Favorite car activities?

I’m working on the summer issue. Wanna help? Tell me your best ideas for keeping the kids entertained on a road trip. What toys do you bring? What games do you play? Do you drive through the night so the little guys will sleep?  Or, maybe you don’t drive the little buggers anywhere that takes longer than 20 minutes… Click here to share your story.

Also, if you want to tell me about your favorite road trip destinations, that would be great too!

Overheard conversations

My kids are playing in their toy kitchen.

Max: What do you want to eat?
Annie: I’ll have a sandwich.
Max: No, this is a breakfast place. You have to have breakfast, like eggs and bacon.
Annie: OK, I’ll have eggs and bacon.
Max: No, we don’t have any bacon. How about pancakes?
Annie: Yeah, I’ll have pancakes.
Max: We don’t have any pancakes.

500 pieces of wooden food on the floor and nothing to eat…

Share your party plans

My kids are counting down to their birthdays, which are both coming up in the next few weeks. I love planning their parties! We’re planning a Dora the Explorer party for my almost-4-year-old daughter, Transformers for my soon-to-be-6-year-old son. I’ll post the details in a few weeks after we get pictures.

If you’d like to share your party ideas, we’d love to hear them. Playdate’s party idea section is pretty scrappy right now, but I’d love to build it up. So, if you’d like to write up the details about your parties — what you did for invites, decorations, games, treats, etc. — and send me some photos, I’ll post them for all the world to see. I bet there are some creative mamas out there with lots of great ideas!

In the meantime, here’s the skinny on a clever construction party and a sweet teddy bear picnic.

Libraries celebrating Free Comic Book Day

Last week we told you that Ron’s Coin and Book will be offering free comic books this Saturday. Now we’ve learned kids can also get a free comic book at the library.

In celebration of Free Comic Book Day, kids ages 18 and younger can receive a free comic book at Yakima Regional Libraries on May 2. Parents cannot pick up books for children who are not present. The comics are donated by Ron’s Coin and Book Centers. You can pick up a comic book directly from Ron’s at 6 N. Third St., Yakima; 248-1117.

Free Comic Book Day is an international event when participating comic book shops give away comic books absolutely free to anyone who comes into their shops. Cool, eh?

ZHS presents princess play

ONCE UPON A MATTRESS | In this musical comedy based on the Princess-and-the-Pea fairy tale, Princess Winnifred tries to pass the almost-fair tests of the manipulative queen in order to marry her prince.

Presented by Zillah High School’s Z Center Stage Theater Company, performances will be at 7 p.m. May 8-9 and 14-16. A family-friendly matinee will begin at 1:30 p.m. May 16. All shows are at the ZHS Performing Arts Center, 1602 Second Ave., Zillah.

Tickets are $5 and $7.50; to purchase, call ZHS at 829-5565 or visit zillahschools.org/drama.

Super-cheap scoops on April 29

Participating Baskin-Robbins stores will reduce the price a small ice cream scoop to 31 cents the evening of April 29 to honor America’s firefighters. The 31 Cent Scoop Night will be from 5-10 p.m.

Baskin-Robbins will make a $100,000 donation to the National Volunteer Fire Council (NVFC) National Junior Firefighter Program. At some locations, customers may have an opportunity to make a donation to local fire charities.

All three Yakima Baskin-Robbins stores will be participating in the event:

• 816 Summitview Ave.; 509-452-8818
• 3802 W. Nob Hill Blvd.; 509-965-5515
• 1505 S. First St.; 509-575-1761

‘Dinosaur’ delivers

You know, it seems like I’ve been waiting 65 million years for a show that really delivers the goods. Marketing propaganda always promises the biggest or the greatest. But my family really thought “Walking With Dinosaurs” just might be the best thing since the Cretaceous.

“It was awesome,” said 5-year-old Max. “That show was so cool.” T-Rex was his favorite. Of course.

