RAK magazine May 2018

raisingarizonakids.com MAY 2018

KID-FRIENDLY

VALLEY MUSEUMS A year as a foster parent CHILDREN’S POP-UP BOOKS Mother’s Day reflections Trenton Simmons (5) of Phoenix at the Fairmont Scottsdale Princess.

May 2018

CONTENTS

FEATURES 12

16

A year as a foster parent

“We entered foster care determined to serve and love both the child and his or her biological family,” writes Maggie Zehring, who is raising three sons under the age of 2.

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Pop-Ups: A “moveable” feast of deliciously dazzling books Debra Citron explores the artistic engineering behind some of the best children’s pop-up books.

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Family friendly museums

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It’s a great month to reconnect with local museum offerings. Here’s what’s happening in May and coming this summer.

DEPARTMENTS 2

dialogue

Mother’s Day hopes

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ages & stages

• Utah passes free-range parenting law • St. Joe’s offers babysitting training classes • BullyRAADR app helps local students and administrators

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azgrown

• Hubbard Family Swim School celebrates 20th anniversary • Lawman-turned-teacher schools educators on lockdowns • 5 questions about postpartum care • Mother’s Day reflections

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family time!

• Top May events • Around Arizona • Onstage

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first person Graduation day

raisingarizonakids.com MAY 2018

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dialogue Traditional Day Camping in the Desert

• Ages 3-13 • Full-Day Program • Five Days a Week • 2, 4, 6, or 8 Weeks • 2 Pools On Campus • Middle School Field Trips • Extended Hours Available • Transportation Available • Optional Lunch Program

RAK staff clockwise: Karen Barr (top center), Kate Greene, Kara Morrison, Michèlle-Renée Adams, Shannon Cornall, Brandy Collet, Tina Gerami-Bynum and Liz Petroff.

Camp Dates

June 4th - July 27th

Swimming Archery Tumbling Rock wall Arts & Crafts Dance Gaga Rocketry Game room Team sports

Cooking

Mother’s Day HOPES

& more!

MAY BRINGS LOTS of milestones: the end

Drama/Acting Mini Golf

Located in Paradise Valley

Owner/Director: Karyn Roseman Miller

www.CactusDayCamp.com 480-836-CAMP(2267)

of school, the official start of summer, and a time to celebrate our teachers and our moms. We hear from several moms in this issue — about everything from the need for better postpartum care to the joys and challenges of a being a foster parent to a sweet reflection on how motherhood can draw us closer to our own moms.

For fun, I surveyed our busy little staff about their Mother’s Day memories and wishes. Calendar Editor Liz Petroff was the winner for most memorable Mother’s Day gift ever.

“The best Mother’s Day gift I’ve received is a house!” she says, adding Mother’s Day was also moving day for her family in 2015.

“We moved into our forever home in a neighborhood we had been dreaming about for years. The weekend was a whirlwind, and I don’t remember much. There was no brunch that year, and certainly no flowers. (Who knew where the vases were packed!) But I do remember the gratitude I felt for my mom and my mother-in-law, who graciously spent their Mother’s Day unpacking my kitchen, making beds in the kids rooms and organizing linen closets. No Mother’s Day will match that one!”

The rest of us had more humble recollections and hopes. “I would love having someone clean for me, while I take a nap!”

Sales Rep Kate Greene quipped. I couldn’t relate more! Brandy Collet, our new associate publisher (formerly our sales and marketing

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manager), has another great idea for the day: “Going out for breakfast, a hike with the family and maybe a lazy afternoon movie on the couch sounds like a great day to me,” she shares. Ditto!

Copy Editor Debra Citron, who writes about the cool (and STEM/STEAM-worthy) world of pop-up books this month, adds her idea of a terrific Mother’s Day was always “sweet homemade cards and escaping to a bookstore late in the day.”

We’re pretty practical about holidays at my house, so I took the liberty of ordering my Mother’s Day gift: having my daughter’s preschool artwork bound into one contained, displayable book. And after reading writer Sheri Smith’s thoughts on the eve of her son’s high-school graduation, I think I’ll hug my baby girl a little tighter this Mother’s Day and try not to tear up too much at the fact that she’s practically on her way out the door as a kindergarten graduate. It truly felt like a whirlwind (but fantastic) first school year.

However you celebrate this month, we hope you and your family have sweet May memories and a beautiful Mother’s Day.

Kara G. Morrison, Editor kara@RAKmagazine.com

about the cover location: FAIRMONT SCOTTSDALE PRINCESS May 2018 | Vol 29 | No 3 Publisher Karen Davis Barr Associate Publisher Brandy Collet Editor Kara G. Morrison Calendar Editor Liz Petroff Copy Editor Debra Citron Contributors Margaret Beardsley, Debra Citron, Lexi Peterson, Liz Petroff, Sheri Smith, Maggie Zehring Art Director Michèlle-Renée Adams Photographer Allen Patrou Operations Manager Tina Gerami-Bynum Sales & Circulation Brandy Collet Sales Representatives Shannon Cornall, Kate Greene

Contact Us: editorial@RAKmagazine.com familytime@RAKmagazine.com advertising@RAKmagazine.com subscriptions@RAKmagazine.com 5229 N. Seventh Ave. #102 Phoenix, AZ 85013-1974 P: 480–991–KIDS (5437) • F: 480–991–5460 raisingarizonakids.com

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R aising A rizona K ids magazine (ISSN 1051-4295) was created to connect Valley families to local resources and share real-life stories about the challenges and joys of raising children. Copy­right © 2018 by R aising A rizona K ids, Inc. All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or part without written permission is prohibited. Subscription price is $12 for one year or $18 for two years. Back issues are $6 per copy.

The Post Office will not automatically forward in the event of a move. Make address changes on our website or mail changes to our office. Original, locally generated articles, illustrations and photographs are welcome. Guide­lines are avail­able at raisingarizonakids.com.

BEST. SUMMER. EVER. at the FAIRMONT SCOTTSDALE PRINCESS

WHAT’S YOUR FAVORITE SUMMER MEMORY? Ours include ice cream cones and cannonballs, favorite songs, sunshine, sandcastles and spending time with family. This month, we’re featuring the Fairmont Scottsdale Princess — a premier staycation destination for Arizona families from Memorial Day through Labor Day. The AAA Five Diamond play-cation paradise is the perfect place for lifelong memories.

Here, summer weekends mean cool rides down waterslides and wiggling toes on white sand, plus dive-in movies, Techno Glo pool parties, virtual reality roller coasters, swimming with mermaids and (catch-and-release) fishing derbies at the lagoon with Ranger Rick. Most activities are complimentary for overnight guests.

Upon arrival, families will meet Bixby and Gibbs, the resort’s loving, lobby canine ambassadors, and kids will get a Summer at the Princess ball cap at the children’s check-in desk. Pools are the place to be here, and the Princess has six, including the newest and largest Sunset Beach featuring games with the Fairmont Funergy team.

After dinner at the resort’s top-rated Bourbon Steak, La Hacienda, Toro Latin Restaurant & Rum Bar or Ironwood American Kitchen, fireworks will light up the sky on Saturday evenings and on Memorial Day, 4th of July and Labor Day weekends, which offer an even greater line-up of festivities.

“Best. Summer. Ever.” vacation packages (May 28 through Sept. 4) start at $179 and include a $50 resort credit and complimentary photo session with the Princess’s Instagram Concierge. 480-585-4848 or scottsdaleprincess.com raisingarizonakids.com MAY 2018

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ages & stages

UTAH PASSES FIRST

ANDREY MOISSEYEV

BULLYRAADR.COM

FREE-RANGE PARENTING LAW

THIS SPRING, Utah Gov. Gary Herbert signed a bill passed unanimously by the state legislature that exempts parents from child neglect charges for letting a child “of sufficient age and maturity” walk, run or bike to and from school or recreational facilities by themselves or to play outside or remain home unattended.

Mom, author and activist Lenore Skenazy was credited with coining the phrase “freerange parenting” in 2008 after letting her 9-year-old son (at his urging) successfully test his independence by dropping him off in New York City and letting him find his way to his home in Queens via public transportation. Proponents of the bill say it encourages healthy independence and confidence and teaches responsibility, while critics worry it dismisses child safety concerns.

ST. JOE’S OFFERS

BABYSITTING TRAINING FOR TWEENS AND TEENS

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ISTOCK

DOES YOUR TWEEN or teen want to earn money babysitting? St. Joseph’s Hospital and Medical Center offers a monthly Babysitter Training Class for ages 11 and up that teaches proper care for infants and children, including safety and accident prevention, emergency decision-making, working well with parents, activity planning, and basic first aid and CPR. The course is taught by certified CPR and babysitter instructors from the United Phoenix Fire Fighters Association. Participants earn an American Safety and Health Institute card and certificate.

Classes cost $40 and are available from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m on Saturdays, May 5 and June 2 in the hospital’s Dining Room A, 350 W. Thomas Road in Phoenix. Register online at dignityhealth.org.

NEW APP HELPS ADDRESS BULLYING ON SCHOOL CAMPUSES STUDENTS AT 10 VALLEY schools are using a new mobile app called BullyRAADR as a safe place to report school issues such as bullying or threats. The app (available for Apple and Android devices) is used by students in conjunction with school administrators to monitor and alert staff to problems on campus — from bullying to drugs, gangs, weapons or suicide concerns — or even to report positive things with the hashtag #caughtyoubeinggood.

The app is introduced to students and staff by motivational speakers and slam-dunk basketball performers Gary Smith and Kenny Dobbs of the Dare2Dream Foundation. Smith and Dobbs are co-founders of the app with Jacob DiMartino, CEO of RAADR, a Phoenix-based a technology and software development company that monitors cyberbullying and social media.

“Once our platform is implemented by the staff, students can then download the BullyRAADR app for free and begin acting as the eyes and ears on campus,” Dobbs said, adding at their high-energy school assembly at Arizona Charter Academy in Surprise, he and Smith challenged the students and staff to join together with the mission of creating a “#NoBullyDistrict.”

Schools interested in booking an anti-bullying school assembly or want to know more about the app can contact Dobbs at 602-710-8242 or azuprise@gmail.com. Dobbs says the app costs schools $499 per year but comes with Dave & Buster fundraising opportunities that can potentially cover a school’s costs. bullyraadr.com

ram g o r P g in d a e R r e Summ y! l u J & e n u J Rockin’ ak /r

read20az.com

Maricopa County READS

raisingarizonakids.com MAY 2018

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az grown water safety

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tips for starting swim lessons:

1. START YOUNG. Classes can start at age 2 months, when parents get in the water with their infants and learn teaching skills from the instructor.

