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Here Comes Peter Cottontail!


Another week has gone by and that means summer is one week closer!!  I can barely wait!  I must admit that the flip flops have been out and they are not going back in the closet even with the little visit from the snowman!

This weeks newsletter is packed full of fun and some eggs-citing Easter activities!  Make sure to grab the kiddos and head out and enjoy the fun!

This week we have a great contest going on!  Enter to win 2 tickets to see AFRICAN CATS!  My 1st ...


Win an Admit 2 Pass to See AFRICAN CATS!


Leaping into theaters on Earth Day, 2011, “African Cats” features the real-life love, humor and determination of the kings of the African savanna. An epic true story set against the backdrop of one of the wildest places on Earth, “African Cats” captures the real-life love, humor and determination of the majestic kings of the savanna.  Narrated by Oscar®-nominated actor Samuel L. Jackson, the story features Mara, an endearing lion cub who strives to grow up with her mother’s strength, spirit and wisdom; Sita, a fearless cheetah and single ...


Taking it Back to the Ol'School


Natural Easter Egg Dying

No more fizzy tablets!  No more crazy pouches of coloring!  Yes we are obsessed with doing things the hard way at times, but this year you may want to think about tossing out the store bought kits!  Enjoy a great afternoon of fun while teaching your kids a little bit of a science lesson!  This year say no to uncertain dyes and yes to organic Easter egg coloring!
 
To obtain different colors for your Easter eggs, use the following materials:
 
Blue   
Canned Blueberries
Red Cabbage Leaves (boiled)
Purple Grape Juice ...


Eggs-actly!


Here are a few tips from MK that will help with your egg coloring extravaganza!
 
Buy eggs ahead of time as it makes it easy peeling. The fresher an egg, the harder it is to peel once you have cooked it. A fresher eggs has a small air cell and the membranes between the shell and egg white are quite snug. As the egg ages, it takes in air through the shell’s and it loses carbon dioxide and water. This process makes the egg less acidic and increases the ...


Special Kids....Special Needs


Autism Awareness Month -through a siblings eye's

Editors note: To continue the celebration of Autism Awareness Month, I am including letters written my Marky's sisters. You may remember Marky from this letter written by him,.

Written by Ashley, Marky's 17 year old sister

Autism: is a developmental disorder that appears in the first 3 years of life, and affects the brain's normal development of social and communication skills.

As I sit here reading the definition of what Autism is on the website of public medical health, I find it difficult for anyone to understand ...


This Week's Picks:


April 16th through April 20th

Saturday, April 16 - Kids Saturday Nickelodeon

Embark on a fun-filled excursion for the whole family when you attend this Saturday afternoon series with our guarantee: the films are rated G, and entrance is totally free. Sponsored by the Kids First! Coalition for Quality Children’s Media, the Scientific Cultural Facilities District (SCFD), Target, Wells Fargo and the Xcel Energy Foundation.  
Where: Starz FilmCenter, 900 Auraria Parkway, Denver, CO 80204
When: 3:00 PM
Who: Everyone
How: Just come and enjoy
Cost: FREE
For more info: Click HERE for more details

Saturday, April 16 - The Music Train Family Concert: The Beatles Revival

Come on out with the whole family and enjoy great live local music together.  This month we are featuring songs by the Beatles, performed by The Ricardo Pena Band, featuring Anya Jane on back up vocals, percussion and piano
Your kids will be wide eyed and booty shakin" the whole time, you just might too!  Great food and drinks available for purchase.  
Where: The D-Note
7519 Grandview Ave  Old Towne Arvada 80002
When: 4:00 PM - 6:00 PM
Who: Everyone
How: For reservations please call 303.GO.DNOTE (303-463-6683)
Cost: $7/Adults $3/child FREE for 1 and under

Sunday, April 17 - FREE Day at the Denver Museum of Nature and Science

Enjoy all the wonder and learning that the Denver Museum of Nature and Science has to offer, courtesy of the SCFD.
Where: The Museum is located in City Park, approximately three miles east of downtown Denver, at the intersection of Montview and Colorado Boulevards.
When: 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Who: All Colorado residents.
How: Just show you Colorado ID
Cost: FREE!!
For more info: www.dmns.org

Sunday, April 17 - Cinderella

Opera Colorado's education specialists are bringing their talents to the Children's Museum of Denver! Take a fabulous journey into the wondrous world of opera as you watch opera shorts from Cinderella and other classic tales, meet Opera Colorado's Young Artists and even try on some real costumes!

