10 Days Out: Dec. 3-Dec. 12

Thursday, Dec. 3
GATHERING TIME FOR HOMESCHOOL FAMILIES. 9-11 a.m. Informal coffee and conversation time for homeschool families. Use HomeLink materials and resources to work on planning or projects. Selah HomeLink, 411 N. First St., Selah; 697-0522.

TODDLER AND PRESCHOOL ART STUDIO. 10 a.m. to noon. Drop-in open studio for children age 5 and under. Cost: $5. Red Art Gallery, 30 N. Third St., Yakima. 469-2766.

SELAH LIBRARY, 115 W. Naches Ave., Selah; 698-7345. Preschool story time and craft at 10 a.m.

TERRACE HEIGHTS LIBRARY, 4011 Commonwealth Dr., Yakima; 457-5319. Story time at 10:15 a.m.

YAKIMA LIBRARY, 102 N. Third St., Yakima; 452-8541. Preschool story time at 10:30 a.m.

OUT ON A WHIM STORY TIME. Daily story times at 10:30 a.m., 2 p.m. and 4 p.m. Santa will be in the store Dec. 1-23. Out On A Whim Children’s Bookstore and Imagination Station, 108 S. Third Ave., Yakima. 576-3635. outonawhimbooks.com

PAPER AIRPLANE WORKSHOP. Students in grades 3-5 are invited to learn to fold and fly paper airplanes. Free. Selah Library, 115 W. Naches Ave., Selah; 698-7345.

Friday, Dec. 4
MOPS — FIRST PRESBYTERIAN. 9-11:15 a.m. Christmas Tea. Child care, food, fellowship, speakers. First Presbyterian Church, 9 S. Eighth Ave., Yakima. Sherrie: 966-0604.

TODDLER AND PRESCHOOL ART STUDIO. 10 a.m. to noon. Drop-in open studio for children age 5 and under. Cost: $5. Red Art Gallery, 30 N. Third St., Yakima. 469-2766.

OUT ON A WHIM STORY TIME. Daily story times at 10:30 a.m., 2 p.m. and 4 p.m. Santa will be in the store Dec. 1-23. Out On A Whim Children’s Bookstore and Imagination Station, 108 S. Third Ave., Yakima. 576-3635. outonawhimbooks.com

FUN FRIDAYS. 6-9 p.m. Drop off kids ages 3-10 for a supervised open gym and playtime. Cost: $18 first child, $16 siblings; includes pizza dinner. Reservations not necessary. Selah GymKids, 709 North Park Centre, Selah; 698-5437.

FUNKY FRIDAY NIGHT. 7-8:30 p.m. Rockin’ recreational swim featuring loud ‘80s music. Cost: $1 adults, $.50 youth, or $3.25 family. Lions Pool, 509 W. Pine St., Yakima. 575-6046.

Saturday, Dec. 5
HOME DEPOT KIDS WORKSHOP. 9 a.m. to noon. Free drop-in projects for kids 5-12. The Home Depot, 2115 S. First St., Yakima. 452-3016.

TIN ORNAMENT WORKSHOP. 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Parents and children can drop in to make tin ornaments and other holiday crafts. All ages welcome. Cost: $5. Red Art Gallery, 30 N. Third St., Yakima. 469-2766.

BUILD AND GROW KIDS CLINIC. 10 a.m. Free building workshop for children and parents. Today’s project: Gingerbread house. Lowe’s, 2500 Rudkin Road, Union Gap. Preregistration suggested. 248-3032. lowesbuildandgrow.com

THE KNACK. 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Make-it, take-it craft projects for kids. Free. Michaels store, 1729 S. First St., Yakima. 452-6484. theknackkids.com

ACE KIDS CLUB. 10 a.m. to noon. Free drop-in projects  for kids ages 3-12. Hometown Ace Hardware, 3700 Tieton Drive, Yakima. 972-4400.

TOY TRAIN CHRISTMAS. 10-4 p.m. Take a short caboose ride to see Santa and Mrs. Claus. Depot decorated with Christmas trees and toy trains, cocoa and cookies. Cost: $6 adults, $4 ages 12 and under. Photographs with Santa available for purchase. Northern Pacific Rail and Steam Museum, 10 S. Asotin Ave., Toppenish; 509-865-1911.