2. DON’T WAIT. It’s important to work on swim skills year-round. Classes can book up in the spring as parents think about getting kids ready for summer.

3. ANYONE CAN SWIM. Kathy Hubbard and her staff love working with children of all abilities and with special needs and celebrating their successes.

HUBBARD FAMILY SWIM SCHOOL celebrates 20 years in the Valley

By Kara G. Morrison TWO DECADES AGO, with five kids and one grandmother in tow, Bob and Kathy Hubbard took a road trip down the California coast, visiting every swim school along the way and asking lots of questions.

The couple had already built a strong swim and camp program at Phoenix Swim Club, where Bob was director. They officially started Hubbard Family Swim School in 1998. Bob remembers riding his bicycle to apartment complexes and private pools that year, teaching all the swim lessons he could to help finance their dream.

Believe it or not, an indoor swim school for young kids was considered a risky business plan.

It took a lot of convincing to get a lease at 32nd Street and Thunderbird in Phoenix — plus a $15,000 bond, repayable if/when the Hubbards failed and the owner had to fill in the pool.

“We kind of rolled the dice,” Bob recalls about that original spot, which opened in October 1999. They opened satellites in Peoria in 2007 and Mesa in 2010 and have another expansion planned (details TBA). They also host Hubbard Summer Sports Camp at four locations around the Valley.

Did we mention they did all this while raising eight kids?

“Our kids were all working in the program

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— all athletes,” Bob says, adding his teenagers were a little mortified at having to answer their home phone with “Hubbard Swim School” that first year. Today, five family members are involved in the business that teaches swim lessons and water safety to ages 12 and younger. The Hubbards will celebrate the arrival of their 21st grandchild this spring, and they are nowhere near slowing down.

They can’t talk enough about the benefits of early swimming. International studies (including an Australian University study Hubbard Swim participated in) have found kids under age 3 who take swim lessons have better cognitive, social and emotional skills. Of course, water safety is a huge reason they started the school.

A competitive college swimmer who qualified for the 1968 Olympic Trials, Kathy is a proud pioneer of baby swim classes, which start as early as 2 months when infants get in the pool with a parent. (With a $25 membership at Hubbard, families can take free “Baby Splash” classes up to age 6 months.) She also delights in celebrating kids of all abilities.

Children with all types of special needs swim here; many classes are mainstreamed.

“From day one we traveled and asked questions,” says Kathy, adding that will never stop. She and Bob are invited often to speak

4. COMMIT. Having a child who is confident in the water can keep them safer, and some studies say it makes them smarter. So stop stalling. “You can get anywhere once a week for 30 minutes,” Kathy Hubbard says.

5. BLITZ. Because parents love it, Hubbard offers Blitz Lessons this time of year. It’s a fast-track program with four, 30-minutes lessons on consecutive days.

LEARN MORE at 602-971-4044 or hubbardswim.com

internationally, and they always take the opportunity to compare notes with colleagues around the globe. In October, the U.S. Swim School Association surprised the Hubbards with its first ever Lifetime Achievement Award.

A former ocean lifeguard who studied psychology and worked as a lawyer before finding this calling, Bob says their staff, instructors and leadership team are a source of pride. Hubbard Family Swim School employs more than 100; 40 are full time. Kids they’ve taught number in the thousands; about 20 current instructors are former students.

“I love the fact that we created a company that employs so many awesome people,” he says.

Kara G. Morrison is the editor of Raising Arizona Kids and the mother of Sofia (5). Reach her at kara@ rakmagazine.com.

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raisingarizonakids.com MAY 2018

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az grown education

47 SECONDS Lawman-turned-teacher

schools educators on lockdowns

By Margaret Beardsley

“Forty-Seven Seconds: Educating the Educators in School Safety” by Mark Williams is available at Changing Hands bookstores and amazon. com, markjwilliams.com or fortysevensecondsusa.com

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FORTY ¯ SEVEN SECONDS : That’s how long Mark Williams says it would take him to secure his classroom from an intruder at Central High School in Phoenix.

Williams should know. He’s the man the Phoenix Union High School District turns to for training about lockdown situations.

The former police-officer-turned-teacher is chairman of Central High’s English department, but lately he has also been busy answering questions and hosting seminars for local teachers on “what they need to know and do during a very bad day.”

“There’s going to be a shooting this week, and there’s going to be a shooting next week, no doubt,” laments Williams, acknowledging the seemingly endless cycle of school shootings across the country. “What is important is to have a plan. There are some [Arizona] schools that to this day do not train.”

“Forty-Seven Seconds” is also the title of Williams’ book. Published last year, it outlines the steps not just educators but everyone should take in the event of an emergency. Williams’ most recent seminar, at Camelback High

School, was held soon after the Parkland, Florida shooting in which a 19-year-old former student armed with an assault rifle killed 17 teens and adults.

Some of the teachers at his seminar hadn’t thought about a lockdown plan. “I can guarantee after that meeting I had 200 people with a plan,” Williams says. “You do not want to be trying to come up with a plan when your heart rate is 180 (beats per minute).”

A former special agent with the Arizona Attorney General’s office, Williams says it’s also every parent’s responsibility to know if their child’s classroom has an emergency plan. He urges parents to talk to school administrators if their child’s school lacks a plan or lockdown training.

The Arizona Department of Education has guidelines and requirements for schools to do lockdown training. Proactive school administrators are working to make campuses less vulnerable. In Williams’ district, for example, new locks are being installed so teachers can secure their classrooms from the inside. Schools are also working to minimize

entry points and secure front offices.

Communication with children is important, too.

“Make the time to talk to your kids and ask questions,” Williams adds. “My daughter has three small kids, and she just talks straight.

She says, ‘Sometimes there are bad people who want to hurt people for no reason. There’s very little chance they would come to your school, but there might be a time you need to hide and be quiet like a mouse, and you need to listen to your teacher.’ ” Williams urges tailoring conversations to your child’s age. The subject may prompt tough questions, but the effort to answer children honestly and age-appropriately can make a difference. “I would suggest not to make it a game, but talk straight,” he adds.

For teachers, Williams says the first step is to secure the classroom. Then, he says, “You want your kids to get small and get quiet. A lot of these people, a lot of these active shooters, are wired and have hyper [sensitive] hearing, so to elementary kids you want to say, ‘Be quiet like a church mouse!’ I tell my high school kids, ‘You want to make this place look like no one lives here.’ ” How does Williams feel about proposals to arm teachers? He can’t get behind it, for reasons including liability and the possibility of harming innocent bystanders.

“You are going to pay for these people to carry, you are going to pay for a $5 million insurance policy, because that individual, I can guarantee you, will be sued by either the suspect’s family or by the people he shoots accidentally,” he says.

Williams urges educators to have a backup plan once their classrooms are quiet and secure.

Ask: Is there a way to get students out of a dangerous situation?

In his own case, Williams keeps a 40-foot rope coiled next to his desk that he could lower to the ground from his second-story classroom in the event he needed to get his kids out fast.

He admits he used to get teased about that rope. Today, no one is laughing.

NEW WAY

ACADEMY

INSPIRING STUDENTS SINCE 1968

Margaret Beardsley of Phoenix is a staff writer and former television news executive producer. She is the mother of two adult children.

raisingarizonakids.com MAY 2018

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az grown motherhood

Blaire with her children from left: Joe (8), Rosie (3) being held by Tommy (11), Grace (19 months), Maggie (9) and Will (6).

IT TAKES A VILLAGE TO CREATE A MOM 5 questions for Blaire Hinks

By Liz Petroff BLAIRE HINKS of Phoenix has six children.

She’s a certified lactation consultant, postpartum doula and babywearing instructor.

She’s also a special needs program director at Hubbard Swim School.

In January, she launched Lille Landsby, a postpartum service to help new mothers with everything from breastfeeding to simply understanding that the physical and mental transition to motherhood takes time and support. The name is is Danish for “little village,” representing the common wisdom that “it takes a village” to care for a new mother, baby and family.

Earlier this spring, she participated in the first annual 4th Trimester Arizona conference in Mesa, which drew more than 300 attendees and 50 local organizations.

Why do we need better postpartum care and support? We are the only first-world country that does not provide postpartum care

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as part of the healthcare system. In Germany and the Netherlands, a midwife or postpartum care specialist visits a new mom at her home every day for the first two weeks to take care of mom and baby and help around the house.

England provides a similar system for up to two months. France provides in-home nurse visits as often as needed and also subsidizes childcare.

Over the years, I’ve learned there is a disconnect in America. A woman who gives birth is typically discharged from the hospital within 48 hours. The next time the new mother is seen by a provider is at six weeks.

Those six weeks are the most important emotionally and physically. Nursing, sleeping, newborn care — on top of household chores — are huge adjustments for the new family.

Are more women demanding better postpartum care? There is definitely a growing recognition that postpartum care is needed. I visited a local OB-GYN office and

met with a doctor who said postpartum care is the missing link in our healthcare system.

We were brainstorming how to get insurance companies on board. That’s one of the reasons some women won’t or don’t reach out — lack of knowledge of the need for postpartum care and lack of funds. We over prepare on birth education. We barely prepare for the postpartum and baby stages. Our society breeds the mentality that asking for help is a sign of weakness. A client of mine yesterday said she feels selfish asking for help.

What got you interested in postpartum care service? I remember coming home with my first baby and knowing that I loved him, but I was scared to death of him. My birth plan didn’t go as planned, and I felt like a failure.

That transition hit me hard. My second baby was born with Down syndrome. I was on bed rest for the last 14 weeks of my pregnancy, and she was in the NICU for three weeks.

Lexi Peterson holds her son Jack for the first time.

That transition from one to two babies was a struggle on its own. Each transition of adding a new baby had a learning curve.

Recovery from birth in itself was one thing, but having to “get up and go” quickly was another. It came with its struggles and successes. It’s funny, because first-time moms are blissfully ignorant of the postpartum experience. A lot of first-time moms who call me do so about a week or two postpartum. The second-time moms are the ones who call me before birth. They know that they struggled and have accepted that it’s OK to ask for help.

What are the biggest challenges for new moms after childbirth? Breastfeeding, hormonal changes and lack of sleep. Leaving the hospital before their milk is in. Mom and dad are exhausted. The baby may be fussy.

Mom may fear she’s not making enough milk or that the baby is struggling to latch. Some moms leave the hospital without having baby evaluated for tongue tie. A lot of moms are surprised to realize infants eat around the clock. They also are unaware that babies go through growth/hunger spurts, eating “what feels like” every five minutes.

Not everyone has grandmas or families that can stay for an extended amount of time to assist with mom and new baby. We reiterate that independence and perfection do not have to be achieved from the second the baby arrives.