My fave was the towering Brachiosaurus. All 36-by-56 feet of him. Honestly, we were in the 11th row up and still couldn’t look this big boy in the eye. Thank goodness he’s a tree-eater. And, speaking of trees, I thought the inflatable vegetation was spectacular. I hadn’t really expected the set to change as much as it did, so that was a pleasant surprise. Music, sound and lighting were fantastic, too.

We’ve taken the kids to other shows (“Sesame Street Live!” comes to mind) that made us wish we could get a refund. And, I know, “Dinosaurs” doesn’t come cheap… If you haven’t already purchased, as of noon Thursday, there were tickets available for most of the remaining five shows. Prices were $32.50-$47.50. (Details here.)

But, we thought this show was worth it. Anybody else go?

Girls invited to Friday dance party

Girls ages 8-17 are invited to an Official BYOU2 Dance Party from 6:30-8:30 p.m. April 24. This “uniquely ME!” event is part of the Girl Scout/Dove self-esteem program. Cost is $5 per girl. The dance will be at Franklin Middle School, 410 S. 19th Ave., Yakima.

The girls will participate in a heart-pumping dance experience with the BYOU2 fitness DVD featuring dancer/singer/actress Sabrina Bryan, best known as a member of the Disney group Cheetah Girls. Participants also will be introduced to uniquely ME! self-esteem activities focused on recognizing their strengths and talents, developing a positive body image and taking care of their bodies and minds.

The BYOU2/Girl Scout experience, a national partnership between Girl Scouts of the USA and Sony Music, which includes a personal message from Sabrina Bryan herself, is aimed at tween girls to make them feel good no matter what shape or size.

“I hear from many girls who feel pressure to look a certain way and who lack the self-esteem to just be themselves,” says Bryan, who is joined on the DVD by a posse of girls of different ethnic backgrounds with a variety of body shapes and sizes.  “I’m very excited about BYOU2. Being yourself is all about being comfortable in your own skin and nothing makes you feel more confident than dancing.”

BYOU2 contains 70 minutes of cardio moves using hip hop and Bollywood inspired dance combinations. Bryan and her friends take the viewer through each move slowly, gradually speeding them up to a full blast workout. The DVD, out now, also includes special behind-the-scenes footage of the making of BYOU2 as well as a section called “BREAL & BYOU” where Nancy Redd, best-selling author of Body Drama, gives girls a look at the tricks behind celebrity photos.

Girl Scouts organize troops, events and local activities. Membership dues start at $2 a month.  Contact Lisa Tapia at 834-9785 for information on joining.

Girls Dance Party

April 24, 2009
6:30 pm	to	8:30 pm

OFFICIAL BYOU2 DANCE PARTY. 6:30-8:30 p.m. All girls ages 8-17 are invited. This “uniquely ME!” event is part of the Girl Scout/Dove self-esteem program. Featuring a DVD with dancer/singer/actress Sabrina Bryan (a member of the Disney group Cheetah girls), the event encourages girls to be happy, healthy and fit: BYOU! Cost is $5 per girl. Franklin Middle School, 410 S. 19th Ave., Yakima. Contact Lisa Tapia: 509-834-9785.Girl Scouts

Tuesday concert benefits WV scholars

Teachers, parents and community members will sing and play their instruments at an April 21 concert to benefit the West Valley Dollars for Scholars General Fund. A mix of jazz, pop, classical music and more will be performed.

The benefit concert will be at 7 p.m. at West Valley Junior High, 7505 Zier Road, Yakima. Admission is $5 at the door.

Dollars for Scholars Benefit Concert

April 21, 2009

7:00 pm

DOLLARS FOR SCHOLARS BENEFIT CONCERT. 7 p.m. West Valley High School faculty, staff, parents and community members will perform a mix of jazz, pop, classic and more. Proceeds benefit the West Valley Dollars for Scholars General Fund. Admission: $5 at the door. West Valley Junior High, 7505 Zier Road, Yakima.