OUT ON A WHIM STORY TIME. Daily story times at 10:30 a.m., 2 p.m. and 4 p.m. Santa will be in the store Dec. 1-23. Out On A Whim Children’s Bookstore and Imagination Station, 108 S. Third Ave., Yakima. 576-3635. outonawhimbooks.com

BORDERS BOOKS, 1700 E. Washington Ave., Union Gap; 248-4018. Story time at 11 a.m.

OFFICIAL YU-GI-OH! DUELIST KING TOURNAMENT. Noon to 4 p.m. Ron’s Coin & Book, 6 N. Third St., Yakima. 248-1117.

YAKIMA VALLEY MUSEUM HOLIDAY OPEN HOUSE. Enjoy free admission and holiday festivities at the museum’s annual open house. Museum hours are 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Kids can design Christmas cards in the Children’s Underground from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Performances in the Neon Garden: Yakima Youth Symphony at noon; Yakima Children’s Choir at 1 p.m.; Melody Lane Singers at 2 p.m. Yakima Valley Museum, 2105 Tieton Drive, Yakima; yakimavalleymuseum.org; 248-0747.

WHISPERS OF CHRISTMAS. 6-8 p.m. Join together for a free community holiday party with games, music, cookies, coffee and cocoa. Santa will be available for free photos. Selah Civic Center, 216 S. First St., 698-7302.

SUNNYSIDE LIGHTED FARM IMPLEMENT PARADE. 6 p.m. The Northwest’s premier lighted parade since 1989, this event in downtown Sunnyside boasts more than 50 farm implements, vehicles and floats covered with decorative lights. The parade starts on Warehouse Avenue, turns south on Sixth Street, then east on Edison Avenue to Yakima Valley Highway. Sunnyside Chamber: 509-837-5939.

SATURDAY NITE LIVE. 7-9:30 p.m. Free drop-in program open to youth ages 7-15, in partnership with Yakima Valley Young Life. Swimming, sports, games, Christian message. Yakima Family YMCA, 5 N. Naches Ave. 248-1202 or 961-9898.

Sunday, Dec. 6
A VICTORIAN CHRISTMAS. 1-4 p.m. Enjoy the signs, sounds and smells of a Victorian home during the holiday season at this Yakima Valley Museum living history exhibit. Free admission. Christmas tree candle lighting at 1:15 p.m., 2:15 p.m., and 3:15 p.m. Quilt raffle drawing at 3 p.m. H.M. Gilbert Homeplace, 2109 W. Yakima Ave., Yakima; yakimavalleymuseum.org; 248-0747.

SANTA PHOTOS AT RUSSELL’S NURSERY. 1-3 p.m. Get a candy cane from Santa and enter the coloring contest. Cost: $5 per photo; all money will be donated to Children’s Wishes and Dreams. Russell’s Nursery, 6710 Tieton Drive, Yakima.

10TH ANNUAL DOWNTOWN HOLIDAY LIGHT PARADE. 5:30 p.m. This annual spectacle of lights begins at Sixth Avenue and travels east down Yakima Avenue to Millennium Plaza (across from the Capitol Theatre on Third Street), where the lighting of the community Christmas tree will follow. The Stone Church Choir will sing carols and Santa Claus will pass out candy canes at the Plaza. For a Better Tomorrow: 576-3606.

Monday, Dec. 7
MOPS — WEST SIDE. 9-11 a.m. Meeting donation: $5. Childcare, food, fellowship, speakers. West Side Church, 6901 Summitview Ave., Yakima. Tera: 972-3001.

MOM & BABY. 10 a.m. to noon. Discussion group for moms with infants under 1 year; bring your baby. Free. Yakima Valley Memorial Hospital’s Community Education in the Nob Hill Plaza, 2506 W. Nob Hill Blvd., Yakima. 575-8484.

BABY & ME SWIM. 10-11 a.m. Drop-in playtime for parents and tots, 6 months to 3 years. Cost: $3.75 adults; kids 3 and under are free. Lions Pool, 509 W. Pine St., Yakima; 575-6046.