What needs to change about the way the “fourth trimester” of pregnancy is treated? I want to change the question people ask when they see a new mom with a baby — from, “Oh, you look great!” to “How is your transition into motherhood going?” I want to change the expectation that a new mom has to “bounce back.” It takes time to for a woman to heal, and it’s OK if it takes time for motherhood to click.

We believe you should not just survive the fourth trimester, you should thrive!

Calendar Editor Liz Petroff of Phoenix is the mother of Jack (10) and Lucy (8). Blaire Hinks’ comments have been edited for brevity and clarity.

Mother’s Day reflections

By Lexi Peterson

IN 2013, I was pacing in my bedroom, willing my body to stop. I looked at the clock: 10 a.m. It had officially been 28 hours since I’d slept. I did the only thing I could think to do. I called my mom.

“I don’t know what’s going on. Every few minutes I just have this extreme pressure.

Horrible cramping. But he’s not supposed to be here for another month!”

“Oh, honey,” she said, “That’s labor.

You’re in labor.”

I was 23, a first-time mom-to-be, and I was terrified. When my water broke in my kitchen an hour later, I realized, like most of the times in my life, my mom was right.

My mom and I have always had a close bond. I’ve always looked to her as a baseline for strength, beauty, consistency and grace under pressure. She blessed my childhood with the constant reminder that she would always be in my corner. That bond only intensified the moment I gave birth to my son.

An hour and a half passed between the moment I stood, dumbfounded, in my kitchen to holding my perfect baby boy.

My mom quietly led everyone out of the delivery room to give my new little family some alone time.

The nurses came back in to check on my tiny baby. After listening to his lungs, and exchanging nervous glances, they explained

they needed to take my boy to the NICU. He was OK; he was just so early that he needed some assistance. His father squeezed my hand and followed them.

Looking back, we were so lucky. My son only needed to spend a few hours in the NICU. We were able to leave together two days later. But, at that moment, when they took my baby out of my arms, I felt as though my heart was literally being ripped from my body.

When my mom came back to check on us, she found her firstborn sobbing alone. In one look at her, I saw in her face every new raw and wild emotion I was feeling.

A few years into motherhood, I understand my mom in a way that wasn’t possible before. I understand the fear in her face when she saw my empty arms that day. I understand the instant surge of fierce protection she felt. I understand more than ever the sacrifices she made and the countless sleepless hours she spent.

This Mother’s Day, I am grateful to the woman who taught me how to be a mom.

Lexi Peterson of Gilbert is the mother of Jack (4) and Tucker (2).

raisingarizonakids.com MAY 2018

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A YEAR AS A FOSTER PARENT

By Maggie Zehring Photos courtesy of the Zehring family

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“HI! IT’S NICE TO MEET YOU,” I respond a bit forcefully. It feels like the millionth time I’ve heard the same question: “Are all of these children yours?”

We’re at the public library, and my double stroller has tricked another passerby. When you walk toward me and take in the scene, you see one of my children sitting in the front and another either holding my hand or hanging onto the stroller, walking beside me. It’s only from the side that you see the additional seat.

I have three boys under the age of 2. They were born eight months apart. They are all mine, but they are not completely mine. I am a foster parent to one of these precious boys.

All three have fair features and blue eyes, causing 99 percent of the population to do double takes as they try to ascertain the boys’ ages and their relationship to one another and to me. So when I’m repeatedly asked about my boys, I try to take a deep breath, smile and speak kindly.

During my first year as a foster parent, I have learned that foster care is all about deep breaths and being kind.

CHOOSING FOSTER CARE In 2012, before I ever could have predicted I would be mothering three babies within such a short amount of time, I was starting my first job after college. Nick (now my husband) and I were dating. This was the year I learned about Arizona’s foster care crisis.

I remember reading about more than 20,000 Arizona kids who were then living without permanent homes. I felt like the rose-colored glasses of my youth had been ripped off and thrown in the trash. I wasn’t a child anymore. I wasn’t even in college. I was a full-time working professional, paying taxes, paying bills. Being a mother felt closer to a possibility than it ever had before, so in my mind, these children were no longer someone else’s problem.

As Nick and I looked forward to a life together, it was a no-brainer that we would become a

family that somehow helped care for these children. We married in 2013 and welcomed our son, Zeke, in the spring of 2016.

Shortly after Zeke was born, we heard a sermon at church about service and using our talents for the good of those around us. For us, it was a direct and clear calling for us to start the process to be foster parents. It’s hard to explain how you can just know what you’re supposed to do, or that God is really talking directly to you, but we just knew.

When Zeke was 6 months old, we started foster-care training. We found out we were pregnant again as we finished our two-month training course. By the time we were licensed, Zeke was a few days past his first birthday, and I was four months pregnant.

This was all intentional. When we filed for our license, we told the state we were able to take one child between the ages of 6 weeks and our son’s age. We wanted to honor the birth order of our family so we could accommodate — if things moved in that direction — the adoption of any child who entered our home.

Nick and I recognize the incredible privilege we experience in our daily lives. We are loved and supported by family near and far.

We have a close community of friends who care for us and cheer us on.

As we measured the challenges of foster care, we saw more and more reasons to say yes as young parents. We wanted our children to be close in age, and we wanted to pursue what we felt was a calling to bring love, support and compassion to children in need in our community. We felt called to be a light to everyone involved in each case we’d be assigned.

Choosing foster care was an intentional decision that has forever changed our family’s path.

THE FIRST SIX WEEKS Just a week after getting our license, a 4-month-old baby boy came to us on a work night, just two hours after a state volunteer called to ask if we would take him. Everything we knew about this baby was shared in a fiveminute conversation in our living room. The caseworker came with one piece of paper, a sleeping baby and a sack of donated baby items.

She left with an empty car seat.

The first weeks looked like this: working alongside daycare providers to help implement

a proper sleeping regimen; limiting exposure to additional family members and friends; holding the child and wearing him in a baby carrier as often as possible to encourage healthy physical touch; communicating our efforts and findings through a notebook shared during parent visits with the biological family; and documenting all of our experiences in weekly reports to the Arizona Department of Child Safety caseworker assigned to our case.

When any child is separated from his or her biological family, that child experiences a traumatic event. This is often in addition to experiencing a catastrophic trauma or a series of smaller, aching traumas while in the care of their biological family. These experiences can inhibit proper bonding and attachment to caretakers and trusted adults.

With each milestone, we made the effort to celebrate and communicate with his biological family. This simply felt like the natural thing to do. His family should know if he is sick, if he tries a new food or how he is sleeping. And whatever the eventual outcome — whether he is reunified with his family or parental rights are severed and we adopt him — that open line of communication will serve him well. We are his parents right now, but his biological family is forever his biological family. That is something to respect.

We’ve been fortunate to witness a true blooming of this boy’s personality in our home. The bridge between infancy and toddlerhood is a precious time when someone grows from helpless baby to a little person with a lot of personality.

WE’VE BEEN FORTUNATE

TO WITNESS A TRUE BLOOMING OF THIS BOY’S PERSONALITY IN OUR HOME. Our job as foster parents is to model proper bonding and attachment and help nourish a sense of trust. If the child is later reunified with his or her biological family, these bonding and attachment skills can make the transition easier.

For 70 percent of children in Arizona’s foster care system, neglect — not abuse — is a primary reason for removal from their home.

Despite what many people may think, biological families in the foster care system love their children. Instability, addiction, poor socioeconomic situations and lack of community can set many parents up for failure. We entered foster care determined to serve and love both the child and his or her biological family.

LONG-TERM CO-PARENTING, BUILDING MEMORIES As the weeks wore on, this little man became more in tune with our habits and schedule and we adapted to his specific needs.

We saw vast improvements in his health and well-being, and leaps of progress in communication and warmth between us and his biological family.

Since we never know how long he’ll be with us, we make every effort to soak up the time. We call him “son” and he calls us “mama” and “dada.” These normal expressions of healthy parenting can help reverse (in small ways) the scars of trauma and rebuild an appropriate understanding of love, security and attachment to family.

So what do I conclude about my first year as a foster parent? It looks like typical parenting, but with enhanced intention. It involves talking about our child’s biological mom and having pictures of the two of them in our home. It means sleepless nights, hard conversations and leaning on an incredible army of family and friends. It requires lots of deep breaths and confronting challenge with kindness. It means just being a normal family with three rambunctious boys.

Maggie Zehring of Scottsdale is a full-time mom to three boys and a part-time everything else.

When the boys nap, she sneaks in tons of writing, baking, Instagramming (@pragmatic. maggie) and laundry. raisingarizonakids.com MAY 2018

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POP-UPS A “movable” feast of deliciously dazzling books

By Debra Citron

EVERY GOOD BOOK is a gift. All you have to do is open it and enjoy. But like Forrest Gump’s box of chocolates, it’s also a surprise: “You never know what you’re gonna get.”

You may find truth or beauty or warmth or laughter or all those things together, but in a way you didn’t expect.

Sometimes, that surprise involves physics and getting physical. Welcome to the wonderful world of movable books, a genre that includes three- and fourdimensional interactive books specially designed and assembled to delight and enlighten. These books tempt you to press, pull, push, pat and poke. They tease you to fan, lift, slide, spin and shuffle. They feed your sense of wonder.

Movables are made in several different ways — with pop-outs, pop-ups, transformations, tunnels, flaps, volvelles, pull-tabs and pull-downs — and most books combine them for maximum impact.

Pop-ups are the most eye-catching movable creations; complex origami-like sculptures that are engineered to unfold — often spectacularly — and refold as a book’s pages are turned. Movables come in all sizes, have fewer pages than a regular book and need extra care and supervision when in smaller hands.

Movable features are the special effects of the print world. They are created by artists, often working with paper engineers, and they seem very high tech. In reality, they’ve been around for nearly 800 years and are still made mostly by hand.

The first known movable book was whipped up by monks around 1240, using a volvelle (concentric, independently maneuverable rings of paper secured by a grommet) to determine holy days. Later, lift-the-flaps drawing books were used to teach anatomy to aspiring physicians. It wasn’t until the very late 1700s that movable books were made especially for children. Over the years, new techniques and innovative presentations have continued to increase their wow factor.

Photographs, and even YouTube videos, do not do justice to these books.

Like any work of art that appeals to the senses, they must be experienced in person. Happily, there is a smorgasbord of fiction and non-fiction available for anyone hungry for these treats.

But rather than name all the dishes, it might be easier to start with shout-outs to the top chefs who created much of this visual banquet. They each have their own remarkable specialties. I’ve listed just a few of their amazing titles, all guaranteed to satisfy any child’s pop-up cravings.

