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DSM Activities & Events 12/5 – 12/11

 

Make sure to check out the event calendar on the right hand side of the page! Also, for a list of places and times to visit Santa, check out my list I created “Places to visit Santa”.

1. Windsor Polar Express Movie Night

When: Friday 6:30 pm – 9:00 pm

Where and What: Located at the Windsor Heights Community Center in Colby Park, bring the family to see the classic holiday movie Polar Express! There will also be several activities and toy train on display. There will also be hot chocolate, popcorn, and hot dogs. $3 per person or $10 per family.

2. Peter Pan 

When: Friday, December 6th – Sunday, December 29th

Where and What: Bring the family to see a Disney classic at the Des Moines Playhouse. Showtimes vary on days and times. To purchase tickets and view the details check out the Des Moines Playhouse website.

3. Snowball Express to Santa 

When: Saturday 10 am – 2 pm

Where and What: Located at Jester Park, your children will take a ride, on a pony through a Winter Wonderland to Santa! They will get their picture with Santa, drink some hot cocoa and eat cookies! $20 per child and reservations are not required. For more information check out the Jester Park Equestrian website.

4. Santa at the Blank Park Zoo

When: Saturday 10 am – 2 pm

What: This event is for the whole family! Take a picture with Santa and his reindeer, write a letter to the North Pole, enjoy hot cocoa and cookies, and explore the zoo! For scheduled events going on through out the day, check out the Blank Park Zoo website.

5. A Flynn Family Christmas 

When: Saturday 4 pm – 8 pm

Where and What: Celebrate Christmas at Living History Farms in beautiful decorated Victorian house! Frost cookies, make ornaments, dancing, music, horse-drawn wagon rides, and so much more! For more information and admission prices check out the Living History Farms website!

6. Windsor Wonderland Breakfast with Santa 

When: Saturday 8:30 am – 12 pm

Where and What: Located at the Windsor Heights Community Center in Colby Park, bring the whole family for a pancake breakfast, music, and a child/pet photo with Santa (for FREE)!$6 per ticket which includes the Santa picture and pancake breakfast. Check out the Windsor Heights website information and to purchase tickets!

7. Brunch with Santa at Center Grove Orchard

When: Saturday 9 am – 12 pm & Sunday 11 am – 2 pm

What: Eat breakfast, do crafts, and visit with Santa & Rudolph! There will also be a coloring contest! For more information about the brunch and other events going on at Center Grove Orchard, check out their holiday flyer!

8. Nada Silent Night 

When: Saturday at 7 pm

Where and What: The Nadas are putting on their 11th annual Nada Silent Night at the Scottish Rite Temple! This could be made into a “date night” OR and event for the entire family. The admission to this event is one ticket and at least one unwrapped toy per person attending. The toys will be donated to U.S. Marine Corps Toys for Tots. A ticket is $20 and children 10 year and younger are FREE. You can purchase tickets here!

9. Jingle Bell Rock ‘n Run 

When: Sunday at 9 am

Where and What: This is another fun holiday run hosted by the Science Center of Iowa! Get dressed up in your festive attire and dash through downtown Des Moines and end at the Science Center. After the run there will be live music, and food catered by Hy-Vee. To register and more information check out the Science Center of Iowa event page.

10. Pajama Party with Santa 

When: Tuesday 6 pm – 8 pm

Where and What: Bring your children to Jordan Creek Town Center, in the photo area. They can bring a blanket and/or a stuffed toy. You can also take a picture with Santa! Bring a toy donation for Toys for Tots, and you can also donate $3 and received a personalized letter from Santa!

11. Pathways Connect – Discussion Group

When: Tuesday 6:30 pm – 8:30 pm

Where and What: Pathways Connect uses the Pathways to Family Wellness magazine as a launching point for discussions on living a conscious, holistic lifestyle. We take articles from the current issue to spring board the conversation and help educate each other on the path to conscious and holistic living. We hope you will join us, and bring a guest! This meeting’s topics will include: “All Your Health Solutions…As Simple As I Can Put It “How do we lose health? One main answer is STRESS. Stress comes in the form of physical, chemical or psychological.Conscious Path – “Fear or Freedom” We will all experience fears in life, and the way to live in freedom from being controlled by fear is to see fear as a sign of growth and challenging yourself beyond your comfort zone. All gatherings are FREE and located at Little Padded Seats in Valley West Mall.