11-11:30 a.m. - Opera Shorts
12:00 - 12:30 - Face Painting & Italian Lessons
12:30-1:30 p.m. - Cinderella Opera in a Trunk
1:15 p.m. - StoryTime with Opera Colorado
On-going - Fairytale Crafts
Where: Children's Museum of Denver
When: 11:00 AM - 2:00 PM
Who: Everyone
How: Space is limited. First come, first served
Cost: All activities included with Museum admission.

Children under 1: Free
Age 1: $6.00
Ages 2 – 59: $8.00
Seniors (60+): $6.00
Members are always free
For more info: www.mychildsmuseum.org

Sunday, April 17 - Target Family Fun Forum

Introduce your family to the joy of theatre through an interactive drama-based skills hunt at The Denver Center for the Performing Arts. All members of your group may act out dramatic Shakespearean scenes, learn hip hop, swing from a flying trapeze — and earn tokens redeemable for prizes along the way (activities may vary).  Please arrive by 1pm to enjoy all the activities.
Where: Robert and Judi Newman Center for Theatre Education, 1101 13th Street, Denver. 
When: 12:00 PM - 2:00 PM
Who: Children must be accompanied by an adult. Appropriate for families with children ages 3-10.
How: RSVP HERE
Cost: FREE, but you must RSVP
For more info: If you have questions, contact us or call 303.446.4892 For more information click HERE

Sunday, April 17 - Baby Boogie

Let the Babies Boogie!
It is Sunday afternoon and the kids are restless. What do you do? We know a place, the perfect location, in Old Town Arvada on Grandview Avenue called the D Note. Every Sunday the kids, from 1 month to 12 years old, come and enjoy music, both by listening to it, playing it and dancing to it. Parents relax at their tables, watching the kids dance and play together - great entertainment in and of itself. The children make new friends and greet some old ones. Some even make this a weekly gathering spot.
Where: The D Note 7519 Grandview Avenue, Arvada, CO www.dnote.us
When: 2:00 PM - 6:00 PM
Who: Everyone
How: Just jump in the car and come on down!
Cost: The cost for the event is, get this, FREE!

Sunday, April 17 - Ken Caryl Ranch Easter Egg Hunt

Please be here at 2:00pm as it will be over quickly.
Bring your own basket.  Chance to win an Easter Basket
Take your photo with the Easter Bunny.
Where: Ranch House Recreation Center 7676 S. Continental Divide Road Littleton, CO 80127
When: 2:00 PM
Who: Everyone
How: Just come and have fun!
Cost: FREE
For more info: Presented by Pat Lynch, ReMax Professionals, Colorado Credit Union and Ken-Caryl Ranch Metropolitan District.

Tuesday, April 19 - Mother's Day Family Craft

It's dad's turn (or any grown up!) to bring the kids in to make special Mother's Day gifts.  Don't worry, dad, we'll help with all craft projects and clean up the mess!   
Where: My Art Workshop 9126 W Bowles Ave, #2C,  Littleton, CO 80123
When: 5:30 PM - 8:00 PM
Who: Everyone
Cost: FREE  pizza and drinks plus pick your own craft projects starting at $8 and up. 
For more info: www.myartworkshop.com

Wednesday, April 20 - Little Fledglings

Explore a different theme each month with stories, songs, crafts, and activities exploring wildlife and the natural world. This program introduces science skills and encourages active outdoor play. In March, children "Grow As We Go" by exploring the life cycles of familiar wildlife. In April, children have a "Backbone Bonanza" learning about vertebrates and characteristics that distinguish them
Where: Audubon Center at Chatfield - From C470 & Wadsworth go south on Wadsworth 4.4 miles. Turn left on Waterton Road. Turn left immediately into the first parking lot, at the Audubon Center Sign
When: 10:00 AM - 11:00 AM
Who: For children ages 3-6 (with a parent or guardian)
Cost: Friends members: $5 per child and their adult; $2 each additional child
Non-members: $8 per child and their adult; $4 each additional child
For more info: www.denveraudubon.com

