March 2018 Issue

Got the getaway itch?

CHECK OUT OUR FAMILY GUIDE TO OLYMPIA, PORTLAND AND WHISTLER BLACKCOMB

M A RC H 20 18

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YOUR GUIDE TO A KID-FRIENDLY CIT Y

Romp

Ballard Locks off-season

Shop

Crybaby Comforts

Making Home Top o’ the Smith Tower

Tre Calloway orders the works at Sunset Fried Chicken on Capitol Hill

R S E AT T L E S C H I L D.C O M

CHEAP EATS KIDS

LOVE

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>>Contents Seattle’sChild March 2018 // Issue 461

WHAT PARENTS ARE TALKING ABOUT......... 5 DAD NEXT DOOR..................9 ROMP.............................................11 CHOMP........................................13 SHOP............................................15 FEATURE Nearby getaways....18 MAKING HOME......................25 CALENDAR..............................27 NEW MOM DISPATCH........31

PHOTO COURTESY OF XXXXXX XXXXXXXXX

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„ Find us online at seattleschild.com Cover photo by JOSHUA HUSTON Ma rc h 2 0 18

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WILDERNESS AWARENESS SCHOOL

DAY - and - OVERNIGHT

SUMMER CAMPS SEATTLE & EASTSIDE LOCATIONS FOR AGES 4 to 18 wildernessawareness.org

Seattle’sChild March 2018 // Issue 461 “Seattle is my town. I know this city inside and out… or so I thought until I had kids.”

Seattle’s Child is your guide to getting to know your city all over again. Finding things to do, places to eat, and how to get around — it’s a whole new ballgame with kids in tow. We’re interested in how parents make homes in a space-challenged urban environment, how families create community, and what parents are talking about. Seattle’s Child reflects real Puget Sound families and their broad range of parenting experiences.

ANN BERGMAN Publisher, Founder abergman@seattleschild.com BOO DAVIS Art Director bdavis@seattleschild.com SARAH RIVERA Magazine Editor srivera@seattleschild.com NICOLE SANTORA Calendar Editor calendar@seattleschild.com ASHLEY BRECKEL Website Managing Editor calendar@seattleschild.com MIKE MAHONEY Copy Editor JEFF LEE, MD, BECCA BERGMAN BULL Columnists JO EIKE, REBECCA MONGRAIN, ANDIE POWERS, NAOMI TOMKY Contributing Editors ERIKA LEE BIGELOW, JIAYING GRYGIEL, STEVE LEWIS Contributing Writers AMY CADWELL Publisher’s Assistant ADVERTISING KIM LOVE Ad Production Manager klove@seattleschild.com MELIA WILKINSON Senior Sales Account Manager mwilkinson@seattleschild.com 774-253-2219 STEPHANIE KONAT Sales Account Manager skonat@seattleschild.com 425-770-4768

Seattle’sChild Seattle’s Child has been providing useful information to parents since 1979. In addition to our monthly magazine, look for our special themed publications — Explore, FamilyPages, School and SummerTime — distributed free throughout the Puget Sound area.

VOICE 206-441-0191

Enroll by May 31

MAIL c/o USPS #112 1463 E Republican St. #193 Seattle, WA 98112 ONLINE seattleschild.com Like us on Facebook facebook.com/seattleschild Follow us on Twitter @SeaChildMag TO ADVERTISE advertise@seattleschild.com STORY IDEAS editor@seattleschild.com CALENDAR SUBMISSIONS Deadline is first of the month, one month prior to publication (March 1 for April publication).

Include date, time, cost, appropriate ages, address, contact information and description.

E-mail to calendar@seattleschild.com Seattle’s Child is published monthly with combined issues in January/February and July/August.

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„ Find more education and health news on seattleschild.com

GET OUT! Find March outings for your family with our complete online calendar of events. It’s mobile-friendly, constantly updated, and searchable by location, age and cost » seattleschild.com E D U C AT I O N , H E A LT H , D E V E L O P M E N T & M O R E

B Y J I AY I N G G R Y G I E L

»What Parents

Are Talking About

Caitlin Heermans, center, who’s worked as a nanny for nine years, stands with other domestic workers for better job protections.

Nanny rights now P H OTO BY JOS H UA H U STO N

NANNIES AND DOMESTIC WORKERS PUSH FOR SICK TIME, WRITTEN CONTRACTS AND A MINIMUM WAGE IN SEATTLE Any parent who’s employed a nanny knows that the relationship has the potential to be as complicated as it is essential. Leaving aside matters of personality fit, tricky situations can arise

at any moment: What happens when your nanny gets sick? Or needs maternity leave?

Or has an emergency that leaves you stranded?

But now put yourself in your nanny’s shoes. What if you were afraid of getting

fired for calling in sick? What if you were harassed at work, or your boss tried to shortchange your paycheck, and you didn’t have anyone to turn to?

With such issues in mind, a coalition that includes the nonprofit Working Washington, a handful of elected officials and a group of domestic workers kicked off a campaign in December to create the Domestic Workers Bill of Rights, which seeks to regulate labor standards for nannies, house cleaners, gardeners, home health CONTINUED ON NEXT PAGE >

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New books from Kate and Caspar!

Nothing is much greater than a smiling alligator.

What Parents Are Talking About < Nanny

rights now

CONTINUED

aides, cooks — basically anyone working as an individual in another person’s home. The next step is to get Seattle City Council to create and vote on an ordinance.

Working Washington spokesman Sage Wilson said he thinks the ordinance will be introduced this spring. “We would expect it to move pretty quickly after that,” he adds.

It’s no coincidence domestic workers aren’t protected — they’re mostly women, and often people of color and immigrants, says Councilmember Teresa Mosqueda, who is helping to spearhead the effort along with Councilmembers Lorena González and Lisa Herbold.

“The individuals who are taking care of our kiddos, taking care of our elders, cleaning our homes, these are the workers who have been historically excluded from basic labor standards,” Mosqueda says.

“We’re talking about overtime, minimum wage, protection from harassment, intimidation and assault…”

The main points of the Domestic Workers Bill of Rights include: • Require written contracts for all domestic workers. The goal is to set up clear expectations on both sides, and to protect workers and enforce rights.

• Ensure every domestic worker has the same labor protections as other workers, including state-mandated paid sick leave and Seattle’s $15 minimum wage.

• Create a city commission, which would include domestic workers, to set industry standards for working conditions, benefits and other regulations.

“This is absolutely something we can act on in 2018 and act with urgency,” continues Mosqueda. “This is a critical time for us to be standing up for the most vulnerable, especially women.”

Caitlin Heermans, who lives on Seattle’s First Hill, has worked as a nanny and household manager for nine years.

She’s heard countless horror stories from fellow nannies who haven’t been paid overtime, got fired for being pregnant or having health issues, or had to work even when they were sick because they couldn’t afford to miss a day.

“The work that nannies perform every day often requires putting the physical and emotional needs of others above their own,” says Heermans. “It is work that requires an endless amount of empathy and compassion. It is real work and should be treated as such.”

Michelle Riggs, a Bothell nanny who’s part of the campaign, concurs: “We’re not slaves, we’re not robots. We sometimes make mistakes or have emergencies that come up, and I think it’s important that parents understand that. We are here to help you, but you also have to help us by treating us like we’re people.”

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So how can parents foster a smooth and fair working relationship with their nannies, starting today? Laura Scoccolo, founder of Nanny Parent Connection, says the most important thing is open communication and being clear about your expectations from the outset. Also, familiarizing yourself with industry standards..

For example, some parents might expect the nanny to clean while the child is napping. According to Scoccolo, that’s frowned upon, because nannies don’t get scheduled breaks and naptime is their time to regroup. As for housework, nannies can be expected to pick up toys in the living room, but not clean it. They should do any dishes used during the day, and may be asked to wash a child’s laundry, especially

“The work that nannies perform every day often requires putting the physical and emotional needs of others above their own. It is work that requires an endless amount of empathy and compassion.

It is real work and should be treated as such.”

— Caitlin Heermans, nanny

if it’s for an infant — so long as that’s been agreed upon beforehand.

Other best practices include: guaranteed hours, two weeks paid vacation (one week of the nanny’s choosing, one of the family’s choosing), sick pay, meeting minimum wage requirements and paying above the table. (For help crunching numbers, there’s a paycheck calculator on NannyParentConnection.com).

When it comes to pay, the average rate in the greater Seattle region is about $19 an hour for one kid; within the city it ranges from $20 to $25 an hour. That number depends on the nanny’s level of experience, whether she has degrees and certifications and if she’s taking on extra household duties.

Last September, Riggs started nannying for a family with two boys. She says at first the family seemed down to earth. But once she started, they wanted her to do all of the dishes, cooking and cleaning, on top of setting a curriculum for at-home play and taking the kids to their activities.

“As a nanny, you’re supposed to be working with the kids. That’s your main priority,” Riggs says. She left that position in January and has since found a better situation.

“I really wish that parents would understand we love the kids just as much as they do,” Riggs says. “And I want them to understand we need to make a living wage just as much as they do.”

How to hire the best teen sitter EVER DON’T BELIEVE WHAT YOU’VE HEARD: TEENS CAN BE AWESOME BABYSITTERS

PHOTO BY JOSHUA HUSTON

BY SEATTLE’S CHILD STAFF Long ago, parents yearning for a night out would call a neighbor girl to babysit.

It was a custom as reliable as it was easy.

Enter 2018, the age of the millennials and post-millennial-aged sitters. These kids have academic commitments, year-round club sports, mandatory volunteer hours and may actually need a free Friday night more than parents. What’s more, even in this tight labor market with climbing childcare rates, this teen generation is choosing to work less than previous generations.

Is the neighborhood babysitter a dying institution? No. They’re out there, and can be reliable, delightful and not so long out of their own childhood, really good at genuinely playing with kids. Oh, and, 5 to 10 percent of the time, the babysitter is a young man.

The first challenge is finding teen sitters. Look on the hyperlocal neighborhood sites such as Nextdoor, or home association newsletters. Try local pools

Better Babysitter training class covers safety and suggests age-appropriate activities to engage kids.

or rec center camps with youth leaders.

Neighborhood churches with active youth programs can be babysitter bonanzas.

It’s good to know the family,” says Lynn Perkins, co-founder and CEO of UrbanSitter, an online babysitting company where sitters, just like those on Sittercity, must be

18. Care.com allows sitters as young as 14 with parent-monitored accounts. Perkins knows the institution of babysitting: she started UrbanSitter because she kept hearing from friends who were great managers at work but self-described “disasters” when CONTINUED ON NEXT PAGE >

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What Parents Are Talking About < How

to get the best teen sitter EVER

it came to managing their nannies and sitters. And there is the crux of the issue; it’s a management game. Start with the interview and set the tone of expectations.

Ask the sitter what kind of activities she would do with your kids.

Does she cook? Have dance parties? Throw Instructor a Barbie Ball? Does she Teresa Rugg teaches a fivebring a backpack of art hour course supplies? for motivated Ask under what babysitters. circumstances she would telephone you. Emergency? Clarification of bedtimes? Kids arguing?