 

Festival of Trees and Lights

Sorry this post is a bit late 🙁 We have definitely been busy doing lots of holiday shopping and activities, but I want to make sure to share our fun experience at the Festival of Trees and Lights! You NEED to check it out next year! I do not know why I have never been until this year! This event is FULL of activities, beautiful lights, entertainment, food AND it helps an awesome cause … Blank Children’s Hospital.

According to their website, the Festival of Trees and Lights has brought in 6.5 million dollars to help support programs such as child life, and other unique programs and projects to help children who are in need. Another great thing about this event, it is all volunteer based. Every aspect is put on by volunteers and donations from local businesses and individuals.

It’s a wonderful feeling, to walk in and know that everything you look at and do is provided by volunteers.

There were so many trees decorated in different themes! Monte’s favorite tree was the one that they had decorated in Disney characters for their silent auction.

Inside where the trees were lined up, there was also a stage where about every hour, performers would perform. Local groups of singers, dancers, etc. You could also purchase snacks such as hot dogs, popcorn, sandwiches and more. There was even a special bakery section!

We headed back out where all of the kids activities were held! Each activity was one ticket, which you could purchase when you purchased your admission ticket to see the lights. They even had a special deal to purchase 22 tickets for $20.

You could ride the train … Monte did all by himself!

Decorate cookies and decorate ornaments

Play with legos!

There was also face painting available, a toss game, and more!

Not only was there activities for the kiddos, lights, entertainment, and food BUT there was also a place to do a little holiday shopping! There was a shop available to purchase gift items and Scholastic Books was also available to purchase books.

You can definitely make a day out of this fun holiday event. There is so much to do and it helps such a wonderful cause! We will be making this a yearly tradition for sure!

Have you attended the Festival of Trees and Lights before? What is your favorite thing to see and/or do?

Places to visit Santa

It’s that time of year! Santa is going to be one busy guy this holiday season. There are several events and places to meet and see Santa. I have only listed a few popular events and places, but make sure to check out my calendar on the right hand side for a complete list!

1. Brunch with Santa at Center Grove – November 30 – December 22: Every Saturday & Sunday 

Eat breakfast, do crafts, and visit with Santa & Rudolph! There will also be a coloring contest! Saturdays 9 am – 12 pm and Sundays 11 am – 2 pm. Cost $7.95 per adult and $5.95 per child. Check out the Center Grove flyer for more details!

2. Santa Express – November 29 & 30, December 3-7, and December 10-14 

Boone & Scenic Valley Railroad  is offering the Santa Express again this year! A perfect event for your little ones. You will travel to the “North Pole” while singing Christmas carols, have hot chocolate and a cookie, meet Santa and receive a silver bell! Tickets are on sale! Make sure to reserve your ticket soon, because they will go fast. Check out the website for times and prices.

3.Santa at Jordan Creek Mall – November 22nd – December 24th 

Visit Santa at Jordan Creek Mall and get pictures done! No specific times are listed. Check out the Jordan Creek Towncenter site for more information!

4. Santa at Valley West Mall – November 15th – December 24th 

Visit Santa at Valley West Mall, ride the train, and take pictures! Monday thru Saturday 10 am – 8 pm; Sunday 11 am – 5pm; and  Christmas Eve 10 am – Noon. For more information check out the Valley West Mall website.

5. Santa at Merle Hay Mall – November 16th – December 24th 

Visit Santa at Merle Hay Mall. There are no hours listed, hours may vary. For more information check out the Merle Hay Mall website.

6. Santa at Southridge Mall – December 3rd – December 24th 

Visit Santa at Southridge Mall! Hours are not listed, hours may vary. Please check the Southridge Mall website for more information!

7. Santa’s Wonderland at Bass Pro Shops – Now thru December 24th 

Get a FREE 4×6 studio with Santa, lots of kids activities and crafts! Games, trains, coloring, wildlife carousel, and SO MUCH MORE! For more information check out the Bass Pro Shops website for more information!

8. Pajama Party with Santa – November 26th, December 3, 10, and 17th at 6 pm

Bring your children to Jordan Creek Towncenter, in the photo area. They can bring a blanket and/or a stuffed toy. You can also take a picture with Santa! Bring a toy donation for Toys for Tots, and you can also donate $3 and received a personalized letter from Santa! For more information check out the Jordan Creek Town Center website.

