March 2019 Issue

R OM P

PowerGirl Dance

C H OMP

Hood Famous Bakeshop

SHOP

‘What Matters Most’

Seattle’sChild M A RC H 2 0 19

the

y t r Pa

YOUR GUIDE TO A KID-FRIENDLY CITY

issue

Sleepover Survival Guide

Sensory sensitive

party fun

Birthday Dreams

PLUS

Starting over as a single parent in Seattle

brings the party to homeless kids

A rush to remodel before the baby arrives

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

Kajela Adams celebrates a birthday that’s made extra special by Birthday Dreams

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>>Contents Seattle’sChild March 2019 // Issue 471

WHAT PARENTS ARE TALKING ABOUT....... 3 DAD NEXT DOOR................ 5 ROMP........................................... 7 CHOMP....................................... 9 SHOP........................................... 11 FEATURE PARTY TIME!..........................14 MAKING HOME....................23 CALENDAR............................25

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„ Find us online at seattleschild.com Cover photo by JOSHUA HUSTON 2

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Don’t miss these stories on seattleschild.com

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Unsung heroes Caregivers who go above and beyond

Social media The downside to sharing kids’ pics

Better eating Easy tips from the Obamas’ chef

»What Parents

„ Find more local news for families on seattleschild.com

Are Talking About Education, health, development and more

Yoga helps newly single mom Joely Johnson stay grounded.

Starting over in Seattle Finding herself divorced and far from family, this New Yorker forges a new path as a single parent

by J O E L Y J O H N S O N / photo by J O S H U A H U S T O N

Life is almost never what you plan.

Instead, a life story is usually what happens when those plans fall apart. Like my marriage — I waited a long time to finally

say yes to someone, and then we worked very hard to have a child together. When we moved from New York to Seattle in 2012, the relationship had already started going wrong and we just weren’t able to right it. To fast-forward quite a bit, we stopped living together in 2017 and the divorce was finalized in 2018, the same year our son turned 8.

Single parenting or, really, in my case, co-parenting (our custody arrangement is 50/50, and my son’s dad is a solidly engaged father), is tough no matter where you live.

I’m finding some specific challenges, however, as I navigate my new path in the Pacific Northwest.

It’s dark a lot. I know this is a cliché, and I should suck it up already, having lived in Seattle for six years — and I also realize I’m not alone in this. The wintertime darkness makes everything harder for me. Maybe it’s a tendency toward introversion or the fact that half of the blood in my veins is Sicilian, but the succession of wet, grey days saps CONTINUED ON NEXT PAGE >

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Seattle’sChild March 2019 // Issue 471 “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 SYDNEY PARKER Managing Editor sparker@seattleschild.com JULIE HANSON Website Editor jhanson@seattleschild.com JENNIFER MORTENSEN Calendar Editor calendar@seattleschild.com MIKE MAHONEY Copy Editor

«What Parents Are Talking About CONTINUED

JEFF LEE, MD Columnist REBEKAH DENN Contributing Editor ERIKA LEE BIGELOW, ERIKA ALMANZA BROWN, LYNN DIXON, HALLIE GOLDEN, BRETT HAMIL, JOELY JOHNSON, JILLIAN O’CONNOR, ASTRID VINJE Contributing Writers AMY CADWELL Publisher’s Assistant ISSY BELZIL Marketing & Sales Coordinator ADVERTISING KIM LOVE Ad Production Manager klove@seattleschild.com MELIA WILKINSON Advertising Sales 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.

Seattle’s Child is published monthly with combined issues in January/February and July/August.

ONLINE seattleschild.com SOCIAL MEDIA Facebook facebook.com/seattleschild Twitter @SeaChildMag Instagram @seattleschildmag MAIL c/o Postal Plus 1211 E. Denny Way, Seattle, WA 98112 VOICE 206-441-0191 TO ADVERTISE advertise@seattleschild.com STORY IDEAS editor@seattleschild.com CALENDAR SUBMISSIONS calendar@seattleschild.com Deadline is first of the month, one month prior to publication (April 1 for May publication).

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

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much of my energy. Being the only adult in the house is often exhausting, and without even a glimpse of sun, some days seem to roll out in super slow-motion.

So I burn a lot of candles (they really help; each one is like a tiny guest in the room) and recently bought a diffuser to make the house smell like bright essential oils. Practicing yoga keeps me connected to the inner light, as does getting enough sleep and eating plenty of green veggies (really!). Enjoying creative or funny activities with my son is a big dose of sunshine, so I try to clear the decks as much as possible when we’re together.

The side hustle is real. I had a long and strong career in editorial and communications before being married.

Even though I quit my office job while trying to conceive, I never stopped working. My freelance writing and editing projects brought in “extra” money that often surged into five digits, but I certainly wasn’t the main breadwinner.

When we moved here, our household was buoyed by the region’s strong tech economy (thank you, online retail). Now that my personal IT support has left the building, and an appropriate full-time job doesn’t seem to be manifesting despite my best efforts (thank you, online retail), my side hustles (I’m also a private yoga instructor) need to grow exponentially.

Like, yesterday.

I’m stretching beyond my Libra comfort zone to network and market myself, and that’s a good thing. In fact, focusing on my work has been powerfully grounding. Even though Seattle is a tough

town for small business, I’m pretty busy and fully aiming to get even busier. Meanwhile, I’m using the opportunity to model perseverance and patience for my son.

Family is far away. Every one of my family members lives in New York, and my oldest friends are out of state. Single parenting without my sister, brother or mother nearby has been crushing. When my heart was breaking so much I could barely think, or when I caught the flu and thought I was dying, I was on my own.

I do have a number of very supportive local friends who give me lots of reasons to smile and be thankful. Still, there are nights I would be so glad to have Gramma

“Single parenting without my sister, brother or mother nearby has been crushing.

When my heart was breaking so much I could barely think, or when I caught the flu and thought I was dying, I was on my own.”

Tina over for dinner, just for adult company and conversation — and help with the dishes would be nice, too.

As it is, my son and I work on “meaningful discussions” over our dinners, sometimes followed by some pre-adolescent guff about pitching in for cleanup. But I make it a point for us to have regular, nutritious meals at the dining table, and he knows he’s expected to take the plates into the kitchen when we are done, guff or no guff. At this point, it’s all about baby steps. And broccoli.

„ Read all of Jeff Lee’s columns on seattleschild.com

»DadNextDoor

Get a sneak peek!

A little encouragement from across the fence

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by J E F F L E E , M D

A pox on our houses The outbreak of measles in Washington has prompted heated public debate over vaccine exemptions.

Here are the facts as Dr. Lee sees them.

I don’t get a lot of hate mail — almost none, in fact. After all, this is a parenting magazine; I’m more likely to write about potty training than abortion or a Mexican border wall. Still, I haven’t avoided controversy altogether. Over the years, when the evening news has collided with my role as a parent, I’ve written about gun control, sexual assault, climate change, gender fluidity, race relations, and a handful of other topics that seemed guaranteed to raise a few hackles. Yet, after almost every one of those columns, the comments were civil and polite. Almost.

A couple of years ago, I wrote a column about the importance of vaccinating our kids. It was the only time my inbox ever caught on fire. Okay, that’s an exaggeration — there were only a few negative letters. But boy, we’re talking name-calling, flame-throwing, parentage-questioning, where-the-hell-didyou-get-your-medical-degree letters.

So you’d think I’d know better than to poke a stick in that particular hornets’ nest again, but this winter there’s been an outbreak of measles in Washington.

I felt compelled to say something. I know; I’m a glutton for punishment.

There are many reasons why people have strong feelings about vaccination.

My Somali patients worry about the pork gelatin used in vaccine manufacturing, and that it’s prohibited by their religion.

Some people worry about a 1998 British study (that has since been refuted and retracted) linking the measles/mumps/

rubella vaccine (MMR) to autism. Some people are suspicious of big pharmaceutical companies, or the government, or both. And some just don’t want someone telling them what to do — especially if it involves injecting foreign substances into their infant children.

For all of those people, what fuels their fear is a profound wish to do what’s best for their children. Even if you disagree with them, it’s a mistake to label them as neglectful or irresponsible.

In truth, they’re exactly the opposite.

They’re just trying to do the right thing.

My job here isn’t to question anyone’s motives — it’s to provide the best information I can find and add it to the discussion.

These days, there’s a lot of information to digest. Any blogger with an ax to grind has the same size internet megaphone as the World Health Organization. It’s up to each of us to figure out what’s credible and what’s not, and I’ve tried to do that.

Here are the facts as I see them.