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Robert Sabuda is called the “Prince of Pop-up Books.” Both innovative and old-school, his 4-D designs are like marvelously engineered magic tricks. He calls himself “an illusionist.”

• “Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland: A Pop-Up Adaptation” • “Beauty and the Beast: A Pop-up Book of the Classic Fairy Tale” • “The Dragon and the Knight” • “The Little Mermaid” • “Peter Pan” • “The Wonderful Wizard of Oz: Pop-Up”

Anouck Boisrobert and Louis Rigaud collaborate to make awardwinning pop-ups that show the growth of a village through time, chase a windblown hat through a city, and take a sailboat on an underwater tour of the world’s oceans in: “Popville,” “That’s My Hat!” and “Under the Ocean.”

Philippe Ug is a French artist whose gorgeous 3-D birds, flowers and geometrics nearly leap off the pages: “Funny Birds,” “In the Butterfly Garden” and “Robots: Watch Out, Water About!”

Ray Marshall designed these pop-ups to be left out on display: “Paper Blossoms: A Book of Beautiful Bouquets for the Table” and “Paper Blossoms, Butterflies and Birds: A Book of Beautiful Bouquets for the Table.”

David A. Carter is known for his wild imagination and zany sense of humor as well as his ability to encourage readers’ interest in art concepts. His “Bugs” series has 25-plus volumes! Look for: • “Alpha Bugs”

Kelli Anderson: “This Book is a Planetarium: And Other Extraordinary Pop-Up Contraptions” Anderson has created something — actually six scientific somethings — all functional, that you have to see to believe. Stunning.

• “Autumn: A Pop-Up Book” • “Bugs in a Box” • “Five Cars Stuck and One Big Truck: A Pop-Up Road Trip” • “I Love You: A Pop-Up Book” • “One Red Dot” • “600 Black Spots”

Marion Bataille: “ABC3D” A French graphic artist and illustrator, Bataille has produced a mindbending interactive 3-D alphabet book in which the letters move and transform themselves.

Matthew C. Reinhart is the pop culture pop-up guy. One of his “Star Wars” pop-ups was described by the New York Times like this: “Calling this sophisticated piece of engineering a ‘pop-up book’ is like calling the Great Wall of China a partition.”

Harry Potter fans will like “Harry Potter: A Pop-Up Guide to Hogwarts,” to be released this fall.

Jennie Maizels is the best-selling English illustrator who performs miracles with the human body, buildings, and the Bard in:

• “Disney Princess: A Magical Pop-Up World”

• “Pop-Up New York”

• “Encyclopedia Prehistorica Dinosaurs: The Definitive Pop-Up” (with Robert Sabuda) • “Frozen: A Pop-Up Adventure”

MAKE YOUR OWN

movable books or cards by visiting raisingarizonakids.com/make-yourown-movable-books-or-cards

• “LEGO Pop-up: A Journey Through the LEGO Universe” • “Mommy?” (with Arthur Yorinks and Maurice Sendak)

• “My Pop-Up Body Book” • “Pop-Up London” • “Pop-Up Shakespeare: Every Play and Poem in Pop-Up 3-D” (with the Reduced Shakespeare Co.) Debra Citron of Phoenix is a writer and lifelong supporter of children’s literature and literacy.

• “Star Wars: A Pop-Up Guide to the Galaxy”

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Dad and daughter play with the peg light board in the Wee Design section of ArtVille at the i.d.e.a. Museum in Mesa.

EXPLORE | DISCOVER | LEARN

Favorite family-friendly (and summer-friendly!)

VALLEY MUSEUMS and ART GALLERIES 16

MAY 2018 raisingarizonakids.com

MAY IS A GREAT MONTH to reconnect with the wealth of museums in greater Phoenix.

Museum visits prompt inspiration and perspective in kids and adults alike. Plus, May 18 is International Museums Day, where many local museums offer discounted admission and other perks. And the Blue Star Museums program officially kicks off at the end of the month.

A collaboration among the National Endowment for the Arts, Blue Star Families, the Department of Defense and museums across America, Blue Star Museums offer free admission to active-duty military personnel and their families (including National Guard and Reserve) from Memorial Day through Labor Day. So get out and explore! We’ve updated these listings to reflect summer programming available as of press time. Because programs and policies can change without notice, please call ahead to verify hours and prices before heading out in the heat.

ď‚Ť

Arizona Capitol Museum 1700 W. Washington St., Phoenix 602-926-3620 • azlibrary.gov/azcm Four floors and more than 20 exhibits describe Arizona government past and present. See the Arizona flag created from 113,998 Lego bricks (one for each square mile in the state). Trace Arizona government from territorial times to statehood and beyond. Explore the Capitol Mall and Wesley Bolin Plaza monuments. 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday-Friday (all year), 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturdays (September through May only); closed on state holidays. Free; donations welcome.

I.D.E.A. MUSEUM

The Arizona Commemorative Air Force Museum 2017 N. Greenfield Road, Mesa 480-924-1940 • azcaf.org Climb aboard real World War II bombers and cargo planes. Visit a working hangar and hear the engines roar. Book ahead and you can even take to the skies in a vintage aircraft. 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. daily except Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year’s Day. $15; $5 ages 5-12; free for ages 4 and younger.

Arizona Doll and Toy Museum 5847 W. Myrtle Ave., Glendale 623-939-6186 arizonadollandtoymuseum.com Antique and collector dolls, miniature metal vehicles, model train cars, Star Wars figures, nesting dolls and dollhouses. Highlight is a replica of a one-room schoolhouse from more than a century ago. 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. TuesdaySaturday. $5; $2 for children.

 Arizona Heritage Center

at Papago Park 1300 N. College Ave.,Tempe 480-929-0292 arizonahistoricalsociety.org/museums/ tempe/ Explore Arizona’s history in Centennial Museum, which takes you from western frontier days to war times and the post-war building boom. Learn how water makes life possible in the desert and discover the beauty and variety of Arizona’s vast natural resources. 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday-Thursday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Friday-Saturday, closed on

Sundays. $12; $8 ages 7-17; free for ages 6 and younger.

Arizona Museum of Natural History 53 N. Macdonald, Mesa 480-644-2230 • azmnh.org Exhibits explore Arizona through time: Dinosaur Mountain, Native Peoples of the Past, the Spanish in Arizona, Lost Dutchman’s Mine, Territorial Jail, a goldpanning experience and more. 10 a.m to 5 p.m. Monday-Friday, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Saturday, 1-5 p.m. Sunday. $12; $7 ages 3-12, free for children younger than 3.

THIS SUMMER: Prehistoric Preschool (Tuesdays in June), Roar and Snore with a Dinosaur (June 22).

 Arizona Science Center

600 E. Washington St., Phoenix 602-716-2000 • azscience.org More than 300 hands-on STEM exhibits, an IMAX theater, planetarium, SkyCycle and CREATE Makerspace. Permanent exhibits focus on the body (how it works and functions), the science of flight, forces of nature, the brain, financial literacy, electricity, digital communication technology, renewable energy and more. 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily except Thanksgiving and Christmas. $18; $13 ages 3-17; free for ages 2 and younger (additional charges for SkyCycle, IMAX and planetarium shows and featured exhibits). THIS MONTH: It’s the last chance to see “Pompeii: The Exhibition,” featuring 200 artifacts excavated from the ancient city preserved by ash from the eruption of Mount Vesuvius in 79 A.D. The exhibit closes May 28 and is appropriate for older children and adults. $7.95-$11.95. NEW: See 20 prize-winning photomicrographs (photographs of microscopic objects) in the Nikon Small World Exhibit Aprill 22-July 20. The images taken through a microscope are not only beautiful, but showcase research and trends in science.

Included with general admission.

ASU Art Museum Nelson Fine Arts Center on ASU’s Tempe campus 51 E. 10th St., Tempe 480-965-2787 • asuartmuseum.asu.edu Offers a variety of free programs each

CA

MP

Summer ofFun! Arizona Museum of Natural History

Have a roaring good time at the Arizona Museum of Natural History Summer camps from preschool to 14 years of age, Roar and Snore, over-night at the Museum Dino-mite birthday parties and more.

For more information visit our website at AzMNH.org “Like” us on Facebook www.facebook.com/azmnh1, and follow us on Twitter and Instagram @AzMNH

PLAY, BE ACTIVE, HAVE FUN!

Our campers laugh, play and unplug all summer long.

KIDS DAY CAMP (AGES 4.5 - 12) TEEN LEADERSHIP CAMP (AGES 13 - 16) 4 VALLEY LOCATIONS Register Now Hubbardsports.com 602.786.6789

May 29 Thru August 3 – 1 Week Sessions Full & Half Day Options Summer Camp

raisingarizonakids.com MAY 2018

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EXPLORE | DISCOVER | LEARN month in conjunction with current exhibitions. Creative Saturdays offer art-making activities guided by museum ambassadors. Family Days (with art stations for children ages 4-12) are scheduled throughout the year. Free. 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesday-Saturday, 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. Thursday (during academic semesters); closed Sunday, Monday and university holidays. THIS SUMMER: July 8 is the next Family Day. Children’s Museum of Phoenix 215 N. 7th St., Phoenix 85034 602-253-0501 childrensmuseumofphoenix.org Hands-on, interactive, learn-by-play exhibits specially designed for ages 10 and younger. Get creative in the Art Studio, build in BlockMania and Building Big areas, watch balls traverse The Grand Ballroom, “shop” at The Market, hide in the Noodle Forest, ride tricycles through a “car wash”, race mini cars, explore the towering Schuff-Perini Climber or relax and read in the Book Loft. 9 a.m. to 4

p.m. Tuesday-Sunday and select Monday holidays. $12; free for infants (under age 1). THIS SUMMER: The museum is open 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. seven days a week during June and July.

Deer Valley Petroglyph Preserve 3711 W. Deer Valley Road, Phoenix 623-582-8007 • shesc.asu.edu/dvpp Formerly known as the Deer Valley Rock Art Center, this archaeology museum and 47-acre Sonoran Desert preserve features the largest concentration of Native American petroglyphs in the greater-Phoenix area.

9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Tuesday-Sunday (last admission to the ¼-mile trail is at 3:45 p.m.). $7; $4 students, $3 ages 6-12, free for ages 5 and younger.

 Desert Caballeros Western

Museum 21 N. Frontier St., Wickenburg 928-684-2272 • westernmuseum.org Art exhibitions and educational programs that preserve the cultural legacy of the West.

