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Published on
September 2, 2010
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Labor Day/Back To School

Tacoma, Auburn, Bonney Lake, Burien, Federal Way, Des Moines, Puyallup, Renton, Gig Harbor, Olympia and more!

Dear MK Subscriber,

I sent my little guy to preschool today for the 1st official day of this school year and I am having a hard time believing where the time has gone.  Wasn't he just a baby?!?! I know many of you are sending your children off to preschool, kindergarten, junior high or even high school this week...I know that we are all feeling a bit nostalgic and just a tiny bit sad. I sometimes wish I could slow the clock.  It's so important to savor every second I get with my little people. 

There are some fun events to explore this "last" weekend of summer - get out and enjoy!  From the new Red Wolf Exhibit at Point Defiance to YOUNGERSHOOT (Bumbershoot's family-dedicated events) there is something for everyone this Labor Day Weekend.  And to really soak up that last feeling of summer check out the sand sculpting competition in Federal Way - all info is listed below and can easily be printed off with your "My Macaroni" feature.

At the bottom of the newsletter, below the event listings, are great articles/recipes on Ideas for Back to School Lunches, How to Keep the Back to School Bugs Away and a fabulous Honey Cake Recipefrom MacKid Mom Gina from Mercer Island's edition - http://mercerisland.macaronikid.com/.

Have a wonderful week/weekend with your loved ones!

Best Regards,

Sarah Beyersdorf

Publisher Mom

South Puget Sound Macaroni Kid

www.south-puget-sound.macaronikid.com


Making the Move from Playtime To Preschool

Provided by Cindy McVay, M.Ed., Kumon Math and Reading Center

Making the Move from Playtime To Preschool

 

Transitioning your toddler from the playpen to preschool and kindergarten doesn’t have to be as overwhelming a task as it may seem, if you know what to expect.

 

Experts on education say children who are engaged in learning activities at an early age can most easily adapt to the new formal school environment. Parents can help make the transition easier by preparing a home environment similar to the classroom and engaging children in educational activities.

 

“Young children are naturally curious and eager ...


The Meaning of Labor Day

From www.kids.lovetoknow.com

I swear, it was just Memorial Day and I blinked and here we are at Labor Day Weekend, the somewhat official end to summer.  As we are busying ourselves getting our children's last minute school supplies together - if they haven't already begun school this week - it's important to not let the significance of Labor Day go unnoticed or unexplained to your child. 

Labor Day originated in 1882, when the members of the Central Labor Union in New York City decided the hard working citizens of America deserved ...


This Week's Picks:

September 4th through September 8th

Saturday, September 4 through Monday, September 6 - EATONVILLE - NW Trek's Get Out of The Rut Celebration

End your summer with a wild weekend during the Get Out of the Rut celebration at Northwest Trek Wildlife Park this Labor Day weekend.  Learn all about the exciting rut, or breeding, habits of hooved animals like deer, sheep, elk and moose. Watch and listen as they grunt, snort, bugle and spar. From wild romance to turbulent action, you won't want to miss this three-day kickoff to the most dramatic time of year at Northwest Trek.  
Where: NW Trek, 11610 Trek Drive East, Eatonville
When: 9:30 AM - 6:00 PM
Who: Everyone
How: Just show up!
Cost: Under 3 FREE, Tots (3/4 yrs) 8.00, 5-12 yrs 11.00, $13-64 16.00
For more info: http://www.nwtrek.org/events.php?id=126&event_id=134
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Saturday, September 4 through Monday, September 6 - TACOMA - Point Defiance Zoo & Aquarium Red Wolf Woods Opening

Celebrate the opening of Point Defiance Zoo & Aquarium’s Red Wolf Woods. The stunning, hillside exhibit tells the inspiring story of the most successful conservation program in North American history and the Zoo’s leading role in it. Join us for educational activities and a chance to chat with the experts this Labor Day Weekend.
Where: PDZA, 4702 South 19th Street, Tacoma
When: 10:00 AM - 3:00 PM
Who: Everyone
How: Just show up!
Cost: Adults (ages 13-64) $13.50
Seniors (ages 65 & older) $12.50
Youth (ages 5-12) $11.50
Tots (3 & 4) $7.50
For more info: http://www.pdza.org/calendar.php?eid=177
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Saturday, September 4 - KENT - Monthly Sensory-Friendly Movies For Families Affected by Autism Movie Showing - "Cats & Dogs 2"

