Lowe's FREE Classes get an A+

I posted about Lowe's before but I had to re-post.  Consider this your "up-to-the-minute" report on today's Lowe's Build and Grow class.  My fabulous husband took the boys to the event this morning at Lowe's so I could catch up on my rest.  You know that we celebrated our anniversary last night!  I ended up not getting a swift kick in the butt as my gift even though I was pretty sure that was what was in store for me.  Instead I got a romantic dinner out and flowers.  Again, he is so fabulous for putting up with me for 11 years!

So back to the Lowe's event.  I just received pictures of the boys via phone from my hubby.  He said the event was well run and the kids had so much fun.  I have to say that I wasn't sure how good this event would be as we have never participated in any of the Lowe's kids program, only Home Depot.  Today's event started at 10 am and lasted about 45 minutes. The boys built school lockers and were even given locks with keys (their favorite part) for the lockers.  The lockers were wood kits that they "built" and then they could decorate them.  They used hammers and nails to assemble the lockers, no glue here!  Overall, the boys gave the event a "thumbs up"!

There are two future events scheduled at Lowe's.  The first class is on September 10th, at 10 am.  Kids will be building wooden police cars.  The second scheduled class is scheduled for September 24th, at 10 AM.  Your kids will be building wooden fire trucks.  If your kids are anything like mine, you need to sign up for both of these!  Classes do fill up, so register today

Click here to sign up!

Here are details of Lowe's Build & Grow classes:

Lowe's programs are reccommend for kids first grade through fifth grade. Lowe's projects are always made of wood. You MUST register online in order to sign up for the class. Don't wait as the classes do fill up! Also, the first 50 kids to register and be present at the store at 10am will receive a kit, aprons and goggles, in addition to all the materials to make their project.  AND it's FREE!

Remember that your child must be at least 5 years of age and accompanied by an adult who can assist with them with their project.

FREE Teachers in Legoland and other Field Trip Excitement

Whoot! whoot! Legoland is opening in Winter Haven, FL on October15th!

Now, my kids are beyond excited! BEYOND! I just got a little more excited this morning after I read something in the paper about FREE TICKETS FOR TEACHERS. Yup, Florida teachers are eligible for a free standard annual pass. I know one Mommy, Heather, who is going to be extra stoked as her young man, Oliver the Lego Master, is one of the most avid Lego lovers I know.

So, here it is....

If you are an active, certified teacher in the state of Florida, Legoland is giving you a FREE standard annual pass. You will need your most recent paystub, Florida photo ID and teaching certificate to receive your pass but who cares! The FREE annual pass, which is normally $129 will be free for Florida teachers. I told you we needed to appreciate our teachers!!!!! Thank you teachers AND Legoland!

I checked out the Legoland site and found out even MORE interesting and fun and practically FREE items. Legoland is offering a significant discount for school field trips. For trips taking place from November 2011 through April 2012, the price is just $5 a ticket. There is a minimum of 15 paying students and additional adults and siblings may be added. Now, I have to work on convincing Heathrow Elementary to approve Legoland as a good fieldtrip option. Check out their very cool field trip programs, Legoland Educational Programs.  Learning and fun is one powerful combination!

I don't want to forget our homeschoolers. Homeschoolers, of 15 or more, can purchase self guided field trip tickets for $25 each. One complementary ticket is given for every 15 paid tickets. Check out the Legoland website for more details.

Regular day ticket prices are $65 for adults, $55 for kids & seniors. We have been doing our research before opening day, AAA has the best rates for the tickets if you are looking to purchase before you go.

Hope you get out to Legoland this year and have some fun!

Letterboxing? WTH?

What is it?

Letterboxing is a mix of treasure hunting, art, navigation, and exploring interesting, scenic, and sometimes remote places. I guess it all started from an ancient custom of placing a rock on a mountain once you climbed to the summit. We just call it an adventure and it ends up being a fun dedicated time to be with family. Oh, the adventure usually involves the outdoors and it's free. Those are all the requirements that I need!

