Portland Parents

Sometimes I have to wonder, what twelve year olds do authors know. Some authors really nail the personality of the pre-teen, while others seem to think there’s not a big difference between nine and twelve.

On one hand, we have Derek Landy. Skullduggery Pleasant is a fun story, a little more mystery-action than fantasy. However, Stephanie is resourceful, witty, smart, individual … she’s fascinated by magic, she’s a great kid who (frankly) reminds me of my daughter. When she faces problems, she works hard at overcoming them. Stephanie is more like Harry Potter- still a kid but with some great structure and a great personality.

On the other hand, we have King Lathmar in Blood of Ambrose. He’s a boy, also 12, who, when faced with problems, cries. His grandmother helps him escape from a bloody coup, and he cries all the way out of the castle, then some nice peasants find him and help him, and they take him back to the castle. He just goes along with it. He couldn’t be any more different from Stephanie if one of them sprouted wings and a snout. It’s not a terrible book, it’s darker fantasy and aimed more at adults than kids, but I think Grim Skulduggery was a more enjoyable read.

Of course, the environments these two kids grew up in shaped them. Stephanie has to handle a lot of stuff on her own. Her best friend was an author (he died and left her his house). Lathmar has been coddled, has had guards every day, his grandmother had done everything for him.

So, ask yourself; what sort of 12 year old are you raising? And where do these authors get their models?

Note: The links to books on this post are, of course, affiliate links. Because “baby needs new shoes.” However, I stand by my opinions

Congratulations to the people who won- Denise and Kristi!

Thanks so much for the entries. If you didn’t win, I sympathize. The final two pictures were indeed, from Powell’s Books and from the Ron Tonkin mural. Congrats!

Fall is here and it’ll be turning chilly soon. We’re getting together the pyjamas for the kids- but what about for you? Check these adult footed pjs out! They have Jersey knit and flannel too.

I’ve been sitting on this exciting treat all week, and finally I can’t wait to blab about it! We get to help give away four packs of tickets to Disney On Ice presents Worlds of Fantasy — we get to help with the Portland Pixie Dust Hunt !

So here’s the deal. They’ve provided me with three photos. I post one and collect guesses as to where this picture of the jar of pixie dust was taken. You folks Email me with your guesses (and a correct email address so I can email you back if you win.). Don’t post below, because that’ll make it easier for people to guess with you! Then I’ll select a winner at random from the correct guesses. Does that sound easy?

The shows start Oct 22. I have 3 photos, so I’ll need to go about five days. So the first one will end Sunday Oct 11

Here’s the first photo: Where was this photo taken? Drop me a line and let me know! (Click on the image for a closer look).

Any readers who guess the correct answer of the location of the Pixie Dust will be entered to win a family four pack of tickets to the Disney On Ice presents Worlds of Fantasy show of their choice. All shows are at the Rose Garden and take place —

• Thursday, October 22 – 7:30 PM
• Friday, October 23 – 7:30 PM
• Saturday, October 24 – 12:00 PM, 3:30 PM. 7:00 PM
• Sunday, October 25 – 1:00 PM, 4:30 PM”

Tickets for Disney On Ice presents Worlds of Fantasy are available at http://disney.go.com/disneyonice or by calling the Rose Garden box office at (877) 789-ROSE.

Southeast Indoor Park Reopens for Rainy Season

The Southeast Indoor Park is reopening it doors for the rainy fall season on Thursday, October 1, 2009. This wonderful indoor park is a great place for children up to 5 years old to play while they stay dry and warm during the fall, winter and spring months. Children can cook up tasty meals in the pretend kitchen, toot horns on the train table, slide on the play structures or race around on a ride-on-car.

Southeast Portland families love the opportunity to talk with their neighbors while watching their children have a great time playing.

WHEN: Mondays and Thursdays, 9 to 11 a.m., October 1 through May

WHERE: 39th and Steele in Trinity Methodist Church (no affiliation)

DETAILS: The SEIP has served SE Portland for more than 30 years as a local parent-run non-profit cooperative park. Membership is $30 per session or $50 for the entire year of two sessions. Fall session is October through January, spring session is February through May.

More information: http://www.playinside.org/

Surely a lot of moms and pops are feeling the crunch in the economy right now, so Bridgeport Brewpub has started some deals to help out Portland families for when they want to dine out.

Sundays and Tuesday are kid-centered.

Sundays (after 5pm): Sunday Recession Supper. $15
Soup of the Day/Simple Salad
Special Entree (like Chicken Pot Pie, Turkey Meatloaf, Pasta Primavera – rotating specials every week)
Chocolate Chip Cookie with a scoop of vanilla ice cream
Add a pint for $2.75
Add Kids Mac and Cheese or Cheese Pizza for $2.

Tuesdays (all day/night): This year marks BridgePort’s 25 year anniversary. To commemorate, they’re offering a special deal for all the families: With the purchase of an adult entree, kids get their meal for 25 cents. Choices are Mac and Cheese, Cheese or Pepperoni Pizza, Grilled Cheese with fruit or veggies, Grilled Chicken Breast with fruit or Veggies.

Maryhill Museum of Art – A Family-Friendly Destination for Learning About Art, History and Local Culture

An art museum may not be the first thing that springs to mind when looking for an outing that satisfies the
curiosity of active kids, but Maryhill Museum of Art proves that museums top the list of family and budget-friendly places to engage the mind, bring passion to the heart and employ the hands.