Permanent exhibits include works by

Wickenburg High School art students, gem and mineral displays, historical dioramas, American Indian art and artifacts, a smallscale ranch and a life-scale reconstruction of parts of the town as it looked 100 years ago. 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday-Saturday, noon-4 p.m. Sunday; closed Mondays from Memorial Day to Labor Day; closed Independence Day, Labor Day, Thanksgiving Day, Christmas and New Year’s Day. $12; free for ages 17 and younger. THIS MONTH: The museum celebrates Mother’s Day and International Museum day with free admission Sunday, May 13, which is also the last day of the exhibit “Cowgirl Up!,” celebrating women artists of the Southwest.

of duty or been decorated for heroism.

Another gallery explores the history of wildland firefighting in the U.S. 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday-Saturday, noon-4 p.m.

Sunday. $7; $5 for ages 6-17, $2 for ages 3-5, free for ages 2 and younger.

Hall of Flame Museum of Firefighting 6101 E. Van Buren, Phoenix 602-275-3473 • hallofflame.org More than 90 restored pieces of fire apparatus dating from 1725-1969 originating in America, England, France, Austria, Germany and Japan. The National Firefighting Hall of Heroes honors firefighters who have died in the line

Friday, noon-4 p.m. Tuesday-Thursday, 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday (September through May). THIS SUMMER: Summer hours begin Memorial Day: 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday-Friday, 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Saturday. Closed July 4, Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day. $5; free for ages 3 and younger.

May 29. The date that could save the day.

May 29 is National 529 College Savings Day. Download a college savings planner today at AZ529.gov and explore how to best save for your child’s education, or even your own. College will be here before you know it. Make sure the money is, too.

Download your FREE College Savings Planner at AZ529.gov

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MAY 2018 raisingarizonakids.com

Halle Heart Children’s Museum 2929 S. 48th St., Tempe 602-414-2800 halleheartchildrensmuseum.org The American Heart Association’s only cardiovascular learning facility in the nation. Exhibits and interactive activities focus on eating a balanced diet, getting enough physical activity and saying “no” to tobacco. 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday and

EXPLORE | DISCOVER | LEARN HD South: Home of the Gilbert Historical Museum 10 S. Gilbert Road, Gilbert 480-926-1577 • hdsouth.org Thousands of artifacts displayed in themed rooms recreate life in early Gilbert. The museum site is the original Gilbert Elementary School, built in 1913. Find vintage farm equipment in the courtyard. 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. TuesdaySaturday; closed Sunday, Monday and holidays. $6; $3 ages 5-12; free to ages 4 and younger.

 Heard Museum

2301 N. Central Ave., Phoenix 602-252-8848 • heard.org Celebrates traditional and contemporary American Indian arts and cultures.

Includes hands-on interactive art experiences for children that reflect themes in permanent and traveling exhibitions. 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Monday-Saturday, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Sunday; closed Easter Sunday, July 4, Thanksgiving and Christmas day. $18;

$7.50 ages 6-17, free for ages 5 and younger. Free general admission during First Fridays (does not include admission to special exhibitions or events).

Historic Sahuaro Ranch 9802 N. 59th Ave., Glendale 623-930-4200 • glendaleaz.com The 17-acre ranch features 13 original historic buildings and structures, a rose garden, barnyard and orchards.

Lush grounds include citrus, figs, date palms, olives, apricots, peaches, pecans and grapes. Visitors will see peacocks, chickens and small animals.

Activities, exhibits and guided tours keep the history of early settlement in the Valley alive. 6 a.m. to sunset. Free. THIS SUMMER: Main House tours are held 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays in June and July.

 i.d.e.a. Museum

150 W. Pepper Place, Mesa 480-644-2468 • ideamuseum.org Art education and creative play designed

to instill a lifelong appreciation for art.

Visitors can build a master project on Rigamajig, design a dream robot in Robot Corner, create with pixels, gears and more in Wee Design and play in Artville, a socks-only space for children from birth through age 4. 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. TuesdayThursday and Saturday, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Friday, noon-4 p.m. Sunday; closed Mondays and most holidays. $9; free for infants younger than 1. THIS SUMMER: May 27 is your last chance to explore the Sonoran Safari exhibit, which offers art and hands-on activities about desert native plants, animals, reptiles and birds.

A new exhibit (TBA) opens June 15.

Musical Instrument Museum 4725 E. Mayo Blvd., Phoenix 480-478-6000 • mim.org More than 6,500 instruments from around the world, classes for kids, concerts, signature cultural events and more. 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily. $20; $15 ages 13-19, $10 ages 4-12, free for children 3 and younger. THIS

SUMMER: Weekend events with music and hands-on family activities include Experience the Mediterranean (June 9-10), Experience Arizona Music (July 14-15), Experience the Caribbean (Aug. 4-5).

 Phoenix Art Museum

1625 N. Central Ave., Phoenix 602-257-1222 • phxart.org American, Asian, European, Latin American, Western American, modern and contemporary art, fashion and photography. To make your visit more meaningful for kids, pick up a Scavenger Hunt card at Visitor Services. 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Wednesday-Saturday; noon-5 p.m.

Sunday; closed Monday. $18; $9 for ages 6-17, free for ages 5 and younger. Free to all from 3-9 p.m. each Wednesday, 6-10 p.m. each First Friday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. each Second Saturday and noon-5 p.m. each Second Sunday. THIS SUMMER: A a new photography exhibit, “To Be 13” opens May 4. Discount Tire Free Family

raisingarizonakids.com MAY 2018

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EXPLORE | DISCOVER | LEARN Weekends are May 12-13 and June 9-10.

 Phoenix Police Museum

101 S. Central Ave. #100, Phoenix 602-534-7278 phoenixpolicemuseum.com Exhibits include a mock-up of an early 1900s police station, a police car, motorcycle, bomb robots, helicopter and 9/11 memorial display. Learn about SWAT training and how technology is used in law enforcement. See some strange-looking breath-testing devices.

Children can try on a real Phoenix Police uniform and get “sworn in” as police officers. 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Monday-Friday; closed on all City of Phoenix holidays.

Free; donations are welcome.

 Pueblo Grande Museum and

Archaeological Park 4619 E. Washington St., Phoenix 602-495-0901 • pueblogrande.com Located on a 1,500-year-old archaeological site left by the Hohokam culture, the museum features a fully accessible 2/3-mile trail through prehistoric ruins with a partially excavated platform mound, ball court and replicated houses. Three indoor galleries display Hohokam artifacts and a children’s hands-on gallery offers activities to help kids understand the science of archaeology. 9 a.m. to 4:45 p.m. Tuesday-Saturday; closed on major holidays and Sundays and Mondays from May through September. $6; $3 ages 6-17, free for ages 5 and younger. THIS SUMMER: Celebrate World Atlatl Day (June 2). Summertime storytelling and crafts on Saturdays June 9-30.

River of Time Museum 12901 N. La Montana Drive, Fountain Hills 480-837-2612 • rotmuseum.org Exhibits explore canal building by the Hohokam, mining, ranching, Salt River Project dams and lakes, the Central Arizona Project and even the Fort McDowell U.S. Army Post established in 1865.

 Rosson House Museum

113 N. Sixth St., Phoenix 602-262-5070 • heritagesquarephx.org A restored Victorian-era home depicting Phoenix life during late territorial times.

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Children ages 4 and up receive an activity backpack to guide exploration of historic rooms and artifacts. 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Wednesday-Saturday; noon-4 p.m. Sunday; closed on holidays. $9; $4 for children. THIS SUMMER: “Plate Expectations” exhibit showcasing elegant Victorian dining will be on display through Oct. 28.

Scottsdale Museum of Contemporary Art 7374 E. Second St., Scottsdale 480-874-4666 • smoca.org A museum dedicated to contemporary art, architecture and design. The SMoCA Young@Art Gallery (seasonal) displays teen artwork from Valley high schools.

Noon-5 p.m. Sunday, Tuesday and Wednesday; noon-9 p.m. ThursdaySaturday; closed Monday and major holidays. $10; $7 students. Free to all on Thursdays and after 5 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays. THIS SUMMER: Free Family Day offers tours and special activities noon-4 p.m. Saturday, June 16.

Shemer Art Center and Museum 5005 E. Camelback Road, Phoenix 602-262-4727 • shemerartcenter.org Traditional and non-traditional works

by Arizona artists. 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Tuesday-Saturday; closed SundayMonday. Free; suggested donation of $7 per person or $10 per couple. Also offers art-instruction classes for adults and children and periodic “Family Fun Night” painting events for all ages.

 Superstition Mountain - Lost

Dutchman Museum 4087 N. Apache Trail, Apache Junction 480-983-4888 superstitionmountainmuseum.org Explores the history (and mystery) of the Lost Dutchman Mine, plus geological exhibits and rock samples from around the area and Native American exhibits dating back 12,000 years. 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. daily except Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year’s Day. $5; free for ages 17 and younger with paid adult.

 Tempe History Museum

809 E. Southern Ave., Tempe 480-350-5100 • tempe.gov/museum

Exhibits feature Tempe history and contemporary life. 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Tuesday-Saturday, 1-5 p.m. Sunday; closed Monday and major holidays. Free; donations are accepted.

Wells Fargo History Museum Wells Fargo Plaza Building 145 W. Adams St., Phoenix 602-378-1852 wellsfargohistory.com/museums/phoenix Exhibits include an authentic 19th century stagecoach, a replica stagecoach children can board, an interactive telegraph and the largest public display of N.C. Wyeth’s western-themed work. 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday-Friday; closed on bank holidays. Free.

Western Spirit - Scottsdale’s Museum of the West 3830 N. Marshall Way, Scottsdale 480-686-9539 scottsdalemuseumwest.org Permanent exhibits feature paintings, sculptures, saddles, spurs and other quintessentially western items.

Photographs feature people past and present who have made contributions to the American West. 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Tuesday-Thursday (May-October) 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday; closed Monday and major holidays. $15; $8 ages 6-17, free for ages 5 and younger. THIS SUMMER: Receive half-off a child’s admission (age 6-17) with the purchase of one adult or senior admission May 25-Sept. 3.

Coming next month

SUMMER SURVIVAL GUIDE

Tips for having fun and staying cool in the desert heat, including indoor playcenters and staycation ideas.

MAY 29 - JULY 27 OVER 200 CAMPS OFFERED! FULL & HALF DAYS! MON - FRI

GRADES 1-12 · BASEBALL · GIRLS SOFTBALL · BOYS & GIRLS BASKETBALL · FOOTBALL · SOCCER · VOLLEYBALL · WRESTLING

AGES 5-14 · FIELD TRIPS · GUEST VISITORS · ACADEMIC ACTIVITIES · INDOOR ACTIVE GAMES · READING · COMPUTERS · CREATIVE WRITING · ART AND MORE!

REGISTER AT TOUCHBASE.SUSD.ORG OR CALL 480.484.7900

raisingarizonakids.com MAY 2018

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family time!