OUT ON A WHIM STORY TIME. Daily story times at 10:30 a.m., 2 p.m. and 4 p.m. Santa will be in the store Dec. 1-23. Out On A Whim Children’s Bookstore and Imagination Station, 108 S. Third Ave., Yakima. 576-3635. outonawhimbooks.com

DECORATE THE “TRAVELING PANTS.” 4 p.m. Teens are invited to add decorations to the “Traveling Pants,” a craft based on the book series by Ann Brashares. Free. Summitview Library, 5709 Summitview Ave., Yakima; 966-7070.

DIVORCECARE FOR KIDS. 7 p.m. Support group for children, ages 5-12, whose parents are divorced, separated or reconciling. Adult group meets at same time. West Valley Church, 7109 W. Nob Hill Blvd., Yakima. Pastor Lane Zachary: 966-1550. westvalleychurch.com

Tuesday, Dec. 8
INKLINGS BOOKSHOP, Chalet Place, 5629 Summitview Ave., Yakima; 965-5830. Toddler story time at 10 a.m.

YAKIMA LIBRARY, 102 N. Third St., Yakima; 452-8541. Baby lapsit story time at 10:30 a.m.

OUT ON A WHIM STORY TIME. Daily story times at 10:30 a.m., 2 p.m. and 4 p.m. Santa will be in the store Dec. 1-23. Out On A Whim Children’s Bookstore and Imagination Station, 108 S. Third Ave., Yakima. 576-3635. outonawhimbooks.com

SUMMITVIEW LIBRARY, 5709 Summitview Ave., Yakima; 966-7070. Preschool story time at 11 a.m.

SELAH LIBRARY TEEN MEETING. 4 p.m. Bring your ideas and a friend and have some fun. Selah Library, 115 W. Naches Ave., Selah; 698-7345.

LA LECHE LEAGUE. 6 p.m. Support group for pregnant and breast-feeding mothers; children welcome. Free. Meets at Cascade Women’s Health, 1601 Creekside Loop, Yakima. For nursing help or questions, call Katy, 248-2610, or Denita, 575-3715.

DAN PETERS POETRY READING. 7 p.m. YVCC professor will share poetry for your enjoyment. Free family event. Selah Library, 115 W. Naches Ave., Selah; 698-7345.

Wednesday, Dec. 9
MOMMY CONNECTION. 9:15-11:30 a.m. First hour is Mommy & Me, second hour is just for moms; all ages welcome. Free. Child care reservations: 966-1900. Westminster Presbyterian Church, 6015 Summitview Ave., Yakima. For more, e-mail Katie: katejoyt@hotmail.com.

IMAGINATION LIBRARY STORY HOUR, Circle of Success, 15 N. Naches Ave., Yakima; 469-9888. English at 10 a.m., Spanish at noon. Free program for children up to age 5.

SELAH LIBRARY, 115 W. Naches Ave., Selah; 698-7345. Baby lapsit story time at 10 a.m.

BABY & ME SWIM. 10-11 a.m. Drop-in playtime for parents and tots, 6 months to 3 years. Cost: $3.75 adults; kids 3 and under are free. Lions Pool, 509 W. Pine St., Yakima; 575-6046.

KIDS CASTLE 2-FOR-1 DAY. 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Two kids play for the price of one. Cost: $2.50 up to age 2; ages 3 and up are $5.25 for one hour or $8 unlimited; weekend rates are higher. Clean socks required. Located inside Gymnastics Plus, 2121 W. Lincoln Ave., Yakima; 453-8126.

OUT ON A WHIM STORY TIME. Daily story times at 10:30 a.m., 2 p.m. and 4 p.m. Santa will be in the store Dec. 1-23. Out On A Whim Children’s Bookstore and Imagination Station, 108 S. Third Ave., Yakima. 576-3635. outonawhimbooks.com

READY BY FIVE: CREATIVE FAMILIES PLAY & LEARN GROUP. 6-8 p.m. Free learning activities for parents and children, birth to 5 years. December theme: Family. Adams Elementary School, 723 S. Eighth St., Yakima. David: 853-2052.