Dessert options? Wi-Fi password? Look for an answer that shows she can solve a problem while respecting the household rules and understands when the situation calls for parent contact.

Find a babysitter’s passion. “You could say, ‘I see that you like art. I would love for you to spend time with my kids doing art while you are here,’” says Perkins. It keeps everyone happy and away from electronics.

Advertise for a sitter with a hobby or passion that relates to your children, be it volleyball, chess or Legos. “You get a more invested sitter if you put that as part of the job description,” says Perkins.

It’s a bonus if you can find a sitter who was sufficiently motivated to take the Better Babysitter training class through Seattle Children’s. The five-hour course, geared for babysitters from about ages 11-14, is taught at Children’s campuses in Seattle, and also in Bellevue, Federal Way and Everett. The class doesn’t teach CPR (that’s a separate class, CPR and First Aid for Babysitters) but covers topics such as safety and suggests age-appropriate activities to engage kids.

At the onset, it’s crucial to overcommunicate with a sitter. Isabell Sakamoto, an instructor and coordinator for the Better Babysitter classes, recommends that sitters have a family information form for each family they work for, covering emergency contacts, routines, rules and the like.

“You have to be very clear about it,” says Perkins, who advises families to have their own instructions written out. Her personal instruction sheet includes consequences if her children don’t behave — for example, electronics will be taken away if the kids argue — and instructions for the sitter to show the kids the rules on the checklist. Perkins goes over the rules with the sitter and kids to make sure everyone understands what’s happening.

Babysitters may not know that your family has guidelines around electronics, so include that in the instructions. Address likely trouble spots, such as kids trying to watch a forbidden show or bedtime pushback.

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Give yourself an extra 15 minutes’ cushion to run through the checklist or just to chat. Build a relationship where the sitter will feel comfortable communicating and asking questions. “Millennials are motivated by meaning and purpose. They really want a relationship from the families they work for,” says Perkins.

This generation of babysitters is digital natives; use that to your advantage. Ask the sitter to text when she’s on her way over, particularly if it’s an afterschool sitting arrangement, so that running late won’t be a surprise.

Tell your sitter to please limit cell phone use while she is babysitting and the kids are awake. Say it, put it on the instructions and check with the kids to see if the sitter was on her phone. Some wily kids will ask to see the babysitter’s phone to play with their apps or use the phone to take pictures of the pet. Advise the sitter not to fall for this ruse.

Many parents have said that they’ve come to find their children long asleep, the sitter on her cell phone and the dinner dishes sitting like a still life on the table.

Again, spell it out. “Some of them had helicopter parents,” said Perkins. They don’t know that it is their responsibility to clean up, or God forbid, ask the kids to put their plate in the dishwasher.” Be q UrbanSitter specific about Babysitter checklist: whatever tidying blog.urbansitter.com up you expect q Seattle Children’s from the sitter Hospital Better and/or your kids.

Babysitter Class: Should they clean seattlechildrens.org up any messes created while they are on duty, including dinner dishes?

“The parents should not have to come home to a mess,” says Sakamoto. “The expectation is that the sitter will clean up after herself and the children. We tell them to be respectful of the space and clean up.”

Sometimes babysitting is great at the beginning, then things start to slip. Reprint the instructions if you make a change or two, and keep true to your instructions.

PHOTO BY JOSHUA H USTON

CONTINUED

DadNextDoor

by Jeff Lee, MD

A little encouragement from across the fence

P H OTO BY JOS H UA H U STON

Let’s talk sex I know — it’s not a subject you expect in a parenting column.

After all, what could be less sexy than parenting?

My point exactly.

Let’s just lay it out there for everyone to see: having kids is really bad for your sex life. Ironic, isn’t it? That the very outcome of sex may bring about its downfall, and sometimes its demise? On the other hand, it sort of makes sense. Mother Nature is only interested in perpetuation of the species. Once that baby pops out, she couldn’t care less if we’re having sex or not. But of course, we care. We just don’t always know what to do about it.

Let’s consider the diverse and many ways that having kids can ruin your sex life, starting with the mother’s perspective. When the baby arrives, your hormones and emotions plunge and surge like the giant waves off Waikiki. Your child’s health and well-being become your obsession, pushing all other priorities aside. Your breasts, heretofore symbols of sensuality and womanly allure, are now spigots. You’re chronically sleep deprived, your belly is a loose bag of stretch-marked flab, and every piece of clothing you own is suddenly too loose or still too tight.

You’re glued to an adorable, ravenous, unappeasable parasite who clings to you day and night until all you long for is a good night’s sleep and a moment when your body is completely your own. Oh yeah, and you just passed a bowling ball through your vagina.

And how about you, Dad? You, too, are sleep deprived and stressed about your new role and your new responsibilities.

You aren’t sure when sex is even allowed again (six weeks), or when it won’t be painful (not that much fun the first time).

Your child and partner are joined together so tightly that you couldn’t separate them with a crowbar and a can of WD-40, and you feel about as useful as the third

wheel on a toaster oven. Oh yeah, and your partner just passed a bowling ball through her vagina.

Of course, much of this is only temporary, but it’s not an auspicious start for this new phase of your relationship.

Often, it sets up a trajectory that’s hard to change. “I just had a baby” becomes “I’m still breastfeeding,” which slips into “I’m just too exhausted.” Eventually, the

Yes, the intimacy of creating and raising a child together is rewarding, beautiful and deeply connecting. But it requires a melding together of lives that is more complete and consuming than any we have experienced up to that point. It’s so easy to lose our individual identity in that arrangement — to merge into a single family unit with no separation or “otherness” to serve as romantic fuel. end result for everyone is “I’m just going to stop trying.” And even for couples who desperately want to rekindle their flame, how to accomplish that is not far from clear. Beyond the challenges of childbirth and infancy, there is something about parenting itself that deadens desire.

In her fascinating book Mating in Captivity, relationship expert Esther Perel

The

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DadNextDoor CONTINUED FROM PREVIOUS PAGE

lays out the hypothesis that sexuality and desire require some degree of separation and “otherness.” It is the mystery of another autonomous human being that electrifies our connection to them, and creates their allure. Seen in that light, it’s easy to understand why parenting puts such a damper on romance. Yes, the intimacy of creating and raising a child together is rewarding, beautiful and deeply connecting. But it requires a melding together of lives that is more complete and consuming „ Read all of Jeff Lee’s columns on than any we seattleschild.com have experienced up to that point. It’s so easy to lose our individual identity in that arrangement — to merge into a single family unit with no separation or “otherness” to serve as romantic fuel.

So what’s the solution? Unfortunately, there’s no one reliable answer.

Dealing with stress and anxiety is important — reassuring our caveman (and cavewoman) brains that the fire is lit and the cave is secure, the dishes are done and the bills are paid.

Addressing sleep deprivation and exhaustion is also crucial. And simply carving out some time and intention for romance, amidst our ridiculously busy lives, can help put sex back on the menu. All of these things help, but they may not be enough.

Perel makes the case that we need more than a decent night’s sleep and a reminder on our calendars to reclaim our sex lives. We must also carve out some separation. We must remain individuals, with our own thoughts, passions and selfish needs, even as we build the closeness and unity that loving families require.

Is that a tall order? Perhaps.

But the strength of our families depends on our relationship with our partners. That is the pillar that holds up the sky, and it’s the model of love that our kids will take with them into their own adult lives. We want them to know that they can ask more of life than just comfort, security and predictability — they can demand mystery, and desire.

And so can we.

Jeff Lee does the dishes and defends his cave in Seattle.

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„ Find more things to do with kids on seattleschild.com Right under your nose!

5 WAYS TO PLAY IN THE FUTURE

COMICON RECONNAISSANCE During the first weekend in March, downtown Seattle undergoes a sea change when everyday humans are replaced by cosplayers: people dressed as fictional characters, from Hermione to superheroes. While the Emerald City Comic Con (March 1-4 at the Convention Center) is free for kids under 6, navigating the huge event with little ones is nearly impossible, and tickets sell out early. Sit at one of these nearby cafés and enjoy some one-of-a-kind people-watching. Mr. West Cafe Bar: 720 Olive Way, Starbucks Reserve Roastery: 1124 Pike St., Victrola Coffee Roasters: 310 E. Pike St., Made Coffee: 1531 7th Ave.

»Romp THINGS TO DO WITH KIDS

>> Romp > Chomp

1

Living Computers Museum + Labs Past, present and future

This Paul Allen-funded museum mixes the history of computers into interactive displays about the future of technology, including AI, robots and virtual reality. 2245 1st Ave. S. 3 livingcomputers.org

q BY N AO M I TO M KY

> Shop

2

Portal Virtual Reality Arcade All ages, many dimensions

This small Ballard arcade offers an easy, familyfriendly virtual reality video games experience: designated kids’ booths offer nonviolent games, such as puzzles and dodgeball. 2601 NW Market St. 3 portalvr.us

3

Odyssey Virtual Reality Puzzling fun, stellar service

This Redmond VR spot hosts group challenges — think an escape room (working together against the clock to solve logic puzzles) taken to the next level. Kids should be at least 10 to play. 16275 NE 85th St., Suite E, Unit F, Redmond 3 odyssey-vr.com

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Virtual Sports A gaggle of games

BAL L AR D LOCKS BY J OS HUA HUSTON PHOTO COURT ESY OF EM E RAL D CIT Y COMICON

Brothers Aiden, front, and Ethan Castoldi enjoy a sunny day at the Ballard Locks.

The less crowded locks

The Hiram M. Chittenden Locks, more commonly known as the Ballard Locks, are one of Seattle’s biggest tourist attractions, which can make visiting with little ones challenging. But March is still considered the offseason, and the crowds that typify the warmer months — and summer’s

salmon migration — have yet to descend.

True, the small locks close for cleaning the second week of the month. But the big locks are running full steam, with the constant traffic of boats coming and going, and around midMarch, the fish ladder should start streaming CONTINUED ON NEXT PAGE >

Unlike other local virtual reality spots, Virtual Sports also offers several non-VR activities such as laser tag and a Nerf Rival Assault field. For VR games, there’s a 40" height requirement.

17600 W. Valley Hwy., Tukwila 3 virtualsports.net

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Northwest Art Center Art, but electronic

Classes at this Duvall center are all about creating digital art, from Photoshop to 3-D printing, and illustration to animation.

15705 Main St. NE, Duvall 3 northwestartcenter.org

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Romp

with steelhead trout.

March also sees the return of free one-hour tours, which leave the visitors center Thursday through Monday at 2 pm.

Beginning inside with a slideshow, then winding through the botanical garden, the locks, and past the fish ladder, the tour is full of interesting history and facts, but the tone is informal and friendly — kids who might wander

away (and the adults who follow them) are fine. That a uniformed ranger leads the group adds appeal for kids who still think that’s cool.

If you’re looking for lunch nearby, stop into Red Mill Totem House (3058 NW 54th St.), which

3015 NW 54th St., Seattle

Spring into action!

Check out our complete guide to Easter activities 3 seattleschild.com/ 2018-easter-egg-hunts

A bicycle embedded in a tree? Only on Vashon.

Escape from Seattle!