TOP MAY EVENTS

MAY 4: May the Force be with Choo. The Force will be strong at McCormick-Stillman Railroad Park when it celebrates all things Star Wars! Trains and concessions will feature Star Wars themes, intergalactic activities (make your own lightsaber) and photo opps with characters. Come in costume for a chance to win an annual park membership. Raffle prizes also include movie tickets to “Solo: A Star Wars Story” (in theaters May 25) and passes to Phoenix Comic Fest. 4-8 p.m. Free; train and carousel rides $2; ages 2 and younger ride free with a paying adult. 7301 E. Indian Bend Road, Scottsdale. 480-312-2312 or therailroadpark.com

Fantastic Planet (May 4-13) in Downtown Mesa.

By Liz Petroff

May brings a month of celebrations. From Cinco de Mayo to Memorial Day, from moms to teachers, from peaches to birthday cake, the month is jammed-packed with must-do events around the Valley.

NOTE: Because last-minute schedule changes can occur, please confirm dates and times on event websites. Find more extensive day-by-day event listings or submit a calendar item for publication at raisingarizonakids.com/calendar/

APRIL 30 -MAY 6: Children’s Book Week. To celebrate the longest-running literacy initiative in the country, Changing Hands Phoenix and The Newton will feature artwork from local New York Times bestselling illustrators, including Caldecott honor winner Molly Idle (“People Don’t Bite People”), Chris Gall (“The Littlest Train”) and Juana Martinez-Neal (“Alma and How She Got Her Name”). The exhibit will be up through May. More events TBA. changinghands.com

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MAY 4-13: Fantastic Planet. Six gigantic inflatable humanoid figures land in downtown Mesa! Timed to opening night of the American Alliance of Museums Conference, drawing more than 5,000 museum professionals from across the country, this nine-day installation of inflatable sculptures by Australian artist Amanda Parer kicks off Friday, May 4, with a free community celebration. downtownmesa.com

MAY 6:

Cinco de Mario (May 5) at the Scottsdale Civic Center.

CINCO DE MAYO PHOENIX FEST

FACEBOOK.COM/CINCODEMARIO

Cinco de Mayo Phoenix Festival. Downtown Phoenix celebrates its 25th anniversary Cinco de Mayo Phoenix Festival. One of the largest multicultural festivals in Arizona, this street festival is filled with games, traditional food and drinks and live entertainment, including performances by El Chicano, Latin Breed, and Tierra. Noon-10 p.m. 200 W. Washington St., Phoenix. 602-279-4669 or cincophx.com.

MAY 5: Turf Paradise Kentucky Derby Party. Hold onto your fancy hat. Turf Paradise is hosting the state’s only Kentucky Derby party with live horse racing, simulcast races, fashion contests and live music. Gates open at 7 a.m.; watch the Kentucky Derby at 3:24 p.m. Grandstand admission $5; buffet packages start at $50. Turf Paradise, 1501 W. Bell Road, Phoenix. 602-942-1101 or turfparadise.com Free Comic Book Day. This is a day to celebrate comics and creativity. Walk into participating comic book stores to score a free comic book. Plus cosplay contests, signings and sketches by local creators. 10 a.m. Free. Locations include: All About Books & Comics, Drawn to Comics, Samurai Comics and Toy Anxiety, all in Phoenix; Jesse James Comics & Collectibles in Glendale; Ash Avenue Comics & Books in Tempe and Gotham City Comics in downtown Mesa. freecomicbookday.com Cinco de Mario. Join TV Star Mario Lopez for a crazy new fiesta in the heart of Scottsdale that blends Cinco de Mayo, the Kentucky Derby and Lopez’s knack for fun. There’s something for everyone: taco trucks and bars, a craft-focused kid zone, strolling mariachi bands and a VIP Derby-themed area called The Mansion. 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. $15-$250; free for ages 12 and younger.

Scottsdale Civic Center, 7375 E. Second St. 480-538-8292 or cincodemario.com

FACEBOOK.COM/MIMPHX

PARER STUDIO

Experience China (May 5-6) at the MIM.

Cinco de Mayo Phoenix Festival (May 6) in downtown Phoenix.

MAY 7-11: Teacher Appreciation Week. Don’t forget to let your child’s teachers know how much they’re appreciated this week with a nice card, or maybe by joining the Red for Ed movement calling for higher teacher pay.

MAY 5-6: Experience China at the MIM. The Musical Instrument Museum in north Phoenix hosts this family-friendly weekend celebration of Chinese music and culture.

Enjoy music and dance performances, samba music workshops, hands-on crafts, facepainting, photos and the final days of the special exhibition “Ancient Musical Treasures from Central China: Harmony of the Ancients from the Henan Museum.” 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Saturday-Sunday. $15-$20. 4725 E. Mayo Blvd., Phoenix. 480-478-6000 or mim.org

MAY 11-13: Peach Festival. It’s peach season at Schnepf Farms, where families can take a hayride to the peach-picking orchard, sample peachy treats, eat a pancake breakfast and enjoy rides and live entertainment. 7:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. Friday-Sunday. $5; free for ages 12 and younger; $15 ride wristbands or $3 per ride. 24810 S. Rittenhouse Road, Queen Creek. 480-987-3100 or schnepffarms.com

raisingarizonakids.com MAY 2018

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TOP MAY EVENTS Continued

FACEBOOK.COM/CHILDRENSMUSEUMOFPHOENIX

DISNEYJUNIORTOUR.COM

Disney Junior Dance Party on Tour (May 17) at tComerica Theatre.

MAY 17: Mother’s day at the Museum (May 12-13) at the Children’s Museum of Phoenix.

MAY 12-13:

Disney Junior Dance Party On Tour. Kids of all ages and their families are invited to sing along to Disney Junior’s greatest hits with Mickey and the Roadster Racers, Sofia the First, Puppy Dog Pals, Elena of Avalor, Doc McStuffins, Vampirina and The Lion Guard. 6 p.m. $42-$52. Comerica Theatre, 400 W. Washington St., Phoenix. 602-3792800 or disneyjuniortour.com

Mother’s Day at the Museum. Here’s a fun and affordable family outing for mom: During its Discount Tire Free Family Weekends (the second weekend each month), the Phoenix Art Museum offers free activities, scavenger hunts, live performances, storytime and the chance to make art with a featured local Valley artist. 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday and noon to 5 p.m. Sunday. The Children’s Museum of Phoenix and the i.d.e.a. Museum in Mesa also honor moms and grandmothers with free admission on Mother’s Day. phxart.org, ideamuseum.org and childrensmuseumofphoenix.org

Phoenix Mercury Home Opener (May 18) at Talking Stick Resort Arena.

ASU GAMMAGE

MAY 18: Phoenix Mercury Home Opener. The WNBA’s Phoenix Mercury take on the Dallas Wings in their first home game of the season. 7 p.m. $11 and up. Talking Stick Resort Arena, 201 E. Jefferson St., Phoenix 602-252-9622 or mercury.wnba.com

MAY 15-20: Les Miserables. ASU Gammage presents the 25th anniversary production of the musical about 19th century France with new staging and reimagined scenery inspired by the paintings of Victor Hugo. 7:30 p.m. Tuesday-Friday, 2 and 7:30 p.m. Saturday, 1 and 6:30 p.m. Sunday. ASU Gammage, 1200 S. Forest Ave., Tempe. 480-965-3434 or asugammage.com

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MAY 2018 raisingarizonakids.com

International Museum Day. This day is meant to raise awareness that museums are an important means of cultural exchange and understanding. Register for free admission to Pueblo Grande Museum near downtown Phoenix (it’s located on a 1,500-year-old archaeological site once inhabited by the Hohokam) or get buy-oneget-one-free admission today at the i.d.e.a. Museum in Mesa. Find more events at icom.museum

PHOENIX MERCURY

Les Miserables (May 15-20) at ASU Gammage.

summer Camps!!

ACtion-P A suMMER FCkEd un!

WigglEs & gigglEs Ages: 3-5 May 30 – August 10 Weekly Camps Monday, Weds & Friday $85: 9am-12pm

going BAnAnAs Ages: 5 & up May 24 – August 10 Weekly Camps $135 half day week / 9am-12pm $230 Full day week / 9am-4pm

Call 602-277-0067 to register! www.flipdunksports.com 1515 E. Bethany Home Rd.

June 15 - July 1

Winner of seven Tony Awards, including Best Musical, Annie features some of the greatest musical theatre hits ever written, including "Tomorrow."

Annie will be presented Center Stage at the Herberger Theater Center

SPONSORED BY: GRAND CANYON UNIVERSITY COLLEGE OF FINE ARTS AND PRODUCTION SPONSORED IN PART BY: PONO CONSTRUCTION & MOBILE MINI

For tickets call or 602 252-8497 or visit www.herbergertheater.org Herberger Theater Center 222 E. Monroe St., Phoenix, AZ 85004 VALLEY YOUTH THEATRE | 602.253.8188 | 525 N 1ST ST, PHOENIX, AZ 85004 | WWW.VYT.COM

SUMMER Acting • Singing • Dancing • Fun!

SESSION ONE: June 4-29, 2018 SESSION TWO: July 9- Aug 3, 2018

SESSION ONE: June 4-29, 2018 SESSION TWO: July 9- Aug 3, 2018

• Ages: 7-15 • Monday- Friday

• Ages: 5-6 • Monday- Friday

• 9am - 3pm

• Full-Day: 9am - 3pm • $700, plus $10 registration fee (four weeks and a camp shirt)

• $750, plus $10 registration fee (four weeks and a camp shirt) • Before and After Care is available at an additional cost for our Musical Theatre Summer Sessions.

Before Care: $100 for 4 weeks After Care: $300 for 4 weeks Before/After Care: $340 for 4 weeks

• Half-Day: 9am - 12pm • $400, plus $10 registration fee (four weeks and a camp shirt) • Before and After Care are not currently available for All Star Summer Playhouse campers.

NOTE: There are no refunds or prorated pricing. Ask for details.

To register call 602.253.8188 Ext 302 or visit VYT.com (online registration includes a $5 service fee) 525 N. First St. Phoenix, AZ 85004 raisingarizonakids.com MAY 2018

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TOP MAY EVENTS Continued A challenging, college-prep STEM middle school

MAY 24: Red Nose Day. This national fundraising campaign to end child poverty is run by the nonprofit Comic Relief USA. Buy your “red nose” at any Walgreens store, take pix and clown around while helping kids. rednoseday.org

MAY 24-27: Phoenix Comic Fest. Discover your inner geek at Phoenix Comic Fest (formerly Phoenix Comicon), celebrating superheroes, fandom and pop culture. This year’s convention features actors including Val Kilmer, plus top comic book writers and artists. At the expo, find anime, manga, animation, toys, collectible card games, video games, webcomics and fantasy novels. $20-$350; $10 for ages 3-12; free for ages 2 and younger. Phoenix Convention Center, 100 N. Third St. phoenixcomicfest.com

We prepare our scholars for admission to top STEM High Schools and Colleges: MIT, Cal-Tech, Stanford and Harvard!