MOPS — MOUNTAINVIEW CHRISTIAN FELLOWSHIP. 6:30-8 p.m. Meetings are free; childcare provided, through grade 5. Food, fellowship, speakers. Mountainview Christian Fellowship, 7105 Alpine Way, Yakima. Tabitha: 972-3723.

DIVORCECARE FOR KIDS. 6:30 p.m. Support group for children, ages 5-12, whose parents are divorced, separated or reconciling. Adult group meets at same time. Roosevelt Elementary School, corner of 16th and Yakima avenues, Yakima. Sponsored by West Valley Church of the Nazarene; westvalleychurch.com; 966-1550.

Thursday, Dec. 10
GATHERING TIME FOR HOMESCHOOL FAMILIES. 9-11 a.m. Informal coffee and conversation time for homeschool families. Use HomeLink materials and resources to work on planning or projects. Selah HomeLink, 411 N. First St., Selah; 697-0522.

TODDLER AND PRESCHOOL ART STUDIO. 10 a.m. to noon. Drop-in open studio for children age 5 and under. Cost: $5. Red Art Gallery, 30 N. Third St., Yakima. 469-2766.

SELAH LIBRARY, 115 W. Naches Ave., Selah; 698-7345. Preschool story time and craft at 10 a.m.

TERRACE HEIGHTS LIBRARY, 4011 Commonwealth Dr., Yakima; 457-5319. Story time at 10:15 a.m.

YAKIMA LIBRARY, 102 N. Third St., Yakima; 452-8541. Preschool story time at 10:30 a.m.

OUT ON A WHIM STORY TIME. Daily story times at 10:30 a.m., 2 p.m. and 4 p.m. Santa will be in the store Dec. 1-23. Out On A Whim Children’s Bookstore and Imagination Station, 108 S. Third Ave., Yakima. 576-3635. outonawhimbooks.com

CINEMA CIRCLE. 11 a.m. “Fantastic Mr. Fox,” rated PG. Special matinee open to parents or caregivers accompanied by a baby or preschooler. Cost: $6 adults, $5 children ages 4-6; one child 3 and younger is free with each paying adult. Yakima Cinema, 1305 N. 16th Ave., Yakima. Circle of Success: 469-9888.

DECORATE THE “TRAVELING PANTS.” 4 p.m. Teens are invited to add decorations to the “Traveling Pants,” a craft based on the book series by Ann Brashares. Free. Wapato Library, 119 E. Third St., Wapato; 877-2882.

Friday, Dec. 11
MOPS — SELAH COVENANT CHURCH. 9-11:30 a.m. Childcare provided, infants-6 years. Selah Covenant Church, 560 McGongale Road, Selah; 697-6116. selahcov.com

MOPS — LOWER NACHES. 9-11:30 a.m. Meeting donation: $4. Childcare, food, fellowship and speakers. Memorial Bible Church, 111 Old Stage Way, Gleed. Mandy: 930-6441.

TODDLER AND PRESCHOOL ART STUDIO. 10 a.m. to noon. Drop-in open studio for children age 5 and under. Cost: $5. Red Art Gallery, 30 N. Third St., Yakima. 469-2766.

OUT ON A WHIM STORY TIME. Daily story times at 10:30 a.m., 2 p.m. and 4 p.m. Santa will be in the store Dec. 1-23. Out On A Whim Children’s Bookstore and Imagination Station, 108 S. Third Ave., Yakima. 576-3635. outonawhimbooks.com

18TH ANNUAL LUMINARIA. 6-9 p.m. Free family event features a mile-long candlelit walk through the Arboretum’s wintery landscape and an 80-foot lighted Norwegian Spruce Christmas tree. Warm up with hot cider and children’s activities in the Jewett Interpretive Center. Yakima Area Arboretum, 1401 Arboretum Drive, Yakima; off Nob Hill Boulevard just east of the I-82 interchange; ahtrees.org; 248-7337.

FUN FRIDAYS. 6-9 p.m. Drop off kids ages 3-10 for a supervised open gym and playtime. Cost: $18 first child, $16 siblings; includes pizza dinner. Reservations not necessary. Selah GymKids, 709 North Park Centre, Selah; 698-5437.

TEEN MOPS. 7 p.m. Non-threatening environment where teen moms are encouraged by Christian women. Open to teen mothers through age 21. Today’s program: “Four Tickets to Christmas” musical production at West Side Church. Holli Wolcott: 573-1207.