In partnership with the Autism Society of America, Kent Station brings AMC Sensory Friendly Films to families affected by autism on a monthly basis to  the South Puget Sound community.  The program provides a special opportunity for families to enjoy their favorite films in a safe and accepting environment. The auditoriums dedicated to the program have their lights up, the sound turned down and audience members are invited to get up and dance, walk, shout or sing!
Where: Kent Station AMC, 426 Ramsay Way, Kent
When: 10:00 AM
Who: Families affected by Autism
How: Just show up!
Cost: Click here for pricing - http://www.movietickets.com/house_detail.asp?house_id=9894
For more info: September 4 - Nanny McPhee Returns
October 2 - Legend of the Guardians - The Owls of Ga’Hoole
November 6 - MegaMind
November 20 - Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows - Part 1
December 11  - The Chronicles of Narnia: The Voyage of the Dawn Treader
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Saturday, September 4 through Monday, September 6 - SEATTLE - 2010 YOUNGERSHOOT (Bumbershoot for Families)

Bumbershoot is proud to present these kid-specific and family-friendly activities this year at YOUNGERSHOOT - concerts by Caspar Babypants, Johnny Burger and Brian Vogan, family friendly outdoor films, the 25th Annual Putnam Spelling Bee, Double Dutch Jump Rope demonstations, kids yoga, Radio Disney activities, painting, arts and crafts, pottery making and so much more! 
Where: Seattle Center, 305 Harrison Street, Seattle
When: 11:00 AM - 7:30 PM
Who: Everyone
How: Just show up!
Cost: FREE for kids 10 and Under.  Accompanied children 10 and under do not need a ticket to enjoy 99% of Bumbershoot; however, every person entering the Mainstage requires a ticket, regardless of age - http://bumbershoot.org/tickets/
For more info: http://bumbershoot.org/youngershoot/
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Sunday, September 5 through Sunday, September 26 - TACOMA - Camp 6 Logging Train Rides 2010

2010 Logging Train Rides run through September so get out and enjoy while the weather holds out! Located at the Camp 6 Logging Museum, your train buffs will enjoy the museum that is loaded with photographs, paintings, artifacts and equipment displays after their scenic train ride. Camp 6 takes the visitor back in time from when horse and ox teams hauled out the timber up through the last days that steam powered "Donkeys" and Railroads worked the woods. Visitors will see first hand what life in the logging camps and woods of Western Washington was like.  
Where: Camp 6 is located in Point Defiance Park, Tacoma
When: 12:00 PM - 6:00 PM (Open Labor Day too, 12PM-6PM, departures every 30 minutes)
Who: Everyone
How: Just show up!
Cost: Children 3 to 12: $3.00
Teens & Adults 13 to 54: $4.50
Seniors 55 to 99: $3.50
Under 3 & Over 99: FREE
For more info: http://www.angelady.com/c6.html
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Wednesday, September 8 through Sunday, October 3 - FEDERAL WAY - World Championship of Sand Sculpting

The World Championship of Sand Sculpting, formerly held at Harrison Hot Springs, is coming
to Federal Way next month. Starting Sept. 8 and continuing through Oct. 3, will be transformed from an ordinary parking lot to a giant sandbox. As its name implies, this is the largest sand sculpting contest in the world. Throughout the year,master sculptors have placed at qualifier contests in North America and Europe in order to earn the right to compete at this event. Other sculptors were selected by a jury of their peers for their talent and tenure in the art form. Sixty-two masters from 17 nations, ranging in age from 24 to 69, will compete.
Where: The Hillside Plaza, 31510 20th Ave. S., Federal Way 
When: 9:00 AM - 8:00 PM (10AM-6PM on Sundays)
Who: Everyone
How: Just show up!
Cost: Adult day pass: $8.50
Seniors/Children ages 4+ day pass: $6.50
Military appreciation days: Sept. 15-17. Members of the armed forces (active, reserve,
retired) will have a special rate of $5 for those with military ID, $5 for the military spouse
and accompanied children admitted free.
For more info: www.worldchampionshipofsandsculpting.com    
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Teen Scene:

September 16th through September 24th

Thursday, September 16 - AUBURN - Teen Writers Group at The Auburn Library

Teens come share your writing and get ideas at the Teen Writers Group!
Where: Auburn Library, 1102 Auburn Way S, Auburn
When: 3:30 PM
Who: Teens
How: Just show up!
Cost: FREE
For more info: www.kcls.org
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Friday, September 17 through Friday, September 24 - DES MOINES - Second Annual Teen Photo Contest From The Des Moines Library

Teens take a photo of your favorite person, place or thing and submit it to the library by Friday, August 13. The photos will be displayed in the library and the best ones will win prizes. Winners will be announced at the Teen End of Summer Party on August 20, 3pm.
Where: Des Moines Library, 21620 11th Avenue S, Des Moines
When: 8:00 AM - 12:00 PM
Who: Teens
How: Please submit it to the library by Friday, August 13.
Cost: FREE
For more info: www.kcls.org Ask for complete details and an entry form at the Help Desk.
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Wednesday, September 22 - KENT - Teen End of Summer Party at the Kent Library!