9. Windsor Polar Express Movie Night – Friday, December 6th at 6:30 pm 

Located at the Windsor Heights Community Center in Colby Park, bring the family to see the classic holiday movie Polar Express! There will also be several activities and toy train on display. There will also be hot chocolate, popcorn, and hot dogs. $3 per person or $10 per family. Visit the Windsor Heights website for more information!

10. Windsor Wonderland Breakfast with Santa – Saturday, December 7th 8:30 am – 12:00 pm 

Located at the Windsor Heights Community Center in Colby Park, bring the whole family for a pancake breakfast, music, and a child/pet photo with Santa (for FREE)! $6 per ticket which includes the Santa picture and pancake breakfast. For more information visit the Windsor Heights website.

11. Santa at Blank Park Zoo – Saturday, December 7th & Saturday, December 14th 

This event is for the whole family! Take a picture with Santa and his reindeer, write a letter to the North Pole, enjoy hot cocoa and cookies, and explore the zoo! For more information visit the Blank Park Zoo website for detail and scheduled events.

12. Holidays in Johnston – Saturday, December 7th 2:30 pm – 4:30 pm  

There will be a gingerbread making contest, crafts, cookie decorating, entertainment, food and more! Santa will make an appearance on a fire truck! For more information and registration for for the Gingerbread House Making contest check out the Johnston Patch website!

13. Breakfast at the North Pole: Reiman Gardens – Saturday, December 14th 

There are two sittings available one at 9 am and 11 am. This event is for the whole family where you will enjoy a healthy breakfast in the Winter Wonderland, activity station, and carolers. You must register! For more information, prices, and to register check out the Reiman Garden’s website.

14. Brunch with Santa: Urbandale – Saturday, December 14th 

Bring your kiddos, camera, and wish list! Join Santa for donuts, juice, holiday crafts, cookie decorating, and so much more! $10 per child. For more information and to register check out the Urbandale event page!

 

 

 

 

 

DSM Activities & Events 11/28 – 12/4

 

I hope everyone enjoyed their Thanksgivings! Now, the fun begins 🙂 Lots of holiday events are going on through out the Des Moines area. Here are some events and activities, but do not forget to check out my event calendar on the right hand of the page!

1. Frosty Returns with the Grinch 

When: Friday 6pm – 8 pm

Where and What: Meet Frosty, The Grinch, Flip the Penguin and Santa! Get your picture taken with one, and there will be special skating exhibitions! $5 to skate and FREE skate rentals! For more information check out the Southridge Mall event page.

2. Disney on Ice: Passport to Adventure 

When: Wednesday, November 27th – Sunday, December 1st

Where and What: Is your kiddo a fan of the Disney gang? Or are you even a fan of the Disney gang? You have to see everyone at Disney on Ice at the Wells Fargo Arena. This is a fun event for the whole family! To purchase tickets and to see show times check out the Iowa Events Center website.

 3. Festival of Trees and Lights

When: Wednesday, November 27th – Sunday, December 1st

Where and What: This is an event that has been going on in the Des Moines area since 1984! You do not want to miss the decorated trees, children’s area, food, shopping and entertainment. The revenue from this festival helps support the Blank Children’s Hospital. For more information about this events, times, and ticket prices check out the Iowa Events Center website.

4. Jolly Holiday Lights

When: Tuesday, November 26th – Wednesday, January 1st: 5:30 pm – 10:30 pm

Where and What: A classic Des Moines event, that goes on everyday until the New Year. Grab your family, jump in a car and drive through to check out all the holiday light displays! All proceeds go to benefit Make-A-Wish Foundation! $10 per car load,$20 per limo load, $45 per bus load.

5. Little Padded Seats 1-Year Anniversary

When: Saturday 10 am – 12 pm

Where and What: Come out to Little Padded Seats, located in Valley West Mall to celebrate their 1-year anniversary being located at Valley West Mall! There will be cake, prizes, specials, and much more! Get a little Christmas shopping done and stop by!

6. Spirit of the Season at the Science Center of Iowa

When: Saturday 5 pm – 8 pm

What: Join others at the Science Center of Iowa to kick off their holiday events, every weekend up to the New Year! FREE general admission 5 – 8 pm. Tree lighting. FREE cocoa and cookie decorating. Holiday crafts. Discounted admission to see The Polar Express at the IMAX for $5. Fireworks to end the evening! Check out the Science Center of Iowa event page for more details!