Measles is a dangerous disease.

It’s extremely contagious, infecting 90 percent of the people who contract it.

Worldwide, it infects about 20 million people a year. It is the largest cause of vaccine-preventable deaths in the world, usually killing the weak and the very young. And while we’re at it, mumps and rubella (the other diseases the MMR vaccine prevents) can also kill, as well as causing infertility, serious birth defects, and other long-term disabilities.

MMR is very effective. In 1980, 2.6 million people died of measles worldwide.

CONTINUED ON NEXT PAGE >

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The Sammamish Montessori School

«DadNextDoor

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Widespread vaccination reduced that death toll to 73,000 by 2014.

Most deaths now occur in Asian and African countries with little or no access to vaccines.

MMR is extremely safe. Notice that I didn’t say 100 percent safe — that’s a claim no one can prove.

Everyone has heard a story of some child coming down with a horrendous medical condition shortly after being vaccinated. But when you look at those incidents, they are no more common after vaccination than when no vaccination was given. If serious vaccine-related reactions do occur, they’re extremely rare. How rare?

Much rarer than the 240,000 people who are struck by lightning each year. Significantly rarer than the 4,000 children who are hospitalized for near drowning in backyard pools.

Probably less than the 19 Americans who are attacked by sharks each year. We have to balance the small, finite risk against the millions of lives vaccines save every year.

When a community is not well-vaccinated, it’s at risk. Measles outbreaks occur in pockets of population where vaccination rates are low. By “low,” I mean less than 90 percent. It only takes about 10 percent of a community without immunity to allow the disease to spread.

And who dies in an outbreak? Infant children who are too young to be vaccinated. People with weakened immune systems, like cancer and HIV patients. People who don’t have a choice.

This is not just an intellectual debate for me — I have skin in the game. I looked hard at the pros and cons before I started recommending vaccination to the families I care for.

I vaccinated my own daughters as soon as the guidelines would let me, and when they have children of their own, I hope they do the same.

In the end, this is a decision that every family has to make for themselves. I chose to vaccinate my kids because all the credible evidence I know leads to one conclusion: by doing so, I made them and the people around them safer.

Now it’s your turn. Good luck.

Choose well.

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Jeff Lee graduated from Harvard Medical School and trained in Family Medicine at the University of Washington. He has practiced in Seattle’s Rainier Beach neighborhood for 30 years.

5 things to do

„ Find more things to do on seattleschild.com

Make the most of March Madness

Right under your nose!

A children’s theater twofer Seattle’s Theater for Young Children, a troupe of actors who travel to parks and community centers to perform plays for audiences ages 3-10, brings you “The Little Red Hen,” a tale about the benefits of hard work, and “The Scaredy Squirrel,” a beloved story about an overly cautious yet lovable rodent.

Ballard Community Center (6020 28th Ave. NW), Wed., March 20 at 10 am and Loyal Heights Community Center (2101 NW 77th St.), Thu., March 28 at 10 am. Suggested donation $5-$15. sweetpeacottage.org

»Romp

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Pizza & play Too rainy to play outside? Shoot some arcade Pop-a-Shot hoops for free in the basement of Greenwood’s Razzís Pizzería while they prepare your meal upstairs.

There’s also a train table and air hockey, if that’s more your family’s speed.

3 razzispizza.com

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Slam dunk Try your hand at dunking with the help of a trampoline at Flying Circus’ AirDunk in Tukwila or Federal Way’s Aerosport Trampoline Parks. 3 federalway.

Things to do with kids

aerosportsparks.com 3 flyingcircus.us

3 Gooo Huskies!

Catch a University of Washington women’s basketball game on Sun., March 3 at 2 pm or a men’s game on Sat., March 9 at 7 pm.

Alaska Airlines Arena on UW campus.

3 gohuskies.com

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Don’t miss it Visit Beacon Hill’s Van Asselt Community Center (2820 S. Myrtle St.) on Friday, March 22 at 5 pm to watch NCAA Tournament basketball games on the big screen with your neighbors. Food, games, prizes and more.

PowerGirl Dance founder Melanie Skinner leads tweens in a high-energy dance workout.

Dance revolution PowerGirl Dance classes teach girls to be themselves instead of perfect

by S Y D N E Y P A R K E R / photo by J O S H U A H U S T O N

Who run the world?

Girls. From the ferocity of their fists pumping, legs marching and ponytails whipping to the beat of the Beyoncé anthem, it’s easy to believe that

the girls in Melanie Skinner’s PowerGirl Dance class may very well run the world one day.

PowerGirl Dance on Capitol Hill isn’t like other dance classes.

Students don’t wear tutus or

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Level up

compete for roles. There are no steps to memorize or strict rules to follow. Girls show up to move their bodies and be wholly themselves in a judgment-free space.

Each class begins with a discussion of girls and women’s issues, including gender equality, beauty standards, and social justice. On a Friday afternoon in her CONTINUED ON NEXT PAGE >

Does your child want to take their basketball skills to the next level? Sign them up for Pick6Sports’ 3-on-3 basketball league. Cost includes one-hour weekly practice, games and an officially licensed NBA jersey. 3 pick6sports. com/3on3seattle — Erika Almanza Brown

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class of 7-to-10-year-olds, the girls circled up, each sharing one quality that they loved about themselves.

“I love that I’m strong,” said Cosette, 8. In turn, girls described themselves as “creative,” “smart” and “different.” But some of the girls struggled to identify a positive quality with confidence.

“There’s so much pressure to be perfect.

Getting good grades, being beautiful, being thin, even being extroverted,” says Skinner.

“They have access to social media, but that makes them feel like they’re not succeeding in a way that other people are.”

Before founding PowerGirl Dance, Skinner performed as a soloist for 15 years in the Pacific Northwest Ballet. She credits her mother, a feminist and civil rights activist who raised three children on her own in the 1970s, for modeling the grit and perseverance necessary to go after your dreams.

“When my mother died five years ago, it was a really pivotal point in my life,” says Skinner. “It caused me to think about what my legacy would be in this world.”

In 2016, Skinner made it her mission to imbue girls like her own daughter Fiona

with the physical and mental fortitude to overcome the barriers facing women in modern society. Her work is already making an impact.

“It’s my belief that by just being in Melanie’s presence, one becomes a better person,” says Cynthi Lysne, Cosette’s mom.

“Since Cosette has started taking her class, she has grown as an individual. She inhabits her own body with confidence. She celebrates that she is a girl and she is strong.”

Skinner’s self-possession truly seems to be contagious. As she aerobically dances at the front of the room with big, powerful movements, the girls loosely follow her lead, syncing their own styles with the steps.

Upbeat music with positive messaging from artists including Lady Gaga, Missy Elliott, Macklemore and The Ting Tings keeps the energy high, while the low lighting frees up the girls to dance with abandon. They’re having way too much fun to be concerned with how they look. But for the record, they look fierce.

Who run the world? Girls! q PowerGirl Dance at Dance Underground, 340 15th Ave E, Capitol Hill, powergirldance.com

„ Check out more seattleschild.com/thingstodo

Escape from Seattle!

Views, food and fun in Tacoma On the edge of Tacoma lies Point Ruston, the perfect PNW pocket of fun. Little ones can enjoy ride-on toys and a mile-long walkway featuring panoramic views of mountains framing Commencement Bay. City-hop in seconds atop a beautiful mural of Puget Sound and grab lunch at kid-friendly Fish Brewery Pub & Eatery (fishbrewing.com).

From I-5, take I-705 exit through downtown Tacoma, follow onto Schuster Parkway to N. Ruston Way, go 3 miles. pointruston.com

BE CURIOUS. GO BIG.

pacsci.org/imax

Mark Your Calendars!

Brewology: March 22 Spring Fling: April 1–14 Engineering Weekend: May 3–5

March 15 8

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SC A RE DY SQU I R RE L : S C AR E DYS QU I R RE L .COM , TACO M A: P OI N TR U STON .COM

Curiosity surrounds you at PacSci’s IMAX® theaters. 75+ monumental screenings every week.

„ More on feeding your family at seattleschild.com

ly onth r m r tte t ou „ Ge p newsle o Chom livered t e d inbox your com/

New in town

Challah with a twist Do your kids love soft pretzels? Do they love challah bread? We predict they’ll doubly love the soft, subtly sweet, slightly salty pretzel-challah rolls at the new Queen Anne Coffee Company.

They’re a treat with butter and honey, or try them in the egg-cheddar-bacon breakfast sandwich.

ild. leschtters t t a e » s newsle

1811 Queen Anne Ave. N, queenannecoffeeco.com

— Rebekah Denn

»Chomp

Right under your nose!