• SySTEM is the only exclusively STEM middle school in Central Phoenix.

• Focused on the specific needs of middle school aged students during their formative years.

• Diverse student population, only 150 students school wide, small classes.

• Free after school clubs: Biotech, Girl/Boy Scouts, Coding, Robotics, Leadership, Orchestra, and more

Butterfly Wonderland’s 5th Birthday Bash (May 26-28).

• Free breakfast, lunch, and snack for ALL students • PLUS: Free top college visits for students every year around the country.

• Free laptops

systemschools.org

FACEBOOK.COM/BUTTERFLYWONDERLAND

1301 E. Almeria Rd., Phoenix, AZ 85006 | 602.710.1873

MAY 26-28: Wyatt Earp Days. See the Wild West come alive when Tombstone honors its legendary frontier lawman Wyatt Earp with three days of street entertainment, a chili cook-off, reenactments, an 1880s fashion show, look-alike contests, carnival rides and more. 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Free. Historic Allen Street, in downtown Tombstone Saturday-Monday. 520-457-3511 or tombstonechamber.com Butterfly Wonderland’s 5th Birthday Bash. Families are invited to celebrate Butterfly Wonderland’s 5th birthday at this Memorial Weekend celebration with complimentary face painting, life-size reptile and butterfly characters, a caricature artist and musical entertainment. 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday-Monday. $23.95; $15.95 ages 2-12. 9500 E. Via de Ventura, Scottsdale. butterflywonderland.com

MAY 29: National 529 Day. This date is recognized as National 529 College Savings Plan Day. All month long, states will be looking to boost interest and participation in their 529s — tax-advantaged savings plans designed to encourage saving for future college costs. az529.gov

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MAY 2018 raisingarizonakids.com

family camp

FALL SESSION: August 31 – September 3

summer camp

9 WEEKLY SESSIONS: June 3 - August 4

winter camp

WINTER SESSION: December 28 - January 1

HAVE THE BEST SUMMER EVER!

Archery • Campfires • Canoeing & Paddleboard • Crafts Airsoft Targets Performance Arts & Juggling • High Ropes • Hiking Horseback Rides Paintball • Camp Radio & Journalist • Photography • Swimming & More

Sign Up for the Best Summer Ever

AZYCamps.org/Register (888) 590-4957

Y N 

[B F  A C

 Y A.]

We Are Your Healthcare Team.

JUne 1 - 30 JULY 6 - 22 (West Valley)

(Central/East Valley)

623.776.8400

602.252.8497

Buy ONE regular priced ADULT ticket and get ONE CHILD ticket FREE!

Does your child suffer from heel pain, tendinitis, ingrown toenails, sprains/strains, or other athletic injuries? Our podiatrists specialize in the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of all conditions associated with the foot, ankle, and lower extremities.

Call 623.537.6000 for an appointment.

Coupon Code: MPoppinsKids | Some Restrictions Apply

For venue information, visit

azbroadway.org/mary-poppins

19389 North 59th Avenue | Glendale, Arizona 85308

www.mwuclinics.com

623.537.6000

raisingarizonakids.com MAY 2018

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COTTONWOOD Verde Valley Fair (May 2-6). “Sew It, Grow It, Show It” is this year’s theme at this annual fair with free entertainment, carnival rides, livestock show and sale, fine art and crafts, horticulture and floriculture. Times vary. $5-$10. Verde Valley Fairgrounds, 800 E. Cherry St., Cottonwood. 928-634-3290 or vvfair.com

FLAGSTAFF Zuni Festival of Arts and Culture (May 26-27). Zuni traditional dances, flute playing, weavers, jewelers, carvers and painters. Purchase traditional and contemporary art and enjoy lectures, documentaries and live performances.

9 a.m. to 5 p.m. $12; $8 for ages 10-17, free for ages 9 and younger. Museum of Northern Arizona, 3101 N. Fort Valley Road, Flagstaff. 928-774-5213 or musnaz.org

PINETOP-LAKESIDE White Mountain Spring Carnival (May 24-28). Rides and games with proceeds benefiting the White Mountain Wildlife

and Nature Center. Times vary. Free admission; fees vary for rides and games.

Mountain Meadow Recreation Complex, 425 S. Woodland Road, Pinetop-Lakeside.

928-358-3069 or wmnature.org

PRESCOTT Breakfast with the Animals (May 12).

Enjoy a continental breakfast and crafts and learn about a spotlight animal with an animal feeding and keeper talk. Guests can roam the park after breakfast. 9-10:30 a.m. $10-$25. Reservations required.

Heritage Park Zoological Sanctuary, 1403 Heritage Park Road, Prescott. 928-7784242 or heritageparkzoo.org

SEDONA Cinco de Mayo Fiesta (May 5). This fiesta celebrates Mexican heritage. Tlaquepaque hosts festivities that will have the whole family dancing along to the music of mariachis, clapping to the steps of Folkloric dancers and savoring traditional Mexican food. 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Free. Tlaquepaque Arts and Crafts Village, 336 State Route 179, Sedona. 928-

282-4838 or tlaq.com

TOMBSTONE Wyatt Earp Days (May 26-28). See the Wild West come alive when Tombstone honors its legendary frontier lawman with three days of street entertainment, a chili cookoff, reenactments, an 1880s fashion show, look-alike contests, carnival rides and more.

10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday-Monday. Free.

Historic Allen Street, in downtown Tombstone.

520-457-3511 or tombstonechamber.com

Family Brain Boost (May 26-27 in Tucson.

Family Brain Boost (May 26-27). Join the Children’s Museum’s education team and jump-start your brain with fun, interactive science activities, from bubbles to building blocks. 11:30 a.m. $9. Children’s Museum Tucson, 200 S. Sixth Ave. 520-792-9985 or childrensmuseumtucson.org

TUCSON Model Airplane Make ‘n Take (May 5).

This program introduces kids, ages 5 and older (with an adult) to the hobby of model building and the math and historical research used to build accurate scale models.

Children build snap-together airplanes they can take home and see models made by experts from Sonoran Desert Model Builders. 1-2:30 p.m. $16.50; $10 for ages 5-12, free for ages 4 and younger. Pima Air & Space Museum, 6000 E. Valencia Road, Tucson. 520-574-0462 or pimaair.org

SUN

MON

Tucson Folk Festival (May 5-6). The Tucson Folk Festival brings together more than 200 musicians from Arizona and around the Southwest entertaining with family-friendly music and dance.

Noon-10 p.m. Saturday; 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Sunday. Children’s show is 2 p.m.

Sunday. Free. El Presidio Park, 160 W. Alameda St., Tucson. tkma.org

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6:40

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FACEBOOK.COM/CHILDRENSMUSEUMTUCSON

family time! around arizona

Move

Learn

Beginner Through Competitive Classes for Boys & Girls Ages 3-12 years

Excel

Risk FREE Trial All Ages FREE Parent/Tot classes Ages 12-24 months

(480) 596-3543 | xtremegymnastics.com 15821 N. 79th St #3, Scottsdale, AZ

Residential Summer Workshops for Teens & Kids ages 9-18

VISUAL ARTS • CREATIVE WRITING• THEATRE • MUSIC FILM, DIGITAL MEDIA & SOUND• FASHION • DANCE Plus FAMILY WEEK – 7 days and 6 nights of art and adventure for the whole family!

Offering various sessions from June 24-August 5, 2018

Register Today! www.idyllwildarts.org/summer 951-468-7265 Use the promo code IDY2018RAK for $50 off of an Idyllwild Arts Teen & Kids Summer Workshop!

Only 10 Available!

raisingarizonakids.com MAY 2018

29

family time! onstage All Balanchine (May 3-6). Ballet Arizona performs “Prodigal Son,” “Symphony in Three Movements” and “La Sonnambula” by George Balanchine, known as the father of American ballet.

7 p.m. Thursday, 7:30 p.m. Friday, 2 and 7:30 p.m. Saturday, 1 p.m. Sunday. $26$164. Symphony Hall, 75 N. Second St., Phoenix. 602-381-1096 or balletaz.org Disney Junior Dance Party On Tour (May 17). Sing along to Disney Junior’s greatest hits with Mickey and the Roadster Racers, Sofia the First, Puppy Dog Pals, Elena of Avalor, Doc McStuffins, Vampirina and The Lion Guard. 6 p.m. $42-$52. Comerica Theatre, 400 W. Washington St., Phoenix. 602-379-2800 or disneyjuniortour.com Soiree de Ballet (May 19-20). The Scottsdale School of Ballet presents an evening featuring perennial favorite “The Ballet Class,” along with a one-act ballet and finale from “Coppelia.” 7 p.m.

Saturday and 2:30 p.m. Sunday. $42; $32 for children and students. Herberger Theater Center, 222 E. Monroe, Phoenix.

602-252-8497 or herbergertheater.org

MUSIC Celtic Woman: Homecoming (May 16). Celtic Woman showcases the voices of Susan McFadden, Mairead Carlin, Eabha McMahon and violinist Tara McNeill. 7 p.m. $50-$115. Mesa Arts Center, 1 E. Main St. 480-644-6500 or mesaartscenter.com Mesa Feastival Forest (Saturdays through June 30). Enjoy live music and more than a dozen gourmet food trucks; kids can play on the new playground and splashpad. Bring your own chairs, picnic blankets, tables and even (leashed) pets.

The last Light Rail stop is in front of the event. 5:30-9 p.m. Free. Pioneer Park, 526 E. Main St., Mesa. azfeastivals.com Music of John Williams (May 25-27).

The Phoenix Symphony performs selections from John Williams’ iconic film scores, including “Star Wars,” “Harry Potter,” “E.T.: The Extra-Terrestrial,” “Indiana Jones,” “Jaws” and more. 7:30 p.m. Friday, 2 and 7:30 p.m. Saturday

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MAY 2018 raisingarizonakids.com

and 2 p.m. Sunday. $25-$93. Orpheum Theatre, 203 W. Adams St., Phoenix.

602-262-6225 or phoenixsymphony.org Spring Concert: Soar (May 12). More than 300 members of the Phoenix Children’s Chorus perform selections from around the world. 7 p.m. $11-$20. Mesa Arts Center, 1 E. Main St. 602-534-3788 or pcchorus.org.