EXPLORE VASHON’S QUIRKS The quick trip to quirky Vashon, a 20-minute ferry ride from the West Seattle dock, makes it an easy option for a day away or an island overnight. Helpfully for a March visit, the island offers activities both outdoor — like exploring the tidepools and lighthouse at Point Robinson Park (3705 SW Point Robinson Rd.) — and indoor: visit the updated, enormous Vashon Library, which has an amazing playground out front (17210 Vashon Hwy. SW). Stop in for vegetarian snacks at Snapdragon (17817 Vashon Hwy. SW) before taking a peaceful drive along the back roads to look for grazing cows, goats, and farm stands; despite its proximity to the city, the island has a notably rural feel. A few miles outside of town, ponder the mysterious site of a bike fully embedded in a tree (near the intersection of Vashon Highway and SW 204th St.), then take turns theorizing how it got there over milkshakes from Zombiez (17705 Vashon Hwy. SW) before heading back across the water.

Registration Open Now! Early Bird prices end April 30.

Over 90 camp themes to choose from at eight Puget Sound locations!

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BALLAR D LOCKS: JOSHUA HUSTON, EGGS: SHUTTER STOCK, VASHON: W IKIMEDIA COMMONS

< The less crowded locks CONTINUED

offers both Red Mill’s famous burgers as well as fish-and-chips and clam chowder, in keeping with the location’s previous life as a fish fry spot for six decades. Or complete the off-season adventure with a stop at Un Bien (7302½ 15th Ave. NW) for a Caribbean sandwich and a walk through Golden Gardens Park. If weather permits, bring bikes and walk them across the bridge to the Magnolia side of the water, then pedal the mile of flat path to the Urban Family Brewing Company (4441 26th Ave. W.), with beer on tap for parents, apple juice for kids, and free pretzels for everyone. q Hiram M. Chittenden Locks,

„ Find more ideas for eating with kids on seattleschild.com

KOREAN AT HOME Seattle families have long enjoyed Rachel Yang’s unique take on Korean food, whether it’s having kids cook their own barbeque at Trove, introducing them to new flavors at Joule’s brunch buffet, or watching the chefs make dumplings at Revel. Now, thanks to the

E AT I N G W I T H K I D S

FRANCE, FOOD & FUN To channel (and feed) your inner Francophile, bring the kids to the Armory at the Seattle Center for the fifth annual French Fest.

release of Yang’s first cookbook, My Rice Bowl: Korean Cooking Outside the Lines, we can enjoy her diverse and delicious cuisine at home.

All of Yang’s signature dishes are included, including those her own kids love, such as potstickers, noodles and Korean pancakes. $35 3 sasquatchbooks.com

qBY JO EIKE

»Chomp

S U NSE T FR I ED CHI CK EN. BY J OS H UA HU STO N BO O K , DU MP L INGS COU RTE SY O F R ACH EL YANG, CR E PE : SHU T T ER STO CK

> Romp >> Chomp > Shop

This free event celebrates all French-speaking cultures and traditions around the world, offering live music, dance performances, a “best baguette” contest, and plenty of activities and games to keep the kiddos entertained.

There’s a fashion design art competition for little fashionistas, chefs’ cooking demonstrations, and plenty of food to sample: think mussels or merguez sausage with a wine tasting for parents, and Nutella crêpes and pain au chocolat for the kids. Bon appétit!

Free, Sunday, March 25, 11 am-6 pm, 305 Harrison St. 3 fenpnw.org

Tre Calloway orders the works at Capitol Hill’s Sunset Fried Chicken.

Kid-approved food for less If you’re still feeling the pinch of the holiday season in your wallet, here are some of the best family-friendly places to eat around town that won’t break the bank.

With a fleet of food trucks across the city and a restaurant in Ballard, El Camión serves some of the best Mexican street food in town. It offers high-quality tacos and quesadillas, but the enor-

mous burritos offer the most bang for your buck, with $8.50 delivering enough for two hungry diners to share. The additional grilled veggies — smoky peppers, zucchini and more — are worth the extra dollar. The kids’ menu offers bean and cheese burritos and quesadillas for $4.85, still big enough for two kiddos to split. Don’t miss out CONTINUED ON NEXT PAGE >

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Chomp < Kid-approved CONTINUED

food for less

on the toppings bar, which offers a selection of incredible handmade salsas running from mild to zingy to five-alarm deliciousness. q 6416 15th Ave. NW, elcamionseattle.com Emerald City Fish & Chips is a tiny, charming gem in Rainier Valley serving up a Southern-inspired fish fry with a Northwest twist. Order your choice of fish, coated in perfectly crunchy breading,

accompanied by seasoned fries and a zesty housemade slaw. The Alaskan cod is a perennial family favorite; the generously portioned two-piece meal will only set you back $6.25. Bonus for those with dietary restrictions: all fish and chips are gluten-free. q 3756 Rainier Ave S.,

emeraldcityfishandchips.com

Pecos Pit BBQ has provided SoDo with excellent barbeque for almost 30 years, and now has a second location in West Seattle.

Sandwiches are the house specialty, with

The Sammamish Montessori School In Redmond

Call 425-883-3271 for a tour.

• Child-centered, joyful atmosphere with strong academic focus • Experienced, Montessori-certified teachers • Preschool and kindergarten • Family owned and operated since 1977 in g N o w E n r o ll • Summer, before & after school programs • Prep Program, (starting ages 2 1/2-3)

www.sammamishmontessori.com • 425-883-3271

Fossil fun for everyone!

DINO DAYS, MARCH 3–4 FOSSIL FRIDAYS, MARCH 23 I DIG DINOS, MARCH 25 burkemuseum.org/events

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five choices of excellent slow-roasted and smoked meats available in three sizes. The sliders, perfect for little tummies, clock in at only $3 a pop. For vegetarians, smoked spuds with all the toppings or loaded salad bowls make a great alternative. q 4400 35th Ave. SW &

2260 1st Ave. S., pecospit.com

Georgetown’s Conscious Eatery offers reasonably priced, generously portioned sandwiches made from high-quality, locally sourced ingredients.

The Garden + Goat is a flavor-packed vegetarian delight, with goat cheese, arugula, lemon aioli and local fave Mama Lil’s Peppers, and runs $7. Soups, salads and a killer breakfast selection round out the menu, and kids love the PB&J made with the added crunch of housemade granola. Even better, every time you “make it a meal” (add two sides, drink or cookie), the organization gives a meal to a homeless person. q 5620 6th Ave. S., consciouseatery.org At Capitol Hill’s Sunset Fried Chicken, chef Monica Dimas offers terrific fried chicken sandwiches, salads, and sides.

The house-specialty O.G. is the way to go: its tangy slaw, crunchy pickles, and mayo on a toasted bun sets you back only $6.84. The fries and fried green tomatoes make excellent sides, but the double-fried hush puppies might be your kids’ new favorite treat. Sunset Fried Chicken is located inside Rachel’s Ginger Beer, so you can accompany your meal with an RGB float for a dining experience your kids won’t soon forget. q 1610 12th Ave., sunsetfriedchicken.com Lake City’s Man’oushe Express serves up a variety of flavorful Middle Eastern foods, but its specialty is mana’eesh: flatbreads topped with cheese, herbs, vegetables or ground meat. The za’atar flatbread is huge, perfectly portable for a bite on the go, and costs $4.50. The gyro plate, accompanied by rice, tzatziki and feta, still only runs $8.95. Kids love the hummus and pita, or the crispy falafel, a steal at $3.95 for five pieces. Man’oushe Express is located in the back of Goodies Mediterranean Market, so follow your meal with a trip through the store and introduce your kids to some fun new ingredients. q 13721 Lake City Way NE, manousheexpress.com

Bothell’s Dandy Dogs has been winning fans with its high-quality grilled sausages served on tasty toasted buns. The quarter-pound, all-beef hot dog, a mere $4, can be topped with more than 20 different sauces, seasonings, and vegetables. An extra $2 adds a bag of chips and a soda. Look for Dandy, with its outdoor covered seating, in the Cash & Carry parking lot across from Home Depot. q 18222 120th Ave. NE, Bothell, dandydogs.biz

„ More shopping local on seattleschild.com

KIDS LEARN MINDFULNESS WITH L.A.U.G.H. APP The local Catherine Mayer Foundation recently created an “art-based mindfulness” app called L.A.U.G.H. (Let Art Unleash Great Happiness), which combines art images, music and breathing exercises to help kids relax and concentrate. A group of second- and third-graders at Madrona

SHARE YOUR SUNNY AND STORMY DAY

Elementary are using the app as part of a pilot program, but anyone can download it from the Apple store.

3thecatherinemayerfoundation.org/the-laugh-app/

»Shop L I V E LY A N D L O C A L LY M A D E

> Romp > Chomp

qBY REBECCA MONGRAIN

As we all know, children’s emotions can veer from bright one minute to cloudy the next.

Board-game designer Shanon Lyon created Sunny and Stormy Day, a book, board game, and activity all in one that’s meant to help kids share and process the ups and downs of their days.

A 2017 winner of the Oppenheim Toy Portfolio Platinum Award, the game is intended for ages 3 and up. $17.99 3 departmentofrec.com

>> Shop

ROAR WITH A DINOSAUR SWEATER

CRYBABY COM FO RTS P HOTO BY J OS HUA HU STON OT HE R IM AGES CO URTE SY O F COM PANIE S

Lisa Cook, owner of Crybaby Comforts, makes a delivery.

Parents like the online retailer Panda Kids — founded by Seattleite Charlee Sintaraga — for its affordable and quality clothing.

Kids, particularly the prehistorically inclined, will love its new Dinosaur Sweater. The machine-washable cotton sweater, in sizes 2T to 4T, is available in bright yellow with teal stripes or orange with cream stripes, and features a handsome, buttoned neckline. $21.77 3 pandakids.biz

Bulky baby gear to go Traveling with a baby or toddler is full of adventure. It can also be full of angst. Parents not only have to worry about keeping young ones entertained en route, but about schlepping all the gear they’ll need at their destination, from cribs and car seats to favorite toys and strollers.

For families visiting Seattle or hosting out-of-towners, local outfit Crybaby Comforts offers a solution: It rents out all manner of essentials for babies and kids, including everything from baby gates to high chairs, all sizes of car seats, a range of sleeping options (from Rock ’n Plays CONTINUED ON NEXT PAGE >

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- 1/3V of edit (2/3V of Shop Local ads)

10% OFF YOUR PURCHASE

Shop < Crybaby

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to full-size cribs) and even items like mamaRoo swings, bath tubs and toys, and toddler scooters. Pricing is by the day or the week; for example, a BOB jogging stroller rents for $14 a day or $60 a week, while an exersaucer goes for $5.50 a day or $24 a week. Crybaby will either deliver the gear (along with such items as diapers) throughout the Puget Sound region, charging a fee according to distance, or offers a pick-up option in Shoreline.

“Crybaby Comforts can bring you everything you have at home without the hassles of trying to carry it with you,” says founder Lisa Cook. “If you need a car seat at the airport we will meet you there. Want a crib at your hotel or grandma’s house? We can have it waiting for your arrival.” q crybabycomforts.com

when you support these businesses and mention Seattle’s Child.