Eating with kids

Kaiten for kids It was bad news for kids who love grabbing color-coded plates of sushi off of conveyor belts: Blue C Sushi shuttered its five Northwest locations in January. Don’t despair; there are still options for families who love the kaiten experience: 3Genki Sushi at Factoria Mall (3928 Factoria Square Mall SE) 3iSushi in Issaquah’s Pickering Square (1802 12th Ave. NW) and Renton (15221 Maple Valley Hwy.)

Chera Amlag and George Quibuyen enjoy ube cheesecake with their two kids.

Hood Famous flavor Cheesecake change-makers build on Seattle’s Filipino food scene with a new cafe and bar

by A S T R I D V I N J E / photos by J O S H U A H U S T O N

For Chera Amlag and George Quibuyen, married owners of Hood Famous Bakeshop in Ballard, food is a way to share Filipino culture with their family and community. Best known for

their purple ube cheesecake, the couple has immersed their two kids in the family business.

“When our son was one,” Amlag recounts, “he didn’t know the color purple was purple. He thought it was called ube.”

Ube is a purple root vegetable high in Vitamin E and potassium.

Subtly sweet, it’s traditionally used in Filipino desserts such as pudding, jam, ice cream or flan.

Amlag puts an American spin on ube with kid-friendly treats like cheesecakes, tarts and cookies.

Families can special-order large cheesecakes, or dessert trays for CONTINUED ON NEXT PAGE >

3Marinepolis Sushi Land in Bellevue (138 107th Ave.), Lynnwood (18500 33rd Ave. W.), Redmond (8900 161st Ave. NE), and at Southcenter Mall in Tukwila (100 Andover Park W.) 3Sushi Me in Bellevue (1299 156th Ave. NE) 3Tengu Sushi in North Seattle (311 NE 103rd St.)

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— Rebekah Denn

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parties and birthdays.

Amlag first sold the ube cheesecakes at Asian stores like Uwajimaya after they proved popular during a Filipino pop-up series, Food & Sh*t. With growing demand, Amlag quit her full-time job at Highline College and opened Hood Famous Bakeshop with Quibuyen. That store will soon be joined by Hood Famous Cafe + Bar, another location in the International District serving desserts and savory pastries stuffed with Filipino ingredients.

“That little purple cheesecake definitely changed the trajectory of my life and career,” says Amlag. Despite the faster pace of life that has come with their success, the couple keeps their kids involved with their network of friends, many of whom are Filipino.

“We try to make it a point to teach my oldest son how to cook dishes like adobo,” says Quibuyen. “I inject a bit of family history, Filipino history, and the limited Filipino vocabulary that I have.”

Filipinos initially came to Seattle in the late 1800s to work in canneries around Puget Sound.

By the 1990s, Seattle’s Filipino population had grown to more than 30,000.

While rising rents have led to closures of established Filipino restaurants like Inay’s and

Kusina Filipina, Amlag and Quibuyen are hopeful for the next generation of Filipino food businesses.

“There are a lot of Filipinos in the industry,” says Quibuyen. “I think it’s the seed of something greater.”

Hood Famous is now part of a coalition of Filipino-owned food and beverage businesses in the Pacific Northwest called ILAW. “We organically formed this network of people who are Filipino, trying to promote Filipino culture,” adds Amlag.

“It’s really important for us to tell our own story.” q Hood Famous Bakeshop: 2325½ NW Market St., hoodfamousbakeshop.com

„ Got a kids ’n’ food-related question for Chomp? Email askchomp@seattleschild.com

H OOD FA M OU S B AK E S HO P, CH E ES E CA KE : JOS HUA H USTON , P RE TZ EL-CH AL L A H: Q UE E NA NN EB AKINGCO.COM, KAITEN: SHUTTER STOCK

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

Hood Famous Cafe + Bar will soon open in the International District.

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2/20/19 4:38 PM

„ More shopping local on seattleschild.com

Q&A

Where do you love to shop in the city?

Claudia Castro Luna, Washington State Poet Laureate

Things we love

Walk ’n’ warm

“When my three kids were little, I was always on the lookout for children’s books in Spanish. Elliott Bay Books has now invested in bilingual books.

For art supplies and plush animals, we went to Northwest Art and Frame. I once took my son there to pick whatever stuffed animal made him feel better; he was heartbroken over his haircut.”

Diono’s Quantum All Weather Footmuff attaches to your stroller and wraps around your baby like a mini sleeping bag. Multiple shoulder harness slots

»Shop Lively + locally made

allow your baby to grow while staying snug. Compatible with most strollers, the Footmuff is both windproof and water-resistant, keeping baby warm and dry on long Seattle walks.

3 us.diono.com

Chanel Reynolds and her son Gabi know what matters most.

Tethered sippy cups

and handle other practicalities before it was too late.

Now she’s written a broader book, What Matters Most: The Get Your Sh*t Together Guide To Wills, Money, Insurance, and Life’s “What-Ifs.” The book is full of advice that could apply to situations beyond a spouse’s death — supporting aging parents and sick friends come

Never worry about your baby throwing their sippy cup off the high chair again! BooginHead’s SippiGrip allows you to tether any sippy cup, and comes in a variety of fun designs. Founded by local mom Sari Davidson, BooginHead has since expanded to include reusable puree pouches, teethers, bibs and more. 3 booginhead.com

CONTINUED ON NEXT PAGE >

— Astrid Vinje

A guide to ‘just in case’ Local author offers friendly and practical advice for getting your family affairs in order — right now

by R E B E K A H D E N N / photo by J O S H U A H U S T O N

Chanel Reynolds can’t stop life’s inevitable tragedies from striking your family.

But she can at least help make some parts easier to endure.

If the Madrona parent’s name

sounds familiar, it’s probably from Get Your Shit Together, the viral website Reynolds founded after her husband’s sudden death in 2009, when their son was only 5 years old. She galvanized people to write wills, buy life insurance,

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«Shop

that followed in Harborview’s intensive care unit, deciding to withdraw her husband’s medical care, holding him as he died, lovingly washing his body, telling her son Gabi and stepdaughter Lyric that he wasn’t coming home — and all that came after.

It’s deeply personal and — the non-tragic parts, at least — deeply familiar to parents.

It makes the practical advice

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to mind. It’s also a wrenching memoir of getting the sort of call (or voicemail, in this case) we all fear, learning that her husband José Hernando had been hit by a van while biking on Lake Washington Boulevard. Reynolds brings us along for the dread and decision-making of the days

stick, even for those who ignored countless lectures telling us we need to arrange those exact same things.

“I’m not your financial advisor, I’m your friend sitting across the table,” says Reynolds.

“I never could have escaped the suffering that comes along with the grief and loss, but some of the suffering would have been — optional, I call it.”

If the couple had upped

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their life insurance when they moved into a larger Mount Baker home, for instance, she might have been able to pay off their mortgage instead of selling the house at a loss.

If she’d had the passcode to José’s cellphone — still locked today — she could have saved time and grief and possibly precious memories.

The ‘Get Started’ Checklist and free templates on her initial 2013 website, which soon reached more than a million downloads, helped people who still had time to plan. But others reached out to Reynolds, suffering the same sort of tragedy she lived through. She hopes the book offers something for them, too.

“We’re just not good about dying in this country… It doesn’t have to be so much of a mystery,” says Reynolds.

If she has one piece of advice for Seattle’s Child readers, it’s this: “A lot of people get stuck on completing their wills because they don’t know who to name [as] a guardian.” You can always change your mind, she notes. You can update the will; you could list conditions, or even different guardians, for different times of the year.

“Writing someone down and listing a backup is better than not doing it at all.” q For information, book signings and workshops, visit chanelreynolds.com

QUA N TU M A L L W E ATH ER FOOT M U FF, SI PP I G RI P: COU RTE SY OF CO M PA N I E S

“A lot of people get stuck on completing their wills because they don’t know who to name [as] a guardian.”

You can always change your mind, she notes.

You can update the will; you could list conditions, or even different guardians, for different times of the year.

»TheBookCorner

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Ada Twist, Scientist

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Turning Pages: My Life Story

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She Did It! 21 Women Who Changed the Way We Think

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Supreme Court Justice Sotomayor shares her love of books with young readers and inspires them to read, puzzle and dream for themselves. By telling her life story, she shows kids how reading helped her realize her dreams.

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LET'S GET TOGETHER We like to party! But maybe we could bring the volume down just a tad?

Parties aren't a one-size-fits-all occasion.