Teen Scene:


April 19th through April 21st

Tuesday, April 19 - Cake and Cookie Decorating Craft

Teens get a hands on lesson in decorating cupcakes and cookies! Come learn the techniques and frosting choices used in this edible art form and then eat your masterpiece! All materials and supplies will be provided for all participants.
Where: Conifer Library
When: 4:00 PM - 5:30 PM
Who: Teens
How: No registration is required but space is limited so please come early.
Cost: FREE
For more info: www.jeffcolibrary.org

Wednesday, April 20 - Cake and Cookie Decorating Craft

Teens get a hands on lesson in decorating cupcakes and cookies! Come learn the techniques and frosting choices used in this edible art form and then eat your masterpiece! All materials and supplies will be provided for all participants.
Where: Evergreen Library
When: 4:00 PM - 5:30 PM
Who: Teens
How: No registration is required but space is limited so please come early.
Cost: FREE
For more info: www.jeffcolibrary.org

Thursday, April 21 - Cake and Cookie Decorating Craft

Teens get a hands on lesson in decorating cupcakes and cookies! Come learn the techniques and frosting choices used in this edible art form and then eat your masterpiece! All materials and supplies will be provided for all participants.
Where: Wheat Ridge Library
When: 4:00 PM - 5:30 PM
Who: Teens
How: No registration is required but space is limited so please come early.
Cost: FREE
For more info: www.jeffcolibrary.org

Thursday, April 21 - Cake and Cookie Decorating Craft

Teens get a hands on lesson in decorating cupcakes and cookies! Come learn the techniques and frosting choices used in this edible art form and then eat your masterpiece! All materials and supplies will be provided for all participants.
Where: Lakewood Library
When: 7:00 PM - 8:30 PM
Who: Teens
How: No registration is required but space is limited so please come early.
Cost: FREE
For more info: www.jeffcolibrary.org

Plan Ahead:


April 22nd through April 28th

Friday, April 22 - FREE Day at the Denver Botanic Gardens

Come an enjoy all the beauty that the Denver Botanic Gardens have to offer.
Where: Denver Botanic Gardens 1007 York St.
Denver, CO 80206
When: 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Who: All Colorado residents
How: Just show your Colorado ID
Cost: FREE!!
For more info: www.botanicgardens.org

Friday, April 22 - FREE Day at the Denver Botanic Gardens at Chatfield

Come and enjoy the picturesque nature preserve among the grasslands, ponds and cottonwood banks of Deer Creek. Facilities include nature trails, a wildlife observation area, display gardens, educational exhibits, a historical farm, a 19th century one-room schoolhouse, working beehives and picnic areas. Check out our new Deer Creek Discovery children’s area, which includes a whimsical tree house and a water feature. 
Where: Denver Botanic Gardens at Chatfield 8500 Deer Creek Canyon Road
Littleton, CO 80128
When: 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Who: All Colorado residents
How: Just show your Colorado ID
Cost: FREE!

Friday, April 22 - Family Fun Night: Celebrating the Earth

Join us on Earth Day as we celebrate the many miracles of Mother Earth. Family Fun Nights are a unique opportunity to explore nature at night in the Mordecai Children’s Garden. Each month brings a new theme with performers in Sagebrush Stage, snacks by the campfire, moon gazing on Marmot Mountain and other fun night time activities. Families are encouraged to bring a picnic dinner to enjoy in the Children’s Garden.
Where: The Botanic Gardens 1007 York Street, Denver, CO
When: 5:30 PM - 8:30 PM
Who: Everyone
How: You can register HERE
Cost: $20 member for a family of four, $3 for each additional person. $25 non-member for a family of four, $4 for each additional person. Children two and under are free of charge.
For more info: www.botanicgardens.org