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Best The East Side’stores Family Game S

C R O S S R OA D S - B E L L E V U E T OWN C E N T E R

(425) 497-9180 seattle-kids-small-spring.pdf

www.unclesgames.com

1

At The Landing in Renton • 425-264-3606 (Next to the Seahawks Pro Shop)

Your guide to a kid-friendly city

on the go Check out our super searchable, sortable, constantly-updated

Family Events Calendar

» seattleschild.com 16

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YOUR NEIGHBORHOOD TOY STORE 206.932.3154 retroactivekids.com Historic Columbia City 3/16/17 9:36 AM Discount excludes LEGO products.

8511 35th Ave NE | SEA 98115

NEW BOOKS FROM CASPAR BABYPANTS AND KATE ENDLE Musician Chris Ballew, aka Caspar Babypants, and children’s book illustrator Kate Endle (What is Green?, Who Hoo are You?) could be considered a local “power couple” in the world of kid culture. Fittingly, the duo has collaborated on several excellent board books, including two new ones due out March 13 from Little Bigfoot, an imprint of Sasquatch. Ballew and Endle crafted the stories of Ocean Motions and Penguin on a Scooter together, then Endle illustrated the books in her unique collage style while Ballew wrote music to the words, providing a link in the book to download a free MP3 version.

Ocean Motions introduces readers to sea creatures that sway, jiggle, glide and flip, including walruses that “warmly wave!” Penguin on a Scooter came out of one of the couple’s many long walks together where they test out alliterations and silly phrases. The titular phrase stuck in their heads and Endle knew it would be a cute visual. Quite simply, “I really wanted to illustrate a penguin on a scooter,” she explains.

— Rebecca Mongrain

COURTESY OF LITTLE BIGFOOT

R E DMON D

satsumadesigns.com

(425) 746-1539

BOOK CLUB

Travel the world through these pages Dr. Seuss said it perfectly: Oh, the places you’ll go! Every child deserves to travel and learn from new experiences, whether in a foreign country or within the pages of a well-written book.

Take a spin with one of these globe-spanning selections, without losing any legroom.

Sleeping

North, South, East, West

by Margaret Wise Brown HarperCollins, 2017 Preschool-Grade 2

This neverbefore-published story by the classic children’s author (Goodnight Moon), with beautiful illustrations

by Greg Pizzoli, is about a young bird and her inherent call to leave the nest. In what direction should she go? Only her heart can tell her where she belongs.

Beauty

once upon a dream

James and the Giant Peach

by Roald Dahl Knopf, 1961 Grades 2-7

This wonderfully surreal, occasionally dark novel still captivates close to 60 years after publication. A fantastical tale of travel (mostly within a magical peach) and daring escapades, it conveys that justice always prevails for the good and kind at heart.

Once Was a Time

Ballet

Evergreen City

April 27 - 29 at the Theatre at Meydenbauer Center Tickets: evergreencityballet.org | 1.800.514.3849

by Leila Sales

COURTESY OF PUBLISHERS

Chronicle, 2016 Grades 4-10

This marvelous mashup of historical fiction, science fiction, and just plain old heartfelt fiction will appeal to kids looking to travel — through time!

The story follows two best friends in war-ravaged London circa 1940 who are separated by time and space and must make their way back to each other. Along the way, it explores themes of friendship, love and trusting one’s own decisions.

— Andie Powers

A story from Korea

Tiger and the Dried Persimmon IN THREE LOCATIONS Magnuson

Park, Ballard and Bellevue

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NEARBY GETAWAYS Get out of town! Remember when all new parents swore that having kids wouldn’t tie them down? Prove it!

Seattle’s Child gets behind the wheel to find three memorable, laid-back yet still exciting adventures within a few hours drive of Seattle.

The unassuming adorability of Olympia Don’t wait for your kids’ school field trip to explore a capital that’s custom-built for families, with fun options for play, food and exploration

BY NAOMI TOMKY

Hands On Children’s Museum features two floors of cleverly integrated, locally themed play structures, exhibits and activities.

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Day trips are this season’s answer to weekend activities that engage both parents and children. Exciting eats, broad beaches, fun parks and the Hands On Children’s Museum in Olympia make Washington’s gentle capital an easy place to bring the kids. The

short drive just an hour south of Seattle makes it doable for a daylong adventure.

Or spring for a hotel room at the Governor (621 Capitol Way S., coasthotels. com/hotels/washington/olympia/the-governor); walking distance to the children’s museum will get you a nice view for a the price.

Fortify the family with breakfast at the Bread Peddler. Inside the artisanal 222 Market (222 Capitol Way N., breadpeddler.com), the bakery displays a long counter brimming with temptingly arranged croissants, morning buns, cakes, and breads. From here, it’s only about a half-mile walk from the hotel CONTINUED ON NEXT PAGE >

PHOTOS BY JOSHUA HUSTON

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nearby getaways

nearby getaways

Portland in a time of tulips

The boat-shaped playground at Priest Point Park lets little ones set sail.

An earlier bloom beckons visitors to the Rose City An episode of The Simpsons once joked, “Why should we leave America for America Jr.?” about a trip to Canada. Sometimes traveling from Seattle to Portland can feel a little like that. Sure, we have a tulip festival here in the Seattle area, but Portland’s is a little earlier and a bit less crowded, and as any good Northwesterner knows, more color in the gray of March is a vital element to staying sane around here.

Kids dive into the irresistible water table at Hands On Children’s Museum.

to the children’s Museum (414 Jefferson St. NE, hocm.org).

The museum itself is well worth a trip on its own, with two full floors of cleverly integrated, locally themed play structures, exhibits and activities, plus an outdoor discovery center and adjoining playground. Upstairs, Snug Harbor caters to the toddling

set with fallen-log tunnels and a padded faux beach. Down the hall, tables are spread with the supplies and instructions for a variety of craft activities. The Tide to Trees Climber lets kids skip the stairs and meet their parents by going up to the eagle’s nest and sliding down the stream slide to the first floor where the water activities are — and the “Emergency” area, with a police car, fire truck, and

medic van. When the sound of the sirens gets stuck in your ears, take a walk along the west edge of the building, where a variety of sound installations line the way back to the parking lot.

Hop in the car and head across town for lunch at Hart’s Mesa (903 Rogers St. NW). The Tex-Mex brunch restaurant in a historic grocery building (without a sign) keeps plenty of high chairs at the

World-class Whistler Blackcomb

On and off the slopes, Canadian ski resort delivers for families

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Watching the Winter Olympics on TV was inspiring, but now it’s time to turn it up a notch: Whistler hosts a series of races and competitions, including ones where kids can watch top athletes their own age compete.

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Early March’s U-14 Ski and Snowboard Snowcross (March 3-4) features skiers and boarders battling down the rolling jumps and banked turns. The top 12-to-14-year-old freeskiers in the country come to town March 15-18 to vie in a big-mountain competition.

The season continues into April with the Whistler Cup, which brings the best racers

gentler beach for strolling and a boat-shaped playground.

If outdoor play is out of the question — Olympia gets about 20 more rainy days than Seattle — or if you need an evening activity, head to Skateland (2725 12th Ave. NE, skatelandolympia.com), Olympia’s retro rink. The old-school skating comes at a price that’s at least as much of a throwback to the ’80s as the sport and setting, but with an unexpectedly high level of fun.

ready, along with a better than basic kids’ menu that includes quesadillas, pancakes, and the “mud puddle”: rice, beans and melted cheese. The eats are hearty, so opt for a brisk walk afterward.

Right straight out the door is the ferny Garfield Nature Trail, a short walk down to the water at West Bay Park. Or take a longer walk around the bay to Priest Point Park, including a much

in the world to the Northwest.

Previous winners include U.S. Olympians Lindsey Vonn and Mikaela Shiffrin. The 21st Annual Showcase Showdown — a snowboard jam with lots of big air and tricks — closes it out. All the events are free to watch and very casual — just stop by the side of the course during your ski day.

Learn more about all events at CONTINUED ON PAGE 24 >

SEATTLEʼS PREMIER NANNY AGENCY “Your child deserves the best, and so do you”

PH OTO COURT ESY OF WHI STLE R BL ACKCOM B

< The unassuming adorability of Olympia CONTINUED

PHOTOS COU RTE SY OF WO O D EN SHO E T ULI P FEST, WI Z B ANG B AR, B RI CKS CASCAD E

The Bread Peddler brims with croissants, morning buns, cakes and breads.

Oregon’s Wooden Shoe Tulip Fest (1) runs March 23-April 29 and offers 40 acres of bright, colorful flowers in creative patterns, with a stunning view of Mt. Hood hanging in the background (woodenshoe.com). It’s about 45 minutes south of Portland, and once there the ticket price ($5/ per person over age 13) includes access to the flower fields, a tram or hay-wagon ride, with a children’s play area that includes duck races, slides, tire swings and photo cut-out boards. On weekends, the event ramps up with wooden-shoe-making, steam tractor demonstrations, balloon artists, pony rides and a meet-and-greet with the Tulip the Cow mascot, who loves high fives and taking photos.

Head back into Portland proper and decamp to the stylish AC Hotel (888 SW 3rd Ave., achotels. marriott.com/hotels/ac-hotel-portland-downtown). The new concept hotel from Marriott brings a European feel with streamlined, sleek rooms that

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feel a little fancier than the average family-sized suite. Hotel staff are helpful and can supply both a crib and excellent advice on kid-friendly food and activities — starting with the huge waterfront park across the street with endless space to run around.

While Portland is rightfully famous for its food trucks, eating outside in spring with small children can be a challenge. Enter Pine Street Market (125 SW 2nd Ave., pinestreetpdx.com), a huge food hall that opened in 2016.

Parents can order a glass of wine and a bowl of ramen while kids dig into a slice of pizza. Maybe your menu choices are more along the lines of roast chicken or foot-long corn dogs, Korean-Southern barbecue fusion or classic burgers: it’s all here. With concepts coming from John Gorham of Toro Bravo and Tasty n Sons, James Beard Award winner Ken Forkish, and Olympia Provisions sausage savant Elias Cairo, there are no bad choices.

Save some room for dessert at

Wiz Bang Bar (2), a soft-serve spot from Portland’s innovative Salt & Straw ice cream shops.

The first weekend of the tulip festival also happens to coincide with another amazing, kid-friendly festival: Bricks Cascade (3) (brickscascade. com), which brings Lego models to life. With tens of thousands of square feet of Lego models by hundreds of builders, the public exposition shows off the incredible, intricate work of experts: castles, sports stadiums, entire cities, even favorite television and movie scenes. The expo — part of a larger conference at the Oregon Convention Center (777 NE Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd.) — costs $11 per person, or $40 for a family of four, and includes access to all the models, vendors selling new and vintage Lego sets, even Lego jewelry and art. And if all this impressive Lego sculpting inspires your young ones, there’s even a Duplo building area for them to make their own imitations.

Hamlin Robinson School

SUMMER PROGRAM •

•

Known for our exceptional personal service, long-term support and unique approach to finding just the right fit for your family.

