. Lilli is ¼ Panamanian and, at age one, looks very Latina. As a one-time activist 12 | NW Kids Magazine

and advocate around racial diversity and other issues, this is a community I’m eager to connect with. Much more to learn on that front as Lilli grows older.

What’s more we’ve now joined that larger adoption community, which is extremely diverse and much larger than I knew before we adopted. Adam Pertman wrote in Adoption Nation, “Extrapolating from U.S. Census data, we can guesstimate that there are at least 7 million adopted children and adults in the United States today; add in birth parents adoptive parents, grandparents, siblings… and the number of people directly connected to adoption soars into the tens of millions.”

Pertman also noted, “The Adoption Institute survey showed that nearly six of every ten Americans have had a ‘personal experience’ with adoption… And a stunning one-third of those polled said they had ‘at least somewhat seriously’ considered adopting a child themselves.”

From adults who were adopted in the 1970s internationally from Korea or Vietnam, to those families that have come together through the foster care system, to others who adopted within their own family—there are so many experiences of adoption. At the center of these adoptions are children with concentric circles of loved ones radiating outward.

As my daughter enters her second year, I’ve started thinking about how to talk with Lilli about her story. Tonight, as I snuggled with her in my arms, I quietly relayed to her the whole story of her adoption for the first time. The story still needs some editing, but it felt good to say. Like parenting, adoption will always be a work-in-progress.

Toni Tabora-Roberts is a journalism/media/ community geek. Currently at OPB, she’s also written/produced for The Asian Reporter, APA Compass Radio and her erstwhile blog, Ramblings of a Dabbler, tlovepdx.wordpress.com

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adoption

resource guide:

Adoption Support and Resources ADOPTION MOSAIC adoptionmosaic.org ADOPTIVE FAMILIES MAGAZINE adoptivefamilies.com BOYS & GIRLS AID boysandgirlsaid.org CATHOLIC CHARITIES catholiccharitiesoregon.org CHOSEN INTERNATIONAL choseninternational.org DOVE ADOPTION INTERNATIONAL adoptions.net FAMILIES WITH RUSSIAN AND UKRAINIAN ADOPTIONS (FRUA) frua-oregon.org FAMILIES WITH CHILDREN FROM CHINA (FCC) fcc-nw.com FAMILIES WITH CHILDREN FROM VIETNAM fcvn.org

JOURNEYS OF THE HEART journeysoftheheart.net KOREAN FOCUS NW nkcs.org MOTHERS WHO ADOPT AS SINGLE PARENTS Contact Cindy at 503-929-8450 or redthreadredhead@yahoo.com OPEN ADOPTION AND FAMILY SERVICES openadopt.org OREGON FAMILIES WITH CHILDREN FROM GUATEMALA Email: sharonscheurer@yahoo.com for more information.

OREGON POST ADOPTION RESOURCE CENTER (ORPARC) orparc.org NORTHWEST ADOPTIVE FAMILIES nafaonline.org NORTHWEST ICHILD (INDIA CHILD) nwichild.org

HERITAGE ADOPTIONS heritageadoption.org

SW WASHINGTON ADOPTION SUPPORT Contact Darlene Wilson 360-256-8795

HOLT INTERNATIONAL holtinternational.org

Tree of Life Adoption Center toladopt.org

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adoption

Families United

by Adoption

by Joni Radcliffe I remember the wait.

That assignment to “limbo” was like someone up there took a remote control, pointed it at me and hit pause. People said, “let go” while other people and situations outside my influence determined whether I would become a parent.

I read adoption books.

I searched the internet.

I tried to soak up any understanding I could, to will myself closer to motherhood.

Along the way, I accompanied a friend, an adoptive mom, to a potluck picnic with a group called NAFA (Northwest Adoptive Families Association). Parents sat chatting away at a long table while kids frolicked on a play structure. This support group of people with adoption in common, offered empathy and perspective like no one else had. They had walked a similar road. Along with information, they gave me validation that someday, in the near future, I would be a parent by adoption. I made connections and sought guidance, and after the time the universe needed to align miracle with chance, I became a mom to a son and later a daughter.

The more I connected with this group, attending events or volunteering, the more I benefited. Aside from support and education, there were friendships. Through all the ups and downs of my family’s adoption journey, NAFA friends had my back, and my kids had friends who understood losses and challenges and celebrated triumphs and growth.

People say parenthood makes you a better person. Adoption opens you to change and reveals a bigger picture. NAFA has provided a parenting template along with graciousness 16 | NW Kids Magazine

and a valuable network.

Member families have adopted every which way. We are single parents, LGBT parents, birthparents, adoption professionals and adult adoptees who give back to the adoption community by volunteering and Photo courtesy of Shari Gale reaching out to new families. When we get together for the annual campout we are a world village.