Here’s how to survive a tween sleepover, where to throw a low-sensory party, and the importance of bringing birthday celebrations to children in need.

Sleepover survival guide

Have fun and maybe get some sleep while your kids have the best sleepover ever

by J I L L I A N O ’ C O N N O R

Sofia Staggs, far right, and friends toast with 7-Up and cranberry mocktails at her recent sleepover.

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Sleepovers. They’re a childhood rite of passage, and can be quite an ordeal for parents. What if the kids don’t sleep? What if they argue?

What if they try to consume insane quantities of sugar?

We checked in with a few local parents and experts (who are also parents), and learned that there are ways to mitigate the damage, and maybe even get a little sleep yourself that night.

First off, how do you prepare?

Well, you might first focus on acceptance. Embrace the chaos.

“They’re pretty raucous. You’ve

got to be ready for a lot of running around,” says Andrea Castro, a Central District mom of 12-year-old twin boys. “You just have to deal with it. They’re going to run around your house and be super loud.”

“I think it’s tricky because you want them to get some sleep,” says Tali Rausch, a northeast Seattle mom of three tweens.

“But also, it’s time to have fun, right? Pushing some boundaries, hanging out with your friends in a relatively unique setting that they don’t get very often,” says Rausch.

At her older son’s 12th birthday sleepover last year, Rausch had the idea of collecting kids’ tablets and smartphones at the door, and at bedtime removing an even more basic source of stimulation: the room’s light bulbs. She provided a

March 20 19

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LET'S GET TOGETHER

< Sleepover CONTINUED

survival guide

nightlight so kids could still get around safely as needed.

Rausch says her 10-year-old daughter is young enough that handheld devices aren’t much of an issue yet, but chatting often keeps up all the kids at her parties, anyway.

“I think that the more you can minimize technology, the better,” says Jane Schmidt, a Seattle parent coach at Parent Coaching Northwest.

Schmidt advises setting tech ground rules for the party ahead of time: “You put all of their phones in one place and just have fun.”

Sometimes, the kids just don’t sleep, and parents might have to go in. “There have been instances where I’ve had to go in at 1 or 2 in the morning,” says Castro. “If you can fall asleep, just let the noise happen. The next day, don’t plan anything!”

If your kid is the one going off to a party, have a talk about boundaries, no matter how well you know the family and kids they’ll be spending time with — or how old they are. “I have the con-

versation, this body is your body,” says Schmidt. “Just make sure they understand — ‘If you ever feel uncomfortable, that you can always contact me and I’ll come get you.’”

Rebecca Michi, a Seattle-based children’s sleep consultant, suggests holding a sleepover on a Friday, so kids can recover before they need to get back to a normal school schedule. “You’ve got a couple of nights there before,” says Michi.

On food, parents seem to agree: Take it easy and order pizza. Keep it simple. Keep the food coming. And as Castro says, give them the sweet stuff earlier in the evening, so the sugar doesn’t keep them up all night.

For younger kids, a general lack of experience with the whole slumber party concept could make a birthday party with a group of friends a little overwhelming.

“Having the first sleepover ever is easier if you have somebody come to your house,” says Michi. Get kids used to the idea of having a simple sleepover before throwing a big birthday slumber party, with cake and ice cream and 10 kids.

Schmidt advises always having a contact sheet with all

Get kids used to the idea of a simple sleepover before a big birthday slumber party.

the parents’ numbers, in case of emergency — and in case a child decides they want to go home.

Also, make sure the other parents get a heads-up if you’re planning to show a PG-13 movie.

She also suggests discussing with the kids how to pass the time if they’re up really early alone the

next morning and unsure what to do with themselves. Maybe they can read. Play a game. Turn on the TV in another room.

So how to survive all the latenight antics before day breaks?

Rausch says just remind yourself that “eventually, they’ll go to sleep.”

Find the perfect gift!

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LET'S GET TOGETHER

Sensory-sensitive celebrations Local parents weigh in on how to throw a birthday party for a child on the spectrum

by L Y N N D I X O N

Birthdays can be fun, memorable celebrations to mark another year in your child’s life.

They can also be stressful, overwhelming and not worth the trouble or expense.

This is especially true for families whose kids are on the autism spectrum or have sensory processing challenges. For them, throwing a successful party and finding a suitable place to do it is an annual feat.

My older son is on the autism spectrum. Our family’s track record on parties is a mix of disasters and triumphs.

“Birthday parties can be challenging for a lot of kids,” says Dr. Emily Neuhaus, a clinical psychologist at Seattle Children’s Autism Center and contributor to the popular Autism Blog.

“Aspects that could be harder for kids with autism include the

need to roll with changes that pop up, pressure to tolerate settings that can be really loud and hectic, and the increased social demands.”

Traditional birthday parties — and the majority of party venues — are by definition loud and hectic. Many parents of kids with sensory challenges choose to celebrate at home instead, where there is less stimulation.

While that’s a perfectly valid choice, Dr. Neuhaus points out, there are also benefits to celebrating in public: “Birthday parties in the community let kids with autism have an experience that many of their peers will also have. They also provide an opportunity to experience something new and different.”

Fortunately, there are an increasing number of “sensoryfriendly” options in Seattle.

These include indoor play spaces

Adrian and Eva celebrate at sensoryfriendly gym We Rock The Spectrum.

specifically designed for kids on the spectrum and mainstay museums committed to being more accessible.

Laura Porto Stockwell’s biggest fear around throwing a birthday

party for her 10-year-old son on the autism spectrum is that no one will show up.

“I feel compelled to throw a really fun party,” she says.

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LET'S GET TOGETHER

She chose Pacific Science Center for her son’s birthday party for several reasons. Not only are PSC’s science-filled parties super engaging (they make instant ice cream out of liquid nitrogen!), they offer the right sensory environment for her son.

Like many kids on the autism spectrum, he has auditory sensitivities. He also struggles in large groups. The enclosed party rooms at PSC kept the volume down and other museum goers separate, so he only had to interact with his small group of friends.

The party’s main activity, which involved each child designing a rocket of their own and then launching them all together, gave the party just enough structure and social interaction to put her son at ease.

“It allowed him to be part of the group, but not overwhelmed by the group,” Porto Stockwell says.

In planning any child’s birthday party, Dr. Neuhaus emphasizes, “it’s important to think about what scenario is most likely to be fun and enjoyable for that specific child.”

Inclusive party places 3 Pacific Science Center

Birthday party packages range from $350 for 30 guests for PSC members to $455 for 40 guests for non-members. Choose from a selection of science themes (all include liquid nitrogen ice cream!).

Visit pacificsciencecenter.org for more details. Call (206) 443-3611 to schedule and request special accommodations.

Although the gym meets the sensory needs of kids on the autism spectrum, the climbing wall, trampoline and zipline appeal to all kids.

For Marianne Bryan’s daughter, who is on the autism spectrum and loves water, the ideal birthday venue is a swimming pool.

“Ballard Pool rental was our [daughter’s] first success at age 11,” Bryan says.

Bryan, a mom to three kids on the autism spectrum, says the key is being able to rent the entire facility. This allows her to create the best environment to suit each of her kids’ needs.

She keeps the number of attendees low, has the pool staff turn off the music, and schedules the first rental of the day to avoid overlapping with other groups. She also reviews a social story with her kids beforehand so they know what to expect.

The two-hour time frame allows for plenty of pool play, as well as cake or snack time afterward. Bryan’s family is gluten-free, and having the flexi-

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Ballard Pool rental is $302.50 for a two-hour rental (one hour in the pool and one hour in the lobby) for up to 30 swimmers, including adults. Contact Ballard Pool at (206) 684-4094 to make a reservation. Seattle Parks and Rec pools may vary slightly in rates and availability — contact your neighborhood pool to inquire, or visit seattle.gov/parks/find/pools.

3 We Rock The Spectrum

Birthday party packages range from $150-$250/hour (with a two-hour minimum) for up to 20 kids (additional kids $10 each).

All packages include exclusive use of the gym and equipment.

Some packages include extra staff support. Call (425) 223-5585 or visit werockthespectrum eastsideseattle.com.

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BIRTHDAY PARTIES

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bility to bring in her own food is another bonus of pool rental.

Parents often have to consider the needs of more than one child in party planning.

That was the case when it came time to celebrate my younger son’s fourth birthday. We had to find a venue that would be tolerable for my older son as well.

We found the perfect spot in We Rock The Spectrum in Bellevue.

Although the gym is designed to meet the sensory needs of kids on the autism spectrum, the climbing wall, trampoline and zipline would appeal to any child (my 4-year-old was thrilled).