Here is the basic idea. Someone, called a hider, hides a waterproof box somewhere, containing at least a logbook and a carved rubber stamp, and perhaps other goodies. The hider then usually writes directions to the box (called clues), which can be straightforward, cryptic, or any degree in between. Often the clues involve map coordinates or compass bearings from landmarks, but they don't have to. Believe me when I say, if I read that there are compass directions you can be sure that I am staying FAR away from that particular adventure! Anyway, once the clues are written, someone in possession of the clues, called a hunter, attempts to find the box. In addition to the clue and any maps or tools needed to solve it, the hunters should carry at least a pencil, personal rubber stamp, inkpad, and personal logbook. When the hunter successfully deciphers the clue and finds the box, stamp the logbook in the box with personal stamp, and stamp personal logbook with the box's stamp. The hider's logbook keeps a record of all its visitors, and the hunters keep a record of all the boxes they have found, in their personal logbooks. I am thinking that these hiders, are not people with kids. After we read the clues and find the box, I always marvel at the people who have the time and patience to do all this. Well, whomever you are, thank you!!!

The boys and I have letterboxed all over our town and usually pick easy ones. We did pick a "harder" one once that required walking a little far and then turning around different degrees to walk in yet another direction. Needless to say, we spent an hour walking and never found the box. My husband and I were completely annoyed until we realized how much fun my boys had running around the park, measuring how many paces (steps), how far to turn this way or that, etc. So, it really is about the journey and not the destination. Interesting! It's amazing but when we talk about letterboxing, my boys talk about that particular adventure the most even though it didn't result in finding anything.

So, at the very minimum you will need the clues. You should also have a personal stamp, inkpad, personal logbook, and a pencil (for writing in the box's logbook, if you want). We have a simple logbook ( .50 cents at Michaels) and a simple stamp (a bear claw, which used to be our school mascot). We keep the log book and stamp in a Ziploc bag in our car plus some printed out local letterbox clues just in case. I have been known to surprise them in the past by pulling out a letterbox clue on the way home from school.

Here is the website that I use when we letterbox: Atlas Quest
I like this site because you can search by location, which is what we usually do. And they specify if the letterbox adventures is a mental puzzler (which means no thank you to me and the boys), if you have to hike to it or if you can drive by, pet friendly, compass needed (oh, hell no), etc. I choose the letterbox and then print it out, another easy function on this website. There are many other websites out there but this one was the best for our needs.

I highly recommend trying out letterboxing. My kids and I truly enjoyed every aspect of it, from picking out their stamp, to choosing with adventure to take, running all over like crazy people in search of the letterbox, to signing their names and stamps in the logbook. So much fun with just a little effort and will cost you nothing (like!) but a little together time with your kids.

FREE Building Classes

I can't say that I love going to Home Depot and Lowe's. I usually go there for my basic home needs and for my garden. BUT I do love their FREE kids building programs! These are programs for children 5 and older and are held at least once a month at your local stores. This program is nationwide and not limited to Florida stores. Lucky for my kids, there is a Home Depot and Lowe's within 10 miles of my house.

What are the kids building programs? They are different sessions where you and your kids can complete a simple building project together. The store supplies the kits free to the kids. We have made everything from bird houses to game boxes. They love the accomplishment of making something but the biggest reward is the time spent with their favorite adults. These programs are free but do require you register ahead of time.

Here are the details:

Home Depot
Home Depot's projects include everything from toolboxes, fire trucks and mail organizers, as well as more educational projects, such as a window birdhouse, bughouse or Declaration of Independence frame kit. In addition to the free project kit, each child receives a kid-sized orange apron, similar to The Home Depot associates' aprons, and an achievement pin. This Saturday, August 6th, the kids will be making pencil boxes. Please be aware that this is for kids ages five through 12 years.

If you want to sign up for this program for this Saturday, August 6th, it's from 9:00 AM -12:00 PM and the minimum age is 5. Please call your local store to sign up today!! What a great way to get back into school mode WHILE having fun and it won't cost you a dime!

http://www.homedepot.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/ContentView?pn=Kids_Workshops&langId=-1&storeId=10051&ca

Lowe's
Lowe's program is similar to Home Depot but they reccommend that the kids be in first grade through fifth grade. Also, Lowe's projects are always made of wood. There are two school themed projects for the month of August. The first session of August is being held, August 13th, 2011, at 10:00 AM, where kids can make a school house photo holder. August 27th at 10:00 AM, the kids get to build a school locker. Unfortunately, the August 13 class is full at my local Lowe's. There was availability at neighboring Lowe's. You MUST register online in order to sign up for the class. Don't wait as the classes do fill up! Also, the first 50 kids to register and be present at the store at 10am will receive a kit, aprons and goggles, in addition to all the materials to make their project.

http://lowesbuildandgrow.com/Home.aspx

Remember that your child must be at least 5 years of age and accompanied by an adult who can assist with them with their project. You can't just be there on your phone while your child builds. Get in there and help and have fun with the kids!!!!