Spring Concert (May 1). Metropolitan Youth Symphony’s spring concert includes the string orchestra divisions, symphonic wind ensemble and full symphony orchestra. 6:30 p.m. $8.50$10. Mesa Arts Center, 1 E. Main St. 480-644-6500 or mesaartscenter.com Star Wars vs. Star Trek: The Music of Deep Space (May 24). Guest Conductor Richard Kaufman and The Phoenix Symphony will settle the decades-long fan battle over which camp reigns supreme.

Audience members will vote live via text to decide the final number. 8 p.m. $25$93. Symphony Hall, 75 N. Second St., Phoenix. phoenixsymphony.org Summer Concerts at McCormickStillman Railroad Park (Sundays April 29-July 1). Enjoy free concerts with local bands playing classic rock, retro 80s and 90s, country, and rhythm and blues. Bring a blanket or chair and relax in the park.

7:30-9 p.m. Food is available for purchase.

Free admission; train and carousel rides $2. 7301 E. Indian Bend Road, Scottsdale.

480-312-2312 or therailroadpark.com

THEATER Big Fish (May 17-June 30). The Hale Centre Theatre presents the Broadway musical about traveling salesman Edward Bloom and his incredible tales that thrill everyone. His aggravated son, Will, is about to have a child of his own and is determined to find the truth. 7 p.m. Thursday, 7:30 p.m.

Friday-Saturday, 3 p.m. Saturday. $20$32. 50 W. Page Ave., Gilbert. 480-4971181 or haletheatrearizona.com Disney’s Aladdin Jr. (May 18-June 17). Desert Stages Theatre presents the tale of street-smart Aladdin, who, vying for the attention of beautiful Princess Jasmine, uses a genie’s magic to become a prince.

MESA ARTS CENTER

DANCE

Celtic Woman: Homecoming (May 16) at Mesa Arts Center.

7:30 p.m. Friday-Saturday, 2 p.m. SaturdaySunday. $15. Desert Stages Theatre, 4720 N. Scottsdale Road, Scottsdale. 480-483-1664 or desertstages.org.

Disney’s Beauty and the Beast (May 3-12). Musical Theatre of Anthem presents the enchanted story of Belle and the Beast, who is really a prince trapped under a spell. If the Beast does not learn his lesson, he and his household will be doomed for all eternity. Showtimes vary.

42323 N. Vision Way, Anthem. 623-3366001 or musicaltheatreofanthem.org Explore Arizona StoryFest (May 12).

KJZZ invites you to Explore Arizona through words and experiences. In partnership with the Arizona Storytellers Project and South Mountain Community College’s Storytelling Institute, this event celebrates storytelling, sometimes with improvisation, theatrics or embellishment. Plus, an Arizona travel expo and book exchange: bring a book to donate or trade it for one you would like to read. 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. $10. Mesa Convention Center, 263 N. Center St. storyfest.kjzz.org Jack and the Beanstalk (May 5).

Arizona Broadway Theatre presents the classic fairy tale of Jack, who sells the family cow, winds up with a bag full of magic beans and awakens from a nap to find a giant beanstalk. $18. 701 W. Paradise Lane, Peoria. 623-776-8400 or azbroadway.org.

Jesus Christ Superstar (May 25-June 10). Spotlight Youth Theatre presents the first musical by Andrew Lloyd Webber — a rock opera that follows the last week of Jesus’s life, as seen through the eyes of Judas. 7 p.m. Friday-Saturday, 2 p.m.

Sunday. Spotlight Youth Theatre, 10620

N. 43rd Ave., Glendale. 623-521-8093 or spotlightyouththeatre.org.

Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat (May 4-20). TheaterWorks presents the irresistible musical saga of Joseph, Israel’s favorite son, and his coat of many colors. 7 p.m. Friday-Saturday, 2:30 p.m. Sunday. $16. Peoria Center for the Performing Arts, 10580 N. 83rd Ave. 623-815-7930 or theaterworks.org Les Miserables (May 15-20). ASU Gammage hosts the 25th anniversary production of the legendary musical about 19th century France with new staging and reimagined scenery inspired by the paintings of Victor Hugo. 7:30 p.m. Tuesday-Friday, 2 and 7:30 p.m. Saturday, 1 and 6:30 p.m.

Sunday. 1200 S. Forest Ave., Tempe. 480965-3434 or asugammage.com The Monkey and the Pirate (May 30-June 24). Great Arizona Puppet Theater presents this original show: What do you get when you follow a monkey, a pirate and a valuable banana on a treasure hunt? A rambunctious adventure. 10 a.m.

Wednesday through Friday, 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. Saturday, 2 p.m. Sunday. $10; $7 for children; free for children younger than 2 with another paid child admission. 302 W. Latham St., Phoenix. 602-262-2050 or azpuppets.org Three Little Pigs (May 2-27). Great Arizona Puppet Theater performs this hilarious musical rendition of the tale about a very hungry wolf and the dangers of shoddy home construction. 10 a.m. Wednesday through Friday, 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. Saturday, 2 p.m. Sunday. $10; $7 for children; free for children younger than 2 with another paid child admission. 302 W. Latham St., Phoenix. 602-262-2050 or azpuppets.org

Want to come to camp with

Reptiles?! !

14 S 9-

AGE

ST EAM Based learning ~ Conservation ~ Biology ~ Learning while having fun!

Interact with Lizards, Snakes, Turtles & CROCS! All Day!!

Phoenixherp.com Katelyn@Phoenixherp.com 480-513-4377 x 3

Chinese shadow PuPPetry!

IMAGINE THAT! SUMMER CAMP

Make, write and participate in a traditional Chinese Shadow puppet performance.

Summer 2018 | Celebrating 39 years of fun!

Chinese immersion summer Camps 2018 Teaching different levels!

Children Ages: 3-5, 6-11, 12-16 June 11th - August 3rd (8 weeks)

Over 30+ camps for 3-11 year olds in the Arts, American Girl, Sciences, Sports, and Action/ Adventure

480-206-3469

www.mengacademy.com

Toddler • Primary • Elementary • Adolescent

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• Nurturing Environment • Beautiful Five Acre Campus

HEALTH & WELLNESS EXPO Saturday, May 19 | 8 a.m. - noon Health screenings & information Physician-led seminars Health, wellness & beauty exhibits Refreshments Infant & child safety resources* Special appearances

Reserve your spot today and be entered into prize drawings awarded at the event.

*appointment required

• Over 20 Years of Authentic Montessori

A Foundation for a Lifetime of Learning

• Professionally Trained Montessori Guides • Primary Bilingual Program

(480) 460-7312

1-877-924-WELL (9355) mvmedicalcenter.org/womens-expo

www.keystonemontessori.com In Partnership with Physician Owners.

1025 E. Liberty Ln., Phoenix, AZ 85048 (Across the street from the YMCA)

raisingarizonakids.com MAY 2018

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first person

GRADUATION DAY

By Sheri Smith

I WAKE AT 4 A.M., toss laundry in the machine while my coffee brews and plop in front of the computer to write.

Besides the rustlings of the cat upstairs, the house is still, and one thought makes me happy: We’re all here.

I’ve always loved this hour of the day with my family. I know that seems funny. We’re not exactly spending quality time together.

Everyone besides me is still asleep. But we are here. We are safe. It’s a moment of peace, and I savor it.

Soon sunlight will fill the sky, and the sounds of family life will return. Music will be blasting, and teenagers will be shouting about random items that mysteriously go missing. My husband will turn up the volume of the TV, so he can hear the news in the shower. And, of course, that silly cat will want to be fed.

And then, just as quickly, everyone will leave — heading in different directions to face the challenges of the day. Pieces of my heart will go with them, off to school or streaking across the sky in a plane.

I want them to be careful as they rush to places farther and farther away. It’s my heart they carry with them, after all. But there will be no time for discussions.

“It’s an exciting time.” That’s what my mother tells me when I talk to her on the phone.

My mother is 88. I call her frequently, trying to absorb some of her wisdom. I know I’ll never grasp it all. She lived through the Great Depression, World War II, Vietnam and disco, for Pete’s sake. She raised six children and, remarkably, never seemed overwhelmed.

Unlike her, I feel overwhelmed most of the time. I have two.

“Enjoy it while you can,” she tells me.

I do enjoy it — every stage of my children’s lives.

When they were babies, well, gosh darn it, who doesn’t like babies? They were so utterly adorable. As toddlers, they were basically walking teddy bears. The school years were amazing, watching them absorb all that knowledge.

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MAY 2018 raisingarizonakids.com

Clockwise: Sheri Smith with her mother Ann Hanson and Sarah (5) and Aidan (9). Right: Aidan today.

Now they are teenagers, and they are — busy! Every moment of their lives is insanely filled with some rehearsal or activity. We rush around like maniacs, trying to keep track of it all.

In the middle of the madness, my mother patiently reminds me: It’s not going to last.

I know she’s right. I’ve known it since the moment they were born.

I’ve heard people say motherhood is a marathon, not a sprint. But I’ve felt it’s more a like a sprint, a marathon and a three-legged race, all rolled into one.

I tried to slow it down. Truly I did. I smelled their hair when they came out of the bathtub, all fresh and baby-clean. I gushed over their “I love Mommy!” cards and stuck them on the fridge. I saved the programs from every performance and photographed every vacation.

“I’ll never forget this,” I often said to myself. And yet the memories are a blur.

It seems the more I tried to slow things down, the faster they went. And now my son’s a senior. The day is coming.

The buzzer to the dryer blasts, so I gather the laundry and lug it to my son’s room. I pause for a moment in his doorway, feeling dizzy. All around me are scraps of his life: concert T-shirts, carnival prizes, greeting cards and awards. There’s no order to it, just a hodgepodge of images. I try to make sense of it. But like a jigsaw puzzle that’s been dumped upon the floor, putting it together seems an insurmountable task.

Instead I focus on individual items.

I see a recital program for a song he

worked so hard to learn. There’s a teddy bear in the closet that got us through that stint in the hospital. Pinned to the wall is a bumper sticker from a rock band he once formed. The members have all moved on.

And that’s when it hits me: These moments are never over, because scraps will always remain — even if it’s just the influence they’ve had on our lives.

My son is who he is because of all of these experiences, and I am who I am because I watched it all transpire.

Life will not stop when he graduates from high school. We will move on to new things, exciting things. And a bit of that baby, toddler, grade schooler and teenager will always remain.

And I will always be his mom.

As for my own mom, it seems I’ve learned a bit from her after all.

Sheri Smith is a Scottsdale freelance writer and the mother of Aidan (18) and Sarah (14).

She is writing our #MeToo parenting series.

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