7. Cloth Diaper 101 at Little Padded Seats 

When: Sunday 2 pm – 4 pm

What: Are you wanting to learn more about cloth diapers? Not sure what to purchase or how to care for them? This class is PERFECT for you! Located at the local Little Padded Seats, you will learn everything you need to know. Check out Little Padded Seats website for more information.

8. Pet Photos with Santa at Jordan Creek Town Center 

When: Monday 6 pm – 8 pm

What: This is the perfect opportunity for your furry, four-legged friend to see Santa. Cats AND dogs! Bring your pet out to Jordan Creek Towncenter in the photo area. There will be several packages of pictures to choose from.

9. Southridge Mall Tree Lighting and Santa

When: Tuesday 5 pm – 8 pm

What: Bring the whole family to check out the beautiful lit tree and handmade ornaments. There will be entertainment, shopping and hot cocoa & cookies available! You can also receive a FREE picture with Santa! For more details check out the Southridge Mall event page.

10. Rainforest Romp and the Science Center of Iowa

When: Wednesday 10 am – 11 am

What: For ages 3-5 and their families! Genercal admission to the Sciece Center is included. Discover one of the world’s biggest and most incredible mysteries as we uncover life in the rainforest! Where are rainforests located? What animals live there? Find out all about this amazing ecosystem, the animals that live there and the amazing explorers who help us to understand it better.

11. Children’s Craft Days and Center Grove Orchard

When: Wednesday 10 am – 12 pm 

What: Bring the children out and create a kids holiday craft, eat some sweet treats, do a scavenger hunt, and story time! There will also be some lunch items available for purchase. $4.95 per child. Check out the Center Grove flyer for more details!

 

Turkey Plates

Tomorrow is Thanksgiving! Is everyone ready to eat lots and lots of turkey?! Monte is ready!

Excuse his snotty nose 🙂

I thought I would post one final Thanksgiving activity before the big day! This project was inspired by Cheap Crafty Mama’s turkey plates.

I was a little nervous making these hand-print, foot-print turkeys not knowing how well Monte would do. He ended up being very cooperative and had lots of fun!

Supplies Needed

1. Porcelain plates for the Dollar Store

2. Acrylic paint various colors

3. Foam Brush

4. Paper plates

5. Googly Eyes

6. Hot glue gun

7. Permanent marker, puffy paint, or acrylic paint pens (something to write with)

Directions 

1. Gather all your supplies before you start! Because once you start, you do not want to be running around gathering more things while paint is at reach with a 2-year old! 🙂

2. Squirt all your paints onto paper plates. Take your foam brush and brush the paint onto the bottom of your little ones foot. Instead of having them step onto the plate, bring the plate to their foot and make a print. Then wash off his foot!

3. Then start with the hand prints! I brushed a color on Monte’s hand, pressed it onto the plate, then immediately washed his hand off before he got paint all over our kitchen. It is helpful to have a bowl of warm water and towel near by.

Monte enjoyed the brushing of the paint because it tickled 🙂

4. After we placed all of our hand prints around the foot, I went back through and filled the hand prints and foot print with paint where there were gaps.

5. Let dry over night.

6. Give your kiddos a bath because they WILL be a mess 🙂

7. The next day, add your googly eyes with a hot glue gun and add your writing.

I plan to save one as a Thanksgiving decoration for years to come and giving one to my in-laws since they will be hosting Thanksgiving this year!

I hope everyone has a blessed Thanksgiving!

DSM Activities & Events 11/14 – 11/20

Make sure to check out the events calendar on the right hand side of the page! Have a great weekend everyone!

1. Little Big Fest 

When: Friday at 5 pm

Where and What: This is an annual one day event located in the East Village. This is one of many events that help support the Des Moines Music Coalition. There will be 17 acts including headliner Soul Rebels. The music acts feature roots, bluegrass, jam, blues, soul music, and more! Advance tickets are $20 for a full fest pass. Tickets are $25 at the door. You can purchase individual show tickets. The bands will be playing at various places in the East Village including: House of Bricks, Wooly’s, and Beechwood Lounge. Check out the Little Big Fest website for more details!

2. Santa’s Arrival at Valley West Mall 

When: Friday 6 pm – 8 pm

Where and What: Santa is making is arrival at the Valley West Mall for the holiday season! There will be FREE train rides, animal balloons, crafts, treats and entertainment! For more information check out Valley West Mall’s event page!