FUNKY FRIDAY NIGHT. 7-8:30 p.m. Rockin’ recreational swim featuring loud ‘80s music. Cost: $1 adults, $.50 youth, or $3.25 family. Lions Pool, 509 W. Pine St., Yakima. 575-6046.

Saturday, Dec. 12
HANUKKAH BEGINS.

CHRISTMAS CARD WORKSHOP. 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Parents and children can drop in to make pop-up Christmas cards. All ages welcome. Cost: $5. Red Art Gallery, 30 N. Third St., Yakima. 469-2766.

KIDS’ YOGA CLASS. 10-10:45 a.m. Parents and children ages 4-8 can drop-in to learn basic yoga principles and enjoy exercise in a non-competitive atmosphere. Cost: $12 per family for each session, or $60 for a six-class punch card. Wear comfortable clothes and bring water; mats available. Yakima Yoga, enter through Carousel restaurant, 25 N. Front St., Yakima; yakimayoga.com; 910-1151.

BUILD AND GROW KIDS CLINIC. 10 a.m. Free building workshop for children and parents. Today’s project: Christmas ornament. Lowe’s, 2500 Rudkin Road, Union Gap. Preregistration suggested. 248-3032. lowesbuildandgrow.com

SELAH GYMKIDS SATURDAY PLAYDATE. 10-11:30 a.m. Open gym and playtime for children ages 1-5 years, accompanied by a parent. Zip line, popcorn, other activities. Cost: $10. Selah GymKids, 709 North Park Centre, Selah; 698-5437.

TOY TRAIN CHRISTMAS. 10-4 p.m. Take a short caboose ride to see Santa and Mrs. Claus. Depot decorated with Christmas trees and toy trains, cocoa and cookies. Cost: $6 adults, $4 ages 12 and under. Photographs with Santa available for purchase. Northern Pacific Rail and Steam Museum, 10 S. Asotin Ave., Toppenish; 509-865-1911.

OUT ON A WHIM STORY TIME. Daily story times at 10:30 a.m., 2 p.m. and 4 p.m. Santa will be in the store Dec. 1-23. Out On A Whim Children’s Bookstore and Imagination Station, 108 S. Third Ave., Yakima. 576-3635. outonawhimbooks.com

SANTA TROLLEY. 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Ride the trolley with Santa and receive a candy cane. Refreshments available in the powerhouse. Fare: $3. Yakima Valley Trolleys, corner of S. Third Avenue and W. Pine Street, Yakima; yakimavalleytrolleys.org; 249-5962.

BORDERS BOOKS, 1700 E. Washington Ave., Union Gap; 248-4018. Story time at 11 a.m.

OFFICIAL YU-GI-OH! DUELIST KING TOURNAMENT. Noon to 4 p.m. Ron’s Coin & Book, 6 N. Third St., Yakima. 248-1117.

“THE NUTCRACKER.” Performances at 2 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. Soak up the holiday spirit at this kid-friendly classic, performed by the Eugene Ballet Company. At the stroke of midnight on Christmas Eve, a girl awakes into an adventurous dream world in which her toy nutcracker comes to life and battles the invading Mouse King. Warm up with cocoa, caroling and a visit from Santa and live reindeer in front of the theater, beginning 90 minutes before show time. Tickets are $10-$40; students and seniors receive a $5 discount. Capitol Theatre, 19 S. Third St., Yakima; capitoltheatre.org; 853-2787.

18TH ANNUAL LUMINARIA. 6-9 p.m. Free family event features a mile-long candlelit walk through the Arboretum’s wintery landscape and an 80-foot lighted Norwegian Spruce Christmas tree. Warm up with hot cider and children’s activities in the Jewett Interpretive Center. Yakima Area Arboretum, 1401 Arboretum Drive, Yakima; off Nob Hill Boulevard just east of the I-82 interchange; ahtrees.org; 248-7337.

SATURDAY NITE LIVE. 7-9:30 p.m. Free drop-in program open to youth ages 7-15, in partnership with Yakima Valley Young Life. Swimming, sports, games, Christian message. Yakima Family YMCA, 5 N. Naches Ave. 248-1202 or 961-9898.