Tuesday, Aug 2, 2011
Lights! Color! Action! Make Believe Theater at the East Branch Library
Lights! Color! Action! Storyteller and puppeteer Katie Adams performs Mariposa Martinez and More Tales from Latin America . Stories with a dash of Spanish words, and a splash of colorful shadow puppets. Two special school age shows at 1:30 p.m. and 3:30 p.m. at the East Branch Library (Oviedo). Free, for kids grades K-5. Call your local library for more
http://www.seminolecountyfl.gov/misc/ann_attach/22_Mariposa_Martinez_Poster_-_East.pdf

Wednesday, Aug 3, 2011
All A-Board: Board Games & Fun at East Branch Library
3:00 p.m.-4:00 p.m. Cool off inside and play crazy board games with other school age kids (K-5th grade). Join the fun at East Branch Library (Oviedo) Confetti Club. Free. Call your local library for more information.

Wednesday, Aug 3, 2011
Lights! Color! Action! Make Believe Theater at the Central Branch Library
Lights! Color! Action! Storyteller and puppeteer Katie Adams performs Mariposa Martinez and More Tales from Latin America . Stories with a dash of Spanish words, and a splash of colorful shadow puppets. Two special school age shows at 1:30 p.m. and 3:30 p.m. at the Central Branch Library (Casselberry). Free, for kids grades K-5. Call your local library for more information.
http://www.seminolecountyfl.gov/misc/ann_attach/22_Mariposa_Martinez_Poster_-_East.pdf
Wednesday, Aug 3, 2011
Lights! Color! Action! Make Believe Theater at the Northwest Branch Library
Lights! Color! Action! Storyteller and puppeteer Katie Adams performs Mariposa Martinez and More Tales from Latin America . Stories with a dash of Spanish words, and a splash of colorful shadow puppets. A special school age evening show at 7:00 p.m.at the Northwest Branch Library (Lake Mary). Free, for kids grades K-5. Call your local library for more information.
http://www.seminolecountyfl.gov/misc/ann_attach/22_Mariposa_Martinez_Poster_-_East.pdf
Through August 10th:
One World, Many Stories - Children's Summer Reading at the Library
Calling all kids who love adventure and going new places! Get your reading log, and read your way around the world and through the summer by signing up for One World, Many Stories Summer Reading. Win a prize for reading 20 days! Registration begins June 1st at your local branch library. Please check in for this program at your local Seminole County Library.

Ongoing events:
Looking for a free and safe activity for your kids this summer? Freebowling.com thought you might be. They have set up a free bowling program, with the intended effort of keeping kids entertained this summer in a safe, secure and fun way. They are also doing this to say thank you to the individuals, churches, schools and other organizations that utilize their bowling centers in the spring, fall, and winter seasons (freebowling.com).
To make this happen, participating bowling centers are pairing up with schools, and allowing kids (there is an age limit set by each individual center) to play two free bowling games, everyday this summer (it is not clear if shoes are included – check with the participating bowling alley you sign up with).
There are guidelines and restrictions to this offer, but if you live in an area where bowling centers are participating, sign up! There are no fees, signing up is easy, and there is even the opportunity to purchase a bowling pass for the entire summer for 4 family members at the cost of $19.95 per family (freebowling.com).
Guidelines and important information:
• You must have a participating bowling alley near you.
• Each bowling alley sets its own age restrictions.
• Each bowling alley sets its own date parameters for when this summer program begins and ends.
• Each bowling alley can set dates and hours where the promotion is not good.
• Parents must sign their children up - kids are not allowed to sign themselves up.
• A portion of every family 4 pack (19.95 per family) will be donated to build youth activities in the fall.
To sign up:
• Find a participating bowling alley near you by going to www.kidsbowlfree.com
• Click on the Bowling Center’sLink
• Fill in the required information
• If you would like to purchase the family pack good for 4 people (2 games each a day per person @ 19.95 per family), you can also do this here.
• You will be sent emails each week with your free bowling coupons for that week (they will be dated). Or you can log into your account, and print your coupons at anytime.