Check out winning Read. Flip. Win entries, eat snacks, hang out with friends and more at the end of summer party.
 
Where: Kent Library, 212 2nd Avenue N, Kent
When: 2:00 PM
Who: Teens
How: Just show up!
Cost: FREE
For more info: www.kcls.org
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Friday, September 24 - DES MOINES - Teen Summer Party at the Des Moines Library!

Say good bye to summer with music, food, games, friends and more at the Des Moines Library! 
Where: Des Moines Library, 21620 11th Avenue S, Des Moines
When: 3:00 PM
Who: Teens
How: Just show up!
Cost: FREE
For more info: www.kcls.org
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Friday, September 24 - COVINGTON - Teen After-Hours @ the Covington Library!

We're opening the library on a Friday night just for teens. Play videogames, use computers, snack or just hangout.
Where: Covington Library, 27100 164th Avenue SE, Covington 
When: 7:00 PM - 10:00 PM
Who: Grades 6-12
How: Registration required - 253.630.8761 
Cost: FREE
For more info: www.kcls.org
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Plan Ahead:

September 10th through October 16th

Friday, September 10 through Sunday, September 26 - PUYALLUP - 2010 Puyallup Fair

The Puyallup Fair is the largest single attraction held annually in the state of Washington.  For the kids, there's the SillyVille, Toonzville, midway rides, and visits by such celebrities as Spongebob Squarepants and the Backyardigans. Offering rodeos, concerts, rides, food, livestock, flowers, and commercial exhibits, the fair has no end of fun and entertainment.
Where: Puyallup Fairgrounds, 110 9th Avenue SW, Puyallup
When: 10:00 AM - 11:00 PM (Sundays-Thursdays: 10AM-10PM)
Who: Everyone
How: Just show up!
Cost: Adults: $11
Students (6-18): $9
Seniors (62+): $9
Five & under: Always FREE
For more info: http://www.thefair.com/puyallup-fair
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Saturday, September 11 - TACOMA - Touch-A-Truck

Does your child have a love for trucks and large vehicles? Then check out Pierce County's 'Touch-A-Truck' event. Kids of all ages will love to climb, run around, sit in and even honk horns of many types of trucks and vehicles! Come explore a fire engine, dump trucks, command center, bucket truck, striper, tractor, military vehicles, school buses and so many more.  Truck drivers will be on hand to show off their vehicles.  
Where: Sprinker Recreation Center, 14824 South 'C' Street, Tacoma
When: 10:00 AM - 1:00 PM
Who: Everyone, children must be accompanied by an adult. Prepare for the weather because this event will take place rain or shine.
How: Just show up!
Cost: FREE
For more info: http://www.piercecountywa.org/pc/services/recreate/touchatruck.htm
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Saturday, September 11 - TACOMA - Pooch Pool Party

After the humans are done with their summer swimming and the pool is set to be emptied for the winter, the pooches come out to lunge down the lazy river, splash in the sprayground and frolic with other pups in the refreshing water! Sorry, no people are allowed in the pool during the Pool Party. Humans will be asked to watch from the pool deck.  Bring your donations of unopened pet food to the Pooch Pool Party with you and we'll give it all to the Dugan Foundation to support their work establishing Pierce County as a no-kill community.
Where: Stewart Heights Pool, 402 E 56th St., Tacoma
When: 10:00 AM - 11:45 AM (•Afternoon shift: 12:15PM-2PM)
Who: Dogs and their families
How: Just show up but entry may be limited if pool reaches capacity.
Cost:
  • First dog: $7
  • Second Dog: $5
  • Humans: FREE
    (Limit 2 dogs per person)
    • For more info: http://www.metroparkstacoma.org/page.php?id=1202   Metro Parks' staff will turn off the pool chemicals to minimize irritation for the dogs and will drain and clean the pool after  the event.
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    Saturday, September 11 - TACOMA - Tacoma Nature Center's Discovery Pond Opening

    Discovery Pond is a natural play area for children designed to inspire creative play and environmental learning.  Located at the corner of 19th and Tyler, Discovery Pond will have unconventional play features including a tree house, boulder scramble, a slide inside a hollow log, snag climb, a pond with waterfalls and a log crossing, walking trails and rain gardens. The play area will provide a natural environment where young children can be immersed in nature exploration that supplements the programming of the adjacent Nature Center.  
    Where: Tacoma Nature Center, 1919 Tyler, Tacoma
    When: 10:00 AM - 4:00 PM
    Who: Everyone
    How: Just show up!
    Cost: FREE
    For more info: http://www.metroparkstacoma.org/page.php?id=1195
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    Monday, September 13 - RENTON - Pajama Storytime