3. Beaverdale Holiday Boutique 

When: Friday 6 – 8:30 pm & Saturday 8 am – 3 pm

Where and What: Get a head start on your holiday shopping at Holy Trinity School! There will be food available and lots of vendors to take a look at. Admission is $4.

4. Stam Chocolate Charity Run

When: Saturday at 9 am

Where and What: Who LOVES chocolate?!? This is a fun, yummy run and also benefits John Stoddard Cancer Center! Does not get any better then that? The 5k run/walk starts at 9 am and the Kids Fun Run will begin at 10 am. Afterwards the State Historical Society of Iowa will offer FREE tours. Check out Chocoalterie Stams website for more information!

5. Magic Workshop

When: Saturday 2 pm – 3 pm

Where and What: Magician, Jonathan May will host a magic show at the Clive Public Library. Not only will he show children magic tricks, but also teach them how to do magic tricks at home! This is a FREE event!

6. Breaking Bread Together

When: Sunday 12:30 pm – 2:00 pm

Where and What: This FREE event is for the whole family! Breaking Bread Together is held by the Gateway Dance Theatre. Come together with several other people to learn about dance, make fall ornaments, and sample bread. Bring some homemade bread or bread from a local bakery to share! There will also be soup and dessert available.

7. Cloth Diaper 101

When: Tuesday 6:30 pm – 8:30 pm

Where and What: Little Padded Seats, located in Valley West Mall offers a great class for those interested in cloth diapering. In class they go over what diapers to buy, how to care for them, how many you need, and more! This is also a great class for those who may already by cloth diapering, but just need a refresher! Check out Little Padded Seats: Cloth Diaper 101 Information page for more information.

 

 

 

DSM Activities & Events 11/7 – 11/13

 

As always make sure to check out the calendar on the right hand side of the page for more events going on in the area! Have a great weekend!

1. Science Center of Iowa

When: Friday 5 pm – 8 pm

What: TWO great events are going on at the same time!

  • Family Night: You can build a rocket, travel through outer space, eat some snacks from the cafe, and more! $5
  • LEGO Build: The Iowa LEGO Users group will discuss the process and engineering behind the SCI LEGO Build. There will also be plenty of LEGO bricks to play with! $5

 

2. Wells Fargo Arena 

When: Friday & Saturday

What: Are you wanting to get out and go to a concert this weekend? You have two opportunities! Pink will be performing Friday night at 8 pm and Keith Urban will be performing Saturday night at 7 pm. Check out Iowa Events Center to get your tickets!

3. Iowa’s Premier Beer, Wine and Food Expo 

When: Friday 4 – 10 pm & Saturday 10 am – 8 pm

Where and What: Find a sitter and make it a date night! This event is a great way to try wonderful food from various chefs in the Midwest, and to try beer and wine! Please check out the Iowa’s Premier Beer, Wine and Food Expo’s website for a list of scheduled events, vendors, and to purchase tickets!

4. Holiday Open House

When: Saturday 10 am – 1 pm

Where and What: It’s that time of year! West Glen Town Center is hosting a holiday open house. There is a chance to win a $500.00 gift card and Santa will be available for a FREE family photo! Everyone is encouraged to bring a personal hygiene product that will be donated to Children & Families of Iowa.

5. Disney’s Alice in Wonderland Jr. 

When: November 8th – December 1st

Where and What: Today is the opening night for this wonderful show at the Des Moines Playhouse! The show is for ages 5 years and older, so if you think your kiddo can sit, listen and watch a classic, this would be a great family event! Tickets are $17 for adults and seniors, and $13 for students and children. To purchase tickets and for show times check out the Des Moines Playhouse.

6. Infant & Children’s Clothing Swap 

When: Saturday 10 am – Noon

Where and What: Little Padded Seats, located in Valley West Mall is hosting a great event! Are you looking for winter clothes, for your little one or looking to get rid of some clothes? This is also a great way to make some extra cash for the holiday season too! Please check out all of the rules and guidelines whether you are looking to sell or buy here.

7. On the Wagon Ride 

When: Saturday 6 pm – 10 pm

Where and What: Do one last Fall celebration before all the Holiday activities start! Summerset Winery, in Indianola is hosting “On the Wagon”. Join them for a bon-fire, hay rack rides, hot dogs, chili, and of course wine! The cost is $25 per person and RSVP is requested. For more information check out Summerset Winery.