Shirley Sarmiento-Blaha, the gym’s owner and mother of twins on the autism spectrum, says that’s the whole point: Kids on or off the autism spectrum shouldn’t have to play separate from one another.

“We’re not just for special needs,” Sarmiento-Blaha says. “We’re a place where everyone can play together.”

Rina Arustamova discovered We Rock The Spectrum through a friend with a child on the autism spectrum.

Now she celebrates her son’s birthday there every year and recommends the gym to friends.

“It caters to every little thing a kid would want to do,” says Arustamova.

She loves the variety of gym equipment which appeals to all ages.

She also likes that she can invite friends who do have children on the autism spectrum and know they will feel comfortable there.

Sarmiento-Blaha says that parents appreciate the large, open play space, a separate quiet room, and that the entire facility is available to rent.

WRTS party packages offer a range of options, from just renting the space to paying for trained staff for children who may need extra support.

For my son’s sixth birthday, we had a small party at home. It was the best choice for that year, and most important, it’s what he wanted.

I still appreciate knowing other options exist, that there are places where either of my sons could celebrate their birthdays in their community without feeling uncomfortable or excluded.

Porto Stockwell shares a similar sentiment: “Having people show up and celebrate my son is a really big deal. It means a lot to me and it means a lot to him. He feels valued and celebrated.”

That’s what birthday parties are for. „ Read more from Lynn Dixon on parenting children with special needs at seattleschild.com

LET'S GET TOGETHER

Birthday Dreams offers hope to homeless children As the number of homeless kids in Seattle reaches an all-time high, one local organization is throwing more birthday parties than ever

by S Y D N E Y P A R K E R

When mom and veteran Sally Mary de Leon lost her Burien home in the housing market fallout, throwing a birthday party for her 11-year-old son Mark wasn’t even on her radar. Securing permanent shelter, providing food, and keeping her two kids safe were the top priorities.

Enter Birthday Dreams, a local nonprofit organization dedicated to bringing joy to homeless children with the gift of a birthday party. Volunteers donate presents, bake birthday cakes, and organize activities for kids experiencing homelessness all over the Seattle metropolitan area. Now 18, Mark describes the party as a pivotal moment in his young life.

“I was at a time where I felt like nobody even cared about us,” says Mark. “It was a sign that there’s still good people out there, and that really changed my view on things too.”

Before they became homeless, Mark and his sister Bernadette had witnessed years of domestic violence. Sally eventually divorced her husband to escape his abuse, but he continued to terrorize the family.

“He came around the house constantly, threatening to kill me because I wouldn’t go back with him,” says de Leon.

As she struggled to pay her rapidly rising mortgage on a single income, Sally realized that leaving the house behind was the

This Birthday Dreams party on Lake City Way made multiple kids happy.

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Dreams CONTINUED

best path forward. Not only would moving out relieve a financial burden, it would make the family’s whereabouts harder for her ex-husband to determine.

“It was easier for me to give up the house because we had so many bad memories there,” says de Leon. “I didn’t see our homelessness as a sad ending. I saw it as a beginning, neither good nor bad.”

Moving into transitional housing was nerve-wracking for Mark. As a shy kid, he didn’t know how to make friends with the other children. His Birthday Dreams party was the perfect icebreaker.

“As soon as I came in everyone said, ‘Oh, that’s the birthday boy’ and started talking to me,” says Mark. The kids played and ate, and Mark handed out goody bags at the end.

“There was no worrying, no anxiety. I don’t remember anything negative about the day, it was only positive.”

Mark is still friends today with many of the kids he met at his birthday party.

Chris Spahn, executive director of Birthday Dreams, says facilitating friendships is a fundamental part of the organization’s mission.

“It’s a social equalizer for them,” says Spahn. “Homeless kids change schools a lot, so this is an opportunity to invite new people and celebrate. Maybe in turn, the invitation will be reciprocated.”

Over the past five years, the number of students experiencing homelessness in Seattle has nearly doubled. There were 4,280 homeless students in Seattle Public Schools during the 2016-17 school year, according to data collected by the Office of the Superintendent of Public Instruction.

Spahn attributes the dramatic increase to a combination of the rising cost of housing and bad luck. “There’s a misconception that these parents are on drugs or want to be homeless. But it’s just pure misfortune, and it could happen to anyone,” says Spahn.

After rising from poverty to extreme wealth, single mother of 13 Andrea Cheatham never imagined that she could lose it all. For 14 years she lived with her family in a luxurious Mercer Island home, enjoying worldwide travel and designer clothes.

But as a result of unforeseen personal circumstances last April, Cheatham and her three youngest adopted children, ages 9, 11 and 16, found themselves homeless.

They have been on a 2-to-3-year waitlist for housing, bouncing from couches to motels ever since.

“There is another face of homelessness.

There are people who are very educated, very successful, people who have been able to give to others, and then suddenly they find themselves making poor financial choices and everything changes,” says Cheatham.

After transitioning from instability to a fairy-tale life back to instability, Cheatham’s 11-year-old son was having trouble coping with the social stigma of homelessness. The

family connected with Birthday Dreams to help raise his spirits. Volunteers brought balloons, frosted cupcakes and organized games for her son to play with his school friends.

“It was the difference between despair and hopelessness to faith in people and sunshine in a sea of darkness,” says Cheatham. “It showed him that people really do care and want to help.”

Last year, Birthday Dreams brought birthday celebrations to 1,338 children living in shelters and transitional living facilities from Tacoma to Everett, and everywhere in between. Volunteers as young as 5 donate the time and resources needed to throw a great birthday party.

Mercer Island mom of three Jennifer Dougan volunteers with her 16-year old daughter Marley every other Friday night as Birthday Dreams party coordinators.

Marley organizes a team of about 10 volunteers and helps them set up activities including face-painting, craft stations, games and a bouncy house.

“It is so special for us to experience bringing pure joy to kids through something as simple as a birthday party,” says Dougan. “I think it’s really opened Marley up to thinking about others, and inspired her to want to make a difference in the world in a positive way.”

Young volunteers donate their birthday presents, hold school fundraising drives, bake cupcakes, assemble goody bags, and go shopping for special toys. Spahn says kids feel good helping, and are able to grasp the gravity of their peers’ circumstances.

“They understand, ‘What if I didn’t have a home, what if I didn’t get to celebrate my birthday?’” says Spahn.

Birthday Dreams will celebrate its 10th anniversary with a birthday party fundraiser on Saturday, May 4, at the Renton Pavilion Center featuring carnival games, cake-baking contests, and opportunities to give back. Mark hopes that the organization receives the community support necessary to uplift homeless children for decades to come.

“I think everyone should be happy on their birthday,” says Mark. “No matter what age you’re turning, another year is a milestone. The fact that a kid gets to be happy, and have good people around them and not feel anything bad during that day, is worth everything.”

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BIRTHDAY PARTIES

< Birthday

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Living large in small and unique spaces

Melissa Topscher in her third trimester with her husband Rohit Eustace.

The ‘Frankenhouse’ is alive!

A Burien couple races to remodel a fixer-upper before the arrival of their baby boy

by H A L L I E G O L D E N / photos by J O S H U A H U S T O N

Last year when Melissa Topscher and Rohit Eustace were searching for their first house to buy as a married

couple, they kept coming up short. The homes weren’t a good fit or weren’t in their price range. So they drew on Eustace’s knowledge as an architect and bought the house with the most promise.

“We looked for one we saw the most potential in to kind of redesign, and thought ‘We can make it our own,’” says Topscher, a personal trainer.

They selected a three-bedroom house in

Burien built in 1942, which Topscher likes to call “Frankenhouse” due to its wide variety of elements. They started renovating it, hoping to tackle the giant project over the next few years.

In May, that timeline was nearly cut in half when Topscher found out she was pregnant. They now had only eight months to get the house safe and inviting for their baby boy.

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«MakingHome CONTINUED

Since then, they’ve worked on the home every Saturday through Monday — altogether devoting some 400 hours to the renovation.

The pair has replaced the furnace, demolished the chimney, insulated the walls and hung drywall. They’ve also built a wall to create a mudroom by the back door, revamped the flooring and installed new cabinets and appliances. Outside the house, they’ve put in a new garden, with raised planter beds and a cedar fence.

It’s been challenging work, especially for Topscher, who is now in the third trimester of her pregnancy. She says she struggles with doing work on the ground, and sometimes finds she’s so tired in the middle of a job she has to lie down. She’s also had to take safety precautions, such as wearing a mask, gloves and long sleeves.