Recently a teen adopted from China told me what she thought about NAFA. “It’s the red thread that holds us together and doesn’t break.” Wow. Maybe not every NAFA kid has such a beautiful insight, they just know that NAFA gives them lots of ways to feel accepted, valued and most of all, to have fun.

It’s been over 20 years since I became a mom. My wonderful children delight and confound me. I believe they make me a better person. And NAFA has thrown me a life preserver or two along the way.

On Nov. 3 from 5:00 to 8:00 p.m. NAFA is holding an open house for adoptive families and those interested in adoption at a Celebrate Adoption party and potluck.

Come see what NAFA is all about and enjoy crafting, entertainment and meeting other families—united by adoption.

Joni Radcliffe is an adoptive mom and editor of NAFA News. jonikradcliffe@gmail.com.

Celebrate Adoption will be held at Christ United Methodist Church in Portland. Call 503 231-1463 for details.

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holiday

holiday giving guide 1

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ride-on toy by Skedaddle Rollin’ Rollin’ Rollin. Check out this sweet ride-on toy from Skedaddle.

Perfect for ages 1-4: folds for storage, indoor/outdoor non-marking wheels and a removable parent handle. Bella Stella, bellastella.com, $60

2

wooden Doctor’s Kit

by Soopsori Doctor, Doctor give us the news, we’ve got a bad case of lovin’ this wooden doctor’s kit. Includes stethoscope, thermometer, syringe and more. Back in stock just in time for the holidays. Black Wagon, blackwagon.com, $38

3

Neon Slingshots by Hella Everyone needs a back-pocket slingshot. These one-of-a-kind slingshots, handmade in California

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3 from Mora tree branches, can’t be beat. Each slingshot is carefully crafted and airbrushed with bright and metallic colors. Real leather pouches, natural latex tubing and quality paints make these slangers life-long keepers.

Spielwerk Toys, spielwerktoys.com, $28

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Fishing Game by Janod Let’s go fishing! This adorable game can be played in or out of the bath.

With hook, line and pole, and six brightly colored fish. Perfect for the two and up set. Child’s Play, childsplayportland.com, $20 Mama and Me Pedicures Fal-la-la. It’s the busiest time of the year! Treat yourself and enjoy a little special time with your kiddo with a relaxing holiday Mama and Me Pedicure.

Zenana Spa, zenana-spa.com,$65

holiday

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Cinnamon Bear Cruise presented by Portland Spirit Enjoy a two hour cruise with holiday treats while a cast of fanciful characters entertain you with storytelling, music and magic. Have your picture taken with the Cinnamon Bear himself atop his magical throne. Make this a holiday your child will remember forever. portlandspirit.com, $30 adults, $22 children ages 1-12, free for children under the age of one year.

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Chunky Veggie Crayons

by We Can Too Let’s face it, with infants and toddlers, everything ends up in their mouths.

Well relax mamas and daddies, because these products are made for curious mouths and made with food-based organic ingredients.

Chunky Veggie Crayons are perfect for little hands, finger paints, face paints, tempura paints and chalk! All edible, organic and wonderful for your budding artist. Treehouse, misstreehouse.com, $12

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cards for kids For 21 years, Cards for Kids has been an annual fundraiser for OHSU Doernbecher Children’s Hospital transforming Doernbecher patients, siblings and professional artwork into adorable cards for the holiday season. invitationpartner.com/ doernbechercardsforkids2012, $12 a set

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Plush Owls by Alberta Street Owls These locally made plush owls are perfect for cuddling with your wee one. Each owl is hand made with beautiful fabrics giving them a unique personality of their own. No two are alike. Coffee Kids, facebook.com/coffeekidspdx, $8 -$44.

Coffee Kids is a donation site for Toys For Tots.

They are offering 10% off in store purchases when you buy a toy for a tot.

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outing

Photos courtesy of Laura Jost

A Midsummer Night’s Dream for Every Family

by Laura Jost Parents relish in listening to a deep and honest belly laugh from their children; and I’m no exception, but I was a little surprised to hear it recently unleashed in the middle of a ballet performance. And you might be astounded to hear that her laughter was entirely welcome.

A few of my nearest and dearest recently attended a free, open rehearsal of The Portland Ballet’s upcoming performance of John Clifford’s “A Midsummer Night’s Dream.” I don’t know what kind of magic Nancy Davis, artistic director, has been bottling up with her troupe of highly-talented young dancers, but the bottle’s been corked and every viewer gets a taste.

With music from the PSU orchestra and opera students on the beautiful stage at Lincoln Hall, I literally cannot wait to see the fully-costumed show Thanksgiving weekend (Nov. 23-25).