8. Central Iowa Wind Ensemble Children’s Concert 

When: Sunday at 2 pm

Where and What: The Central Iowa Wind Ensemble will be conducting a special children’s concert at the Temple of Performing Arts. This is a FREE event, so bring the whole family! There will be themes from the Hobbits, Peter and the Wolf, Barnum & Bailey’s Favorite, and more. It is a great educational event for everyone! For more information regarding the concert and directions please check out Central Iowa Wind Ensemble.

 

 

 

DSM Activities & Events 10/31 – 11/6

A lot of FREE events going on this weekend for your kiddos! Also, this is the last weekend for the Des Moines area Haunted Houses!

Also, do not forget we FALL BACK this weekend! Do not forget to change your clocks!

1. Wonder of Words

When: November 2nd – November 12th

What and Where: This is a unique event that connects writers, readers, and publishers in several events around the Des Moines area. There are several events scheduled within the ten days. Please check the Wonder of Words website for a complete schedule and more information about Wonder of Words!

2. Wicked 

When: Thursday, October 31st – Sunday, November 10th

What and Where: Wicked is at the Des Moines Civic Center! If you have not seen this amazing show, now is the time! Tickets may still be available for various times. Please check the Des Moines Performing Arts website for times and ticket availability.

3. Mixology Night

When: Friday 5:30 PM – 9:00 PM

What and Where: A fun date night! The Science Center of Iowa is hosting another Mixology Night. There will be drinks, science, experiments, entertainment, and lots of mingling! Admission is $5 BUT if you are a Science Center of Iowa member it is FREE!

4. Fall Back Festival 

When:  Saturday, 10 am – 3 pm

What and Where: Grimes United Methodist Church is holding a Fall Festival! There will be horse rides, relay races, bounce houses, fall snacks, and much more! This whole event is FREE! So bring out the entire family and celebrate!

5. Magickal Costume Party

When: Saturday at 1 pm

What and Where: Beaverdale Books is hosting a Magickal Costume Party! Dress up in your best wizard costume! There will also be a book signing by Alan Lance Anderson and activities. Costume judging begins at 1:30 pm and you can win some awesome prizes! The is event is FREE!

6. Kanzi’s Carnival

When: Saturday 2 pm – 4 pm

What and Where: Iowa Primate Learning Sanctuary is celebrating Kanzi’s 33rd brithday! This is a great event for the whole family, especially for the little ones.  Kanzi will be having a carnival themed birthday party with popcorn, face painting, clowns, balloons, and more! All the proceeds for this event will directly benefit Kanzi and his family! Tickets are $10 per person, kids 2 and under are FREE! Reserve your tickets today at the Iowa Primate Learning Sanctuary site.

7. Halloween Hot Chocolate Run 5k and 5 Mile Race

When: Sunday at 9 am

What and Where: A fun run to help benefit Above & Beyond Cancer. This run will take place at Principal Park. $38.00 for early bird registration and for the Kids Fun Run is $5.00 registration. A great event for the whole family to get some fresh air and be active!

8. Crafty Readers

When: Tuesday at 4 pm

What and Where: The Franklin Avenue Library and Central Library are hosting a fun reading event for preschoolers to second grade. Come listen and read “The Dot” and do a fun craft to take home! Another great, FREE event for the kiddos!

 

Plan Ahead … 

Yes, the Holiday season is just around the corner and NOW is the time to start planning for some of those special events!

1. Nutcracker at Hoyt Sherman Place

When: December 12th – 15th

Where: These tickets are now on sale! Make sure to purchase soon if you are wanting to see this Holiday classic! Go to Hoyt Sherman Place for information on show times and ticket prices.

 2. Santa Express 

When: November 29th – December 14th

Where: Boone & Scenic Valley Railroad is offering the Santa Express again this year! A perfect event for your little ones. You will travel to the “North Pole” while singing Christmas carols, have hot chocolate and a cookie, meet Santa and receive a silver bell! Tickets are on sale today! Make sure to reserve your ticket soon, because they will go fast. Check out the website for times and prices.

The Great Pumpkin!