But she and her husband say they’re excited to breathe new life into a home that was clearly severely neglected. They say they like to imagine their first child calling a space they’ve devoted so much time and energy to “his home.”

Although the pair has had help from friends and family and occasionally hired

Melissa and Rohit patched their home together with love.

professionals for technical work such as replacing the roof, they’ve done the majority of the renovation themselves. This has helped them save money, and given them a sense of ownership.

“I know that when the baby’s born, he’s coming home to a house that his parents have worked really hard to make it identify with who we are,” says Eustace.

The pair says all of the problem-solving and setbacks they’ve had to overcome (like when their electrician drove a ground-

ing rod into their sewer pipe) have also brought them closer. There’s still a little more work left to do, including redoing the stairs and finishing the kitchen floor, but they’re getting close to the end.

“You know when it’s this hard and you hit so many struggles, it’s going to be very rewarding when you finish,” says Topscher. q Editor’s note: Melissa and Rohit brought home Sebastian Stephen Eustace shortly after his arrival on January 31. He thinks the house is all right, but loves the ceiling fan.

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Our picks for March

by E R I K A L E E B I G E L O W

1

2

3

March 8

March 9

March 16

The March of the Dogs Bring your leashed dog, join a park ranger for a short educational walk through the Lake Hills Greenbelt and learn about the origin of dogs.

What makes them different from coyotes and wolves?

Aztec Mosaic Mask Art Workshop Learn at the Lake Forest Park Library how Aztec masks decorated with turquoise, jade and other precious stones were used, then create and decorate your own mask.

4

St. Patrick’s Day Parade & Irish Festival Don your green and join a fun parade celebrating St. Patrick’s Day from Fourth and James to Westlake Park. Finish inside Seattle Center’s Armory with Irish arts, music and dancing.

5

March 22

March 23

Peter and the Starcatcher Studio East’s play is full of marauding pirates and jungle tyrants, unwilling comrades and unlikely heroes; great for kids ages 9 and older and their families.

Festival of Color Wear clothes that can get messy and head to Redmond’s Marymoor Park to celebrate the Hindu tradition of Holi. This fun day includes music, vegetarian cuisine and throwing colored powder at other revelers.

»Calendar

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What’s happening around town

3/19

a full

s

„ Forr of event

da o Calen arch go t M om for hild.c

by J E N N I F E R M O R T E N S E N

c

ttles » sea

Friday, March 1 S E AT T L E A R E A

Pig Day Out. Celebrate National Pig Day and the Year of the Pig — a special “porcine nexus” that only happens every 12 years. Music, food, crafts, live pig races and Chinese cultural dancers. Noon to 7:30 pm. FREE. Pike Place Market, Seattle. www.pikeplacemarketfoundation.org EASTSIDE

P H OTO BY JOS E PH L A M BE RT

Romeo + Juliet. Set in West Virginia in the 1870s, this is a “Hatfield & McCoy” version of Shakespeare’s play. Recommended for ages 8 and older. 7:30 pm tonight and Sat., 2:30 pm Sat. and Sun. $$. Studio East, Kirkland. www.studio-east.org

Discover Dance at McCaw Hall

Saturday, March 2

SOUTH SOUND

S E AT T L E A R E A

The Music Man. The Auburn Community Players perform this musical classic that follows fast-talking traveling salesman Harold Hill as he cons people into buying instruments and uniforms for a boys’ band. 7 pm tonight; various times through March 10. $$ to $$$. Auburn Avenue Theater, Auburn. www.auburnwa.gov

Family Fun Workshop: Tiny Tots.

Take a sketching tour of the galleries, then create a masterpiece inspired by your adventure. Ideal for ages 3 to 6 with an adult. 10 am to noon and 1 to 3 pm. $$. Seattle Art Museum, Downtown. www.seattleartmuseum.org The Miraculous Journey of Edward Tulane. Based on the award-winning

book, this story follows Edward Tulane on a tumultuous 20-year journey to discover what truly matters: to love and be loved. 1 and 4:30 pm today; various times through March 10. $$ to $$$. Seattle Children’s Theatre, Seattle (Lower Queen Anne). www.sct.org Seattle Miniature Show. Displays and vendors of dollhouses and their contents, vignettes, room boxes and more. 10 am to 5 pm today, 10 am to 4 pm Sun. $, free ages 11 and younger. DoubleTree

EVENT S ARE SUBJE CT TO C H A NG E Please call ahead or check the venue’s website before you go.

Suites by Hilton, Seattle (Southcenter). www.seattleminiatureshow.com EASTSIDE

Sparkle Fairy’s School for Formerly Vile Villains. Captain Hook, Cinderella’s stepsisters and the Big Bad Wolf have a chance to mend their ways in this Theater for Young Audiences play. 1 and 3 pm today, Sun, and March 9. $$. Second Story Repertory Theatre, Redmond. www.secondstoryrep.org

E VE N T P R I C I N G $: Under $10 / $$: $10–$20 / $$$: $20 and over

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Summertime Fun! Woodinville | 21acres.org

Summer in the House!

The Northwest School Summer Camp An international experience for youth ages 10-16

Visit northwestschool.org/summer 26

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

NORTH SOUND

Clock Workshop. Build a freestanding clock with easy-to-read numbers, movable hands, paint and stickers. You’ll receive a certificate of achievement, workshop apron and commemorative pin while supplies last. 9 am to noon. FREE. Home Depot, Bothell. www.homedpot.com/workshops 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 3 S E AT T L E A R E A

Octave 9 Grand Opening Celebration. Explore the new, state-of-the-art music venue and home for Seattle Symphony’s education and community programs. Grand opening 11 am to 12:30 pm. Open house experiences on the hour, 2 to 5 pm. FREE. Octave 9 Raisbeck Music Center, Benaroya Hall, Downtown Seattle. www.seattlesymphony.com Pancake Breakfast. Bring the whole family and enjoy all-you-can-eat pancakes, scrambled eggs, sausage, juice and coffee. Proceeds from this event will help provide scholarships to those in need. 8 am to noon. $. Loyal Heights Community Center, Seattle. www.parkways.seattle.gov NORTH SOUND

GrandFamilies Day. Grandparents and the grandchildren you’re raising full-time can enjoy free admission and playtime. 9:30 to 11 am. FREE. Imagine Children’s Museum, Everett. www.imaginecm.org

Monday, March 4

Thursday, March 7

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Playdates at PacSci. Young scientists can engage with storytime, a preschool planetarium show and other hands-on activities in the Just for Tots area. Complementary coffee for caregivers.

Mondays from 10 am to noon. $$. Pacific Science Center, Seattle (Lower Queen Anne). www.pacificsciencecenter.org

Free First Thursday at the Museums. Wander a favorite gallery or explore a new exhibition. Participating museums are free today. Various times and locations.www.seattleschild.com

Tuesday, March 5 S E AT T L E A R E A

GeekWire Bash. Experience virtual reality, dodgeball, ping-pong, arcade games, a zipline and more.

New this year: Junior Geek Zone with hands-on STEM activities and a FIRST LEGO League robotics tournament. 3 to 9 pm. $$$. CenturyLink Field Event Center, Seattle. www.geekwire.com/bash SOUTH SOUND

StoryTime for Kids. Enjoy dramatic readings of the best in new and classic kids’ books, followed by activities and entertainment. 11 am. FREE. University Book Store, Seattle (U District). www.ubookstore.com

Paint to Learn. Children and caregivers paint canvases together with a focus on early math learning. Use shapes, numbers, size, measurement and patterns as guiding principles. 6 to 7 pm.

FREE. Tacoma Art Museum, Tacoma. www.tacomaartmuseum.org

EASTSIDE

Friday, March 8

Story Drama: Purim Chicken. Seattle Children’s Theatre teaching artists present a popular Purim story with voice, movement and imaginative play.

11 am to noon. FREE. Temple B’nai Torah, Bellevue. www.templebnaitorah.org

Wednesday, March 6 SOUTH SOUND

Pinocchio. See the classic tale about a wooden puppet that longs to be a real boy. Part of the “Let’s Play” series, these interactive shows are perfect for toddlers and preschoolers. 10 am today through Sun. $. Olympia Family Theater, Olympia. www.olyft.org

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Kids’ Night Out. Children in grades K through 6 can make an art masterpiece, eat pizza and watch a movie while parents enjoy an evening of grownup fun. 5:30 to 9:45 pm. $$$. Neo Art School, Seattle (Wallingford). www.neoartschool.com Leprechaun Hunt. There are four things that attract leprechauns: shamrocks, mischief, rainbows and gold. Find all four to win a prize, and possibly glimpse a leprechaun. 10 am to 5 pm today through Sun. and March 15-17. FREE. Krukeberg Botanic Garden, Shoreline. www.krukeberg.org EASTSIDE

Cultural Crossroads Festival. Three days of

SUMMER TIME CAMPS AND CLASSES

THE #1 STEM CAMP

FOR AGES 7–19

From coding and game dev to robotics and design, your child will develop in-demand skills and ignite lifelong passions—all in a fun, inclusive environment.