Now, the extent of my ballet instruction involves your typical mixed-age rec-center production of Teddy Bear’s Picnic and one sixthgrade spandex-unitard blemished interpretation of The Ugly Duckling. Even though I never danced ‘en pointe,’ I’ve always admired those who could and have loved watching classical ballets in my adulthood. But, I can honestly say that before today, I’d NEVER considered bringing my children. What a loss for the very youngest of us that loud voices and untimely commentary don’t make for an ideal spectator.

However, this 75 minute, fast-paced ballet full of enchantment and mischief might be just the ticket for a successful introduction for our wee ones (that and an intermission).

Josh Murray, guest dancer, is reprising his role as Bottom; a character that is turned into, well… an ass by the elusive Puck. These two provide 22 | NW Kids Magazine

enough comic relief for even the squirmiest of kiddos: teasing and scratching, eluding and mocking. They are, in a word, delightful. And the dancers who will personify the fairies, woodland creatures, and fascinating characters that weave in and out of this whimsical tale will not disappoint. The choreography is so lovely and the dancing so skilled that you almost forget that the cast could largely be considered children. The Portland Ballet (TPB) is composed of students from 3 to 19 years of age.

The dedication that these young people bring to their craft is unmistakable. Even in a rehearsal; they danced from the heart. And it’s clear that Nancy’s ability and kindness garner her all the respect that she deserves from her students. We were able to converse with a few of the dancers and TPB staff, as well as Nancy, and they were all quite charming. The kids left the studio twirling and leaping and I left with a mental note that standing with poise immediately increases your perceived glamour.

Now, I’m going to get sappy here for a second and tell you that I didn’t grow up with a lot of holiday traditions, so I eagerly seek them out for my family. Experiencing the children in the audience heartily laugh, gaze in wonderment, and marvel during the breathtaking lifts and leaps was enough to give me goose bumps; and it is most certainly enough to add “A Midsummer Night’s Dream” to my family’s list of musts for this holiday season. For more information and tickets, please visit theportlandballet.org.

Laura Jost is a mom of two trying to figure out the answers to big questions and avoid too much spandex in North Portland. You can contact her at newjost@gmail.com.

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calendar

Performances Nov 3-4

Oregon Children’s Theatre – Duck for President

A charming tale about Duck’s journey through farm politics – perfect for this year’s election season. $18-30, Sat 2pm & 5pm, Sun 2pm. duckforpresident.org

Nov 4

Village Ballroom – Elizabeth Mitchell and You Are My Flower Family-friendly folk tunes by a beloved local musician. $5-10, 2pm & 4pm. youaremyflower.org

Nov 9-11, 17-18

Tears of Joy Theatre – The Adventures of Perseus

The notorious story of Perseus and Medusa, told through beautiful puppetry. $17-21, Fri 7:30pm, Sat 11am & 1pm, Sun 1pm & 3pm. tojt.org

Nov 10

Portland Youth Philharmonic Fall Concert at the Schnitz

The youth symphony performs selections by Wagner, Stephenson, and Dvorak. $11-40, 7:30pm. portlandyouthphil.org

Nov 23-25

The Portland Ballet – John Clifford’s A Midsummer Night’s Dream

Kick off the holiday season with this comedic ballet featuring the PSU orchestra and opera singers. $15-35, family packages available. Fri 4pm & 7:30pm, Sat & Sun 1pm & 4pm. theportlandballet.org

holiday outings & Events Nov 2-4

23nd Annual Holiday Food & Gift Festival

Start your holiday shopping early with over 300 exhibitors, selling everything from jewelry to décor. Sample some gourmet local foods, too! $8-9, kids 0-12 free, Fri & Sat 10am-6pm, Sun 10am-5pm. hfgf.om

Nov 9

Pioneer Courthouse Square – Christmas Tree Arrival

Celebrate the arrival of the 75-foot Douglas Fir to the square. Free, 12-1pm. thesquarepdx.org

Nov 10-11, 17-18, 23-25

Nov 10-11, 17-18, 21, 2325, 28-30

Back by popular demand! A family favorite about a girl who turns pink from eating too many pink cupcakes. $18-30, 2pm & 5pm, special 11am show on Fri Nov 23. octc.org

A holiday favorite comes to life. Take a journey to the North Pole, meet Santa, sip hot cocoa – all in your pajamas! $18-46, departure times vary. mthoodrr.com

Oregon Children’s Theatre – Pinkalicious: The Musical

Mount Hood Railroad – All Aboard! The Polar Express

Please confirm calendar events and performances as scheduling changes may occur.