It’s almost Free Comic Book Day

In case you hadn’t heard: May 2 is Free Comic Book Day, a day when participating comic book shops give away comic books absolutely free to anyone who comes into their shops. What a steal!

To get your free comic, stop by Ron’s Coin and Book Center, 6 N. Third St., Yakima; 248-1117.

Wiggles coming to Washington

Hoop-dee-doo! Your 4-year-old’s favorite foursome, The Wiggles, are playing in Everett and Spokane this summer. If you’re inclined to indulge her a little, jump in your Big Red Car (buckle up your seat belt) and catch the groovin’ Aussies in concert.

They’re scheduled to play the Comcast Arena in Everett at 3 p.m. and 7 p.m. July 17, then put on two shows in Spokane the following day.

Tickets are $16-$33 in Everett and $15-$30 in Spokane; tickets required for all ages. The presale opened April 17 (code: HENRY) and general tickets go on sale April 24 for both venues. Purchase tickets for the Everett show directly through Comcast Arena. Tickets for the Spokane shows are available through TicketsWest.

There are currently 15 locations announced for the band’s North American summer tour, Go Bananas Live! The Wiggles — Sam, Anthony, Murray and Jeff — will be joined by Capt. Feathersword, Dorothy the Dinosaur, Wags the Dog, Henry the Octopus and the Wiggly Dancers. The show will feature songs from the group’s latest album, “The Wiggles Go Bananas.”

For more information about the tour, visit thewiggles.com.

Your Canyon For A Day

YOUR CANYON FOR A DAY | All ages. The whole family can enjoy a scenic bike ride through the Yakima River Canyon, which will close to vehicle traffic from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. May 17. The road follows the Yakima River up gentle grades with few hills. Participants can ride the entire 35-mile round trip route, or turn back whenever they’re ready. There’s a $50 fee per family, which includes two adult T-shirts if you register by May 5; proceeds benefit Yakima County Crime Stoppers. Register at crimestoppersyakco.org. For more, call Mark at 453-2561.

Play together at Family Field Day

Families can enjoy playing together during the third annual Family Field Day at Yakima’s Sarg Hubbard Park, 1-4 p.m. May 2.

The all-ages event promoting nutrition, fitness and ways of playing together as a family is organized by the CWU Dietetics Association, FitKids and the Yakima Greenway Foundation. Activities include kayaking, apple tasting, soccer, nature walks, an obstacle course and an unconventional game of tag.

Participation is free. Bring your own water and register when you get there. For more information, visit yakimagreenway.org or call 453-8280.

Remlinger Farms (Carnation)

For a fun and different change of scenery, take a drive over to Remlinger Farms and Country Fair Fun Park, open May through October, in Carnation, Wash. The drive from Yakima takes about two hours.

This quaint miniature theme park is a perfect day-long excursion for the entire family. In season, the farm offers U-Pick strawberries, raspberries and pumpkins. There’s also a variety of produce, baked goods and gift items in the market.

The Country Fair Fun Park has more than 25 rides and attractions, mostly aimed at young children. There are pony rides, barnyard petting pens and live entertainment by songwriter Eric Ode who puts on a fantastic interactive show that younger kids are sure to enjoy.

Most rides are suitable for children ages 2 and up, including a mini canoe ride, the Tolt River Railroad Steam Train and antique cars. Older and more adventurous kids will enjoy the roller coaster, a spinning pumpkin ride and a pint-sized Ferris Wheel.

In the Pioneer Homestead, you can visit with the pioneer woman who will explain and demonstrate some of the “olden days” ways.

Then find your way through the covered hay maze to the hay pit and try the rock climbing wall. In the fall, the farm also offers a corn maze and wagon rides to the U-pick pumpkin patch.

Admission is a bargain at $11 per person, but this varies during special festivals. There’s no admission fee for the market, restaurant or U-pick fields.

For more information, call 425-333-4135 or visit remlingerfarms.com.

— Melissa Paul

How to get there:
Take I-82 north toward Ellensburg, then merge onto I-90 west toward Seattle. Take Exit 22 (Preston/Fall City).