Choose from 50+ innovative courses and join our community of over 400,000 alumni. Get ready for the best summer ever!

Held at over 150 prestigious universities UW - Seattle | UW - Bothell Bellevue College | Eton School University of Puget Sound | Stanford

Get a brochure and find a camp near you!

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music, dance, an international bazaar, children’s activities, exhibits and world cuisine. 5 to 9 pm today; Sat., 10 am to 9 pm; Sun., 11 am to 6 pm. FREE. Crossroads Shopping Center, Bellevue. www.crossroadsbellevue.com

EASTSIDE

The March of the Dogs. Join a park ranger for a short educational walk to learn about the origin of dogs and what makes them different from coyotes and wolves. Leashed dogs welcome. 10 to 11 am.

FREE. Lake Hills Greenbelt Ranger Station, Bellevue. www.parks.bellevuewa.gov

SOUTH SOUND

Saturday, March 9 S E AT T L E A R E A

Aztec Mosaic Mask Art Workshop. Learn about the ceremonial use of Aztec masks decorated with turquoise, jade and other precious stones. Cut out and decorate your own mask using paper mosaic techniques. Pre-register. 2 to 3:30 pm. FREE. Lake Forest Park Library. www.kcls.org Family Wild Walks: Swing into Spring. Bring the whole family on a themed nature walk and look for clues that the season is changing. Games and hands-on activities are geared toward children ages 2 to 12. First come, first served; meet at the Graham Visitors Center at 1:15 pm. 1:30 to 3 pm today and March 23. FREE. Washington Park Arboretum, Seattle. www.botanicgardens.uw.edu Rock and Gem Show. North Seattle Lapidary and Mineral Club present displays, vendors, kids’ activities, prizes and more. 10 am to 5 pm through Sun. FREE. Crown Hill Center, Seattle (Crown Hill). www.northseattlerockclub.org Saturday Family Concert: Thaddeus Turner.

Dance along to traditional, soul-infused sounds combined with rock guitar. 11 am. $, FREE for children 12 and younger. The Royal Room, Seattle (Columbia City). www.townhallseattle.org

Get Crafty Saturdays. Enjoy an arts activity connected to the exhibits. Ages 4 to 10. 1 to 3 pm. $$.

Bellevue Arts Museum, Bellevue. www.bellevuearts.org Kent Kids’ Arts Day. Annual celebration features hands-on art projects led by professional artists.

Kids must be with an adult. Food available for purchase. 10 am to 4 pm. $$, free adults and kids younger than age 2. Kent Commons, Kent. www.kentwa.gov PBS Play Date: The Cat in the Hat. On the second Saturday of each month, kids can explore handson activities related to popular PBS shows. 10 to 11:30 am. Pay-what-you-can admission. Children’s Museum of Tacoma, Tacoma. www.playtacoma.org

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

Seattle Youth Symphony Orchestra Concert.

Hear classical music from talented young musicians. 3 pm. $ to $$$. Benaroya Hall, Downtown Seattle. www.syso.org EASTSIDE

Adventure Hike. Join a naturalist for a 2-mile hike along the trails of Rattlesnake and Christmas lakes and experience winter while seeking early signs of spring. Ages 7 and older. No dogs or strollers. 1:30 to 3 pm today and March 24. FREE. Cedar River Watershed Education Center, North Bend. www.seattle.gov BIG KID PICK

Thursday, March 14 S E AT T L E A R E A

Balloonacy. In this wordless comedy, an old man

prepares to celebrate his birthday and rediscovers the joy of play. 7 pm tonight; various times through May 5. $$ to $$$. Seattle Children’s Theatre, Seattle (Lower Queen Anne). www.sct.org Emerald City Comic Con. This is the destination comic and pop culture show for the Pacific Northwest. A Family HQ for young superheroes features workshops, brick building and stories.

Comic-book sale hosted by University Bookstore.

10 am to 7 pm through Sat; 10 am to 5 pm Sun. $$$.

Washington State Convention Center, Downtown Seattle. www.emeraldcitycomiccon.com SOUTH SOUND

Strolling Thunder. Rally with fellow families at the Capitol and meet with policymakers to demand access to more affordable, high-quality childcare in our state, especially for infants and toddlers. 10 a.m. to noon. FREE. Washington State Capitol, Tivoli Fountain, Olympia. www.childrensalliance.org

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

Blarney Bash. Go on a treasure hunt, east a feast of potatoes, and watch a magic show. 6:30 to 8 pm. $. Ravenna-Eckstein Community Center, Seattle (Ravenna). www.seattle.gov Hot Java Cool Jazz Concert. This annual benefit concert features award-winning jazz bands from Ballard, Garfield, Mount Si, Mountlake Terrace and Roosevelt high schools. All money from ticket sales benefits the schools’ music programs. 7 pm. $$$.

The Paramount Theater, Downtown Seattle. www.stgpresents.org Sensory-Friendly Night Walk. Learn about nocturnal animals during a guided evening walk. Begin in the lab by examining skulls and conducting

SUMMER TIME CAMPS AND CLASSES

Sailing & Robotic Camps We’re partnering with The Center for Wooden Boats on Lake Union to offer

After-School STEM Sail & Underwater-robot programs FOR GIRLS AGES 10-14

SPRING ON SATURDAYS

April 27-June 8, 9am-4pm

SUMMER DAY CAMP

August 12-August 23, 9am-4pm

www.frogprintse.org 28

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girls! l o o h c s High ur spring

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SUMMER TIME CAMPS AND CLASSES

experiments to discover how animals survive at night. Then head outside to call owls, listen for nocturnal creatures and do sensory-friendly activities. 7 to 9 pm. $$. Pre-register. Mercer Slough Environmental Education Center, Bellevue. www.pacificsciencecenter.org EASTSIDE

Parents’ Night Out. Enjoy a few hours for grown-up fun while the kids have a pizza party, do St. Patrick’s Day-themed activities and play. Ages 4 to 7. 5 to 9 pm. $$$. Redmond Community Center at Marymoor Village, Redmond. www.redmond.gov

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

Irish Festival. Celebrate Irish arts and culture with music, dancing, food, kids’ activities and more. Noon to 6 pm today, 10 am to 6 pm Sun. FREE. Seattle Center Armory, Seattle (Lower Queen Anne). www.irishclub.org.

Saturday Family Concert: Okee Dokee Brothers. Sing and dance to Americana folk music that celebrates the great outdoors. 11 am and 1 pm. $, FREE for children 12 and younger. Westside School, Seattle (West Seattle). www.townhallseattle.org St. Patrick’s Day Parade. Individuals are welcome to join the parade. The route follows Fourth Avenue starting at James St., ending at Westlake Park.

Monorail is free 1:30 to 2:30 pm. 12:30 pm. FREE. Downtown Seattle. www.irishclub.org Toddler Shamrock Fest. Tots ages 1 to 5 can get into the St. Paddy’s Day spirit with coloring, arts and crafts, a toddler gym, snacks and more. 10 am to noon. FREE. Rainier Community Center, Seattle (Columbia City). www.parkways.seattle.gov

Register for ProjectFUN Summer Workshops!

Give your K-12 student the opportunity to explore and create by enrolling them in STEAM courses such as: ⊲ Video Game Programming ⊲ Music and Sound Design ⊲ Art and Animation

⊲ Game Design ⊲ Engineering

projectfun.digipen.edu/summer-programs

EASTSIDE

Eastside Symphony Winter Concert.

Bring your young musicians to see instrumentalists perform classic works. $ to $$, free ages 11 and younger. 7:30 to 9:30 pm. Redmond Performing Arts Center, Redmond High School. www.eastsidesymphony.org

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Kirkland Shamrock Run. 5K run/walk, plus a kids’ dash. Dogs, strollers welcome.

9 am. $$ to $$$. Marina Park, Kirkland. www.kirklandshamrockrun.com SOUTH SOUND

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 ($$), 10 am to 4 pm through Sun. $. Free parking. Washington State Fairgrounds and Event Center, Puyallup. www.dolls4all.com Family STEAM Day: Bridging the Gap. Learn to think like an engineer and use simple tools to design and build your own bridges. Noon to 4 pm $$.