•

Academic options: Strengthen skills in reading, writing, oral language, and math Enrichment options: LEGO® Robotics, music, art, sports, and more!

Extended day available 1701 20th Ave S, Seattle, 98144

hamlinrobinson.org

CAREWORKSNW.COM 2 0 6 - 3 2 5 - 7 5 1 0 March 20 18

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Camps and Classes Traditional Summer Camp * Excellent Leadership * Small Living Groups * 13, 19 & 21 Day Sessions * ACA Accredited

Finding home abroad

* Riding * Arts & Crafts * Sailing * Swimming * And much more!

(425) 844-8896 • www.hvc-wa.com hiddenvalleycamp@earthlink.net Indoor ski camps Receive specialized instruction. We’ll use indoor ski ramps, plus some dry land skills and videos.

CAMPS

outdoor climbing Learn climbing basics. We aim to be outdoors every day. Climbing opportunities for every level.

Equipment provided!

FOR VOCALISTS & INSTRUMENTALISTS AGES 7-17

From Ballard to Guatemala: Seeking a new way of living

Mon-Fri from 9am-2pm with a live performance each Friday

outdoor adventure and hiking camp Explore the magnificent Pacific Northwest.

Campers will enjoy a range of activities from hiking adventures to exploring natural waterfalls.

LAKE CITY July 9th - August 20th GEORGETOWN July 30th - August 20th

BY STEVE LEWIS

COST $395 for students enrolled in lessons at SDS $450 for students not enrolled

SEATTLEDRUMSCHOOL.COM

1900 132nd Ave NE, Suite A3 • Bellevue, WA 98005 425.746.7547 • info@minimountain.com

SUMMER @ CORNISH July–August 2018 • Seattle Taught by some of the region’s best-known practicing artists and esteemed Cornish faculty

ART • DANCE • DESIGN • FILM • MUSIC • MUSICAL THEATER

(206) 364-8815 or info@seattledrumschool.com for more information or to enroll

Get wild this summer at Seattle Humane’s new shelter: • Meet pets and wildlife • • Learn applied pet training and animal language • • Behind-the-scenes veterinary shadowing for teens • Camp is for youth 6-16 with specific programming for all age groups.

Registration opens Mar. 26 at seattlehumane.org

For Ages 3 to 12 Years

A New Theme Each Week!

Monday - Friday 9am - 4pm Before and after care available.

Drop your kids off at either location:

Adventure Kids Bellevue 1100 Bellevue Way NE, Ste. #1 (425) 453-4444

Now offering Spring/ Summer Day Camps.

Go to www.thetagzone.com for more info.

Adventure Kids Issaquah 775 NW Gilman Blvd., C-3 (425) 391-5358

Indoor Nerf Arena 206.719.4632

cornish.edu/summer

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Birthday Parties Are Always On Target @ TheTagZone!

DES MOINES, WA.

www.thetagzone.com

www.adventurekidsplaycare.com

P H OTO CO U RT ESY OF STE VE L E W I S

A Unique

My family’s kitchen table stands about a foot off of the ground, just below my knees. It is made of unfinished wood with a few nails protruding on the underside, but it is sturdy. Tonight, all 15 tiny chairs around the table are filled as we eat a traditional meal of beans, eggs and plantains. My family of four shares this table with our host family of 11 in Santiago Atitlán, a city of 50,000 in Guatemala. This table has come to represent what we come to love about Guatemala, a place poor in material resources but rich in so many other ways.

My wife Sarah and I have been married for 11 years and, as long as we can remember, we talked about taking a trip like this. There are plenty of reasons not to live abroad: loss of financial stability, uncertainty, hassle, and safety risks for the children, Noah, 5, and Anya, 7. But last winter, on yet another day of unforgiving Seattle rain, we committed to making the big trip.

We wanted to give our children the experience of living in a different world and learning a foreign language. For them, there would never be a more formative time than these ages.

And we wanted a family adventure that would grow us closer as a family.

Tonight at dinner, Noah

excuses himself and makes his way over to Delores, our host mother, who cooks over a wood-fueled stove. She watches him as he smacks dough profusely in his little hands as he flattens tortillas. Anya gets up to resume her ongoing rehearsals of “Despacito” with her new sister, Martololita, 8.

Although the inescapable cultural shadow of Justin Bieber has followed us to the Guatemalan highlands, we have found a new way of living.

It’s the end of our first month abroad with two more to go. In Santiago Atitlán, Sarah is a volunteer pediatrician at the local hospital, which serves about 100,000 locals living in 10 towns around the lake. Sarah speaks conversational Spanish.

Local staff translate her Spanish to Tz’utujil, the predominant Mayan language in this city. I teach English and P.E. and work with local teachers to develop a math curriculum at a school where our children are among the only English speakers. We commute in tuk-tuks, threewheeled motorized rickshaws.

Despite our obvious foreigner status, the school has been extremely welcoming. The first days were like any new school gauntlet, with an added language barrier. Anya hid in a corner of her classroom with books.

Noah’s fists were clenched and his breathing was rapid when he first walked into his classroom.

Going against all my teacher training, I followed a deep parental instinct and stayed in my son’s classroom 30 minutes on the first day. I am completely out now. I’m not sure who was more nervous on that first day.

CONTINUED ON NEXT PAGE >

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< Finding

home abroad CONTINUED

Noah initially showed no interest in learning Spanish, but out of pure necessity he now offers complete sentences, mainly in pursuit of his favorite foods: panqueques (pancakes), pan (bread) and cereal with sweetened milk. We all took a few weeks of language school for three hours a day, which isn’t ideal for a 5-year-old.

For all of us, trying to understand and speak another language all day is exhausting, but we find our energy replenished when we gather together for lunch around the Betz family table again. While we still struggle to speak Spanish around the table, laughter flows freely and the warmth of the tortilla stove soothes our nerves.

Today Noah, Anya, Martololita and Juan Pablo started a soccer game in the alley next to our home. Competition raged for more than an hour on the 5-foot wide field. The game ended when Anya tripped over a rock and scraped her knee. Camaron, our host father, ran over waving a bottle of body lotion, proclaiming in Spanish that “Doctor Camaron will fix it.” Here in Guatemala, attitude often beats resources.

Our experience here makes me lament that in our world of plenty, we don’t fully appreciate what we have. Around the rustic dinner table, the older brothers take care of Juan Pablo, the youngest of the bunch, cutting his food and rolling up his sleeves. Meals are

not large, at least by American standards, but the food is delicious and homemade, usually cooked

by Jenifer, the eldest daughter. Today and often, it is a soup full of potatoes, carrots and guiquil, a native vegetable. Jenifer never fails to make the most of the ingredients available.

This three-month sojourn has sometimes felt like a forced march and at other times, a blessing.

On bad days, I blame myself for subjecting us to it.

But we are in awe of how adaptable our children are, which is something people told us, but we had yet to see.

We’re still deep in the experience, but we’ve had the chance to reflect on our decision to drop everything and come here. To be able to shed our comfortable lives in Seattle for a season to live, work and go to school in a foreign culture is an opportunity that will rejuvenate all of us intellectually and spiritually, certainly a lot more than a trip to an amusement park. We still have a few more conventional trips in us, but just getting beyond the toddler stage with our kids and eager to try something very different, this feels like the right experience at this stage of our lives.

When we first duck into our host family’s alley and see the entrance to the kitchen with the table inside, our children say how happy they are to be home. They vanish into the alley to join a raging soccer game. Moments like this serve to remind Sarah and me that the resiliency of children should not be underestimated. If nothing else, the simple fact that my children came so far, and yet are still at home, makes it all worth it.

< Whistler Blackcomb you can saw into hearty ski-jacket sandwiches.

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 20

whistlerblackcomb.com/ events-and-activities.

June 18 – August 24 3 – 14 years old Learning & Enrichment Outdoor Education Performing Arts Fine Arts Sports Day Camps

summertime fun!

Challenging K-12 students in an intellectual community through early entrance, online, and outreach programs

Find registration information online:

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Transition School • UW Academy Saturday Enrichment • Summer Programs Online Program • Professional Development

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Even if it’s not a big event weekend, it’s worth sticking around Whistler on a Sunday night for the Fire & Ice event, which features expert skiers and snowboarders twisting, flipping, and flying through flaming hoops, ending right in the center of Whistler Village.

This vantage point puts you right by Sushi Village (4340 Sundial Crescent, sushivillage.com).

Put your name down for dinner before the show (the lines can get long) and watch until your table is ready.

Often, the best way to keep the kids fed in Whistler is to rent a condo with a kitchen — both the nearby IGA and Nesters Market carry everything you could need to cook — particularly if the basics are padded with breads and pastries from Purebread (122-4338 Main St., purebread.ca). The town’s world-class bakery carries everything from Nutella cream buns to little pizzettes, as well as big, hearty loaves of farmhouse bread that

Purebread is also right in front of the free ice skating rink at the Whistler Olympic Plaza. It costs only $6 to rent skates, which comes with free helmets and, if needed, push bars for beginners. And don’t miss the opportunity to take the all-important photo with the Olympic rings. When you’re done with the ice time, stroll to nearby Blenz Coffee (1014338 Main Street, blenz. com) to enjoy the annual choice as Whistler’s best hot chocolate.

For those powder days when the toddlers are holding you back — or those wondrous winter nights when you want to have a romantic evening, Babysitting Whistler (babysittingwhistler.com) offers reliable, affordable childcare. $20 Canadian per hour for up to two kids is about $65 U.S. for the fourhour minimum — and includes the option for snow play and adventure nature walks. For kids 3 and up, it’s time for ski school and getting them on their own path toward Olympic glory. (whistlerblackcomb. com/snow-school).

q Read about traveling to Whistler with kids once the snow melts at seattleschild.com/Whistler-ProvidesFamily-Adventure-Even-in-the-Off-Season/

„ Find more nest-making ideas on seattleschild.com

LOCAL RESOURCES FOR BUSY PARENTS: Find classes, plan birthday parties and more with our constantly updated online directory of family-friendly businesses » seattleschild.com/directories L I V I N G L A R G E I N S M A L L A N D U N I Q U E S PAC E S

q BY A N D I E P OW E R S

@ A N D I E GW P OW E R S

>>MakingHome

The Franklin family feels at home atop one of Seattle’s most beloved landmark buildings.

Living above it all P H OTO BY JOS H UA H U STON

ATOP THE SMITH TOWER, AN IMPROBABLE SPACE MAKES THE PERFECT AERIE FOR A FAMILY OF THREE Petra Franklin and her two daughters, Simone, 14, and Naomi, 11, are living any kid’s dream adventure — at least a kid who isn’t afraid of heights, that is.

The trio lives in the pyramid-shaped

penthouse atop Seattle’s historic 42-story Smith Tower, high above the bustling streets of Pioneer Square. Back when the Beaux-Arts tower was completed in 1914 it was the tallest building on the West Coast

for nearly a half-century (it was surpassed by the Space Needle in 1962) and tallest west of the Mississippi River until 1931.

Supposedly, creative types and a caretaker occupied the pyramid off and on through the decades, but when Franklin first saw it in 1997, it had long been uninhabited — and uninhabitable, with no stairs, plenty of leaks and dominated by a giant water tower. But once the water tower was removed, a rough-and-readyto-renovate space was left behind.