First off … I am so excited about Midwest Mom & Wife right now! I have a Twitter account, Instagram account, Pinterest account and now a very own Facebook page. Everyone should follow along to get the latest updates on everything! You can also visit these by clicking on the icons on the right hand side of the screen

I am also excited to annouce that I will be participating in the Great Diaper Hunt with Diaper Decisions! It is such an awesome thing to be a part of and if you have not already done so, go sign up for the hunt. It’s a great way to support small businesses and bloggers, while winning prizes.

On to our laid back, fall weekend! We crossed a bunch more things off our 2013 Fall Bucket List.

1. Crockpot Applesauce 

Nothing smells better then apples, cinnamon, nutmeg, and apple cider brewing in the crockpot!

I did not follow a specific recipe and making apple sauce can be done pretty much however you want.

This is what I did …

1. Cut about 10-15 apples into chunks. I did not peel my apples and the number of apples used depends on the size you are using and how much sauce you are wanting to make. We used Wills Orchard apples, which were pretty small.

2. Squeeze half a lemon on top.

3. Add about 1 – 1 1/2 cups apple cider. We used Iowa Orchards tasty cider!

4. Sprinkle nutmeg on top, approximately 2 Tablespoons

5. Add 4 cinnamon sticks

6. Put on low about 6 hours. My crockpot cooks VERY fast! So this may differ for everyone.

7. Scoop the mixture out into a glass bowl and mash it up with a masher.

2. Carved and Painted Pumpkins

Monte did such a woderful job and he took the task very seriously!

 He is such an artist 🙂

3. Watch It’s the Great Pumpkin Charlie Brown 

Papa Tony was nice enough to buy Monte the movie on DVD so we can watch it whenever! Sunday evening was the perfect night to cuddle up and wait for the Great Pumpkin to appear!

 If you do not own It’s the Great Pumpkin Charlie Brown, ABC is airing the show at 7 pm on Thursday!

Record it if you will be trick or treating, so you can watch it!

 

It’s was a PERFECT Fall weekend 🙂

What fall and/or Halloween things did you do this past weekend? 

 

 

Halloween Snacks and Goodie Box

Halloween is just around the corner! (Just in case you haven’t noticed from all my posts)

Monte and I have been doing lots of various activities that are fall and Halloween oriented like visiting orchards, pumpkin patches, making yummy “fallish” meals, sensory bins, and more!

To get Monte more into the spirit, I decided to make him some healthy Halloween snacks.

Both of these items I found on Pinterest!

The original recipe for the Frozen Yogurt Banana Ghosts can be found here.

What you will need is …

  1. Large Bananas
  2. Vanilla Yogurt
  3. Mini Chocolate Chips
  4. Popsicle Sticks
  5. Wax Paper

 

Cut the bananas in half and freeze for about 30-45 minutes. Insert the popsicle sticks, then spoon the yogurt all over the bananas. The original recipe says to “dip into the yogurt” but my bananas began falling apart and falling off the stick so I just spooned the yogurt on top. Add the mini chocolate chips for the eyes, then freeze until you are ready to serve!

I also found this Candy Corn Fruit Cocktail recipe! Of course, the link was broken but you can tell what needed to be done by the picture.

What you will need is …

  1. Pineapple chunks (you can used can in natural juice or fresh chopped pineapple)
  2. Mandarin orange segments (you can used can in natural juice or peel & separate small cutie segments)
  3. Whipped topping
  4. Candy Corn (optional)

 

You can use whatever container that works best for you. I’ve seen some in mason jars, but I chose to use small, clear cups (easier for Monte to get his fingers in there). Divide the pineapple chunks evenly on the bottom of your container. Then place the mandarin orange segments evenly among the containers, on top of the pineapple. Place a dollop of whipped cream on top and a piece of candy corn!

 

I absolutely love activity boxes for Mr. Monte! It’s so simple to create a theme and place a bunch of different items into the box, so he can take it to my mom’s house. It keeps him busy and I think he enjoys all the goodies he finds 🙂 The other great thing, there is no right or wrong way to create these. You can use whatever items you have lying around. Another great place to look is the Dollar Store and dollar bins at Target!

 

This box includes:

  • Rubber toy skeleton
  • Assorted bugs such as spiders, butterflies, etc.
  • Small orange pumpkin
  • Several short Halloween books
  • A couple Halloween sticker books
  • Foam sheets (to put stickers on)
  • Halloween magic paint book

 

Everything was purchased from Michael’s or I already had it lying around the house!

What items would you add to your Halloween Activity Box?