What's going on this week....

Tuesday, Aug 2, 2011
Lights! Color! Action! Make Believe Theater at the East Branch Library
Lights! Color! Action! Storyteller and puppeteer Katie Adams performs Mariposa Martinez and More Tales from Latin America . Stories with a dash of Spanish words, and a splash of colorful shadow puppets. Two special school age shows at 1:30 p.m. and 3:30 p.m. at the East Branch Library (Oviedo). Free, for kids grades K-5. Call your local library for more information.

http://www.seminolecountyfl.gov/misc/ann_attach/22_Mariposa_Martinez_Poster_-_East.pdf

Wednesday, Aug 3, 2011
All A-Board: Board Games & Fun at East Branch Library
3:00 p.m.-4:00 p.m. Cool off inside and play crazy board games with other school age kids (K-5th grade). Join the fun at East Branch Library (Oviedo) Confetti Club. Free. Call your local library for more information.

Wednesday, Aug 3, 2011
Lights! Color! Action! Make Believe Theater at the Central Branch Library
Lights! Color! Action! Storyteller and puppeteer Katie Adams performs Mariposa Martinez and More Tales from Latin America . Stories with a dash of Spanish words, and a splash of colorful shadow puppets. Two special school age shows at 1:30 p.m. and 3:30 p.m. at the Central Branch Library (Casselberry). Free, for kids grades K-5. Call your local library for more information.

http://www.seminolecountyfl.gov/misc/ann_attach/22_Mariposa_Martinez_Poster_-_East.pdf

Wednesday, Aug 3, 2011
Lights! Color! Action! Make Believe Theater at the Northwest Branch Library
Lights! Color! Action! Storyteller and puppeteer Katie Adams performs Mariposa Martinez and More Tales from Latin America . Stories with a dash of Spanish words, and a splash of colorful shadow puppets. A special school age evening show at 7:00 p.m.at the Northwest Branch Library (Lake Mary). Free, for kids grades K-5. Call your local library for more information.

http://www.seminolecountyfl.gov/misc/ann_attach/22_Mariposa_Martinez_Poster_-_East.pdf

Through August 10th:
One World, Many Stories - Children's Summer Reading at the Library
Calling all kids who love adventure and going new places! Get your reading log, and read your way around the world and through the summer by signing up for One World, Many Stories Summer Reading. Win a prize for reading 20 days! Registration begins June 1st at your local branch library. Please check in for this program at your local Seminole County Library.

Ongoing events:
Looking for a free and safe activity for your kids this summer? Freebowling.com thought you might be. They have set up a free bowling program, with the intended effort of keeping kids entertained this summer in a safe, secure and fun way. They are also doing this to say thank you to the individuals, churches, schools and other organizations that utilize their bowling centers in the spring, fall, and winter seasons (freebowling.com).
To make this happen, participating bowling centers are pairing up with schools, and allowing kids (there is an age limit set by each individual center) to play two free bowling games, everyday this summer (it is not clear if shoes are included – check with the participating bowling alley you sign up with).
There are guidelines and restrictions to this offer, but if you live in an area where bowling centers are participating, sign up! There are no fees, signing up is easy, and there is even the opportunity to purchase a bowling pass for the entire summer for 4 family members at the cost of $19.95 per family (freebowling.com).

Guidelines and important information:
• You must have a participating bowling alley near you.
• Each bowling alley sets its own age restrictions.
• Each bowling alley sets its own date parameters for when this summer program begins and ends.
• Each bowling alley can set dates and hours where the promotion is not good.
• Parents must sign their children up - kids are not allowed to sign themselves up.
• A portion of every family 4 pack (19.95 per family) will be donated to build youth activities in the fall.
To sign up:
• Find a participating bowling alley near you by going to www.kidsbowlfree.com
• Click on the Bowling Center’sLink
• Fill in the required information
• If you would like to purchase the family pack good for 4 people (2 games each a day per person @ 19.95 per family), you can also do this here.
• You will be sent emails each week with your free bowling coupons for that week (they will be dated). Or you can log into your account, and print your coupons at anytime.