Franklin, a choreographer-turnedCONTINUED ON NEXT PAGE >

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MakingHome

Taking in the windy view from the top.

above it all

CONTINUED

venture-capitalist, signed a 20-year lease and got to work alongside architect Jim Castanes. With a tight budget, she mined the building for historic elements to repurpose, turning a large piece of marble into the kitchen counter and incorporating ornate wooden screens from the Chinese-themed banquet room as decorative elements.

After entering the building through the lobby’s heavy bronze doors, a set of elevators goes up 35 stories to an observation deck, which is open to the public. From there, a door marked “Private Residence” leads to the space where the family makes their home.

The light-filled, 1,750-square-foot apartment has two bedrooms and two bathrooms.

In the living room, a „ Is your family massive chandelier gifted living in a unique by family friend Dale space? Email us at Chihuly hangs overhead. makinghome@ Extraordinary views of seattleschild.com the Cascades, Olympics, and Puget Sound are everywhere — the tub in the master bath lines up perfectly with a vista of Mount Rainier.

Yet the most jaw-dropping site of all is accessed via a spiral staircase, which climbs up to a small room, 10 feet in diameter, made entirely of 24 glass panels. Squint at a skyline photo of Seattle and you can see that tiny glass sphere crowning the tower’s tippy-top, looking like a fishbowl floating in the sky. For this family, that fishbowl is the most enviable reading nook of all time.

The light-filled, 1,750-square-foot apartment has two bedrooms and two bathrooms.

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P H OTOS BY JOSH UA HUSTON

< Living

„ For our mobile-friendly, totally searchable, constantly updated calendar go to seattleschild.com

Erika’s picks for March 1

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March 15

Rock and Gem Show Agates and gems and petrified wood, oh my! North Seattle Lapidary & Mineral Club presents amazing displays, vendors, fun kids’ activities and awesome prizes at its annual free show.

ArtVenture: Loud Letters Enjoy the Henry Art Gallery’s latest hands-on event: Using letters, text and wordplay, participants can explore the power of language. Please pre-register.

Moisture Festival Be amazed and entertained at this showcase of comedy/ varietè artists that includes acrobats, dancers, musicians, clowns, aerialists, comedians, magicians and jugglers at Hale’s Palladium in Fremont.

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March 17

Walk ’n Wag Bring your own favorite canine to Issaquah’s Lake Sammamish State Park and take part in a dog-friendly 5K or 3K, then stay to try out an awesome agility course and browse vendors.

St. Patrick’s Day Parade Don your green and come to watch or join this fun parade that runs down Fourth Avenue downtown, starting at Jefferson and ending at Westlake Park. Parking can be tight, but the monorail is free. q S E E PAG E 2 9

W H AT ’ S H A P P E N I N G A R O U N D T O W N

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qBY NICOLE SANTORA

»Calendar 03/18 Thursday, March 1 S E AT T L E A R E A

The Journal of Ben Uchida: Citizen 13559. Witness the story of 12-year-old Ben Uchida, a Japanese-American boy whose life is changed forever following the World War II attack on Pearl Harbor. The show contains sensitive material. See online for content advisory. 7 pm tonight and various times through Sun. $$$.

Seattle Children’s Theatre, Seattle (Lower Queen Anne). www.sct.org

PHOTO BY J OS EP H L A MBE RT

The Little Prince. Adapted from Antoine de Saint-Exupéry classic novella about a young boy from an asteroid. Ages 6 and older.

7 pm tonight, various dates and times through Sun. $$ to $$$. Seattle Children’s Theatre, Seattle (Lower Queen Anne). www.sct.org Community Purim Celebration. Families of all backgrounds are welcome to join in the fun of celebrating the Jewish holiday Purim, complete with live music, face painting and crafts for kids. 4:30 pm. $$$, free ages 3 and younger. Pre-register. Ashreichem Yisrael, Seattle (Hillman City). www.seattlekehilla.com

Discover Dance at McCaw Hall

Friday, March 2 S E AT T L E A R E A

Polar Science Weekend. Learn about ice sheets, sea ice, polar bears and more through exhibits and demonstrations from scientists studying polar science. 10 am to 2 pm today, 10 am to 6 pm Sat. and Sun.

Included with admission. $$. Pacific Science Center, Seattle (Lower Queen Anne). www.pacificsciencecenter.org

Saturday, March 3 S E AT T L E A R E A

Family Science Night: Kitchen Creations. Bring the family to

enjoy hands-on experiments with food — write secret messages with sour fruit, knead dough to develop gluten, and create a creamy treat.

5:30 to 8:30 pm. $$$, free ages 3 and younger. Pre-register. Pacific Science Center, Seattle (Lower Queen Anne).

Soaring Expo 2018. Full-size,

E V E NT S AR E SUB JE CT TO C H ANG E Please call ahead or check the venue’s website before you go.

E V E NT P R IC ING $: Under $10 / $$: $10–$20 / $$$: $20 and over

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Calendar Calendar radio-controlled gliders will be on display all weekend. Meet members of local soaring and RC glider clubs and learn about the sport of soaring and how to become a glider pilot.

10 am to 5 pm through Sun. Included with admission, $$$. Museum of Flight, Seattle (Tukwila). www.museumofflight.org Dino Days. Meet paleontologists, touch and dig for fossils and enjoy other dinosaurrelated activities. 10 am to 5 pm through Sun. Included with admission. $ to $$, free ages 4 and younger. Burke Museum, Seattle (U District). www.burkemuseum.org Seattle Bike Show and Travel Adventure Gear Expo. Vendors, demonstrations, hands-on activities and more. 9 am to 6 pm today, 9 am to 5 pm Sun. $$, free ages 17 and younger. CenturyLink Field Event Center, Downtown Seattle. www.seattlebikeshow.com Seattle Miniature Show. Vendors display dollhouses and their contents, vignettes, room boxes and more, plus prizes and workshops.

10 am to 5 pm today, 10 am to 4 pm Sun. $, free ages 11 and younger. DoubleTree Suites by Hilton, Seattle (Southcenter). www.seattleminiatureshow.com

The Little Prince at SCT

EASTSIDE

Junie B. Jones, the musical. Adapted from the book series by Barbara Park, this story is about Junie’s first day of first grade. 1 and 3 pm weekends through March 18. $ to $$. SecondStory Repertory, Redmond. www.secondstoryrep.org The Tiger & The Dried Persimmon.

Thistle Theatre presents a puppet show of a Korean tale, using the Bunraku method of puppetry. 2 and 4 pm through Sun. $$. Bellevue Youth Theatre, Bellevue. www.thistletheatre.org SOUTH SOUND

Pier Into the Night. Touch tanks, underwater lights and a live video feed from a diver let you see which Puget Sound sea creatures are active at night. 7 pm. $. Jerisich Dock, Gig Harbor. www.harborwildwatch.org

Sunday, March 4 S E AT T L E A R E A

The Pilot Experience. Enjoy a one-hour simulation as a pilot. Inspect a real Cirrus SR20 for safety, plot your course and take off into the sky in professional-grade simulators. Ages 10 and older. 11 am and 1 pm today, March 17, 18, and 31. $$$. Museum of Flight, Seattle (Tukwila). www.museumofflight.org NORTH SOUND

Pinocchio. StoryBook Theater presents a charming retelling of the familiar tale about telling the truth. 11 am and 1 pm. $$. Everett PUD Auditorium, Everett. www.storybooktheater.org EASTSIDE

Winter Adventure Hike. Learn about animals in winter during a guided 2-mile hike along Rattlesnake and Christmas Lakes. Ages 7 and older.

No dogs or strollers. 1:30 to 3:30 pm. today, March 11 and 25. FREE. Pre-register. Cedar River Watershed Education Center, North Bend. www.seattle.gov

Monday, March 5 SOUTH SOUND

Aladdin. See the classic tale of an old lamp, a genie, a young man and a smart princess. Part of the “Let’s Play” series, short interactive shows perfect for toddlers and preschoolers. 10 am today through Sun, 11:30 am Fri. $. Olympia Family Theater, Olympia. www.olyft.org

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Tuesday, March 6 S E AT T L E A R E A

Dr. Seuss Day. Celebrate the birthday of Dr. Seuss (aka Theodore Geisel) with special storytimes, snacks, and other themed activities.

10 am to 5 pm. Included with admission. $$, free younger than 12 months. Seattle Children’s Museum, Lower Queen Anne. www.thechildrensmuseum.org

Thursday, March 8 SOUTH SOUND

Race Night. Take a spin in a racing simulator linked to other other drivers. Recommended for ages 10 and older. Compete on famous tracks including Daytona, Darlington and Dover.

5 to 8 pm. $$. America’s Car Museum, Tacoma. www.americascarmuseum.org

Saturday, March 10 S E AT T L E A R E A

Girls’ Try Hockey. Girls ages 4 to 14 are invited to learn hockey. No experience required. Bring warm clothes, gloves, and a bike helmet. Hockey gear will be provided. 5 to 6 pm. FREE. Pre-registration required. Highland Ice Arena, Shoreline. www.highlandice.com Designing for 3-D Printing. Kids ages 8 and older can design and create 3-D designs. 10:30 am to 12:30 pm. $$$. Pre-register. Living Computers, Seattle (SoDo). www.livingcomputers.org Pinocchio. StoryBook Theater presents a charming retelling of the familiar tale about telling the truth. 11 am. $$. Shoreline Conference Center, Shoreline. www.storybooktheater.org Saturday Family Concert: La Famille Léger. The Légers play traditional dancing music of French Canada featuring lively tunes on the fiddle and the accordion. 11 am. $, free ages 12 and younger with adult. Royal Room, Seattle (Columbia City). www.townhallseattle.org Kindiependent Concert Series: The Harmonica Pocket. A fun interactive show with swinging story-songs, hula hoops and a suitcase of props. 10:30 am. $$ family pass. Mount Baker Community Clubhouse, Seattle (Mount Baker). www.mountbaker.org Rock and Gem Show. North Seattle Lapidary & Mineral Club presents displays, vendors, kids’ activities, prizes and more. 10 am to 5 pm through Sun. FREE. Crown Hill Center, Seattle (Crown Hill). www.northseattlerockclub.org Family Fun Workshop: Tiny Tots. Spend some time exploring images of home in the galleries, then create a diorama of your special

place. Ideal for ages 3 to 6 with an adult. 10 am to 12:30 pm. $$. Seattle Art Museum, Downtown Seattle. www.seattleartmuseum.org Balkan Night Northwest. Traditional live music and dancing from Albania, Bulgaria, Croatia, Greece, Macedonia, Romania and Serbia.

Food and beverages available. 5 pm to midnight. $$ to $$$, free ages 9 and younger. St. Demetrios Hall, Seattle (Montlake). www.balkannightnw.com The Tiger & The Dried Persimmon. Thistle Theatre presents a puppet show of a Korean tale, using the Bunraku method of puppetry. 1 and 3 pm through Sun. $$. Magnuson Park Theater, Seattle (Sand Point). www.thistletheatre.org SOUTH SOUND

Second Saturday Studio and Story Time.