Yakima Parks offers winter break camps

Instead of staying home alone, children ages 5-12 can play and make crafts with friends at this Yakima Parks & Recreation winter day camp program, which offers supervised activities at the Southeast Community Center, 1211 S. Seventh St., Yakima.

The camp will meet from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Dec. 21-23 and 8:30 a.m. to noon Dec. 24. Participants should bring a sack lunch.

To register, or for more information, call Yakima Parks at 575-6020.

Drop-in studio expands hours

Red Gallery’s popular drop-in Toddler and Preschool Art Studio is now offered on Thursdays as well as Fridays. From 10 a.m. to noon, parents and kids ages 5 and under can drop in to paint, cut and paste a collage, or work on other art projects. Cost is $5 per child. Red Art Gallery is located at 30 N. Third St. in Yakima. For more information, call 469-2766.

Inklings Story Time

INKLINGS BOOKSHOP, Chalet Place, 5629 Summitview Ave., Yakima; 965-5830. Toddler story time at 10 a.m.

Union Gap Preschool Story Time

UNION GAP LIBRARY, 3104 S. First St., Union Gap; 452-4252. Preschool story time at 10 a.m. Stories and a craft.

Yakima Library Baby Story Time

YAKIMA LIBRARY, 102 N. Third St., Yakima; 452-8541. Baby story time from 10:30-11 a.m. Tuesdays through Dec. 8.

Out On A Whim Story Time

OUT ON A WHIM STORY TIME. Daily story times at 10:30 a.m., 2 p.m. and 4 p.m. Santa will be in the store Dec. 1-23. Out On A Whim Children’s Bookstore and Imagination Station, 108 S. Third Ave., Yakima. 576-3635. outonawhimbooks.com

Yakima Library Baby Lapsit

YAKIMA LIBRARY, 102 N. Third St., Yakima; 452-8541. Baby lapsit story time at 10:30 a.m.

Summitview Library Story Time

SUMMITVIEW LIBRARY, 5709 Summitview Ave., Yakima; 966-7070. Preschool story time at 11 a.m.

Decorate a Mini Dream House

No doubt about it, kids love decorating gingerbread houses. It’s a sweet holiday tradition, for sure. But baking and building the house from scratch is also quite the project.

Understandably, store-bought kits have become incredibly popular the last few years. They shave off hours of mixing, baking and cooling versus a homemade house, which also has potential to burn or buckle.

And, frankly, kids likely won’t appreciate the extra effort.

That’s why I love this pint-sized project that’s just perfect for a preschool playdate (though older kids will love it, too). Mom can assemble these no-bake graham cracker structures the night before the party, giving the icing time to set up a bit before the kiddos get to work.

Because it’s hard to share, everybody gets their own. Remember to build a spare or two since little hands aren’t always so gentle.

To make the houses, gently break graham crackers in half into squares. You’ll need six squares for each house; one box of crackers makes about eight houses. Fill a pastry bag with buttercream icing (see recipe below).

We used a paper plate, turned upside down, for the base.

Using icing as glue, assemble the walls of the house. To help with structural stability, wait about 30 minutes before adding the roof. (I build all the houses, then come back and add all the roofs.)

When it’s time to roof the house, pipe icing along the top of two facing walls. Rest two graham cracker squares against each other at an angle and pipe a line of icing across the peak. If you need more structure, use 1/4 of a graham cracker as a center beam.

Let the project stiffen up overnight.

When it’s time to decorate, give each kid a dollop of icing and a plastic knife and let them design their dream house.

HOME IMPROVEMENTS
Shopping for miniature edible decorations is definitely part of the fun. Older kids, especially, will enjoy helping with this.