    Pajama Story Times at the Kent Library. 
    Where: Renton Library, 100 Mill Avenue S, Renton
    When: 7:00 PM
    Who: Newborn to age 6 with adult
    How: Just show up!
    Cost: FREE
    For more info: Monday, September 13, 20 and 27 www.kcls.org
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    Saturday, September 25 - GRAHAM - 2nd Annual Frontier Round-Up Fun Run and Walk

    Join us for our 2nd Annual Frontier Round-Up, a fun western themed 5K and 1 mile fun run and walk held at Frontier Park in Graham. The course is flat with paved, compact gravel, and grassy sections.  The event is non-competitive and welcomes people of all ages and abilities.  No offical time will be taken. A digital running clock will be available for runners as they cross the finish line for their own curiousity.
    Where: Frontier Park, 21800 Meridian S, Graham, WA 98338
    When: 9:00 AM
    Who: Everyone
    How: Pre-Register, http://www.piercecountywa.org/xml/abtus/ourorg/parks/pdf/frontierroundup_reg_10form.pdf
    Cost: $20/person - 5K Run. Fee includes a t-shirt, $5/person - 1 Mile Run/Walk (t-shirt not included in fee). $10 - Additional t-shirts
    For more info: http://www.piercecountywa.org/pc/abtus/ourorg/parks/FrontierRoundUp.htm
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    Saturday, October 16 - LAKEWOOD - 2010 SUPERHERO PARTY

    Come dressed in your favorite Superheroes costume or just wear a black t-shirt to participate in our second annual Superhero Adventure Party on Saturday, October 16th at the Lakewood Community Center!  This superhero action party will keep your little ones grinning from ear to ear! All superhero participants receive Hero souvenirs, 'special powers' punch/snack, and guaranteeed TONS OF FUN!
    Where: Lakewood Community Center, 9112 Lakewood Drive SW, Lakewood
    When: 4:00 PM - 6:00 PM
    Who: Your Superhero!
    How: Participants must pre-register by October 1, 2010.  Register through the Parks Admin. office
    253-798-4177
    Cost: $13 per child
    For more info: http://www.piercecountywa.org/pc/abtus/ourorg/parks/superhero.htm
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    Are Books Weighing Our Kids Down?

    Go to any elementary or middle school and you are sure to see tons of kids weighed down by their backpacks.

    Did you know the average school textbook weighs between 3 and 4 pounds?

    Kids are carrying on the average of 8-12 pounds in books every school day!  You may not have a say when if come to books having to come home for homework, but her are some way to minimize your child's back strain. Your kids may not have much of a choice when it comes to ...


    Back To School - Keep the Bugs Away

    By ModernMom.com and Michael A. Schoenwetter, M.D. - "Dr. Mike"

    As summer break ends, my office starts to get busy.  Putting all those kids back together in school a confined place is a perfect way to transmit infection.  Here are some recommendations to limit your child’s visits to the doctor this school year. 

    First, I want to start with some basic, obvious healthcare tips.  A good nights' sleep paired with a healthy diet is imperative to good health and peak performance in school.  If your child’s diet lacks diversity, add a basic multivitamin.   Encourage your children to wash ...


    Back to School - Lunch Ideas

    About.com and Suite101.com

    Tasty and nutritious school lunches can be one of parents' biggest challenges. To please the kids and meet the basic dietary guidelines, make them part of the planning and shopping. Within reason, try to accommodate their lunch requests, keeping nutrition guidelines in mind.

    A nutritious lunch doesn't have to revolve around a traditional sandwich; consider different pita breads or tortilla wrappings filled with a favorite sandwich meat or salad, meat and cheese kabobs, or a macaroni salad. Salsa and chips, assorted pickles, or veggie sticks and slices with dip ...


    Rosh Hashanah Honey Cake

    By Gina B, Macaroni Kid Publisher Mom, Mercer Island

    Rosh Hashanah is the first and second days of the first Jewish month of Tishrei. It marks the beginning of the Jewish New Year. The celebration of this holiday is marked with solemnity, as according to the Jewish people, it is the day on which the whole world is judged for the coming year. Rosh Hashanah is the birthday of the world, as it was on this day that God created Man on the 6th day of creation. Every year, on this day, the Jewish people proclaim God as their ...


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