On the second Saturday of every month, Tacoma Art Museum hosts a variety of hands-on experiences for kids ages 2 to 8 and their families. 11 am to 2 pm. Included with admission, $$. Tacoma Art Museum, Tacoma. www.tacomaartmuseum.org Knuffle Bunny: A Cautionary Musical. Sixtime Emmy Award winner Mo Willems teams up with Grammy Award-winning composer Michael Silversher to create this hilarious musical.

11 am and 2 pm today, and various times through March 18. $$. Tacoma Musical Playhouse, Tacoma. www.tmp.org Ethnic Celebration. Multicultural performances, food and craft vendors and kids’ activities. 10 am to 6 pm. FREE. St. Martin’s University, Lacey. www.ci.lacey.wa.us Kent Kids’ Arts Day. Annual celebration features hands-on art projects led by professional artists. Kids must be with an adult. 10 am to 4 pm. $$, free adults and younger than age 2 but ticket required for creating art projects. Food available for purchase. Kent Commons, Kent. www.kentwa.gov

Sunday, March 11 S E AT T L E A R E A

ArtVenture: Loud Letters. Explore the power of language through printmaking and learn how artists have experimented with letters, text and wordplay. 1 to 3 pm. FREE. Pre-registration recommended. Henry Art Gallery, Seattle (U District). www.henryart.org EASTSIDE

Holi Festival. All are welcome at this Hindu celebration in which revelers throw colored powder on each other and enjoy music, dance and vegetarian Indian food. 11:30 am to 3:30 pm. $$, includes food and colored powder. Lake Sammamish State Park, Issaquah. www.facebook.com

P H OTO BY E L I S E BA K KE TU N

Free Family Day: Out of This World! Kids and their families are invited to explore the galleries and create unique art projects, all inspired by outer space, and see a live printmaking demonstration. Noon to 4 pm. FREE. Bellevue Art Museum, Bellevue. www.bellevuearts.org

Calendar $ to $$. Mt. Baker Community Clubhouse, Seattle (Mt. Baker). www.kingstreetcooppreschool.org The Tiger & The Dried Persimmon. Thistle Theatre presents a puppet show of a Korean tale, using the Bunraku method of puppetry. 1 and 3 pm through Sun. $$. Sunset Hill Community Club, Seattle (Ballard). www.thistletheatre.org EASTSIDE

Wetland Waddlers: Mud Appreciation Day. Explore Mercer Slough with your preschooler.

Enjoy art, play and story time. Today is all about mud: jump in puddles, make mud cakes and get messy. 9:30 to 11:30 am. $$$. Pre-register. Mercer Slough Environmental Education Center, Bellevue. www.pacificsciencecenter.org Kirkland Shamrock Run. 5K run/walk, plus a kids’ dash. Dogs and strollers welcome. 9 am. $$ to $$$. Marina Park, Kirkland. www.kirklandshamrockrun.com Finaghty’s St. Patty’s Day Run. Chip-timed 5K and 1K kids’ run. 9 am. $$ to $$$. Finaghty’s Irish Pub, Snoqualmie. www.runsnoqualmie.com Teen Action Fair

SOUTH SOUND

Donut Dash. 5K run with donuts at the end.

Prizes for top finishers. Free 1-mile kids’ run.

8:45 am kids’ run, 9 am 5K. $$$. Hands On Children’s Museum, Olympia. www.clubolyrunning.com

Tuesday, March 13 S E AT T L E A R E A

Kiss Me Kate: Spotlight Night. Spotlight Night gives you an inside look at upcoming 5th Avenue Theatre productions. Tonight, get a glimpse into Kiss Me Kate, featuring live music and musical history. Ages 4 and older, no babes in arms. 7 pm. FREE. Pre-register. 5th Avenue Theatre, Downtown Seattle. www.5thavenue.org

Thursday, March 15 S E AT T L E A R E A

The Illusionists – Live From Broadway.

This exciting show packed with magic and showmanship features five illusionists. Ages 4 and older, no babes in arms. 8 pm tonight; various times through Sun. $$$. 5th Ave. Theatre, Downtown Seattle. www.5thavenue.org Moisture Festival. Showcase of comedy/varietè artists, including acrobats, dancers, musicians, clowns, aerialists, comedians, magicians and jugglers. Most shows all-ages (especially 3 pm shows); see website for schedule. 7:30 pm Wednesdays through Sundays, 3 pm weekends, through April 8. $$ to $$$. Hale’s Palladium, Seattle (Fremont). www.moisturefestival.org

Friday, March 16 S E AT T L E A R E A

BI L L & M E L I N DA GATE S FOU N DATI ON

More Music @ The Moore. Young musicians representing a variety of genres will have the chance to perform together. 7:30 pm, doors open 6:30 pm. $$. The Moore Theatre, Downtown Seattle. www.stgpresents.org Blarney Bash. Treasure hunt, potato feast and a magic show by Louie Foxx. 6:30 to 8 pm. $. Ravenna-Eckstein Community Center, Seattle (Ravenna). www.seattle.gov EASTSIDE

Into the Woods. See the popular Sondheim musical involving popular fairy tale characters and an evil witch. Recommended for ages 9 and older. Tonight is the opening night gala. 7:30 pm tonight;various times through March 31. $$$. Studio East, Kirkland. www.studio-east.org

Saturday, March 17 S E AT T L E A R E A

Weekend Family Workshop: Voyage to the Unknown. Each weekend, Museum of Flight hosts hands-on family workshops with a different theme. Today, learn more about Voyager 1, a space probe launched by NASA. 11 am and 1 pm through Sunday. Museum of Flight, Seattle (Tukwila). Included with admission, $$$. www. museumofflight.org Family Fun Workshop: Kids and Race.

Learn to notice, question, and create new stories about race. Explore the gallery and create art inspired by the exhibit. 10 am to 12:30 pm. FREE. Pre-register. Seattle Art Museum, Downtown Seattle. www.seattleartmuseum.org Friends of Seattle Public Library Book Sale. Huge event features more than 100,000 items for sale, including books of all kinds, CDs and DVDs. Prices range from $1 to $3.

9 am to 5 pm today, 11 am to 4 pm Sun. FREE. Seattle Center Exhibition Hall, Seattle (Lower Queen Anne). www.friendsofspl.org Lucky Leprechaun Hunt. Hunt for special gold coins and win candy and prizes. 11:30 am to noon. FREE. Magnuson Community Center, Seattle (Sand Point). www.seattle.gov Seattle Youth Symphony Orchestra Concert. Hear classical music from talented young musicians. 7:30 pm. $$ to $$$. Meany Hall, Seattle (U District). www.syso.org Leprechaun Lap and Lair. Kids 10 and younger can do the nearly 1K Leprechaun Lap at the start of the St. Patrick’s Day Dash 5K. From 8:30 to 10 am, registered Leprechaun Lap participants with a bib or cape can enjoy FREE Seattle Children’s Museum admission for themselves and up to 3 family members, plus special themed activities. 8 am. $$. Pre-register. Seattle Center, (Lower Queen Anne). www.stpatsdash.com St. Patrick’s Day Parade. Individuals are welcome to join the parade. Route follows Fourth Avenue starting at Jefferson, ending at Westlake Park. Monorail is free, 1:30 to 2:30 pm. 12:30 pm.

FREE. Downtown Seattle. www.irishclub.org SAM Winter Weekends: Kids’ Saturday in the Park. Hands-on projects with a teaching artist; bring your own box to decorate as a vehicle for the “drive-in” movie (A Bug’s Life) at 12:30 pm. 10:15 am to 2 pm. FREE. Olympic Sculpture Park, Downtown Seattle. www.seattleartmuseum.org Family Auction for King Street Co-op Preschool. Live entertainment including an alumni talent show, plus family activities, food and beverages, raffle and silent auction. 3 to 6:30 pm.

SOUTH SOUND

Family STEAM Day – Bridging the Gap. Use simple materials to build bridges. 11 am to 4 pm. Included with admission, $$. America’s Car Museum, Tacoma. www.americascarmuseum.org St. Patrick’s Day at the Zoo. Talk with zookeepers and watch as animals receive “lucky” treats in honor of St. Patrick’s Day. 9:30 am to 4 pm. Included with admission. $ to $$. Point Defiance Zoo & Aquarium, Tacoma. www.pdza.org Crossroads Doll & Teddy Bear Show. See a large selection of dolls and teddy bears on display and for sale, including antiques, miniatures, furniture, supplies and accessories. 8:30 to 10 am early birds today ($$), 10 am to 4 pm through Sun. $. Free parking. Washington State Fairgrounds and Event Center, Puyallup. www.dolls4all.com St. Paddy’s Day Run Tacoma. Half marathon (8:10 am), 10K (8:40 am), 5K (9 am) and kids’ dash (11 am). Walkers and strollers welcome on 5K. $$$. Pre-register. South Eighth Street and Pacific Avenue, Tacoma. www.stpaddyruntacoma.com

Sunday, March 18 EASTSIDE

Walk ’n Wag. Dog-friendly 5K or 3K, plus agility course. 10 am to noon. $$ to $$$. Lake Sammamish State Park, Issaquah. www.eventbrite.com Mercer Island Half Marathon. Half marathon (7:30 am walk, 9 am run), kids’ dash (8 am; ages 10 and younger), 10K (8:30 am), and 5K run/walk (9:30 am). Benefits Mercer Island Rotary and colon cancer prevention. $$ to $$$.

Mercer Island Community and Event Center, Mercer Island. www.mercerislandhalf.com NORTH SOUND

Pete the Cat. See a live-action show based on the popular book series by Eric Litwin. Part of Village Theatre’s Pied Piper series. Free, sensory-friendly show at noon. 2 pm. $$. Everett Civic Auditorium, Everett. www.villagetheatre.org SOUTH SOUND

Mini Maestros: 3-2-1 Brass Off! Tacoma Symphony Orchestra presents a kid-friendly performance. Instrument petting zoo begins one hour before the show. 2:30 pm. $ to $$. Schneebeck Hall at University of Puget Sound, Tacoma. www. broadwaycenter.org

Thursday, March 22 S E AT T L E A R E A

Naked Mole Rat Gets Dressed: The Rock Experience. See the world premiere of a rock ’n’ roll, live-action adaptation of Mo Willems’ book of the same title. Recommended for ages 5 and older. 7 pm tonight; various times through May 13. $$$. Seattle Children’s Theatre, Seattle (Lower Queen Anne). www.sct.org

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Calendar Saturday, March 24 S E AT T L E A R E A

Discover Dance. More than 700 elementary and junior high school students will perform the works they’ve created with their peers. 11:30 am. $$. McCaw Hall, Seattle Center (Lower Queen Anne). www.pnb.org Kindiependent Concert Series: Caspar Babypants. Hear sweet acoustic tunes from Caspar Babypants. 10:30 am. $$. family pass.

Mount Baker Community Clubhouse, Seattle (Mount Baker). www.mountbaker.org Teen Action Fair. Youth-led event showcases young leaders who are inspiring change.