Saturday, April 23 - Lakewood's Egg-travaganza

More details to come.
Where: TBD
When: n/a
Who: Everyone
How: Just come out and find the perfect egg.
Cost: FREE

Saturday, April 23 - Bunny Express Train

All aboard the Bunny Express at the Colorado Railroad Museum. Let the rocking of the rails transport you into spring. The Easter Bunny will even be making a special appearance. You’ll also ride back in time and experience what it was like to travel 100 years ago in an 1880's vintage passenger coach.
When: 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Who: Everyone
How: No reservations required, just head on out to the Colorado Railroad Museum
Cost: Children $5, Adults $12, Family $25, Seniors $10

Saturday, April 23 - Bunny Trail EggVenture

Jump, hop and bounce from one "eggsploration station” to the next at this spring extravaganza! Bunny Trail EggVenture is filled with all kinds of blossoming fun including egg-dyeing, springtime artwork, tasty treats and StoryTime with the Big Bunny. You'll also get to meet sweet animal friends from Urban Farm at Stapleton and enjoy music and games from Radio Disney.

Dress in your favorite spring colors and hop on down to the Children's Museum of Denver for Bunny Trail EggVenture. It is educational, exciting, and so much fun!
Where: Children's Museum of Denver 2121 Children's Museum DriveDenver, CO
When: 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Who: Everyone
How: Just hop on down and enjoy the fun!
Cost: Children under 1: Free
Age 1: $6.00
Ages 2 – 59: $8.00
Seniors (60+): $6.00
Members are always free
For more info: www.mychildsmuseum.org

Saturday, April 23 - Little Fledglings

Explore a different theme each month with stories, songs, crafts, and activities exploring wildlife and the natural world. This program introduces science skills and encourages active outdoor play. In March, children "Grow As We Go" by exploring the life cycles of familiar wildlife. In April, children have a "Backbone Bonanza" learning about vertebrates and characteristics that distinguish them
Where: Audubon Center at Chatfield - From C470 & Wadsworth go south on Wadsworth 4.4 miles. Turn left on Waterton Road. Turn left immediately into the first parking lot, at the Audubon Center Sign
When: 10:00 AM - 11:00 AM
Who: For children ages 3-6 (with a parent or guardian)
Cost: Friends members: $5 per child and their adult; $2 each additional child
Non-members: $8 per child and their adult; $4 each additional child
For more info: www.denveraudubon.com

Saturday, April 23 - Celebrate Worldwide Pinhole Photography Day

Join Working With Artists and people around the globe for Worldwide Pinhole Photography Day, an international event celebrating the extraordinary historical process of pinhole photography.  Pinhole photographs are easy to make.  Build a pinhole camera or bring your own~WWA instructors will assist you in transforming your container into a pinhole camera. Please bring a sturdy light-tight container with a lid. Old coffee cans, hat boxes, cookie tins, 4x5 film boxes work great. Oatmeal containers are ok.  Additional supplies will be provided for you free of charge
Where: Zang Mansion, 709 Clarkson Avenue, Denver, CO 80218.  Northwest corner of 7th and Clarkson. Enter through side door.
When: 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Who: Everyone
How: Pre-register by phone, space is limited. To register call WWA at 303.837.1341.
Cost: $20 individual/$30 Family up to 4
For more info: You don’t need any photography experience –it’s just one of the reasons why pinhole photography is so fun! Want to get started making your own pinhole camera now?  More examples, ideas, and resources:  http://www.pinholeday.org/support/ This event is sponsored by CITYFRAMES - www.cityframes.net

Saturday, April 23 - Easter Extravaganza

Visit Heritage Square for Easter fun and festivities on Saturday April 23rd. Easter Bunny with plenty of photo ops as well as FREE Easter Egg Hunts for various age groups: 1-4 year old 10:00 am
5-7 year old 11:00 am
8-12 year old Noon
Where: Heritage Square 18301 W Colfax Ave, Bldg H
Golden, CO   80401
When: 10:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Who: Everyone
How: Just come out and enjoy the fun!
Cost: Egg Hunts are FREE! Other activities vary in cost.