America’s Car Museum, Tacoma. www.americascarmuseum.org The Hundred Dresses. See a poignant tale about bullies and bystanders, inspired by a true story. Recommended for ages 7 and older. 7 pm tonight and Fridays, 2 pm weekends through March 31. $$ to $$$.

Olympia Family Theater, Olympia. www.olyft.org BIG KID PICK

St. Paddy’s Day Run Tacoma. Half marathon (8:10 am), 10K (8:40 am), 5K (9

Multiple locations throughout the greater Seattle area!

Use code innovate25print to save $25 (expires 3/22) or save $15 using code play15regprint (expires 5/10) at invent.org/camp

In partnership with the USPTO

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am) and kids’ dash (11 am). Walkers and strollers welcome on the 5K course. $$$. Pre-register. South Eighth Street and Pacific Avenue, Tacoma. www.stpaddyruntacoma.com

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

Indoor ski camps

outdoor climbing Camps

outdoor adventure and hiking camps

Bellevue, WA 98005 • 425.746.7547 • info@minimountain.com

Kids’ Club: Rain Boot Planting with Herbs. Kick off spring by planting herbs in whimsical planters. 10 am to 2 pm. $$.

Swansons Nursery, Seattle (Blue Ridge). www.swansonsnursery.com Leprechaun Lap. Kids ages 10 and younger can do the nearly 1K Leprechaun Lap at the start of the St. Patrick’s Day Dash 5K. Then enjoy post-run fun at the Seattle Center Armory. 8 am. $$. Pre-register. Seattle Center, Lower Queen Anne. www.stpatsdash.com 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

June 17 – August 23 3 – 14 years old Learning & Enrichment Outdoor Education Performing Arts Fine Arts Sports Day Camps

summertime fun!

St. Patrick’s Day at the Zoo. Talk with zookeepers and watch as animals receive “lucky” enrichment treats. 9:30 am to 4 pm. Included with admission. $ to $$. Point Defiance Zoo & Aquarium, Tacoma. www.pdza.org

Find registration information online:

www.evergreenschool.org

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March Madness. Families with kids of all ages can have some March Madness fun. Food, games, prizes and basketball games on the big screen. 5 pm. FREE. Van Asselt Community Center, Seattle. www.parkways.seattle.gov Marie, Dancing Still: A New Musical.

A girl dreams of being the next star of the ballet. But when fate leads her to the studio of Impressionist Edgar Degas, she steps into immortality. Ages 8 and older.

8 pm tonight and Sat., various times March 26-31. $$$. 5th Avenue Theatre, Downtown Seattle. www.5thavenue.org More Music @ The Moore. Young musicians representing a variety of genres will have the chance to perform together. 7:30 pm, doors open 6:30 pm. $$. The Moore Theatre, Downtown Seattle. www.stgpresents.org World Dance Party. Celebrate Lake City’s diversity by learning dances from around the world. Bring a potluck dish to share your culture. 6 to 9 pm. FREE. Lake City Community Center, Seattle. www.seattle.gov EASTSIDE

REGISTER NOW FOR •SWIM & RECREATION CLUB•

Friday, March 22

SUMMER CAMP

Programs from

Peter and the Starcatcher. From marauding pirates and jungle tyrants to unwilling comrades and unlikely heroes, this play explores the bonds of friendship, duty and love. Ages 9 and older. 7:30 pm tonight; various times through Apr. 6. $$$. Studio East, Kirkland. www.studio-east.org

Preschool through Middle School

Saturday, March 23

• Before & Afterschool • Preschool • Swim Lessons • School Break and Summer Camps

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

TOP QUALITY FAMILY RECREATION & FITNESS SINCE 1958

www.samena.com • 425-746-1160 • 15231 Lake Hills Blvd, Bellevue 30

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Holi Festival of Colors. Celebrate this traditional Indian festival with entertainment and a fun “fight” with colored powder. 1 to 3 pm. $ to $$. Phinney Cen-

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

ter lower parking lot, Seattle (Phinney Ridge). www.phinneycenter.org SAM Family Fun Workshop: Young Artists. Take a sketching tour of the galleries and then create a masterpiecee. Ideal for ages 3 to 6 with an adult. 10 am to noon and 1 to 3 pm. $$. Seattle Art Museum, Downtown Seattle. www.seattleartmuseum.org Teen Action Fair. Youth-led event showcases young leaders inspiring positive 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 BIG KID PICK

with Children’s Garden naturalists, Seattle Audubon master birders and experts from Beavers Northwest. Binoculars provided. Stroller and wheelchair accessible. Pre-register. 7:30 to 8:30 pm. FREE. Magnuson Children’s Garden, Seattle (Magnuson Park). www.magnuson childrensgarden.org

KidsQuest Children’s Museum, Bellevue. www.kidsquestmuseum.org

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

EASTSIDE

Reading with Rover. Practice reading alongside a certified therapy dog. 11 am to noon. FREE. Third Place Books, Seattle (Seward Park). www.thirdplacebooks.com

Dinner & Dancing. Join Evergreen City Ballet for a preview performance of the ballet Coppelia. Have a pizza party and play with ballerinas after the show. 5:45 to 8 pm. $$.

Sunday Public Sail. Set sail around Lake Union with volunteer skippers. Try sprit boats, steamboats, electric boats, schooners, yawls, ketches or yachts. Every Sunday,

rain or shine. Signups begin at 10 am. FREE. Center for Wooden Boats, Seattle (South Lake Union). www.cwb.org NORTH SOUND

Pillow Fort Book Club. This meetup for readers ages 8 to 12 introduces kids to some of the greatest middle-grade titles around. Discover new books, meet new friends and foster a love of reading. Check the website for this month’s title. 11 am. FREE. University Book Store, Mill Creek. www.ubookstore.com/mill-creek BIG KID PICK

EASTSIDE

Morningside Academy

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

Basic Skills Grades 1-8 Middle School Grades 6-9

NORTH SOUND

Caspar Babypants. Dance and sing with this kindie-rock favorite. 10:30 am.

FREE. Top Pot Donuts, Mill Creek, Bothell. www.babypantsmusic.com SOUTH SOUND

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. 8 am to 2 pm. $$$. Pre-register. Star Center, Tacoma. www. metroparkstacoma.org/outdoor

NOW ENROLLING

Reading, Writing & Math Study & Organizational Skills Thinking, Reasoning & Problem Solving Daily Support Card Art, Wushu, Field Trips 901 Lenora St, Seattle • 206.709.9500 www.morningsideacademy.org

SUMMER TIME CAMPS AND CLASSES

Festival of Color. All are welcome to participate in the Hindu traditions of Holi, which include music, vegetarian cuisine and throwing colored powder at revelers. Noon to 5 pm. $. Marymoor Park, Redmond. www.festivalofcolor.us

THE Summer Camp of the Year!

Join us for a super fun week of dance, creativity, pop music, games & more!

You’re A Good Man, Charlie Brown.

Sally Brown joins Charlie Brown, Linus, Lucy, Schroeder and Snoopy in this charming revue of vignettes and songs. 2 pm $$. Auburn Avenue Theater, Auburn. www.auburnwa.gov

Sunday, March 24 S E AT T L E A R E A

French Fest. This 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

Enter SEATTLESCHILD for $10 off.

poproxdance.com

SOUTH SOUND

Mini Maestros: Around the World in 80 Drums! Tour the percussion family with the Symphony Tacoma Percussion Quartet. Explore the elements of rhythm, timbre, and pulse and get a look percussion instruments from around the world. 2:30 pm. $ to $$. Schneebeck Hall at University of Puget Sound, Tacoma. www.broadwaycenter.org

Saturday, March 30

WILDERNESS WILDERNESS AWARENESS AWARENESS SCHOOL SCHOOL

S E AT T L E A R E A

Bushwick Book Club: The Hate U Give. Not your run-of-the-mill book club, Bushwick shows offer interaction between audiences and musicians. Hear original songs inspired

by Angie Thomas’ young adult novel.

7:30 pm. $$. Hugo House, Seattle (Capitol Hill). www.townhallseattle.org BIG KID PICK

Nighttime Frog and Beaver Walk.

Explore the Magnuson Park wetlands

and--OVERNIGHT DAY DAY--and OVERNIGHT

SUMMER SUMMERCAMPS CAMPS SEATTLE SEATTLE&&EASTSIDE EASTSIDELOCATIONS LOCATIONS FOR FORAGES AGES 4 4toto1818 wildernessawareness.org wildernessawareness.org Ma rc h 2 0 19

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