Includes hands-on activities, performances, speakers, exhibits and more. 10 am to 3 pm. FREE. Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation Visitor Center, Downtown Seattle. www.gatesfoundation.org Spring Into Action Run. Magnuson Series fun runs including 5K, 10K, 15K, duathlon, and Kids Dash. Kids Dash 9:45 am, all other events 10 am. $ to $$$. Magnuson Park, Seattle (Sand Point). www.magnusonseries.org Festival of Color

EASTSIDE

Fox Hollow Farm Egg Hunt. Over 40,000 candy-filled eggs will be hidden on the farm’s five acres; kids can visit with animals, ride on a pony or in mini motorized cars, and more. Rain or shine. 10 am to noon, 2 to 4 pm today through Sun, select dates through Apr. 1. Fox Hollow Farm, Issaquah. www.foxhollowfamilyfarm.com Festival of Color. All are welcome to participate in the Hindu traditions of Holi, including music, vegetarian cuisine and throwing colored powder at revelers. Purchase colors on site and throw them at designated times and places.

Prepare for a mess! Noon to 5 pm. $. Marymoor Park, Redmond. www.festivalofcolor.us SOUTH SOUND

Marcus Does Juggling and Comedy… Oh My! A one-man variety show featuring comedy, juggling, yo-yo tricks and more. 2 pm. $$. Auburn Avenue Theater, Auburn. www.auburnwa.gov Mud Run. Family-friendly 2-mile trail run through mud puddles, complete with obstacles.

Ages 5 and older. No dogs or strollers. 10 or 11:30 am. $$$. Swan Creek Park, Tacoma. www. metroparkstacoma.org Family Snowshoe Hike. Wear sturdy boots and warm clothes, pack a lunch and water, and catch a ride up to the snow for a guided snowshoe hike. Ages 7 and older. 9 am to 4 pm. $$$.

Pre-register. Tacoma Nature Center, Tacoma. www. tacomanaturecenter.org

Sunday, March 25 S E AT T L E A R E A

French Fest. Annual event features music, dance, food and fashion highlighting the influence of French-speaking cultures around the world. 11 am to 6 pm. FREE. Seattle Center Armory (Lower Queen Anne). www.fenpnw.org SOUTH SOUND

Friendship Run. 10K, 5K and kids’ dash (ages 2 to 8) benefits Westside Cooperative Preschool.

9 am 10K, 9:05 am 5K, 10:20 am kids’ dash. $$$, free kids’ dash. McLane Elementary School, Olympia. www.friendshiprun.org

Thursday, March 29 S E AT T L E A R E A

Toddler Eggstravaganza. Kids ages 5 and under are invited to decorate cookies, meet Peter Cottontail and enjoy games. 10 am to noon. $. High Point Community Center, West Seattle.

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Young Playwrights Festival. This 15th annual festival features the work of young writers brought to life by a team of local directors and actors in staged readings. See schedule online. 7:30 pm tonight and various times through Sat. $ to $$. ACT Theatre, Downtown Seattle. www.acttheatre.org

EASTSIDE

Friday, March 30

Wetland Waddlers: Wonderful Wetlands.

Explore Mercer Slough with your preschooler.

Enjoy art, play and story time. Today, learn about wetlands and what makes them unique.

9:30 to 11:30 am. $$$. Pre-register. Mercer Slough Environmental Education Center, Bellevue. www.pacificsciencecenter.org

S E AT T L E A R E A

Starbucks Hot Java Cool Jazz Concert. Annual benefit concert features the award-winning high-school jazz bands from Ballard, Garfield, Mount Si, Mountlake Terrace and Roosevelt. All money from ticket sales benefits the schools’ music programs. 7 pm. $$$. The Paramount Theater, Downtown Seattle. www.stgpresents.org EASTSIDE

Night Walks. Learn about nocturnal animals during this monthly event. Begin in the lab by examining skulls and conducting experiments to discover how animals survive at night. Then head outside to call owls and listen for nocturnal creatures. Recommended for ages 6 and older with an adult. 7 to 9 pm. $$. Pre-register. Mercer Slough Environmental Education Center, Bellevue. www.pacificsciencecenter.org

Saturday, March 31 S E AT T L E A R E A

Alki Egg Hunt. Fuel up with breakfast ($) 8:30 to 9:30 am, then an egg hunt at 10 am. FREE. Alki Community Center, West Seattle. www.seattle.gov Bitter Lake Egg Hunt. Kids ages 2 to 10 can hunt by age group, rain or shine. 10 am. FREE. Bitter Lake Community Center Annex, Seattle (Bitter Lake). www.seattle.gov Woodland Park Zoo Bunny Bounce. Egg hunts for kids ages 1 to 8, with crafts, bunny encounters and more. Watch as animals enjoy specially made Easter baskets filled with favorite treats. Included with admission. 10 am to 2:30 pm. $ to $$. Woodland Park Zoo, Seattle (Phinney Ridge).

Ballard Egg Hunt. Kids ages 2 to 10 can hunt by age group, rain or shine. 10 am. FREE. Ballard Community Center, Seattle (Ballard). www.seattle.gov Maker Day: Pinhole Cameras. Learn the history of pinhole cameras and create your own to take home. Noon to 3 pm. Included with admission. $$, free ages 14 and younger with an adult. MOHAI, Seattle (South Lake Union). www.mohai.org Kindiependent Concert Series: The NotIts! High-energy rock for kids. 10:30 am. $$ family pass. Mount Baker Community Clubhouse, Seattle (Mount Baker). www.mountbaker.org

Spring Eggstravaganza. Celebrate spring with a scavenger hunt, petting zoo, inflatables, arts & crafts, face painting and more. Noon to 4 pm. FREE. Redmond Town Center, Redmond. www.redmondtowncenter.com

Dinner & Dancing with Evergreen City Ballet. See a short performance and take part in a dance workshop. Pizza and lemonade available for purchase ($, pre-order). 5:45 to 8 pm. $$. KidsQuest Children’s Museum, Bellevue. www.kidsquestmuseum.org NORTH SOUND

Everett Community Egg Hunt. Egg hunt, treats, prizes and face painting. 11:30 am to 1:30 pm. FREE. Corner of Cady Road and Pecks Drive, Everett. www.facebook.com SOUTH SOUND

Tumwater Easter Egg Dash. More than 20,000 eggs filled with candy, toys and prize coupons will be in the grass for ages 10 and younger. 11 am. FREE. Tumwater High School, Tumwater. www.ci.tumwater.wa.us Des Moines Egg Hunt. Kids grades 6 and younger can enjoy an egg hunt along with fun crafts, activities and photos with the Easter Bunny. 9 to 10 am. $. Des Moines Beach Park, Des Moines. www.desmoineswa.gov Gig Harbor Spring Egg Hunt. The egg hunt area is divided by age group (5th graders and younger) and flows throughout the event so each child has a chance at finding an egg. Visit with the Easter Bunny and enjoy other spring activities, too. Noon to 2 pm. $. Sehmel Homestead Park, Gig Harbor. www.penmetparks.org FA R T H E R A F I E L D

Bainbridge Island mEGGa Hunt. Games, face painting and entertainment, with egg hunts for each age group. 9 am to noon. FREE. Battle Point Park, Bainbridge Island. www.biparks.org

Spring into action! Check out our complete guide to Easter activities: seattleschild.com/2018-easter-egg-hunts

P H OTO BY BYR ON DA ZE Y

Bellevue Easter Egg Hunt. Kids ages 1 to 10 can hunt for 50,000 eggs, plus enjoy free popcorn, face painting, inflatables, and photos with the Easter Bunny. 3 pm. FREE. Pre-register.

Bellevue College, Bellevue. www.lovebellevue.com

Xxxxxx NewMomDispatch

by Becca Bergman Bull

Learning the parenthood ropes one month at a time

P HOTO BY J OS HUA HU STO N

2-year-old vs. stairs Recently when my husband came home from work, I overheard him asking our daughter, Fiona, about why she had a frog sticker on her shirt. “Because,” she replied, “because, because… stairs!” Last week when talking to a real estate broker about why we were thinking of moving to a new apartment after our second baby arrives, at considerable expense and effort, I found myself thinking, “because, because… stairs!”

The stairs in question are the two steep flights leading up to our third-floor apartment. For the last six or so months, 2-year-old Fiona has waged a stubborn war against climbing them. Her campaign takes many forms: passive resistance (pretending to “nap” on the steps, going limp as we do a sort of drag-shuffle); not-so-passive resistance (running away down the hall); reasonable reasoning (“I’m tired”); unreasonable reasoning (“Fi a baby, carry me”), and so forth. Going down is no picnic either, though lately she’ll do it, just very slowly. In the mornings, I try to allot 30 minutes for us to get to school: 15 minutes to walk down the stairs and 15 minutes to walk the half-mile distance with a stroller. It’s not a question of capability: She’ll gamely climb other people’s stairs and thinks it’s super funny to quickly scamper up to the fourth floor when I’m halfway down to the second.

Rather, it is a question of will.

People might think we’re crazy to consider moving out of a place that we own and love because of a toddler’s resistance.

It is crazy. But as any parent knows, so is the willpower of a 2-year-old. And being nine months pregnant and held captive in my home by a short, otherwise charming dictator is making me a little crazy, too.

Certainly there are more dramatic, harder parenting challenges. But to me, the stair battle represents the kind of low-level, ubiquitous tug-of-war that

can make parenting so demanding yet is nearly impossible to describe to anyone who hasn’t been there. (Akin to asking a mom of a newborn what she did all day or a dad about why exactly it took so long to get from “Bedtime!” to sleeping kids.)

On the flip side, making headway through these situations via tiny daily victories yields great satisfaction.

So… how to make that headway?

Often we just grow impatient and carry Fiona up the steps. But as my pregnancy has progressed, I’ve steadily mounted a counter campaign, trying all the tactics in my limited arsenal: counting 1-2-3; acting as if I don’t care; empathizing using Dr. Harvey Karp’s caveman toddler-ese; sternly ordering; pleading; and trying to employ a patient, “slow parenting” mindset.

The thing is, I get it. Going up and down stairs that come up to one’s knees isn’t appealing. And for what? So we’re not late? What is this “late” big people incessantly speak of and why should Fi care? What not turn every trip up and down into a game? Why rush up only to get marched off to a nap? What, as any economist would ask, is her incentive?

Well, not frog stickers, I can tell you that. Those worked for about two days.

Though recently, we’ve had much better results with chocolate chips. Two flights, two chips.

Ultimately I predict we’ll stay put in our apartment (depending on how it goes with the two kids sharing an itty-bitty room; stay tuned). Like most things that seem so hard at the moment, hopefully the Great Stair War of 2017-18 will fade away. And soon it’ll just be a memory, perhaps forever evoked by the taste of chocolate chips.

ct nt a C o vi s it o t us la s s! ac

Discover the joy of making music together with your family!

Phinney Ridge NE Seattle · Ballard chickadeemusic.com (206) 334-8002

Visit us for an Open House!

3/13 Tuesday, 3:30-5pm 4/12 Thursday, 9:30-11am livingwisdomschoolwa.org

Born and raised in Seattle, Becca Bergman Bull is a writer, editor and new mom in Brooklyn.

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