Sunday, April 24 - FREE Day at the Denver Art Museum

Come and experience a wonderful array of art from around the world.
Where: The Denver Art Museum 100 West 14th Avenue Parkway
Denver, Colorado
When: 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Who: Colorado residents
How: Just show your Colorado ID
Cost: FREE!!
For more info: www.denverartmuseum.org  

Wednesday, April 27 - Cloth Diapering Workshop

What about the smell? Do I really have to soak them? How much longer will it take for me to change my little one? What about the washing? Whether your thinking about cloth diapering or are currently in the thick of it all with your little one(s), there are always questions.  This introductory class on Cloth Diapering is a great opportunity to learn all about cloth diapering, get hands-on advice on diapering choices and see if this is right for you and your family. Our local expert cloth diapering mom will tell it like it is and share the pros and cons on each type of cloth diaper, washing, soap decisions, stripping...It is also a chance to meet other parents who are using cloth diapers or thinking about it.
Where: Sweet Beginnings
When: 11:00 AM - 12:00 PM
Who: Everyone
How: Register HERE
Cost: $10  PRE-registration BUT... You get back that $10 to utilize in the boutique the day of the workshop.

Thursday, April 28 - Cake and Cookie Decorating Craft

Teens get a hands on lesson in decorating cupcakes and cookies! Come learn the techniques and frosting choices used in this edible art form and then eat your masterpiece! All materials and supplies will be provided for all participants.
Where: Columbine Library
When: 7:00 PM - 8:30 PM
Who: Teens
How: No registration is required but space is limited so please come early.
Cost: FREE
For more info: www.jeffcolibrary.org

An Afternoon at Fantastic Sam's


Your chance to win a FREE wash and cut!

As a mom of three boys I am a little embarrassed to admit that I don't pay a whole lot of attention to their hair.  Of course I notice when they start to look a little shaggy or if someone’s bangs start to blind them, but it isn't a high priority in a house of men.  The little boys like to keep it short and my 10 year old is in the middle of a hair crisis.  He is torn between growing it out or keeping it ...


Storytimes!


A list of local library, store and museum storytimes

Jefferson County Library storytimes are designed for specific age groups. Please bring your child to the appropriate one.
Baby Time is for babies up to 2 years, unless otherwise specified.
Toddlers are 2-3 years old.
Preschoolers are 4-6 years old.
Family Nights are for all ages.
Children under 4 years must be with an adult during storytime.

Monday

 

Tuesday
Belmar Library - Toddlers - 10:15 a.m.
Golden Library - Toddlers - 10:15 a.m.
Lakewood Library - Baby Time - 10:15 a.m.
Arvada Library -  All ages - 10:30 a.m.
Evergreen ...


Kids Eat FREE!!


There are a lot of places in the metro area that have Kids Eat Free (or practically free) Nights!  Here is a list of ones that we know of, and we would love to hear about any that you know to add to our list!  Always call ahead to confirm that they are still having a Kid's Eat Free Night because restaurants can change these at any time.

Also if you find out we have something wrong please let us know.

Everyday 

Las Fuentes (Lakewood) - One free kids meal ...


Macaroni Kid Mom's Group Directory


Are you new to the area? Even if you are not, maybe you are looking for other moms to hang out with (with kids and maybe sometimes without!). Local mom's groups are a great way to meet new friends, and find support. And your kids will make new friends as well!

I've created a list of area Mom's Clubs in the new Business Directory (Many thanks to everyone who contacted me and submitted information.) I know there are more, so if you are a member of a ...


Making "My Macaroni" Work For You


A little info on this great feature

Have you spent all week sifting through the papers, stacks of magazines, pamphlets and flyers, only to get to the car on the day of, and not have the address? Then you have to unload everyone, head back in and look up the address, print out the page, only to arrive exhausted, and late.
Macaroni Kid to the rescue! (Dramatic music here)

Lakewood Macaroni Kid delivers all of the family fun events happening to your inbox each Thursday.

What is “My Macaroni?”

Have you ever wished to have an extra ...


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