Follow the signs through Preston into Fall City. At the stop sign in Fall City, go right over the Snoqualmie River Bridge. Take an immediate left on the other side of the bridge. Traveling north on Hwy 203, continue 5 miles toward Carnation until you see the Remlinger Farms sign. Turn right onto NE 32nd Street (in front of the sign). This road dead ends at Remlinger Farms.

AWARE Soccer Tournament

May 2, 2009
9:00 am	to	5:00 pm

AWARE SOCCER TOURNAMENT. 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Free admission for spectators. Local 5-on-5 youth and adult soccer tournament, culminating with exhibition game featuring Yakima Reds Soccer Club v. Central Washington University. Marquette Stadium, 5400 W. Chestnut Ave., Yakima; Lisa Kanelopoulos, 509-248-2063. awareyakima.org

Sign up for youth soccer tournament

A local organization that encourages youth to avoid high-risk behaviors is seeking players for an upcoming soccer tournament. The May 2 AWARE Soccer Tournament is open to teams of youth in grades 3 and up, as well as adults.

The tournament offers four divisions of 5-on-5 teams: Grades 3-5, grades 6-8, grades 9-12 and co-ed adult. Team registration is $150. Cash prizes will be awarded to winning teams in each division.

The tourney will take place from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. at Marquette Stadium, 5400 W. Chestnut Ave., Yakima. Events will culminate with an exhibition game featuring the Yakima Reds Soccer Club v. Central Washington University. Admission is free for spectators.

For more information or registration, visit awareyakima.org or call Lisa Kanelopoulos at 509-248-2063.

AWARE, based in Union Gap, promotes abstinence and the importance of building healthy relationships to students in public and private settings.

Want to see your kid in Playdate?

I get a lot of questions about how we choose the winners of our Gotcha! photo contest, as well as who gets to be on the cover. So let me give you a few insider tips:

First, the Gotcha! photo contest is on the last page of every issue. It’s open to all ages of kids, not just babies. For this spot, we’re looking mostly for good, candid photos. So take lots of photos of your kids playing or doing something; posed shots are probably not going to win. Past winners have been swinging, dancing, crying on Santa’s lap, taking a bath or making a mess. The whole point is to “get them” doing something interesting: Gotcha!

Also, please pay attention to the season. We publish swimming shots in the summer, Christmas photos in December, etc. So, you may need to look through last year’s photos to find something appropriate rather than the cute photo you just took yesterday.  If we have extra space, we try to publish a few more photos in the magazine, and even more are published on the Web site. So, it wouldn’t hurt to send us photos of your family participating in some of the activities that are featured in the magazine. We’re more likely to publish a photo of a kid playing T-ball in Selah than going to the zoo in San Diego.

OK, now the cover: We always take the photo for the cover ourselves. Basically, we need to have professional quality photographs and leave room for the Pladate flag and the teasers. It’s just easier to do it ourselves. However, 1/4 of our cover models have been selected from photos you submitted to the Gotcha! contest. So, keep sending us your photos — it’s the best way to get your kid’s picture in the magazine.

To find out how to submit your photos, click here.

To see our current batch of contest winners, click here.

CAPE Homeschool Convention

May 1, 2009
5:30 pm	to	8:30 pm
May 2, 2009
9:00 am	to	2:30 pm

C.A.P.E. ANNUAL HOMESCHOOL CONVENTION. “Homeschooling: Reaching Our Community,” organized by the Christian Association of Parent Educators. Admission is $25 for individuals, or $35 for a family. Activities include a music and curriculum fair, workshops and speakers. Keynote speaker will be Tim Roth of Christian Heritage Home Educators of Washington.

Convention hours are 5:30-8:30 p.m. May 1 and 9 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. May 2. Meets at Stone Church, 3303 Englewood Ave., Yakima. For more information and registration, visit www.yakimahomeschool.com or 930-2103.

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