“Learning is a lifelong process and we are committed to providing educational programs, resources and materials that inform and inspire visitors of all ages, especially children, says Carrie Clark, Maryhill’s
curator of education. Here are some of the ways that Maryhill makes children and their families feel welcome:

Self-Directed Activity Guides
Using these free guides, families and children of all ages can learn about the art on view by looking and posing questions as they explore the museum together. Activity Guides are available for both permanent and changing exhibitions. Young visitors who complete an activity book can show it at the front desk and
receive a free postcard.

EyeSEE Activity Room
This dedicated kid zone gives children a special spot to reflect, look at a book, create art, do a puzzle or study hands-on objects. The EyeSEE Activity Room also features kid-friendly exhibits, art work by kids from throughout the region, and opportunities to experiment with pigment and color using a light
table.

Family Fun Activities
Maryhill Family Fun Activities are inspired by the exhibits on view and provide kids with opportunities for hands-on art exploration. They are presented throughout Maryhill’s season and are designed exclusively with families in mind. Many are a part of a day filled with other events, so there is fun for
everyone. Children under 17 are admitted free to the museum with one paid adult admission for all Family Fun activities.

A full list of Family Fun activities in 2009, including photomontage, storytelling, basketry and more

Engaging Exhibits
Maryhill’s diverse collection means there truly is something for everyone, but several ongoing exhibits may be of particular interest to children. These include the museum’s exhibition of more than 100 chess
sets from around the world and the magical Theatre de la Mode, featuring small-scale mannequins attired in designer fashions of post-World War II France.

In the exhibit Hudson River School Sojourn, look for explanatory labels with a peacock mascot. These kid-friendly labels are questions that guide families and their children in looking at the artwork.

Expansive Grounds
After visiting the museum, get the wiggles out by exploring the park-like grounds. Diversions include the museum’s impressive collection of outdoor sculpture, picnicking or simply enjoying the beautiful views of the Gorge and Mt. Hood. The Maryhill Overlook, a site-specific sculpture by architect Brad Cloepfil, features a native plant garden highlighting plants collected by Lewis and Clark’s Corps of Discovery on their journey in 1806. The garden also has interpretative panels on the history Maryhill Museum of Art, its 5,300 acre ranchlands, and regional attractions. A few miles east of Maryhill children and their families will delight in the museum’s Stonehenge Memorial, Sam Hill’s full-sized replica of England’s Stonehenge.

Budget-Conscious Pricing
Regular admission to Maryhill Museum of Art is $2 for children aged 6-16; admission for children under 6 is free. Maryhill’ “Free Pass” program makes visiting the museum even more accessible. Family members living in the same household (plus up to four guests) can visit Maryhill Museum for free by checking out a pass at libraries in Hood River, The Dalles, Parkdale, Cascade Locks, Goldendale, White Salmon, Stevenson, Hermiston, Moro, Arlington, Boardman, Condon, Baker City and Pendleton. In addition, children under 17 are admitted free to the museum with one paid adult admission for all Family Fun activities.

I was listening to my daughter and her friend discuss the loss of teachers from their middle school and what it meant to her and her future. So support your middle schools (and all the schools) to help us with a better future for our kids!

Robert Gray Middle School presents our spring musical: “Bye Bye Birdie”

Show dates:

• Thursday April 30, 6:30pm
• Friday, May 1, 7pm
• Saturday, May 2, 2:00pm.

Set in the 1950s, the plot revolves around rock and roll superstar Conrad Birdie and the complications that arise when he is drafted into the army. His agent stages a publicity stunt on The Ed Sullivan Show in which he will kiss one lucky girl from Sweet Apple, Ohio. This musical is funded by the Robert Gray
Middle School PTA and a grant from the Wilson Area Arts Council. Tickets are available by contacting christycaton@msn.com, or by calling 503.246.0891. $5 for students and seniors, $7 for adults, and $10 for preferred seats.

Salvador Molly’s will reimburse your ticket price with a free Cheesy Poof appetizer when you bring your ticket stub in to their Hillsdale location!

The 100th Monkey studio is seeking artwork by young artists (age 18 and younger only) for our May gallery show. Art may be any medium.

This will be a Juried Show with awards for Creative Content, Use of Media and Best in Show.

submission fee: $5 per artist

Awards:
One week of Art Camp (valued at $220)
One punch card (valued at $100)
One class/workshop of artists choice

To submit, please go to our website and follow the directions here.

Deadline for submissions: Monday, April 13th

So your kids are growing out of their car seats and helmets, and you’re tired of cluttering up the garage with them, wondering what to do with them? Wonder no more!

Please bring your used, damaged, expired, and unwanted Car Seats and Bicycle Helmets to the Healthy Kids Fair to be recycled!

Saturday, April 11, 2009 10:00 AM – 2:00 PM
Legacy Emanuel Hospital

The Car Safety Seat Check will be held in Parking Structure #3 (at the SW corner of Vancouver and Graham. The Car Seat Recycling truck will be located in Surface Lot B at the corner of Vancouver and Graham.

The Healthy Kids Fair will be held in the Atrium of Legacy Emanuel Children’s Hospital at 501 N. Graham, Portland 97227 (There’s parking across the street)

The Healthy Kids Fair is FREE and fun for the whole family!

For more information visit them.