Here’s a list of some of our favorites:
* In lieu of gingerbread men, Teddy Graham cookies are the residents of our tiny houses.
* Cinnamon Toast Crunch cereal makes nice shingles. Try Triscuits or mini wheats for a more “thatched” look.
* Licorice bites are a perfect little chimney. Add a puff of icing for smoke.
* M&M Minis (find them in the individual-sized candy section) or Nerds are ideal for holiday lights.
* Dots or spice drops are a good size for bushes.
* Butter snap pretzels make good windows.
* Pretzel sticks are handy for roofing material, fences or making a stack of firewood.
* A green Life Saver or striped peppermint makes a good wreath. Tiny Christmas tree sprinkles and red nonpareils, grouped to look like holly, add a special touch.
* Fruit by the Foot is handy for doors, stained glass windows, pathways or scarves for the bears.
* Miniature candy canes make a scene more festive.
* Shredded coconut or a dusting of sanding sugar looks like a fresh layer of snow.

____________________

Buttercream Icing

1 c. vegetable shortening
1 tsp. vanilla
2 T water
1 lb. confectioners’ (powdered) sugar
pinch of salt

Using a mixer, blend shortening, vanilla and water. Add sugar, about a cup at a time, and mix on medium speed until thoroughly blended. Blend an additional minute, until creamy.

If mixture is too stiff, add a small amount of water — one teaspoon at a time — until reaching desired consistency.

NOTE: We used about 2 1/2 batches of icing to assemble and decorate 10 houses. Be sure to have plenty (you can save the extra for other treats), but make one batch at a time so you don’t burn out the engine on your mixer.

Kids can do yoga, too

Parents and children ages 4-8 can learn basic yoga principles and enjoy exercise in a non-competitive atmosphere at Yakima Yoga’s Saturday classes for kids.

These drop-in classes led by Gina Ord integrate basic yoga poses, music and relaxation. Handouts will be provided each session so kids can practice at home.

Kids’ Class meets from 10-10:45 a.m. select Saturdays: Dec. 12, Jan. 2, Feb. 20 and March 13.

Cost is $12 per family for each session, or purchase a six-class punch card for $60. Arrive 10 minutes early for your first session to register. Wear comfortable clothes and bring your own water and mat (or you can borrow a mat).

Yakima Yoga is located at 25 N. Front St., Yakima; enter through Carousel restaurant. For more information, visit yakimayoga.com or call 910-1151.

Baby & Me Swim

BABY & ME SWIM. 10-11 a.m. Drop-in playtime for parents and tots, 6 months to 3 years. Cost: $3.75 adults; kids 3 and under are free. Lions Pool, 509 W. Pine St., Yakima; 575-6046.

Selah Library Baby Lapsit

SELAH LIBRARY, 115 W. Naches Ave., Selah; 698-7345. Baby lapsit story time at 10 a.m.

Kids Castle 2-for-1 Day

KIDS CASTLE 2-FOR-1 DAY. 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Two kids play for the price of one. Cost: $2.50 up to age 2; ages 3 and up are $5.25 for one hour or $8 unlimited; weekend rates are higher. Clean socks required. Located inside Gymnastics Plus, 2121 W. Lincoln Ave., Yakima; 453-8126.

DivorceCare for Kids

DIVORCECARE FOR KIDS. 6:30 p.m. Support group for children, ages 5-12, whose parents are divorced, separated or reconciling. Adult group meets at same time. Roosevelt Elementary School, corner of 16th and Yakima avenues, Yakima. Sponsored by West Valley Church of the Nazarene; westvalleychurch.com; 966-1550.

Gathering Time for Homeschool Families

GATHERING TIME FOR HOMESCHOOL FAMILIES. 9-11 a.m. Informal coffee and conversation time for homeschool families. Use HomeLink materials and resources to work on planning or projects. Selah HomeLink, 411 N. First St., Selah; 697-0522.

Toddler and Preschool Art Studio

TODDLER AND PRESCHOOL ART STUDIO. 10 a.m. to noon. Drop-in open studio for children age 5 and under. Cost: $5. Red Art Gallery, 30 N. Third St., Yakima. 469-2766.

Selah Library Preschool Story Time

SELAH LIBRARY, 115 W. Naches Ave., Selah; 698-7345. Preschool story time and craft at 10 a.m.

Terrace Heights Story Time

TERRACE HEIGHTS LIBRARY, 4011 Commonwealth Dr., Yakima; 457-5319. Story time at 10:15 a.m.

Yakima Library Preschool Story Time

YAKIMA LIBRARY, 102 N. Third St., Yakima; 452-8541. Preschool story time at 10:30 a.m.

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