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calendar

Starting Nov 19

Starting Nov 23

The mansion is transformed into a holiday wonderland with themes from favorite carols. $6.50-9.50, kids 0-5 free, 11am-4pm. pittockmansion.org

Come for the animals, stay for the lights! Over a million LED lights and moving sculptures create a magical atmosphere. $7-10, train rides extra, Sun-Thurs 5-8pm, Fri-Sat 5-8:30pm. oregonzoo.org

Starting Nov 22

Starting Nov 23

Pittock Mansion – Celebrating Christmas Carols

20th Annual Winter Wonderland

The largest light show in the west will not disappoint, with colorful lights and animated scenes. $16-45, Sun-Thurs 5-9pm, Fri-Sat 5-11pm. globaleventsgrouppdx.com/wonderland

Nov 22-25

Oregon Zoo – Thanksgiving Beast Feast

Oregon Zoo – Zoolights

The Grotto – Christmas Festival of Lights

A twinkling celebration of Christmas, with choir performances, puppet shows, and hot cocoa. $4-9, kids 0-2 free, 5-9:30pm. thegrotto.org/christmas

Nov 24-25

Portland’s Singing Christmas Tree

A special treat for the zoo animals - and zoo visitors, too! Come watch the animals enjoy holiday-themed meals and treats Thanksgiving weekend. $7.50-10.50, 9am-4pm. oregonzoo.org

This dazzling choral event is one of Portland’s favorite holiday traditions. $17-77, Sat 2:30pm & 7:30pm, Sun 1:30pm. singingchristmastree.org

Nov 23

Nov 30

The day after Thanksgiving, head downtown to the square and celebrate the lighting of the 75foot tree. Free, 5:30pm. thesquarepdx.org

Kick off your Christmas celebrations with a visit to the Rediscovery Forest, where you can see Santa in action, pet live reindeer, and do some holiday shopping. $5-11, kids 0-4 free, 12-8pm. oregongardensantasworkshop. blogspot.com

Pioneer Courthouse Square – Tree Lighting Ceremony

Nov 23

Macy’s Holiday Parade 2012

Join the excitement of floats, music, costumed characters, and the opening of Santaland downtown. Free, 9am. macys.com

Nov 23

Salem’s Riverfront Carousel – Santa Arrives Aboard the Carousel Express

Wait for Santa, Mrs. Claus, and the Conductor to arrive aboard the Carousel Express! Free admission and free cocoa, $3-5 for photos with Santa, 12pm. salemcarousel.org 26 | NW Kids Magazine

Oregon Garden – Santa’s Workshop

Events All Nov

Portland Children’s Museum – Chagall for Children

PCM’s newest, interactive exhibit teaches kids how to view art using Chagall’s whimsical pieces. $8, Tues-Sun 9am-5pm, Thurs 9am8pm, closed Mon. portlandcm.org

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calendar

Tues in Nov

Treehouse Boutique – Tuesday Art Time

Engage in art, music, and play with other local artists. $6, 10:15-11:15am. misstreehouse.com

Nov 2

Portland Children’s Museum – Free First Friday Come play and learn for free! 4-8pm. portlandcm.org

Nov 3

Adoption Information Fair 2012

Meet local adoption agencies and resources, participate in workshops, learn what it takes to become an adoptive parent in Oregon.

Free, 12-4:30pm. oregonadoptionagencies.org

Nov 3-4, 10-11, 17-18, 24-25

Columbia Gorge Model Railroad Club – 2012 Model Railroad Show

See a miniature version of a vintage railroad, complete with a drive-in movie theather. $2-6, VIP tour $15, 10am-5pm. cgmrc.com

Nov 4

OMSI - $2 Days

Experience the wonders of science for just $2! 9:30am-5:30pm. omsi.edu

Nov 7 & 21

Green Bean Books – Bookmaking Around the World

Part of a bookmaking series for grades K-2

taught by local artist Sarah Fagan. Limit 6 kids per class, $10, 3:30-4:30pm. greenbeanbookspdx.com

Nov 9

Mt Scott Community Center – Thankful for Karaoke

Bring the family and release your inner crooner. Free, 6-8pm. portlandonline.com/parks

Nov 10

Fulton Park Community Center – Second Saturday Family Dance

Bring the kids out for a night of dancing with live music. $5-6, $20 family pack, 4:306:30pm. portlandonline.com/parks

Nov 13

West Linn Library – Diary of a Wimpy Kid 7 Book Release Party

Celebrate the newest in your kiddo’s favorite series with crafts, games, and treats. Pick up free tickets starting Nov 1. 6:30-7:30pm. westlinnoregon.gov/library

Nov 17

Streets of Tanasbourne Little Sprouts Kids Club

Free kids’ club for ages 3-12. This month, SCRAP teaches kids to make unique art creations. 1-2pm. streetsoftanasbourne.com

Nov 24

Mississippi Pizza – Country Rock for Kids

Brad Creel and the Reel Deel perform classic and kids’ country style songs. Dance contest and prizes! Free, 6-8pm. bradcreel.com

Remember to check the NW Kids online calendar for dozens more outings and activities each day. Share with friends, subscribe to the RSS, add directly to your calendar, and more features. There’s something going on you don’t want to miss!! nwkidsmagazine.com/events/month 28 | NW Kids Magazine

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